Breed: Zwartbles
Wool Category: Naturally coloured
Brand: Hannalin crafts
Form: 100g skein
Preparation: Unknown, aran

What does the wool or fibre feel like?
The hand-squish-grab:
Middleingly coarse. Some coarser white fibers apparent. Smells quite sheepy. A gorgeous black-brown colour. Fairly squishy.
Initial thoughts on use:
Hats, mittens, cowls if softened. Warm feeling. Outerwear eg sweaters.

Cast on:
How many stitches:
32st on 5mm metal needles
What does this yarn feel like to knit with?
Feels coarse in a non-hairy way. Very slightly sheds.
Size of unwashed swatch:
8in x 8in
Describe the feel/observances of the unwashed swatch:
Stiff fabric with moderate stretch. Holds shape quite well when ‘moulded’ into creases etc. Plump feel. A strange mixture of both slightly coarse and stiff. Good stitch definition and bouncy garter ridges. Some lighter coloured fibers visible. Main colour a dark chocolate brown - almost black.

Washing & Blocking & Wearing –Test One:
How did you block it and to which dimensions?
Blocked in cold water without any soaks or washes so I could see how the yarn itself acts without anything else affecting it. Blocked at 8in x 8in.
How has the swatch shrunk or changed/observances after test one?
It hasn’t shrunk. A slight bloom. Some kempier fibres apparent.
What is the feel and look of the washed blocked square?
Somewhat soft. Still good stitch definition. The kempy fibres don’t seem to affect the softness. While the points where the blocking pins were put in are noticeable they are not very sharp. Still good bounce.
Wear test for a day:
A slight prickle but very wearable. Feels slightly coarse but is fine to wear against my skin. Very warm. I would happily wear this as a jumper or thick hat/mittens.

Washing & Blocking & Wearing –Test two:
How did you block it and to which dimensions?
Blocked to same dimensions using eucalan soak.
How has the swatch shrunk or changed/observances after test one?
Further softening.
What is the feel and look of the washed blocked square?
Soft. Similar to first test.
Wear test for a day:
Easily wearable against the skin and lusciously warm.

Rubbing against itself vigorously – has it piled, felted or changed?
A tiny bit fuzzier

Final and Overall Assessment:
Describe the swatch and fabric now: include size of swatch
8in x 7.5in. A little coarse.
Thoughts on the life, longevity and uses of this wool:
Do these differ from your initial thoughts?
Hardy, workhorse. Outwear was definitely correct. Maybe outer layers of cowls/hats etc but if bare against the skin may get a little uncomfortable after a long time.
Would you consider using this breed wool again?
Not sure.
What else have you learned or observed from this test drive?
Same as the other swatches. Don’t trust the grab! Yarns can change in major or more subtle ways :)