Meet the Yarn: Gerty Part 2

Gerty debuted in 2017 and is a unique yarn in the Anzula lineup.

It's a 3-ply fingering weight yarn of 100% Targhee wool. Each 100g skein is 390 yards (357 meters).

It's bouncy, it's soft, it's my absolute favourite. (I know I say that about every yarn, it's true!)

Jill wrote about her experiences knitting Gerty in her Meet the Yarn post. Please go check it out!

I knit two simple quick swatches to show how it looks in stockinette and garter stitch. But I also knit more. A few years ago, I knit a pair of gloves in a simple variation on ribbing stitch. They’re gorgeous, comfortable, and still look good. More on the still looking good later. I agree with Jill’s assessment that this yarn loves defined stitches and due to the tight twist, it'll try to resist stitches that rely on open spaces.

That assessment is also true of crochet. While I loved knitting Gerty, I absolutely adored crocheting it. The nature of the crochet stitches I tried begs me to pull out a stitch dictionary and work through more variations.

What makes this yarn special? It's a combination of factors—Gerty is grown, milled, and dyed here in the US. The 3-ply structure of the wool makes it different, unique, and wonderful. Why would you want to choose it for your next project? I can confirm it wears well. I haven't yet knit a pair of socks which are my ultimate yarn stress test, but my gloves still look amazing. I gave them a quick bath before my swatch photo session but that's all I've done for them. They’d been out doing yardwork and were covered in dirt—it’s a challenge to see the wear!

There are currently 17 patterns that call for Gerty listed on Ravelry, including a crochet design!

Want some Anzula of your own? Throughout these strange new times, Kalliope has opened the online store to everyone. You can find it at anzula.myshopify.com.

All swatches in this post are shown in a colourway very similar to Mariana with 3.75mm (US 5) needles and (F/US) hook, any perceived differences in shade are due to the photographer.

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Penny Shima Glanz spends her days spinning yarn and code into memorable projects. Small businesses rely on her for smart technology decisions. Designers rely on her to sample, test, and edit their hand-knit and crochet patterns. She loves muddy trail runs, fosters kittens, and lives in Westchester, NY with her husband and cat (or two). www.pennyshima.com

Meet the Yarn: Cloud, part 2

I confess I put off swatching Cloud because I knew it was one of those yarns that I would fall deeply in love with. In the course of this post I'll explain why. Cloud is a yarn that is delicate yet strong. It is a two-ply heavy lace weight (light fingering) yarn in a blend of 80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, and 10% Nylon. Each 114g skein is 575 yards (526 meters). From meeting other yarns, we already know how all the colors love this blend of fibers.

While we've explored the fiber combination in many other Meet the Yarn posts, what makes Cloud special? Why would you want to choose it for your knitting and crochet projects?

Cloud's magic is in the structure of the yarn. In a very simplified explanation of the process, when fibers become yarn they come together as different strands that are twisted (plied) together. The number of strands and the amount of twist combine to create each individual yarn.

This yarn has a two-ply structure that is looser than many of Anzula's other yarns. In addition to a slight halo, this helps the yarn knit and crochet into delicate fabric with gorgeous drape. The nylon content helps to keep this yarn together and allows it to sing in every stitch.

Here are my two humble knit swatches. If you want to learn more about Cloud and knitting, please see Meet the Yarn Cloud, part I.

Cloud, knit swatches

It was delightful to knit. I kept dreaming of delicate lace shawls. I'm impressed by my restraint to only knit these two squares!

I got a bit carried away in single crochet. I tried to reign myself in on the other swatches. I generally keep my sketchbook nearby as I work these small conversations. However, I didn't let myself get near any paper and pencils until I was done. I'd still be swatching. I think it best to share these swatches and let you begin to think of possibilities.

My thoughts about Cloud are extra gushy because I received one of my favorite colors to swatch with, Charcoal, the very best of all greys. I knew I would love to explore how this heavy lace/light fingering weight behaves for crochet fabric. I'm not often right, but it was exciting to adore every moment spent swatching this yarn. I was surprised too. When I think of two-ply yarns of this weight, I tend to think of heirloom lace shawls. My swatches have shown me how versatile this yarn is across many different stitch techniques! I really should add a post stitch swatch. I can see everything from traditional heirloom pieces to lightweight sweaters, hats, and other accessories.

You don't have to take my word for it, while I was researching this post, there were over 1850 projects and over 2230 skeins are in Ravelers stashes. I know that there's much more that hasn't made it into Ravelry. (Want to learn how to add to stash to Ravelry? You can learn some tips for doing it from your phone at this link.)

Pattern Ideas

Ellipsoidal Shawl by Moon Eldridge, published in Knitscene, Spring 2020: [ ravelry | Interweave ]

Kokedama by Jen Lucas, published in her book, Top-Down Shawls [ ravelry ]

Almost Plaid by Jill Wolcott [ ravelry | jillwolcottknits.com ]

There are several crochet projects listed on Ravelry featuring Cloud, but only a handful of designs. Crocheters, please get designing!

Do you have an idea? A reminder that you can send a Yarn Support Request to Anzula here.

— Charlie interrupting this post to let designers know that we are accepting requests for crochet, knitting, and weaving in a variety of bases. Email me your ideas! I love all of you! —

All swatches in this post are shown in the Charcoal colourway with 3.75mm needles and 3.5mm hooks, any perceived differences in shade are due to the photographer.

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Penny Shima Glanz spends her days spinning yarn and code into memorable projects. Small businesses rely on her for smart technology decisions. Designers rely on her to sample, test, and edit their hand-knit and crochet patterns. She loves muddy trail runs, fosters kittens, and lives in Westchester, NY with her husband and cat (or two). www.pennyshima.com

Meet the Yarn: Luster, part 2

I love yarns that are luxurious without being so precious I'm too nervous to work with them. I find blends a wonderful way to have the best of both words and Luster is one of my favourites. It checks all the boxes for me: Luster is a 3-ply fingering weight yarn and a blend of 50% Tussah Silk and 50% Merino. If that weren't enough, each generous 114g skein is 405 yards (370 meters). It’s the fingering weight sibling to It Could Be Worsted.

I find pure silk beautiful, but often challenging to work with as it doesn't have the elastic fiber qualities of wool. Blending it with the merino creates a yarn that holds shape and still offers the amazing drape of silk. The subtle shine of the silk helps all the gorgeous colors that make Anzula special to glow.

Luster is versatile and works well with many different stitches. I knew from Jill's post and from browsing Ravelry, that there were many possible options from plain stitches, to colorwork, lace, twisted stitches and more. I love how Luster looks in what I call the simple stitches, plain knitting and the basic crochet stitches. I feel the silk lifts your projects to the next level simply by being there. I love when simple is sensational.

Luster knit swatches

Luster in stockinette

Luster in garter stitch

Luster crochet swatches

Luster in single crochet

While I focus on crochet for these posts I love how Luster makes all these different stitch examples shine. The granny square motif is definitely a luxurious upgrade from those of my childhood. I was surprised by the definition in my textured swatch, I now plan to try some post stitches and cables. When I do I’ll make sure to share them to instagram. The drape of the lace swatch has me wanting to work up an open-work wrap.

Luster in granny square motif

Luster in crochet texture

Luster in crochet lace

Luster in crochet lace, drape detail

Pattern Ideas

Purless | Stonelace Cowl | Kiona

I found three pattern ideas that I think showcase Luster’s versatility:

• Purless by Rosemary (Romi) Hill

• Stonelace Cowl by Stephannie Tallent

• crochet — Kiona by Ambur Hsiao

Have your own design idea? A reminder that you can send a Yarn Support Request to Anzula here.

—Charlie interrupting this post to let designers know that we are accepting requests for crochet, knitting, and weaving in a variety of bases. Email me your ideas! I love all of you!—

Luster is a yarn that I think is uniquely suited for a variety of projects. What might you make?

All swatches in this post are shown in the Saffron colourway with 3.75mm needles and hooks, any perceived differences in shade are due to the photographer.

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Penny Shima Glanz spends her days spinning yarn and code into memorable projects. Small businesses rely on her for smart technology decisions. Designers rely on her to sample, test, and edit their hand-knit and crochet patterns. She loves muddy trail runs, fosters kittens, and lives in Westchester, NY with her husband and cat (or two). www.pennyshima.com