Breed Specific Swatch: Handspun Corriedale

I'm back again with another breed specific swatch: some of my handspun Corriedale. I bought this at my first-ever fiber festival, and I'm really loving it. I also have some millspun yarn from the same farm, and it could not be more different than this yarn. I'm knitting a pair of socks  from the millspun yarn, and will hopefully do a swatch from the leftovers - it will be interesting to see how different preparations create different fabrics!

​Breed: Corriedale

Wool Category: Medium-soft

Source: Notlwonk Springs

Form: Came to me as roving, which I spun

Preparation: Woolen spun, two-ply

Weight: Fingering/Sport weight

Color: Dark oatmeal

Initial thoughts on use: Sweaters, blankets, mittens.  The yarn is very light and springy, with a bit of a halo. Would work for cables if I was going for a soft appearance, but wouldn't give crisp stitch definition.

Swatch details: 32 stitches, worked in stockinette stitch with a garter stitch border. Worked on size 4US/3.5 mm needles.

Notes on Knitting: Enjoyable to knit with. The yarn is very springy, so it is quite easy on my hands to work with.

Notes on washing, blocking, and wearing: Washed by soaking in cool water with Eucalan, then rinsed. Blocked by squeezing out water gently, laid flat on towel to dry. Once dry, rubbed swatch vigorously against itself 50 times - very little evidence of pilling or wear.

Dimensions of washed, blocked swatch: 5.5 inches wide by 5.5 inches high. These were also the dimensions unwashed and unblocked.

Notes on feel of washed, blocked, worn swatch: Fabric is soft to the touch and has very little "prickle" when held next to the neck. It is very lightweight and does not have much drape.

Notes on perceived longevity of this wool: The longevity of this wool will depend on how it's knit. A tighter gauge will hold up to more wear, while a looser gauge would be suitable for a lighter-duty application.

Thoughts on use and applications: I plan to use this wool to knit a lightweight cardigan. It would also be lovely as a lightweight blanket.

Overall impression: This wool was wonderful to spin, and I enjoyed knitting with it. I'm impressed by the softness, especially after washing. 

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