Yarns we love

Bergère de France Cyclone

This fancy, fuzzy aran weight yarn has hooked on to one of this season’s big trends – faux fur and oversized texture. You really need to do very little with this to create an impact, as the simplest of fabrics are transformed into avariegated, downy dream. However, the loopy hairiness of the yarn does make it a little harder to hook with and you may experience some snagging.78% acrylic/18% wool/4% polyester • 50g/85m/93yds
£3.95 from www.loveknitting.com

Rowan Big Wool Colour

This classic yarn has been given a fabulous twist with these variegated colours. The luxury feel of the standard Big Wool is here, but with an added element of fun in the soft slubs of lightly spun brightly coloured fleece. The palette is gorgeous – jewel-like tones mixed with neutrals to create shades that almost sparkle.

96% wool/4% polyamide • 100g/80m/87yds
£9.45 from www.blacksheepwools.com

Létt-Lopi Icelandic wool

A gorgeous traditional lopi, this strong, hardwearing yarn is great for keeping you warm and comfortable both inside and outdoors. Létt-Lopi literally means light lopi, and the aran weight creates toasty and perfectly wearable garments without being too restrictive. The roving construction

combined with a coarse hairiness make this an easy yarn to crochet with.

100% wool • 50g/100m/109yds
£3.49 from www.celticove.com

DMC Mia

Mia is a super-bulky yet lightweight yarn, great for winter accessories that will fly off the hook. The yarn is loosely spun for a softer finish, but the five strands are plied so slackly that it causes a bit of a problem when working, as it is so easy to insert your hook through the yarn rather than round it.

Hook this yarn slowly to avoid snagging.

80% hypoallergenic polyacrylic microfibre/20% wool • 100g/33m/36yds
£6.42 from www.knitandsew.co.uk

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick

It is great to finally see this popular US brand available this side of the pond. The handle of this yarn belies its high man-made content – it has the warmth and robustness of wool but with the easy care of acrylic. The strong twist creates a lovely stitch definition, and the bulky weight means that the fabric works up very quickly and comfortably.

82% acrylic/10% wool/8% rayon • 170g/97m/106yds
£6.99 from www.deramores.com