YARNMARKET.COM NEWS ISSUE #79
In This Issue:
Fall Fashion Trends: The Most Popular Stitch and the New Fad in Footwear for Your Cool-Weather Wardrobe | A Warm Yarnmarket Welcome to Debbie Macomber and Her New Blossom Street Yarn Collection | Rowan Enhances Your Fall/Winter Collection with Three New Yarns + New Pattern Books | Tahki Delivers Wonderful Variety with Fall Yarn & Pattern Offerings | October's Flower of the Month from Fiesta Reminds Us of The Wonderful Hues of Autumn | Knitting & Crocheting for a Better World, Part 2: Choosing Your Worthy Cause | Take a Look at the Autumn Issue of Knitch Magazine Just Released | Customer Service Reminders
Fall Fashion Trends: The Most Popular Stitch and the New Fad in Footwear for Your Cool-Weather Wardrobe
As we previewed in the September newsletter last month, we've been working on getting you ready for all the fall fashion trends and latest must-haves. The first two items we previewed were the must-have garment of the season -- the cardigan in all its glory and many versions -- along with the Top 10 colors for the cool-weather months. Now in this issue of the Yarnmarket News, we are taking a look at the most popular stitch you'll find featured by various designers and a new fad in footwear so that you and yours can be assured you're staying up to date with the latest styles.
First off, one particular classic stitch 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 ever-popular cable stitch to the runways of Paris, New York and Milan, and that means you are starting to see gorgeous cabled knits in your local department stores and boutiques and also in the pattern collections from your favorite knitwear designers.
The latest issue of Vogue Knitting International proclaims that cables are a "force of nature" especially when they have an element of surprise built in. For example, the Symphony Smock Cable Jacket from designer Mari Tobita has a smocked effect with its crisp cable panels on the front, center back and sleeves.
Or, for instance, consider the lovely styling of fashion guru and knitwear aficionado Debbie Bliss. In of her latest pattern collections -- A Tweed Story, we see just such a sensational jacket cardigan using cables in the Luxury Tweed Chunky Cable Jacket. The chunky yarn knits up beautifully into bold branch cables for a modern twist and added shaping to enhance your figure. The edges and oversized collar are done in moss stitch for incredible texture, and we also appreciate that the jacket is sized from a size 32 to a 48 to accommodate a wide range of body types and shapes.
Of course, our favorite knitwear designers at Berroco are giving us terrific options too this fall. Creative Director Norah Gaughan and her design team love cables as well and have developed sensational styles such as the Vintage Chunky Vashon Pullover. This cute sweater has tons of texture with a huge diamond design down the front and on each sleeve plus chunky cables to each side as wonderful accents. Then the 3/4-length sleeves and shorter length give it a youthful look ideal to wear layered over your favorite top or blouse for the office or teamed up with jeans for a more casual outing.
And your favorite wee ones must be included in the latest trend for cables too, so take a peek at the adorable Sublime Little Cabled Jacket sensationally crafted of Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK yarn (also works up fantastically in the alternate colorways of Cashmere Merino Silk DK yarn). This little beauty alternates its diamond cables with bobbles so those precious little ones in your life can strut their stuff. And remember that this little cardi jacket is sized from 6 months to 3 year olds, so it's the kind of project you can make for a variety of children and grandchildren in their favorite colors.
Then the other big trend in the fashion world this fall focuses on footwear -- the runways were filled with knee-high boots but what we didn't expect was the predominance of knee-high socks teamed with those oh-so high-fashion garments. This trend is being called "visible footwear" or in other words, any footwear that is visible as part of the overall outfit is an important fashion statement this season. All of the top fashion mags -- Vogue, Elle, even Harper's Bazaar -- are calling these longer socks hot especially when they're done up in special color combos and with distinctive patterning and/or texture. For example, for sizes 4 years old up to women's size medium, the Crofter DK Leg Warmers. These simple-to-knit leg warmers are created with a yarn that knits up magically into a Fair Isle pattern. The end result is a pair of leg warmers that look like a lot of work when actually they are as simple as can be because they are knit flat and seamed up the back.
For bright color combos, take a look at the Mini Mochi Toddler Knee High Socks for little ones and the Classic Best Foot Forward Socks for adults. And when you want to add a little luxury to your footwear collection, consider the Cashmere Over-the-Knee Socks by Star Athena for the latest issue of Vogue. As the editors of Vogue so succinctly sum this trend up, "All the glam gams this fall will be sporting kicky yet sophisticated knee-highs that demand to be seen."
A Warm Yarnmarket Welcome to Debbie Macomber and Her New Blossom Street Yarn Collection
We are very excited this month to be introducing a brand-new yarn and pattern collection from one of the most beloved women's fiction writers in America. New York Times best selling author Debbie Macomber has teamed up with yarn manufacturer Universal Yarns to create her wonderful Blossom Street Yarn collection. We are launching this new brand with three yarns from her beautiful yarn family and would appreciate your feedback. Also keep in mind that Debbie is donating all of her proceeds from the sale of any items in this collection to help children all over the world.
To start off the brand in good stead, Debbie has developed the superb Cashmere Fleur De Lys yarn, a fabulously soft blend of 90% extra fine merino wool with 10% cashmere. Spun as that ever-versatile worsted weight, "Cashmere Fleur De Lys" is named for the motif to represent French royalty and as a play on words to fit the floral theme of Debbie's yarn family. As a multi-use with a subtle halo and fluff, "Cashmere Fleur De Lys" is terrific knitted & crocheted into pullovers, vests, jackets, cardis, bags, hats, scarves, shawls & more for fall & winter comfort.
Of course, we have made sure that there's excellent pattern support for this lovely yarn and are enjoying Debbie Macomber Blossom Street Collection: Book 2, which features "Cashmere Fleur De Lys." We love the terrific Fleur De Lys Beret & Mitts set with its great face-framing cap with trendy cables and the easy-to-knit fingerless mitts to keep you comfy, warm & in style all season long. Also check out the innovative Fleur De Lys Crocheted Scarf with elegant drape and silky feel. And for the guy in your life, enjoy the use of zigzag design in the classic V-necked Fleur De Lys Men's Vest.
When you want to indulge your tootsies with extra softness & fluff, discover the touchability and softness of marvelous Petal Socks yarn also from Debbie's Blossom Street Collection. Beautifully crafted of 50% fine merino superwash, 20% angora & 30% nylon, "Petals Socks" is velvety enough for even a baby's sensitive skin. Ideal as a fingering-weight yarn for socks, booties & baby outfits, also enjoy knitting and crocheting lovely scarves & shawls with this gorgeous, tone-on-tone fiber gem. Just consider some of the marvelous "Petals Socks" projects in Debbie Macomber Blossom Street Collection: Book 3, you'll see exactly how fantastic this yarn is. From the precious Petal Baby Cardigan knit on the bias to the versatile Petal Baby Cap and the fun Baby Roll Brim Cap showcasing two contrasting color combos, you'll enjoy working with this velvety fiber blend.
Then last but certainly not least comes Rosebud yarn that's just right when you need a versatile, lightweight 100% superwash merino wool yarn. Soft enough for even a baby's delicate skin, "Rosebud" is fantastic for knitted & crocheted baby garments, blankets, hats & booties. And think of how lusciously soft this machine washable merino will feel next to your own skin, and choose it for a lovely shawl, scarf or sweater for yourself.
For several ideas of what you can create with fabulous "Rosebud," Debbie's Book 3 also features "Rosebud" in addition to "Petals Soft." The spectacular Rosebud Heirloom Baby Blanket makes a fantastic gift for that special baby in your life, and the Blossom Street Hopscotch Jumper is perfect for that little girl who likes a sweater tunic/jumper that looks equally great worn as a dress over tights as it does teamed up with jeans for more casual occasions.
Rowan Enhances Your Fall/Winter Collection with Three 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 -- British knitwear powerhouse Rowan Yarns. This latest shipment contained three sensational fall/winter yarns to enhance our New Yarns for Fall/Winter department plus several great new pattern collections.
First off, when you crave lovely, saturated, tone-on-tone marled colors in a luxurious silk blend, take a peek at Rowan's superb Silk Twist yarn. Constructed with Italian craftsmanship by loosely twisting together a lustrous strand of silk, a fluffy thread of mohair and a durable strand of wool/nylon, "Silk Twist" gives you superb results in all your worsted-weight projects. Give your imagination free rein and imagine what gorgeous wraps, cardis, scarves, pullovers and tops you can create with "Silk Twist" with its superb composition of 53% silk, 30% wool, 12% superkid mohair & 5% nylon.
And to see just how beautifully "Silk Twist" works up, take a look at the Silk Twist Rose Hip Cardi that's featured in the brand-new Silk Twist Classics pattern collection by Martin Storey. This stylish wrap cardigan has the body worked in a subtle rib and is finished off with a knitted rose. The cropped length and deep V-neck makes this a versatile layering piece for your wardrobe. Other terrific "Silk Twist" projects in this collection are the classic Silk Twist Winter Mitts, the open-weave Luna Scarf and the unstructured Brooke Long Cardigan just to name a few.
Then for lots of texture and innovative styling, the yarn gurus at Rowan have created a sensational earth-friendly boucle as part of their "Purelife" family. Sumptuously soft Purelife British Sheep Breeds Boucle yarn is crafted of 100% British, undyed wool and comes in the ever-versatile cream, also called "winter white." "British Sheep Breeds Boucle" is spun only from the fleece of Blue Face Leicester sheep. Known for lighter weight, softer wool than other sheep breeds, this fleece is spun into warm, cozy, super chunky yarn that's as great for sweaters worn next to your skin as it is for quick-to-create outerwear.
Third in the newly released options is another eco-friendly addition to the "Purelife" family with Purelife Renew yarn, the wonderful fall/winter complement to last season's Purelife Revive. Sensationally crafted in Italy of 93% recycled wool & 7% nylon, "Renew" is spun from recycled garment fibers, and the end results are fabulous and environmentally responsible too. Soft enough to wear next to your skin, chunky-weight "Renew" is ideal for rustic, tweedy quick-to-create pullovers, cardigans, jackets, scarves, hats, shawls and bags you'd like to knit and crochet.
For plenty of great ideas on the best ways to work with "Purelife British Sheep Breeds Boucle" and "Purelife Revive," check out the newly released Purelife Autumn pattern booklet by Marie Wallin. Here are our top staff picks for you:
The lovely, cropped Acacia Cardigan;
The classic, cabled Quince Pullover that shows cables looking great in a textured yarn;
The textured, large Renew Snowdrop Wrap for warmth and elegance;
The trendy, easy-fit Aconite Jacket; and
The flattering Wild Saffron Pullover with its A-line shaping.
Tahki Delivers Wonderful Variety with Fall Yarn & Pattern Offerings
We always enjoy oohing and aahing over any new shipment from Tahki Yarns, and this season is no exception with three new fall/winter yarns in stock plus supporting booklets with projects up to date with the latest fashion trends.
To start off this magnificent trio, take a peek at Tango yarn that takes auto-striping to a whole new level. With a spiral twist of three strands of wool blend roving (featuring two solids & a multi-colored ply), "Tango" knits up & crochets sensationally into quick-to-create garments and accessories that display tweedy, impressionist results. And we just love it when the yarn does so much of the work for us and gives us spectacular results! Also "Tango" is beautifully crafted in Belgium of 55% wool, 37% acrylic & 8% nylon.
With every new yarn introduction we can count on the designers at Tahki to launch any new yarn with a number of great patterns also, and "Tango" is no exception. We know you enjoy browsing for yourself and may even have your own favorite chunky-weight projects ready to knit & crochet, but here are also some of our favorite staff picks for you to consider from the new pattern booklet Tahki: Tapestry:
The figure-enhancing Tango Beautiful Rib Waist Tunic;
The versatile Tango Nightingale Vest ideal for multi-seasonal layering;
The trendy Tapestry Hooded Vest chosen as the cover garment for the book; and
The feminine Tango Beret & Scarf.
Then adding to their popular Terra collection, the yarn aficionados at Tahki have created two wonderful yarns, both featured in the newly released Tahki: Terra Collection 6th Ed. - Soft Sculpture pattern booklet. First off, it's no surprise that with such a popular yarn as Montana that they would find a way to add to the collection. With lovely Montana Print yarn, you now have the same earth-friendly, 100% unprocessed wool roving but now in wonderful tone-on-tone combinations with a space-dyed results. Also remember that the natural colors are from the sheep's undyed fleece, while the additional colors are created using low-impact dyes.
The other sensational "Terra" enhancement is terrific Rio yarn beautifully crafted in Peru of 50% alpaca, 25% merino wool & 15% silk. "Rio" yarn combines lightweight warmth with subtle sheen and adds generous yardage per hank for a marvelous quick-to-create fiber gem. Add a subtle thick & thin spin to this single ply yarn, and you get sensational texture too in lovely neutral, earthtone and jewel shades.
As just a few examples of the wonderful projects you can create from "Montana Print" and "Rio," enjoy the following recommendations:
The beautiful, flowing Rio Winged Victory Cardi-Cape;
The distinctive, easy-fit Montana Venus de Milo Vest;
The striking Rio Thinker Cardigan; and
The fun, quick-to-create Montana Sculptor Arm Warmers.
October's Flower of the Month from Fiesta Reminds Us of The Wonderful Hues of Autumn
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 Morning Glory, 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 8th release in the series, the Fiesta fiber mavens have chosen the charming "Marigold " to hand-dye in three of Fiesta's wonderful fiber gems. Since its early uses by herbalists to treat skin problems especially in cases of skin inflammation, marigolds have been valued as beautiful and useful flowers. Marigolds are also hardy, annual plants that are well known for cheering up any garden because of their bright orange and yellow varieties in particular. As early as the 12th century one writer claimed that "merely looking at the Marigold plant would improve the eyesight and lighten the mood."
Also some sources indicate that the name "Marigold" came from the phrase "Mary's Gold" because the plant is associated with the Virgin Mary in Christian stories. They are originally from South America but are now quite popular in the United States, France, India and South Africa. Besides being used as an ornamental plant and a medicinal aid, marigolds are used in an essential oil in perfumes and in agriculture grown along with the crops of the land because of insect-repelling qualities.
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 October/Marigold collection (yarns given below in alphabetical order for your convenience):
32 Degrees is a terrific worsted/heavy worsted fiber gem spun from baby alpaca, extrafine merino & silk and comes is 100-gram hanks. Its knitting gauge is 16 sts & 32 rows per 4" on size 9 U.S. needles.
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 "Marigold" colorway for October, one each in the three gorgeous Fiesta yarns for the month. 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 Cornucopia Shawl that can be worn full length or folded in half for an alternate look,
The straightforward, comfy & warm 32 Degrees Hat & Scarf set and
The figure-enhancing Boomerang Marigold Cardigan for multi-seasonal style.
Knitting & Crocheting for a Better World, Part 2: Choosing Your Worthy Cause
We are very excited this month to be continuing our focus on knitting and crocheting for your favorite charity this holiday season. To start us off, we are promoting one of the not-for-profit organizations we support -- afghans for Afghans. AFA is a humanitarian and educational people-to-people project that sends hand-knit and crocheted blankets and sweaters, vests, hats, mittens and socks to the beleaguered people of Afghanistan. Yarnmarket helps out by donating three $50 gift certificates each quarter for the AFA staff to award to the lucky drawing winners who have donated handcrafted items. In recent months, the following craftspeople have received a Yarnmarket gift certificate in honor of their good works:
Julianna Harris
Judy Sturgis
Ingrid Lynch
Diana Beals-Reid
Nancy Markus
Toni Price
Susan Elliott
Ann McManus and
Christine Goodendorf
Also we have received several suggestions from our customers including:
The Snuggles Project highly recommended by Cathy P. because it is an organization that distributes blankets and other handcrafted items to animals who are in animal shelters and
The Knit One, Cure One group suggested by Jeanne M. because they knit for breast cancer fundraising and are in need of finished scarves, shawls, baby items and yarn.
And next month, we plan to showcase additional charitable organizations & non-profit groups who can use our crafty skills, so 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.
Take a Look at the Autumn Issue of Knitch Magazine Just Released
Thank you for all of your feedback on the past issues of our quarterly magazine -- Knitch, and we're excited to announce that the new Fall 2010 issue is now available for your reading pleasure. We've included all of your favorite news about fashion trends, hot new items to watch for and all of those interviews and reviews you so enjoy.
We know you'll enjoy the interview with fashion designer and knitwear guru Maggie Jackson along with the insights you'll gain from writer Cathy Carron whose new book Cowl Girls: The Neck's Best Thing to Knit you're so enjoying. Also check out the insider's perceptive on The Luxury of Yarns and gain insights from representatives from such luxury brands as Windy Valley Muskox, Jacques Cartier Clothiers, Artyarns and Namaste Farms.
Other features in Knitch we highly recommend include:
The latest on the fall fashion trends for haute couture and ready-to-wear in the Fall Fashion Outlook,
The resurgence of and passion for capes in their various forms in the Fall Trendsetter article,
The must-have pieces to knit and crochet for the season for women, children & babies in the articles Fall Fashion Portfolio and Oh! Baby,
Guerillas in Our Midst? explaining just what "Guerilla Knitting" also called "Yarn Graffiti" is all about and
Lots of new of new yarn and book reviews from Barbara Rottman.
Also to be sure you don't miss any of the upcoming issues, sign up to receive an email alert to let you know when the next issue is available online. Just click on the "Newsletter" link in the upper right hand corner of the Knitch Home Page, and register today.
Customer Service Reminders
Now you know that we the staff of Yarnmarket.com pride ourselves on our customer service. Each order is packed with pride by Lynn, Amy, Tina, Lisa or Janice –- 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 days of fall when the leaves start changing colors, the days get shorter and the nights get longer and there's a crispness in the air that's invigorating. And with Columbus Day coming up on October 11th in the U.S. (also celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Canada) and Halloween the very end of the month, we have lots of opportunities to celebrate and perhaps even have a day off from work. But also be thinking of what gifts you might enjoy making for December holidays and let us know how we can help make your gift-giving even easier this year. Whether it's a question about a yarn sub, help with a pattern or just ideas for projects or accessories, just give us a call and we'll be glad to advise you.
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:
Yarnmarket.com, BargainYARNS.com, Yarndex.com, Shear Bagatelle and KnitchMagazine.com are subsidiaries of Yarnmarket, LLC. Yarnmarket is an online yarn retailer with over 700 quality brands from over 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 more than 4500 yarns from leading manufacturers. Shear Bagatelle is the Yarnmarket blog, an inside view of all the happenings behind the scenes at Yarnmarket. Knitch Magazine is an online publication showcasing knitting and crochet fashions for yarn lovers.
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