New Yarn: Puno Winikunka

Spring is officially here, and with it comes a whole new world of knitting! The first yarn in our summer lineup this year is the gorgeous Puno Winikunka.

Puno Winikunka is an enchanting blend of 70 percent GOTS-certified cotton and 30 percent alpaca wool in a fingering weight. The base of this yarn has a heathered quality from the various natural shades of alpaca being mixed together with cotton. The heathered yarn is then overdyed in 20 colourful shades inspired by the mystical Peruvian mountain Winikunka, also known as “Rainbow Mountain” or “Seven Colour Mountain”. Vibrant green, purple, yellow, red, and blue comprise the amazing range of colours which are caused by sedimentary rocks eroding over millions of years.

Puno Winikunka is a wonderfully soft and smooth 4-ply fingering weight yarn with excellent stitch definition. While the yarn is a majority cotton, the added alpaca fibre makes it a joy to work with. The yarn glides smoothly through the hand and across the needles without any splitting. The alpaca fibre makes Puno Winikunka delicate yet hard wearing and soft enough that it can be worn next to the most sensitive skin without itching or scratching.

Puno Winikunka looks great in both stockinette and lace stitches and will lend itself well to just about any knitting or crochet project. The fibre blend creates an elegant lightweight fabric with strength and good drape. The yarn has a delicate sheen and bloom that shines with gentle washing.

I recommend using Puno Winikunka for light sweaters, cardigans, tees, tanks, scarves and shawls. The cotton makes it ideal for summer wear, while the alpaca gives it some coziness for spring and autumn. The perfect multi-season yarn!

Ok, so this yarn sounds great! Now what do you do with it?

I just browsed through 2,598 patterns on Ravelry so you don’t have to!

View my full shortlist here.

I’ve highlighted my top five here.

Vellichor by Andrea Mowry
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vellichor

This cropped tee is perfect for layering through all the seasons! Puno’s cotton/alpaca blend is perfect for a summer version. The stitch pattern is just engaging enough so that you don’t want to set it down, and this yarn gives you lots of options for colour play.

Umbel Summer Top by Irene Lin
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/umbel-summer-top

This summer tunic is worked seamlessly from the top-down, with a keyhole opening at the back. The trapeze shape makes it narrow at the shoulders and wider at the hem. I’m imagining this with cute jean shorts or even over top of a bathing suit. Puno Winikunka’s colour palette is perfect for some colour blocking fun.

Olowu by Hannah Fettig
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/olowu

Get ready for warmer temps with this lovely shrug! The all-over lace patterning makes for a breathtaking design that will pair effortlessly with your spring and summer wardrobe.

Outline Tee by Jessie Maed
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/outline-tee

Swaying dropped stitches frame the edges of this softly structured tee. Puno Winikunka will provide airiness and drape ideal for the dog days of summer. Would look fab over top of a sun dress.

Reagan by Isabell Kraemer
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/reagan

Reagan is a wrap cardigan you can throw on over casual outfits or your favorite dress. A feminine lace pattern combined with long sleeves and multiple styling options will make Reagan your everyday companion!