The Summer Yarn You've Been Waiting For

June in Ledbury is such a lovely time to pick up your needles or hook again — or perhaps for the very first time. The long evenings are perfect for sitting out in the garden with a project on the go, and if you've ever found wool a little warm and scratchy in summer, we have just the thing for you. This week we're shining a light on the Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo & Cotton DK range, and honestly, we are completely smitten with it here at Homend.

These yarns are 60% bamboo and 40% cotton, which means they're naturally breathable, beautifully soft, and have the most gorgeous subtle sheen to them. The bamboo content gives each shade a silky lustre that photographs wonderfully and feels even better in the hand. At DK (double knitting) weight, they're incredibly versatile — suitable for garments, accessories, baby knits, and homeware — and they're genuinely beginner-friendly too. If you've been wanting to try your first summer top or a lightweight shawl, this is a wonderful place to start.

We've got four beautiful colourways in at the moment, and together they make the most irresistible little palette. Let's take a closer look at each one.

Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo & Cotton DK — Café Au Lait

This warm, milky coffee tone is one of those shades that goes with absolutely everything. It has a quiet elegance to it — not too cool, not too stark — and the bamboo sheen lifts it beautifully in the light. We're thinking a simple summer tee worked in stocking stitch would be stunning in this, or a pair of lightweight wrist warmers to keep in your bag for chilly mornings at the Ledbury Farmers' Market. It also pairs brilliantly with the Clotted Cream if you fancy a tonal two-colour project.

Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo & Cotton DK — Clotted Cream

Rich, warm, and with just the softest whisper of yellow — Clotted Cream is the kind of neutral that feels genuinely luxurious rather than plain. The bamboo gives it a beautiful lustre that makes even the simplest stitches look considered and polished. This one is particularly lovely for baby knits; it's gentle on delicate skin and washes well, which is everything you need for little ones. It would also make a stunning lightweight summer shawl — the sort of thing you throw over your shoulders for an evening stroll along the Malvern Hills.

Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo & Cotton DK — Flamingo

If you're after a pop of colour this summer, Flamingo is your shade. It's a vibrant, cheerful pink with that gorgeous silky sheen that makes it feel a cut above your average DK. We love it for a simple crochet summer bag — the kind of project that works up quickly and looks brilliant at a festival or a day out. It's also just perfect for a child's cardigan or a set of baby booties if you have a little one arriving in the family this year. A joyful, sunshiny colour that's hard not to smile at.

Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo & Cotton DK — Goldenrod

Sunny, warm, and full of energy — Goldenrod is such a happy shade to work with. The natural sheen from the bamboo means it catches the light beautifully, and the yellow feels rich and botanical rather than garish. We think it would be absolutely stunning worked up into a granny square blanket alongside Clotted Cream and Flamingo, or as a standalone summer top for those warmer days that Herefordshire does so well in June. It's a statement colour, but one that feels entirely wearable.

What We're Making This Week

Here in the shop, we're casting on a simple top-down DK summer cardigan in Café Au Lait — nothing too complicated, just a relaxed, open-fronted design that's easy to pick up and put down between customers. There's something very meditative about working with this yarn; the bamboo and cotton blend has a lovely slide to it on the needles, and the fabric it creates is so light and drapey. We're already thinking about doing a matching one in Clotted Cream once this one's finished.

If you're newer to knitting or crochet, the DK weight makes this range a brilliant choice for a first garment. It's not so fine that it feels fiddly, and the yarn itself is smooth and well-spun, so it's forgiving to work with. We're always happy to help you find the right pattern to suit your skill level — just pop in and have a chat with us.

Come and See Us in Ledbury

All four Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo & Cotton DK colourways are available in the shop on the high street in Ledbury, Herefordshire, and we'd love for you to come in and feel them for yourself — photographs really don't do the sheen justice. Whether you're planning a summer project, looking for a baby shower gift, or simply treating yourself to something lovely, we'll make you a cup of tea and help you find exactly what you need.