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When Betsy Perry saw an ad seeking a sales manager for a hand-knitting company she knew she'd found the perfect job, the perfect blend of avocation and career. "I was hooked the minute I walked into the company's offices and warehouse!" she says. Little did she know that one day she would own this established manufacturer that serves yarn shops and knitters throughout the USA and Canada. Classic Elite Yarns, Inc. began as a small marketing division of Warley Worsted Mills, an old-line textile manufacturer in the New England town of Lowell, MA. Initially, Warley Worsted Mills produced fine mohair yarns for yard-goods manufacturers and yarn companies like Bernat. In 1980, they took the bold move of creating a new marketing arm they called "Classic Elite." This division flourished, expanding the company's product line to include cottons, silks, alpacas, wools and other natural fiber blends. They began to present at knitting industry trade shows where their products were quickly recognized for their superior quality, and they introduced collections of hand knitting designs that knitters enthusiastically embraced. It wasn't long before Classic Elite was featured on the pages of international fashion magazines. This was quite a leap for the company headed at the time by Pat Chew, an extraordinary woman who passed away in 2008 after a fierce battle with leukemia. The future of the company was in peril. In 2009, Betsy decided it was time to step up to the plate: she purchased the company from Pat's estate under the parent company she named "Robertson-Chase Fibers, LLC," in tribute to her two grandmothers, Imogene Robertson and Bess Chase. "I knew I wanted to keep the Classic Elite brand alive and, if I could, help it grow into a bigger and more relevant presence in this great industry," she says. "I really love the yarn world. I knew it was important to stay involved." It was also critical to Betsy that she adhere to the company's corporate philosophy of providing the highest quality products, at the best possible prices, to dedicated yarns shops whose customers are devoted to their craft. She wanted the company to maintain its New England sensibilities, even though she, herself, is a transplant from northern Ohio. After 20 years in the Boston area, she considers herself almost a New Englander. "We tend to have more conservative tastes, a more casual lifestyle, a love of cooler weather and ocean breezes. I think that influences the designs, which tend to be less high fashion and cutting edge," she says. "Yet we work hard to stay current with trends and create relevant designs for knitters all over North America." Inspired by suppliers at industry trade shows like Pitti Filati in Italy, and by fashion publications, Betsy and her team develop ideas for yarns they often develop jointly with mills from Peru, Italy, South Africa, and Greece. In the past few years, Classic Elite has built a successful relationship with award-winning 7th Avenue designer, Wenlan Chia, who is known for her ready-to-wear fashions. After meeting at an industry conference in the USA, Betsy and Wenlan decided to collaborate on the Twinkle line of yarns: Wenlan would develop her amazing fashion pieces for runway and everyday, and Classic Elite would support her with sales, customer support and distribution of the Twinkle yarns which come from China. The line has been a tremendous success and this fall, Twinkle is introducing Baby Chunky to augment the ever-popular Soft Chunky yarn. Another designer, Jil Eaton, approached Classic Elite to represent her brand in the United States because she needed a distributor with a good national reputation and a salesforce that could well represent her brand. She also wanted to launch a yarn line that worked for her quick-knits philosophy. Today, Jil has the freedom to work on her MinnowKnits designs, and to work with publishing companies on new knitting books while Betsy and her team at Classic Elite take care of marketing and distribution of her products.
Today, Classic Elite offers yarns across the spectrum for every type of knitter: those looking for contemporary classic styles in natural fibers choose the Classic Elite brand; younger knitters wanting edgier, trendier designs adore Wenlan Chia's Twinkle line; and everyone appreciates the colorful easy-to-knit children's and baby's products developed by Jil Eaton. Under Betsy's direction, Classic Elite has become a thriving, modern yarn and knitting design company that inspires knitters from every walk of life. Never satisfied to rest on their laurels, they're always looking for new partners to help expand their lines, and new accessories and tools to offer their appreciative customers. They continue to collaborate with publishers to keep a large library of patterns available to enthusiastic knitters of their yarns. Betsy Perry insists she will never stray far from her core purpose of providing outstanding yarns in beautiful colors — supported by brilliant designs. But she insists that she and her colleagues will remain vigilant for new ways to grow and expand Classic Elite...the company she fell in love with the first time she entered its doors. |
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NEW! SeedlingThis beautifully crafted 100% organic cotton yarn was created in Peru. It's a worsted weight -- almost boucle -- addition to the popular Verde Collection. You'll want to make a sweater, jacket, scarf or shawl with this versatile yarn.
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NEW! Cotton Bam BooWhen you're knitting for babies, or adults with sensitive skin, you'll appreciate this soft, lustrous combination of 52% cotton and 48% bamboo. It's milled in Italy to give excellent drape and stitch definition in an auto-patterning yarn.
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BlitheThis DK weight delight made from 100% baby camel is ideal for making cold weather accessories for men and women. With a gorgeous palette of 10 neutral colors available, it can be used for luxurious hats, scarves, gloves and more!
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FireflyThis wonderful blend of 75% Rayon and 25% linen provides excellent drape and durability with a subtle sheen. Firefly is perfect for creating dressy yet comfortable tops for your spring/summer wardrobe. 13 colors at Yarnmarket.
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AriosaAriosa is an excellent choice for quick knits with a touch of luxury. This bulky blend of 90% extrafine merino and 10% cashmere will make fabulous cardigans, jackets, hats, gloves and scarves. You can choose from 4 elegant colors.
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FrescoWhen you want to make warm yet lightweight winter accessories consider this exquisite blend of wool, alpaca and angora! It is soft and durable, perfect for making vests, cardigans and pullovers for layering. 6 lovely colors are available.
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Liberty Wool PrintEasy to care for, soft, 100% light worsted weight wool! Liberty Wool is available in 15 delightful multi-colored options. This machine washable and dryable yarn is so versatile that it's perfect for everyday garments and accessories!
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LushWhat happens when you mix 50% angora with 50% wool? You get splendid softness without the fuzziness typically seen with angora blends. This delicious yarn is available in 19 fantastic colors. Great for fall/winter accessories and garments.
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Marly100% light and airy cashmere! Use this DK weight treat to make yourself to a luxurious hat, scarf, shawl or gloves. Marly is available in one color, Khaki, which was featured in Classic Elite's "Made in Brooklyn" by Jared Flood.
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MoorlandMoorland is a hardy DK weight blend of 42% merino, 23% alpaca, 19% mohair and 16% acrylic. Available in two shades of brown muted tweeds. Great for warmth without weight! Try using it for cardigans, pullovers and jackets.
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Portland TweedThis yarn gives you the look of a traditional tweed with a wonderful, soft texture. Great for sweaters, jackets, hats, scarves and gloves. It is a blend worsted weight blend of 50% virgin wool, 25% alpaca and 25% rayon. Available in 5 classic colors.
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PoshA delicious blend of 70% silk and 30% cashmere that is an absolute luxury to knit with! When you feel the urge to spoil yourself, consider making a set of matching winter accessories. It may be hard to choose from 17 beautiful options.
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PrincessThis light worsted weight yarn is a great choice if you are thinking about making a fall or winter project with cables or textural stitches. This fabulous blend of 28% rayon, 15% nylon, 10% cashmere and 7% angora has excellent stitch definition and drape.
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ProvenceCrafted of 100% mercerized Egyptian cotton, this DK weight 3-ply yarn adds a touch of sheen and elegance to any warm-weather project. It has excellent drape and stitch definition, making it perfect for tanks, tops, skirts, dresses and more!
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Silky Alpaca LaceThis gorgeous lace weight yarn is crafted of 70% alpaca and 30% silk. It's available in 12 gorgeous, natural colors. Wrap yourself in a delightful shawl, stole or wrap. Or maybe snuggle up at home with a luxurious lightweight throw or afghan.
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SproutThis eco-friendly 100% organic cotton yarn has a lovely texture that will feel great against your skin. Sprout would make an excellent choice for a quick, chunky weight spring or summer project. It's available in 25 great colors!
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Wool Bam BooSoft wool with the subtle sheen of bamboo. This amazing blend of 50% wool and 50% bamboo is an excellent option for any DK-weight project. This versatile fiber blend is in 27 vibrant colors. Use it for spring, fall and winter garments and accessories.
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Minnow Merino100% extrafine superwash merino wool. MinnowMerino is a great worsted-weight yarn to use for baby and kids' clothing, blankets, and cold weather accessories. It is machine washable and dryable! Available in a cheerful, kid friendly palette of 14 colors.
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Soft ChunkySuper bulky, super soft! This loosely twisted single ply fiber allows you to make winter garments and accessories that knit up quickly, keeping you warm without getting too heavy. Soft Chunky is 100% virgin wool in 40 colors!
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Cotton TailCrafted in Italy this worsted weight yarn is spun in soft 100% cotton. The multiple plies each have a tight twist, and then they're entwined for almost a braided or woven look. Easy care machine wash and dry in 21 colors.
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It might be possible to create a successful line of yarns without a dedicated team of designers. But it would be highly unlikely. That's why Classic Elite has gathered together a brilliant group of talented knitters who understand the specific qualities of each of the company's products, and who develop patterns that highlight those features in garments designed to be "knitterly." What's knitterly, you ask? It's what CEY calls a pattern that has an emphasis on garment construction and includes accurate instructions that ensure the knitter's successful results. It's how CEY defines a pattern that's designed to be suitable to a wide range of shapes, sizes and ages. In other words, it's how they describe their expansive library of thousands of patterns appreciated by millions of knitters. Led by Susan Mills, Creative Director for Classic Elite, an in-house design staff creates the majority of the company's patterns. Susan Mills, Tonia Barry, Kim Barnette and Meg Myers form the core of the design team that brings us ingenious new styles for every fashion season. Occasionally, customer service reps, Andi Clark and Judy Croucher, also contribute their own patterns. Everyone in the office knits, of course, and they all adhere to the CEY design philosophy when developing patterns for their customers. “Our goal,” says Susan Mills, “is to create designs that fit with current fashion trends without being too trendy or outrageous.”
In addition to the in-house team, CEY relies upon the talents of some of the industry’s best-known freelance designers. This autumn season features work by Deborah Newton, Cathy Payson, Robin Melanson, Laura Zukaite, Sandi Prosser and many others you’d recognize. Laura Zukaite recently appeared in Vogue Knitting Magazine for her award-winning mohair dress pattern. Sandi Prosser was interviewed by Knitch Magazine, the online fashion magazine for knitters. “We also distribute Twinkle,” says Susan, “a line of yarns and patterns designed by Wenlan Chia, whose work can be found on fashion runways all over the world.” She also works closely with Jil Eaton, who adds five or more new MinnowKnits children’s designs every season. For Fall 2011, CEY will be presenting new patterns for 103 projects, in 21 booklets, using 22 different fall yarns. The company also publishes a weekly Web-Letter with a new free pattern every week for subscribers, adding another 52 designs a year to their portfolio. “It's a great way for us to feature some of the knitting world's up-and-coming new designers,” says Susan, “and get our customers energized about new and existing yarns year round.” The designers at CEY realize that accessories are extremely popular with knitters right now, so nearly half of their new projects are for wraps, scarves, and other quick-to-complete, easy-to-fit and easy-to-wear accessories. For fall 2011, their Panache booklet of wraps and scarves is very popular. Standout individual designs include the Nikko Cabled Cardigan in Portland Tweed and the ultra-feminine Composition Cardigan in Princess. Crocheters will appreciate that CEY doesn't restrict its patterns to knitting. They will want to create the gorgeous Liberty Wool Print Color Wheel Wrap in the Palette booklet and perhaps the half crochet, half knit scarf Snowflake in Fresco’s Snow Angels booklet.
Susan predicts that the Molly scarf and Elizabeth cardigan in Liberty Wool from the fall 2010 collection will be popular again this season. When asked which of the company’s designs is the all-time favorite, she responds, “Over the years, it would be hard to say what was most popular. Best sellers include everything from a simple garter stitch cardigan to a more complex ruffle edged jacket, as well as loads of great designs in our ”green” yarns from the Verde Collection and soon-to-be-introduced MountainTop line of undyed yarns. “ Like all designers, she says that choosing her favorite is pretty much impossible. But she does admit that the Chromatic Tunic in Liberty Wool Print and Flair Scarf in Silky Alpaca Lace are on her to-do list, while other knitters in the company are favoring the Icicle Jacket in Ariosa, the Flurry Pullover in Fresco, and nearly everything in the Panache booklet's shawl/wrap collection! Today the designers at Classic Elite Yarns are working on their Spring 2012 collection and are beginning to think about Fall 2012. They tell us that the cardigan is still popular for its versatility, but shapes are becoming more boxy or body skimming and less fitted. “We’re looking at using traditional knitting techniques like fair isle and all-over aran cables in different constructions,” Susan tells us. “As far as the knit design world at large, it's amazing to see so many fresh and exciting voices emerging! We've always had ‘the bug’, but the craft world is enjoying a surge in popularity right now that is exciting to see.” |
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If you have hard-to-knit-for man or teenager in your life, this may be the hat project you need! This simple brimmed hat is trendy, stylish and easy to knit. He will love wearing this soft and wonderful 100% baby camel cap! |
This lightweight cardigan is perfect for layering with your favorite spring or summer dresses. The Firefly yarn has a lovely drape and subtle sheen, making it perfect to wear for casual and dressy occasions. |
Happy Birthday To You!! Your little one will be the star of the show in this fantastic hat, topped with a knitted birthday candle! This project turns a fun birthday into an unforgettable one. It's created with MinnowMerino yarn from Jil Eaton. |
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This stylish coat and matching cap will have your child dressed to impress! You'll want to begin this project now to keep your little one cozy and warm this autumn! The adorable Cossack-style hat adds a nice finishing touch. |
Elegant and classy! This lightweight Chanel-style jacket will make a great addition to any wardrobe. A silk scarf woven into the neckline gives you the opportunity to add a personalized touch with contrasting colors or vibrant patterns! |
Here's a feminine top with beautiful smocked detail on the yoke and loose fitting 3/4 length sleeves. It's a perfect spring or summer garment, created with Firefly yarn from Classic Elite. The linen/rayon blend produces a breezy, comfortable fabric you'll love to wear. |
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It's ok to thank yourself every time you wear this incredibly soft cardigan. The simple open style with 3/4 length sleeves is flattering for all body types. It's created with Ariosa yarn made from wool with a touch of cashmere. It's a stylish piece of luxury for everyday use! |
This fun and stylish neck warmer is created with Ariosa yarn, a lovely wool and cashmere blend that feels wonderful against the skin. Just knit three strips, sew them into tubes, braid them and stitch the back seam. It's so easy, you can make one for yourself and one as a gift. |
Add some vintage flair to your wardrobe with this elegant, feminine hat. The blend of wool, baby alpaca and angora provides warmth, durability and amazing comfort! A sweet bow on the brim creates a flirty finishing touch to the lace panels and stockinette stitch cap. |
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This sophisticated cardigan would make a versatile addition to your sweater collection. The lace and cable design creates a soft, feminine look that can be worn a variety of ways — open, layered over a cami, or buttoned with your favorite jeans or skirt. |
Everything about this scarf is easy! It's easy to knit — worked entirely in garter stitch. It's easy to wash — Liberty Wool is machine washable and dryable. And it's easy to wear! This simple, elegant wrap looks fantastic with any outfit. What more could you want? |
This is a great project to try if you want to learn modular knitting. The beautiful Liberty Wool Print yarn creates fun, colorful effects as you knit each square. The finished scarf is funky and stylish, not to mention comfortable to wear! It's a great project for learning new skills. |
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The sophisticated blend of angora and wool makes this unique cropped top an excellent choice for an eye catching evening outfit. Try wearing it over a form fitting long sleeve shirt, paired with a dressy skirt and your favorite heels. |
A beautiful, feminine v-neck sweater with ruffles at the neck, hem and cuffs. It's created with Lush yarn, a soft, delightful blend of angora and wool. You will enjoy wearing this sweater as much as you enjoy knitting it! |
Crisp, clean lines and incredibly cozy to wear! This sweater is all about comfort and great stitches. Wide ribbing is broken up by a subtle triangle pattern at the cuffs. A classic cable pattern creates a lovely detail around the neckline. |
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Go ahead, you deserve it! This simply exquisite, 100% cashmere scarf is one of the fantastic patterns from the book, "Made in Brooklyn" by Jared Flood. A challenging pattern that will teach new skills, but it's so pretty and flattering it's well worth your effort. |
This fabulous sweater dress will make an excellent addition to your fall/winter wardrobe. The blend of merino, alpaca, mohair and acrylic creates a very wearable, soft and lightweight fabric. Have some fun dressing it up with your favorite accessories. |
Here's a handsome colorwork sweater that would make a great gift for a special guy in your life. It's a classic pullover style with attractive colorwork detail at the yoke. Incredibly comfortable to wear with the rugged look of a traditional tweed yarn. |
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An excellent casual sweater with the popular traditional colorwork motifs at the yoke, hemline and cuffs. The warmth and durability of Portland Tweed yarn makes this the kind of sweater that will be your go to on cold winter days. |
Add some vintage flare to your winter wardrobe with this feminine scarf. It combines 11 beautiful crochet granny squares with a simple garter stitch border. Created with Fresco yarn, it's a perfect accent to your winter wardrobe. |
This fantastic cardigan is created with Portland Tweed yarn. It features a wide cabled collar and cable bands at the waist and sleeves. The bands are worked first then stitches are picked up along the edges for the rest of the sweater. | |||
This crocheted wrap cardigan is soft and feminine. It has 3/4 length sleeves, trimmed with a flirty picot edging and has a side tie closure. The soft texture and wonderful drape and feel make it a pleasure to wear. |
This large, durable 100% mercerized cotton tote is a great multi-tasker. Whether you take it to the beach, grocery store, library, or just use it as a casual everyday bag, it will be an excellent addition to your collection. |
Simple, flattering style. This empire waist cardigan has 3/4 length sleeves and lovely ribbed detail at the cuffs and bottom edge. Layer it with a T-shirt or sweater. This cardigan is so versatile you can enjoy it any time of year. |
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You'll want this adorable skirt with a great flirty shape that moves and flows with every step you take. Cool, breathable cotton is knit in stockinette stitch, changing into a beautiful lace pattern that ends just at the knee. |
Put the finishing touch on any outfit with this marvelous shawl. The alpaca/silk blend will feel soft and sumptuous against your skin. It's not hard to imagine how you'll be able to wear it with so many different outfits. |
Create this open-front cardigan with Sprout yarn, a glorious 100% organic cotton. Gorgeous textures and a simple, laid back shape makes this a great piece to add to your spring and summer wardrobe. |
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Sophisticated cabling details on this cardigan create a flattering hour-glass effect. A clean tailored style that will look amazing on everyone! It is created with Wool Bam Boo, a perfect yarn for all seasons. |
A truly unique sweater in Wool Bam Boo! This pullover is created with a fabulous collection of cables and other textural stitches. It has a deep v-neck with a buckled strap that adds a special, eye-catching detail. Great for the advanced knitter. |
Here's an adorable hooded pullover for your little one. It features a buttoned front placket and modified drop shoulder sleeves. Knitted with soft Cotton Bam Boo Print yarn in a 52% cotton and 48% bamboo viscose fiber blend. |
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Soft and warm in Fresco yarn, this gorgeous pullover has a flattering vine panel on each side, from the bottom edge to the neck. It has a high, loose fitting collar with raglan sleeves and a garter stitch edge on the bottom and cuffs. |
Here's a colorful wrap you create with velvety soft Liberty Wool yarn. The motifs are joined as you go, which makes construction a breeze, so it's a great project for a beginning crocheter. The finished size is 20" x 72". |
This easy to knit pullover is constructed with very little seaming. Crafted in Liberty Wool yarn, the body is worked in one piece sideways and seamed at the center back. The sleeves are worked with the back and front. |
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Get great savings on
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 You could win a Classis Elite Prize Package worth over $100. The package includes the supplies you need to create two fabulous Classic Elite patterns, the Liberty Wool Martha Scarf and the Seedling Cormorant Vest. The prize includes:
» Liberty Wool Pattern Book #9114
To enter, send an email with your answer to ClassicElite@Yarnmarket.com. Make sure the subject is: Spotlight on Classic Elite. Include in your email the answer to the question: How many new yarns is Classic Elite introducing for the autumn of 2011? One entry per person, please. We'll draw a winner from all the correct submissions on September 6, 2011 and announce it in our next issue of Spotlight. Congratulations to Ilene Eisner of Jacksonville, FL who won our Spotlight on Vogue Knitting contest in June! |
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