Yarn Test Kitchen – March 2025. Skagit Woolen Works.
Keeley Richardson
Founder and Chief Fiber Officer
Welcome to our March Woolpack Yarn Test Kitchen!
Some days it feels like spring is just around the corner here at Woolpack HQ. It’s energizing to see color emerging outdoors as blossom appears on trees and flowers pop up to say “Hello”, but then we still have the occasional downpour and a brisk wind to remind us that we still have a way to go until we can leave the house without a hat or scarf. Luckily, we have some wonderful one skein wonder ideas for you in our March Yarn Test Kitchen; perfect accessories for whatever weather PNW Spring sends our way. Oh, and there’s also a rather special softie that joined us this month. We are happy to share this month’s makes with you!
Our February Baked Treat : Perfect Oatmeal Cookies from Love and Lemons.
Having baked these cookies a couple of times now, I am inclined to agree with Jeanine and Jack from Love & Lemons that this recipe is quite perfect. I measured the ingredients and followed timings to the letter and the result was a moist chewy oatmeal cookie with a hint of cinnamon spice. They were delicious with our morning coffee in the Woolpack Yarn Test Kitchen, and my family (all around for spring break), were delighted there were a few left over for them to enjoy too!
Our February Yarn: Skagit Woolen Works Island Twist
Fiber Content: 75% White Romney, 25% Rose Gray Alpaca – Weight: Sport. 3ply 250yds/3.5oz.
Meet the latest house yarn from Skagit Woolen Works. We can confirm that it is a delight to knit with! We all suspected we would fall in love with this beautiful blend of Romney and Alpaca -here at The Woolpoack we are all huge fans of everything that is produced by Jess and Anna, the talented owners of the Mount Vernon fiber mill. Their Romney fleece is hand selected from the Puget Sound Region and blended with super soft Alpaca. The result is a yarn with a beautiful hand that is next to the skin soft. All of this month’s testers reveled in these natural hues to create one skein wonders that brought us so much joy!
Tester: Keeley – Color Way : Chocolate Ganache & Creme Anglaise – Pattern: Pressed Flowers Kerchief by Amy Christoffers
As soon as we saw these beautiful skeins Caitlyn and I knew we needed to knit color work projects for this month’s test kitchen. There is such a wonderful contrast between Island Twist colors Chocolate Ganache and Creme Anglaise, and they are scrumptious when combined, we just had to create something as delicious as the yarn names. We found our Ravelry recipes and were delighted to cook up accessories that are totally delicious!
This pattern from Amy Christoffers has been on my radar for a couple of months now, and I have been waiting for the right yarn to come along. Hello, Island Twist! The stitch definition of this yarn is a delight and it has a wonderful drape after blocking – just what is required for a cute little kerchief that is a speedy but satisfying knit. If you are a fan of Amy’s previous Pressed Flower patterns, this one will fly off your needles. I added extra pattern repeats before and after the mid point section so that I would have more fabric to tie the kerchief. Two skeins of Island Twist would give you enough yarn for two of these fun accessories, simply reverse the dominant color and you can make one for a knitworthy friend.
Yarn Tester: Caitlyn – Color Way: Chocolate Ganache & Creme Anglaise – Pattern: Lady Cora Tam by Tanis Gray
Caitlyn in her own words: “I want Spring to arrive! I’m knitting and crocheting flowery things to encourage the season change.”
We hear you Caitlyn! In the meantime it’s time to crush on another perfect pattern for Island Twist Yarn. Seriously, those colors make this pattern POP! The Lady Cora Tam is one of twelve beret/tam patterns inspired by characters from the show, Downton Abbey. It’s a cheerful, bold design that would make an engaging knit for an intermediate color work knitter. One of the many things that Caitlyn enjoyed about this month’s yarn is the subtle, dreamy halo that appears after blocking. It makes you want to reach out and squish the beautiful fabric.
Yarn Tester: Janell – Color Way: Creme Anglaise & Choclate Ganache – Pattern: Christopher Bunny by Susan B Anderson
Janell in her own words: “I live with my high school sweetheart husband in a 100 year old farmhouse where a room is dedicated to my crafting pursuits. I am attracted to all things from days gone by and I am currently reading Gone with the Wind.”
Janell’s adorable project should come with a cuteness overload warning. When Janell revealed her make, our shrieks of excitement could probably be heard across the neighborhood. We all fell head over heels in love with Christopher Bunny! Janell has been waiting for yarn that is deserving of this beautiful pattern, and luckily for the Yarn Test Kitchen, Island Twist was the one that fit the bill. The natural yarn gives Christopher a vintage, slightly rustic feel, but the Alpaca content in Island Twist makes him plush enough for little hands to caress.
Susan B Anderson’s pattern includes instructions for the sweater and pants, but he looks equally lovable wearing just a bow around his neck meaning you can make this little fella from one skein of Island Twist. Knitters who are not a fan of sewing will be delighted to hear that you can create Christopher without have to thread a needle. The pattern begins at the top of the ears and all of the shaping is achieved by picking up stitches and short rows. A great knit for an intermediate knitter looking to extend their skills.
You still have time to cast on one of these delightful bunnies in time for Easter, but he will make a wonderful addition to your home at any time of year.
Yarn Tester: Jennifer – Color Way: Chocolate Ganache: Sola Scarf by Anne Ventzel
Jennifer her own words: “Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I bring my knitting along on my outdoor adventures.”
Cute little narrow scarves are continuing to have a moment and make rewarding one skein knits that result in fabulous accessories. As Jennifer puts it so well, “I find a little wool scarf to be just the thing for windy days and they easily pack away when the sun finally burns through the clouds.” Here we are in that time of the year when you don’t need a bulky sweater but a little extra warmth can be appreciated through to the end of spring. The Sola Scarf is a great option when you want a useful accessory that also looks pretty stylish too. Jennifer knit hers to the length specified in the pattern, but you could go a little longer, there was yarn left from her skein that she generously donated to Janell so that Christopher could have a set of clothes. We should also mention that Island Twist is soft enough to wear next to the skin whether you are a human or a bunny.
As always, if we have inspired you to knit/crochet any of the featured patterns, simply click on the pattern name to head to Ravelry.com. You can also find all of the Yarn Test Kitchen featured patterns on our Ravelry Projects Page – PSWoolpack.
Huge thanks to Jess and Anna for providing us with such wonderful yarns. Be sure to check out the complete Skagit Woolen Works range online. Jess, Anna and their beauitful skeins can often be found at local farmers markets and at yarn festivals throughout the summer. Do give them a follow on social media to say up to date with all of the Skagit Woolen Works happenings.
Coming next month in the Yarn Test Kitchen: Spindelwicks BFL DK.
Yarn Test Kitchen
Your Monthly Yarn Review
One of my all time favorite knitting activities is a “show and share”, with friends – it’s a perfect way to seek ideas, gain inspiration and get helpful advice. This is the idea behind the yarn test kitchen – I hope our projects will have you reaching for your needles as we bring you our ideas on how to turn those neglected single skeins of yarn in to “One Skein Wonders”, and inspire you to try new yarns that are produced and sold across the Puget Sound Region.
Oh, and I’ll also be sharing monthly baking recommendations as we go. After all, who doesn’t love a slice of cake or baked good? Yum!
Happy reading!
Keeley