Review Of Lore & The Borrowdale Collection From The Fibre Co

Just look at this picture, taken in the Lake District, to showcase The Fibre Co's new DK yarn Lore and the supporting patterns The Borrowdale Collection. Isn't it stunning?

Borrowdale image courtesy of The Fibre Co.

Lore

Lore is spun from 100% lambswool from the English Romney sheep breed and comes in 16 colours. A Woolly Yarn received a small sample of the dark grey shade 'Comfort'. I'd describe it as a solid, workhorse yarn, being soft enough for garments worn next to the skin yet solid enough to create long-lasting, warm items. Lore is a 2ply twist, has a slight fuzz, is very strong and takes dye well.

Lore's creator, Daphne Marinpoulos, says about the yarn, "lore will make a softy fabric that provides warmth without weight. It is one of the most forgiving yarns that I've used in that a slightly uneven stitch gauge is not readily seen. This attribute makes it great for beginners who are still learning to create an even tension across their stitches."

The Fibre Co. doesn't sell directly to the public. Its website has a stockists page so you can find out where to buy its yarns from. Tangled Yarn sells Lore online for £15.60 per 100g hank plus P&P. My favourite shade, Truth, a purple/green tweed, will be available from 15th October.

Truth image courtesy of The Fibre Co.

The Borrowdale Collection

There are 21 pieces in The Borrowdale Collection and each pattern is available to buy individually on Ravelry, (there is currently an offer running to receive a fourth pattern free when you buy three patterns from the collection) although sadly there isn't a print copy of the whole collection available.

We asked The Fibre Co.'s founder, Daphne Marinopoulos, about the ethos behind the patterns. "The comping up with the concept for the Borrowdale collection" she replied, "I drew inspiration from the quote 'Adventure is worthwhile'. Adventure might mean travel to far off places, but it can equally be about everyday experiences. I wanted to express this idea of making every day an adventure because all adventures are worthwhile. The design brief was for patterns that one could make, wear and style for life's everyday adventures. This meant practical, wearable and long-lasting hand knits."

My top favourite pattern is Langstrath by Amanda Jones.

Langstrath image courtesy of The Fibre Co.

With Autumn rolling in I'm currently into warm knits with an interesting yoke. I really like the colour combination - the blue accent colour really pops out next to the grey background.

In second place comes Deep Moss Pot.

Deep Moss Pot image courtesy of The Fibre Co.

Knitted in the shade 'Heaven' it has a mock cable design on the yoke.

In third place comes the beanie Chapelfield.

Chapelfield image courtesy of The Fibre Co.

This one ball knit is perfect for a knitter who wants to try out Lore before committing to a jumper's worth of yarn. Its mock cable and twisted rib pattern is knitted in the round.

There are lots of other patterns to choose from, including more sweaters, cardigans, a shawl, mitts and a cowl. Which is your favourite? Do you agree with my top three? Let us know in the comments box below or on our Facebook page. 

Something to Knit With Aran

Image courtesy of AC Knitwear

Arnall-Culliford Knitwear has joined the throng of Brit knitwear companies releasing new yarns for Autumn/Winter 2018. The latest in their 'Something to Knit With ...' range is an aran weight yarn. Something to Knit With Aran comes in ten bold shades and costs £8 per 50g skein plus P&P.

We haven't seen a sample yet but AC Knitwear's website says the yarn is a blend of 70% highland wool and 30% superfine alpaca and "is brilliant for textural knits and bold colour work".

At the moment there isn't a pattern book to support the aran yarn. Pop over to Ravelry, however, and there's a group of recommended aran patterns there collated by AC Knitwear.