Our latest Ysolda brand yarn is Moss, available as Moss DK and Moss Light (a fingering/4 ply weight). We chose the name because this 2-ply blend of British Blue Faced Leicester and Masham is soft, pillowy, and lustrous; it truly reminds me of walking on a mossy forest floor.
Blue Faced Leicester is well known for its combination of strength, softness and lustre but you may not be familiar with Masham. This cross between a Teeswater ram and Dalesbreed or Swaledale ewe is popular in the hills of Northern England, and is known for its hardiness. We’re very glad to be a small part of a movement towards using fibres like Masham, which can be farmed sustainably on land that other breeds wouldn’t be suitable for.
The Masham is a mid-brown, and the resulting blend is a warm grey, which is a beautiful neutral in its naked state. The depth of colour which can be achieved by over dyeing natural grey fibre is unbeatable, and hand dyeing in subtle semi-solid shades adds another layer of richness.
Sarah and I worked together to create this colour palette, inspired by autumnal country walks, featuring the gold and red of changing leaves, a deep mossy green, and the pinks and purples of hedgerow fruits.
To celebrate the launch of Moss DK, Jimenez Joseph designed a mitt and cowl set called Yzzy.
The Yzzy Mitts feature a smart combination of linen stitch, lace and cables that’s both pretty and functional. They’re form-fitting, with elasticity as well as snugness and the linen stitch on the palms makes them extra durable. A very comfortable wear, which means that you won’t want to take them off, so don’t lend them to anyone!! The coordinating cowl features the lace and cable motif from the mitts as a repeating stitch pattern which naturally creates a scalloped edge. The deep cowl can be worn pulled up against the wind and drapes in beautiful folds when left to nestle cosily around your neck.
The kits include two skeins of Moss DK in your choice of colour, which is the perfect amount to knit both a pair of mitts and the cowl.
