Like the soft embrace of spring’s first blooms, Longing for Lilac captures the delicate beauty of a garden in full flourish. Inspired by the velvety petals of lilac blossoms swaying in a gentle breeze, this colorway blends rich mauves, dusky rose, and soft orchid tones, evoking a sense of romance and nostalgia.
• Color Palette:
A harmonious mix of dusty plum, vintage rose, muted heather, and soft lilac, mimicking the subtle depth and elegance of a freshly bloomed bouquet. Each skein carries the essence of wistful afternoons and floral daydreams.
• Project Inspiration:
Perfect for a flowing shawl as soft as lilac petals, a cozy sweater infused with vintage charm, or socks that carry the quiet grace of spring with every step. Whether knitting, crocheting, or weaving, Longing for Lilac invites you to wrap yourself in the timeless beauty of floral serenity.
Irresistibly Soft. Exceptionally Dyed.
Every skein is hand-dyed on luxuriously soft, high-quality yarn that feels as good as it looks—made to be worn, loved, and remembered.
Yardage
80/20 Extrafine Merino Nylon Superwash #1 - Fingering (Super Fine) Weight - Approximately 400m (437yds) per 100g
80/20 Extrafine Merino Nylon Superwash #3 - DK (Light Worsted) Weight - Approximately 200m (218yds) per 100g
100 % Extrafine Merino Superwash #4 - Worsted (Medium Aran) Weight - Approximately 166m (181yds) per 100g
100 % Extrafine Merino Superwash #5 - Bulky (Chunky) Weight - Approximately 100m (109yds) per 100g
Yarn Gauge
#1 - Fingering (Super Fine) - 400m/100g
27 - 32 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US 1-3 (2.25mm - 3.25mm) Needles
21 - 32 Stitches over 10cm (4") Using US B-1 To E-4 (2mm - 3.5mm) Hooks
#3 - DK (Light Worsted) - 200m/100g
21 - 24 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US 5-7 (3.5mm - 4.5mm) Needles
12 - 17 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US 7 To I-9 (4.5mm - 5.5mm) Hooks
#4 - Worsted (Medium Aran) - 166m/100g
16 - 20 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US 7-9 (4.5mm - 5.5mm) Needles
11 - 14 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US I-9 To K-10.5 (5.5mm - 6.5mm) Hooks
#5 - Bulky (Chunky) - 100m/100g
12 - 15 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US 9-11 (5.5mm - 8mm) Needles
8 - 11 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US K-10.5 to M-13 (6.5mm - 9mm) Hooks
Washing and Care
Here’s how to wash your hand-dyed wool items with care!
1. **Washing**: Always hand wash in **cold water** using a wool wash or a gentle detergent like Dawn dish soap. While wool washes are great, be cautious—they can sometimes cause colors to bleed. Even though our yarns are Superwash, handling them gently is key. The rule here is: better safe than sorry!
2. **Rinsing**: Once washed, gently squeeze out the excess water—**never wring or twist** the yarn, as this can damage the fibers. Instead, carefully press the water out.
3. **Absorbing Moisture**: Lay the item flat on a towel, then roll the towel up with the item inside to help absorb extra water. You can repeat this step with a second towel if needed.
4. **Drying**: Once most of the moisture is absorbed, carefully **lay your item flat to dry**. Make sure to spread it out on a clean, dry surface, reshaping it if necessary to maintain its original shape. Avoid hanging it up, as this can stretch the fibers. Let it dry naturally—air drying is best for wool.
5. **Color Fastness Tip**: Some suggest adding a few tablespoons of vinegar to the wash to help maintain color. While we heat set all our yarns and allow them to cool in the dye bath to prevent bleeding, scented detergents or very hot water can sometimes pull dye out. Stick to **mild detergents and cool water** to keep your colors vibrant.
Remember, avoiding hot water is essential—cold, cool, or room-temperature water is always safe!
About The Bases
In late 2020, before Arcane officially launched, we began collaborating with a mill to create a yarn line designed entirely around our needs. At the time, we’d tested everything from 70/20/10 Merino/Bamboo/Nylon blends to 100% Merino, and a handful of 75/25, 80/20, and 85/15 Merino/Nylon mixes from various suppliers.
What we wanted was simple but specific: the softness of our beloved 85/15 base with the broader versatility and durability of the industry-favorite 80/20. From that pursuit, the Arcane 80/20 Base was born, luxuriously soft, springy, and ready for any project that lives close to the skin. Each variation in this range shares the same 19.5 micron extra fine Superwash Merino fiber and meticulous spinning standards, adjusted only for weight and ply.
Fingering Weight — 80/20 Merino/Nylon Superwash
3-ply (4/16Nm) construction with a delightfully plush handfeel. Perfect for socks, shawls, and lightweight garments.
Composition: 80% extra fine (19.5 micron) Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon
Length: ~400m (437yds) per 100g hank
DK Weight — 80/20 Merino/Nylon Superwash
4-ply (4/9Nm) version of the Arcane base, balancing drape and structure. Ideal for sweaters, accessories, and cozy layers.
Composition: 80% extra fine (19.5 micron) Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon
Length: ~200m (218yds) per 100g hank
Worsted (Aran) Weight — 100% Merino Superwash
Spun from extra long-staple 19.5 micron Merino (3/5Nm), this base is soft, strong, and has a silky sheen. It’s washable, resilient, and deeply dye-absorbent, excellent for garments, baby knits, or accessories.
Composition: 100% extra fine (19.5 micron) Superwash Merino
Length: ~166m (181yds) per 100g hank
Chunky (Bulky) Weight — 100% Merino Superwash
Made with the same ultra-soft 19.5 micron fiber, this 2/2Nm base knits up into lofty, cloudlike fabric. Great for quick projects, blankets, hats, scarves, or anything that needs warmth and bounce.
Composition: 100% extra fine (19.5 micron) Superwash Merino
Length: ~100m (109yds) per 100g hank
