We're all about Elmer and Birdie this weekend! These two bases can do everything, both solo and together. A couple shop favorites and a new pattern are taking the spotlight—Awilda is a fantastic sport-weight colorwork sweater by Caitlin Hunter, which we have kits available here, and the Betwixt Shawl is a forever fave in our free pattern lineup. The Jaunty shawl is a new pattern from Andrea Mowry that is designed to use any gauge of handspun yarn, and we think Elmer would be the perfect substitute!

COLORS

Biscotti: A toasty biscotti neutral balanced with a rosey undertone.
Caffe: A luscious cinnamon brown with a hint of caramel and chestnut.
Coastal Gray: An inky smudge where water meets the sky in a darkening blue twilight.
Frayed Jeans: A dimensional faded blue with streaks that lean purple and others warm, with an overall neutral undertone that pairs beautifully with so many colors just like your favorite jeans.
Laine Green: A classic medium green, brighter than Frog Rock.
Loam: A color that's not just brown or green, it's defined by its depth; oh so broody and magical. It goes with everything, just like in nature; the perfect foil for brights and the best companion for neutrals and classic colors both warm and cool.
Poppy: A quintessential bright and balanced red. Vibrant like its namesake: a red Poppy flower.
Robin: A balance of warm and cool, Robin is a red-lover’s red. It’s everywhere this time of year—think red-breasted birds in the snow, jars of paprika and saffron ready for all the cold-weather recipes.
Springfield: A dark rose mauve at the intersection of pink, purple, and brown. Equal parts elegant, romantic, and earthy.
Waverly: A warm caramel and browned butter hue, with golden undertones.

FIBER CONTENT

Birdie
Light Fingering, 328 yds / 50 g
74% Baby Suri Alpaca, 26% Silk
Birdie is known for its drape, this gorgeously soft baby suri alpaca yarn is blended with silk for strength. Birdie is the perfect alternative for those desiring a fluffy halo, but are allergic or sensitive to mohair. When held with another yarn, Birdie gives more opaque coverage than Mho Mho. Try it held single for a diaphanous effect, or doubled with itself, or another yarn, for more substance. To note: colors take slightly lighter to Birdie and its sisters, than to other bases.

Elmer
Heavy Fingering / Sport, 400 yds / 100 g
80% Merino, 20% Cashmere
Elmer is a woolen spun Merino/Cashmere blend. Like Elmer Tweed, it's rustic with a beautiful texture and richness. It’s fantastic on its own and perfect for colorwork. It’s light, lofty, and holds its shape beautifully. All the hold and snap back of wool with a whisper of cashmere for softness and halo. This workhorse, I-can-do-anything yarn is a shop favorite. Elmer also knits spectacularly well at a sport weight.