Milo blends merino wool with fine linen for a single-ply DK weight yarn that is simultaneously rustic and elegant. The linen retains its natural color through the dye process, giving a heathered effect. It also lightens the yarn and gives the knitted fabric excellent drape. All of Manos del Uruguay yarns are hand dyed. The artisans use big kettles heated by wood-fueled boilers, dyeing in small batches creating wonderful colors. The colors of Manos yarns are bright and wild, full of nuances and variations. No two skeins are the same, each one is unique, a testimony of a particular moment. Due to the small batch hand-dyed process, there may be differences in colors between skeins. Order enough yarn for your project for a better likelihood that skeins will match. Alternate skeins where needed. All Manos del Uruguay yarns are mulesing-free. Our notes After making a few of our own projects with this yarn, here's what we've found: Perfect for warm weather: The lighter weight and breathability is perfect for summer tops or other light accessories. Linen fibers may shed: We've noticed that linen fibers may work their way out of the yarn and need to be picked out. May be hard on the hands: The linen content reduces the natural elasticity of the merino, which puts more tension on your hands as you work. For tight knitters, size your needles up and use metal needles if possible. For tight crocheters, use a smooth metal hook and size up at least one size. If you have arthritis or otherwise achy hands, this might not be the right yarn for you to work with. Blocks beautifully and softens with washing: Linen softens every time it's washed, as the water breaks down the natural pectin that gives linen fiber its stiffness. This means that with wear and washing, the finished fabric will soften up considerably. Block it every time after washing to help it keep its shape. Swatch details All swatches were wet blocked before measuring. Knit Colors: Madder, Beehive Swatcher: Avery Needles: 3.5mm (US 4) Stitch: Stockinette with a seed stitch border Gauge: Madder: 23 stitches and 34 rows per 4" / 10cm Beehive: 21 stitches and 35 rows per 4" / 10cm Crochet Colors: Madder, Beehive Swatchers: Avery, Kai Hook: 3.5mm Stitch: Half double crochet Gauge: 23 stitches and 17 rows per 4" / 10cm Nalbind Colors: Madder, Beehive Swatcher: Stephanie Tension: Needle, 20mm circumference Stitch: Oslo F1 Gauge: Madder: 38 stitches and 23 rows per 4" / 10cm Beehive: 37 stitches and 21 rows per 4" / 10cm Weave Colors: Madder, Beehive Swatcher: Stephanie Sett: 8 ends per inch (Madder), 10 ends per inch (Beehive) Structure: Plain weave, 50 (Madder) / 44 (Beehive) picks per inch Warp: Size 10 crochet cotton
