by: Gretchen

Item of the week: Eco Duo by Cascade

February 10th, 2018 by Gretchen | Posted in General News, Knitting, SM_TPE |

Featured: Eco Duo by Cascade

This winter we’ve been hearing the term “arctic blast” a little too often! The upside is our appreciation for all things warm. Our shop here in Maine is in an old textile factory building, which is a great space, but the post and beam construction of the early 1900’s wasn’t known for offering excellent insulation. While we do our best to keep it cozy in the store most of us grab an extra layer from the shop samples on especially cold days. Which brings me to my recent favorite, the unbelievable toasty, incredibly soft, knits-like-butter Cascade Eco Duo, Baby Alpaca and Merino Yarn.

Cascade Eco Duo, Baby Alpaca and Merino Yarn

We’ve carried this yarn for several years, but for those of you that haven’t yet met it I’m delighted to introduce you. Last weekend I wore the Cabled Pullover and was toasty warm all day – and several folks left with the pattern in hand!

Eco Duo is a blend of 70% Baby Alpaca and 30% Merino Wool. It’s a standard worsted weight yarn and with ample yardage and a beautiful hand it is enjoyed by both knitters and weavers. The elegant natural colors and subtle graduated shading in a loose, roving style twist make Eco Duo a dream yarn for hats, scarves, cowls, and sweaters. The alpaca is warm and silky, while the merino provides just a bit more body and memory than alpaca would have on its own.

(Click on patterns below for specific yarn and needle requirements.)

Regular Price: $19.00

Yarn: 70% Undyed Baby Alpaca, 30% Undyed Merino Wool • Wash by hand in cold water and lay flat to dry. 197 yards/100 gram skein.

Knit gauge: 4.5 stitches per inch on a US size #8 needle.

Knitters, Eco Duo works beautifully in most worsted weight patterns. if you want to mix Cascade Eco Duo, Baby Alpaca and Merino Yarn with a solid color, the Moonshine by Juniper Moon Farm Yarn is a very close match in gauge and style so the two will work well together or can be used interchangeably in patterns.

Cascade Eco Duo, Baby Alpaca and Merino Yarn

Moonshine by Juniper Moon Farm Yarn

Weaving Tip: The soft twist makes it tricky to use in warps, but paired with a finer warp it easily becomes a favorite for subdued, natural colored scarves or a throw blanket. Try a warp of JaggerSpun Maine Line 2/8 Yarn.

JaggerSpun Maine Line 2/8 Yarn

Recommendations:

The following patterns by Cascade are free when you order any quantity of Eco Duo yarn. Be sure to put the pattern(s) in your shopping cart so we can include them with your order!