I often get asked about my favourite yarns and what I like to work with most…. My answer is always, depends what I’m making!
As someone who has been affiliated with the Australian agricultural industry in a variety of roles for my whole life, I almost always favour natural fibres. In the same way that I love the paddock to plate movement, I wish we were better at telling the paddock to ply story too!
My two favourite fibres are generally wool and cotton.
Wool Yarn
Australian agriculture was built on the back of a sheep and I think often in our modern world the value of the humble sheep is overlooked. Wool is natural, renewable and biodegradable and, despite the falsities some ignorant people propagate, is ethically grown and shorn in Australia.
Garments made from wool offer great durability, breathability and moisture management making them extremely comfortable wearing. They are also odor resistant and a lot of modern spun yarn is machine washable. As a mum with an indoor fireplace, I also really appreciate the fire resistant nature of wool! Safety first!
If I am making winter wear I almost always reach for wool or at least a wool blend. My favourite wool yarns come from Bendigo Woolen Mills and Nundle Wool Mill. I am not affiliated in any way with either of these, they are just wear most of my yarn budget goes because I love their ranges and quality.
Cotton Yarn
Living in a hot climate like Queensland, cotton really earns its keep! Despite dropping dinners down to my husband on the picker at ungodly hours, and barely seeing him for months during picking, wearing a hand knitted pair of Australian cotton socks for half an hour makes me believe it is all worth it!
The comfort, breathability and durability of cotton is second to none. From socks, to wash cloths, to tea towels, bags and summer garments, quality, Australian grown cotton is second to none. I also love cotton for all things baby!
Acrylic Yarns
Whilst I will always advocate for the benefits of natural fibres, I am also a big believer in creating with love, whatever you can afford. There have definitely been times in my life where my my yarn budget has barely covered home brand acrylics and that has certainly not stopped my family being wrapped in handmade love. While at this stage in my life I am blessed to be able to be a little more selective, I will never be critical of anyone creating with cheaper yarns. We are not all in the same boat. We are all in the same storm, but we all come to it in vastly different vessels.