Bluefaced Leicester DK

This is 100% British Bluefaced Leicester wool in a DK weight, 246 yards (225 meters) to a 100 g skein. Bluefaced Leicester is known for softness, strength and a gentle luster, and here it's hand-dyed to order in semi-solid colorways.

The subtle shifts of tone add depth without fighting the stitches, so cables, lace and plain stockinette all read clearly. The colors carry names like MY Courage, MY Hope and MY Wanderlust, with more than 20 shades to choose from.

It's an everyday wool for knitters and crocheters who want a soft, hard-wearing DK with real British wool character, whether for a first sweater or a textured cardigan.

Best for

• Everyday sweaters and cardigans
• Cabled and textured garments
• Shawls and wraps
• Warm hats, mitts and scarves

Working with it

McIntosh suggests a US 6 (4 mm) needle or hook for 22 stitches and 28 rows to 4 inches, the same gauge as its Fabulous DK and Donegal Rich Tweed DK, so the three can be swapped or mixed in the same pattern. 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.

Care

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