{"product_id":"lana-gatto-aria-baby-alpaca-extrafine-merino-dk-yarn","title":"Baby Alpaca Merino Yarn, LANA GATTO ARIA, Luxury Italian Airy Yarn, 125m\/50g","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan an oversized sweater be exceptionally warm and still feel almost weightless?\u003c\/strong\u003e That is exactly the idea behind LANA GATTO ARIA. Made from \u003cstrong\u003e50% Baby Alpaca and 50% Extrafine Merino Wool\u003c\/strong\u003e, this exceptionally soft Italian yarn combines the body and resilience of fine Merino with the airy warmth and delicate halo of Baby Alpaca.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eARIA is not simply another soft Merino-Alpaca blend. Its light, fluffy construction creates \u003cstrong\u003efar more visual volume than its weight suggests\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it especially interesting for contemporary cloud sweaters, relaxed pullovers, oversized cardigans and generous scarves. LANA GATTO itself describes ARIA as a light, soft and vaporous yarn developed specifically for \u003cstrong\u003elightweight, exceptionally warm oversized sweaters and pullovers\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⚑ Product Specifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Manufacturer: LANA GATTO \/ Filatura Tollegno 1900, Italy\u003cbr\u003e• Article: ARIA\u003cbr\u003e• Collection: LUXURY\u003cbr\u003e• Fiber Content: 50% Baby Alpaca, 50% Extrafine Merino Wool\u003cbr\u003e• Yarn Weight: DK\u003cbr\u003e• Meterage: 125m \/ 50g (137yd \/ 1.76oz)\u003cbr\u003e• Equivalent: 250m \/ 100g (274yd \/ 3.52oz)\u003cbr\u003e• Yarn Structure: Airy, softly twisted Merino-based yarn with a soft brushed Baby Alpaca halo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e• Format: Original factory-wound 50 g \/ 1.76 oz balls\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Recommended Needle Size: 5 mm \/ US 8\u003cbr\u003e• Suggested Gauge: approximately 16–17 sts \/ 10 cm (4 in) at a standard gauge; ARIA can also be worked considerably more openly\u003cbr\u003e• Origin: Made in Italy \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✦ My First Impression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first thing I noticed was how \u003cstrong\u003eincredibly soft and surprisingly light\u003c\/strong\u003e ARIA feels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eLooking closely at the strand, it appears almost like a softly twisted, carded Merino structure surrounded by exceptionally soft brushed Baby Alpaca. The Merino gives the yarn its foundation, while the Baby Alpaca creates that beautiful fluffy surface and cloud-like feeling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003ePersonally, this is exactly the kind of yarn I would choose when I want a garment to \u003cstrong\u003elook substantial without feeling heavy\u003c\/strong\u003e. Think cloud sweaters, relaxed cardigans, oversized pullovers and large soft scarves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eI would happily knit ARIA \u003cstrong\u003ealone in one strand\u003c\/strong\u003e. If you want a dramatically fuller fabric, two strands can also be explored — but I would use substantially larger needles and give all that Alpaca enough room to open rather than compressing it into a dense fabric.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e➤ What Can I Make \u0026amp; How Much Should I Buy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Hat or Cowl — \u003cstrong\u003e1–2 balls \/ 50–100 g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Generous Scarf — \u003cstrong\u003e3–4 balls \/ 150–200 g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Sleeveless Vest — \u003cstrong\u003e4–6 balls \/ 200–300 g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Sweater \/ Pullover — \u003cstrong\u003eapproximately 6–8 balls \/ 300–400 g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Relaxed Cardigan — \u003cstrong\u003eapproximately 7–9 balls \/ 350–450 g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Large \/ Oversized Garment — \u003cstrong\u003eapproximately 8–11 balls \/ 400–550 g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThese are general planning estimates rather than pattern-specific guarantees. Final consumption depends on size, garment length, ease, stitch pattern and gauge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor a useful manufacturer reference, LANA GATTO's oversized \u003cstrong\u003eSoffice Pullover uses only 6–7 balls \/ 300–350 g\u003c\/strong\u003e, despite being specifically designed as an oversized garment. Its ARIA Hoodie also uses \u003cstrong\u003e6–7 balls\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✦ A LOT OF SWEATER — WITHOUT A LOT OF WEIGHT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is where ARIA becomes especially interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eMany yarns can create an oversized sweater. ARIA can create the \u003cstrong\u003evisual volume of an oversized sweater without requiring a correspondingly heavy garment\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThat isn't just a styling idea. It is one of the qualities LANA GATTO emphasized when ARIA was introduced: \u003cstrong\u003elightness, softness, fluffiness, warmth and a vaporous character\u003c\/strong\u003e, specifically for lightweight oversized sweaters and pullovers. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAnd ARIA doesn't need complicated knitting to look luxurious. \u003cstrong\u003eStockinette allows the Baby Alpaca halo to become the surface of the fabric.\u003c\/strong\u003e Simple ribbing gives structure to necklines, cuffs and hems. Garter stitch can emphasize volume and softness, while uncomplicated cables can add dimension without hiding the yarn itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis makes ARIA particularly attractive for \u003cstrong\u003emodern Scandinavian-style sweaters, dropped shoulders, wide sleeves, simple V-necks, sweater-jackets and relaxed layering pieces\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✦ DON'T JUDGE THIS YARN ONLY BY “DK”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eARIA measures \u003cstrong\u003e250m\/100g\u003c\/strong\u003e, placing it in the DK range by meterage — but its airy construction allows it to behave much larger in the finished fabric.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eLANA GATTO recommends \u003cstrong\u003e5 mm \/ US 8\u003c\/strong\u003e, but its own patterns demonstrate just how far ARIA can open. The official Hoodie uses \u003cstrong\u003e6 mm \/ US 10 needles\u003c\/strong\u003e for the stockinette body at only \u003cstrong\u003e13 sts × 19 rows per 10 cm \/ 4 in\u003c\/strong\u003e. The oversized Soffice Pullover goes all the way to \u003cstrong\u003e7 mm \/ US 10.75\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eSo don't choose ARIA by meterage alone. \u003cstrong\u003eSwatch it.\u003c\/strong\u003e A change in needle size can transform it from a more controlled DK fabric into something much airier, softer and more cloud-like.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e➤ Pair ARIA With Another Yarn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eARIA absolutely \u003cstrong\u003edoes not need a companion yarn\u003c\/strong\u003e. The 50\/50 Baby Alpaca–Merino blend already creates a complete, beautifully balanced fabric.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eBut pairing it with a very fine yarn gives you another way to design the fabric rather than simply making it thicker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor additional Merino structure, try \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/idoknit.com\/products\/tollegno-harmony-extra-fine-merino-lace-yarn-2\" title=\"TOLLEGNO HARMONY Extra Fine Merino – Companion Yarn for LANA GATTO ARIA | iDOKNiT\"\u003eTOLLEGNO\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"TOLLEGNO HARMONY Extra Fine Merino – Companion Yarn for LANA GATTO ARIA | iDOKNiT\" href=\"https:\/\/idoknit.com\/search?q=HARMONY\"\u003e HARMONY — 100% Extrafine Merino, 1500m\/100g\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its extremely fine strand can add body and elasticity while allowing ARIA's Baby Alpaca halo to remain visually dominant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor a particularly luxurious fabric, \u003ca class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"FILCOM CASHSILK Cashmere Silk Yarn – Luxury Companion for LANA GATTO ARIA | iDOKNiT\" href=\"https:\/\/idoknit.com\/products\/cashsilk-cashmere-silk-yarn\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFILCOM CASHSILK — 50% Cashmere \/ 50% Silk, 1300m\/100g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e can introduce additional softness and Silk drape without burying ARIA under another bulky strand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eA fine \u003cstrong\u003esolid Linen\u003c\/strong\u003e is a much less obvious combination — and one I would absolutely swatch. Linen can add a slightly drier hand, definition and structure underneath ARIA's fluffy surface. The contrast between crisp Linen and brushed Baby Alpaca could create a sophisticated transitional fabric rather than simply adding more winter warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe same idea can work with a fine solid Cotton. In either case, the purpose is \u003cstrong\u003econtrast\u003c\/strong\u003e, not merely thickness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✦ PROJECT INSPIRATION — THE MODERN CLOUD SWEATER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eARIA fits remarkably well into today's simple, generous sweater silhouettes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eA current European retailer specifically suggests ARIA as an alternative yarn for contemporary designs including \u003cstrong\u003ePetiteKnit's Ivy Sweater, Le Knit Dahlia Sweater and the Johanne Sweater\u003c\/strong\u003e, with project quantities generally beginning around six balls and increasing by size. That is a useful indication of where this yarn naturally belongs: modern, relatively clean silhouettes where the fabric itself supplies much of the luxury. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eLANA GATTO also provides its own ARIA \u003cstrong\u003eHoodie and V-Neck Sweater\u003c\/strong\u003e, while its oversized Soffice Pullover demonstrates how dramatically the fabric can open on larger needles. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lanagatto.it\/en\/collection\/aria\/\" title=\"LANA GATTO ARIA – Official Yarn, Patterns \u0026amp; Project Inspiration\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eLANA GATTO ARIA — Official Yarn \u0026amp; Project Inspiration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e➤ Knitting \u0026amp; Crochet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor a classic ARIA fabric, begin around \u003cstrong\u003e5 mm \/ US 8\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor a softer contemporary sweater, I would also swatch \u003cstrong\u003e5.5–6 mm \/ US 9–10\u003c\/strong\u003e. And if your design calls for a deliberately oversized, cloud-like fabric, don't be afraid to explore even larger needles — LANA GATTO itself uses \u003cstrong\u003e7 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e in its oversized Soffice Pullover. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe important thing is not to compress the halo unnecessarily. Baby Alpaca needs space to bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIf ARIA is held with another yarn, choose your needle or hook according to the \u003cstrong\u003ecombined fabric\u003c\/strong\u003e, not ARIA's original recommendation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor crochet, I would likewise avoid an unnecessarily tight gauge. Sample first and look for a fabric that retains ARIA's softness and air rather than turning it dense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⫯ Weaving Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor hand weaving, ARIA is particularly interesting as a \u003cstrong\u003esoft, dimensional weft\u003c\/strong\u003e for scarves, wraps and apparel fabrics. Its Baby Alpaca halo can soften the surface of the cloth while the Merino component provides body and resilience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor warp, sample first. The brushed surface needs to move comfortably through your particular heddles and reed without excessive abrasion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e➤ Complete the Project — Recommended From iDOKNiT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBecause ARIA can produce dramatically different fabrics between approximately \u003cstrong\u003e5 and 7 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e, interchangeable needles are particularly useful for finding the fabric you want rather than relying on a single suggested needle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eComplete your project with \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" title=\"ChiaoGoo Knitting Needles \u0026amp; Interchangeable Sets for LANA GATTO ARIA | iDOKNiT\" href=\"https:\/\/idoknit.com\/collections\/yarn-by-brand-chiaogoo-china\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChiaoGoo Knitting Needles, Interchangeable Sets \u0026amp; Accessories at iDOKNiT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⟳ Care Instructions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Hand wash gently in lukewarm water, maximum \u003cstrong\u003e30°C \/ 86°F\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Use a mild detergent suitable for delicate animal fibers\u003cbr\u003e• Do not use fabric softener\u003cbr\u003e• Do not rub, twist or wring\u003cbr\u003e• Gently remove excess water with a towel\u003cbr\u003e• Reshape and lay flat to dry in the shade\u003cbr\u003e• Do not tumble dry\u003cbr\u003e• Store finished garments folded\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lana Gatto, Italy","offers":[{"title":"14194 IVORY","offer_id":53032941617463,"sku":"14194-ARIA-IVORY","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"22008 MEDIUM GREY","offer_id":53032941650231,"sku":"22008-ARIA-GREY","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"31154 SKY BLUE","offer_id":53032941682999,"sku":"31154-ARIA-BLUE","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"31155 DARK GREY BROWN MELANGE","offer_id":53032941715767,"sku":"31155-ARIA-DARK GREY","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0773\/9054\/5207\/files\/LANA_GATTO_ARIA_e916f475-d874-4148-9e4d-2e021ba00662.png?v=1790143221","url":"https:\/\/idoknit.com\/ru\/products\/lana-gatto-aria-baby-alpaca-extrafine-merino-dk-yarn","provider":"iDOKNiT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}