Yarn Spotlight: Rittenhouse

Pure, extrafine merino wool in a worsted-weight yarn with an unbeatable combination of wonderful softness, excellent stitch definition, and rich color.  Available in a lovely array of solids and multis, this yarn is perfect for sweaters and has been featured recently in several stylish new designs.  Of course, this is the time of year when our focus turns to projects we can make in a jiffy for our holiday gift-giving needs - and there are plenty of fabulous patterns using Rittenhouse that fit the bill, too!  We've rounded up some great designs using this versatile yarn - be sure to check out our Ravelry Group and Facebook page for more gift-knitting inspiration, too! Fiber Content: 100% merino wool Yardage: approx. 240 yds / 220m Gauge: 18 - 20 sts = 4" / 10cm Needle size: #7 - 8 US / 4.5 - 5mm Care instructions: Handwash, dry flat Pinecote Hat by Amanda Scheuzger This striking hat is worked in the round from the bottom up, combining twisted stitches and cables to create a warm winter accessory!

Spiral Rib Legwarmers from the Purlbee Blog An adorable free pattern you may have missed, these legwarmers knit up quick in the round using an easy-to-memorize stitch pattern!

Baker Cowl by Janet Margolies Available as a free PDF download on the Fairmount Fibers website, this buttoned cowl is a fast-knitting project that's perfect for beginners, yielding fashionable results!  For more free patterns from Fairmount Fibers featuring Rittenhouse, click here.

Eadon by Susanna IC

From the Twist Collective Fall 2011 issue, this cabled cardigan is flattering for most body types and, thanks to a few clever design elements, does not require hems or facings.   The simple construction elements make for a satisfying, quick knit, and the celtic-inspired cables will keep you interested!

Cable-Trimmed Jacket with Hood by Lisa Myers Our own Lisa Myers designed this gorgeous cabled hooded sweater for the inaugural issue of Interweave knit.wear 2011.  The simplicity of the boxy silhouette paired with the complexity of the reversible-cable selvedges lets the rich kettle-dyed colors of Rittenhouse take center stage.

#34 Zippered Cardigan by Deborah Newton This asymmetrical sweater in the Vogue Knitting Holiday 2011 issue features interesting zipper details in contrast to a simple stitch pattern. We love how these elements show off the subtle variations of Rittenhouse's rich hand-dyed colors!