These appealing, incredibly well-made yarns are a delight to work with and make glorious gifts as well (either in skeins or made into a creation for a lucky recipient). Combine hemp's durability and environmental friendliness with wool's warm cozyness and elasticity. Much softer than we expected, and available in a palette of Italian-inspired colors.

Worsted weight, with a gauge of 20 sts/4 inches using US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles. Handwash in cool water and lay flat to dry. The hemp is grown in China under organic-but-not-certified conditions, and the wool is conventional, from Europe. The Italian factory where this yarn is spun for LanaKnits produces many high-end yarns, with very high standards and quality control. Dyed using fiber-reactive dyes.

Samples come with a small piece of all five colors; no need to specify when you're ordering swatches. Terra is no longer available.