Imbolc

by Dye Mad Yarns

$6.00

Imbolc is a Gaelic traditional festival. It marks the beginning of spring is held on  February 1st, which is about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Some Christians celebrate it as Candlemas. 

The earliest mentions of Imbolc in Irish literature date back to the 10th century. Poetry from that time relates the holiday to ewe’s milk, with the implication of purification.

It’s been speculated that this stems from the breeding cycle of sheep and the beginning of lactation. The holiday was traditionally aligned with the first day of spring and the idea of rebirth. The goddess most associated with Imbolc is the goddess Brigid, who was evoked in fertility rites and oversaw poetry, crafts and prophecy.

A common way to celebrate Imbolc is with Brigid's cross crafts, also known as God's eye. 

Imbolc, our yarn, has a splash of red to symbolize the candles lit for the holiday, as well as speckles of green, lavender, and gold. Green for the return of spring, gold on the white for milk and honey (as well as the return of light), and lavender for the first colors of spring (usually with crocuses). We hoped to evoke spring peeking through the snow still on the ground! 

BASES:

Mini: 20g, 87 yards, 75% superwash merino/25% nylon (sock weight)
Hattie Floof: 50g, 459 yards, 72% mohair/28% silk (lace weight)
Chester Sock: 100g, 437 yards, blend of 75% superwash merino/25% nylon
Gladys Shawl: 100g, 438 yards, single ply blend of 70% superwash merino/30% silk
Tortie Sport: 100g, 287 yards, 80% alpaca/20% silk
Minnie DK: 100g, 246 yards, 100% superwash merino wool 
Genny Worsted: 100g, 191 yards, 80% superwash merino/20% alpaca
Chubby Trevor: 115g, 136 yards, 100% superwash merino
Chunky Trevor: 100g, 76 yards, 80% superwash merino/20% nylon, single ply