Knitch Magazine

Yarn Name: Ella Rae Classic
Review Date: February 6, 2011
Date Introduced to Market: 2006

Ella Rae Book 8:Bags Madison from Ella Rae Book 5 Cyrus from Ella Rae Book 5

The Look

Ella Rae Classic is just what its name implies: 100% wool 4-ply medium weight yarn with a smooth finish and traditional hand. Ella Rae Classic is packaged in center-pull balls with 220 yards per 100 grams and works up at a standard gauge of 20 stitches over 4 inches. You can knit nearly anything with this wool, and it felts beautifully, too.

The Feel

Softness Scale

The Patterns

A treasure trove of colorful garments for kids, adults and the home has been developed for Ella Rae Classic. Over 20 pattern pamphlets with designs for all the Ella Rae yarns are on the market and Knitting at Home, published in October 2010, has impressed all levels of knitters. By designer Leanne Prouse, who created the Ella Rae brand of yarns, Knitting at Home presents sweaters for children and adults, felted accessories, toys, and home accents knit in Ella Rae Classic and other Ella Rae yarns. Like the generous yardage in Ella Rae Classic, the bounteous offerings of patterns in this book will keep you happily knitting for a long time to come.

Color Range

Ella Rae Classic is available 109 colors that coordinate with dozens of other colors available in Ella Rae prints, marls, heathers, heather marls, and sand art. The possibilities for color using Ella Rae are nearly unlimited.

Working It

There’s not a lot of mystery with this yarn: this traditional 4-ply medium weight wool knits to gauge and shows texture well. There were a few blips and one knot in the skein I tested, but nothing to get alarmed about. The plies were spun to an average tension, and the yarn did not split or twist when knit. If you are considering Ella Rae Classic, compare it to your favorite wool yarn: is it as beefy, smooth and resilient? Can you get it in the colors you need or prefer? How does it compare on yardage and price?

What I’d Like to Make with It

Over 60 designs by Leanne Prouse are collected in Knitting at Home, featuring Leanne’s signature yarns from the Ella Rae collection. This inspiring book has several patterns featuring Ella Rae Classic. Start with simple fingerless gloves ; they require just one ball of Ella Rae Classic. Knit them in a kaleidoscope of colors, a pair for every outfit. This book includes enough ideas to keep you knitting until spring arrives. There are felted projects, toys, afghans, hats, socks and sweaters for kids and adults.

Knitting Outside the Box

The Felted Persian slipper pattern calls for just one skein of Ella Rae Classic. If, like me, you want use a contrasting color for the sole, you can use up remnants and ball ends – be sure you are using 100% wool and not superwash wool (it won’t felt). Think about using stripes in the sole or making the toe in a contrasting color. Alternately, knit the top of the slipper in stripes, which will run vertically along the sides and across the top of your instep and toes. If you make the slippers plain, add beads or an applique instead of the freehand embroidery. Make the slippers in school colors for a high school or college-age student.

Blocking It

Lay flat to dry.

Washing It

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap designed for wool. May be felted.

Wearability

It is a quality plied yarn of 100% wool that knits to a firm gauge. It keeps it's shape and felts to a firm stable fabric, too.

Overall Recommendation:

Ella Rae Classic stands up well to all the tests performed. Give it a try to see what you think. This yarn earns a #8 recommendation.