This year I have decided to bring back a yarn that's been away for a while.. Askham Lace.
This beautiful yarn is baby alpaca/silk with 800m/100g and it's a traditional 2ply. It's not a brushed fluffy yarn, it's a smooth yarn, but it does have a lovely gentle halo from the baby alpaca. The term 'baby alpaca' isn't just hyperbole; it means the fibre is finer than standard alpaca, meaning it's softer. If alpaca normally itches or tickles you you might find that this one doesn't. I have sensitive skin and can't wear any other alpaca apart from my own!
We tend to think of 2ply laceweight as being best for big intricate lace shawls made on small needles or hook, but although that might float your boat it's not the only thing you can use 2ply for, and the gauge doesn't have to be that small. A skein of laceweight makes a gorgeous summer cardigan for instance, and this yarn works well on 3mm needles/hook, and you could go larger for a looser fabric.
It has good stitch definition, and whilst it is more drapey than my other smooth laceweight - Titus Lace (merino/silk) it's still got enough structure to make garments with.
Here are some pics from the summer 2025 update..
Colourway: Sand
Colourway: Driftwood
Colourway: Misty Woods
Colourway: Antique Rose
Colourway: Rosehip
Colourway: Rambling Rose
And here's how it looks alongside a fluffy yarn like Eldwick Lace (kid mohair/silk), both in colourway Driftwood:
Askham Lace works beautifully hand double with Eldwick Lace as well, here's how it looks in a swatch made on 3.5mm needles, in colourways Silver Birch and Hyssop:
You get a gorgeous shine from the baby alpaca/silk and the silk in the Eldwick Lace, and then that lovely gentle fluff from the kid mohair. This fabric is ethereal and lightweight yet has warmth to it. If you want to make a garment or shawl where it's breathable and light yet warm and cosy then this is the fabric for you.