Every now and then a yarn comes along that asks us to slow down.
Not because it is difficult.
Not because it is demanding.
But because it reminds us that nature has always done things differently.
NATURALIS by LANGYARNS is one of those yarns.
In a world where many yarns are heavily processed, superwash treated and engineered for convenience, NATURALIS takes a different path. From the fibre itself to the spinning process and even the colours used to create its beautiful shades, the focus is firmly on nature.
And that is exactly what makes it so fascinating.
A Yarn with Nature at its Heart
NATURALIS begins with RWS-certified wool and remains intentionally close to its natural state throughout production. The yarn is not treated with Superwash or anti-felting finishes, allowing the wool to retain its authentic character, softness and personality.
That choice comes with advantages.
The wool feels alive in your hands. It behaves more like wool has behaved for generations rather than how modern industrial processes have trained us to expect it to behave.
But it also means NATURALIS asks for a little understanding from the maker.
Rather like a garden, a loaf of sourdough or a favourite old wooden table, natural materials have their own quirks and characteristics.
And that's part of the charm.
Why We Love Plant-Dyed Yarns
One of the most remarkable aspects of NATURALIS is its use of plant-based dyes.
These dyes are developed by the renowned Italian dye house Tintoria di Quaregna and have been independently tested and certified by Woolmark. Depending on the shade, the colours achieve lightfastness ratings comparable to many conventional dye systems.
What does that mean in practice?
Your shawl, jumper or cardigan will happily withstand everyday life and normal indoor lighting for years.
However, just as flowers fade in bright sunshine and wooden furniture changes colour over time, plant dyes can be slightly more sensitive to prolonged direct sunlight than synthetic industrial dyes.
The solution is simple.
Enjoy your knitting. Wear it. Treasure it.
Just don't leave it sitting in a sunny shop window for months on end.
Washing NATURALIS
Whenever I work with a yarn that is a little different, I always encourage people to knit and wash a tension square first.
Not because I expect problems.
Quite the opposite.
It allows you to understand how the yarn behaves before committing an entire garment to the washing machine.
LANGYARNS recommends washing NATURALIS using a wool or hand-wash programme at 30°C with a wool detergent that contains no bleach or fabric softener. Finished pieces should be dried flat and away from direct sunlight.
In other words, treat it kindly and it will reward you generously.
The Indigo Question
Some of the darker NATURALIS shades are dyed with indigo.
If you've ever owned a brand-new pair of dark denim jeans, you'll already know what comes next.
Indigo behaves differently from many modern dyes. Rather than chemically bonding to the fibre, it sits largely on the surface. This means a little colour transfer can occur, particularly when the yarn is new or when darker indigo shades are used.
This isn't a fault.
It isn't poor quality.
It's simply the nature of indigo itself.
In fact, it's one of the reasons denim develops such beautiful character over time.
LANGYARNS recommends moisturising your hands before knitting, washing your hands afterwards, and washing finished indigo pieces separately.
Think of it as a reminder that you're working with a natural dye that has been used by humans for thousands of years.
A Different Kind of Luxury
At McIntosh we spend a lot of time talking about natural fibres.
Not because they're fashionable.
Not because they're trendy.
But because they connect us to something real.
NATURALIS embodies that philosophy beautifully.
It isn't trying to behave like a synthetic fibre.
It isn't trying to be something it isn't.
Instead, it celebrates the character of wool, the beauty of plant dyes and the wonderful unpredictability that comes from working with materials created by nature.
And perhaps that's exactly why I find it so appealing.
Because sometimes the most beautiful projects are the ones that remind us that nature doesn't read the rule book.
It simply gets on with being extraordinary.
