Crafting Dreams, One Stitch at a Time
The Loopy Ewe, a bastion of creativity for crochet, knitting, and crafting enthusiasts, has earned its reputation as a premier online retailer of yarn and fiber arts supplies. Within its vast inventory, the wool yarns at The Loopy Ewe stand out as a testament to quality, variety, and craftsmanship. Let’s explore some of the exceptional wool yarn offerings, each a strand in the rich tapestry of possibilities that await avid crafters.
Why Choose Wool?
Before diving into the specific wools available at The Loopy Ewe, let’s first understand why wool makes such an excellent yarn choice for knitters and crocheters.
Warmth – The crimped fibers in wool create insulating air pockets that provide excellent warmth without heavy weight. Wool keeps you cozy in the harshest winter weather. The crimps and scales on wool fibers trap air, providing natural insulation against both cold and heat. Even lightweight wool garments keep you warm.
Breathability – Wool can absorb moisture equal to 30% of its weight before feeling wet, and its fibers allow sweat to evaporate. This makes wool garments comfortable to wear in a wide range of temperatures. Wool pulls moisture away from the body while allowing vapor to pass through, avoiding clamminess.
Durability – The scales on wool fibers cling together, creating a strong, durable yarn that resists pilling and stands up well to years of wear. Wool contains an interior cortical cell structure that gives it natural stretch and strength. Items maintain their shape and appearance after repeated wear and washing.
Elasticity – Wool has a natural elasticity that allows it to stretch without breaking and then bounce back to its original shape. This makes wool garments resistant to sagging. The fibers elongate when pulled and then instantly spring back when released. This gives a great stitch definition too.
Versatility – With a vast range of weights from lace to bulky, wool can be used to create garments with varied drapes and structures. It also takes dye exceptionally well for limitless color possibilities. From gossamer lace shawls to thick cabled sweaters, wool can be spun in any thickness. It readily accepts both natural and synthetic dyes.
Sustainability – Wool is a renewable, natural fiber that is biodegradable. Choosing wool supports sustainable agriculture. Sheep provide a sustainable source of replenishable wool fiber each year without harm. Wool decomposes readily, releasing valuable nitrogen compounds back into the soil.
With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why wool is treasured by crafters! Now let’s look at some of the specific wool yarns available at The Loopy Ewe and suggested projects for each one.
2ply Jumper Weight – Jamieson & Smith
- Material: 100% Wool
- Weight: Fingering Weight
- Yardage: 125 yards / 114.3 metres
- Needle Size: US 11⁄2 – 3 (2.5 – 3.25mm)
- Gauge: 32.0 sts = 4 inches
- Care: Hand wash cold; dry flat
- Winding Available: No – Winding is not needed to use this yarn
Nestled in the heart of Shetland Wool excellence, the 2ply Jumper Weight from Jamieson & Smith is a symphony of light and lofty texture. With a broad spectrum of beautiful colors, this yarn is the perfect companion for intricate colorwork projects like Fair Isle sweaters, adding depth and vibrancy to your creations. Make a classic Shetland shawl, delicate cowl, cozy hat, or pair of colorwork mittens. The springy wool fibers hold the colorwork stitches perfectly.
Plotulopi – Istex
- Material: 100% New Wool
- Weight: Worsted
- Yardage: 328 yards / 300 meters
- Needle Size: Depends on the number of strands used.
- Winding: No – Winding is not needed to use this yarn
Welcome to the world of Plotulopi, Istex’s unspun wool or pencil roving. Traditionally employed in the crafting of authentic Icelandic Lopi sweaters, Plotulopi is an intriguing and delicate yarn that transforms into surprisingly strong creations once knitted. With Plotulopi you can knit yourself a thick, insulating Icelandic sweater or cardigan using multiple strands. Accessorize with a matching hat, cowl, and mittens. Plotulopi’s versatility also extends to felting and hand spinning, making it a cherished choice for those seeking authenticity in their woolen projects. The “pencil roving” wraps around itself as you knit, creating a dense, weather-resistant fabric.
Rasta – Malabrigo
- Material: 100% Wool
- Weight: Super Bulky
- Yardage: 90 yards / 82.3 metres
- Gauge: 2-2.5 sts = 1″
- Care: Hand Wash, Dry Flat
- Winding Available: Yes at The Loopy Ewe
Malabrigo’s Rasta, a celebration of super bulky merino wool, presents a slightly felted texture that adds character to your creations. The lofty bulk is perfect for fast-knitting cold-weather accessories like hats, cowls, scarves, and mittens. For an extra thick and cozy sweater, pair Rasta with a mohair or alpaca yarn. Baby sweaters knit up quickly in this yummy yarn. The dense ply makes stitches practically pop off the needles.
Peer Gynt – Sandnes Garn
- Material: 100% Wool
- Weight: DK Weight
- Yardage: 99 yards / 91 metres
- Needle Size: US 4-5 (3.5-3.75 mm)
- Gauge: 22 stitches = 4″
- Care: Hand wash cold; dry flat.
- Winding Available: No – Winding is not needed to use this yarn
A classic since 1938, Peer Gynt by Sandnes Garn stands as a testament to the enduring charm of Norwegian Wool. Known for its beautiful array of colors, this DK Weight yarn is a favorite for colorwork projects like Norwegian snowflake sweaters. It’s also excellent for accessories like hats, cowls, mittens, and socks. For colorblock blankets, mix it with a mohair or cotton yarn. The consistent quality and carefully coordinated colors make Peer Gynt a joy to work with.
In addition to these exceptional wool yarns, The Loopy Ewe houses a treasure trove of yarns to ignite any crafter’s inspiration. Their extensive selection includes varieties such as alpaca, silk, cotton, bamboo, mohair, and more, available in weights from fingering weight to super bulky. Whether your next project calls for the vibrant hues of a hand-dyed artisan yarn or the subtle sophisticated style of natural fiber, you’re sure to find your perfect match within The Loopy Ewe’s vast collection.
The Loopy Ewe is highly selective about the yarns they offer, choosing only fibers of exceptional quality from manufacturers with a commitment to excellence. They focus mainly on natural fibers from animal hair like wool, alpaca, and mohair or plant-based fibers like cotton, bamboo, and silk. Synthetic yarns are limited to the highest quality nylons.
This careful curation means you can shop at The Loopy Ewe with confidence, knowing every yarn has been vetted to meet their high standards. Whether shopping online or visiting their brick-and-mortar location in Colorado, you’ll find a staff passionate about pairing you with the perfect yarn for your next project.
Beyond Yarn – Needles, Accessories, Kits, and More
Beyond yarn, The Loopy Ewe provides all the notions, tools, and accessories an avid maker could need. Find stitch kits, needles, project bags, patterns, and more. Don’t miss their featured kits, thoughtfully curated to provide all the supplies you need for popular patterns and projects. Kits eliminate the guesswork and ensure you have the right materials on hand before casting on your next knitted or crocheted masterpiece.
Some top notions and tools available at The Loopy Ewe include:
- Needles –ChiaoGoo, Lantern Moon, Knitter’s Pride, and more, available in a full range of sizes and types like circular, interchangeable, double point, and single point.
- Project bags – Handmade fabric bags in fun prints, perfect for organizing your works in progress and keeping your knitting or crochet contained.
- Accessories – Bags, storage and stitch markers, and all the embellishments to customize your handmade items.
- Patterns – Latest releases along with classic favorites to spark your inspiration and teach new techniques. Digital patterns are available instantly.
Services to Enhance Your Crafting Experience
The Loopy Ewe also offers a range of services to enhance your crafting experience. Try their winding service to transfer yarn from hanks to cakes or balls so it’s easy to work with. The Loopy Ewe also offers free tutorials both online and in their shop to teach skills like casting on, knit and purl stitches, changing colors, and finishing. Their excellent beginner video series called “Classes” is a great way to learn knitting from the ground up.
Providing Inspiration to Fuel Creativity
Beyond convenience, The Loopy Ewe shows inspiration through its blog, pattern collections, yarn spotlights, knitting events, and crafter features. Peruse patterns, classes, and knitting events to spark your next idea. Watch tutorial videos to expand your skill set. Browse projects to see how other makers have used Loopy yarns for one-of-a-kind creations. Connect with the Loopy community for a daily dose of creativity to keep those hooks and needles flying.
A Passion for Fiber Arts Shines Through
For how many years, The Loopy Ewe has established itself as a premier online yarn shop with a commitment to encouraging and enabling makers of all skill levels, where crafters can nurture creativity, find community, and share knowledge. This passion shines through in the exquisite selection of yarns, personalized customer service, and wealth of resources The Loopy Ewe offers to yarn enthusiasts everywhere.
The Loopy Ewe understands each maker has a unique vision and passion. They provide the tools, yarn, education, and inspiration to bring those visions to life.
Join the Loopy Community, Find Joy and Friendship
With excellence woven through every fiber, it’s easy to see why The Loopy Ewe is a beloved destination for so many crafters. Each visit promises new inspiration, new connections, and new possibilities to craft your dreams. Whether exploring luxurious fibers like the remarkable wool yarns highlighted here or simply stocking up on basics like cotton dishcloths, The Loopy Ewe invites you to get lost in creativity.
Become part of the worldwide community of Loopy Groupies who find both comfort and adventure in fiber arts. Just follow the path of yarn, and you’re sure to find joy, beauty, and friendship along the way. Through high-quality products, excellent service, and genuine passion, The Loopy Ewe has built a crafty haven for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What types of products does The Loopy Ewe sell?
A1: The Loopy Ewe sells yarn, needles, project bags, stitch markers, patterns, classes, kits, and other knitting, crocheting, and crafting supplies. They specialize in yarn, with a vast selection of natural fibers like wool, cotton, silk, alpaca, and bamboo.
Q2: What services does The Loopy Ewe offer?
A2: Services include a winding service to transfer hanks into cakes or balls, a swatch service to test different yarn/needle combos, and finishing services. They also offer free online tutorials and classes. They also have knitting events that you can participate in and learn.
Q3: What notable wool yarns does The Loopy Ewe carry?
A3: They carry Jamieson & Smith 2ply Jumper Weight, a Shetland wool perfect for colorwork; Plotulopi Icelandic Lopi roving for thick Icelandic sweaters; Malabrigo Rasta bulky merino for accessories; and Sandnes Garn Peer Gynt DK wool in a huge color range.
Q4: What needle brands does The Loopy Ewe sell?
A4: They sell needles from brands like ChiaoGoo, Lantern Moon, and Knitter’s Pride in all needle types and sizes. This includes circular, interchangeable, double-point, and single-point.
Q5: Does The Loopy Ewe carry knitting patterns?
A5: Yes, The Loopy Ewe mostly sells patterns through Ravelry.
Q6: What is the Loopy Ewe winding service?
A6: Their winding service transfers yarn from hanks into cakes or balls so the yarn is easy to work with for knitting and crocheting projects. Customers can choose their preferred wind type when ordering.
Q7: How can you learn knitting skills from The Loopy Ewe?
A7: They offer free online video tutorials and classes for beginner techniques like casting on, knit/purl stitches, and more. Their “Classes” video series teaches beginner knitting skills from start to finish.
Q8: What types of project bags does The Loopy Ewe sell?
A8: They sell handmade fabric project bags in fun prints that are perfect for storing works in progress and keeping knitting/crochet contained.
Q9: How does The Loopy Ewe provide crafting inspiration?
A9: Through their blog, pattern collections, yarn spotlights, knitting events, crafter features, and more. Customers can get inspired by patterns, creations, and classes, and see finished projects.
Q10: What makes The Loopy Ewe stand out as a yarn shop?
A10: They are highly selective about yarn quality, focus on natural fibers, offer excellent customer service, provide tons of inspiration/education, and have built a strong community of fiber arts enthusiasts.
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