Sweaters always seem like such daunting projects. What gauge do I need to be knitting? How many yards do I need? It's how much per skein? And I need 20? Perhaps I'll go back to making those lovely scarves...
As an answer to budgetary, yardage, and aesthetic concerns, there is Cascade Yarns Eco-Wool and Eco-Wool Plus. It's Eco because it is economical and the Eco-Wool itself is ecological, having been minimally processed and remaining un-dyed. If the yarn is a dark chocolatey brown, then that is color of the sheep it came from. Eco-Wool Plus is just as economical and comes in a wide array of colors. Each skein has 478 yds of soft, woolly goodness, and Janet informs me that it only takes 2.5 skein to complete even the most intricate of aran sweaters (about a women's size medium), leaving enough leftovers for a hat, scarf, or mittens to match or give as gifts! Eco-Wool typically knits up at 3.5 stitches per inch on a size 10 needle however, for you tight knitters you may have to go up a needle size, and if you're loosey-goosey you may have to use a smaller needle size... remember always swatch! The sweaters pictured were both knit by Janet, and are prime examples of the colors that are available in this yarn. On the left is Eco-Wool, and the rich red on the right is Eco-Wool Plus.
This yarn has a wonderful hand and continues to soften as you work with it. It's perfect for any project that requires a heavy weight yarn (#5), a great deal of yardage and a good price. We have many colors available at the Shoppe, but if you're looking for one we don't have in stock, we would be happy to special order it for you!
