There is nothing quite like holding a skein of extra sheepy yarn, rich with lanolin and smelling of the farm that it was grown on.

That’s why we’re so excited about this week’s arrival of Jill Draper’s Empire and Empire Mini Skeins. Based in New York State in the Hudson Valley, Jill Draper specializes in hand-dyed yarns, sourced from nearby Albany County. Empire is the first yarn where Jill worked with a local farmer to design and custom spin the yarn. Jill first met Tom, a local farmer, through those fun networks of small towns that bring people together- he was looking for a market for his soft and crimpy Rambouillet wool. Since that first skein, Empire’s popularity has grown so much that Jill has brought in additional Rambouillet flocks from New York. The fleece is spun in Vermont, at worker-owned co-op Green Mountain Spinnery.

About Rambouillet Wool

Rambouillet sheep are one of the dual-purpose sheep – providing both meat and fibre to the market and can also be referred to as French Merino, having originated in France. They are a larger breed than Merino and are considered hearty and durable, thriving on land that is less lush. Their wool is soft to the skin and touch, and incredibly fine, 18.5 to 24.5 microns with a staple that is longer than other Merino. It has a lovely spring and elasticity to it that is an absolute joy to knit and crochet with.

Most of this delivery is Empire Mini skeins – 213 yards of aran weight. We also have a handful of full sized – weighing in at nearly 2 pounds of woolly wonder, each skein is 1280 yards of woolen spun and Aran weight yarn.

Yarn Information

• Aran Weight
• 100% American Rambouillet
• 1280 yards (1170 meters) for Empire
• 213 yards (195 meters) for Mini Empire
• 770 grams (27.16 ounces)
• Gauge 3.5-4 sts = 1″
• Suggested Needle Size: US 9 – 10 1/2 or 5.5 – 6.5mm

Pattern Inspiration

Gaku

Sizes:
S-M (M-L)

Finished measurements:
(after blocking, measured relaxed)
Circumference 16 (17½)” / 40.5 (44.5) cm
Length with the brim 11¼” / 28.5 cm
Length without the brim approx 10¼” / 26 cm

Yarn:

approx. 130 (150) yards / 119 (137) m of worsted weight yarn, for foldover brim
approx. 110 (120) yards / 100 (110) m of worsted weight yarn, without brim

Needles and notions:

• US 8 (5 mm) circular, 16” / 40 cm
• US 8 (5 mm) set of 5 dpns OR use size to obtain gauge
• Crochet hook size G (4 mm)
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch holder or short length of smooth scrap yarn

Fernie Brae Cardigan

Yarn:
Aran Weight in 2 colors: 781-1065 yards MC / 142-213 yards CC1

Needles:
US 10½ – 6.5 mm

Gauge-size and below gauge-size needles of appropriate lengths for working body and neckline
Gauge-size dpn for working three needle bind off and i-cord buttonholes
Gauge-size and below gauge-size needle(s) of your preferred type for working small circumferences for sleeve

Gauge:
17 sts and 19 rows to 10cm / 4 in over chevron pattern back and forth and in the round.
Use 6.5mm / U.S. 10.5 needle as a starting point for
swatching.

Finished Measurements:
Finished bust / hip with overlapped front bands: 101.5 (127, 152.5) cm / 40 (50, 60) in
Wear with 10-25.5cm / 4-10in positive ease for a light, comfortable fit. Shown in the first size with 20.5cm / 8in positive ease at bust

Artichoke French

Yarn:

Aran weight yarn. Shown in Jill Draper Makes Stuff Empire (100% Rambouillet wool, 1280yds / 1170m, 27oz / 770g) .
790[860, 910, 960, 1030, 1100] (1150, 1180, 1280, 1360, 1450) [1490, 1540, 1630, 1650, 1790]yds / 720[790, 840, 880, 940, 1010] (1010, 1050, 1080, 1170, 1240) [1320, 1360, 1410, 1490, 1640]m

Needles:

Farmhouse Cardigan

Apple Picking

Into the Woods

Lamia Wrap

Size:
60” wingspan x 27” depth

Yarn:
560 – 590 yards of aran weight yarn.

Hook and notions:

• 6.5mm Tunisian crochet hook with 32” cord
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Tape measure
• Wet blocking supplies