Jamieson and Smith
Jamieson & Smith 5-Ply Shetland 50g
€9.50
ATTENTION: 5-Ply Shetland is a fairly specialised and, due to the production process, expensive yarn, and to knit a whole adult-sized traditional gansey sweater requires between 10 and 18 balls. We have decided to stock it primarily for its dense, high-twist qualities, which we think makes it an excellent choice for nylon-free sock knitting. We have therefore ordered a smaller amount suitable for smaller projects. However, should you would wish to buy a larger quantity in order to knit a traditional gansey, then please send me an email with your requirements and I will order this for you for delivery in approximately 2 weeks. Pre-payment will be required.
5ply Shetland is Jamieson and Smith's latest yarn, launched in 2023. It is a worsted spun, 100% Real Shetland Wool, Sport-weight yarn, developed to resemble a traditional Gansey (or Guernsey) yarn for knitting ganseys, or fishermans' sweaters. It is a dense yarn, made up of 5 tightly twisted plies for greater strength. Knitted on fine 2.5 or 3 mm needles, it creates a dense knit with wonderful stitch definition, designed to keep out the wind and ocean spray. It can of course also be knitted on larger needles for a less dense fabric with more drape, and is also perfect for Fair Isle garments and accessories. We also think that because of its density and tight twist, it would also be perfect for nylon-free socks.
For this yarn, Jamieson and Smith have taken their inspiration from the colours of the Shetland landscape and its maritime heritage. For Laine des Iles, we have selected 12 colours, using two bases - a natural white plus 5 colours dyed on this white base, and a natural grey plus 5 colours overdyed on this grey base. These grey shades are the heathered "Twilight" shades.
The yarn is spun from Grade 3 Shetland wool, which is more rustic than the wool usually used for other Jamieson and Smith yarns. However, as the yarn is intended to be as hard-wearing as possible and has been worsted spun, which creates a smoother yarn with improved handle, J&S preferred to use a more rustic grade. By using this wool, they ensure that as much of Shetland's wool production as possible is used and give more value to the wool.
Please also read our blog post on 5-Ply Shetland and Gansey sweaters for more information about this yarn as well as some pattern ideas.
Country of Origin: UK (Shetland Islands)
Fibre: 100% Shetland Wool
Type: 5 ply Sport
Weight: 50gm
Length: 115m / 125yds
Needle size: 2 - 3mm (for a dense fabric)
Tension: 28 sts / 36 rows = 10cm
Care: Handwash