The Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Bulky is here! And we’re buried! Hellllp usss…. You know, by snatching some of this stuff up while you can!
In case you missed the news, NFC just launched this yarn at Rhinebeck. The brand new base is 100% superfine Merino (yum, and which also means handwash only) and a generous 140 yards. The Rustic Bulky knits up 1.5-2.5 stitches per inch on a US 13-17 (depending on gauge, naturally). It is, in a word, delicious. (And before you question that, yes, yarn can absolutely be delicious.) It’s a bit of a splurge at $50 a skein, but its size more than makes up for it. You only need one skein for the projects we’ve picked out for you (and sometimes only half a skein!). More on that in a minute.
First, the colors!
So, what should I make?
All the things! Well. We have narrowed the list for you but you still have lots to choose from (and many are free patterns!). These are fantastic instant gratification and/or gift projects (but only if they are knitworthy, amIright?). Break out those giant needles or hooks and get started already!
Cowls!
We’ll kick this off with a pattern by one of our favorite designers, Ann Weaver, which she knit up in — here’s a shock — something bright!
The MEGACOWL (isn’t that the most appropriate name ever, btw?) works up in just one skein of Rustic Bulky. It’s worked flat, starting with a provisional cast on, and then kitchenered together at the end. And it looks soooo cozy! (Did you hear it snowed at Rhinebeck? In October?!)
Another more basic cowl that also happens to be a free pattern, is Marian, from Jane “This Cowl Is Very Serious” Richmond. You only need 83 yards for this, so you might be able to eke out two cowls if you make it a bit smaller (by casting on fewer stitches or knitting a skinnier cowl). Cowls for everyone!
I just love this one. Granted I am probably swayed by the rainbow-y-ness of the sample shot, but, so pretty! Another free pattern, the Rainbow Twist cowl by Thao Nguyen calls for 80 to 90 yards. It’s less likely you’d be able to fudge this into two cowls because of the advertised “twist,” but maybe try for this cowl + some mittens — up next!
Mitt(en)s!
The free Lightning Fast Mittens pattern calls for 90 yards, but that’s just what was in the skein of yarn the pattern was written for. Most of the projects that actually weighed their skein post-knitting used closer to 60 yards. Which means one skein of Rustic Bulky just might equal a Rainbow Twist Cowl and some Lightning Fast Mittens. Give it a shot!
And here are some mitts for those of you who are anti-full-hand-coverage. The (yes, free) Green Giant Fingerless Mitts are, per the designer, knit up densely, so you’d probably actually be OK to go outside in the tundra of DC with the tips of your fingers exposed and not lose them to frostbite. (Note: We are not doctors. Don’t listen to us.) You need 80ish yards to make these. Also: Cables!
Hats!
J’adore cables. Did I mention? This free (are you noticing a trend?) pattern, called the Lula Louise Chunky Cable Knit Hat, uses 60 to 80 yards, depending on the size you make. Now it’s hats for everyone! Do note: This pattern is written to knit flat, but some people did modify it to knit in the round.
OK, OK. If modifying a free pattern to make it easier to knit is too much, we have two old standby freebies that are both super easy and super quick to knit. The first is this one, The Vermonter by Abi Gregorio. You need between 80 to 90 yards to knit this, pom-pom included.
Our second standby is The Big Hat (90 to 100 yards needed). You may recognize this as the hat we’ve knit many, many times out of the Freia Super Bulky (because, ombre). This hat would be so pretty in your favorite NFC colorway, too. (Rock Creek Park addiction, activate!) You could always change it up and make a pom-pom out of a contrasting color, too, just for fun out of stash/leftovers. Or hunt down one of those faux fur pom-poms for something really different — and to save some yardage for more hats!
Crochet ideas!
The (free!) Basic Chunky Cowl by Olivia Kent doesn’t tell you how much yardage you need on the pattern, but projects used anywhere from 160 to 180 yards. It is very customizable!
I actually made this (yep, free!) Chunky Ribbed Twisted Cowl last year as a gift and it’s super quick to work up. You do have to sew it together at the end, but this works out to be wrapped at least twice around the neck so the seam is hidden when worn. You’d need one full skein of Rustic Bulky to make this.
OK this one isn’t free. But it’s so pretty, and a unique design. Worth it! The Shelby Slouchy Beanie should only need about 90 yards of the Rustic Bulky.