New Yarn: Tussock
Tussocks are the tall clusters of grass that catch the wind a little higher than the rest, tousled bundles of elaborate color and texture. It’s for these long and wild tufts that we named our newest yarn, Tussock, a collection of pure joy!
Inspired by nature’s fruitfulness and fecundity, Tussock comes in 17 radiant colors, all of the kind found on an aimless ramble: juicy, ripe berries and mimosas in bloom, lapping waters and zippy wildflowers.
Spun and dyed in Japan, this natural wonder is 60% super fine kid mohair and 40% silk, a beautiful blend for absorbing dye and reflecting color. The plummy part of the palette (Bright Thistle, above front, and Alpine Phlox, back) makes us think of fall favorites, like pies and sweaters and wraps.
Tussock is technically a fine laceweight, but it has so much bloom that we prefer to use it as a fingering weight on US 3-6 needles. A generous 328 yards per skein, you only need a few for diaphanous and lightweight pieces that are also cozy and warm. Try feeling toasty but looking cool with our palette of shimmery blues: Fjord Blue (above left), Blue Lagoon (back), and Bright Verdigris (front).
Gorgeous as a single strand, Tussock also plays beautifully in pairs or even trios. Knit two or more colors together for your own invention of a watercolor-y marle. Balsam Green (above left) and Lightning Yellow (right) might get you started with a bolt of inspiration!
Heirloom White, Silver Needle, and Gray Quartz, left to right above, are equally lovely, if a bit less punchy. We love their heirloom stateliness alongside their willingness to have a little fun.
Tussock also makes an incredible friend to other yarns, for plumping up a companion or for adding an unexpected touch. We’re pretty excited around here about throwing Tussock into our own concoctions of color and texture, like fiber chefs with a full kitchen and no recipe!
However you play with Tussock, we hope you love it as much as we do! Meet each color below… And browse the whole collection here!
Ready to jump right in? Start with the free pattern for our Elementary Wrap In Tussock, a two-color swath of absolute gorgeousness!
Hi, this yarn looks great, my question is could it be used in weaving ( as weft or even as warp ) ?
Hello Lidwin,
Thank you for reaching out! This beautiful yarn would be a lot of fun to use in weaving as a weft, but I wouldn’t recommend using it as a warp.
Warmly,
Marilla
Do you think Linen Quill in juniper green + Tussock in basalm green would work for a cardigan? Give it some nice bloom and hint of shine and tweedy look for something to make simple stockinette pop? Though I admit to preferring subtlety – is the basalm green too blue for juniper green?
Hi Madalyn,
What a spectacular idea! I think this would come out beautiful and full of texture. These two greens should mix to create a luminous green.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Do you think I could use this either single or double instead of the cattail silk for the raglan sweater?
If I doubled would the bright verdigris work well with the balsalm green?
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for reaching out! Although you would have to knit a gauge swatch to be sure, you should be able to obtain the correct gauge for our Lightweight Raglan Pullover using Tussock held single. If you prefer to use it held double, it knits up as more of a DK weight as you can see in our Hummingbird Pullover. I think Bright Verdigris and Balsalm Green would be lovely together!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Was wondering if this yarn is at all scratchy? Do any of the fibers kind of get loose and tickle your nose when used to make a shawl or scarf?
Thanks…
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for reaching out! Tussock is spun from super fine mohair which is quite soft and fluffy. While all mohair does shed a little bit when it is first knitted, after blocking and the first few wears, it settles down considerably and shouldn’t shed in the future. You may also notice some shedding while winding the yarn, but I hope it is reassuring to hear that our store samples in Tussock are holding up great without any noticeable shedding!
Best,
Julianna
I am allergic to mohair – do you have an alternative to this yarn for the shawl? Thanks!
Hi Deb,
Thanks for reaching out! I would love to suggest a different yarn for you, however which shawl patter are you talking about so I can get a better idea for what to recommend!
Looking forward to your response!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi. I want to make a soft, thin scarf, about 2.5 inches wide with an open 1×1 ribbing using larger needles. I have one skein of Bright Verdigris and would like to pair it with another yarn to give it additional interest but still be delicate. Could you give me some suggestions for something that won’t be bulky? I like the Alchemy Silken Straw in Cambodia or Cattail Silk in Blue Bamboo. Do you think either of these would work? Other yarns/colors I should consider? Many thanks.
Hello Jennifer,
Thank you for reaching out- what an exciting project! You are on the right track, either of these options will be stunning. Silken Straw will be a bit thicker and has a shinier texture than Cattail Silk. I think that Silken Straw and Cattail are your best options it just depends on what you prefer aesthetically.
Let us know how it goes and happy knitting!
Marilla
I’m looking to use this for accents on a chunky sweater (cuffs and neck area) held double with a different bulkier yarn. I’m hoping it will give the accents a nice halo, soft effect. Will this be suitable? And do you have a recommendation for what other yarn to use with it?
Hello Mia,
Thank you for reaching out! I think this is a great Idea and would be beautiful in our Super Soft Merino. I will say that you might want to hold two strands of Tussock along with a bulky yarn to get the affect you are looking for.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi! I love the colors of this yarn. Could I use this with the Sayer pattern?
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately, even held double, Tussock doesn’t work up to the correct gauge for Sayer. Sayer calls for a fingering weight yarn, but Tussock is more of a lace weight, even though it has quite a bit of loft.
Best,
Julianna
Hi,
I am interested in using Cerulean Sea and Balsam Green in your basic Tussock shawl pattern. But you are out of the Balsam Green. Do you know when you will get this color back in stock?
Patricia S.
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for reaching out! That sounds like a beautiful combination! We will certainly be getting more Balsam Green, and in fact, our mill is currently making it. While we do not have a firm ETA, we are hoping that it will arrive soon. You can sign up to be notified when we get it back in stock. To do so, go to the Tussock product page, select Balsam Green and enter your email address. When that yarn and color arrives, we will email you right away!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
I purchased the Balsam green to make the seashell lace wrap. What would be the easiest way to work with the yarn, a center pull ball or an outside pull ball?
Hi Kim,
Thanks for reaching out. A center pull will definitely work for Tussock! Since it’s mohair, the strands might stick together a bit at first, but this shouldn’t impact your knitting all that much. And if you find that this causes the center pull to be too frustrating, you can always switch to pulling from the outside. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili