| |
YARNMARKET.COM NEWS ISSUE #53
In This Issue:
Super Cool Styles for All Ages to Stay Comfy & Up to Date Well into the Fall | Stay Current with the Most Recently Released Fall Yarns & Patterns from Berroco | Well-Known Textile Artist Designs New Multi-Hued Chunky Yarn for Rowan | Check Out Exotic Fiber Collection for New All-Natural, All-American Option from Buffalo Gold | Rowan Goes Even Greener with Two More Purelife Lovelies Plus Pattern Books | Update on Knitting & Crocheting for a Better World: Yarnmarket & Afghans for Afghans | Customer Service Reminders
Super Cool Styles for All Ages to Stay Comfy & Up to Date Well into the Fall
As we mentioned in the July newsletter last month, surviving the hot days of summer is keeping us busy updating our summer wardrobes with the latest trends. And this month we need to balance this need with how we can incorporate the fall styles into our wardrobes and get ready for warm days but cooler evenings. Also since our teens and young adults are heading back to school & college over the next month or so, we need to focus on what's trendy for campus and how those fashion trends reflect the vision of the haute couture designers of Paris, Milan and New York. So here's a rundown on the best styles to keep you & yours comfy & up to date over these remaining days of summer and early days of fall.
First off, what Frances Renner, senior sales & marketing VP of Barneys New York, refers to as "seasonless dressing" or "transition dressing" are the official terms for our dilemma. (Now doesn't it make you feel better to have some fashion jargon to drop in your conversations???) And as we've seen recently, layering is the best way to stay fashionable & comfortable now & also keep up with the cooler weather to come.
According to StyleBakery.com, creative layering is the only way to survive and maintain your fashion savoir faire. And in just four areas of our Project Ideas department -- Women's Tops, Women's Cardigans, Women's Vests and Women's Jackets & Coats, we have over 850 layering ideas for you to try out.
One of our favorite new layering projects is the Leola Bolero, a sensational little shrug-style jacket from Gedifra. From its sophisticated V-neckline to its elegant short sleeves, this trendy, multi-textured bolero jacket is a great addition to your seasonless wardrobe. Its classic lines & loose-fitting style also make excellent use of nubby Leola yarn. This project knits up as a terrific little jacket vest worn over your favorite cami or tank but equally lovely worn over a blouse for seasonless dressing. And since "Leola" has a subtle metallic gleam all its own, this bolero is a superb accent for eveningwear too!
Another of our favorite new women's vest and top projects is the Bamboucle Blanka Vest from Elsebeth Lavold. Another layering option with wonderful texture, Elsebeth's repeating "bell" pattern combines beautifully with the nubbiness of her marvelous Bamboucle and its "cool" blend of cotton, bamboo, linen & nylon. There's even a matching drawstring bag included, and if you crave a modern twinset, then use this vest as a shell top & combine it with the Bamboucle Blanka Cardigan.
A second "hot" trend continuing into the fall according to Vogue
and Elle magazine is the dominance of the large tote bag, but this time all the advertisements are emphasizing some type of unique or modern twist. Since we know you are still enjoying our Felting projects as much as ever, we are excited to have featured in the latest issue of Knit 'N Style a Yarnmarket exclusive -- the Rio Pampa Attache. This sensationally beautiful yet functional tote has been created by Yarnmarket designer Sue Kawamoto exclusively for the luscious Impressionist Collection colorways of Merino Pampa from Rio de la Plata.
This generously sized bag has wonderful compartments for all your essentials. The large back pocket fits most laptops, and its clip-on leather handles with their I-cord loops add style & class to a traditional design. This attache is the ideal accessory for the office or school and even serves beautifully as a weekender bag. And remember -- since these color combinations are found only at Yarnmarket, you'll have a unique creation all your own.
And you know we wouldn't forget those special little ones in your life who are counting on you to keep them up to date with the latest fashion trends too! Of course, the past few weeks we've added more projects to our Baby & Kid's Stuff area and to the Children's Tops department, and they're right in line with the upcoming styles:
First off, we love the up-to-date nautical look of the unisex Babyboo Sail Away Sweater from Knit One, Crochet too. From the fun sailboat on the front to the striped accents on the sleeves & hemline, this little pullover is a fabulous updated version of the classic pullover style.
Then take a look at another children's project featuring supersoft bamboo/nylon blend Babyboo yarn -- the Babyboo Leaning Kitties Blanket. This precious "blankie" is knitted first, & then you go back & accent the kitties' faces with embroidered eyes, noses, mouths and whiskers. Now this innovative design is sure to be the gift that'll be treasured through the generations.
And last but certainly not least, we love the Crocheted Sleepy-Time Blanket for all you crocheters. Recommended in perennial fave Snuggly DK yarn by Sirdar, this striped blanket is terrific crocheted in your four favorite contrasting colors for a unisex look as shown. Or choose four harmonizing solids for a more gender-specific effect. With 60 colors now available in "Snuggly DK," you're sure to find just the right combination for any decor or preference.
We also don't want to leave out the older teens & young adults in our lives who are off to college this fall, many for their first time away from home. What better way to brighten up their dorm rooms than to knit or crochet them something special so that every time they use it they'll remember how much you love them? Blankets & Throws, Footwear and other Home Decor items are some of the best ways to show you care:
For that special young lady in your life, knit her the sensational Kid Mohair Mist Throw. This heirloom-quality gem from Wenlan Chia, aka Twinkle, is knitted in the bramble stitch to create a textured, lacy pattern that's lightweight yet warm. And just think how your special college student will be the envy of all her dorm mates!
For a more unisex look, check out the Denim Picnic Afghan featuring three hues of Rowan's authentic Denim yarn. Alternating stripes & squares make this blanket a terrific addition to any gal's or guy's bedroom (beading optional)!
Also as a great unisex option and one that can even be knitted in the university's school colors, consider the Ultra Alpaca Chevron Afghan. This ultra-modern design makes excellent use of warm Ultra Alpaca from Berroco. This project can even be completed as a family effort since it's assembled from eight strips of bias-knit panels that could be lovingly knitted by parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts & uncles.
As for fun footwear ideas, take a peek at the Fuzzy Flip Flops, the Angora Bed Socks, the Cotton Glace Flip-Flop Socks and the Whisper Cotton Chenille Slippers she can wear & enjoy in the dorm.
Or as other things your teens can use every day and be reminded of you, whip up a quick knitted washcloth for him by following the Cotton Chenille Washcloth free pattern or knit the more feminine version for her in the Flower Washcloth design.
Stay Current with the Most Recently Released Fall Yarns & Patterns from Berroco
In the July newsletter we were excited to introduce to you four new Berroco yarns for fall. Then in the July Bulletin, we featured another new Berroco yarn plus almost 35 new hues in some of your favorite Berroco yarn creations. And who would think that those savvy yarn aficionados would have even more goodies in store for us for the upcoming season? Well, now we have in stock and ready to ship four more new Berroco yarns for the upcoming fall & winter.
First of the new releases is Berroco's new luxury blend Palace, and it definitely has the right name because it so reminds us of elite royalty & the splendors of a royal court. This sumptuous blend of silk & merino gives you the ultimate in softness plus wonderful wearability. (Our fingers are just itching to start knitting & crocheting with it so that we can feel this wonderful blend sliding through our fingers!)
With terrific drape & superb stitch definition, "Palace" is perfect for all your worsted-weight knitting & crochet projects such as elegant pullovers, sophisticated jackets, warm hats & gloves, stunning cardigans, marvelous shawls & much more. And you know you can count on Berroco to deliver such high quality & luxury at an affordable price.
Next on our favorites list comes Ultra Alpaca Fine, the latest cousin to the ever-popular, original Ultra Alpaca and its DK-weight sibling Ultra Alpaca Light. Now those who love lacy garments & fingering-weight socks can enjoy spectacular "Ultra Alpaca Fine." It knits up & crochets beautifully into open-weave lovelies, ultra-soft socks and other fingering-weight projects. And by enhancing the natural fibers with durable nylon, you now have a yarn that's machine washable too. Add that it's beautifully crafted in Peru of 50% wool, 20% superfine alpaca & 30% nylon, and you have a sensational option that we can't wait to try.
Then another fantastic addition to a popular Berroco yarn collection is Pure Merino DK. Of course, since worsted-weight Pure Merino, Pure Merino Heather and Pure Merino Nuance yarns have been such bestsellers for Berroco, it's not surprising they've developed a lighter weight version just for your knitting & crocheting pleasure. Take a peek at "Pure Merino DK" and get to planning all the shawls, tops, sweaters & children's clothes you can create. And with the same tight twist as its cousin, "Pure Merino DK" has great stitch definition & drape too.
Our fourth & final new Berroco yarn gem for Fall 2008 & Winter 2009 is the stunning Peruvia Colors. Now who would have thought Berroco could make the luscious, ever-popular Peruvia even more exciting? Well, we bet when you check out the splendid multi-colored options of "Peruvia Colors," you'll discover just what's so special. With the same terrific 100% Peruvian wool composition & worsted weight, "Peruvia Colors" opens up splendid new options for you to mix & match variegates & solids in any Peruvia pattern. And of course, "Peruvia Colors" felts just as beautifully as single-hued "Peruvia" does.
And you know that you can count on the team of Norah Gaughan & Margery Winter to have developed some spectacular pattern support for these new fiber gems from Berroco. First as a fabulous addition to the original Peruvia pattern collection (Berroco #264: Peruvia) comes the latest booklet featuring this yarn -- Berroco #277: Peruvia. With eight designs for cardigans, pullovers, scarves & a hat, this pattern collection is sure to suit your wardrobe needs.
We also highly recommend the fantastic new addition to Norah Gaughan's design collection -- Berroco: Norah Gaughan Volume 3. Just as you've come to expect from Volume 1 and from Volume 2, Norah brings a unique perspective on shaping & drape with her innovative emphasis on geometrical results. And also as with her previous editions, she divides this collection into two chapters: (1) Woodland Gothic that contains eight knitted pieces inspired by Gothic architecture and enhanced by a mystical forest setting and (2) Art House also with eight knitted garments but with a more modern aesthetic inspired by sculpture and graphic art.
Well-Known Textile Artist Designs New Multi-Hued Chunky Yarn for Rowan
One of the best known colorists & textile artists in the world has joined forces with British yarn powerhouse Rowan to develop an innovative, inspiring new fiber gem. From his design beginnings with the Missioni haute couture collection to his days of having his one-of-a-kind designs collected by such celebrities as Barbra Streisand, Lauren Bacall, John Schlesinger and Shirley MacLaine, Kaffe Fassett has fascinated & delighted the fiber arts world with his innovative perspective on texture & colorwork. Last fall he worked with Regia to apply his modern color theories to two fingering-weight sock yarns -- self-striping Landscape 4 Ply Color and multi-hued Mirage 4 Ply Color. Now Kaffe and Rowan have taken his colorwork to its highest level with exciting hands-on development of the brand-new Colourscape Chunky.
With lovely long repeats of color intermixed with tweedy effects in a Shetland-like twist, "Colourscape Chunky" is so much more than just an auto-striping yarn option, and Kaffe's involvement goes well beyond most color gurus. Kaffe has chosen his palette by taking different shades of yarn and knotting them together to inspire the final color combinations. Then he has supervised the entire process as the dyed-to-match wool roving has been hand thrown into a trough in his chosen color sequences. All wool roving is then weighed and measured by hand for accuracy, and the process requires careful watching and guiding to make "Colourscape Chunky" as Kaffe has envisaged it.
From deep mysterious purple, maroon & turquoise to soft, dusty pastels, Kaffe has developed his palette to be truly inspirational and as you can tell has added many hands-on details to the process. It's even crafted on special machinery exclusive to Rowan Yarns, and because of the unique, labor-intensive process, only 300 kilos can be produced in a week. But as Kaffe so eloquently puts it, "The thing that most inspired me when faced with the design of this new long repeat yarn is the revival of wonderful old techniques in spinning that involve real craftsmanship."
And of course, this fantastic new yarn deserves a sensational new pattern book too, and so Rowan commissioned knitwear designer Sarah Hatton to develop The Colourscape Chunky Collection. Filled with 12 women's garments, this lovely garment collection has been photographed in a working artist's studio to echo the creative & innovative nature of the yarn.
Check Out Our Exotic Fiber Collection for New All-Natural, All-American Option from Buffalo Gold
Last month we introduced to you the Buffalo Gold yarn collection and launched this new brand with two exciting fiber blends -- fingering-weight Buffboo - Buffalo Gold #13 and Buffalo Gold #4 Dyed, crafted by nationally known spinner, master weaver & fiber artist Judith MacKenzie McCuin and available exclusively at Yarnmarket. Now we are excited to expand our Exotic & Unusual Fibers department further by adding Buffalo Gold #4 Undyed. When you're looking for an authentic "All-American" yarn, then buffalo or bison fiber is the one to choose. "Buffalo Gold #4 Undyed" is a lusciously soft blend of carefully de-haired bison down with a touch of nylon for added durability. With its DK weight, "Buffalo Gold #4" is wonderfully versatile for all your scarf, shawl, sock, even sweater projects to knit & crochet. And it's sensationally crafted of 90% bison down & 10% "buffalon" nylon at the Zeilingers Woolen Mill in Frankenmuth, Michigan, so that it's 100% natural -- undyed & unbleached.
The other exciting news from Buffalo Gold is that they are so dedicated to their lovely fiber creations they are making their patterns available free with the yarn purchase for each project. All you have to do is watch the yarn page on the left for the "Selected Projects for This Yarn" listing. To launch the new pattern offerings, we now have in stock & ready to ship to you the Buffalo Pioneer Baby Bonnet project. For an adorable yet distinctive baby gift, check this precious cap from Buffalo Gold. Classic shaping & ultra-soft "Buffalo Gold #4" yarn combine for the perfect adornment using the all-natural, original American fiber -- bison down. Best of all, bison down is ultra-warm too so that this little bonnet will keep your baby's head snuggly & protected.
Also remember that Buffalo Gold #4 Dyed has the same gauge as "Buffalo Gold Undyed," so if you prefer more color options, take a peek at them too. And just one hank of either DK-weight yarn will give you an heirloom-quality cap that will be cherished through many generations.
Rowan Goes Even Greener with Two More Purelife Lovelies Plus Pattern Books
When Rowan launched Purelife Organic Cotton just a few months ago, we knew they were committed to further developing the "Purelife" sub-brand with sustainable production methods and "respect for nature, the environment and the people who make their living from the land." We just didn't realize how quickly they would be able to expand this marvelous collection. Now we are excited to introduce to you two more yarns from the Rowan Purelife family -- both outstanding options for your fall & winter knitting & crocheting projects.
First off, we absolutely love the concept behind Purelife British Sheep Breeds yarn. You can always count on Rowan for innovation, and with the creation of this yarn, they've put a new twist on the eco-friendly approach. As an annually renewable natural resource, the Rowan British wool for this yarn is shorn & blended from four classic British sheep breeds (Jacob, Black Welsh, Bluefaced Leicester & Suffolk).
Then the beautiful undyed wool is spun into five all-natural shades to capture the beauty of each breed's fleece. With its natural lanolin maintained, "British Sheep Breeds" yarn is the ideal choice for warm outerwear & rugged sweaters for men & women all fall & winter.
Also new to the "Purelife" collection comes Purelife Organic Wool. The wool for this organic fiber gem is grown in an environmentally & socially responsible way from sheep raised on land free from pesticides & chemical fertilizers. Then the wool is cleaned & processed in an eco-friendly way & dyed with natural, sustainable plant dyes producing no toxic waste water. And please keep in mind that since this yarn is colored with plant dyes, some shade variation simply adds to the yarn's unique, inherent beauty.
Of course, you know you can count on the wonderful designers at Rowan to provide sensational pattern support for these new yarns too with two collections from noted Rowan knitwear designer Marie Wallin:
The Purelife British Sheep Breeds Collection is a marvelous pattern book filled with 14 sweaters, jackets & coats for both women & men. We particularly like the way Marie Wallin adapts several of her designs to be totally unisex & gives instructions for all sizes.
The Purelife Organic Wool Collection is chock full of splendid ways to put your creative talents to work using this new yarn. Classic vests, warm cardigans, lacy pullovers, even lovely pullovers with embroidered details demonstrate just how versatile & beautiful "Purelife Organic Wool" really is.
Update on Knitting & Crocheting for a Better World: Yarnmarket & Afghans for Afghans
Starting with our upcoming September issue of the Yarnmarket.com News, we'll be featuring once again a variety of charitable organizations & non-profit groups who can use your crafty skills. As we begin our work on the gifts we are making for our friends & relatives over the next few months, we encourage you to take time to join us in helping those less fortunate. As we've highlighted for the last two fall seasons, we'll be featuring some of our favorite charities along with ones you recommend. Now to suggest a non-profit, charitable group for us to feature, just e-mail the newsletter editor and share your suggestions. Please provide any details you have about the organization including the website address, contact person's name, e-mail address, etc. Then watch future issues of this newsletter for updates throughout the upcoming holiday months.
To start off our showcase of knitting and crocheting for charity, we are updating you on Yarnmarket's involvement with afghansforafghans.org. We begin by honoring and recognizing those who have recently taken part in the Afghans for Afghans charitable efforts and who were selected to receive Yarnmarket gift certificates:
Nicole Doudican
Ellen Dill
Rachel Reneslacis
Kathleen Colwell
Gerrie Barosso
Angela Roja
Mary Jane Lord
J'nai Closz
Jennifer Lewis Forbes
Judy Turpin and
Cate Fitt
These are just a few of the caring individuals who have helped Afghans for Afghans and given so generously of their time & talent. We truly can make the world a better place through our favorite hobbies! You can also donate to this worthy cause by purchasing sets of postcards photographed so beautifully by Marsha MacColl. Please check out Postcards For Sale for more details on this fundraiser.
Customer Service Reminders
You know that we the staff of www.yarnmarket.com pride ourselves on our customer service. Each order is packed with pride by Lisa, Tina, Alma, Amy or Julie –- and we’re happy to say that although we have the occasional glitch, we have an almost 99% accuracy rate. If something does go wrong, we’ll do everything we can to make it right for you . . . right away! Just send us an e-mail at orders@yarnmarket.com or call us at 1-888-996-9276, and we’ll take care of the problem. Our customer service hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
Thanks for reading, and we wish you a great start back with the school year this month or with that end-of-summer vacation trip you have yet to enjoy. And be sure to spend quality time with family & friends over the Labor Day weekend in the U.S. the beginning of September.
And as always,
Happy Knitting & Crocheting!
Your Yarnmarket Knitting Store Staff
Yarnmarket, BargainYARNS and Yarndex are subsidiaries of Yarnmarket, LLC. Yarnmarket is an online yarn retailer with over 600 quality brands from 50+ leading manufacturers, plus patterns, books and accessories. BargainYARNS provides discounts on fashionable yarns and accessories. Yarndex is a free online yarn directory offering detailed information about specific yarns from leading manufacturers.
| |
