Description

Cautiva is woollen spun from the same local flock of Merino sheep as its thicker sibling, Mota, but knits to a lighter weight sport-ish gauge.

The yarn is soft, lofty and surprisingly plump for its meterage. The wool is dyed over a heathered base giving extra depth to the colours. It has slightly felty finish which gives knitted fabric a comforting warmth.

The yarn is an extremely good match or substitute for Dererum Natura Ulysse and the two can comfortably be used together in the same project.

Cautiva takes its name from a local legend about Doña Elena who was imprisoned in a tower, but managed to survive thanks to a miraculous raven who brought her bread each morning.

Just like the raven, the tenacity of the Wool Dreamers' mill is helping to revive and support Spain's neglected and formerly proud tradition of wool making.

Ramon is the 4th generation in his family to continue their wool-making tradition. Under his management the Wool Dreamers mill has transformed into an important centre for yarn-making for hand knitters, using wool from local farmers, with minimal inputs so that as much care as possible goes into the local ecology, animal welfare and the working conditions of local shepherds and mill workers.

You can read more about Ramón's work in our article, A Dream Come True.