We have been treated to the spectacle of the Aurora Borealis over the last few nights.   Perhaps it has not been the incredible display like you get in more northern parts, but a sight nonetheless:

[caption id="attachment_4922" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Aurora over Stoer village"][/caption]

Na dannsairean is the Gaelic for the Aurora and means Merry Dancers.

As it happened I had a delivery of new yarn this week, and one of them is a delightful tweedy yarn with neps of different colours - beige, cream and black.  I was very excited to crack open the box and see the new yarn base, and I immediately put some on to soak and dyed it in one of my favourite shades - Winter Sea, which is a deep teal shade.



When thinking of a name for the yarn base my mind turned to old fashioned dances or ceilidhs where the ladies wore tweed skirts or jackets, and I initially thought to call the yarn "dansa", but I felt it seemed appropriate to name it after the aurora, so Na dannsairean it is.  I currently just have it in 4ply, but DK and Aran will be on its way next week.  It knits up beautifully:



and I'm in the process of knitting Still Light using this yarn, a lovely tunic dress which I'm sure will get lots of wear and be extremely practical.

It is up in the shop now, just in two shades, but I will be dyeing more tomorrow, so watch this space!