NOTE: Most tap water has a higher than desirable (for hand-dyed wool) pH level. You can neutralize this by simply adding 2 tablespoons, per gallon of water, of white vinegar to your wash water. That will neutralize the pH levels and help maintain the vibrant colors.
SOCK WEIGHT BASES
SOLO SOCK: 100% superwash merino wool, +/-434 yards per skein, 115gm. These skeins are a single-ply base from Peru. They are very silky smooth to the touch and a dream to work with. The drape is so lovely. I like this base for shawls, scarves, and snuggly sweaters or cardigans.
TABITHA SOCK: 80% micron 19.5 superwash merino (the lower the micron number the finer/softer the wool. Micron 19.5 is VERY fine), 20% nylon, +/-450 yards, 100gm. This base comes from the UK. They are a lighter fingering weight and the drape is out-of-this-world fabulous. I like this base for shawls, scarves, snuggly cardigans, etc.
WANDERER: 100% merino wool, multi-twisted (multiple plied), fingering weight, +/- 382 yards, 100gm. This base is domestically sourced, unprocessed, non-superwashed wool skeins. Although they are NOT superwashed wool, they share some of the same qualities because these will not felt easily. (Superwashed wool will not felt EVER.) They are a bouncy, buttery skeins that does not have the slippery feel that some superwashed wool can have. They are ideal for fair isle work, lace work, cabling, etc. What makes these so magical is they have many very thin strands that have been individually twisted, that are then twisted together. This multi-twist process is why they don't felt easily, but still retain all the natural characteristics of natural wool.
WILLIE USA SOCK: (Sock Blanks are made with this base) 80% superwash merino, 20% nylon, +/-434 yards, 115gm. These skeins are a 4-ply base made in America from American sheep. These skeins have a durable crispy feel. They are perfect for socks, beanies, and other projects that need durability. The drape is pretty good, but for shawls and drool-drape worthy projects I prefer the Tabitha skeins.
GLITZY SOCK: 92% superwash merino, 8% lurex, +/-409 yards, 115gm. These skeins come from Peru. They are 4-ply. Of all the sparkly bases I have encountered, these are by far my favorite. The lurex makes them very sparkly and the sparkle doesn’t disappear in the dye. If you want something extra special/unique, these are for you.
PRISTINE SOCK: 85% 19.5 micron merino (the lower the micron number the finer/softer the wool. Micron 19.5 is VERY fine), 15% mulberry silk, +/-490 yards, 100 gm, 2-ply. This base is NONsuperwash meaning it has not been chemically treated to make it not felt when machine washed. However, silk does not felt, so this base would be difficult to make it felt - but not impossible. The thickness is thicker than my Tabitha base, and thinner than Willie Sock. It has wonderful drape and feels amazing. I like this base for shawls, scarves, sweaters, cardigans, beanies, etc.
DK/SPORT WEIGHT BASE(S):
SALEM SPORT: 100% superwash merino, +/-325 yards, 100gm. This base is a 3-ply yarn from Peru. If you hold two strands double, you get a perfect worsted weight. I like this base for beanies, gloves/mittens, any outerwear, shawls, socks, pretty much everything.
PERCY DK: 75% superwash merino, 25% nylon, +/-246 yards, 100gm. This base comes from both large and small farms in Argentina and/or Uruguay. They are 4-ply, with a lovely drape and durability. I use this base for any pattern that calls for DK weight yarn.
LUNA LUSH DK: 70% superwash merino, 30% silk, +/-231 yards, 100 gm. This base comes from both large and small farms in Argentina and/or Uruguay. They are 4-ply with incredible sheen (from the silk), and beautiful drape. The silk gives these a cooler/colder feel. I work with this base year around, but I especially enjoy silk blends during the warmer summer months. These are very luxurious!
ARAN/WORSTED WEIGHT BASE(S)
WHOPPER WORSTED/ARAN: 100% superwash merino, +/-464 yards, 250gm. This base comes from the UK. They are 4-ply slightly heavy worsted weight yarn. These skeins are HUGE! A lovely quantity for sweaters, blankets, and other large projects. This has been my hand-down favorite worsted base for many years.
WILMA WORSTED/ARAN: This base is the same as the Whopper base except the skeins are a regular size, +/-210 yards, 115gm.
BULKY BASE(S):
Coming soon...
LIMITED EDITIONS
This category is for discontinued bases, and new bases I like to try just for fun. Chances are that when they're gone, they are gone. But everyone needs to try new things every once in awhile, so here they are.