A Custom Milled Blend of Classic and Luxurious.
We thought our inaugural blog would be an ideal place to talk about Plucky’s oldest custom milled base, Primo.
Primo Fingering and Worsted have been with us since 2011! Over a dozen years later and we’re pleased to say the Primo line has stood the test of time, with DK and Sport weights added over the years. (Thank you, customers and friends around the world, for loving this base so much!)
First, a bit about the name: Primo is defined as “first" or "exceptionally good at its kind, most valuable." Being Plucky's first custom milled base, the name Primo certainly fits, but now you may be wondering, why is it an exceptionally good base to work with?
What makes Primo special?
How does Primo stand apart from other Merino/Cashmere/Nylon (MCN) blends?
One of the primary ways the Primo line is different from other MCN’s is the amount of Cashmere blended into the yarn. It contains 20% of this exquisite fiber! In addition, the Merino is also very special (more on that in a bit.) And, with only 5% nylon, the Merino and Cashmere really shine!
Luxurious Cashmere and Merino Content
Let's take a closer look at the luxurious Cashmere content!
Did you know there are roughly 20 different subtypes of Cashmere goats? These goats grow a long, delicate undercoat designed to help insulate them during the winter months. This fiber is much finer than the finest wool from sheep and up to eight times warmer as well! Cashmere is truly considered one of the most luxurious, sought after fibers in the world!
Now let’s dig a little deeper into the Merino content of the Primos…
Did you know that Merino sheep are royalty? That’s right, this sheep breed dates back all the way to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries when Spanish royalty imported rams from Africa to create a fine wool-producing sheep like no other. Thus, the Merino breed of sheep we know and love came to be!
But, while all Merino falls within a range of next-to-skin soft, the micron counts—a unit of measure relating to the fineness of fiber that is assigned at the mill—typically ranges from 11.5 to 26. The lower the number, the softer it will be. That being the case, we make sure the Merino blended into our proprietary Primo line of yarn is some of the softest with one of the lowest micron counts in the industry.
With all this in mind, Plucky custom milled an exclusive luxury blend in our Primo line featuring the elasticity and memory provided by wool that has an extremely soft hand (the Merino), along with a generous amount of one of the finest fibers in the world (the Cashmere), and then with just the right touch of strength and durability (the nylon.)
The Artistry of Primo
And did we mention how beautifully the Primos take hand-dyed colors? They appear softer due to the Cashmere content, yet still vibrant and eye-catching.
Another feature you will notice when using our Primo yarn is the plump structure of the twist, creating a well-balanced yarn to work with. (We love that the owner of a shop that stocks Plucky tells her customers, “Primo makes you a better knitter because your stitches come out so even.”)
Primo Knitspiration
Being a Worsted spun yarn in addition to having a nice round twist accentuates the texture of cables or the open, airy nature of lace work. It also makes for a beautifully drapey stockinette or garter fabric. Here are just a few examples we couldn’t resist sharing.
Ashburn by Melanie Berg and Shoot the Moon Shawl by Plucky Knitter Design
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about our Primo line in our very first blog as another way to connect with you. Watch for more to come!
Happy knitting and crocheting, friends!
The Plucky Crew
P.S. We love seeing all of your beautiful creations made with Plucky yarn! Please tag us @thepluckyknitter or use the hashtag #pluckyknitter on Instagram and Facebook so we don't miss them! And sign up for our newsletter emails for a look at upcoming yarn and kit updates!