Donegal Rich Tweed 4-Ply

Donegal Rich Tweed 4-Ply is 87% wool and 13% Donegal neps in a fingering weight, with 437 yards (400 meters) in a 100 g skein. It's the finer sister of the Donegal Rich Tweed DK, in the same 11 shades.

The neps are small colorful flecks spun into the yarn, and the base is hand-dyed to order in a semi-solid colorway. The shifting tones sit behind the flecks, so the fabric has tweed depth without overwhelming a pattern. The shades are named after places in Donegal, from Ardara (cream) to Bluestack (navy) and Errigal (purple).

It suits knitters and crocheters who want a classic tweed look in a lighter fabric, such as a fine cardigan or a colorwork yoke.

Best for

• Classic sweaters and cardigans in a fine gauge
• Colorwork yokes
• Textured garments
• Light hats, scarves and gifts

Working with it

McIntosh suggests a US 4 (3 mm) needle or hook for 28 stitches and 36 rows to 4 inches. The odd nep may sit loose at the surface; you can pick it off without harming the fabric. Because the base is semi-solid rather than flat, choose colorwork shades with clear contrast and check them in a swatch before committing. Skeins are dyed to order, so alternate skeins on a large garment to blend any variation.

Care

McIntosh lists hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry. Soak rather than scrub, since wool can felt with heat and rubbing, then press the water out in a towel and dry flat.