Knitting with VENUS

VENUS — Lang Yarns (review)

Some yarns are tied to a season; VENUS from Lang Yarns isn’t one of them. This 50/50 blend of cotton and virgin extrafine merino wool is designed for year-round wear, balancing breathability and warmth so you’re never too hot, never too cold. It’s not just a mix — it’s a partnership, where each fibre supports the other’s strengths.

Quick specs

• Yarn name: VENUS — Lang Yarns

• Composition: 50% cotton, 50% virgin extrafine merino wool

• Length / Weight: 170 m / 50 g

• Construction / Weight: DK

• Needle size used: 4.0 mm

• Gauge (as tested): 21 sts = 10 cm

• Tested projects: Cardigan, stole, wrap, accessories

• Care: Machine wash up to 30°C

First touch

From the first skein, VENUS feels evenly balanced — soft but with structure, substantial but breathable. It’s easy to imagine wearing it in spring sunshine or on a winter morning walk.

A year of testing

Over twelve months, I worked VENUS into four seasonal projects:

• Spring: A transitional cardigan — breathable for warm spells, cosy for cooler snaps.

• Summer: An airy stole for evenings — light but with just enough merino warmth.

• Autumn: A wrap that adapted from crisp mornings to mild afternoons.

• Winter: Hat, scarf, and mittens — warm outside, comfortable indoors.

In every case, the yarn performed exactly as hoped — adapting to the weather without fuss.

Performance & feel

The cotton keeps things breathable and crisp; the merino adds warmth and softness. Together, they make fabric that regulates temperature naturally. On 4 mm needles, I achieved a smooth, consistent DK fabric with great stitch definition — clean stockinette, tidy cables, and balanced drape.

Care & practicality

The anti-felting finish means the merino stands up to machine washing (30°C), while the cotton content helps maintain shape. That means you can wear these pieces often without worrying about special storage or overly delicate handling.

Ideal uses

VENUS thrives in:

• Transitional garments that need to adapt to daily temperature swings

• All-season accessories for travel or everyday wear

• Lightweight winter layers that won’t overheat indoors

• Summer cover-ups that take the chill off

It’s less suited to extremes — it’s not a heavy winter yarn, nor the lightest pure cotton for hot holidays — but for everything in between, it’s spot on.

Value judgement

With 170 m per 50 g ball, you get generous yardage for a DK, and the versatility means it won’t sit in the cupboard waiting for the right season. This is a “core wardrobe” yarn that earns its keep.

Final verdict

VENUS is about reliability through the seasons — the kind of yarn you can pick up any month of the year and know it’ll work. Cotton and merino in equal measure means you’re getting the best of both worlds, without compromise.