We have a hutch in our home with glass doors. Recently, that hutch became the home for the yarn we have. I’m very thankful for this time the yarn can be stored in this hutch to protect it from moth invaders yet be visible at the same time.
It’s like having a pantry, but instead of holding food, it holds the substance for a new sock or sweater!
As I was tidying this hutch, I noticed the yarns that have become staples in my “yarn pantry.” I found numerous skeins of my favorite sock yarn in a rainbow of colors. I have lots of yarn from two farms that are close to me.
Instead of sharing my favorite brand of coffee or crackers, let me share some of my favorite yarns and why with you!
Cestari Traditional Collection
This is local to me yarn that I use quite often. It still has a gentle lanolin and bouncy feel. This makes sense as Cestari yarn is washed using a scouring process instead of a carbonizing process. They explain this in more detail on their website. It is sturdy. Also, the projects I make using Cestari Traditional Collection knit up quickly; I find it to be a thicker worsted.
I’ve picked this yarn for beginner knitters who want to experience wool instead of acrylic materials on their hat loom. This yarn is one of my favorites for diaper covers as it’s lanolin content aids in wicking moisture. Last year, I created a baby cardigan using this yarn as I was designing; the cables stood out beautifully!
This is another local Virginia yarn. I have the privilege of knowing the hardworking people that raise and produce the yarn behind WoodSong Farm. Quality is the best word I can describe their yarn. Soft is a close second. They raise Finnsheep which produce a lovely yarn. For any of you who dye yarn, I’ve experienced their yarn to absorb and display natural dyes beautifully.
I noticed when tidying that I’m getting low on this staple, so I want to pick up some more skeins soon.
Two of my knitting patterns, Something and Little Something Mittens, use yarn from this farm. I’ve knit so many mittens with WoodSong yarn! In the near future, I hope a scrappy cowl will be made with all my naturally dyed WoodSong yarn.
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted
This yarn is one of my staples. It’s heavy-duty and great for colorwork, lace, or cables; I speak from experience as I’ve knit a toddler cardigan with lace panels, a cabled hot water bottle cover, and colorwork swatch with this yarn. The low cost is also a reason I pick it up for projects when my yarn budget is lower.
Retrosaria Mondim
I found this yarn when searching for 100% wool sock yarn last year. It quickly became a staple yarn. It’s soft, durable, and has a moisturizing feel in a nongreasy way. I designed my Virginian Pines Socks pattern with this yarn demonstrating its stunning results in colorwork. It is my main sock yarn of choice. Since I’m in the US and this yarn is produced in Europe, I order it from Tolt Yarn and Wool and The Woolly Thistle.
Almost always, there is some of this yarn tucked within all the others. I pick this yarn often when knitting hats. I’ve knit multiple hats and, most recently, a sweater in Shelter. Definitely, Shelter is a staple yarn for me, but usually in small quantities. I’ll have a skein or two but only order a sweater’s quantity when I’ve planned that knitting project.
Other Yarns Often in the “Pantry”:
Wildfoote Luxury Sock Yarn
Do you have a “yarn pantry?” What are “staples” in your pantry?
Works Of Our Hands 
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