Mystery Of The Month

80/20 Extrafine Merino Nylon Superwash Fingering Weight - Approximately 400m (437yds) per 100g

80/20 Extrafine Merino Nylon Superwash DK Weight - Approximately 200m (218yds) per 100g

100 % Extrafine Merino Superwash Worsted (Aran) Weight - Approximately 166m (181yds) per 100g

100 % Extrafine Merino Superwash Chunky (Bulky) Weight - Approximately 100m (109yds) per 100g

#1 Fingering (Sock)
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 (Double Knit)
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, (Aran Weight)
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 Chunky, (Bulky Weight)
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

80/20 Extra Fine Merino Nylon Super Wash Fingering Weight

Created with Arcane in mind! Late 2020 before Arcane was even live, we began talks with a Mill to create a base with our needs in mind. At the time we had been experimenting with quite a few different bases including a 70/20/10 Merino, Bamboo, Nylon mix, a 100% merino base, a 75/25 Merino Nylon, a 85/15 Merino Nylon and several 80/20 Merino nylon bases from a few different suppliers. We realized we needed something that was as soft as the 85/15 base you all have come to love, but it needed to be more in line with the popularity of 80/20 Merino Nylon base that has become standard in the industry. Thus the 80/20 Arcane base was born! This base is incredibly soft, extra squishy, and an absolute dream to work with. Consisting of 80% extra fine 19.5 micron Superwash Merino and 20% Nylon this (4/16Nm) 3ply "Deluxe" Fingering Weight base is perfect for all your next to skin projects.

Approximately 400m (437yds) per 100g Fingering Weight Hank

80/20 Extra Fine Merino Nylon Super Wash DK Weight

Created with Arcane in mind! Late 2020 before Arcane was even live, we began talks with a Mill to create a base with our needs in mind. At the time we had been experimenting with quite a few different bases including a 70/20/10 Merino, Bamboo, Nylon mix, a 100% merino base, a 75/25 Merino Nylon, a 85/15 Merino Nylon and several 80/20 Merino nylon bases from a few different suppliers. We realized we needed something that was as soft as the 85/15 base you all have come to love, but it needed to be more in line with the popularity of 80/20 Merino Nylon base that has become standard in the industry. Thus the 80/20 Arcane base was born! This base is incredibly soft, extra squishy, and an absolute dream to work with. Consisting of 80% extra fine 19.5 micron Superwash Merino and 20% Nylon this (4/9Nm) 4ply "Deluxe" DK Weight base is perfect for all your next to skin projects.

Approximately 200m (218yds) per 100g DK Weight Hank

100% Extra Fine Merino Super Wash Worsted (Aran) Weight

Our extra fine (19.5 micron) 3/5Nm merino is used for these yarns. It feels oh so soft and gentle against the skin, this is truly what clouds must be made of! These yarns are worsted spun from extra long staple fibres to produce a yarn that is fine and strong with a silky feel.

A very versatile yarn, it can be used for shawls, wraps, mittens, jumpers, just about any Worsted project you can this of! Washable in cold water on a gentle cycle, it is also suitable for children's and baby clothes. Very soft and springy. Takes up the dye well to produce deep, vibrant colours

Approximately 166m (181yds) per 100g Worsted Weight Hank

100% Extra Fine Merino Super Wash Chunky (Bulky) Weight

Our extra fine (19.5 micron) 2/2 Nm merino is used for these yarns. It feels oh so soft and gentle against the skin, this is truly what clouds must be made of! These yarns are worsted spun from extra long staple fibres to produce a yarn that is fine and strong with a silky feel.

A very versatile yarn, it can be used for shawls, wraps, mittens, jumpers, just about any Worsted project you can this of! Washable in cold water on a gentle cycle, it is also suitable for children's and baby clothes. Very soft and springy. Takes up the dye well to produce deep, vibrant colours

Approximately 100m (109yds) per 100g Chunky Weight Hank

The main factor determining the quality of merino wool is its softness which depends upon the fineness of the fibres. We use extra fine merino (19.5 microns) which is some of the finest commercially available for hand dyers. This results in a super soft yarn that feels gentle against the skin.

It is important for us to know where the fibres used in our yarns come from and to ensure they are produced and processed in ways that do not harm the animals or the environment. Our fibres are sourced from reliable material suppliers where we can establish best practice in relation to animal husbandry and the environment, as well as the best rearing and grading practices.

No animals are injured to provide our fibre as we only use shorn or material that has shed naturally from the animal.

The merino fibre we use is from sheep where mulesing is NOT practiced. We purchase the majority of our 19.5 micron merino from Australia and we pay a premium to purchase only Australian wool which is certified as mulesing free. The remainder of our merino is sourced from South America where mulesing is not necessary due to the climate. All of our wool is sourced from farms which comply with high animal welfare standards.

The majority of superwash yarn is treated using the Hercosett process, which is the method used for our superwash yarns too. Many people are rightly concerned over the potential impacts this process can have on the environment. The main concern being about how the waste water containing spent chemicals is dealt with after processing. We only use reputable companies to superwash our fibres, companies who hold ISO14001 accreditation and/or engage in best practice with regard to environmental performance and waste water treatment and re-use. Most of the effluent from the process is re-used and any disposed of has to meet strict environmental standards.

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!