Wensleydale Longwool Wool

I love trying our new yarns and have wanted to sample Wensleydale wool for a long time so when I visited their shop in Leyburn North Yorkshire on a lovely sunny day earlier this month I was in my element!  Leyburn is lovely and the Wensleydale shop is a treasure trove of yarn, accessories and finished items made using this local Yorkshire wool. If you get the chance make a visit to the shop, the staff are very knowledgeable and very keen to help and discuss your projects.

Made in very pretty Wensleydale using traditional Wensleydale Wool, this very warm yarn presents very good value. The Aran (worsted) yarn is £6.50 per 100gm ball. Double knitting yarn (light worsted) is £6.60 for a 100gm ball and £3.40 buys you the 4 ply in 50gm balls.

The wide  selection of colours includes some marls in the Aran weight which includes Natural, Aubergine, Buttertubs, Coral, Denim, Dusk, Fennel, Larch, Lime Sherbet, Marshmallow, Mizzle, Moonlight, Pomegranate, Storm, Teal, Wild Thyme and Thornton Rust. Yardage per 100g ball: 160m – 174yds and for knitting recommended needle size: 4.5mm (UK 7) with a tension of 19sts and 25 rows over stocking stitch 10cm x 10cm using 4.5mm needles.

Wensleydale Double Knitted(light worsted) also comes in 100 gram ball, colours are Natural, Natural Black, Buttertubs, Coral, Denim, Fennel, Larch, Lime Sherbet, Mizzle, Moonlight, Spruce, Storm, Wild Thyme, Marshmallow, Pomegranate and Thornton Rust. I used a 3.5mm hook 11 dc’s (sc’s) and 13 rows made 6 cm’s/2”. Yardage per 100g ball for the double knit is 235m/257yds with a recommended needle size of 3.75mm (UK 9).

Wensleydale 4 ply in 50 gram ball comes in Natural, Natural Black, Buttertubs, Larch, Fennel, Moonlight, Pomegranate, Marshmallow. Yardage per 50g ball: 170m – 186yds with a recommended needle size: 3.25mm (UK 10) and a tension of 27sts and 36 rows over st/st on 3.25mm needles over 10cm (4″) square

All these gorgeous Wensleydale yarns would be perfect for winter jackets, cardigans, scarfs and hats and gloves. Buy at the lovely shop in Leyburn north Yorkshire or online at https://www.wensleydalelongwool.co.uk/?v=79cba1185463

What to make with one ball of yarn

When you feel the need to create something in crochet but time, circumstances or the need to use up some of your stash makes it a necessity, what can you make with one or two balls of yarn?  Of course it all depends on the size of your ball of yarn and the thickness of the yarn, but even 1 ball of chunky or double knit (light worsted) can be used to make something.

One 50 gm ball of double knit (light worsted)  yarn will make one place mat or 4 coasters
Amigurumi are always popular and it’s easy to make a very cute amigurumi with one ball of double knit (light worsted) yarn.

With one 100gm ball of double knit (light worsted) you could make a cushion front. Just add a contrasting material back.

Crochet bootees or sandals for babies are gorgeous and a 50gm ball of yarn will be all you need.

A mug holder, made with two or three granny squares. It’s good to make something useful!

Christmas decorations. Use traditional colours such as white, red and bright green, but any colour will work with a few sparkly beads. One colour Christmas decorations look very sophisticated.

Lavender bags make delightful gifts and are ideal makes for fundraising events. They look lovely made with a cotton based yarn thick or thin.

Use one ball of double knit (light worsted) or chunky cotton to create a small storage basket to keep your jewellery or buttons safe

Crochet a necklace using a cotton based yarn, just add a few buttons or beads.

Crochet brooches are very pretty and take very little yarn.

Decorative crochet flowers are special. Add them to jumpers, hats, cushions or to make in a simple corsage.

Pom poms. Okay so not crochet but pom poms add something special to crochet hats, crochet flower wreaths and children’s jumpers.

Crochet key rings take very little yarn. You could make an entwined knot or a small amigurumi.

One ball of yarn will make a child’s hat.

Crochet headbands or ear warmers, pretty, chunky or elegant don’ take much yarn. Use wool based for warmth and cotton based for pretty flowery styles.

A book mark. Even a simple design will create something lovely to give as a special handmade gift or for fund raising.