We’re thrilled to introduce you to an amazing certified organic yarn from Welsh yarnmakers Garthenor Organic: meet Number 2!
Independent and family-run, Garthenor Organic was founded by fibre lover Sally Davies in 1999 to create the yarns that no one else was making:
“When we started making yarn in the late 90s there weren’t any organic standards for wool yarns. But we were confident that the way we spun our yarns, starting with organic sheep and spinning in an environmentally friendly, traceable way was the right way. So, by working with the Soil Association, we helped to write the first ever organic standards for woollen yarns. Since then, everything we do is certified to Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS). This covers animal welfare, chemical inputs, working conditions, and ethical standards throughout every step of production, so you can knit with a clear conscience.
Our mission is to produce totally organic, stunningly sustainable yarn. We aim to be the best in the industry and maintain an exceptional level of care for our animals and our planet. We want to be kind to the planet, kind to people, and kind to animals. Our goal is to make without compromise.”
Sourcing organic wool from heritage British sheep breeds (including the family’s very own flock!), Garthenor Organic creates their yarns in their spinning mill in Cardigan, Wales:
“It’s Wales’ first ever worsted spinning mill, and the first new mill of any kind in a generation. This is the project of a lifetime. Our oldest machinery dates back to the 1950s, and it’s all been found and restored from mills around Europe. They aren’t the biggest, fastest or prettiest machines in the world, but they have a heart and a story, and they make exquisite yarn. We are the UK’s only Organic-First mill, started from day one to prioritise spinning certified organic sustainable wool.”
Light, airy, and soft, Garthenor Organic Number 2 is a worsted-spun sport weight with a gentle 2-ply twist that traps air and gives this lofty yarn plenty of natural bounce. Totally undyed, each shade is the natural color of organic wool from specific British sheep breeds, including Black Welsh Mountain, Cheviot, Hebridean, Lleyn, Manx Loaghtan, and Shetland.
Yarn Details
- Sport weight
- 100% certified organic wool
- 186 yards (170 meters) per 50-gram skein
- 23-26 stitches = 4″ on US#3-5 (3.25 – 3.75 mm) needles or US D/3 – F/5 (3.25 – 3.75 mm) hook
- Hand wash, dry flat
- $17, in-store only
Our Pattern Picks
Llawenydd
Size
Finished dimensions 50” x 22”.
Yarn
3 skeins Garthenor Organic Number 2 (100% certified organic wool, 186 yards/170 meters per 50-g skein).
Gauge & Suggested Needles
21 stitches and 26 rows = 4” on US#6 (4mm) needles in stockinette stitch, after wet blocking.
Bifurca Vest
Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9); finished bust circumference 30 (33, 38, 41, 46) (49, 54, 57, 62)”, suggested positive ease 0-8”.
Yarn
MC: 3 (3, 3, 4, 4) (4, 5, 5, 5) skeins Garthenor Organic Number 2 (100% certified organic wool, 186 yards/170 meters per 50-gram skein)
CC: 1 skein Garthenor Organic Number 2 (100% certified organic wool, 186 yards/170 meters per 50-gram skein)
Gauge & Suggested Needles
23 stitches and 36 rounds = 4” on US#2.5 (3mm) needles in stockinette stitch, after wet blocking. Use 2 sizes smaller needles (US#1.5/2.5mm) for ribbing.
Railway Raglan
Sizes
1, 2, 3 (4, 5, 6) 7, 8, 9; finished bust circumference 44, 48, 52 (56, 64, 68) 72, 76, 80.5”, suggested positive ease 14-20”.
Yarn
7, 8, 8 (9, 10, 11) 13, 13, 14 skeins Garthenor Organic Number 2 (100% certified organic wool, 186 yards/170 meters per 50-gram skein)
Gauge & Suggested Needles
20 stitches and 36 rows = 4” on US#4 (3.5mm) needles in stockinette stitch, after wet blocking. Use 1 size smaller needles (US#3/3.25mm) for ribbing.
