King Cole Drifter Wool Ply is a yarn that effortlessly marries traditional elegance with contemporary flair. Crafted with a meticulous blend of acrylic, wool, and polyester, this ply showcases the timeless warmth of wool while introducing modern fibers for durability and versatility. The result is a yarn that not only offers a luxurious feel but also promises enduring quality in every stitch.
What sets King Cole Drifter Wool Ply apart is its distinctive ply construction. The term "ply" refers to the number of strands twisted together to form a single yarn. In the case of this yarn, the combination of multiple plies results in a rich, textured fabric that adds depth and dimension to your projects. This unique construction contributes to the yarn's visual appeal, creating a finished product with a beautiful, subtle texture.
King Cole Drifter Wool Ply is its ability to create subtle color transitions within the same skein. This characteristic lends a captivating gradient effect to your projects, adding an extra layer of visual interest. Crafters can enjoy the beauty of transitioning colors without the hassle of changing yarns, making it an ideal choice for projects where a seamless flow of hues is desired.
Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a novice enthusiast, King Cole Drifter Wool Ply offers versatility in abundance. Its medium-weight profile makes it suitable for a wide range of projects, from cozy scarves and hats to intricate sweaters and blankets. The ply construction enhances stitch definition, allowing intricate patterns to shine and textured stitches to come to life.
Aran islander and knitting tutor Una Mc Donagh believes that the idea that a person could be identified by their sweaters comes from something quite simple. The women designed based on whatever appealed to them or they found easier, so, if one loved diamonds, they would feature on the central panels and she would knit similar patterns for all the family. In this way, their family knit was identifiable, at least to the other knitters.
King Cole Drifter Wool Ply doesn't just excel in aesthetics; it also prioritizes comfort and wearability. The blend of wool and acrylic provides a soft touch against the skin, while the addition of polyester ensures durability. The resulting fabric is not only cozy and warm but also resistant to pilling, making it an excellent choice for garments and accessories that withstand regular use.
Irish knitwear and tweed have survived within a niche at the top end of the market. They sell on the strength of the Irish brand, with its combination of rich heritage and outstanding quality. The strongest export markets for Irish tweed and knitwear are northern Europe, America, and the worlds second largest market for luxury goods, Japan. Wherever there is a luxury market these goods are desired. China is becoming increasingly important as a target market.
Celebrity endorsement has generated and maintained interest in Aran throughout the decades. Heartthrobs, like Elvis, Steve McQueen and Ryan O'Neal, added sex-appeal. Important Irishmen such as playwright Sean O'Casey rooted it into authentic Irishness. Richard Avedon portrait of Steven Spielberg in a Cleo Aran sweater is apt as the director has so often expressed a genuine connection with the islands where he listened to poetry and traditional storytelling.
A rise in consumer interest in the origins of clothes and a greater appreciation for Irish textile heritage has led to a steady growth since 2007. Between 2011 and 2015 signs of a resurgence were evident, with the number of weaving enterprises growing by over 20 per cent. In the same period textile exports grew by 12 per cent and output grew by 30 per cent. The appeal of Aran and the expertise of Irish knitwear play a key part of this, making up 74 per cent of the total textile exports from Ireland.