Bluefaced Leicester 4-Ply

This is McIntosh's 100% British Bluefaced Leicester wool in a fingering (4-ply) weight, with 437 yards (400 meters) in a 100 g skein. It's the same fiber and colors as the Bluefaced Leicester DK, spun finer.

Bluefaced Leicester is known for softness, strength and a gentle luster. Each skein is hand-dyed to order in a semi-solid colorway, so the fabric has subtle shifts of tone that add depth without hiding cables, lace or plain stitches. There are 24 shades, all named in the MY series, such as MY Hope, MY Courage and MY Wanderlust.

It suits knitters and crocheters who want a soft, hard-wearing British wool for shawls, fine sweaters and lighter accessories.

Best for

• Lace and textured shawls
• Fine sweaters and cardigans
• Lightweight hats, mitts and scarves
• Everyday garments in a British wool

Working with it

McIntosh suggests a US 4 (3 mm) needle or hook for 28 stitches and 36 rows to 4 inches. One 100 g skein goes a long way, enough for many shawls and small accessories. Because each skein is dyed to order, there can be slight differences between skeins and dye batches; buy enough for the whole project at once and alternate skeins every couple of rows on large pieces. Lace opens up noticeably once it's washed and blocked, so block your swatch before measuring.

Care

McIntosh lists hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry. Avoid hot water and rubbing, which can felt wool, and press out excess water in a towel before drying flat.