Yarn from pineapples: initially it may sound strange, but this is an impressive example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. With our new ANANAS yarn, we combine natural materials, eco-friendly production and stylish shades. But what lies behind this special material?

What is AnamPALF?

The basis of our ANANAS yarn is the pineapple leaf fibre AnamPALF, developed by the certified B-Corporation Ananas Anam. This textile fibre is obtained from the leaves of pineapple plants – a material that would normally be discarded as waste and burned after the pineapple harvest. This creates CO₂, which is harmful to the environment.

Instead, the leaves are processed to produce fibres, saving up to 6 kg of CO₂ per kilo of fibres. This innovative use also means an additional income stream for the farmers, as they can now sell the leaves that would otherwise go to waste.

Sustainable production without compromise

Another advantage of AnamPALF is an environmentally friendly production process. The fibres are prepared without the use of bleach and an enzyme is employed during the washing process to remove impurities, so no harmful chemicals are required. The remaining stages in the process are fully mechanised, keeping the environmental impact minimal.

What is special about our ANANAS yarn?

For ANANAS, we combine AnamPALF fibre with lyocell, a similarly eco-friendly fibre. It’s this mixture that makes ANANAS so special:

• Pineapple fibres give the yarn a slightly rustic look with a natural feel that is nevertheless soft, and not scratchy.
• Lyocell ensures stability and adds a subtle, elegant sheen – perfect for light-weight summer projects.

Feeling inspired? Discover designs in ANANAS

In our newest publication, FATTO A MANO 284, you will find a variety of summery designs made with ANANAS. From a casual summer top to an elegant shawl – the models demonstrate the versatility of this unusual yarn. See how you can combine your creativity with environmental awareness by using sustainable materials such as ANANAS.

Knitting a Swatch

You’ve just bought your dream wool for the next project…you’re over the moon, super motivated and eager to start. But wait, haven’t you forgotten something?

Knitting a sample swatch may sound like an unnecessary extra step to some, but it’s the secret of success for your knitting or crochet project. Here we’ll explain why this is so, and what you should look out for.

What is a swatch?

A swatch or tension square is a small test piece that you knit or crochet, enabling you to check whether your number of stitches and rows over 10 centimetres agrees with the gauge information given in the pattern.

Ordinarily, you knit a piece a little larger than 10 cm x 10 cm, using the same stitch as in the pattern for your project. Then you count how many stitches and rows are in that area.

You may ask yourself: “But doesn’t the ball band on my yarn give me information about the gauge?” True, but this is only a guideline, and refers to knitting a piece in stockinette stitch. Each person knits differently - some more tightly or loosely – and this may also affect the result.

So, the gauge provides you with the information that you need to ensure the correct size and fit for your project.

Why should I knit a swatch?

Knitting a swatch may appear a waste of time, but it really is worth it – here are the main reasons why:

1. A good fit: your swatch helps you to make sure that your project actually has the measurements intended when it’s finished. This is absolutely essential for clothing, as even a small variation in the number of stitches can have significant consequences in terms of size.
2. Testing materials: by knitting a swatch you can test the yarn and needles. You may find, perhaps, that you would prefer to use thicker needles or that another yarn would be more pleasing.
3. Avoiding disappointment: there’s nothing more annoying than spending hours on a project only to find that it has become way too big. Swatching saves you this frustration.
4. Yarn selection: would you like to knit your project with an alternative yarn, different to the one recommended in the pattern? A swatch is your most important tool for this! It will help you determine whether the yarn you’ve chosen is suitable, it also allows you to make adjustments and calculate the number of stitches you need to get the right fit.

Tips and tricks for knitting a swatch

1. Knit a generous piece: Always knit your stitch sample a little bigger than 10 cm x 10 cm. Often the stitches at the edge are not representative, as they will tend to be looser or tighter. We recommend a swatch of at least 12 cm x 12 cm.
2. Avoid curling: Knit a few stitches of garter st or rib at the edges – this will prevent the edge from rolling up.
3. Knit at your usual pace: Knit the swatch as you would normally do, at the same speed you would knit your project. If you knit slower or faster it may affect your yarn tension, so the results may be different.
4. Work the correct stitch: Make sure that you knit your swatch in the stitch that is used for the pattern. Good patterns will often tell you exactly how to knit your swatch.
5. Don’t sew in the ends straight away: If you expect to have just enough yarn for your project, don’t sew in the ends of your swatch immediately – in case you find that you need that yarn later for your project.
6. Blocking and care of your swatch: Wash, block and care for your swatch in exactly the same way you would the finished project. This is the only way to get a true representation – many yarns alter when they are washed and stretched.
7. Adjust the needle size: Perhaps you’ll find that your swatch does not agree with the pattern information. If you have too many stitches per 10 cm, try thicker needles. If you have too few stitches, use thinner needles.

In conclusion

Ultimately, knitting a test swatch saves time and ensures that you can enjoy a piece that fits perfectly. This step is particularly crucial when it comes to garments or complex patterns. So get your yarn and needles – swatching is the first step towards your favourite new piece!

RWS – Responsible Wool Standard

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a voluntary, global standard, which ensures the welfare of sheep and sustainable use of the land used for grazing. Introduced in 2016, by the non-profit organisation Textile Exchange, it aims to promote ethical and environmental practices in the wool industry.

Core principles of the RWS:

• Animal welfare: ensuring that sheep are kept in a manner correct for the breed. Amongst other things, this includes guaranteeing access to clean drinking water at all times and enough feed, appropriate for the age of the animals. Interventions such as mulesing and branding are strictly forbidden.
• Land management: Encouraging sustainable farming methods, to prevent the degradation of the land due to overgrazing and protect biodiversity. The use of pesticides is reduced to the absolute minimum.
• Fair working conditions: All companies along the production chain guarantee fair working conditions and appropriate pay. Exploitation and child labour are prohibited.

LAMBSWOOL

Our yarn LAMBSWOOL embodies these principles in every fibre – the entire production chain is RWS certified.

The wool originates from merino sheep at Congi Farm in Eastern Australia, which has belonged to the Field family for over a century. An exceptionally high quality of fibre is assured by employing the latest technology along with sustainable, certified management of the flock.

Processing is then carried out in Italy, by our partner for many years Botto Giuseppe, who have been producing high quality yarns and fabrics since 1876. What stands out as a true rarity: all production phases, from washing to combing, spinning and dyeing to finishing, take place exclusively in their own factories.

All stages in the finishing, including the dyeing process, are also certified Cradle to Cradle, which means that at the end of its life the yarn is completely biodegradable, under the right conditions, leaving no harmful substances.

With LAMBSWOOL, we offer you a yarn that is appealing for its superfine quality, and all the more so for meeting the highest ethical and ecological standards. So you can realise your knitting projects with a clear conscience, in the knowledge that you are acting positively to protect animals and the environment.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Textile Exchange – Responsible Wool Standard

Cradle to Cradle Certified™

Gifts to make yourself

The run-up to Christmas is here, and that means: time for making gifts! This year we have a curated a collection of creative projects, ideal surprises with a personal touch to put under your Christmas tree. So, whether you are looking to make a quick gift, a real classic or for something to crochet – you will find inspiration here for unique, handmade pieces to treat your loved ones with.

BRAID MATE HEADBAND: elegant and cuddly

The BRAID MATE HEADBAND, made with FIRE, is ideal for anyone looking for a decorative accessory that will keep you warm and look elegant at the same time. A simple cable pattern adds stylish structure to the headband – and the best thing: it knits up in the blink of an eye on 9 mm or 10 mm needles!
Tip: To make counting rows easier, make a small chain of loops with a contrasting yarn and catch a loop in each row as you knit – so that you always know which row you are on, without having to count!

SOPHIE SCARF: a brilliant classic

The SOPHIE SCARF from PetiteKnit is popular for a reason! For our festive version, we have knitted it with CASHMERE LIGHT and PAILLETTES on 6.5 mm needles. This way, not only is the scarf wonderfully soft and slightly bigger, but it also has that subtle twinkle that makes it perfect for the holidays. A simple and elegant gift that’s sure to be well received.

Crochet hat by Judith Jelena: simple and stylish (only in German)

Is crochet more your thing? The take a look at Judith Jelena Paus‘ YouTube channel! There you’ll find easy to understand, step-by-step instructions for a beautiful, simple hat to crochet with MEMORY. Your loved ones will be so happy to receive a gift that you have crocheted yourself!

DECEMBER BOW: versatile and festive

The DECEMBER BOW by PetiteKnit fizzes with the pure joy of Christmas. To wear as a hair accessory or to use as an elegant decoration for your home – this delightful bow is a real eye-catcher. We’ve knitted it on 3.5 mm needles with BABY ALPACA and LACE LAMÉ for a particularly fine finish.

SIRI NECK: attention to detail for your loved ones

The SIRI NECK by Lene Holme Samsøe is a special accessory, you can feel a love of detail here. With a lovely cable pattern, it is the perfect present for your style-conscious friend. Knitted with CARPE DIEM and LACE LAMÉ, it‘s soft and warm, and sparkly for the festive season.

VEGAS HAT: some glitter is a must

The VEGAS hat by LifeOnYarn is knitted with sparkly GLAMOUR and soft MERINO+. It will bring a magical sprinkle of glitter to the grey winter days, and is so comfortable to wear thanks to a double band of MERINO+. The pattern for it is available for free on Ravelry–in German, French and English.

Gift ideas for keen knitters and crocheters

Of course, hardworking crafters also deserve a special gift! Here are our suggestions to make every crafting enthusiast’s heart skip a beat – available at specialist retailers!

addiChristmas Needles: smooth, yet matte

The Christmas-themed circular knitting needle from addi is the perfect knitting tool for hours of quiet knitting. With their dark green anodised aluminium tips, which will appeal to lovers of both metal and wooden needles alike because of their smooth, yet matte surface, the golden trim detail and red cable will make festive projects even more fun.

Tenemoll Wool Wash: to care for and protect your favourite pieces

A high quality wool wash like Tenemoll is the perfect little extra for the craft lover who has everything. It ensures that lovingly knitted or crocheted garments receive the care and protection that they should – so they can continue to shine long after the holidays.

addi2You Ring: colourwork made easy

So, how about a useful craft accessory that could also be a real piece of jewellery? This finger ring / knitting ring by addi is made with fine sterling silver 925 and makes it a reality! It combines loving design with clever yarn management. Whether you use it for taxing, multi-strand colourwork projects or simply for knitting with one strand of yarn – the ring brings comfort and aesthetics to a new level. A must-have for your best knitting friend!

Purpleheart crochet hook: luxury made from amaranth wood

The Purpleheart crochet hook is more than functional, visually it is a highlight. Made from solid amaranth wood, it has an appealing and distinctive natural colour and a fascinating grain – each piece is unique. The structure of the handle with a spiral twist makes it comfortable to handle, while the coloured hook with a pointed head makes precise work a pleasure. Perfect for festive crochet projects!

RMS – Responsible Mohair Standard

At a time when sustainability and ethical production practices are increasingly important, the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) is a valuable guide for eco-conscious consumers, laying emphasis on transparency and quality.

What is the Responsible Mohair Standard?

The Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) is an independent and voluntary standard, developed in order to promote responsible mohair production. It ensures that mohair only comes from animals that are kept responsibly, in an appropriate way, thereby setting new standards in the spheres of animal welfare, soil management and social welfare. In addition, the RMS makes sure that the supply chain is transparent and reliable, it has created a benchmark across the sector for ethical and sustainable mohair production.

Main areas of interest for the RMS

The RMS covers six main areas:

1. Animals: species-appropriate care and shearing of goats.
2. Environment: sustainable land management.
3. People: fair and safe working conditions for workers.
4. Credibility: professional and independent certification.
5. Supply chain: traceability from the farm to the end product.
6. Stakeholder engagement: developed in collaboration with farmers, animal welfare experts, conservation specialists, brands and retailers.

You will find more information on the Textile Exchange website: Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) - Textile Exchange

MOHAIR 21

The entire production chain for MOHAIR 21 is RMS certified and 100 % transparent: all balls of MOHAIR 21 have their own QR-Code, which enables you to follow the individual ball back through all stages of production. Read more about "trace your yarn" here.

The name of the yarn comes, on the one hand, from the fibre content – it is composed of 58 % mohair and 42 % silk – and on the other hand from the extremely luxurious quality of the mohair used. The mohair fibres used for MOHAIR 21 have a diameter of 21 microns and are therefore amongst the softest and rarest fibres on the market, such fibres are otherwise used exclusively in the luxury sector. By way of comparison, the mohair fibres used for hand-knitting yarns usually have a diameter of 25–30 microns.

FARMING AND PRODUCTION OF MOHAIR 21

The mohair fibres for MOHAIR 21 all come from two farms, Rivervale and Glentara owned by Werner and GT Ferreria. These farms are situated in New South Wales, in southeast Australia, and have specialised in the production of high quality and eco-friendly merino and mohair fibres, which can be traced back to the specific flock and shear.

After shearing in southeast Australia, the fibres are brought to Italy, where the wool is combed. The entire production is carried out in Italy by our long-standing partner Lineapiù – from carding to dyeing, spinning, brushing and balling. The rich history of the industry in Italy, the special working methods, creativity and finishing skills make for innovative, high quality yarns.

The tweed yarn DONEGAL TWEED + takes its name from its birthplace. In the Donegal region of Ireland, we have developed the authentic tweed yarn in co-operation with the spinning mill ‘Donegal Yarns’. Thousands of years ago, the knowledge and tradition of hand-spinning and weaving was established in the green hills of the wild Atlantic coast, in the northernmost western part of the island. In an article from ’The Knitter’ issue 72/24, the editor Janne Graf writes about the history of tweed yarns from Donegal:

At the end of the 19th century the knitwear industry in Donegal transitioned from home-working to factory production, thanks to government support and increasing demand worldwide. With a carpet factory and the first spinning mill in Kilcar, 1899 marked the beginnings of the hand-knitting yarn production that we see in the region today. During the course of the 20th century, the state-subsidised industry continued to flourish and the spinning mills were taken over by private investors in 2007. Chris Weiniger, the current managing director of ‘Donegal Yarns’ spinning mill in Kilcarra, explains:

Authentic Donegal Tweed is recognisable for its bright tweed neps and a rustic, lively surface. The neps are also known as «burrs» in English, and are incorporated into a robust yarn. The impressive quality of the tweed yarns from Donegal has made «genuine Donegal Tweed» renowned throughout the world. To this day, the ‘Donegal Yarns‘ wool spinning mill is able to carry out the entire production process for traditional Donegal Tweed yarns in the small village of Kilcar, in south-west Donegal. In an interview with ‘The Knitter‘, Chris Weiniger tells us:

DONEGAL & DONEGAL TWEED +

Following on from DONEGAL, DONEGAL TWEED + is the second tweed yarn in our collection to be produced in Irland. DONEGAL TWEED + is a classic double-twist, spun from a loose roving. The roving is made with a pre-dyed wool fibre blend produced using 100% mulesing-free virgin wool. To ensure the high quality of the yarn, we have developed our own wool fibre blend comprising 56% Australian merino wool, 30% New Zealand Corriedale wool and 14% carbonised merino wool from all over the world.

Metreage: ∼105 m / 50 g | Needle size: Ø 4½ - 5 mm | Knitting gauge [10 x 10 cm] : 25 stitches x 17 rows.

The characteristic colours of the yarn result from the process of carding 8 dyed wool fibre mixtures, which are combined to produce a homogenous top. The 14% merino wool fibre for the tweed neps is cleaned using a chemical process to remove any plant residues and then dyed to create the contrasting colours for each base shade. These are then also incorporated into the top in the carding process.

The colours of DONEGAL and DONEGAL TWEED + reflect their origin, they are inspired by the green valleys and hills of the Donegal region, sprinkled with grey and white stones. The yarn takes on the violet, pink and blue hues of heather in summer and expresses the golden shades of autumn, the red berries of the rowan tree in winter and the yellow gorse flowers in spring.

The charming character and colours of the Donegal yarns are shown off to great advantage in classic and traditional knits. They convey a timeless look and can become heirloom pieces. The sweaters, cardigans and accessories made with DONEGAL and DONEGAL TWEED + have a rough appearance. But the yarns feel soft and lofty, especially after they have been washed. Residues of spinning oil in the yarn dissolve in the wash, bringing about a remarkable transformation. For some inspiration, browse through the new PUNTO 77 DONEGAL TWEED + which is full of cabled sweaters and cardigans in stocking stitch to knit with DONEGAL TWEED +.

You can also knit the thinner variant of DONEGAL double, if you select two different colours you can create an interesting mélange effect which enhances both shades. Take inspiration from the designs for DONEGAL and feel the authenticity of the traditional production process, where occasional irregularities are a feature of the quality of this genuine wool tweed.

Sources

DONEGAL YARNS – The Genuine Donegal, https://donegalyarns.com/.

The Knitter (German Edition), issue 72/24, www.craftery.link/knitter.