Paillettes Alpaca Yarn, ANTARES, Lana Gatto, Limited Edition Collection Italian Yarn, 180m/50g (196y/1.76oz)

It’s nearly impossible to capture the true beauty and elegant shimmer of this yarn on camera — ANTARES is even more stunning in person! From the Five Star Limited Edition Collection by Lana Gatto, this luxurious sparkling yarn blends the cozy warmth of alpaca and wool with the sophisticated radiance of paillettes and lurex. Perfect for festive projects, this yarn transforms every piece into a statement of style and elegance.

🎁 An Ideal Gift for Knitting Enthusiasts
Experience the opulence of this ultra-soft, sparkling alpaca blend. A glamorous variation of paillette yarn, it weaves subtle glitter and metallic threads into natural fibers, making it ideal for scarves, shawls, evening garments, accessories, and decorative knitwear.

🧶 Product Specifications
• Manufacturer: Lana Gatto, Italy (Tollegno)
• Article: ANTARES – Five Star Limited Edition
• Fiber Content: 45% Nylon, 34% Alpaca, 13% Polyester, 8% Wool
• Yarn Weight: Light DK / Sport
• Yardage: 50g (1.72oz) ≈ 180m (197yd)
• Origin: Made in Italy

📍 Limited Edition Availability - not restocked once sold out

✨ Texture & Feel
This yarn combines softness and sparkle in perfect harmony. Alpaca and wool provide warmth and a velvety touch, while nylon adds strength and durability. The polyester thread carries delicate paillettes that create a refined, glittering effect. Though luxurious and soft, the paillettes and lurex may add a slight texture—rated 8.5-9/10 on softness. For sensitive skin, it pairs beautifully with mohair or merino for extra comfort.

🧶 Recommended Uses:
• Sparkling evening shawls and wraps
• Chic scarves and cowls
• Elegant sweaters and accessories
• Festive garments and holiday decor accents

🧵 Recommended Needles & Hooks
• Knitting Needles: 3.0–3.5 mm (US 2.5–4) for a single strand
• Knitting Needles: 4.0–5.0 mm (US 6–8) for two strands
• Crochet Hook: 3.0–4.0 mm (US D–G)

📏 Suggested Gauge
• Single strand: 26–28 sts per 4" (10 cm)
• Double strand: 20–22 sts per 4" (10 cm)

💡 Knitter’s Note
When knitted in one strand, the fabric is light, soft, and subtly sheer with a delicate sparkle. Doubling the yarn enhances the shimmer and creates a denser, more glamorous texture — perfect for layering pieces or decorative trims.

🧵 Weaving Recommendations
ANTARES works beautifully as a decorative weft yarn for weaving projects. Its combination of alpaca softness and shimmering paillettes makes it ideal for creating statement textiles with texture and sparkle.

• Weft Use: Perfect for scarves, shawls, wall hangings, and accent stripes in art-to-wear fabrics. The bouclé-like halo and sequins create dimension and light play in the woven surface.
• Warp Use: Not recommended as a primary warp yarn due to the metallic paillettes and soft fibers that may snag or stretch under tension. If used, pair it with a strong warp base (such as silk, cotton, or linen).
• Sett Recommendation:
  • 8–10 ends per inch (EPI) for an open, textured, drapey fabric.
  • 10–12 EPI for more structure while still allowing the sequins to show.
• Weaving Tip: Combine ANTARES with smooth yarns like silk, merino, or cotton for balance. Use it in stripes or bands for a designer finish.

📍 Care Instructions
• Hand wash gently in cold water (max 30°C / 86°F)
• Do not use fabric softener
• Do not wring or twist
• Lay flat to dry away from direct heat or sunlight