Decanted by you!

An ode to our wonderful customers …………

Here at wool decanted we’re thrilled and excited

(even quite emotional) about your feedback on our vintage 20 yarn. The feedback and the images of the beautiful garments you’ve been making have really inspired us to keep moving forward on our wool journey, encouraging more and more makers to use British wool yarn.

When we set out….

to develop a new 100% British wool yarn we wanted to make SOFTNESS one of the key characteristics, to demonstrate the versatility of fine British wool.  We wanted ‘next to skin’ softness.  We were clear that we’d like to encourage all makers to consider British wool as part of their yarn choices. And so began the wool journey that created our signature yarn, vintage 20.

Julie Moyes, Knitpurloops (Ravelry)

“I love the colours together and the very best thing of all is I can wear something with Shetland in. It really is a big thing for me being able to wear your wool next to my skin”

What makes vintage 20 so soft?

First it’s the blend of fibres we use. We were fortunate enough to be able to work with Sue Blacker*, who was a recognised expert in the unique qualities of wool from different British sheep breeds, and how to get the best from them. Together we decided to blend the wool fibres from two of Britain’s softest breeds, Shetland and Bluefaced Leicester sheep in a recipe that combines the best characteristics of the two breeds. The well-known Bluefaced Leicester fibre adds sheen and brightness to the yarn.  The Shetland fibre, which is fine and fluffy, provides resilience and stretch.

All our wool fibres are fully traceable to individually selected British farms.  We know the farmers and their sheep and we are building longer term relationships with them to make our yarn production sustainable. 

Marina Skua, Knitwear Designer

“I loved working with this yarn, it’s beautifully fine and knits up into a fabric that has the perfect balance of stitch definition and softness.”

Next it’s the spinning.  We worked with the technicians at the mill to agree spinning specifications of 2/9Nm and 4/9Nm, equivalent to 4ply and DK weights.  The 2 plies give a stretchy twist to the yarn and make it nicely elastic.  Then we agreed it should be worsted spun, a process in which all the fibres are combed parallel, with short fibres combed out, to create a soft, smooth and lustrous yarn.

Lucy Ovington, werewools (Instagram)

“This yarn is incredible. Can’t wait to finish the shawl as it looks lovely and feels amazing”

And how does it knit up?

Finished garments knitted in vintage 20 feel soft and drapey, whilst retaining strength and durability.  The smoothness of the yarn gives excellent stitch definition, and the finished fabric feels soft and luxurious against the skin.  BUT DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT ……. we asked you to try our British yarn, get to know it, and use it to make something to treasure.  And you did!.........

Decanted by you!

First we have a beautiful wrap, a project knitted by Kicki (Ravelry: kroker). Kicki commented “ I just wanted to share my decanted scarf/wrap. 

I started out making an “ordinary” striped scarf, but then thought it didn’t do the yarn and colours any justice, so I frogged it and decided to do a double knit version of the Funchal Möbius wrap instead.” This versatile wrap is a design by Kate Davies Designs, and I’m sure you’ll agree Kicki has created a fabulous version in vintage 20 Shepherds Delight and Natural colourways.

Next we have a sweet cardi knitted by Julie Moyes (Ravelry: knitpurloops)  

It’s the paulie cardigan by Isabell Kraemer completed by Julie in a vintage 20 Silver Ripple and Lazy Hazy colour combo. Delightful!

Julie said “Thank you for all the effort you put into your yarn and your first show where we met on my birthday!”

Look at the detail in this! It’s been expertly knitted by Lucy Ovington (Instagram: werewools)

This is the Wild Flowers shawl designed by Katya Gorbachev as part of Laine Magazine’s 52 Weeks of Shawls. Amongst her many glowing comments Lucy said “wool decanted not only have amazing yarn…. but their ethos is wonderful”. She went on to say “…BFL and Shetland blended to make the most glorious yarn imaginable”

Thank you Lucy!

Drypoteris top knitted by Amanda

Dryopteris top knitted by Harriet

And here are two exquisite examples of the Dryopteris top, designed by Marina Skua in wool decanted vintage 20 4ply. On the left is the top in Shepherds Delight, knitted by Amanda O’Dell (Instagram: Amanda O’Dell 754), who wrote “Thank you @marinaskua for the fabulous design and @wooldecanted for the yarn that is so fine and gorgeous to work with”.

The image on the right shows Harriet (Instagram: harrietwildwoodstitches) modelling her top, knitted up in the Natural. She commented “I’ve seen this being worn on its own and the yarn is certainly soft enough for me to do that but it’s been a bit chilly …. I do think it’s going to be perfect for layering this Autumn”. Demonstrating nicely how versatile this beautiful Dryopteris top is.

Finally, we have the totally amazing Debbie Lewis modelling her equally amazing version of the Hana sweater by Junko Odamoto. Debbie has knitted her sweater in vintage 20 DK, in Natural and Lazy Hazy.

Hana sweater is knitted flat and the front and back are each made up of three pieces, that are knitted using a modular technique. Once the body and sleeves are finished, the shoulders, sleeves and body seams are sewn together by embroidery - which Debbie has done in Lazy Hazy. Looks fabulous!

Debbie said “I really LOVED using your yarn. Your yarn knitted up like a dream. Blocked really well and I completely love the great colour. Thank you so much for producing such a great yarn in the UK.”

Vintage 20 - take a bow!

And to everyone who has contributed to our wool journey so far - thank you, thank you! You are stars!

Big enormous “thank you!” to everyone who took the time to send us photos of the lovely projects you’ve made in our yarn. It’s really quite humbling to see our little project come to fruition and know that our British wool has been decanted by you and made into beautiful garments that will last a lifetime. Just as we hoped.

Wishing you a wonderful September. Quite a bit more coming from us this month - keep watching your inbox! And keep sending your pics - we love them!

Lots of love

Linda xx

*Sadly, Sue passed away in April 2021.  We will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with her, however briefly, and we have dedicated vintage 20 in her memory.  It will always remain the beautiful yarn that she helped create.