Cricket is our linen silk blend - a special treat just for Summer. Linen is a plant fibre that softens with handling. Which means it's natural for Cricket to feel stiff just off the drying rack and as a skein - but don't judge this book by its cover... wait until you wind it into a ball.
We recommend hand winding (instead of using a winder) Cricket into a ball for two reasons: firstly it's too slick and won't behave well on a winder, secondly the ball shape is better for 'softening' than the cake shape from a winder. 'Softening' is my secret prep step that makes knitting with linen and linen blends so much nicer (linen can be rough on your fingers without this step).
I simply squish the ball of yarn in my hand, then pass it from one hand to the other, squeezing it several times as I do so. Like a stress ball if you've ever tried one of those? I continue this until my hands get tired, and then I pass it onto someone else (not necessary, but it's fun to pull people into my world).
Soon, you'll feel the difference in the yarn as the linen structure begins to break down. You won't weaken the yarn - the combination of linen and silk is incredibly strong (perfect for knitting, crocheting, or weaving wallets, bags, and jewellery).
Give Cricket a try! We love it for the Plain Yoke Tee 22 , the Ranunculus, and the Audrey top
