The Ultimate Yarn Review of Juniper Moon Farm Herriot
The Ultimate Yarn Review of Juniper Moon Farm Herriot
Note: This post was not sponsored or paid for. All thoughts & opinions are my own, and all yarn photographed was purchased by me.
Let's Talk Yarn
I understand that when you're busy, you don't always have the luxury of overthinking your yarn choices. If you have a local yarn store nearby, your schedule likely makes it difficult to visit in person, leading you to rely on a few trusted online brands and familiar yarns. While it is exciting to try something new, it can be a risk if you aren't sure you'll like the results.
I am here to help. My goal is to be your trusted advisor by sharing honest and thorough reviews so you can feel confident when trying a new yarn. You deserve to enjoy your projects from cast on to bind off, and beyond.
With each new pattern release, I will provide a corresponding review of the specified yarn to help you cast on with confidence.
Why You Should Choose a KJD Pattern
My vision is to create knitting and crochet patterns that fit seamlessly into your everyday life. When wearing a Kirsten Joel Designs pattern, you can feel confident and well-dressed for any occasion, knowing the instructions are clear and the fit is precise.
Why I Write Yarn Reviews
Managing a household, getting kids to school on time, and staying on top of work projects leaves very little time for researching yarn reviews. My goal is to simplify that process for you.
While I stand by all the yarns I use, I know that every project has different needs. Below is a detailed look at Juniper Moon Farm Herriot to help you decide if it is the right fit for your next project.
Juniper Moon Farm Herriot: The review
If you’ve been eyeing the cream Lady Bird jacket sample and wondering whether that dreamy, cloud-soft yarn is actually as wonderful as it looks in photos, I’ve got you. Today I’m diving deep into Juniper Moon Farm Herriot — the 100% extrafine baby alpaca DK I used for the cream version of Lady Bird.
The Details:
Fiber: 100% Extrafine Baby Alpaca
Weight: DK / Light Worsted
Yardage: 219 yards (200 m) per 100 g skein
Recommended Needle Size: US 5–7 (3.75–4.5 mm)
Gauge: Approximately 5.25–6 sts per inch on US 5–7 needles
Care: Hand wash, lay flat to dry
Price: Around $18–22 per skein (depending on retailer)
Colors: Beautiful range of soft neutrals and gentle heathered tones
First Impressions
The moment I opened the package for the beige Lady Bird sample, I actually said “oh wow” out loud. The yarn is incredibly light in the hand yet feels substantial. It has that signature baby alpaca halo — a gentle fuzziness that makes you want to bury your face in it — but without being slippery or difficult to work with.
Winding was effortless. Even though baby alpaca can sometimes be a little delicate, Herriot held up beautifully on my swift and winder. No splitting, no fuss.
The beige color in this sample is Linen, and I've started another sample in this perfectly creamy white, in the colorway Talc.
Swatching Experience
I swatched the Forked Cluster Stitch on US F5 / 3.75 mm, and the fabric was exactly what I hoped for in Lady Bird: soft, drapey, warm, and structured, without being heavy. The stitches bloom beautifully after blocking, and that subtle halo gives the jacket the soft, polished look of a luxury ready-to-wear piece.
On the skin, it feels luxurious and is friendly enough for next-to-skin wear (I have somewhat sensitive skin and had zero itch). It’s warmer and a little more dense than you’d expect from a DK weight, but still breathable enough for year-round wear — perfect for those in-between seasons when you want cozy but not bulky. The crochet fabric will help this piece withstand daily wear & tear, whereas a knit fabric might feel more drapey.
Why I Chose it for Lady Bird
Herriot was the perfect choice for the beige and cream samples. The drape is elegant yet relaxed, exactly what I wanted for an open-front jacket that feels both sophisticated and wearable.
The forked cluster stitches pop beautifully without looking stiff, and the fabric has just enough structure to hold its shape while still feeling soft and huggable.
If you’re making Lady Bird (or any garment where you want softness with a little polish), this yarn delivers. It’s the kind of yarn that makes you slow down and enjoy the process — which is exactly what we’re all craving, right?
Pros
Incredibly soft with a beautiful halo
Lightweight but warm
Excellent drape for garments
Lovely stitch definition in textured stitches
Feels luxurious without being fussy to work with
Cons
Not superwash (hand wash only)
The halo can be a little “grabby” with some hooks if you’re a tight crocheter (loose tension helps)
Higher price point than everyday wool, but you’re paying for that baby alpaca softness
Can be itchy if you're sensitive to alpaca
If you love soft, next-to-skin garments that feel special but still practical for real life, Herriot is for you. It’s especially wonderful when you want something that feels like a treat every time you wear it, without worrying about being too delicate with it.
Whether you’re making Lady Bird for that polished, effortless look or using it for another cozy cardigan or pullover, this yarn turns your ordinary crafting time into something special and more nurturing.
Ready to Try Herriot?
If you’re making Lady Bird, I can’t recommend Herriot enough. It truly elevates the jacket into something that feels like a store-bought luxury piece — only better, because you made it.
Have you tried Herriot yet? Tell me in the comments — I’d love to hear what you’re making with it!
You can find Juniper Moon Farm Herriot at your favorite local yarn shop or online. And if you’re ready to start your own Lady Bird, the pattern is waiting for you in the shop.
Happy stitching, friend. You deserve this one-of-a-kind experience!
Design Information
Polish, sophistication, and grace: This Chanel-inspired jacket is going to slip effortlessly off your hook and into your wardrobe. Whether you’re the handmade dress type (like Megha, wearing the cream sample), or the tailored jeans type (like designer Kirsten in the blue sample), you’ll be utterly put together in this open-front crochet jacket.
The name "Lady Bird" pays tribute to both designer Kirsten's daughter, nicknamed Birdie, and Claudia "Lady Bird" Johnson, a First Lady known for her quiet yet impactful advocacy for women's rights during her husband Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency.
Lady Bird Johnson adeptly balanced traditional gender roles of the 1960s with pushing forward progressive ideas, paving the way for future First Ladies to pursue ambitious projects and political agendas.
Among her significant contributions was the Head Start program, established to support the emotional, physical, nutritional, and educational needs of disadvantaged preschool children—a program that continues to make a difference today. Lady Bird Johnson's initiatives in traditionally female activist areas were quietly revolutionary, laying the groundwork for other First Ladies during the second wave of feminism.
This jacket embodies the classic and structured elegance of Lady Bird Johnson's era, making it a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
Lady Bird is an open-front crocheted jacket with set-in sleeves. Fronts, back, and sleeves are worked flat from the bottom up and seamed, and a Crab Stitch edging is applied to the neck and front edges. Instructions are provided for optional cup shaping using short rows.
The cream sample is crocheted with Juniper Moon Farm Herriot, a 100% Extrafine Baby Alpaca DK weight that is perfect for winter layering.
The grey sample is crocheted with Kelbourne Woolens Scout, a 100% wool known for its toastiness, classic appearance, soft texture, gentle bloom, and beautiful heathered colors.
Wear this on-trend, yet secretly classic cardigan with chic trousers for an office party, or wear it as a cozy layer at home with shearling slippers and comfy joggers. However you wear it, the Lady Bird Jacket will be a delightful addition to your everyday handmade wardrobe.
Please share your progress on Instagram by tagging me @kirstenjoel_designs and using the hashtags #ladybirdjacketkjd. I love to see all of your works in progress and finished projects!
