I can be persuaded that there are in fact, enough colors of Shetland wool, and shetland-like wool to choose from. For true Shetland wool alone, Jamieson’s weighs in as the winner with at least 176 colors, Jamieson and Smith has 80. Other companies, though not Shetland wool, have the correct weight for traditional projects, Knit Picks with 83 colors, Harrisville with 56, Finnullgarn with 100, and that’s just for starters…so we’re ok after all.
I love them all.
Which are your favorites?
Who did I leave out?
a whole world to delve into! what beauty! (What choices!)
I have a feeling I won’t be doing much colorwork in the next year, unfortunately. I’m trying to finish up the final thumb on my Vinterblomster mitts before the baby comes. But how could one stay away for long?? There are so many directions to go in!
Since you ask: I am not a fan of the Knit Picks. I do like Koigu, though it’s probably a tad thicker than necessary. I’ve never tried the “real” stuff. Hm…
Lovely colors! Can’t wait to start my fair isle adventures! (OK — I’ll take all the greens!)
Wow, I did not realize Finnullgarn had that many colors! How about Satakieli (sp?) from Finland? Also, Scottish Tweed from Rowan. And Alice Starmore’s new yarn. I’m knitting a pair of fair isle socks with Lorna’s Laces sport weight yarn on size 3 needles and the stitches are behaving nicely with this yarn. Right now I’m liking the Finnullgarn the best (I’m almost half way through my Christmas Lights Tam! Its very fun to see the colors and pattern change and grow. Second runner up for me is Harrisville because the texture of the yarn is very consistent, but I do like the Shetland colors the best.
You got me hooked on fairisle knitting. Years ago when you did that stocking cap for Knits Magazine I had do make it. I ordered the kit and quickly made it. Now it is my favorite type of knitting. I like the Jamieson and Smith since it is authentic for the patterns but it seems like it takes weeks for me to get it when I order it. So alot of the time I end up using knitpicks alot.
Phew! I can’t pick a favorite. It’s enough to know they’re there…like Mt. Everest.
Speaking of yarn choices for stranded colorwork…I am still dreaming about that Rhinebeck vest!!!
(Just so you know. No pressure. Honest.)
:}