Note: This post was not sponsored or paid for. All thoughts & opinions are my own, and all yarn photographed was purchased by me.

Let’s talk yarn

You’re busy, and you don’t have the luxury of overthinking which yarns to use for your projects. If you’re lucky enough to have a LYS (local yarn store) near you, with your schedule it’s rare that you get to visit and shop in person.

You rely on a few favorite online brands and shops and tend to use a select few favorite yarns. Every now and then you want to try something new, but you worry about whether or not you’ll actually like it.

That’s where I come in.

Let me be your trusted advisor by sharing honest & thorough yarn reviews so you’ll be confident when you try a new yarn. Because you deserve to enjoy it from cast on to bind off. Oh, and you’ll love wearing it, too.

With each pattern released, you’ll find a corresponding review of the yarn specified in the pattern so you can cast on with confidence.

Why You Should Knit a Kirsten Joel Designs Pattern

My vision is to create knitting & crochet patterns that fit seamlessly into your everyday life. Never feel over- or under-dressed again when you wear a KJD pattern. And be confident in knowing that the pattern instructions will be clear and well-fitting.

Why I Write Yarn Reviews

You are dep in the day-to-day tasks of managing a household, wrangling kiddos in the morning to get to school on time, and are knee deep in projects at work. The last thing you have time for is to spend hours online reading yarn reviews before casting on your next project. I’m here to simplify that for you. I stand by all the yarns I use for my projects, but they might not be the best fit for you. 

So read on, learn about Quince & Co Osprey, and cast on with confidence.

Quince & Co Osprey: The Details

• $18/skein

• 47 Colors, my Molsa Cardigan is knit with Kumlien’s Gull; photographs feature Pea Coat (navy) and Audoin (beige)

• 100% American wool / Grown, spun, dyed in USA

• Aran, heavy worsted weight

• 170 yards (155 m) / 100 g

Characteristics of the Yarn

Osprey is a cushy, 3-ply Aran-weight yarn that is quite plump. It sits somewhere between an aran weight/heavy worsted and chunky weight yarn. Substituting for an exact match can be difficult, but you’ll want to look for an aran weight/heavy worsted 100% wool worsted-spun yarn. 

Receiving the Yarn

I’ve never had any issues with knots in Quince & Co Osprey skeins. In the skein they feel plump, squishy, and light. They do not smell overly woolly and feel soft on the skin.

Winding the Yarn

Because Quince & Co Osprey can be a bit heavy in the skein, I’d recommend using a yarn swift. My Knit Picks ball winder and ChiaGoo Yarn Swift work great. Just go a little slower than usual when winding to avoid stretching this plump yarn.

Swatching with the Yarn

Quince & Co Osprey shines in textured stitches but it looks clean and refined in stockinette stitch. I could imagine it looking fun in lace as well. The gentle ply means that yarn overs will stay open.  Osprey works up well across a range of needle sizes. Worked on a smaller size, it’s great for pieces that get a lot of wear like hats, mitts, and jackets. Worked at a looser gauge you’ll experience a lovely drape that still looks dense. 

While Osprey is not as “buttery” soft as Merino Wool but I would still consider it great for next-to-skin wear. It softens up even more after wet-blocking (keep reading below). If you are sensitive to wool, I highly recommend purchasing one skein and swatching it to test it for yourself before buying a sweater quantity.

Though I haven’t experienced any pilling yet, because it is 100% non-superwash wool you might encounter some pilling in high-wear areas like armholes or sleeve cuffs. Minimize pilling by taking care of your projects and using a fabric shaver or sweater stone to remove any pills.

Needle Choice

Osprey works well with your preferred needle material. If you tend to be a loose knitter, you might enjoy knitting Osprey with wood needles to keep your stitches from sliding off.

The recommended size range for Osprey is between US 7 (4.5mm) and US 9 (5.5mm) depending on how dense you’d like the fabric to be. You can even size up to a US 10 (6mm) for a bit more drape without losing any structure.

Blocking the Yarn

I highly recommend wet-blocking Osprey so that the wool can plump, bounce, and smooth out your stitches. The fabric will soak up quite a bit of water so take time to ensure you squish out all the excess water from your project. I highly recommend rolling it between two bath towels.

Projects with the Yarn

Osprey would make a decadent blanket and the weight of the fabric would give you an extra cozy weighted feel. I love it for cardigans that feel closer to jackets, especially in the fall & winter seasons. Worn under a wool coat, Osprey will protect you against the coldest days. There are several pullover patterns out there, but I feel like it might feel too heavy to wear a pullover all day. I prefer the flexibility of cardigans. Obviously, I think you should knit the Molsa Cardigan with Osprey. The 1x1 ribbed hems and the squishy texture just look so good in Osprey.

Taking Care of Osprey

Because Osprey is non-superwash, you’ll want to hand wash any projects made with it. Use cool water and a gentle wool wash like Eucalan. Never wring the fabric to squeeze excess water to avoid agitating the fibers and felting the fabric. Lay it flat to dry, pinning as needed.

Yarn Substitution

Due to it’s plump nature, it can be tricky to substitute Quince & Co Osprey with another traditional Aran-weight yarn. But there are some really great alternatives at different price ranges.

Knit Picks Simply Wool Aran

I’m making a second sample of the Molsa Cardigan with this yarn and it’s a great gauge match. It feels lighter, so it would be a great substitute if you live in a more moderate climate.

• 100% eco wool

• Aran weight

• budget-friendly, ample yardage

Cascade Eco+

• 100% Peruvian Highland Wool

• Aran/Bulky weight, similar plumpness

• Great for cozy cardigans and textured stitches

Brooklyn Tweed Shelter

An interesting option because you can get gauge, have a light yet warm fabric, and create a more vintage look with the woolen spun yarn

• 100% American Targhee-Columbia Wool

• Worsted weight with a woolen-spun texture

• Excellent for textured garments and projects

Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok

• 100% Fine Highland Wool

• Aran weight, soft with great stitch definition

• Ideal for sweaters and accessories