ffluff

ffluff is a laceweight blend of 75% baby suri alpaca and 25% Grade A mulberry silk. Each 50 g skein holds 459 yards (420 meters), so one skein goes a long way.

Suri alpaca gives the yarn a soft, fine halo, and the silk adds strength and drape. McIntosh hand-dyes each skein to order in a semi-solid colorway, with candy-inspired shade names like Candy Floss, Sugar Mice and Lemon Sherbert. The result is an airy, warm fabric that weighs very little.

Use it on its own for a fine, ethereal fabric, or hold it together with another yarn to add softness, warmth and a gentle halo. Held with a DK such as Calm DK, it softens the colors and adds fuzz without much extra weight.

Best for

• Lightweight sweaters and cardigans
• Airy shawls and wraps
• Delicate scarves
• Holding together with another yarn for a halo

Working with it

McIntosh gives a wide range: US 3–8 (3–5 mm) needles or hooks for 18–25 stitches and 23–34 rows to 4 inches. Larger needles make an open, sheer fabric; smaller ones give a denser haze. When holding it with another yarn, swatch both strands together, since the halo changes how the gauge reads. Haloed yarns grip themselves and are slow to rip back, so a lifeline is worth adding in lace. Expect slight variation between hand-dyed skeins.

Care

McIntosh lists hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry. Squeeze gently in a towel rather than wringing. Once dry, a light shake helps lift the halo.