Two of our favourite fabrics for the cooler months are Ellis Merino Blend and Miles Merino Blend. Both combine the natural qualities of merino wool with the smoothness and drape of TENCEL™ Lyocell, creating fabrics that feel much lighter and more refined than a traditional wool jersey.
If you normally think of wool as something thick, warm and reserved for winter, these qualities may surprise you. Ellis and Miles are designed more as everyday wardrobe fabrics: soft, breathable, comfortable against the skin and easy to use for pieces that can be worn through much of the year.
Merino wool is naturally temperature regulating. It helps retain warmth when it is cold, while also allowing heat and moisture to move away from the body when temperatures rise. Combined with TENCEL™ Lyocell, the result is a fabric that feels particularly smooth and comfortable and has excellent moisture-management properties. That makes both Ellis and Miles especially good for layering. Think long-sleeved tops under shirts and jackets, lightweight turtlenecks, dresses, T-shirts, soft trousers or simple wardrobe basics that you can reach for again and again.
Ellis is the lighter and more fluid of the two qualities. It is a fine single jersey with a beautifully smooth surface and a soft, flowing drape. The combination of TENCEL™ Lyocell, merino wool and elastane gives Ellis a lovely balance: it feels delicate and light, but it also has enough stretch and recovery to work beautifully for fitted garments.
We especially like Ellis for projects where you want the comfort of jersey without the more casual appearance of a classic cotton jersey. The surface is clean and refined, which makes even a very simple pattern feel elevated.
It is an excellent choice for fitted tops, T-shirts, long sleeves, turtlenecks, lightweight dresses and layering pieces. Because it is relatively lightweight, it also works very well underneath knitwear without creating bulk.
Ellis is one of those fabrics that becomes particularly useful once it is in your wardrobe. It can function as a warm base layer in winter, but it is light enough to wear on its own in spring and autumn – and on cooler summer days too.
Miles has many of the same qualities as Ellis, but with a slightly different character.
It is still soft, lightweight and smooth, but it has a little more presence and structure. Where Ellis feels especially fluid and fine, Miles feels a touch more substantial, making it a wonderful choice when you want a jersey garment that holds its shape slightly more.
Miles is made from 64% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 28% merino wool and 8% elastane and weighs approximately 140 g/m². The relatively high amount of elastane gives it excellent stretch and recovery, so garments remain comfortable while keeping their shape through wear.
Use Miles for tops, fitted dresses, soft trousers, leggings, skirts, lightweight sweaters and layering garments. It is particularly good for patterns with a relatively close fit, where the combination of stretch, recovery and softness really comes into its own.
Which one should you choose?
If you are deciding between the two, think mainly about the expression you want.
Choose Ellis when you want something particularly fine, fluid and lightweight.
Choose Miles when you would like a little more body, stretch and stability, while still keeping the soft and lightweight feel of a merino jersey.
Both are wonderful examples of why we love fibre blends. Instead of asking one fibre to do everything, each fibre contributes something different: merino brings warmth and temperature regulation, TENCEL™ Lyocell adds smoothness, drape and moisture management, and elastane provides stretch and recovery.
The result is a pair of fabrics that are incredibly comfortable to wear, but still look polished enough for much more than basic underwear or base layers.
In the sample box we have included all colors of Ellis Merino Blend, and a selection of new colors of Miles Merino Blend - both are included in the 25% member discount.
