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YARNMARKET.COM NEWS ISSUE #58
In This Issue:
New Year's Resolutions to Indulge Yourself & Your Loved Ones | A Warm Yarnmarket Welcome to a New Yarn Company & Worthy Cause -- The Mirasol Project | Exciting New Colors in Rare Orenburg Lace Available for Limited Time | Exotic Supreme Possum Merino Yarn Now in Stock at Yarnmarket Along with Free Patterns | Top 25 Projects from 2008: Check Out What We've Been Creating This Past Year | Submit Your Pattern Designs in New Contest for Chance to Win $1000 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate | New Online Quarterly Magazine to Enjoy with Fashion Trends, Designer Interviews & More | Customer Service Reminders
New Year's Resolutions to Indulge Yourself & Your Loved Ones
Now that the holidays are past and you may have a little free time in your life to ease up a bit, we think it's time for you to focus on yourself. If you're anything like the rest of us, you've been working hard the past year. Then during the December holidays you probably churned out a variety of large & small handmade gifts for everyone on your list -- from your children's teachers to your hairdresser to your & your husband's co-workers. But when was the last time you knitted or crocheted something just for you? Especially something that was drop-dead gorgeous & extraordinary? Or a cuddly comfort item to get you through the doom & gloom of long winter evenings & dreary, cold days?
And we all need a break from the negative forecasts & dire economic news in order to maintain our health & our sanity. Now you know the health benefits of your craft, and we're reading more & more about folks who are using their skills as a good health initiative. From the crocheter who's working on projects to help her stop smoking & has named her blog appropriately ("I'm Crocheting to Keep from Smoking") to the pregnant mom-to-be who used knitting to settle her queasy stomach (knitting up hope), our favorite crafts are more popular than ever. Perhaps your New Year's resolution should be to pass on your passion to someone else -- a relative, a neighbor, an acquaintance or even a stranger you might meet through volunteering to teach a class at your local library, senior center or elementary school.
Or how about making something from one of the spectacular yarns featured in our Exotic & Unusual Fibers category or in the Luxury Cashmere & Silk Yarns department or in our Hand Painted & Hand Dyed Yarns collection?
To start your new year off right, we recommend two new yarns from one of your favorite companies specializing in hand-dyed fibers with super elegant pattern support. All we have to do is mention yarn guru Iris Schreier, and we know you'll soon be eager to take a look at her two new fiber gems from Artyarns. First off comes spectacular Ensemble, Iris' superb concoction of cashmere & silk. Luscious "Ensemble" has its lustrous strand of silk side by side with a sumptuous ply of cashmere, the same cashmere you've enjoyed in her multi-plied Cashmere 5.
Then it's hard to believe Iris could improve on this sensational fiber gem, but for special occasions & eveningwear, Beaded Ensemble & Sequins is the perfect choice for sophisticated, elegant garments and accessories. One such marvelous scarf accessory is the Beaded Ensemble Scarf. Starting with a pattern available free with the purchase of just one hank of "Ensemble" or "Beaded Ensemble & Sequins," this open-weave, lacy design is an ideal choice as a 1st lace project.
We also recommend that you knit or crochet yourself a marvelous cardigan for the season & enjoy the fruits of your labor. Fashion forecasters agree that the cardi or cardi jacket (the little bit longer version) is the wardrobe piece we all need this winter. So for a little inspiration to get started on a cardigan custom fit for yourself, take a peek at the elegant, extraordinary Cuzco Cosima Cardigan from Berroco's ever-creative Norah Gaughan. It has all the design features to keep it stylish yet with a loose fit and sizing from X-Small to XX-Large.
As another idea from Berroco we recommend the Palace Loppem Cardigan for its great layering options. It too is one of Norah's innovative creations and looks equally great with a dressy skirt or slacks as officewear or teamed up with jeans as a more casual outfit. Or check out the Cuzco Wrap Cardigan for a different easy-to-fit approach featured in the Fall issue of Knit Simple.
Besides the genius of Iris Schreier & Norah Gaughan, we're starting to rely on a new Noro designer for pizzazz & style. Jenny Watson has quickly developed three outstanding pattern collections featuring Noro yarn, and one of our favorite sweater projects is the Kureyon Anna Cropped Cardigan. Ideally suited to self-striping, colorful Kureyon Sock yarn, this little bolero cardi is the perfect addition to your jacket wardrobe.
Jenny's Silk Garden V-Neck Cardigan with its face-slimming neckline and her unfitted Kureyon Zippered Jacket are also marvelous designs with modern twists on traditional patterns. Then just take one peek at the Kochoran Cropped Cardi, and we bet your fingers will be itchy to get started on this lovely design for yourself or your favorite friend or relative.
And you can still enjoy yourself & relax while knitting & crocheting for your favorite boys & girls by enjoying the luscious feel of luxury fibers in several baby & kids' projects. You can even keep them in style with a nifty cardigan too, so check out these staff recommendations:
The Snuggly Bamboo Wrap Cardigan is absolutely precious with its classic ballerina styling, lacy edging & satin ribbon accent.
The GGH/Rebecca 100% Cashmere Baby Pullover is made even more special when you add the adorable coordinating Cashmere Baby Hat.
Any of the baby projects from Filatura Di Crosa designed for splendid Baby Aiko are terrific accessories & garments including the traditional Booties with Ribbed Cuffs, the innovative Lacy Baby Hat with Pom Pom, the colorful Baby Aiko Scarf, the feminine Baby Aiko Bolero and the trendy Booties with Flowers.
And for the little bit older crowd, the ever-popular & adorable Posh Toddler Hoodie is always a great choice too.
A Warm Yarnmarket Welcome to a New Yarn Company & Worthy Cause -- The Mirasol Project
This month we at Yarnmarket are very excited to welcome the fiber collection of a Peruvian yarn company dedicated to helping those who raise the animals and prepare the fiber for sale -- Mirasol Yarn. The philosophy behind the Mirasol Project is to support local communities in Peru through the sales of their lovely yarns. Specifically, a percentage of the yarn profits are invested in establishing & running a boarding-house for local children. The project focuses on an infant & child-care program with after-school support for older children so that the alpaca shepherds' families in the region have a secure place where the children can develop their potential. Yarnmarket is excited to support this initiative through this beautiful yarn collection and is introducing the line to you with three brand-new fall/winter yarns.
First comes sensational Chirapa. Beautifully crafted of 100% merino wool & hand-dyed in lovely color combos, "Chirapa" is ideal for more than just sport-weight sock projects. From brightly hued children's hoodies & tops to superb lacy shawls & scarves, "Chirapa" is marvelous in your knitting & crochet projects.
Also as a wonderful part of the fairly traded yarn initiative of the Mirasol Project, the company founders have developed ultra-soft Qina yarn. Beautifully crafted of 80% baby alpaca & 20% bamboo, "Qina" is sensationally soft to knit & crochet with and is a delight to wear next to your skin. The bamboo fiber gives a touch of sheen to the finished product, and the alpaca adds loft with a marvelous haloing effect. This fiber gem is definitely perfect for all your light worsted knitting & crochet projects.
Last but certainly not least, we recommend spectacular Tupa for terrific sheen & softness at an affordable price. Superbly constructed of a 50/50 blend of silk & merino wool, "Tupa" combines splendid drape & sheen with wonderful warmth, wearability & softness. This incredible 2-ply concoction shimmers with such lovely depth of color that it's no wonder the jewel tones are named after their gemstone namesakes!
Of course, we also have marvelous design support for these yarns through our new Mirasol Books department. Well known designer Jane Ellison has joined the Mirasol initiative with her lovely patterns and has created marvelous cool-weather designs. And what better pattern collection to begin with than the one inspired by all the Peruvian children & teens being helped by the Mirasol Project. Mirasol Children's Collection: Book 4 By Jane Ellison features 14 garments & 4 accessories for ages 1 to 18 years. Just take a peek at the Chirapa Susan Tunic Top, the Tupa Girl's Azul Hoodie, the Tupa Dorado Striped Pullover and the Chirapa Alfonso Tank Vest, and you'll see how sensationally these yarns will knit up for your favorite children & teens.
Exciting New Colors in Rare Orenburg Lace Available for Limited Time
Earlier last year we introduced to you the rare & extraordinary Orenburg Lace yarn from Cherry Tree Hill and warned that it would be available in limited colors & quantities worldwide. We still have a few of the original colors we introduced in stock, but overall we've found that the demand has definitely outpaced the supply. Since we know how much you've enjoyed working with this exquisite Ukrainian fiber, we've negotiated with Cherry Tree founder Cheryl Potter to receive nine new colors, and they just arrived a few weeks ago. We love the iridescence of "Amethyst" & "Wisteria," the depth of "Indigo," "Burgundy" & "Teal Green," the warmth of "Gingersnap" & "Chocolate" and the airy lightness of "Blossom" & "Dove."
And whether you're a lace aficionado or someone who is just experimenting with different laceweight yarns as beginning intermediate lace knitter, we know you'll enjoy this cobwebby fiber blend of 80% mohair & 20% silk. You experienced lace knitters will want to knit up your favorite project in one or more of these stupendous new shades.
But for less experienced lace knitters, we recommend the Lace Transparent Wrap. Using an easy-to-remember, repetitive openwork pattern, Cherry Tree Hill founder Cheryl Potter has provided a free design to get you started on this lacy shawl. The style is perfectly suited to Cherry Tree Hill's limited-edition "Orenburg Lace" because of its fineness & high quality. You can wrap yourself in luxury with a reasonable investment, so which color have you selected for your next lace project, hmm? We're considering one in Amethyst and one in Gingersnap and one in Indigo and one in . . . .
Exotic Supreme Possum Merino Yarn Now in Stock at Yarnmarket Along with Free Patterns
Because you've been enjoying so much the possum blend yarns available from Cherry Tree Hill, but now they're in very limited supply in the U.S., we've searched for another source for this exotic fiber blend. Supreme Possum Merino Yarn is a New Zealand consortium specializing in merino/possum blends with a higher possum content than the yarn of other companies. All of their yarns contain 40% possum fiber, while other companies' fiber blends contain 15-30%. And they've invested seven years of research to perfect the process of blending supersoft merino wool with warm, durable possum. We also appreciate that 5% of all sales goes to support the preservation of New Zealand's native birds particularly the kiwi & the kokako.
Our first yarn introduction from Supreme Possum Merino Yarn is Supreme Possum Merino Sock yarn. This blend of 40% possum, 50% merino & 10% silk is one of the newest exotic blends developed in the world. With the softness of cashmere in a hard-wearing yet lightweight yarn, it is extremely warm in the winter yet cool in warmer weather, making this a perfect candidate for multi-seasonal wear. Use it in a variety of fingering weight projects like socks, shawls, scarves, gloves, wraps & more.
Also available in this luscious possum/merino/silk concoction is a slightly heavier version -- Supreme Possum Merino 8 Ply yarn. A DK-weight lovely, "Supreme Possum Merino 8 Ply" is sensational when knitted & crocheted into pullovers, hats, shawls, socks, cardis, tops, bags & other accessories. Keep your loved ones warm & protected all fall, winter & spring in this great choice.
And if you don't already have your favorite DK-weight projects lined up and ready to create in this great fiber blend, check out the freebies in the Supreme Possum Merino pattern area. Our personal favorite is the unisex Possum Merino Hooded Sweater for the children in our lives. But also the Possum Merino Hat & Scarf Set is a marvelous project to outfit the whole family at once, and the Supreme Possum Merino Pullover is a classic sweater design for men & women.
Top 25 Projects from 2008: Check Out What We've Been Creating This Past Year
The end of each year and the beginning of the next seems to put us all in a reflective mood, and we enjoy looking back on our achievements while we plan for the future. Well, at Yarnmarket we take this time to check out the most popular projects from the past 12 months so that we can select future projects we know you'll enjoy creating. We care about your preferences, and we consider your opinions with every yarn purchase we make to be sure we're choosing the right yarns with the right pattern support for you.
So with that purpose in mind, we've prepared our "Top 25 Projects" list for 2008 and are sharing it and our general reflections on the year. It's also a great way to feature your opinions about the "best of the best" out of the over 2500 Project Ideas available to you. So let's begin with the "Top 10" to see what you absolutely loved in 2008 and what definitely deserves a second look in 2009:
At the top of the list and ahead of all other projects at almost 3 to 1 comes the Kureyon Basic Socks. Starting with a free Yarnmarket pattern, this project was the definite winner for 2008, and we can certainly understand why. When you're looking for a basic sock project that looks difficult but actually is easy, then this ribbed pair is the perfect choice highlighting the self-striping beauty of Kureyon Sock yarn from Noro.
In second place, the bag projects start showing up with the Corntastic Eco Market Bag from Kollage. You told us how much you enjoyed protecting the environment with this project when you knitted with eco-friendly Corntastic yarn and had a reusable shopping bag to replace the plastic bags you'd been getting at the grocery store.
Then with the 3rd most popular project you were back to socks, but this time your interest was in sportswear for the spring & summer. The Wick Anklet Socks from Knit One, Crochet Too were an exciting option for many of you, and you commented on how comfortable & dry worsted-weight Wick yarn kept your feet.
Next came another bag project also starting with a Yarnmarket free pattern. The Caledon Felted City Bag has wonderful geometric lines & classic tailoring and also shows how popular felting projects continue to be. Add that this bag is knitted with Worsted Wool from Yarnmarket's own Caledon Hills yarn collection, and you have a great top option to consider for 2009.
Home decor and quick & easy gift ideas were the main influences for the 5th place choice we believe because the ever-popular Cotton Chenille Washcloth by Crystal Palace. These soft, fluffy bath items are easy to make even for beginners and are a very quick project for more experienced knitters.
Number 6 on the list shows how interested you all are in fashion trends. The Tundra Capelet with Buttons from Teva Durham's Loop-d-Loop collection. This lovely wrap combines high fashion with a quick-to-create fiber gem to give you a terrific addition to your accessories wardrobe.
Our most popular project from last year is still in the Top 10 this year, which just goes to show how much you enjoy knitting for those wee ones in your life. The Tiny Tots Baby Blanket is a modern yet easy twist on the traditional baby blanket, and the tweedy nubs in Tiny Tots yarn from Sirdar add an extraordinary touch.
Coming in as the 8th most popular project is the Panda Silk DK Wave Stitch Scarf also starting with a free Crystal Palace pattern. You mentioned how much you loved the simple repeat and the open-weave, lacy effect.
The 9th item on our popularity list is another felted bag project that was actually the 2nd place finisher last year. The Zoom Felted Peruvia Tote demonstrates a timeless yet innovative design with plenty of room for all your essentials & extra goodies you like to carry along with you.
And rounding out the "Top 10" is another sock design -- the Marathon Winner Socks -- featuring self-striping & auto-patterning Marathon Socks yarn from Wisdom. No matter which specific city you choose in this collection the free pattern will work up stunningly.
The other 15 most popular projects of the past year continue with some of these same trends we can see emerging but also demonstrate some of your new favorite preferences too:
Several of the next group show a strong interest in warm-weather fashions. The Taiyo Marina Top was especially popular and just missed the Top 10 by a very narrow margin. Then two repeaters from last year -- the Bamboo Ballerina Tank and the Phoenix Shawl -- continue as versatile offerings from South West Trading Company along with a newbie to the list & also from South West, the Therapi Braided Wrap. Add the innovative Regal Silk Draped Vest featuring our Yarnmarket-exclusive Impressionist Regal Silk, and you have fashion at its most creative for spring & summer.
And babies & socks continued to reign supreme in seven of the gems from this section of the list including the Easy Striped Baby Blankie, the Comfort DK Caisey Cardi, the Bubbly Tie Front Shrug, the Bunny Hop Side Wrap Baby Kimono, the Craft Newborn Baby Booties, the Snuggly Lacy Sweater Set and the Zazu Socks project.
And rounding out these additional 15, we find comfort, functionality & updated traditional designs catching your attention with the PolarKnit Basket Weave Mittens, the Painted Diamonds Bag and the Needle Felted Bucket Bag.
So what were your favorite types of projects in 2008? Just as in 2006 & 2007, baby & children's projects and also felting projects were popular, but in 2008 we saw a significant number of high-fashion, cutting-edge projects you liked best. We also noticed a significant increase in your interest in sock & footwear designs along with requests for more lacework. We're paying attention to your stronger preference for warm-weather fashions too. This all means we're already planning our 2009 yarn and project additions around your preferences, so watch for exciting new introductions in upcoming newsletters & bulletins each month.
Submit Your Pattern Designs in New Contest for Chance to Win $1000 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
We’re so excited to announce the launch of a special pattern design contest we're sponsoring with The Knitting Guild of Association (TKGA).
This contest features six different garment and accessories categories, and three prizes will be awarded to the best designs in each one. First prize in each category is a $300 gift certificate, and $200 & $100 gift certificates will be awarded to the second and third place winners. Then the Grand Prize of a $1000 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate will be awarded to the overall best design.
Just think -- that means you have a chance to win one of 19 prizes overall!
Now you'll want to group your entries by the six categories for the contest:
Women's Fashion Classic
Women's Fashion Forward
Men's Wear
Children's Fashion
Baby's Fashion (6-12 month size)
Accessories (hats, scarves, purses, etc.)
Also keep in mind that entries must be received by the TKGA by March 11, 2009, and we've worked closely with TKGA to make the rules & entry requirements as straightforward as possible. For your convenience, you're even submitting a photo of your finished item for the initial pre-judging of the entries. For the details about eligibility & the requirements for your entries, please check the Contest Rules & Entry Form. Then be sure to let all your knitting friends know they too can win one of these great prizes in the Yarnmarket/TKGA Knitting Pattern Contest.
New Online Quarterly Magazine to Enjoy with Fashion Trends, Designer Interviews & More
Our second exciting announcement is that Yarnmarket now has available online the premier issue of our new quarterly magazine -- Knitch. Knitch magazine is an online knitting & crochet resource with fashion features, free patterns, yarn reviews and interviews with yarn industry dignitaries. We know you'll enjoy the interview with Berroco's Design Director Norah Gaughan. You continue to love her designs -- now find out how Norah learned to knit & crochet, what influences her designs, which ones she likes the best and which design has been her most popular to date.
Other features in Knitch we know you'll enjoy include:
Winter Fashion Outlook
Updates on Runway Styles
Color Trends for Winter
Overview of Sock Knitting
Free Patterns
Also to be sure you don't miss any of the upcoming issues, sign up to receive an email to let you know the next issue is available. Just click on the "Newsletter" link in the upper right hand corner of the Knitch Home Page, and register today.
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 Alma, Amy, Lisa, Tina, Julie or Emily –- 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.
Also we're available to help you be sure you have all of the knitting & crochet supplies you need to keep busy through the gray days & cool evenings of winter or to inspire you on your next vacation or business trip -- you know you don't want to be sitting on the airplane or riding in the car without your next project in hand. Just let us know how we can help out, & we'll be sure we get your package to you by whatever expedited delivery method you choose.
Thanks for reading, and we wish you a great start to the winter season and staying steadfast to your New Year's resolutions.
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 500 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.
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