R O O T S : sock/fingering, 3.5 oz, 400 yards
 
Roots is our "not-just-sock" yarn.... a 3-ply next-to-skin-soft sock or fingering weight made from 90% Romney cross and 10% mohair.  We wanted to create an alternative to other woolen sock yarns that often have nylon or other synthetic fibers added.  We knew that using 3-plies of long, strong wool and spinning it worsted style at Battenkill Fibers would make a strong yarn; we also added some mohair for extra strength and luster making a good practical sock yarn.
 
But don't just relegate Roots to the feet!  With a soft halo and gentle drape, Roots also works great for shawls and cardigans, lace and colorwork, and tops light enough for spring days or cool summer nights.  Wool is not just for winter!
 
The wool in Roots comes from the well cared-for sheep at Four Blessings Farm in Leverett MA.  Brad Archer has been breeding his Romney cross sheep for years with a keen eye on developing long, soft, strong lustrous fiber for his weaving projects.  Now that Brad is retired from weaving, this amazing resource was not being utilized and I was able to offer him a fair price for the accumulation of fiber he'd been storing.  Bloom has purchased this "clip" for 3 years in a row, and plans to do so again this spring!
 
Roots in now offered in bright self-striping colorways that are organically dyed, along with our signature plant (and bug!) dyed shades.  Colors with (N) after the name are natural wool shades and undyed.  Please note that Deepest Plum (logwood)  and Magenta (cochineal) are likely to stain hands while knitting and are not recommended for colorwork.  Add a dash of vinegar to these when blocking/washing.  All others are quite colorfast!