De Rerum Natura Robinson

70% organic merino d’Arles · 30% recycled cotton · 2% recycled fibres — all from France

270 yards (250 m) / approx. 100 g*

GAUGE (10 × 10 cm, stockinette)

20 sts × 28 rows on 4 mm (US 6) ·

19 sts × 25 rows on 4.5 mm (US 7)

Merino d’Arles sheep raised organically in Provence, blended with cotton recycled on-site by the mill using a patented process that preserves fibre length. Dyed and spun in the Tarn, France, by Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant-certified mills.

Colours are built from natural plant dyes — indigo, chestnut, reseda, madder and cochineal — blended with undyed wool to create each shade. Two colours stay completely natural: the unbleached sucre glace and the earthy nougat.

A 3-ply woollen-spun yarn sharing the same structure as Gilliatt, but with a cooler, softer hand thanks to the cotton. Expect a slightly mottled texture from the cotton flecks — subtle or pronounced depending on the colour way. It blooms after washing, gaining softness and fluff.

Works beautifully in textured stitches, stockinette and garter alike. A natural fit for transitional-season projects, and compatible with most worsted or heavy DK patterns.

Not superwash treated. Hand wash in lukewarm water with gentle wool wash; dry flat away from sunlight.

Natural dyes may vary slightly between skeins — alternate them as you knit. Colours may soften gently over time; avoid prolonged sun exposure. Grand Bleu may release a little indigo dye initially — it’s non-toxic and washes out easily.

Inspired by the hero of Michel Tournier’s Friday or the Other Island — a castaway who rediscovers harmony with nature where happiness once seemed impossible.

* Skein weight 95–105 g.