If you’ve been knitting for a while, you’ve heard about the glories of Australian wool — but do you know why we prize Merino wool, and why Australian wool is spoken of in hushed tones of admiration? The advent of Pear Tree yarn at fibre space gives us a chance to talk about exactly what makes Australian Merino the best of the best.
Australian Merinos are known for the softness of their wool and the brightness of its color. The first Merinos were brought to Australia in the late 1700s, and as shepherds bred them for the Australian climate they developed a fine, bright wool that is highly prized today. If you know your Knitters’ Book of Wool (available at the shop! get ’em while supplies last!) you know that Merinos offer some of the finest fleece in the sheep world.
Now, Pear Tree Yarn offers their line from only the best of Australian fibre. So you know you’re getting “the best of the best” with them. Meanwhile, Pear Tree also ensures that the fibre is grown and the yarn is processed using ethical and environmentally sustainable practices. We’re very excited to add Pear Tree to the fibre space treasure trove – come grab some while it’ still in the box, for 10 percent off!
Did You Know?
- Australia has been exporting wool since 1807 – more than 200 years.
- Of the more than 90 million sheep in the Australian flock (that’s a lot of wool!), 89 percent are Merinos.
- One of the most famous paintings in Australia is Tom Roberts’ 1890 Shearing the Rams, which celebrates pastoral life and the work of sheep shearers.
- This past June, the famous painting was re-enacted in New South Wales. Here’s a video about the re-enactment.
Project Heaven
So, which of these will you make with your haul of Pear Tree?
Crown of Leaves – Twist Collective Fall 2010
The Greenfield Cardigan from the book New England Knits (also available at the shop!)
Milly from Knitty First Fall 2010
Ivydene by Woolly Wormhead (ravelry download for ~$5)
So many options, so little time! Who’s up for a knitalong?