We love Chimera so we were even more excited when Riverknits released a DK version, and NOW that DK version is here at Knit With Attitude. We introduced Chimera 4ply in 2022 and it’s been much loved here in the shop ever since. The DK version is going to be no exception.

Riverknits is the creation of Becci and Markus and first began life on their narrowboat home. They are directly influenced from their daily life on the canals and rivers and the colour inspiration draws on the history of the waterways and the wildlife and landscape they see around them. Riverknits grew and grew and after a couple of years they moved to a studio in Weedon, Northamptonshire and reclaimed the boat as their home. From this studio they not only dye, hank and label their yarn but run events and open days. We were pleased to visit them in May 2024 and take part in an open day. Here is a picture of Herman the Hank Winder I took while we were there and it’s loaded up with lots of different colours of Chimera.

Riverknits work sustainably and are constantly looking for ways to improve their impact on the environment. All fibre’s are sourced from British Breeds which are also spun the the UK. They only use natural fibres which are all non-superwash and nylon free. All their packaging is reused or recycled, even down to the yarn label which is printed on 100% recycled paper.

Chimera DK is a DK weight 100% non superwash British Bluefaced Leicester yarn with the magic of being marled. Marled yarn is a yarn that is created by twisting together two different colours or shades. In this instance two hand dyed colours. The fibre that makes up each strand or ply is first hand dyed in the Riverknits studio on a single ply of yarn. Each skein of Chimera is created from a pair of single plys dyed with multiples of colours and then come in hanks of 50g – 115m.

Each ply is dyed with different colours as you can see in the above images of Chimera 4ply. All the colours on the left are dyed onto one single ply and the colours on the right on another. When twisted together you can see how the different colours interact. Beautifully melding from one shade to the next giving you fun tonal stitches that are exciting to knit and look great. I particularly like marled yarn when it is knit with a solid and makes stranded colourwork look stunning, but they would also look just an impressive knit on its own.

When the pairs of single plied yarns are dyed it is sent to be spun in a mill in Yorkshire creating a sturdy worsted-spun 2-fold yarn. Blue Faced Leicester is one of the softest British Breed sheep and this yarn is no exception and I would have no problems wearing it against my skin. Great for any garments or accessories.

If you are interested in trying this yarn out have a look at some pattern inspiration below. For these patterns I looked at designs written for holding two yarns together to get a DK. As Chimera DK already gives you the marled effect there is no need to hold two strands, easy peasy.

Marled Thundercloud Shawl (link to Ravelry) by Stephen West. This striking shawl is created by knitting one wavy band at a time and radiates out from the top semicircle. This avoids having to deal with lots of tangled strands like in an intarsia project. There are seven sections in total and I would choose a different colour of Chimera DK for each one

Tubular Tank (link to Ravelry) by Maral Mokri. Worked from the bottom up in the round this simple ribbed tank top uses a sport and lace weight held together to get a DK. One strand of Chimera DK would be idea. I really like how the 1×1 rib used at the edges adds a different texture alongside the 2×2 rib of the body.

Melange Sweater Man (link to Ravelry) by PetiteKnit. PetiteKnit’s has different patterns within the popular Melange Sweater range. They are knit with two strands of 4ply held together but save yourself the work and go for Chimera DK. Worked from the top down, first flat to the underarms and then in the round.

Skrabucket (link to Ravelry) by Theresia Lew. These little bags are so cute I had to include them. They would make fun project bags or a dice bag for your next games night. They are designed for leftovers and are perfect for that, but a hank or two of Chimera DK would also be lovely. Seamlessly knit in one piece it is also lined and finished with a drawstring.

Whatever (link to Ravelry) by Julie Knits in Paris. This is another scrap buster but Whatever I think it would look great in Chimera DK! I would do a gradient of all my favourite colours. Cast on without swatching in this relaxed fit, relaxing knit. Knit in the round from the top down this is a design for care free knitting.

Scrappy Marl (link to Ravelry) by Beata Jezek. Simple hats are always a good one to have in your collection of patterns and this one is free. Any DK hat pattern would look great in Chimera DK but this one is marled so that drew me in. Knit from the brim to the crown in the round.