I love getting new yarn! (Is anybody surprised by this by this earth-shaking announcement?) Figuring out what a new yarn would like to become is one of the best things about owning a yarn store – or, for that matter, being a knitter.
Yarn companies always have suggestions about what to do with their yarns, but one has to approach these ideas warily. Their purpose is to sell as much of that yarn as possible, so you’ll often see dense gauges, lots of cables whether the yarn likes them or not, and yarn-intense details that may or may not enhance the design. We like to mess around a little bit: swatch, rip, swatch, block, try out a few stitch patterns, evaluate drape, texture and hardiness before we dive into a full-blown project. Our purpose is also to sell as much yarn as possible but more than that it is to adorn all of Berks County and beyond with beautiful knitted items that their owners cherish! We have such beautiful yarn, such skilled and helpful teachers, and such a talented customer base that this could become the Knitting Center of the Universe. Okay, perhaps I’m indulging in a little megalomania there. Back to reality!
I want to show you my version of Banner, a Berroco design in chunky yarn that, if I hadn’t had to rip out one entire sleeve because I used the wrong-sized needle to knit it, would have been done in a flash. This is Berroco’s photo:
and this is my finished version: (Sorry for the wrinkles, by the time I wrangle two dogs, purse, and whatever else I need between home and store, things get a little messy.)
I used Ella Rae Chunky Merino Superwash, a very sturdy superwash wool for the main color. I envisioned a sweater that would be easy to throw on over jeans and get on with your day, without worrying about dirt and pilling. The yoke is done in Berroco’s Inca Tweed, a soft alpaca blend that feels great around your neck and eliminates the need for a second layer.
The stitch pattern is easy to do, just knits and purls,
and I love the way the colors and textures enhance each other. The little standup neck is warm without clinging. It’s just a great all-around casual sweater.
We got some super-bulky yarn in last week, and I had some fun with it. This is Kureyon Air from Noro:
The colors are amazing, as you can see. Some are just wild and some are rich and beautiful. I took one skein of the wildest and made the obvious choice to do something fairly simple. We already had this free pattern for a scarf on the bias and it shows off the Noro colors to great advantage. Size 17 needles, and bingo, gift list done!
We also received Ushya in these beautiful neutrals from Mirasol:
This cushy merino blend is irresistible and I really couldn’t choose just one color. One skein of white, one skein of light gray, and here is a lovely accessory that will be just the thing when the temperature drops:
Another free pattern, another quick gift!
Meanwhile, I’m getting things together for our Shibui party on Saturday October 24. There are a few spaces left; if you decide you want to attend, give us a call or email us. Otherwise, just a reminder that we’ll be closed to the public that day. Plan accordingly!
