Yarn Test Kitchen – October 2024. Jadawoo Designs Unwind DK
Keeley Richardson
Founder and Chief Fiber Officer
Welcome to our October Woolpack Yarn Test Kitchen!
The days are getting shorter and it feels like the perfect time of the year to be planning for cozy evenings with a fiber project or two. This month we were excited to test skeins that felt perfect for this time of year – Autumn hues that matched the colors emerging across the Pacific Northwest beautifully hand dyed by Jess of Jadawoo Designs in Tacoma. As always, it was a joy to sit around my kitchen table with cake and a cup of tea, showing and sharing our projects. Read on to find out what we were inspired to knit/crochet with this month’s fabulous featured yarn.
Our September Baked Treat: Apple Sauce Muffins by chocolate Covered Katie
We have a few apple trees in our garden, and for the first time since we moved here four years ago, one of the trees has produced edible fruit. We struggle with rust spot on the apples, so we were very happy to discover that one of the trees had fruit we could finally harvest. One batch of apple sauce later, I was searching online for an apple cake recipe. This muffin recipe gets 5 star reviews, so I decided to give it a try. The test batch disappeared very quickly – 5 star reviews from my family, and they were also a huge hit with this month’s yarn testing friends. I added cream cheese frosting just because. . . but they are also delicious without. It’s a great vegan recipe and healthier than my usual bakes. I would definitely recommend giving these a try.
Our September Yarn: Unwind DK, by Jadawoo Designs
Unwind DK is a 75% superwash merino wool. 25% nylon yarn, with 246 yds to the 100g skein. All skeins are hand dyed by Jess. We were all impressed by how soft this yarn is and the great stitch definition you get from it, so great for all types of projects. It would be perfect for items that need to be machine washed (think kidswear), and great for socks.
We were all inspired by Jess’ colors – so evocative of the region we are lucky to enjoy every day.
Tester: Keeley – Color Way : Yam on It – Pattern: Falling Leaves Scarf by Iris H.
Usually I offer my friends first choice of yarn that we are testing in the YTK, but when Jess gave me the yarn for October, I immediately fell in love with this gorgeous color and knew it had to be mine. I’m in a fall color phase right now, and this beautiful shade perfectly suits my vibe.
Unwind DK is super soft and is perfect for wearing next to the skin, so my search for a seasonal skinny scarf began. Ravelry delivered in the form of this great pattern from Iris H. It’s a two for one pattern – instructions for a shawl are also included, so great value for money. The leafy lace pattern chart is easy to follow is a rewarding knit, and the result is fabulous! I am excited to wear this great addition to my fall wardrobe!
Yarn Tester: Cindy – Color Way: Dawgs – Turtle Dove Shawl by Sari Nordlund
Cindy in her own words: ” My mother taught me how to knit for a school project in middle school and I have been an avid knitter since. My passion is to introduce knitting to as many people as I can. In addition to teaching, I also enjoy testing patterns for designers, and making samples for shops. I have been fortunate to travel and visit many yarn shops, and connect with knitters and fiber artists all over the world.”
Purple is Cindy’s favorite color, so she was delighted to knit with this stunning shade, (perfect for UW Huskies fans!) and her pattern choice was perfect for this yarn – we were all amazed by the great stitch definition and plump cables. She had to modify the pattern slightly by shortening the middle section of the shawl, because the pattern calls for slightly more yarn, however, Cindy also knit a small cuff to style the scarf which makes for a great addition!
Yarn Tester: Caitlin – Color Way: Blue Spruce – Pattern: Ammonite Crochet Hook Roll by Dedri Uys
Caitlin in her own words: ” Crochet and knitting are always taking turns in my crafting life, but either way, I love working with all kinds of yarn.”
The Blue Spruce color way made Caitlin think of the Washington coast and this influenced her project choice. She was also in need of a case for her many crochet hooks and was delighted when she found this pattern on Ravelry. Dedri Uys’ beautiful design was inspired by a different coastline – The Jurassic Coast in Dorset, UK. It’s fun to see the two very different coastlines brought together with Caitlin’s usrful and rather lovely project! It’s finished off with a handmade button that tones perfectly with the neutrals amongst the blues, greens and brown found in the yarn.
Yarn Tester: Jacquie – Color Way: Curiosity – Pattern: Rhinefleck Hat by Judy Murgia
Jacquie in her own words: “Fiber arts have been in my life for as long as I can remember – knitting, crochet, spinning, embroidery and more. And still, there’s always more to explore! Teaching knitting also holds a special place in my heart. It’s always a delight to introduce others to new techniques and projects, our community, and the overall wellness out craft can bring.”
The Rhinefleck Hat has been a favorite of Jacquie’s for some time. It’s a satisfying and well constructed hat pattern. The deep brim means it can be worn as a slouchy beanie, or when folded it becomes a more close fitting toque. The rib design alternates seed stitch with stockinette to add interest and also ensures a good fit. Jacquie loved the color – it reminded her of sunlight through trees during the fall. Beautiful!
Coming next month in the Yarn Test Kitchen: Beautiful Hand dyed yarn from Juni and Si. We can’t wait to show and share our makes with you!
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