Today, I am reviewing new yarn from Cleckheaton in Australia. Cleckheaton and Stitchcraft Marketing kindly sent me a sample to review, and another kit to give away as a prize! Read on to learn more about how you can win Cleckheaton's 2 Colour Beanie Kit.

The name of the yarn is Australian Superfine Merino, a very high quality, ethically produced yarn, as endorsed by the Australian Superfine Wool Growers Association (ASWGA). These woolgrowers carefully select sheep with purebloodlines and graze them on sustainable grassland.

Cleckheaton may seem a little unfamiliar to North American knitters, but Cleckheaton's parent company is Australian Country Spinner, which also distributes Patons yarn. 

So what is superfine merino wool? "Superfine" basically describes the softness of the wool. Wool fibers are generally explained in their microns -- the lower the number of microns, the finer the yarn is. Think about those hair care commercials that show your hair strands and cuticles. When there are more cuticle "ridges" on the hair strand, the hair feels coarser and rough. Superfine Merino Wool has 18.5~15.6 microns where as Strong Merino Wool has up to 26 microns. 

The kit comes with 2 balls of Australian Superfine Merino yarn in contrasting colors, a small postcard explaining the yarn and the company, and a free pattern for the 2-colour beanie. The kit comes in a canvas drawstring bag, which turns into a perfect project bag for this hat project. 

The yarn has the cutest product tag. The yarn is in a 65g / 130m ball (that is, 2.3 oz / 142 yds for the U.S. readers). The tags are attached to a garment label and washing instruction card that you can use after you finish the project. 

The tags are inserted in the yarn, unlike many other yarns with tags tied to the yarn, so you can pull it out, and start knitting right away (no scissors needed!). Also, the ball is a perfect center-pull ball, so you can start using the yarn from the center, without dealing with "yarn barf."

Cleckheaton website describes this yarn as "the ultimate natural fibre" that feels "silky smooth, with an unparalleled comfort factor, this woo can be worn directly next to the skin."

I would personally add that the 8-ply really makes the yarn round and plump, perfect for cable work, with good twists so that it stays round and plump without losing the lightness of merino wool.

I am working on the 2-colour beanie with the yarn, and when I was done with the ribbing portion, I tried to rub it against my forehead, which gets sensitive from wool from time to time. I didn't have any problem with it!

Their pattern section is also something to check out. The designs are all knitted in Australian Superfine Merino yarn, some are very classic, some quirky, some very practical and modern, some free!

I ended up buying two paid patterns, Men's Shawl Collar Pullover and Tweens Graphic Pullover. The transaction went smoothly and I was able to download the patterns instantly. 

Men's Shawl Collar Pullover is perfect for my husband, Marty. He LOVES shawl collar sweaters. This has some textured portions, so it looks simple and classic enough for men but interesting to knit for the knitter.

My baby will have YEARS before he is considered a "Tween" but when I looked at the sizing information, I knew the Tweens Graphic Pullover would fit me (the largest size, 14, has 39" actual circumference. I just have to knit the sleeves a little longer. The graphic detail is so cute and can be very retro and funky or slick and modern depending on which colors you choose.

GIVEAWAY PRIZE

Now the fun part. You can win the 2-colour beanie kit! It comes with 2 balls of Australian Superfine Merino by CLeckheaton, 1 ball in True Blue, and 1 ball in Dark Grey colorways.

HOW TO WIN THIS 2-COLOUR BEANIE KIT!

2 Ways to Participate in the contest; It takes about 10 seconds!

If you're on Instagram - 

1. Follow Cleckheaton ASM on Instagram at @cleckheatonsuperfine -  http://instagram.com/cleckheatonsuperfine

2. Follow me on Instagram at @candyandbagel -  http://instagram.com/candyandbagel

3. Comment below with your Instagram account name and Ravelry name so I can contact you if you win.

If you're on Facebook - 

1. Like Cleckheaton ASM page at https://www.facebook.com/cleckheatonsuperfine

2. Like Candy & Bagel page at https://www.facebook.com/candyandbagel

3. Comment below with your Facebook account name and Ravelry name so I can contact you if you win.

Deadline: January 15, 2015 11:59PM PST; I will randomly choose 1 winner. Make sure you leave your Ravelry name in the comment box so that I can contact you!!!  (US Residents Only!)

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me to review by Stitchcraft Marketing and Cleckheaton. The opinions in this post and blog are entirely mine, and I was not otherwise paid, compensated, contracted, or obligated to review this product.