Simply Shetland 4 ply: 20g mini-skein - Bracken
We have been asked (many times) why we hadn't dyed any wool for sale, and for a long time we remained committed to promoting the natural colours of Shetland wool, as the range is so rich and varied. One of our tasks for the winter was to develop a limited palette of 7 colours (using Gaywool dyes) which have been designed and blended to compliment the natural shades of grey and brown which we sell most of.
I am ambivalent about bracken. It can be used in a number of ways while at the same time posing a health risk due to its spores. It out competes other plants by making the environment toxic to them and its rhizomes can live for 100 years. It can poison sheep but its vivid autumn colour cloaks the hills and moors in autumn, giving the dying colours of the landscape a final fiery gold before winter. This lovely photograph of 'Bracken in Autumn' is by Helen Marshall.
These skeins are dyed in small batches of eight at a time - because that's how big my pan is - and even within that batch of eight there will be slight variations in the take-up of the dye. So if you are buying more than one of a shade then please don't assume they will be identical.
These mini-skeins are brilliant for colour-work in stranded fairisle sweaters and hats etc.
WPI: 13
Weight per skein: 25g approx
Metres/Yards per skein: 36/39 approx
We hope you enjoy these as much as we do!