Did You Hear the News? Sari Ribbon Is Back!

Louisa Harding Sari Ribbon, a stunningly beautiful glitzy yarn that looks like a Sari on a skein, has always been a favorite among staff and customers alike. The multi-color combinations evoke images of exotic textiles from foreign lands. Imagine our disappointment last year when we learned it was no longer being made. Thankfully it was a short hiatus without this gem of a yarn. Sari Ribbon is back!

Sari Ribbon’s glimmering sparkle will add a bit of enchantment to anything you make. Weavers can warp or weave with it. Knitters and crocheters… think scarves and shawls… or add a bit of glamour by using Sari Ribbon as a trim. You can even go all out and make an entire garment.

To get you started, we’ve developed Oh So Sari Scarves! , a pattern for 3 quick to knit scarves, each requiring just one skein. Choose from lacey, diagonal and drop stitch styles. Order a skein of Sari Ribbon and the pattern is FREE!

Oh So Sari Scarves!

Don’t Miss FiberME 2012, A Guided Tour of Maine’s Fiber Arts Community

Imagine spending 5 fiber filled days in the beautiful state of Maine this summer. Join us, August 6-10 for FiberME 2012, as we visit artists’ studios, spinning mills, fiber producing farms, beautiful galleries and educational centers, as well as enjoy a few traditional Maine summer activities! The FiberME 2012 tour is a great opportunity to meet new fiber friends, relax in the natural beauty of Maine and to inspire your passion for fiber arts. More about this fantastic fiber adventure can be found by visiting www.halcyonyarn.com, FiberME 2012. For additional questions contact Jane at Halcyon Yarn by calling 1-800-341-0282 or e-mail her at classes@halcyonyarn.com.

Woven Treasures of Japan’s Tawaraya Work, New Exhibit at the Textile Museum

At Halcyon Yarn we love sharing our interests and passions for the fiber arts with our customers. As is common with people who share similar interests, there is always talk of new yarns, projects, books, classes, fiber fairs, exhibits and just about anything fiber related.

So here’s the most recent chatter …

The Textile Museum in Washington D C  is a real treasure and worthy of a visit anytime you’re visiting our nation’s capital. They recently opened a fantastic exhibit, Woven Treasures of Japan’s Tawaraya Work. Japanese culture and rich textile history come alive with this exhibit featuring the more than 500 year old Tawaraya workshop and its exquisite silk textiles. You’ll marvel at the 37 pieces, which include both fabric and garments. The exhibit ends August 12, 2012.

On a more local note, The 12th Annual Maine Fiber Frolic, will be held at the Windsor Fairgrounds, June 2 & 3, 2012. This fair celebrates the world of fiber, from its animals to its arts. If you visit you’ll find vendors, fiber workshops and demonstrations, a kids’ area, a fleece show and sale, a used equipment marketplace and fiber animals galore. It’s 100% fiber fun!

And the Winners are…

Remember those  “WIN” Tickets you receive in your orders? Don’t forget to return them to us for an opportunity to win a Halcyon Yarn gift certificate. Once again it’s time to announce our most recent winners.

Congratulations to Caryl M. from Falconer NY. She’s the winner of Halcyon Yarn’s monthly drawing for a $10 gift certificate.

Congratulations to Cynthia W. from Lothian, MD. She’s the winner of our first quarterly drawing of 2012 for a $25 gift certificate.

Just think, you could be a winner too! Every time you place an order you’ll get a WIN ticket to send in and be entered (see the link for complete details).

Save 40% on Inox / Ebony / Flex and Brittany Knitting Needles

That’s right, save 40%!  All in stock *Inox knitting needles (circular, straight or double point), Brittany birch double point and straight needles, Bamboo flex needles, as well as Ebony straight and double point needles are on sale.

These will move quickly! To avoid confusion and missed deals give us a call at 800-341-0282 and we can let you know what is currently still in stock.

We’re moving them out to make room for new needles. At these prices they’ll go fast so get them while you can! Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Do you need a certain size needle to round out your selection of needles? Perhaps you want to pick up some duplicate needles in the sizes you use most often. Wouldn’t it be great to have a few extra needles on hand to teach someone how to knit? After all, March is national craft month, a perfect time to get  friends and family involved in a craft you love. Here’s hoping you’ll take advantage of these fantastic savings!

And what new needles will we be carrying? Knitter’s Pride Dreamz and Knitters Pride Nova in the following styles:  interchangeable, double points and Nova straight. These are available in economical sets or mix and match tips and cables to create your own “custom” set.

*Offer excludes Inox 8″ double point steel lace needles

Say Hello to Knitter’s Pride Knitting Needles, Nova and Dreamz

You’ve heard the buzz about the new needles from Knitter’s Pride… When they first debuted we heard comments like “they’re (the needles) going to change the knitting needle industry”.  They’re the talk of the town so we had to take a look. What did we find upon close inspection? – Terrific | good quality |high performing needles at affordable prices.

So as a result, we’re pleased to announce the addition of Knitter’s Pride Nova knitting needles in 10″ and 14″ straight, 6″ and 8″ double points and interchangeable tips and cords, as well as Knitter’s Pride Dreamz knitting needles in 5″ double points and interchangeable tips and cords.

Nova needles are  made from hollow brass pipes plated with high quality polished nickel. The result is a durable, lightweight needle with a smooth, satiny surface. Stitches will move quickly and freely. Nova needles taper nicely to sharp points making them well suited for all knitting projects.

Dreamz needles will first catch your eye because of their beautiful colors. Don’t be fooled though. They’re not just another pretty face. Each size in the line is color coded for quick identification and easy organization. They are made of densified laminated birch from Vermont (though manufactured in India), and are very strong and warm to the touch. Other highlights include, tapered heads with good points, lightweight and a smooth glossy surface for super easy gliding stitches.

The interchangeable system,  available in both the Dreamz and Nova, is fantastic. Tips and cords can be purchased individually, allowing you to customize your set. You can purchase only what you need and want. Don’t  purchase an entire set when you’ll knit on only half the needle sizes. You can buy additional tips and cords in those sizes you use most frequently. If you like the convenience and economy of  pre-packaged sets, don’t worry. They are also available.

Knitter’s Pride interchangeable cords, available in six lengths from 16″-60″, can be used with both the Dreamz and Nova tips. The flexible, non-kinking cords are easy to attach to the tips with smooth joins over which stitches glide effortlessly. Each cord includes a tightening “key” and 2 securing end caps if you have to use your tips on another project. The system allows you to use your tips and cords as circular or flex needles. We’ve also found that the cords make great stitch holders.

So give Dreamz and Nova needles a try and let us know what you think. WE LOVE THEM!

Noro Mini Knits 3 and Other New Books

Once again it’s time to let you know about the most recent books to arrive at Halcyon Yarn.

Noro fans will be excited to get their hands on Noro Mini Knits 3 . It’s packed with fun and fashionable designs using Noro Taiyo and Noro Silk Garden Lite . Choose from a shoulder bag, dog coat, leg warmers, hooded neck warmer, cushion, cardigans, infant sleeping bag, sweater and more.  Designs are for infants to adult.

Noro Mini Knits 3 Noro Taiyo Noro Silk Garden Lite

Any romantics out there? A Handknit Romance is just the book for you. Twenty-two vintage knits inspired by the 1900′s. Period pieces include a wrap over cardigan, lace shrug and gloves, beaded top and more. You will love the intricate detail and little stories about the designs.

A Handknit Romance

If you’re without a good knitting reference book, let us recommend The Principles of Knitting . This comprehensive book has been revised and totally rewritten. From cast-on to bind-off and all knitting in between, it covers everything you want to know about knitting.

The Principles of Knitting

Combine knitting and beads to create unusual and stylish beaded jewelry in Betsy Beads . Betsy Hershberg shows you all the techniques to make these accessories. Learn to select fibers, beads, needles and closures to make these fun and exciting bracelets, necklaces and more.

Betsy Beads

Are you a knitter who loves fairytales? In Fairytale Knits  each pattern is inspired by a fairytale character or story. Knit a cute little girl’s coat Thumbelina would have loved, Cinderella’s ballet slippers, a lacy bolero from Goldilocks.

Fairytale Knits

If you loved The Haapsalu Shawl you will want to add The Haapsalu Scarf Square and Triangular Lace Scarves from Estonia to your library. Over 40 patterns for square shawls and almost 20 triangular ones are included in the comprehensive sequel. Historical information will delight history buffs.

The Haapsalu Shawl The Haapsalu Scarf Square and Triangular Lace Scarves from Estonia

There’s a new book for weavers too. With Weave Classic Crackle and More you’ll learn the ins and outs of crackle weave. It’s packed with information, including a comprehensive explanation of drafting and exploration of treadling variations.  Includes over 200 illustrations.

Weave Classic Crackle and More

If you’re a spinner wanting to put a little pizzaz in your yarn, we have the book for you. In Hand Spun New Spins on Traditional Techniques author, Lexi Boeger, puts a new “spin” on traditional techniques to produce innovative, fun and funky novelty yarns.

Hand Spun New Spins on Traditional Techniques

You’ll Flip over the Savings on Schacht “Flip” Rigid Heddles

March is National Craft Month. Celebrate by making time to enjoy the crafts you love, teaching someone your favorite craft or better yet, trying a new craft yourself. Have you ever been intrigued by spinning, felting, weaving or another craft? National Craft Month is the perfect excuse to learn something new.

For those of you fascinated by the age old craft of weaving, Halcyon Yarn is providing a little extra incentive.  *Flip Rigid Heddle Looms by Schacht are now 15% off through March 21, 2012. Use code flipout2012 at checkout.

Rigid heddle looms are simple and affordable looms on which to learn weaving and the Schacht “Flip” is great. You’ll love this loom when you’re first learning, as well as once you become a more experienced weaver. “Flip” looms are available in 15″, 20″ and 25″ widths. Although they come complete with a 10 dent reed, a warping peg, 2 shuttles, a threading hook, and complete warping and weaving instructions, we have a few additional items we highly recommend. First off, the Flip Trap is handy for holding your shuttles and other weaving tools (and looks great too!). Then, while the Flip performs perfectly on it’s own, many will enjoy using it atop the Schacht Trestle Floor Stand. Then there are many reeds available… Take a look here! Once you’re really accomplished you’ll want to add a second heddle block. There are so many options for your portable weaving studio. Hint: it is so portable you’ll want to be sure to have one with you on your vacation this year.

If you’re a visual learner you’ll want a copy of DVD - Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom  or DVD: Slots and Holes: Three Ways to Warp a Rigid Heddle Loom . Let’s not forget books though. You won’t be disappointed with Hands On Rigid Heddle Weaving and The Weaver's Idea Book - Creative Cloth on a Rigid-Heddle Loom .

DVD - Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom DVD: Slots and Holes: Three Ways to Warp a Rigid Heddle Loom Hands On Rigid Heddle Weaving The Weaver's Idea Book - Creative Cloth on a Rigid-Heddle Loom

Want to get started weaving right away? Need a yarn recommendation? Take a look at the following yarns:   JaggerSpun Maine Line 3/8 , Harrisville Shetland - Unwashed Cones and Pearl Cotton 3/2 . Each works well with the 10 dent reed that comes with your Flip Rigid Heddle Loom.

JaggerSpun Maine Line 3/8 Harrisville Shetland - Unwashed Cones Pearl Cotton 3/2

*Act now: Word on the street is prices will be going up soon!