Lanalpaca

Lanalpaca is a super bulky yarn from Urth Yarns, an even blend of 50% merino wool and 50% super baby alpaca. Each 100-gram skein holds 77 yards (70 meters). Urth describes it as a modern take on a classic loop yarn, and its colors are designed to coordinate with the brand's 16 Collection.

The merino gives it spring and the alpaca brings softness and warmth, along with a gentle halo that blurs the stitches. Because it's so thick, projects grow fast and the fabric has real presence. The colors take their names from stones and minerals like jasper, lapis, malachite and topaz.

It's ideal for last-minute gifts and for knitters who want a satisfying, quick project. A hat or chunky cowl can be an evening or two of work.

Best for

• Chunky hats and earwarmers
• Quick cowls and short scarves
• Cozy pillows and small throws
• Accent pieces paired with Urth's other colorways

Working with it

The suggested needle is a US 11; the catalog doesn't list a stitch gauge, so follow your pattern and swatch to check. With a yarn this thick, a stitch or two either way makes a big difference in size, so measure carefully over as wide a swatch as you can spare. Smooth wooden or bamboo needles help it glide. Yardage per skein is short, so check quantities with the yarn estimator before you buy; the weight calculator helps with substitutions.

Care

The catalog doesn't give care instructions. For a merino and alpaca blend, hand wash gently in cool water with a wool wash, press out the water without wringing and dry flat. Avoid heat and agitation, which can felt both fibers.