NATURAL YARNS
Riihivilla yarn is 100% wool from Finnsheep, an old landrace from Finland. Wool from Finnsheep is soft an it contains a lot of lanolin which makes it warm. The number of Finnsheep is diminishing year by year and you can read more about the qualities of Finnsheep here.
There are white, brown, and black Finnsheep and so also Riihivilla yarn comes in seven different natural shades of sheep, different greys and browns in addition to natural white and dark brownish black.
CARE AND WASHING OF RIIHIVILLA WOOL
Riihivilla yarns are processed as little as possible, there is no moth repellant or other chemicals in it.
It still contains natural lanolin which makes it warm and repels dirt, so that you don't have to wash it very often. Airing freshens garments made from Riihivilla wool. There is less lanolin left in the dyed yarns.
Riihivilla wool is not superwash treated as we try to avoid chemicals, so you have to wash garments made with Riihivilla wool by hand in lukewarm water. Do not rub, gentle wash is best, as the Finnsheep wool may felt when handled roughly or washed in machine. Natural yarns are also good for felting, but our dyed yarns are best for knitted things. Depending on the soap and circumstances, the shade of the dyed yarns may change in rough handling like felting. Use neutral soap or no detergent at all. We wash all the yarns with environmentally friendly Ecover soap.
Dry the washed garment flat away from direct sunlight.
RIIHIVILLA YARNS
Riihivilla Aarni is soft sport weight yarn with 2 plys and loose twist.
There is 210 - 220 meters in 100grams (little over 4 ounces)
Gauge recommendation is about 25st/10cm(4 inches)
Needle recommendation is 2,5mm or according to gauge
Handwash in lukewarm water
This yarn is ideal for sweaters, hats, scarves and mittens, especially in stranded knitting, but it is too soft for adult socks.
Riihivilla mitten kits are from this yarn.
Riihivilla Ukko, yarn for socks is 3-ply yarn with a tight twist and added 15% nailon for more durability.
There is about 180meters in 100grams (little over 4 ounces)
Gauge recommendation is 20st/10cm (4 inces)
Needle recommendation is 3mm or according to gauge
Handwash in lukewarm water
From this yarn you can make sturdy socks for your boots to keep your feet warm in rainy weather or in freezing winter.
There is natural lanolin left in the wool which keeps warmth better than more processed wools do. Your feet will love it.
This yarn comes now only in natural light grey and some dyed colors.
You need about 110-120grams for women's socks and 130-150grams ofr men's socks.
Riihivilla Maahinen is also 2-ply yarn, but it is thinner than Aarni.
There is about 360meters in 100grams (little over 4 ounces)
Gauge recommendation is 32st/10cm (4inches)
Handwash in lukewarm water
This is good yarn for sweaters, hats or mittens.
There are small variations in the thickness of the yarn, as this is not industrially made yarn. Also skein sizes vary, each skein in my store is weighted by hand before going to store and the price goes according to the weight.
Price of natural sheep colored yarns is 8€/100g.
Price of yarns dyed with natural dyes is 12-14€/100g
Price of the smaller skeins is a little higher due to the extra work in re-skeining.