50% Exmoor Blueface / 30% Bluefaced Leicester / 20% Romney Devonia is a landmark blend for John Arbon Textiles, as it was the first created using exclusively local West Country (England) fibre. This unique combination brings together Exmoor Blueface, Bluefaced Leicester, and Romney in perfect harmony. Exmoor Blueface contributes its trusty, springy character; Bluefaced Leicester adds an exceptionally soft handle and lustrous shine; while Romney imparts a golden sheen and fine drape. Together, they form a beautifully drapey, lustrous yarn with just the right touch of woolly bounce. In its 4ply form, Devonia is the perfect choice for projects that call for shimmer and swing—lightweight shawls, flowing cardigans, and even socks for those seeking a no-nylon, fully natural yarn. Composition 50% Exmoor Blueface / 30% Bluefaced Leicester / 20% Romney Yarn Weight Fingering (4ply) Product Weight 100g Yarn Meterage 388m (424yd) Yarn Format Skein (Hank) Fibre Characteristics Exmoor Blueface: This is our most local sheep and can be seen dotted across the Moorland where we live. A crossbreed of the Exmoor Horn (our local hill sheep) and the distinguished Bluefaced Leicester (the softest British sheep breed), the Exmoor Blueface sheep produces a beautifully soft and springy fibre which is excellent in just about any blend. Micron: 31; Average Staple Length: 9cm/3.5” Bluefaced Leicester: This is one of the most popular British breeds– and rightly so! This fibre has a wonderful balance of drape and durability, with just a little woolly bounce. Micron:28; Average Staple Length: 9cm/3.5” Romney: This breed has been farmed since the 13th century and originates from the Romney Marsh area of Kent. Their fibre is fine and semi-lustrous with good drape and a little bounce, perfect for adding a little sheen. Micron: 34; Average Staple Length: 10cm/4” Care Instructions John Arbon Textiles recommends that all yarns are gently washed before use, as no washing or conditioning is carried out after the yarns are spun and skeined. A simple soak allows the fibres to bloom beautifully and gives a much clearer sense of the gauge and character of the yarn over time. Once a piece is finished, John Arbon Textiles suggests giving it another hand wash before wet blocking to the given dimensions. This process sets the stitches and ensures the garment looks its very best.
