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Save 20% off all Berroco yarns!

Sale ends December 31, 2011 at midnight ET

Caroline and Warren Wheelock of Berroco
Caroline and Warren
Wheelock of Berroco

How many of us have taken positions at companies that claim, "We're a family," only to later learn that the family is massively, indescribably, irreparably dysfunctional? It's an experience many of us endured and, with any luck, eventually escaped.

When you meet the people at Berroco, they don't tell you they're a family. But, when you ask about their colleagues, they tell you about Bev, who's been the voice on their phone for over twenty years, and Willie the warehouse manager who bakes fantastic cookies. They talk about the diminutive but speedy Estelle who picks the products to be shipped,the talented art director Taro, and Donna who coordinates the booklets and trunk shows. They mention Kris who is so helpful to their retailers. Then they smile with appreciation as they refer to the company's owners and executives as their "fearless leaders," and credit the company's success to the boss who sets an example with his "hard work and dogged persistence."

This is Berroco Yarns, a group of 20 dedicated individuals who truly care about one another and their sixth-generation owners, Warren and Caroline Wheelock. Warren is the great-great-great grandson of the man who opened the first of the Wheelock mills in New England in 1810. Since that time, the Wheelock family has been successful in the textile industry, weathering wars, depressions, recessions, and every other challenge that has faced the United States.

Warren examines the spinning machines at a yarn mill
Warren examines the spinning
machines at a yarn mill

Today, the company no longer spins their own fibers, but sources them from world renowned mills in the UK, Europe, New Zealand and South America. Throughout the yarn community, Berroco Yarns is considered one of the most successful importers and wholesalers in the U.S., likely because they've maintained the very high standards of quality and value that first propelled them to success.

Now housed in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, this industry powerhouse supplies yarn shops throughout North America with some of the most popular yarns in the world: Berroco Comfort, Berroco Vintage, Berroco Weekend and Berroco Ultra Alpaca, just to name a few. These yarns are chosen by Warren, Norah Gaughan and their team at the world's premiere yarn and knitting show, Pitti Filati in Florence, Italy. There they examine yarns from mills throughout the world, selecting those they may consider for the next season's new introductions. To ensure the yarns meet their stringent specifications, the Berroco staff create swatches and then engage in impassioned discussions before a final decision is made. On occasion, Warren will re-engineer a yarn to ensure it's precisely what he wants before the fiber is added to the Berroco line-up and the naming process begins. Today, this process is driven by one of the newer members of the Berroco family, Amanda Keep.

Having recently moved to a new location, Berroco celebrates its heritage with a sign that traces its New England roots.

While Berroco is famous for their yarns, they're also highly respected for knitting patterns that range from the traditional to the avant garde thanks to the amazingly talented Norah Gaughan who drives the creative processes. Working with her protégé, Amanda, Norah helps direct the more creative assignments such as the development of the Web site and completion of all those wonderfully informative print and e-media materials knitters appreciate so much.

Day after day, year after year, each talented individual at Berroco works hard to ensure that the company and its retail customers receive fine quality yarns and a vast, well-produced selection of knitting patterns. It's through their dedication and their loyalty to Warren Wheelock that Berroco Yarns continues to grow and thrive.


Win a Berroco Gift Package Worth Over $150

See details below »

Hot Yarns
New This Season

Berroco Sox Yarn

Socks are always in style...and they're great fun to make. But don't restrict yourself to socks with this fantastic machine washable yarn. It's a 75% superwash wool/25% nylon blend in 30 colors. If you're into metal, check out Berroco Sox Metallic.

Berroco Sox Yarn

Blackstone Tweed Yarn

This lovely blend of wool, mohair and angora is a classic tweed without any scratchiness . We have 19 rustic colors to choose from. Consider Blackstone Tweed Chunky too. Or Blackstone Tweed Metallic.

Blackstone Tweed Yarn

Hot Books and Patterns
























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Boboli Yarn

Crafted in Italy of 42% wool, 35% acrylic and 23% rayon, Boboli has a lustrous sheen and wonderful softness. It's a single ply, light worsted fiber that is fantastic for hats and scarves. Each hank has 205 yards so you have fewer tie-ins. We have 12 sophisticated colorways.

Boboli Yarn

Campus Yarn

Are you looking for a quick-to-knit yarn to knit or crochet into a soft, warm winter garment? Campus yarn in wool, acrylic and alpaca has a traditional tweedy look in 12 natural colors. There are lots of great projects for this yarn — from scarves to hoodies.

Campus Yarn
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Linsey Yarn

Planning a cruise?
You'll want to create something light and lovely with 64% cotton/36% linen Linsey. With excellent drape and stitch definition it's ideal for warm weather garments and accessories. 8 colors plus variegated Linsey Colors.

Linsey Yarn

Comfort Yarn

When Berroco creates a winner, they're smart enough to develop several different formats so knitters and crocheters can use it many different ways. Comfort yarn blends super fine acrylic & super fine nylon. Worsted weight in 66 colors. Also in Heather, Baby, DK, Chunky and Socks.

Comfort Yarn Worsted
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Link Yarn

This Italian-made, super chunky wool/acrylic blend can be knited or crocheted on large needles or hooks. It's named after its chainette construction that looks like a knitted I-cord. Ideal for making quick accessories and gifts, the label includes a 1-hour scarf pattern. 8 variegated colors.

Link Yarn

Nanuk Yarn

Here's a new faux fur chenille that's a big hit this season. It's a blend of wool and nylon that's great for chunky weight projects — soft, fluffy and comfy cozy. You'll be seeing this yarn in fashionable trims, and for pullovers, jackets, cardis, cowls. 8 colors.

Nanuk Yarn
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Peruvia Yarn

This is a popular yarn because it's great for knitting, crocheting and felting. Crafted of 100% Peruvian Highland Wool from South America, it's in generous 174-yard hanks for fewer ends to weave. We have 39 colors in Peruvia heavy worsted. Chunky version also available.

Peruvia Yarn

Seduce Yarn

Created with fine Italian craftsmanship, this seductive sensation is lightweight and silky soft. It's spun as a corded yarn in rayon/linen/silk/nylon to create a luscious tone-on-tone effect.  We have 13 lustrous shades that are lovely for holiday wear.  Also check out Seduce Colors.

Seduce Yarn
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Souffle Yarn

If you haven't worked with one of the chainette yarns, you'll want to try this version that features ultra-soft baby alpaca and durable acrylic. It's a great choice for a quick-to-create project on big needles and hooks, and is perfect for warm winter wear. Save on 8 colors.

Souffle Yarn

Ultra Alpaca Yarn

When you want it all, this is the yarn to choose. Warm, cozy, lightweight and in 75 delicious colors. This worsted weight fiber is great for knitting and crocheting, and it felts wonderfully. We also have Ultra Alpaca Fine, Light and Tonal, crafted in Peru in solids and heathers.

Ultra Alpaca Yarn
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Vintage Yarn

Here's another yarn that is so good, Berroco has offered it in a variety of styles. Vintage is a blend of wool, acrylic and nylon that provides loft, durability and softness. The worsted weight in 60 colors is ideal for cool-weather garments and accessories. Also available in DK and Chunky weights.

Vintage Yarn

Voyage Yarn

This heathery, chunky yarn is crafted of 93% super fine alpaca and 7% polyester. It's a thick, woven chainette for durability and warmth that's perfect for your quick-to-create projects. Voyage yarn knits and crochets superbly with clean stitch definition. 13 heathered hues.

Voyage Yarn
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Weekend Yarn

Weekend yarn has become one of Berroco's classic favorites. This beautifully crafted 75% acrylic and 25% Peruvian cotton yarn is perfect for casual and dressy tops, cardis and virtually anything else designed for worsted weight cotton. 38 gorgeous colors.

Weekend Yarn

Weekend Chunky

Based on the popular Weekend Yarn, this chunky version is 25% Peruvian cotton and 75% acrylic. With it's wonderful drape and stitch definition is perfect for fashionable quick-to-create jackets, pullovers and vests. We have 18 rich solid colors.

Weekend Chunky
Designer Spotlight
Amanda Keep
Amanda Keep is the
newest member of the
Berroco design team.

If there's one person in the knitting industry who is revered for her very intelligent approach to design, it's Norah Gaughan. Now the Design Director for Berroco Yarns, Norah follows in the footsteps of Margery Winter, another industry icon. Her protégés include Cirilia Rose, who has become an independent designer, and Amanda Keep, who has progressed from intern to full-time Berroco employee.

Norah is a scientist by training and an artist at heart. Applying her logical and mathematical skills to design, she develops geometric fashion delights that are not only flattering to the wearer, but also impeccably designed to have the perfect drape and stitch definition. Her patterns are precise, well-written, and at times, challenging. Most importantly, they're never, ever boring or routine.

As Norah has grown in her role, she's helped direct Berroco toward a relaxed, contemporary style that pays homage to fashion trends, but is not enslaved by them. She says she prefers the classic yarns, like the company's perennial favorite, Berroco Vintage, but she's not afraid to introduce a unique creation like the fabulous self-ruffling Lacey that's such a big hit with scarf knitters this season.

Martha
Norah Gaughan is the Design
Director for Berroco

Of all the autumn designs presented by Berroco, she tells us that Peruvia Aeneas is the most favorited and talked about on Ravelry. This short length cardigan that's knit with 100% highland wool Peruvia yarn features Norah's gorgeous cabling set off with a simple moss stitch. 12 Ravelers have completed the cardigan; 9 gave it the highest marks possible for a design.

Of all the collections Norah has developed for Berroco, she tells us that her favorite is the newest one, Norah Gaughan Volume 10, which isn't yet available for sale. When asked what about this book makes it so special to her she says, "Because it's necessary to leave the old loves behind in order to move on, and because we were able to use and show more size variations. We photographed the book on a size large model as well as a typical size small model."

Yarnmarket will carry this book as soon as it's available, likely in mid-to-late January when it is realeased for the 2012 Spring collection.

While Norah remains the driving force in the Berroco design team, Amanda Keep is one to watch for innovative styles over the next few years. Amanda started her career at a yarn shop in her home town of Traverse City, MI before obtaining an art degree from Albion College and Textile Design degree from RISD. While completing her studies, she interned with clothing boutique, Free People, and also at Berroco where she ultimately landed a full-time position.

Peruvia Aeneas Cardigan
The Peruvia Aeneas
Cardigan project is
among the most popular.

What's the difference between Norah and Amanda?

"Amanda is 25 and 5'8". Norah is 50 and 5'0"," Norah tells us, adding, "Sure, that's a flip answer, but it does color our viewpoints and make for a broader sense of style. We are both rather mathematical in our approaches and both love surface texture and doing something clever."

Together, these talented artists will shape the future of Berroco as they collaborate to develop garments and accessories that appeal to a broad spectrum of enthusiastic knitters. Those of us who eagerly await their new fibers and patterns wonder where their new introductions will take us.

"We foresee a swing toward simplicity," Norah tells us. We have little doubt that what's simple to Norah will be absolutely breathtaking to us.

hot projects

You'll want to wear this everywhere! This colorful, multi-fiber shawl is created with Borealis, Peruvia Quick, and Campus yarns. The combination of fibers and colors gives a bohemian look to this shawl that features a crocheted flower motif done up in squares. The finished size is 18" x 78".

If you're not in one of the cooler regions of the planet right now, you might appreciate this cardigan that's perfect for temperate climes. It's the popular boyfriend style with V-neck, pockets and a longer length that's great on all figures. Choose from many popular heathered shades of Voyage.

This jacket is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit in your wardrobe. The sophisticated style is crafted in Boboli yarn, a soft and beautiful fiber with lustrous sheen and elegant drape. With its extra length, this jacket will keep you cozy warm while it flatters your figure.

Everyone loves cowls! They're versatile, comfortable and flattering. This sparkling accent piece is created with Glint yarn. Available in three sizes, it's a simple knit, worked in the round with ribbed top and bottom edges and stockinette in between.

Looking for a great gift idea for the cook in the family but you want something a little different? This oven mitt is just the thing! Choose two contrasting colors of Ultra Alpaca and follow the design chart for a terrific felted project that can match every decor.

This sparkling evening bag is created with Metallic FX yarn. The design is fast and easy, so you can quickly whip one up for your next formal event. Be creative with the strap: vreate your own, use a beaded necklace or silk scarf, or purchase one at a craft shop. Finished size is 6.5" x 5.5".

It's feminine, flattering and perfect for your winter getaway to the sun. This tie-front cardigan in a cool cotton and linen blend is  light and lovely for afternoon strolls or evenings out. It features pretty panels of cables between layers of lace, and 3/4 sleeves.

Remember the style of Jackie O and Coco Chanel? Well, those classic lines and wonderful shaping have returned to the fashion forefront!  This sophisticated cardigan is knitted up in supple, beautiful Lustra yarn. Stand-up collar, patch pockets, raglan sleeves.

We love this vest and you will, too. You can pair it with jeans or tailored pants to create a trendy, but elegant, look.  The multi-directional vest uses Berroco Nanuk, a fabulous new yarn that exudes softness and warmth with its woolly look. Makes a great holiday gift.

If you want to be comfortable and chic at the same time, this cardigan's the one for you! Created with Origami yarn, a lacy pattern is used on the sleeve edges and in stripes on the body. The drape makes it elegant enough for dressing up, but relaxed enough for dressing down.


Baby on the way? Whether you're a new mom, relative or friend, you'll enjoy creating this cardigan for infants and toddlers. Crafted in supersoft Pure Pima, this sweater has lots of special touches without being too difficult. We love the ruffled cuffs that match the optional bloomers.

Beware! You'll want to knit this pretty pleated bag in several colors of Remix yarn from Berroco! The pleats are gathered tightly at the top opening and open gently as they go to the bottom of the bag, expanding into a roomy place to hold all your necessities. Finished size is 24" x 12".

Knitted coats are being seen everywhere this year. This sensational sweater style is created with Sundae yarn in a very simple stockinette stitch edged with ribbing. The high collar will keep you warm when the winter winds blow! Patch pockets and 3/4-length sleeves complete the style.


This trendy cropped pullover with its cowl neck can be knitted in many amazing colorways using the new Souffle yarn. The airy fibre with chainette construction is warm and woolly...and wonderful to work with! It knits up quickly into cozy sweaters and accessories to keep out the chill.

Vests are making big fashion news this season, and especially vests with faux fur trim. This piece uses Berroco Voyage and Nanuk to create the popular sherpa look that's so great when paired with a long-sleeved sweater and jeans. The superfine alpaca is super warm and soft for winter wear.

Maybe he's not a lumberjack, but the guy in your life is sure to appreciate this soft, warm sweater made with machine-washable Vintage wool. Several different stitch patterns are used to give texture and visual interest to this piece, including ribbing and double seed stitch.


Designed by Mari Lynn Patrick for Vogue Knitting, this captivating ribbed cardi is perfect for elegant holiday evenings or dressy days. The subtle metallic gleam of Flicker enhances the serpentine twist on the front edges, curvy short-row hemline and cable details above the cuffs.

If you've got a guy to gift, here's a quick project that's sure to be appreciated! This cable and rib hat is created with Comfort Chunky yarn . Modeled after the classic fisherman's style, it's a warm fitted hat with ribs and cables and a fold-up brim. Hat measures 18" around un-stretched.

BargainYARNS logo
Win

You could win a Berroco Gift Collection worth over $150.

If you love the quality and beauty of Berroco yarns, you'll want to enter this contest to win a prize package that includes:

Prize Package

• Berroco #313: Comfort & Vintage
• Berroco #314: Voyage & Nanuk
• Berroco #315: Bohemian Mix
• Norah Gaughan Volume 9
• Yarn and Needles to make the Caffe Vest
• 7 skeins Voyage yarn
• 4 skeins Nanuk yarn
• Crystal Palace 12" Bamboo Straight Needles, Size 10
• Crystal Palace 26" Bamboo Circular Needles, Size 10

To enter, send an email with your answer to Berroco@Yarnmarket.com. Make sure the subject is: Spotlight on Berroco.

To enter, you must correctly answer this question: "Yarnmarket stocks 75 colors of one specific Berroco yarn. Which yarn is it?"

One entry per person, please. We'll draw a winner from all the correct submissions received by midnight December 31, 2011 and announce it in our next issue of Spotlight.

Congratulations! The winner of our Rowan Spotlight gift package was Dorothy Eagle of New York City.

     
Norah Exclusive
     

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