While Supplies Last…
Bijou Basin Ranch, the makers of the luxurious Bijou Bliss yarn have decided not to distribute their yarn through stores anymore. So if you’ve been thinking that you want to try this amazing combination of Yak and Cormo Wool, now is the time to get it. We’ve got about 25 skeins left.
What is so special about Yak and Cormo? Clara Parkes of Knitters Review describes Cormo wool as “a springy wool fiber comparable to merino in softness but with more of a succulent feel, even after processing. (Cormo is the result of cross-breeding Corriedale and Merino sheep, hence the similarity with Merino.)” Combine that with the softness and warmth of Yak and the dyeing expertise of Lorna’s Laces and you get a spectacular result.
I’ve always wanted to make the atabi cowl or the Tremblant mittens but these projects take two 150 yard skeins at $30 each, so you might be thinking a one skein project is more appropriate. Lindsay used the deep red color to make the Foliage Hat from Knitty. The yarn looks beautiful in this simple lace. Stephen West’s Windschief hat would also be perfect. Or try this beautiful cowl (it’s free on Ravelry). Or look how cute these fingerless mitts would be.
Whatever you decide, don’t wait. You’ll love knitting with the yarn and you’ll love wearing whatever you make.
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Isn’t it Beautiful?
Jody’s making the Big Herringbone Cowl out of Schoppel-Wolle Baby Alpaka Naturbellasen (also know as “Baby Alpaka with a K”). This alpaca/wool blend looks a little unusual in the skein because it is steamed rather than plied. Nevertheless, it knits up with great stitch definition, softness and drape. Perfect for this project.
For the cowl, Jody cast on 260 stitches on a size 15 needle. After a false start (yes, even knitting instructors will occasionally twist their stitches when joining in the round) it is looking beautiful.
Stop by to see the Brambles hat that Lisa made with Baby Alpaka and the Hallett’s Ledge cable sweater that Kristen made. Try it, you’ll like it!
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Projects to tempt you
It is going to be relatively warm this week and though our brains know that winter in Chicago can last until May, our heart sings SPRING! This is a great time to start a project with a wool and cotton blend (Spud and Chloe Sweater and Amy Butler Belle Organic DK and our longtime favorite O-wool Balance).
Have you seen these new patterns from O-wool? Jocelyn Tunney is giving O-wool a new look and I like it. The Aethercopter scarf pictured above is made from four skeins of O-wool Balance, a 50/50 organic cotton and wool blend. The cotton in Balance adds drape and the wool adds body and lightness. Perfect for Spring. You can download the pattern ($4) here. And some tips here.
I also like the lines of this sweater, also in Balance. You can download Parseval ($4) here.
I find lately that I’m loving patterns in PDF format. I load them onto my iPad and then I have all my patterns at my fingertips. What is your preference?
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Matisse Sock
This particular skein of Matisse sock yarn from Abstract Fiber has been calling my name since October. I love the Laurelhurst color and the shine. Matisse is 100% SuperWash Blue Faced Leicster 3 ply tight twist 420 yds per 100g skein. Abstract Fiber recommends that we machine wash and dry so the project will bloom. Although the colors are spectacular, there has been debate amongst customers about whether it was too skinny for socks. I was curious too.
So last weekend I cast on for a sock. I LOVE this yarn. It is perfect for socks. The colors sparkle, no pooling, it is soft and springy…. You won’t be seeing these socks on display at the store, because I will be wearing them.
In addition to a new yarn, I tried a new technique. I’ve been listening to the Knitmore Girls podcast, which I love, and they rave about the afterthought heel. Instead of starting a heel flap you knit half your stitches with scrap yarn and then reknit them with your working yarn. This allows you to come back, take out the scrap yarn, and work the heel like another toe. You might think that your heel is not shaped like your toes, but it really fits just fine. If you would like to see how it is done, check here for a tutorial.
The size one needles got me 8 stitches per inch, which is what I wanted, but I don’t think I needed the extra 8 stitches, so I’ll be back to 64 for my next sock. And I made these just a tad too short, so I might just rip them out and start again. Which will be a pleasure, because I LOVE this yarn.
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Rowan Lima
We are finally getting our new fall yarns and I have to say it has been worth the wait. First, we have an alpaca blend from Rowan called Lima. This is what Jason Flood of Brooklyntweed fame had to say about it: “At TNNA, back in Ohio, I stowed away with a few choice balls of new yarn for Fall and this one got me really excited. Now – I’m not a big alpaca head – but this yarn commands some attention! It’s a new worsted alpaca from Rowan called “Lima.” Aside from the beautiful palette of colors and great heathered blending that’s happening, the construction of the yarn I think is notable as utilizing some of alpacas best qualities and ditching some of its worst. The yarn is basically a miniature 2-stitch I-Cord which, most importantly, traps a lot of air in the yarn – keeping it LIGHT – while at the same time maintaining great elasticity. Elasticity and lightness are words I don’t often use to describe alpaca so I really think this yarn was designed well. Now all there is left to do is appreciate the lofty, butter-soft jewel-tones, which I will proceed to do now.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself. We have the Lima Collection book with patterns to make this:
and this:
and more. While I’m seriously considering the turtleneck – I can’t imagine anything nicer in the cold winter months – I think most people will find it the perfect yarn for a guy’s scarf. Come in and see.
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Eco Butterfly Organic Cotton
When I saw this scarf at TNNA, I fell in love. It is a simple design with one big cable and a few extra chunky bobbles. The loop at the end hooks on to the bobbles so you can wear the scarf in a variety of ways. The organic cotton is super chunky and extra cushy – perfect for those who like a cozy feel, but can’t wear wool. The yarn is available in the colors that the cotton grows in: ecru, brown and green.
The Drawstring Scarf (below) is also knit with color grown organic cotton, but in a worsted weight, which we now have in stock in a beautiful shade of rich brown and deep green. We even have packs of recycled glass beads to complete the look.
For those who like a little more color, we ordered Mariposa, an organic cotton (3st/inch) in low impact colors that resemble beach glass.
Why buy organic? Well, first because the yarn is amazing. And second, because conventionally grown cotton uses more insecticides that any other single crop. And third, the yarn is amazing.
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Glen Ellyn Yarn Store | 630 469-6085 | Just In Angora Yarn
We just got in the perfect yarn to get you through the cold winter. Originally we planned this for baby booties, but after we designed the pattern (free with purchase) we decided we each needed a scarf for ourselves. There is a perfect pattern in the Knitting Little Luxuries book that takes the 125 yards that are on each skein. The German Angora rabbits live in Elburn, Il and are sheared periodically to produce this soft and cozy yarn. We knit it at 5.5 stitches per inch on a size four needle. The 15 – 20% merino is blended in to reduce the shedding factor which can be an issue with angora yarns. Support your local economy and treat yourself to a little luxury.
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