Yarn Market Knitting News!

	YARNMARKET.COM NEWS ISSUE #93 In This Issue: Glitz & Glamour Yarn Sale Extended & Expanded Plus New Yarn from Debbie Bliss & Holiday Dressing Ideas | Gedifra Transforms into SMC Select with Even More Superb Yarns & Gorgeous Pattern Support | New Scarf Yarn Category Now Available for Quick Reference Plus New Scarf Yarns from Berroco, Bernat & SMC | Check Out New Holiday Kit from Universal and Great Gift Ideas from Debbie Bliss | Patterns from TKGA Contest Now Available as Free Downloads & Explore Benefits of TKGA Membership | Update on Shipping Options and Some Important Customer Service Reminders Glitz & Glamour Yarn Sale Extended & Expanded Plus New Yarn from Debbie Bliss & Holiday Dress-Up Ideas   Stella Leighton Necklace   For the past few months in our September newsletter, in the October newsletter and in last month's issue, we've been discussing the trends that are the hallmarks of Fall 2011 & Winter 2012. This month we're excited about featuring a special that's been going on for the last week and to give you some thrilling news. First off, due to popular demand we're extending the 15% off sale on select Glitz & Glamour Yarns until Monday, December 5th, 2011, at 11:59 PM EST. That means you have more time to save 15% on all yarns in the S. Charles Collezione plus 15% off on Kollage Glisten, Noro Hana Silk and Muench Touch Me. We've also had three Artyarns beauties on sale, and now we're really getting into the holiday spirit and have expanded the Artyarns sale to include ALL yarns in the collection!!! This special Artyarns sale runs until Sunday, December 18th, 2011, at 11:59 PM EST, but we recommend you order your faves as soon as possible. Of course, we'll honor the sale price on anything that gets backordered, and we reorder these sale yarns even more frequently than usual in order to do our best to ship get your yarn on its way to you the next business day after we receive it.   Moonshine Cable Panel Scarf   Now looking at the next trend on our list of fall/winter styles, one particular style of necklace has returned to the runways with a bang. Perhaps as a natural accent to the more feminine emphasis on curves and retro looks, the choker necklace is making a strong come-back to the fashion scene. Remember the dainty set of pearls that once adorned every ladylike twinset? Well, instead of pearls or any gemstones really, these new choker and shortie necklaces are crafted of both interesting and traditional metals. For instance, David Yurman has created a multi-textural choker style where the links remind us of chain links but with a burnish that’s oh-so touchable and warm. Then Michael Kors and Max Azria styled their models in such wide, short chokers that they looked more like cuff bracelets than necklaces at all. Then the fantastic imaginings of British jewelry designer Solange Azagury-Partridge are one-of-a-kind wonders, and her shimmering, short zigzag necklace looks as if it’s been formed out of golden tinfoil twisted into intricate shapes yet it is made of 24K gold.   Angel Twist Front Shrug   But how can we recreate such distinctive jewelry with handcrafted accessories? We turn to the styling wonders of Stacy Charles and his design team in their latest pattern collection S. Charles: Moonstruck - Fall 2010 for inspiration. From the geometric styling of the Stella Leighton Necklace and the Winston Infinity Necklace to the more feminine approach of the Lieber Necklace & Bracelet Set, Stacy and his team have us covered. You can also add the same type of a glitz and glamour to an outfit by creating a wonderful scarf, especially one showcasing a yarn with subtle shimmer and shine. For example, the Moonshine Cable Panel Scarf starts off with a classic style and free pattern from Crystal Palace. But the traditional look is transformed by the subtle metallic accents in Moonshine yarn.   Anny Blatt Mercy Jacket   Another way to dress up your wardrobe for the holidays is to knit or crochet a versatile cardigan, shrug, jacket or sweater that you can then team up with your favorite slacks or skirt. So let's check with some of our favorite yarn companies and knitwear designers to see how they have incorporated these styles into their fall/winter offerings. Just in time to add some glitz & glamour for the holidays, Debbie Bliss has created a new yarn for you to enjoy. As a gorgeous complement to her popular Angel yarn, Debbie has added subtle shimmer and created Party Angel. For glamorous eveningwear, glimmering holiday pizzazz and year-round glitz, discover the wonders of velvety soft "Party Angel" for all your knitted & crocheted DK-weight and lacy projects. Superbly crafted of 72% super kid mohair, 24% silk & 4% metalized polyester, "Party Angel" is marvelous for both adult and children's special occasion wear. For instance, take a peek at just how adorable your favorite little girl will look in the Angel Twist Front Shrug. Debbie herself has recommended "Party Angel" for this precious little jacket as well as in the Angel Lace Edged Top for Sister and in the Angel Lace Capelet/Shrug for Mom. Then we also have the talented design staff at Anny Blatt in the outstanding Anny Blatt #209 filled with simply stunning patterns. Right in time for the holidays, we highly recommend the Anny Blatt Mercy Jacket showcasing ever-popular Angora Super yarn, silky Victoria yarn and fun, shimmering Muguet yarn. This fabulous jacket takes striping to a whole new level with this fantastic alternating of colors and textures, and it is glitzy enough for evening but oh-so wearable for daytime too. Gedifra Transforms into SMC Select with Even More Superb Yarns & Gorgeous Pattern Support   Silk Wool Turtleneck Cardi   We know how many of you are faithful Gedifra lovers and have enjoyed all the new releases and fabulous pattern collections each season. Now we're thrilled to announce that the Gedifra brand is being transformed into the new fashion-forward SMC Select quickly becoming known for accessible runway styles. Dedicated to creating innovative blends of natural fibers, the SMC Select collection offers you runway-inspired colors and wearable catwalk styles created by top knitwear designers from around the world. You'll notice that six of your favorite Gedifra yarns are continuing under the SMC Select label as will some of the former pattern books. But the most exciting news is that this month we're launching the SMC collection with two brand-new yarns and three new pattern collections.   Tweed Deluxe Sweater   First off comes beautiful, supple Silk Wool yarn. The high-quality silk blends superbly with the fine wool resulting in elegant sheen plus supersoft, comfy durability. And since it's spun as a gorgeous woven chainette, you get fantastic texture and generous yardage in this heavy worsted wonder. Spectacularly crafted in Italy of 64% pure virgin wool, 27% luxurious silk & 9% nylon, "Silk Wool" yarn is great for knitted & crocheted accessories, pullovers, cardis, jackets, tops, accessories and more. As with Gedifra fibers, all SMC Select yarns are sensationally supported by pattern collections and "Silk Wool" has its own dedicated book in SMC Select: Moments #002 - Silk Wool. We especially like the clever Silk Wool Criss-Cross Turtleneck Cardigan with its figure-enhancing shape and innovative neckline. Also the Silk Wool Hat, Cowl & Wrist Warmers Set gives you a superb way to stay warm and comfy this winter. Then as the second new SMC Select yarn for the season, we have in stock and ready to ship to you Tweed Deluxe yarn. When you crave the rustic look of traditional tweeds plus softness & comfort, choose fabulous "Tweed Deluxe" because the SMC yarn aficionados have truly created a deluxe version of a classic and at an affordable price too. The durable wool core is surrounded by the velvety alpaca netting for an innovative construction that gives you plush texture & wonderful lightweight warmth. Add that this lovely fiber blend is quick to knit & crochet, and you have a fantastic choice for all your chunky-weight projects like jackets, ponchos, sweaters & accessories. Beautifully crafted in Italy of 54% alpaca, 32% wool & 14% nylon, "Tweed Deluxe" is definitely a modern twist on a longtime favorite yarn style. "Tweed Deluxe" also has its own dedicated pattern booklet, and the SMC Select: Moments #001 - Tweed Deluxe booklet is filled with 13 sweater and accessories projects to keep you in style. For example, the Tweed Deluxe Cap Sleeve Sweater is just one example of how wearable these creations are. Or check out the Layered Look Pullover from the SMC Select Highlights #001 pattern collection for an innovative take on layering with no extra effort! You just use your two favorite shades of "Tweed Deluxe" and the end result is fun and creative. New Scarf Yarn Category Now Available for Quick Reference Plus New Scarf Yarns from Berroco, Bernat & SMC   Lacey Francis Scarf   As many great additions to our New Yarns for Fall/Winter department, we have been featuring a variety of new scarf yarns and have four more scarf yarns to showcase in this newsletter too. And we got to thinking now that novelty, fancy yarns are back in vogue, what would be make it easier to find all of these lovely options? Well, that's when we decided to add a Yarn Types category just for scarf yarns.   Easy Dolce Vita Scarf   So from now on, you can check out our Fab Scarf Yarns department and enjoy knitting and crocheting all of these lovely fiber gems, both brand new ones and oldies but goodies. And just in time for the biggest gift-giving season of the year, what exactly are those four new scarf yarns recently added?? The yarn gurus at Berroco have embraced the scarf craze and created a gorgeous self-ruffling wonder in fabulous Lacey. The name aptly describes both the construction of the yarn and the airy results you'll achieve. We especially like that the design of "Lacey" spreads the rows of ruffles out more than with similar yarns for a lighter weight accessory. Beautifully crafted of 60% acrylic, 25% wool & 15% nylon, "Lacey" works up quickly into a fabulously dramatic cascade of ruffles in the free Berroco scarf pattern conveniently printed on the inside of the yarn label. Better yet, the pattern uses just 1 hank and features both knit and crochet versions as shown in the Lacey Francis Scarf project. Then another new release from SMC Select is the beautiful, limited-edition Dolce Vita yarn. This wool blend lovely is the ultimate loopy boucle yarn and is definitely well named because you'll be living the good life and stand out in any crowd when wearing a fun scarf crafted of "Dolce Vita." Just follow the easy scarf pattern on the label where you finger crochet a marvelous neck warmer, and you'll have a five-foot beauty in no time (see the Easy Dolce Vita Scarf project for a photo).   Bernat's Zoey Yarn   Or make up your own pattern, and crochet or knit up your own creation! Either way we highly recommend "Dolce Vita" so that you can add European panache to your accessories wardrobe. Sensationally crafted in Italy of 95% wool & 5% nylon, "Dolce Vita" also works up into a fabulous, affordable gift.   Jessie by Bernat   Next as a terrific expansion of our Bernat Value Yarns collection, we have just added two fiber blends from their innovative "Knit or Knot" family of yarns where you can use the yarns traditionally or finger crochet, knot, even braid the strands. First of all, fluffy Zoey is a fun, supersoft scarf yarn. Two-inch long, velvety cocoons are suspended from the base strand every 2" for great texture and interest. "Zoey" is available in gorgeous ombre color combos with subtle metallic glitz in every strand and cocoon. That way you can dress up any outfit just by added the subtle glitz of this yarn. "Zoey" is also right in step with the latest fashion trends for faux fur, subtle glamour and super chunky yarns. And we know how much you've been looking for a quality cocoon yarn, so try out the wonders of this concoction. And as our second brand-new Bernat yarn we now have Jessie in stock and ready to ship to you. As a sensational part of the new "Knit or Knot" yarn family, "Jessie" is constructed from a variety of strands & types of yarns to give you great texture and softness. Enjoy fluffy eyelash strands & chenilles next to glitzy metallics for the perfect stand-out-in-a-crowd scarf. Instructions on the back of both the label and cute hang tag give you diagrams of how to knot & knit the yarn for marvelous results. Or give your imagination free rein and knit or crochet your own version of glamour and glitz! Check Out New Holiday Kit from Universal and Great Gift Ideas from Debbie Bliss   Christmas Stocking Kits   Just in time for holiday decorating we discovered that Universal Yarns had put together a pair of adorable kits in response to customers' requests. And, of course, we had them rush us a shipment so that you could add one or both of the designs to your decor this season.   Lion Cub Scarf   Take a peek at the Christmas Stocking Kits, and we think you'll agree they were worth the rush because they are a great way to celebrate Christmas, decorate your home and create a fun gift at the same time. These two adorable stocking kits are perfect to adorn any living room and are designed for both knitters and crocheters. "Candy Stripes" is crocheted all the way, and "Merry Santa" combines a knitted stocking with a crocheted Santa adorning the side. Each kit comes with all the yarn you'll need plus the easy-to-follow pattern. All you need to add are the tools (crochet hooks and/or knitting needles) as listed on the product page. These two stockings also make wonderful complements to the Christmas Holiday Kits also from Universal. And Debbie Bliss is ready to inspire you with 30 gift ideas in her new Knits To Give hardback pattern collection to add to your library. Debbie's new book includes a collection of 30 gift ideas organized into five sections: for him, for her, for baby, for kids and for the home. Each project is designed to give maximum enjoyment with minimum fuss. Some are quick beginner projects, so there is something here for every knitter. Debbie Bliss has taken handcrafted gifts to a new level and every one is a joy to make, give and receive as in the following examples: The fun & funky Baby Cashmerino Stripey Long Socks, The clever, eye catching Rialto Lion Cub Scarf any young animal lover will enjoy, The exquisitely delicate Angel Lacy Stole and The unisex Rialto DK Fingerless Gloves. Patterns from TKGA Contest Now Available as Free Downloads & Explore Benefits of TKGA Membership   Vineyard Jacket   Thank you for all of your entries a few months ago in the pattern contest that we co-sponsored with The Knitting Guild Association. We now have some of the winning patterns ready for you to download at home and enjoy in our 2011 TKGA Design Contest Winners department. We know you like to browse for yourself, but here's a quick overview of the patterns ready for you to enjoy: First off, the winning design of the Artesanal Vineyard Cardigan jacket is breathtakingly beautiful and was even more stunning in person. Designer Stephanie Hatfield uses the colors of a vineyard -- rich green and plum -- on a neutral background. Wonderful stranded colors all over create a frame for the 3-dimensional grapevines on the back and around the cuffs. A separate panel is knitted as the inside lining and it includes a quote reading "Wine is sunlight held together by water - Galileo." Now here's the ideal gift for a wine lover you love! Then the generously sized Cascade 220 Lilac Festival Bag takes the overnight bag to a whole new level. Designer Nancy Vandivert makes this design super roomy and the bag is felted to make it even more sturdy and durable. But it's beautiful too with its lilac embellishments created separately and added after the body of the bag is completely assembled. Next we have the adorable Cashmere Merino Bye Baby Bunting that can be knitted up in any DK-weight baby yarn you prefer. Arenda Holladay has created this great pattern with a Norwegian-inspired series of motifs including fawns, trees and snowflakes. Also the bottom of the piece buttons closed for extra warmth, and the oversized fit is perfect because it will grow with Baby. And last but certainly not least comes the feminine Audrey Smocked Yoke Cardigan for the little girls in your life. A smock pattern across the yoke adds wonderful texture, while the rest of the piece is worked in stockinette with ribbed edges. Update on Shipping Options and Some Important Customer Service Reminders Now following up on our shipping news last month, just before Thanksgiving we improved our shipping options for you. We are now using UPS SurePost as our default shipper -- you still get the flat fee of $5.99 for orders of $59 and under plus free shipping for orders over $59 and shipped to locations in the Continental US, PO Boxes and Military APO/FPO destinations. The difference is that UPS delivers your package directly to your local post office for delivery Monday through Saturday, which usually adds only 1 to 2 days to the delivery timeframe. Of course, when you need your package more quickly, you still have the full range of expedited UPS and FedEx options explained last month. Or if you prefer using the USPS from start to finish, you can do that also. Just check out our Shipping Information page where we describe all of the options so that you can select the best option for your circumstances and preferences. As a terrific complement to our dedication to finding you the best shipping options, we the staff of Yarnmarket.com pride ourselves on our customer service. Each order is packed with pride by Amy, Tina, Lisa, Janice, Pat or Lynn -- 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. Also these next few weeks are the major gift-giving season of the year for most of us, so remember that our staff knitters will be glad to help you choose the right project for your family member or friend or advise you on the perfect gift for that crafty someone in your life. Also with the family get-togethers coming up and all those hours in route, be sure you have a variety of projects lined up to enjoy & keep you entertained as you wait in airports for your flight to be called or you travel by car from place to place. Then to help you plan out your purchases over the next few weeks, be sure to check out our Shipping Information as we update it soon with advice on holiday shipping deadlines. We can also ship your gift directly to your loved one and gift wrap it for you at your request. And even if you're looking for the perfect gift at the last minute, you can always select a customized Yarnmarket Gift Certificate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and still get your "present" delivered in time. And when you're looking for ideas of what project to take along with you for that trip home, whether knitting and crocheting on the plane or riding in the car, remember that we're your one-stop shopping resource for yarn, patterns and advice on what to create. Also be watching for the next issue of the Spotlight coming out next Tuesday (December 6th) because it features another of your all-time favorite yarn companies plus includes special discounts and promotions for you to enjoy. Thanks for reading, and in the upcoming weeks we wish you a Happy Hanukkah beginning at sunset on December 20th, Merry Christmas on December 25th, Happy Kwanzaa on the 26th and Happy New Year's on January 1st. 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 1000 quality brands from over 100 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 6000 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.