I like the yarn a lot. But the more I knit, the more I was convinced that it wasn't the right yarn for mom. It's very sheepy (although it's so soft that I can knit with it sitting in my lap while wearing shorts, and have not a hint of scratchiness) and it's hand wash only, which I don't mind, but which is kind of a burden to impose on someone as a gift. Especially someone with a bad back, who doesn't want to be dealing with a mass of waterlogged wool every time she wants to wash the thing.
As luck would have it, Elann.com had a closeout on a yarn I'd never heard of, Laines Du Nord Ciclamino. It's 93% machine-washable wool and 7% nylon, and it comes in really pretty colors. I bought a bunch of it, swatched it up the very night the box came in, and I think it'll be perfect.
It's knitting up really fast, too. I've finished the collar and just need to place some additional markers and get going on the yoke. I love the rustic texture (the yarn is thick and thin and extremely soft) and the splashes of gold and copper. I hope mom will like it too.
