Winter Weight Yarns: Madison

Winter Weight Yarns: Madison

Sometimes it comes as a surprise to people that we dye heavier yarns--our fingering, lace and DK yarns usually steal all the thunder. But temperatures are dropping, and it's time for Madison and K2 to SHINE!  Today we'll focus on Madison, and our next post we'll discuss K2. 

Madison is our dense truly Aran weight yarn. It's a plump 3-ply, 100% superwash merino, and boy, does it LOVE dye. Our colors on this base are so saturated and vibrant.  

Given its heft, you will get your best results using Madison in accessories. (Hint hint, some of these also make great gifts!) Some of our favorites include: 

Always Amsterdam by Isabell Kraemer.  The open lace work enhances the twist of Madison.

a woman is wearing a charcoal gray shawl around her neck and shoulders.
If you're a cowl person, we think the texture in Dani Sunshine's Positivity Cowl would certainly bring out the subtleties in a variegated skein of Madison.
a woman with short brown hair is wearing a light gray cowl, doubled around her neck.
Scarves are the ultimate in versatility.  Kitty Bush's Rose Scarf has lovely lace patterning (so unexpected in a heavier gauge yarn) making it suitable for both dressier or everyday occasions. Designed for Madison, it's shown here in Londontowne.
a black mannequin is wearing a scarlet red lace scarf, wrapped once around its neck.
Another great project for Madison is a headband. Headbands warm your ears as nicely as a hat, and are a great accessory for keeping your hair off your face.  This Woven Cable Headband by Priscillo Uloho (available for free on the Erica and Eleanor blog here) would be a perfect Madison project, especially in a monochromatic colorway. And with Madison's generous yardage, you can make two, and give one as a gift! 
five cabled headbands in various colors
It goes without saying that Madison would also look lovely knit up in a hat or mitts--we love this Nocturnal Hat & Mitt set by Elizabeth Smith. The textured knit would play well with Madison's beautiful stitch definition.
an off-screen person wearing fingerless mitts is holding a hat made from the same yarn in the same color.
Another hat option is Enunciate, by Kino Knits. Madison really shines with the undulating twisted rib brim, and the yarn's density ensures ample warmth all winter long. 

 

We hope these ideas have gotten your creative juices flowing!  Stay tuned--our next post will explore project options for K2, and your queue will thank you!

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4 comments

I too would love more crochet patterns!

Kathy

Thanks for adding a non-Ravelry link for the headband. I wasn’t expecting a free pattern – that makes it all the better. Diving into stash now but this might be an excuse for a yarn order!

Cheryl

Would love to see more crochet projects in your blog posts & monthly newsletter. Thx for your consideration.

Susan

I can’t use Ravelry – do you know of another way to acquire the headband pattern? I didn’t have any luck searching on Priscillo’s name.

Cheryl

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