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Elen Sock and nylon

I was asked a few times at Wonderwool why I’d discontinued the Rhodri bases (DK and 4-ply) and the Taliesin Sock, which had the nylon in for sock knitting. The problems highlighted in this article are why I changed to the high-twist 100% BFL Elen Sock. I know a small dyer like me changing over to a high-twist non-nylon yarn is a drop in the ocean (haha), and it’s certainly not a “my green credentials are better than everyone else’s” statement (because I still sell superwash yarns which are hardly environmentally friendly). However, I wanted to at least start reducing my own footprint even if I’m small beans.

In any case, I’ve been using a pair of welly socks, knitted using Elen Sock, when I’ve been working around the farm for the last couple of months (yes, they have been occasionally washed). They seem to be wearing at least as well as the previous nylon blend socks, and I’m quite hard on socks, so I’m confident that I’ve made a sound choice. And at the end of the day, everyone can still get beautiful colourways on quality nylon blends from other indie dyers, so no-one is going hungry

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New Yarn Bases!

I’m pleased to announce the addition of five new yarn bases to the Triskelion stable. All of the yarns are from British fibre (other than the silk) and are spun in Yorkshire to a very high quality. Three of the yarns are luxurious singles-style yarns, one is a super-bulky BFL, and one a high twist 100% wool sock yarn.

Elen Sock is a very sleek and glossy high-twist superwash Blue Faced Leicester yarn. Blue Faced Leicester is a British longwool, with a rich lustre that yields very bright and rich colours. It’s soft, springy, and the high twist makes it hard-wearing without the need for nylon. Each 110 gram hank is approximately 390 metres of yarn, and is from 100% British sources. A great yarn for durable, comfy socks.

Branwen 4-Ply is a stunning 4-ply/fingering singles yarn, in a sumptuous 50/50 blend of extra fine Falklands Merino and silk. Branwen has stunning depth of colour, combined with an extra soft, cosy handle. Each 100 gram hank is approximately 500 metres of yarn, and is spun in Yorkshire from British sources. Please note that, due to the high silk content, Branwen runs quite fine for a 4-ply.

Branwen Rime and LlyrOlwen is a 4-ply/fingering singles yarn, spun from extra fine Falklands Merino. Olwen’s ‘matt’ appearance gives colours an intense, immediate presence, combined with an extra soft, cosy handle. Each 100 gram hank is approximately 500 metres of yarn, and is spun in Yorkshire from British sources.

Pryderi DK is a very cosy roving/singles yarn, spun from Blue-faced Leicester. It has superb depth of colour, combined with a soft, ‘woolly’ handle, with that Blue-faced Leicester lustre.

Finally, Ysbaddaden is a squishy, soft super-bulky yarn, spun from Blue-faced Leicester. Ysbaddaden has wonderful depth of colour, a soft lustre, and a soft, cosy handle. Each 100 gram hank is approximately 50 metres of yarn, and is spun in Yorkshire from British sources.

As an introduction to the new bases, there will be a small mini release of all the new bases with a subset of my current production colourways. More colourways will be arriving in the first release of 2015.

The Pryderi yarns all feature the Triskelion Neutrals colourways, and there be a special introductory offer of 15% off them if you buy five skeins or more in any of the colourways. Just use coupon code PRYDERI2014 at the checkout. The special offer will be available while current stocks last.

The release will be up on the Triskelion website at around 6pm GMT tonight (Sunday 7th December). This is also a good opportunity to get yarn at current prices, as there’ll be a slight increase in the new year.

I hope you find something that catches your eye!

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