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close knit: the neighborhood yarn shop
We have some of the most beautiful new yarn in the shop, my friends. Sally has been putting a lot of effort into fostering relationships with small-batch hand-dyers in the Northwest. She has found an extremely talented dyer in Ami of Lakes Yarn and Fiber.
Based in the mountains of Northern Idaho, Ami raises sheep, dyes yarn, plays outdoors, and works as a nurse. This very busy woman has an eye for subtle, beautiful color, and I am so excited to show you her Loschsa DK (above) and her Silk Single Fingering (below).
The colors are so interesting and rich. The Electric Feel in the silk/merino is incredible (front left in the photo above). It almost changes color from blue to purple as you move it around in the light. And Grasshooper Lochsa DK is stunning. Sally is working on a cowl with it now. The colors are subtle and varied, and the stitches pop like nobody's business.
Ami sent us the sample knit up in the Lochsa DK, It's Brr Time by Suvi Simola. Just one skein makes this awesome hat. See what I mean about the popping stitches? (And I always appreciate a nice ribbing-to-cable transition.)
I am on a mission to stash away a skein of yarn from each of these amazing hand-dyers that Sally has brought in. I suppose I would do well to have some patterns or a plan in mind, but maybe I'll just arrange a few on my desk for inspiration. I can't wait to see what Sally finds for us next!
Sally is making some progress on her Larkspur Cardigan, knit with the soft and denimy Berroco Indigo. She should have this one all finished for fall, right Sally?
Have you all tried this yarn? It's made from recycled fibers, and I am really impressed with how nicely it knits up. I would not normally consider knitting a cabled cardigan out of a cotton yarn, although I love wearing that sort of garment. This yarn has me seriously rethinking that. It knits up and softens like your favorite jeans. Who can say no to that?
We have the fabulous pattern book and sweater quantities of yarn in stock. If you get started now, you might even catch up to Sally before the end of summer!
Do have young (or old) friends who like to dress up? Think they might like a little crown?
Summer is a great time for little projects that are finished quickly and don't drape all over your lap, and these sweet little Circlets are just the thing! The purple one above was knit with Cascade Sunseeker, a nice cotton with a little sparkle. The pink one below is knit with good ol' Cascade 220 Sport.
My littlest human gravitates to these immediately when she enters the shop. So that's a sign that she needs a few, right? I have been known to wear one of these little crowns around the shop myself. Maybe I need one, too!
As part of our Retail Happy Hour, we are giving you a whole $10 back on every $50 you spend in our shop starting at 3:00 this Wednesday through close on Sunday. Here's a great chance to receive a generous discount on that large purchase you've been considering. See you Wednesday!
Normally, these unusual novelty yarns don't really tempt me. But the ticking stripes on the Katia Big Ribbon caught my eye and got me thinking about the possibilities for this yarn. We have a few great crochet patterns for large baskets and bags, but I wanted to see how it knit up.
Enter the Tolt Folded Bag. I chose the blue denim color, leaving the ticking stripe for you all.
Believe it or not, this bag is knit up as a rectangle. Then there's some fancy folding, a little handle, and you have a bag! The Tolt Yarn tutorial calls for a cast on of 30, but I used 25 stitches on a US15 and achieved just the right proportions with enough left for the handle using just two balls.
The knitted fabric has such a cool heft and texture. While this is totally outside my normal realm of rustic, tweedy wool, I am dreaming of what else I could make with this cool yarn. I'm thinking bathroom rug...
Rowan yarns are becoming increasingly difficult to find these days, but we have worked to keep a nice stock of the basic on our shelves. As part of this week's Retail Happy Hour, we are offering 10% off all Rowan yarns.
We have some stunning shades of Kidsilk Haze, including the Stripe, Trio, and Eclipse lines.
Softknit Cotton is a great choice for summer, and the pattern support for this yarn is really nice.
We also have Cocoon, Fine Tweed, Fine Art, Lima, and Kid Classic. All of these lovely yarns are 10% off from 3:00 today through Sunday. Rowan lovers, it's your week!
There are those folks in the world who love a handknit sock in self-patterning yarn. My mother is one of those people. She herself no longer knits, so I am tasked with knitting (and repairing) her favorite socks. While I have PLENTY of sock yarn waiting to become socks, I am giving in to temptation and taking a few balls of this new yarn home with me.
The colors were designed by these two fabulously off-the-wall dudes from Norway, Arne and Carlos. Their books and designs are really something to see, and I love the color combinations they are using for this line from Regia. I've knit with Regia sock yarn several times, and I can tell you that it holds up to some serious wear. If you are going to put all that energy into knitting socks, it pays to use the sturdy stuff.
Plus, self-patterning sock yarn is kind of magical. You will easily impress anyone and everyone who sees you working with it. The pattern emerges as you knit, and it doesn't really matter how many stitches you are using. It pretty much always looks cool. I often use a coordinating solid color for the toes and heels, but you certainly don't need to. This kind of yarn is also ideal for baby sweaters and pants, thanks to its durability in the wash and fun colors. I, of course, will be making mom socks with this. What sounds fun to you?
Retail Happy Hour happens again today on Alberta Street, with so many fabulous shops participating. Join us on Alberta from 3-6PM every Wednesday for great deals from some of your favorite locally-owned businesses.
We are offering $20 off the big skeins of Loopy Mango BIG LOOP, starting at 3 today until close on Sunday. We affectionately call these yarn babies, and we are always happy to see them go to a good home. One skein makes the stunning Nantucket Throw, a free pattern from Loopy Mango.
This gorgeous yarn is produced in the USA, and it is truly unlike anything else I've seen. If you have oggled it in the shop, you know how cool it is. This is a great chance to get your hands on some coveted stuff at a generous discount!
