YARNMARKET.COM NEWS ISSUE #78
In This Issue:
Fall Fashion Preview: The Must-Have Garment and the Top 10 Must-Have Colors for Your Cool-Weather Wardrobe | Check Out Rowan's Classic, Tweedy New Cousin to Perennial Fave "Big Wool" | Gedifra Enhances Your Fall/Winter Collection with Two Striking New Yarns + New Pattern Books | Kollage Delivers Luxurious Fiber Blend in New Sock Yarn That Surely Lives Up to Its Name | September's Flower of the Month from Fiesta Reminds Us of Crisp Fall Mornings and Warm Afternoons | Discover the Wonderful Creations of a New American Fiber Artist | Take a Look at These Award-Winning Designs from the 2010 TKGA Pattern Contest | Congrats to Aslan Trends for Landing the Cover of the Fall 2010 Issue of Vogue Knitting | Start Thinking of Charities for Handmade Crafts Plus Some Customer Service Reminders
Fall Fashion Preview: The Must-Have Garment and the Top 10 Must-Have Colors for Your Cool-Weather Wardrobe
As we continue to deal with wide ranges of temperatures and weather conditions in North America, we've been working on transitioning our wardrobes from the warm-weather challenges of the late summer to the cooler temps of fall on the horizon. But, of course, everything we add to our collection is an investment in multi-seasonal fashion, and we've been checking out all of the trends for fall 2010. Now in this issue of the Yarnmarket News, we are taking a look at the one must-have piece of knitwear so many fashion gurus are citing for the fall plus the top color trends so that you and yours can be assured you're staying up to date with the latest styles.
First off, one particular classic is definitely back with a bang this season, and there are so many versions of it available that you're sure to find just the style to suit your figure and personal taste. We're talking about the return of the Cardigan to the runways of Paris, New York and Milan, and that means you are starting to see featured wonderful versions of this stunning piece in your local department stores and boutiques.
Some credit the resurgence of the ladylike look of the 1960s as the reason for the cardi's many variations this season, and more specifically they cite AMC's award-winning series Mad Men for bringing this versatile wardrobe-enhancer back to the forefront. Or perhaps it's as simple as the latest issue of Knit Simple proclaims and it's just because cardis now have "style." But whatever the reasons, we are thrilled to have such a wonderful collection from which to choose in recent weeks and the season is just beginning.
Take, for instance, the lovely styling of fashion guru and knitwear aficionado Debbie Bliss. In her latest collections featuring her latest yarns, we see sensational cardigans that will get your creative juices flowing. The Glen Simple Cardigan is one such example that looks marvelous on many body types and sizes. A classic cardi design using stockinette and garter stitches is transformed by Debbie's special touches into a classic with a twist. The sleeves are where the interest lies with gathers at the shoulders for a feminine, puffed look on top balanced by narrow ribbed cuffs.
Of course, our favorite knitwear designers at Berroco are giving us terrific options too this fall. Creative Director Norah Gaughan and her design team have really let their creative juices flow and have developed sensational styles such as the Vintage Fremont Cardigan. This little bolero cardigan is a gorgeous take on the double-breasted jacket so popular in the '60s. Add the striped garter stitch edges and wide contrasting button bands and you have a great retro look. Adorn your cardi with some fun buttons for a a touch of funkiness as shown or go traditional for more classic styling. Or if you prefer long sleeves to short, you can create the Vintage Pike Place Cardigan in just one color.
Also from Berroco comes the Campus Lutt-Witt Hooded Sweater, a sensational update of the sportswear trend so popular in the spring. This hoodie version of the classic cardigan jacket is oh-so much more than just a simple hooded jacket though. Just look at the ribbed front edges including the edge of the hood and enjoy the intermittent bobbles that add interest and pizzazz to the whole outfit.
And your favorite wee ones must be included in the latest trends too, so take a peek at Jil Eaton's adorable MinnowMerino Baby Wrap Cardi. Or if you prefer creating with a self-striping, self-patterning yarn, check out the similarly styled Baby Crofter Ballerina Cardigan from Sirdar.
Then, of course, you want to make sure that your brand-new cardigan jacket is knitted or crocheted in one of the Top 10 colors for fall and where better to look for advice straight from the runways than the Pantone Fashion Color Report. According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, "Building on the color palette from spring, this season's offerings include innovative takes on fundamental basics, as well as transporting, lively colors that conjure images of travel and adventure, whether real or aspirational." She sees designers as being more sensitive to consumers' need for practical, functional items so that they're now offering many choices for women to enhance and embellish their wardrobes this fall.
Intriguing and exotic Purple Orchid with fuchsia undertones adds a bit of magic and vibrancy to the color palette and is featured in many cosmetic collections this coming season too especially for eye makeup. Lagoon is this season's darker, richer version of spring's turquoise for a touch of the tropics, Lipstick Red gives you a deeper, more dramatic accent color to balance out the ever-popular neutrals, and Living Coral adds its own special touch for enhancements and embellishments.
In terms of new takes on the neutrals, Chocolate Truffle is a rich brown with a touch of plum that's elegant and delicious, Woodbine is an extraordinary version of avocado that takes spring's neutral greens to greater heights, and crisp Endive is an enlivening yellow-green to add freshness to the whole palette. Rounding out the Top 10 are beautiful Golden Glow that combines well with the purples, reds, browns and greens in the collection plus classic Oyster Gray and flattering, romantic Rose Dust.
Check Out Rowan's Classic, Tweedy New Cousin to Perennial Fave "Big Wool"
We are very excited this month to be introducing to you a wonderful new fall/winter yarn and pattern collection from one of your favorite yarn companies. Rowan is known throughout the world for classic, high-quality, natural fibers and blends and their latest fiber gem is no exception.
As the tweedy, classic cousin of Big Wool, Rowan's Drift yarn gives you the same lovely results yet now in a different color palette. Beautifully spun and dyed in Italy of 100% merino wool, "Drift" has traditional, earth-tone multis you can coordinate with the solid shades of "Big Wool" or use on their own.
With superb choices for both women & men, super chunky "Drift" is a sensational choice for quick-to-create knitted & crocheted hats, scarves, sweaters, jackets and more. Now you know we would add a new yarn only if it also has terrific pattern support, and you've learned to trust in the designers at Rowan for beautiful options each season.
Just take a look at the wonderful featured projects from the new pattern collection Winter Drift, and you'll see exactly what we mean:
The classic yet simple Drift Swaddle Pullover gives you great lines and trendy details in sizes Small to 2X;
The Big Wool Cradle Cardigan combines chunky cables with tight ribbed sleeves for extra panache;
The free-flowing Drift Comfort Poncho will suit many body types and sizes with its versatile turtleneck and subtle cabled shaping;
The easy-fit Big Wool Envelop Pullover is a wrap sweater that gives you interesting layering options; and
The versatile Drift Swathe Cardigan is a great addition to any woman's wardrobe because you can dress it up with accessories as shown or wear it with your favorite jeans for more casual outings.
Gedifra Enhances Your Fall/Winter Collection with Two Striking New Yarns + New Pattern Books
We the staff at Yarnmarket.com always get excited when we hear of a shipment of new yarns and books coming in from one of our all-time favorite yarn companies -- German knitwear powerhouse Gedifra Yarns. This latest shipment contained two sensational new fall/winter yarns for your knitting & crocheting pleasure plus several great new pattern collections.
First off, building on the success of glitzy Samina yarn, the yarn gurus at Gedifra have created a glamorous big sister with Aneja. Spectacularly crafted in Italy of 71% nylon, 15% mohair & 14% merino wool, "Aneja" has that same shimmering netting surrounding a supersoft natural-fiber core. The end result is terrific multi-texture with the luster and sheen you crave for all your fall/winter outfits. Add its ever-versatile worsted weight, and you have in "Aneja" a marvelous option to knit & crochet.
And to see just how beautifully "Aneja" works up, take a look at the Aneja Open Knit Pullover chosen as the cover garment for the brand-new Gedifra Moments #221: Elegance. From its lovely drop stitch design to its lacy finish, this top will be stunning all season long. Other terrific "Aneja" projects in this booklet are the flowing Aneja Drape Collar Jacket and the figure-enhancing Aneja Shawl Front Coat.
Then for lots of texture and innovative styling, the yarn gurus at Gedifra have created unique Morelia especially for the trendy faux fur look. Superbly crafted in Italy of 37% acrylic, 35% nylon & 28% mohair, "Morelia" has a unique construction as an eyelash yarn where the strands have been sewn on one side and then down the middle with an interlocking stitch. The result is a combination of an eyelash and a ribbon yarn that works up quickly in your fall/winter projects. And "Morelia" is gorgeous either used as an accent trim or mixed with one of the other sensational high-fashion yarns from Gedifra or knitted and crocheted by itself.
For plenty of great ideas on the best ways to knit and crochet with "Morelia" and "Aneja," check out the newly released Gedifra Highlights #102, the large-format fashion magazine for the fall/winter season. Here are our top staff picks for you:
The funky Morelia Layering Tank ideal for multi seasons;
The sophisticated Aneja & Morelia Fuzzy Jacket with its crocheted body & sleeves and knitted ribbing for the trim;
The figure-hugging Aneja Cowl Neck Dress;
The trendy, easy-fit Morelia Swing Coat; and
The spectacular Aneja & Morelia Fringed Jacket that will surely stand out in any crowd.
Kollage Delivers Luxurious Fiber Blend in New Sock Yarn That Surely Lives Up to Its Name
We've appreciated your feedback in the last six weeks about our addition of sensational cotton/elastic blend Luscious Solid and Luscious Multi from Kollage Yarns. We mentioned to you at that time we had an innovative new sock yarn on order from Kollage coming in soon, and we're thrilled to announce that it and several related patterns are now in stock.
When you hear of a yarn company with a reputation for quality like Kollage creating a delicious new sock yarn, you know something special is on the horizon. Now velvety soft merino, lustrous silk and springy nylon combine superbly to make Sock-a-licious yarn a delightful option for all your fingering-weight projects. From great socks to pamper your tootsies to heirloom-quality baby layettes and from sumptuous shawls to lacy scarves, "Sock-a-licious" yarn is a must-have for machine-washable, year-round comfort and fun. And "Sock-a-licious" is beautifully crafted in Peru of 70% superwash fine merino wool, 20% nylon & 10% mulberry silk.
With every new yarn introduction we can count on Kollage to launch any new yarn with a number of great patterns also, and "Sock-a-licious" is no exception. We know you enjoy browsing for yourself and may even have your own favorite fingering-weight projects ready to knit & crochet, but here are also some of our favorite staff picks for you to consider:
The pretty & sweet Butterfly Hat;
The unusual Sock-a-licious Arrowhead Socks ideal for women or men;
The feminine, face-flattering Celestial Hat
The classic Sock-a-licious Sonoma Socks everyone will enjoy; and
Last but certainly not least, the out-of-the-ordinary Rippling Water Socks.
September's Flower of the Month from Fiesta Reminds Us of Crisp Fall Mornings and Warm Afternoons
We know how much the past six months you've been enjoying the brand-new, limited-edition Flower of the Month Collection colorways from Fiesta Yarn. We at Yarnmarket continue to marvel at how beautifully the artisans at Fiesta interpret each new flower. We've also appreciated your feedback on the terrific monthly hues and all the gorgeous Fiesta fibers we've been introducing to you. Now for the featured colorways these past months we have enough hanks in stock so that you can still make several of the featured items in the Gladiolus, Calla Lily, Rose and even a few offerings from the earlier Gerber Daisy and Tiger Lily. But our stock is limited to what we currently have on hand and on order, so if you've been planning to pick up any of the previous projects, please be sure to order them soon to avoid disappointment. And you can always give us a call to get specific information on what we've yet to receive.
Now for the 7th release in the series, the Fiesta fiber mavens have chosen the charming "Morning Glory " to hand-dye in three of Fiesta's wonderful fiber gems. Since its use in ancient China for its medicinal properties, the Morning Glory is the yarn for September in the U.S. and for 11th wedding anniversaries. They are saucer-shaped vine plants with funnel-shaped blossoms usually in shades of blue, purple, white, red and yellow. Morning Glories are so named because the blossoms open in the morning in response to the morning light and then close and fade with the increasing heat of the afternoon. They are hardy, perennial plants that will usually outlast the 1st light frost of the autumn, and they have a multitude of blossoms on each plant so that each blossom's life span of one blooming day makes no difference to their beauty.
Perhaps each bloom's short life span is one reason why in Victorian times the Morning Glory was used in the language of flowers to represent "love in vain." The Victorians also associated this flower with mortality because of their short life span. Even a traditional Chinese tale connects the origin of the Morning Glory with the punishment of two lovers -- Chien Niu and Chih Neu -- who were punished by the gods for neglecting their duties and banished to opposite sides of the Silver River so that they could meet or "bloom" just one day each year.
As you discovered with earlier releases, sometimes the yarns in the series are Fiesta yarns we already carry, but usually they are new Fiesta yarns for us. In all cases, the flower colorway is featured in a pattern collection free with your yarn purchase and the owner of Fiesta Yarns has decided that any purchase of FOM yarn -- even 1 hank -- will qualify you to receive the FOM pattern booklet of your choice so long as we still have it in stock. Then the latest color combo will be retired after its designated month, and that means you'll need to order your yarn faves right away so that we can fill your order and re-order the yarn as needed within the designated month too.
Since we carry some but not all of the yarns in this collection, here is an overview of the remaining yarns from previous months plus the new September/Morning Glory collection (given in alphabetical order for your convenience):
Baby Boom is crafted of supersoft extrafine superwash merino with a touch of snap-back nylon for added wearability. It comes in a generous 440-yard hank and knits up at a DK/sport-weight gauge of 26 sts & 32 rows per 4” on size 4 U.S. knitting needles.
Ballerina is a beautiful fingering-weight superfine alpaca/Tencel fiber blend that comes in 100-gram hanks, each with a generous 925 yds. The knitting gauge for "Ballerina" is 28 sts & 32 rows = 4" on size 5 U.S. (3.75mm) needles.
Ballet is a lovely DK-weight version of Ballerina's same alpaca/Tencel blend, and since we already carry this terrific fiber gem, please see the YM product page for all the technical yarn details.
Boomerang is a terrific worsted-weight superwash merino that comes in a generous 320-yard hank. The gauge for "Boomerang" is 18 sts & 25 rows = 4” on size 8 U.S. (5mm) knitting needles.
Gracie's DK is a brand-new yarn from Fiesta this fall beautifully crafted of luxurious merino, silk & cashmere. With a gauge of 21 sts & 29 rows on a size 6 U.S. (4.25mm) needle, "Gracie's DK" will give you superb results in your DK-weight projects.
Gracie's Lace is a luxurious blend of merino, silk & cashmere so that it's wonderfully soft and supple. Each hank contains a generous 950 yds. of this fingering-weight beauty, and your knitting gauge is 28 sts & 32 rows = 4” on a size 5 U.S.(4.25mm) knitting needles.
La Boheme is one of our hand-dyed, ever-versatile worsted-weight yarns from Fiesta, and its wondrous 2-strand construction is simply scrumptious to knit and crochet for year-round enjoyment. (Please take a look our YM product page to see all the technical yarn details such as exact gauge, fiber composition and care instructions).
La Luz Multi is a DK-weight yarn crafted of 100% mulberry silk, the finest grade of cultivated silk in the world. It comes in 2 oz. hanks, each with 210 yds., and has a gauge of 23 sts & 29 rows = 4" on size 6 U.S. (4.25mm) knitting needles.
Rayon Boucle, beautifully spun from 100% rayon and then hand-dyed to Fiesta's exacting specifications for consistency, is available in 4 oz. hanks with 240 yds. per hank. This light worsted beauty has a stitch gauge of 20 sts & 24 rows = 4" on size 7 U.S. (4.5mm) knitting needles.
And last but certainly not least comes new Starburst Rayon Boucle sensationally spun from 96% rayon with 4% metallic for a little glitz & glamour. Available in 4 oz. hanks also with a generous 240 yds. and a stitch gauge of 20 sts & 24 rows = 4" on 7 U.S. (4.5mm) knitting needles.
Also this month we have three terrific new projects to overview for you featuring the spectacular "Morning Glory " colorway for September, one each in the three gorgeous Fiesta yarns due in the end of this week and available now for pre-order. But please keep in mind that the yarns have different gauges & yardage so cannot be substituted in the featured projects. And remember that with the purchase of the yarn for any of these Flower of the Month projects, you'll receive the pattern booklet absolutely free. So start off with your favorite and then check out the other two from the booklet so that you'll have time to order more right away before the "Morning Glory " colorway is retired near the end of this month. So here is a quick overview of the three September projects:
The feminine, lacy Ballerina Shawl,
The straightforward, multi-seasonal Gracie's Swirl Scarf and
The figure-enhancing Morning Glory Ballet Pullover for multi-seasonal style.
Discover the Wonderful Creations of a New American Fiber Artist
We are very excited this month to be introducing to you a wonderful new fiber artist. Namaste Farms produces exquisite, original yarns from their award-winning collection of Gotland and Wensleydale sheep and Pygora and Angora goats. Having put extraordinary effort into the breeding of these animals, Natalie Redding has created the softest, smoothest fibers that she then transforms by hand into magical yarns.
Crafted of the finest wool and kid mohair, these wondrous hanks are for those who appreciate original, hand-dyed yarns you'd expect to see at an artist's fair, and we're delighted to offer a selection of artisan-quality yarns that are rare bursts of creativity often produced in very limited quantities.
Also Namaste Farms follows an earth & environmentally friendly tradition by using gentle soaps to wash their raw fibers; this helps reduce allergens, but for those who are sensitive to scents, be aware that these yarns have a light Aveda natural oil fragrance.
To launch this limited collection, we are introducing to you three of Natalie's sensational yarns with plans to add more to the collection as soon as Natalie develops additional sensational creations:
Ohm is a delicious combination of soft kid mohair with a silk core. The jewel colors are rich and vibrant -- perfect for your autumn wardrobe.
Charmed is a fantasy fusion of fiber and beads ranging from positively Goth to delightfully playful. For example, the juxtaposition of skulls on pretty pink Pygora in the selection "Pink Skulls" is madly unique.
Our Free Spirit collection has a variety of fiber combinations that Natalie has created in very limited editions -- we have just one available for each of these gorgeous creations.
Take a Look at These Award-Winning Designs from the 2010 TKGA Pattern Contest
This past spring and early summer were very busy with judging the pattern contest we once again co-sponsored with The Knitting Guild Association. Thank you to all who submitted such gorgeous projects and it was a real challenge to choose the top picks. But we've managed to narrow it down to the winners and are announcing the details below. Also check out the actual free patterns now available for each of these lovely designs in the Design Contest Winners department. These lovely designs join the free patterns from the 2009 Design Contest Winners including the Grand Prize winner -- the Cotton Classic Stefan's Dinosaur Sweater.
Please join us in congratulating the 2010 Design Contest Winners for their excellent accomplishments:
Grand Prize Winner of a $1000 YM Gift Certificate is Kathleen Eldredge for her sensational Children's Fashion entry: Baby Cashmerino Classic Aran Meets Double Knit Sweater.
First Place Winner of our Accessories category is Georgia Vincent for her clever Comfort Knit-Me-A-Yarn Tote.
Second Place Winner, Accessories is Sandra VanBurkleo's trendy Merino Worsted Soho Felted Bags.
The Third Place Winner, Accessories is the beautiful Lux Lace Lacy Scarf by Inna Voltchkova.
Then in our Children's Fashion category, the First Place Winner is Mareva Lynde for her feminine Lyra Easy Breezy Summer Cardi.
Second Place Winner, Children's Fashions is Liilia Van Maanen's trendy Cotton Classic Girl's Summer Top.
Finishing up with our Women's Fashion category, the First Place Winner is Britt Raubenheimer for her clever Silver Mountain Pullover.
Second Place Winner, Women's Fashion is Sandra VanBurkleo's lovely Dune & Tonalita Bemidji Pullover.
The Third Place Winner, Women's fashions is the glitzy Dune & Lazer FX Sparkling Holiday Wrap by Frannie Collins.
Congrats to Aslan Trends for Landing the Cover of the Fall 2010 Issue of Vogue Knitting
We have been enjoying the lovely yarn creations of Aslan Trends for the past 18 months or so, and we're so glad for Angelo and his team on their recent accomplishment. In the most recent issue of Vogue Knitting magazine, their yarn is featured in the Del Cerro Cabled Cardigan on the coveted cover. Great work!
Also other projects from this same issue use some of the lovely yarns from the Yarnmarket yarn family, so be sure to explore the wonders of:
The trendy Symphony Smock Cable Jacket,
The luxurious Cashmere Over-the-Knee Socks,
The classic Zara Argyle Turtleneck
The quick-to-knit Peruvia Quick Cabled Vest,
The Southwestern Julia Navajo Turtleneck and
The supersoft & silky Lux Lace Fingerless Gloves.
Start Thinking of Charities for Handmade Crafts Plus Some Customer Service Reminders
Now starting next month, 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 past three 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.
Also you know that we the staff of Yarnmarket.com pride ourselves on our customer service. Each order is packed with pride by Lynn, Tina, Lisa, Julie or Amy –- 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 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
Now these next few weeks are the time of year when we're enjoying the last few days or weeks of the warm weather, getting our gardens and flowerbeds ready for the cooler temps, and readying ourselves for the seasonal changes to come. So be sure to take time to celebrate with family and friends maybe with that final cookout or get-together to say good-bye to summer. The official start of the autumn season is in two weeks -- on Wednesday, September 22nd at 11:09 PM EDT to be precise -- so use these remaining days of summer wisely and get some good relaxation time in too.
Thanks for reading
and as always,
Happy Knitting & Crocheting!
Your Yarnmarket Knitting Store Staff
Be sure to keep up with the latest Yarnmarket & Yarndex news as it's happening! Contests, promotions, new yarns and behind-the-scenes fun can be found on:
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