We have another new fun fall yarn arrival in the shop this week – Manos del Uruguay Franca. Franca now comes in fun variegated colors, including a few speckles. (The Cincuenta colorway is a celebration of Manos del Uruguay’s 50th anniversary!) With its bulky gauge in a hefty 150 gram skein, this yarn will be your go to this season for quick gift making.
About Franca
- 100% superwash Merino
- 114 yards / 105 mts per 150 grams
- Gauge: 10 sts per 4″
- Suggested needle: US#13-15 (9-10mm)
- Machine wash or handwash in cool water. Dry flat.
- $36
About Manos del Uruguay
Manos del Uruguay is a non-profit social organization which, since 1968, has provided jobs for craftswomen living in Uruguay rural areas. In 2009, Manos del Uruguay was accepted as a member of the World Fair Trade Organization, which operates in 70 countries and brings together more than 350 organizations committed to Fair Trade.
Their mission is to eradicate poverty through sustainable economic growth, enabling craftspeople to improve the quality of their craft products, so that they can earn a living and continue their personal development.
The craftswomen are the owners of Manos del Uruguay and part of a non-profit association that generates work for rural women. They spin their yarns by hand, then dye them in vibrant colors, making the Manos palette something unique, special, and recognizable worldwide.
Project Ideas
All three of these patterns are free, so you can make plenty of cozy projects for holiday gift giving. (Remember to make a set for yourself!)
Quick Franca Mitts take just one skein of Franca on US 13 needles – you’ll be done in a snap! These are a great beginner project as they’re knit flat and seamed.
The Nina Hat is another quick one-skein beginner-friendly project! It’s also knit flat (on US 11’s) and seamed, so you don’t need to know how to knit in the round.
The Francisca Cowl takes two skeins of Franca and US 13 needles. This one’s a little more advanced, with a provisional cast-on, cables, and grafting. (The pattern includes a great diagram to help you graft your seams!)
