Yarn Market Knitting News!

	YARNMARKET.COM NEWS ISSUE #95 In This Issue: Keeping Your Wardrobe in Style No Matter What the Weather Forecast | New Berroco Sale + Two Mid-Winter Fiber Blends for Multi-Seasonal Fun | Other Yarn Sales Continue Well into February | Explore a Brand-New Yarn Development from Crystal Palace | Debbie Macomber Creates Surefire Winner for Her Blossom Street Collection | Enjoy Another Great Ruffling Yarn from Bernat | Now Available at Yarnmarket, Limited Release Free Patterns from Rowan | Customer Service Reminders Keeping Your Wardrobe in Style No Matter What the Weather Forecast   Manos Buttoned Cape   Well, last week Groundhog's Day was a little confusing for us. First off, Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous groundhog of them all from Gobbler's Knob, PA, saw his shadow and forecasted 6 more weeks of winter. But here in Ohio Buckeye Chuck didn't see his shadow, which is supposed to mean we'll be getting an early spring. So how are we to plan out our mid-winter/early spring wardrobes with this much indecision and conflict between such noteworthy prognosticators? Based on how mild our Central Ohio winter has been so far, six more weeks doesn't sound so bad for us, but we know that the folks in Colorado, the Texas Panhandle and the Northwest probably don't feel the same way. As always, we turn to our favorite fashionistas and knitwear gurus for advice about how best to stay in style no matter what the weather forecast.   Loopy Capelet & Wrist Warmers   Designers around the world have been featuring significant changes in outerwear styles as if they had a premonition about how contrary the weather might turn out to be. From Michael Kors to Dolce & Gabbana and from Ralph Lauren to Burberry Prorsum, lighter weight creations used as outerwear are becoming the norm. Especially prominent on the fall/winter runways of Milan, New York, Paris and Rome have been the versatile cape, capelet and poncho. So how can we incorporate knitted and crocheted versions of these garments into our wardrobes in order to add pizzazz with just the right amount of warmth for the season?   Kureyon Hooded Capelet   First off, we know we can count on the editors and designers at Vogue Knitting International to feature innovative creations. One such beauty is the Wool Clasica Buttoned Cape featured in their latest issue. Cleverly constructed braided cables flank the front and bisect the back of this collared cape created with Wool Clasica yarn from Manos del Uruguay. Buttons are sewn at the top on both the right and wrong side of the button band, so the generous collar can be secured when folded up or down. Also featured in this latest issue of Vogue Knitting is the classic Blackstone Tweed Cabled Poncho for a different use of cables plus a subtle metallic glint for dressier occasions. This poncho is worked side to side for excellent drape and easy fit.   Cocoon Poncho Sweater   We are quickly learning that the designers at SMC Select can take the high-fashion trends and make them wearable yet still fun. Take a peek at the Silk Wool Loopy Capelet & Wrist Warmers and you'll see what we mean. The designer added such an upscale look to these pieces by using the loop stitch based on a classic plied yarn such as SMC Select's new Silk Wool. The end result is stunning and will give you an out-of-the-ordinary way to jazz up your outerwear wardrobe. Jenny Watson designing for Noro Yarns is another knitwear aficionado who can create breathtaking garments that are imminently wearable too. We especially love her Kureyon Hooded Capelet. The cape features armholes and is held closed at the neck with ties that end in fluffy pom poms. The body is cabled with a wide ribbed bottom edge, and the hood is plain with one cable wrapped around it. This garment is definitely one of the cutest pieces we've seen this season and a great way to add the latest trend to your wardrobe.   Berroco Rozmital Cardigan   And we can't leave out those mini-fashionistas who want to stay up with the latest trends too. So take a peek at just how adorable your favorite little girl will look in the Cocoon Poncho Sweater. This cozy coverup from Bergere de France features large cables and oversized bobbles along with a ribbed turtleneck and ribbed edges. There are also buttons that create armholes, so the poncho stays in place. This poncho makes a great outfit for all-day wear on a cold day or as a cover-up for a winter or early spring outing. Now there's one other trend we want to call to your attention because it's so applicable right now with the variety of sweaters, coats, scarves and shawls we're all living in currently. The trend is to break the rules of fashion etiquette and mix all types of fibers, colors and textures for more fun and funkiness added to your wardrobe. This style is sometimes referred to as "mixed media" or even the "boho" look, and one knitwear collection really stands out for wonderfully showing us this trend in action. Berroco's Book #315: Bohemian Mix is filled with outstanding examples of how Norah and her team have done boho just right. The clever, outstanding Berroco Rozmital Cardigan is one of our favorites and really shows how this design group can think and create in innovative ways. Or if a sweater is more than you want to create, check out the beautiful Berroco Crocheted Stari Shawl or the fun, funky Jalija Mixed Fiber Scarf. Which every direction you choose, we can guarantee you'll have lots of fun with these techniques! New Berroco Sale + Two Mid-Winter Fiber Blends for Multi-Seasonal Fun   Marion Hooded Pullover   We know how many of you are faithful Berroco yarn lovers and have enjoyed all the new releases and fabulous pattern collections each season. Now we're thrilled that our regular Berroco Yarns are going on sale at 20% off for the next three weeks (through February 27th). And the timing couldn't be better because we just received two new fiber gems just perfect for this time of year when the weather keeps changing day to day. First comes innovative, funky and fun Circus yarn for those times you're tired of classic, plied yarn and crave gorgeous color combinations plus terrific texture. The fun construction of this fiber gem almost defies description -- it's a nubby, thick & thin boucle yarn that's fun to knit and crochet. "Circus" is well named because there's so much fun happening at the same time -- marvelous texture, bright color blends and great options for mixing it with other fantastic Berroco yarns. "Circus" is beautifully crafted in Turkey of 58% superwash wool, 25% nylon & 17% acrylic so that there's enough wool to keep you and yours warm but with enough synthetic fiber to keep it lighter weight overall.   Vintage Colors Whidbey Socks   As with other Berroco yarns, you know you can count on Creative Director Norah Gaughan and her team of designers to launch "Circus" with great pattern support. The new children's pattern booklet Berroco #320: Big Kids/Little Kids contains seven projects featuring this yarn either used by itself or combined with one of your Berroco faves. We especially like the fun yet practical Marion Hooded Pullover that any little girl or boy would enjoy wearing through cool-weather months. Also the Marymere Hooded Capelet is right in step with the latest trends in outerwear, the Kendall Vest has marvelous shaping and fit and the Circus Nonah Cardigan is ideal for any little girl and is sized from age 2 up to 12 year olds. Then as the second new Berroco yarn that's a mid-winter release, we have in stock and ready to ship to you Vintage Colors yarn. Since Vintage has been such a big hit, it was really no surprise that they used the same great acrylic/wool/nylon blend and have made it available in lovely color combos. Dyed to coordinate with single-hued "Vintage," "Vintage Colors" gives you terrific options to knit or crochet with it by itself and also combined with its solid-colored cousin. Whatever worsted-weight project you choose to create, "Vintage Colors" gives you machine washability and wonderful softness. Norah and her crew have also developed wonderful pattern support for "Vintage Colors" and have featured it in four projects in their new Berroco #320: Big Kids/Little Kids pattern booklet. These sensational patterns include the fun Circus & Vintage Colors Teale Shrug, the bright & trendy Vintage Colors Poncho & Mitts, the funky Miller Scarf and the unisex Whidbey Socks that both boys and girls will find comfy and warm. Other Yarn Sales Continue Well into February   Superior Cinderella Shawl   Besides this brand-new Berroco Yarn Sale starting today, we have five other brands currently on sale. The best places to check out a quick overview of what's on sale any given day is to take a peek at our Current Sale Events page and the home page for our Yarnmarket's Bargain Yarns department. But because our space is limited, we rotate the listed sales when we have more than a few brands on sale at the same time, so here's a quick rundown on the current sales: Gorgeous Karabella Yarns are on sale for one more week through February 13th. So be sure to order your Karabella faves soon to enjoy 20% off. We know how much you're enjoying the fiber gems from Filatura Di Crosa yarns being on sale, so take advantage of 20% off these lovelies until February 20th. Such gorgeous projects as the Superior Cinderella Shawl and the Nirvana & Superior Loop Stitch Band Jacket are especially good investments with the sale prices in effect. Also on sale at 20% off through February 20th are all James C. Brett Value yarns and those terrific Sirdar yarns you enjoy for your baby and children's knitting & crochet projects. Both of these brands have gorgeous fiber options for all ages and emphasize both comfort and style in their pattern support. And last but certainly not least, help us decide which colors we should add to our regular Madelinetosh Yarn offerings by "voting" for your favorite "special order colors" at 20% off. Just take a peek at all the lovely options on the Tosh Chunky Yarn (Special Order Colors) page and the Tosh DK Yarn (Special Order Colors) and purchase your faves by February 20th. Then we'll count your "vote" and move your favorite color(s) to the regular product page for that yarn. And remember that there are no minimums for these orders and that we fill backorders first and at the sale price (please allow 8-12 weeks when ordering these special order colors). Explore a Brand-New Yarn Development from Crystal Palace   Aria Diagonal Scarf   Just in time for this crazy back and forth weather we've been experiencing in the Midwest, one of our favorite yarn companies has come up with a great multi-seasonal, innovative fiber creation we can enjoy now and well into the spring.   Aria Diva Shawl   The yarn mavens at Crystal Palace have a created a delightful, multi-seasonal fiber gem to make you sing. Aptly named Aria, this wonderful yarn has a unique construction as a component yarn. "Aria" alternates between a nubby, mochi slow-stripe wool wrapped into small loops by a thin thread and a soft, cuddly chenille dyed in coordinating colors to complement the wool. The end result is a gorgeous variation in colors and textures in an incredibly soft creation that knits up and crochets superbly. Give your imagination free rein for all your DK-weight projects like scarves, shawls, hats, tops and so much more. Of course, owner Susan Druding and her design team have developed a wonderful collection of free patterns featuring "Aria" and other Crystal Palace winners and here are several of our staff favorites: The fun & funky Aria & Kid Merino Diagonal Scarf, The clever, eye catching Aria & Cotton Twirl Lone Star Hat any female will love, The super easy Aria & Cotton Twirl Lengthwise Scarf, The cute retro styling of the Aria & Panda Silk Crochet Flower Cloche and The spectacular Aria & Mochi Plus Diva Shawl that will be a standout in any crowd. Debbie Macomber Creates Surefire Winner for Her Blossom Street Collection   Wild Meadow Neck Wrap   Over the past year we've been enjoying the wonderful yarns in the Debbie Macomber Blossom Street Collection including luscious Cashmere Fleur de Lys, auto-striping tone-on-tone Petals Socks and lovely yet economical Rosebud in a great range of solids. Now we have in stock and ready to ship to you another great yarn from this marvelous collection. Our brand-new addition is Wild Meadow yarn that reminds us of the subtly beautiful range of colors in a local field of wildflowers. "Wild Meadow" gives you an easy-care acrylic/wool blend with a very interesting structure. Each solid-colored base strand is entwined with a variegated, shimmering strand for a colorful, tweedy result. Add that "Wild Meadow" comes in a generous 100-gram ball with 253 yards for less finishing work plus is 100% machine wash, and you have a great option for babies, children and adults. Also remember that Debbie donates her proceeds from the sale of her yarns to help children all over the world. Of course, Debbie Macomber also has fantastic pattern support available for "Wild Meadow," and her Debbie Macomber Blossom Street Collection: Book 2 contains five designs showcasing the beauty of "Wild Meadow." For example, in the Wild Meadow Neck Wrap project, designer Amy Polcyn has whipped up this easy to knit project for beginners and experienced knitters alike. Amy remembers making these "gaiters" for her college friends, and she's right that they make great gifts. Your hardest decision will be choosing which tweedy color combo of "Wild Meadow" to use for your buttoned cowl, and we bet you can't make just one! Or if you prefer home decor projects, check out the wonderful Wild Meadow Ripple Throw from Melissa Leapman. Melissa designed this piece because it reminds her of one her grandmother had when Melissa was a young girl. This one is also destined to be an heirloom with its breezy, lacy bands alternating with wavy dark ridges. Enjoy Another Great Ruffling Yarn from Bernat   Twist & Twirl Ruffle Scarf   Over the past two months we've been enjoying the new fabulous scarf yarns introduced by Bernat Value Yarns such as Jessie and Zoey. Well, now the yarn mavens at Bernat have created a great, velvety soft, self-ruffling yarn for you to enjoy. Bernat's yarn aficionados are continuing their commitment to bring you the latest trends in innovative yarns at competitive prices. Ruffling Twist & Twirl is a super soft, 100% acrylic netting yarn that works up quickly and easily. You can knit and crochet "Twist & Twirl," and it will live up to its name with very little effort. You'll be surprised by how fast you can create a fantastic scarf to accent your favorite jacket, coat or top. And it's a great option for trims and gifts too! To get you started with ideas about what to create with spectacular "Twist& Twirl," we recommend that you download and print at home the free Twist & Twirl Ruffle Scarf pattern. Following this easy pattern is a cinch because the step-by-step photographs show you every part of the process including opening up the netting yarn, casting on your stitches, knitting each stitch and continuing to the next row and creating the ruffles. Now Available at Yarnmarket, Limited Release Free Patterns from Rowan   Kidsilk Megan Poncho   We have been working with our special partner Rowan for the past few months to develop special opportunities for you to enjoy Rowan's terrific yarns and patterns. We are now excited to announce that we've started a new program where we will feature three Rowan patterns on the Yarnmarket website and they will be available as free downloads for a limited time (usually 3-4 weeks). We are launching this new initiative by featuring three free patterns just perfect for this time of year and showcasing several of your favorite Rowan yarns. First off, we have in the spotlight the Kidsilk Stripe Megan Poncho that's right in line with the trend for lighter weight outerwear during the unpredictable months to come. This airy cover up is created with auto-striping Kidsilk Haze Stripe yarn to make it even easier to create than it may appear. The colors stripe up beautifully and the mohair/silk blend has a lovely haze and is as light as a feather. Throw this great piece on over just about anything to add a splash of color and warmth this winter & spring. Then the gorgeous Colourspun Frescue Bolero is a beautiful cropped jacket sensationally crafted of marled Colourspun yarn. The tweedy, marled colors give a rustic look to a modern shape that is flattering and comfy. This bolero is another great garment you can wear with both casual and dressy outfits to add depth to your winter wardrobe. And last but not least, we have the classic Cocoon Rambler Pullover for cold weather panache when knitted up in wonderfully soft Cocoon yarn. Double moss stitch is used all over with diagonal sweeps of cables to add texture. The bottom edge flairs with a slight ruffle look, and since the fit is a bit oversized, layering is a breeze! Customer Service Reminders 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 when you're traveling on business or taking a little family vacation to relieve your cabin fever, please remember that our staff knitters will be glad to help you choose the right project to take with you and to enjoy during all those hours in route traveling to your final destination. Also keep in mind that Yarnmarket Gift Certificates make a great gift for your special someone to give to you (start hinting now!) or for you to send as a special surprise to your favorite crafty friend or relative a week from today. Thanks for reading, and in the upcoming weeks we wish you Happy Valentine's Day on Tuesday, February 14th. Also keep in mind that in the U.S. February is National Bird Feeding month, so remember that our feathered friends are also dealing with the unpredictable weather leading up to spring and need our support. They're fun to watch too and a great family activity as well. 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, 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. 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.