Island Blend Fine

Island Blend Fine is a fingering-weight yarn of 70% Falkland Islands merino, 15% silk and 15% baby alpaca, with 180 yards in each 50 g ball. Rowan describes the wool as organically farmed, from sheep grazing natural pasture.

It's spun into a neat two-ply with a gentle sheen. The merino and alpaca make it warm for its weight, the silk adds luster, and the colors have a heathered depth. Rowan describes the finished fabric as smooth and drapey, with clear stitch definition.

This is the finer sister to Rowan's Island Blend, meant for accessories and lightweight garments. It suits knitters who like fine-gauge work and want something a little special for a shawl or a close-fitting layer.

Best for

• Lace and textured shawls
• Lightweight fitted cardigans and tees
• Fine-gauge scarves and wraps
• Accessories that show off subtle color

Working with it

Rowan suggests US 3 needles at 26 stitches and 34 rows to 4 inches. The silk gives the fabric drape, so it can relax a little after blocking; wash and dry your swatch before measuring. The yarn is smooth and easy to work, and it holds lace and twisted stitches crisply.

Care

Rowan lists hand wash cold, dry flat in the shade, no ironing, no tumble drying and no dry cleaning. Use a gentle wool wash and lukewarm-to-cool water, and lay flat to dry. Our natural fiber guide covers wool, alpaca and silk in more depth.