Knitting Bliss with &Make DK

Hello, I’m MaryJane – one of Rachel’s sample knitters.

I recently had the great pleasure (not just saying that!) of knitting the Argyll Vest by Kate Davies. It was a twist-tastic but surprisingly easy knit, and I really enjoyed the yarn. I even found myself knitting more slowly to prolong the process!

I waffled on about it rather enthusiastically, and Rachel asked if I’d write a blog post reviewing the yarn. If you know me from Ravelry or Instagram (@gingergooseberry), you’ll know that I don’t often get to visit a yarn shop for a squish, so a parcel of new-to-me yarn is a treat. 

The yarn in this carefully wrapped package looked just a little bit special. I was taken with the pretty blue with, a hint of green colourway (Skylar - if you want to go and take a look) and the crisp twisted plies. And I was most intrigued by the little white fibres sticking out here and there. 

&Make DK is a blend of 55% Peruvian Highland Wool, 35% Alpaca, and 10% Linen 

Looking at the label, I discovered that &Make DK by The Fibre Co. is a blend of 55% Peruvian Highland Wool, 35% Alpaca, and 10% Linen – not a combination I’d encountered before, but the linen explained the white bits! It’s made in Peru using natural, sustainable fibre from renewable sources, and the wool is certified as Fairtrade. As you might expect, it’s a handwash yarn.alpaca lends a buttery softness, but there’s also a strength and sturdiness to it. That said, it’s not at all hard on the hands. I had no knitting in the round blisters or sore rubbed spots in need of a cushioning Elastoplast.

Tangled Yarn stocks &Make DK is sixteen colours, here are just a few favourites. 

There’s a good range of colours – essential neutrals, beautiful brights, and more subtle, sophisticated shades. Careless Whisper made me chuckle as I thought of long-ago school discos, but always been a fan of bright colours; I’ve got my eye on the vibrant Millie Pink. 

It’s reasonably priced (not a bargain basement but a long way away from artisanal luxury), knits up fast, and has a generous 125m/137yds in a 50g ball. The size 3 of the vest I knit (finished bust circumference 98cm/38 ¾”) used five balls of yarn with some to spare.

The stitch definition is great (perfect for twists and cables). The alpaca means that there is a fuzzy halo – and it sheds a bit when you’re knitting. Nothing serious; maybe have a lint roller handy if you need to leave the house looking groomed and well-put-together.

The yarn coped with a very ordinary amount of tinking back, and I think it’d cope with a bit of ripping back, but I didn’t run exhaustive tests. In other words, there were no knitting disasters in making the Argyll vest. 

It isn’t itchy or scratchy, but there is a slight tickle. It isn’t next to the skin soft for super sensitive me, but I can’t imagine not wearing a layer under a knitted jumper or vest in this small corner of the UK anyway. 

I think it’s going to be my go-to DK-weight yarn for grown-up knits from now on. I need to find an excuse to knit with this yarn again! 

Project ideas for &Make DK

Here's Tangled Yarn's top five suggestions for &Make DK:

Gridland Scarf | Airgead Slipover | Davids Classic Crew  | Creel Cowl | Oslo Hat V4

Even more suggestions can be found on our Pinterest board, which we try to update frequently!