Shepherd’s Lamb Churro Yarn – Review & Giveaway

At the end of the day, we’ve got to remember that most yarn comes from sheep. And a lot has to happen to take wool from sheep to something usable for knit and crochet. Personally, I’m no expert at the processing, spinning and dyeing of wool, but the folks at Shepherd’s Lamb absolutely are. Based in New Mexico, this family-owned company has a flock of about 1,000 ewes. This huge herd of sheep forms the foundation of their business, which includes organic meat and pelts, yarns, wool, and wool blankets. So like, they really know a lot about sheep.

A little bit more about Churro wool

Like I said, I’m not an expert when it comes to the farming & processing end of the yarn creation process, but according to a recent Shepherd’s Lamb newsletter, the Navajo Churro sheep in the Shepherd’s Lamb flock have helped support a community of growers, weavers, spinners and dyers over the last 35 years. Yarn from these sheep supports the propagation of this heritage breed that’s listed as rare and endangered.

Churro wool comes in natural colors ranging from white to black. The fleece of these sheep is what’s known as a double coat, consisting of a strong, shiny outer coat that is strong with a long staple length, as well as a soft under coat. The fleece from Navajo Churro sheep is naturally low in lanolin, making it easy to wash without using too much water, which is great  for conserving natural resources in the dry Southwest climate. Finally, and probably the most important thing for color freaks like me, this wool takes well to dye so it comes in lots of awesome colors.

The Yarn: Shepherd’s Lamb Churro

Colorway pictured: Cochineal 2B
Skein details: 225 yds / 4 oz. skeins / 100% Churro Wool / Blanket Weight
Knitting needles: US 8, 5 mm / 12 stitches & 19 rows over 4 inches
Crochet hook: US I-9, 5.5 mm / 15 sc & 18 rows over 4 inches
Cons: The only con I’ve got for this yarn is one of its biggest pros – it’s an earthy single ply yarn, so there are a couple characteristics inherent to it. It sheds, plain and simple (especially when you wind it – it’s like a beautiful storm of colorful little fibers). This yarn is also a little rough on the skin, so I recommend using lotion before you sit down to work.
Pros: Shepherd’s Lamb Churro is really, really gorgeous! I always love getting to mix up my knitting and crochet with something different that a typical machine spun wool blend. This yarn isn’t as springy as the plied yarn blends you might be used to, but the texture and durability are so worth it. In addition this yarn holds its shape well, which opens up some great doors in terms of the sort of items you can make with it.
Pattern ideas: This yarn would make a gorgeous bag, so I’d recommend using it to knit up the Lopi Tote. I’ve got bags on the brain, so I think for crochet, I’d also try the Peruvian Market Tote with this yarn. There’s nothing worse than making a bag only to have it show signs of wear and tear right away, and this durable yarn seems like it would “age” well.

The Giveaway

To enter the giveaway, use the box below. If you’re on mobile, you’ll need to click a button that takes you to the entry page. If you’re on the desktop site, you’re all good to go right here! Open to US, UK, Australia & Canada. Full terms & conditions available by clicking the link in the box provided.

One hank of the pictured colorway will be raffled off.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yarn was provided by Shepherd’s Lamb. You can follow them on Facebook & Instagram.