Fortitude Wool/Silk/Mohair Roving Blend - Age of Bronze

Fortitude Age of Bronze is a Paradise Fibers custom spinning blend of 60% extra fine merino, 20% tussah silk and 20% mohair, dyed in deep olive bronze with streaks of gold and violet. It was created as one half of a matched pair for our "Age of Bronze" Fiber of the Month club; its companion is Fortitude Crimson Valor.

The blend is built to be soft and tough at the same time. Extra fine merino gives a next-to-skin softness and bounce. Tussah silk adds a warm, honeyed luster and strength. Mohair brings its own glossy shine, a light halo and excellent durability, so the finished yarn wears well and holds its color brightly.

Fiber details

• Fiber content: 60% extra fine merino wool, 20% tussah silk, 20% mohair
• Color: Deep olive bronze with streaks of gold and violet
• Blend: Paradise Fibers custom blend from the Age of Bronze Fiber Club
• Sold by: The ounce
• Best for: Hand spinning; also a good blending base on a drum carder

How it spins

A short forward draw gives a smooth, lustrous yarn with crisp stitch definition. A long draw or a slightly thicker single lets the mohair bloom into a soft halo. Silk and mohair both like a little extra twist, and a hot finishing soak followed by a firm snap will set the twist and bring up the shine.

What to make with it

Shawls, hats, cowls, mitts and hard-wearing accessories, plus handwoven scarves where the silk and mohair can shine. Spin the two Fortitude colors together for a coordinated two-color project. Browse more wool and silk blends, dyed mohair tops, or other blends featured in the Fiber Club.

Questions about Fortitude Age of Bronze

What is Fortitude made of?

60% extra fine merino, 20% tussah silk and 20% mohair. The merino is the soft base, and the silk and mohair add luster, strength and a light halo.

Is it soft enough to wear next to the skin?

Yes for most people. The majority of the blend is extra fine merino. The mohair adds a slight halo, so very sensitive skin may prefer it in a shawl or hat rather than a close-fitting neckline.

Is this a good blend for beginners?

It is friendly for spinners who have a few bobbins behind them. Merino is easy to draft; the silk and mohair are slicker, so keep the drafting zone short and add a bit more twist.

How much fiber do I need?

Plan on about 4 oz for a hat or small shawlette, 8 oz for a generous shawl or scarf, and 1½ to 2 lb for an adult sweater. Buy it all at once: this is a small-batch blend and may not be restocked.

How is it priced?

Sold by the ounce. Quantity pricing applies automatically at 4 oz, 8 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb and 5 lb, so buying for a sweater costs far less per ounce than buying a single sample.