Posts tagged Bio Shetland
Bio Shetland | Three New Shades!
NEW - Bio Shetland - BC Garn - Loom & Spindle-10.jpg

Three New Bio Shetland Shades!

Bio Shetland by BC Garn is a 100% wool, Shetland style yarn with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification.

The woollen spun 2 ply construction yields a light smooth fabric with unexpectedly insulating results when knit or woven.

A number of shades are infused with a melange of colour made possible by ‘dyeing in the wool’, a process where the wool fibres are dyed prior to spinning.

With its GOTS certification, this yarn meets strict ecological and social criteria to ensure the entire supply chain meets the leading worldwide standard for organic textile production.

You’ll find Bio Shetland ideal for a range of woven and knit pieces, with particularly stunning results when working colourwork and lace details in the knitted fabric.

Now in three new shades - Pale Pink (66), Light Grey (41) and Medium Grey (42).

 
 
 

More About Bio Shetland

THE YARN

FIBRE CONTENT: 100% Pure Wool
NET WEIGHT: 50g (1.75oz) per skein
YARN WEIGHT EQUIVALENT: Light Fingering / 3 ply
APPROX. YARDAGE: 280m (306yd)
CONSTRUCTION: Woollen spun, 2 plies, light twist
ORIGIN: Dyed and milled in Turkey
CARE: Cold hand wash (see notes below)

Colourways Available

GAUGE

KNITTING

24-32 stitches over 10cm, using 2.5-4mm needles (6-8 stitches per inch, US size 2-6 needles)

CROCHET

2.25-3.5mm hook (US size B-1 - E-4 hook)

WEAVING FOR YARDAGE

12 epi (50 ends / 10cm)

TAPESTRY WEAVING (WEFT FACED WEAVES)

4 epi (16 ends / 10cm) – 6-8 strands
6 epi (24 ends / 10cm) – 4-6 strands
8 epi (32 ends / 10cm) – 2-4 Strands

FELTING

Work the piece 10% to 20% larger than the intended size. It’s highly recommended that a test swatch be made applying your intended finishing technique to assess the variables of the fabric.

PROJECT SUGGESTIONS

Bio Shetland GOTS is suitable for a range of knit and crochet pieces. For project inspiration check out our pattern favourites on RAVELRY.

ABOUT GOTS CERTIFICATION

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading textile processing standard for organic fibres. The aim is to define and maintain an internationally recognized requirement to ensure the organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials through to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, in order to provide credible assurance to the end consumer. To learn more about the standard and certification process please visit www.global-standard.org.

ABOUT BC GARN

BC Garn is a family run business based in Germany. They are known for their selection of natural fibres and extensive colour palettes. They produce a collection of GOTS certified yarns.

 
 
 
 
 

LET’S GET STARTED…

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…

It's Here! Our new 2021 Bio Shetland Colour Palette
Loom & Spindle - Bio Shetland-1.jpg

We Now Have 30 Shades!

Bio Shetland by BC Garn is a 100% wool, Shetland style yarn with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification.

The woollen spun 2 ply construction yields a light smooth fabric with unexpectedly insulating results when knit or woven.

A number of shades are infused with a melange of colour made possible by ‘dyeing in the wool’, a process where the wool fibres are dyed prior to spinning.

With its GOTS certification, this yarn meets strict ecological and social criteria to ensure the entire supply chain meets the leading worldwide standard for organic textile production.

You’ll find Bio Shetland ideal for a range of woven and knit pieces, with particularly stunning results when working colourwork and lace details in the knitted fabric.


THE YARN

FIBRE CONTENT: 100% Pure Wool
NET WEIGHT: 50g (1.75oz) per skein
YARN WEIGHT EQUIVALENT: Light Fingering / 3 ply
APPROX. YARDAGE: 280m (306yd)
CONSTRUCTION: Woollen spun, 2 plies, light twist
ORIGIN: Dyed and milled in Turkey
CARE: Cold hand wash (see notes below)

Colourways Available

WORKING THE YARN

Bio Shetland is suitable for most fibre crafts, including knitting, crochet, tapestry and weaving for yardage. You’ll find gauge suggestions for various crafts below. You may also like to check out our project suggestions on RAVELRY.

GAUGE SUGGESTIONS

The gauge information below can be used as guidance when planning your projects. We always recommend that you swatch to determine a configuration that results in the ideal fabric and hand feel for your project.

KNITTING

24-32 stitches over 10cm, using 2.5-4mm needles (6-8 stitches per inch, US size 2-6 needles)

CROCHET

2.25-3.5mm hook (US size B-1 - E-4 hook)

WEAVING FOR YARDAGE

12 epi (50 ends / 10cm)

TAPESTRY WEAVING (WEFT FACED WEAVES)

4 epi (16 ends / 10cm) – 6-8 strands
6 epi (24 ends / 10cm) – 4-6 strands
8 epi (32 ends / 10cm) – 2-4 Strands

FELTING

Work the piece 10% to 20% larger than the intended size. It’s highly recommended that a test swatch be made applying your intended finishing technique to assess the variables of the fabric.

ABOUT GOTS CERTIFICATION

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading textile processing standard for organic fibres. The aim is to define and maintain an internationally recognized requirement to ensure the organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials through to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, in order to provide credible assurance to the end consumer. To learn more about the standard and certification process please visit www.global-standard.org.

ABOUT BC GARN

BC Garn is a family run business based in Germany. They are known for their selection of natural fibres and extensive colour palettes. They produce a collection of GOTS certified yarns.

 
 
 
 

LET’S GET STARTED…

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…

Child and Mam, A Handknit Sweater Project
Child and Mam (Child) - Pattern By Junko Okamoto - Studio Project by Loom & Spindle-2.jpg
Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors.
— African Proverb

As a textile maker I love the challenge of a new project - learning about a new yarn or fibre, tackling a new construction method or perhaps just practicing a not so familiar technique.

With its irresistibly cute sailor collar and classic red on white colourwork detail, Junko Okamoto’s Child and Mam children’s sweater embodied all three of these challenges for me.

Knit in BC Garn’s Bio Shetland, a new yarn for me, I detail below my experience knitting two-colour colourwork and working a sailor collar in the knitted fabric.

Enjoy!

Andrea - Loom & Spindle


PROJECT: Child and Mam

Child and Mam (Child) - Pattern By Junko Okamoto - Studio Project by Loom & Spindle-7.jpg

INTENTION

Knit the Child and Mam sweater and explore:

  • Working with a Shetland style yarn

  • Working two-colour colourwork flat

  • Sailor collar construction in the knitted fabric

Child and Mam (Child) - Pattern By Junko Okamoto - Studio Project by Loom & Spindle-1-1.jpg

SKILLS

  • Casting on and off

  • Knitting flat and in the round

  • Reading colourwork charts

  • Increasing and decreasing

  • Short row shaping

  • Two-colour colourwork worked flat

TOOLS

  • Knitting needles – 3.25 mm (US 3) and 3.75 mm (US 5) circular needles.
    I used Chiaogoo Spin Bamboo Interchangables.

MATERIALS

 

PATTERN

The Child and Mam (Child) pattern was published by Junko Okamoto in September 2015 and is available for free download at Ravelry.

Pattern available for sizes 3, 4 and 5 years old.

I knit a size 4, finished chest circumference 102.5cm (40.3’’)

PROCESS

YARN SELECTION

  • The red on white styling of Junko’s original version is what really drew me to this project.

  • To recreate the look with one of our shop yarns I sampled BC Garn’s Bio Shetland, a rustic Shetland style yarn built for colourwork.

  • I used the colourways Sheep White, a lightly heathered natural shade, and the eye-popping Cherry Red. 

Child and Mam (Child) - Pattern By Junko Okamoto - Studio Project by Loom & Spindle-16.JPG

COLOURWORK

  • Having swatched to determine gauge and needle size, I began the project as the pattern directs and worked the collar using the two contrasting colours.

  • Working the colourwork flat, I paid close attention to maintaining an even tension particularly when working the purl-side of the fabric, and neatly interlocked the two contrasting yarns at the edge of the patterned area.

  • The chart was clear, but I did trip up on the chevron pattern where the centre section has five rows and the outer sections have four. Having missed that fifth row I quickly realised my mistake when the following row was misaligned, I was able to rip back and correct it without issue.

Child and Mam (Child) - Pattern By Junko Okamoto - Studio Project by Loom & Spindle-4.jpg

CONSTRUCTION

  • The pattern was knit top-down in one piece combining elements that were either worked flat or in-the-round.

  • I did find it hard to visualise how the collar and neck shaping would come together. I put my faith in the pattern and continued working as the pattern directed.

  • Junko details some clever short row shaping for the left and right sides of the neck. These two elements eventually join at the front with an overlap of fabric, a nice detail.

  • More short row shaping raised the back neck for a comfortable fit.

  • I must admit that I didn’t tackle the Japanese short rows as suggested, instead I used the wrap-and-turn technique achieving the same outcome. I’ll have to investigate this new technique for next time.

  • Knitting the remainder of the garment was quite straight forward and came together without problem.

Child and Mam (Child) - Pattern By Junko Okamoto - Studio Project by Loom & Spindle-14.jpg
Child and Mam (Child) - Pattern By Junko Okamoto - Studio Project by Loom & Spindle-5.jpg

FINISHING

To finish, the sweater was immersed in a bath of cool water for around 10 minutes, the water was drained, and the sweater pressed between towels to remove the excess. The piece was pinned out on a blocking matt, attention given to shaping the sweater and aligning the colourwork.

Once dry the gauge measured at: 

  • 20 stitches over 10cm (4'')

  • 32 rows over 10cm (4'')

  • Chest circumference, 102.5cm (40.3’’) 

Total meterage:

  • Approx. 313m (342y).

  • The finished garment weighed just 95g (3.35oz)!

Child and Mam (Child) - Pattern By Junko Okamoto - Studio Project by Loom & Spindle-11.jpg
Child and Mam (Child) - Pattern By Junko Okamoto - Studio Project by Loom & Spindle-3.jpg

INSIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Yarn

  • Bio Shetland is a toothy yarn perfect for colourwork.

  • It produced a light and airy fabric with a rustic hand-feel.

  • The subtle grey heather in the natural shade gives the garment a rustic character.

  • Though Bio Shetland is a lighter yarn than what was originally used in the pattern I had no trouble achieving gauge.

Colourwork

  • The colourwork chart was clear and easy to follow.

  • The classic red on white palette definitely makes this a standout piece.

  • The colourwork is limited to the collar section making it a great first colourwork project.

Construction

  • The short row shaping was really interesting and not something I’d tried before for a collar construction.

  • It definitely helped that I was already familiar with the short-row technique, I wouldn’t say it was impossible if you’re giving it a go for the first time.

Child and Mam (Child) - Pattern By Junko Okamoto - Studio Project by Loom & Spindle-2.jpg

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, this is a great design that worked up relatively quickly.

The yarn was great on yardage, the final count coming in under what the pattern suggested.

I love the sailor collar, such a unique design element. It would be perfect for any little sailors in your life.

And if you were thinking you’d like one too, Junko also has an adult version. And yes, it’s FREE. Thanks, Junko!


THANK YOU FOR READING!

Would you like to save this project for later?

Add it to your Ravelry favourites HERE.


Knitting Child and Mam (Child) in Bio Shetland?

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Size 3 years - MC: 2 skeins, CC: 1 Skein

  • Size 4 years - MC: 2 skeins, CC: 1 Skein

  • Size 5 years - MC: 3 skeins, CC: 1 Skein

Yarn Kit | Child and Mam
from $35.70
Size:
Kit Colour:
Add To Cart
 

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Child and Mam (Child) - Pattern By Junko Okamoto - Studio Project by Loom & Spindle-8.jpg

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Introducing Bio Shetland By BC Garn
Loom & Spindle - Bio Shetland-1.jpg

Bio Shetland By BC Garn is a 100% wool, Shetland style yarn with Global  Organic  Textile Standard (GOTS) certification.

The worsted spun, 2 ply construction yields a smooth and drapey fabric with unexpectedly light results when knit or woven.

Each shade is infused with a melange of colour made possible by ‘dyeing in the wool’, where the wool fibres are dyed prior to spinning, making the palette vibrate.

With its GOTS certification, this yarn meets strict ecological and social criteria to ensure the entire supply chain meets the leading worldwide standard for organic textile production.

You’ll find Bio Shetland ideal for a range of woven and knit pieces, with particularly stunning results when working colourwork and lace details in the knitted fabric.


THE YARN

FIBRE CONTENT: 100% Pure Wool
NET WEIGHT: 50g (1.75oz) per skein
YARN WEIGHT EQUIVALENT: Light Fingering / 3 ply
APPROX. YARDAGE: 280m (306yd)
CONSTRUCTION: Worsted spun, 2 plies, light twist
ORIGIN: Dyed and milled in Turkey
CARE: Cold hand wash (see notes below)

Colourways Available

GAUGE

KNITTING

24-32 stitches over 10cm, using 2.5-4mm needles (6-8 stitches per inch, US size 2-6 needles)

CROCHET

2.25-3.5mm hook (US size B-1 - E-4 hook)

WEAVING FOR YARDAGE

12 epi (50 ends / 10cm)

TAPESTRY WEAVING (WEFT FACED WEAVES)

4 epi (16 ends / 10cm) – 6-8 strands
6 epi (24 ends / 10cm) – 4-6 strands
8 epi (32 ends / 10cm) – 2-4 Strands

FELTING

Work the piece 10% to 20% larger than the intended size. It’s highly recommended that a test swatch be made applying your intended finishing technique to assess the variables of the fabric.

PROJECT SUGGESTIONS

Bio Shetland GOTS is suitable for a range of knit and crochet pieces. For project inspiration check out our pattern favourites on RAVELRY.

ABOUT GOTS CERTIFICATION

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading textile processing standard for organic fibres. The aim is to define and maintain an internationally recognized requirement to ensure the organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials through to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, in order to provide credible assurance to the end consumer. To learn more about the standard and certification process please visit www.global-standard.org.

ABOUT BC GARN

BC Garn is a family run business based in Germany. They are known for their selection of natural fibres and extensive colour palettes. They produce a collection of GOTS certified yarns.

 
 
 
 

LET’S GET STARTED…

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…