Mirasol yarns from Peru for sweaters and baby knits

Mirasol yarns from Peru made under fair conditions

Mirasol yarns come from Peru and combine traditional craftsmanship with fair production. Part of the sales proceeds supports education projects in Peru. The yarns are made from natural fibers such as alpaca, merino wool and Pima cotton, which work well for sweaters, shawls, hats and baby knits.

Which fiber suits which project

Alpaca is very warm and soft with a lovely drape, but it's less elastic than sheep's wool. Merino wool is elastic and soft against the skin, which is why it's a popular choice for sweaters and baby clothes. Pima cotton is a long-staple cotton with a subtle sheen that feels cool and works well for summer pieces. For shawls and cardigans that should drape loosely, choose alpaca, and for garments with ribbing, merino is the better fit.

Care instructions and the recommended needle size are on the ball band. For baby knits, also check the manufacturer's information on each product.

• Alpaca for shawls, hats and cardigans
• Merino wool for sweaters and baby clothes
• Pima cotton for light summer pieces
• Natural fibers from fair production

Tip: With alpaca, wash your gauge swatch before measuring it and let it dry flat. That way you'll see whether the fabric grows after washing and can adjust your stitch count beforehand.