New Handwoven E-Books, Shadow Weave and Twills on Four Shafts
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 Posted in General News, New Items | No Comments »Did you know Halcyon Yarn is your exclusive source for “printed” copies of the popular Handwoven E-Books series? These booklets are printed in full color on coated stock, saddle-stitched and ready for immediate browsing. If you’re not familiar with these booklets, you’ll want to be. They are one of the best sources for weaving patterns today. Each booklet focuses on a specific weaving technique or type of project, providing several patterns from previously published Handwoven magazines or publications, each with detailed instructions and illustrations.
 Shadow Weave-Handwoven e-Book Printed Copy |
 Twills-Handwoven e-Book Printed Copy |
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| Check out the two newest additions to the E-Book offerings, Shadow Weave-Handwoven e-Book Printed Copy and Twills-Handwoven e-Book Printed Copy . Each booklet is filled with a variety of projects. We’ve highlighted one project from each just in-case you’re eager to get weaving. | ||
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In the Shadow Weave booklet we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend Shadow-Weave Gamp on Four Shafts. If you’re new to shadow weave, you’ll find this an excellent learning tool. Weaving a gamp teaches you a tremendous amount about a specific weaving technique. You’ll find yourself turning to your finished piece over and over again to gain more understanding about weave structure and color interaction. Of course, let’s not forget how useful it will be for future design inspiration. For this project you’ll need 2 mini cones each of 10/2 Pearl Cotton in color 105 natural and color 131 blue, and 1 mini cone in color 172 red. |
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As for the Twills on Four Shafts-Top Ten Projects we were immediately drawn to the wonderfully vibrant colors of Minuet in Color: Runner and Mats. The pattern makes one hemmed runner 13 5/8″ by 42″ and two hemmed mats 13 5/8″ by 13 1/2″. Although calling for 10/2 Pearl Cotton from a different source, we’ve compared the picture to our 10/2 Pearl Cotton and recommend the following colors and quantities: 2 mini cones color 101 black, and just one mini cone of each of the following colors 172, 148, 143, 164, 181, 179, 155, 127 and 126 (these are Halcyon Yarn color numbers). |
Remember, you can always come up with your own color combinations. Don’t be afraid to trust your own color sense. Now some of you do this on a regular basis, but others of you may need a little encouragement to get started. First of all, if you really feel at a total loss when it comes to color, I recommend the DVD - A Fiber Artist's Guide to Color . If you feel somewhat secure with you’re color sense but just feel overwhelmed with the possibilities when it comes to choosing you’re own colors, I’ll walk you through my approach. |
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Okay, let’s take a look at Minuet in Color: Runner and Mats from the Twills on Four Shafts E-book. Although I really liked the colors in the original design, I wanted a different feel from a color gamp. In analyzing the pattern I realized it had 3 groups made up of 3 colors themes. My first step in creating my own color combinations was to get out my Pearl Cotton Sample Card. With individual strands of all the available colors, I was able to start grouping 3 different colors strands and twisting them together to see what I liked. Once I decided on a few color groups, I held different groups together and ultimately came up with a my final combination. Now I’d like to tell you I did this scientifically, but I didn’t. I just started twisting and holding, holding and twisting. I was really fun. Take a look at the 10/2 Pearl Cotton colors which I ultimately chose (138, 183, 139, 121, 122, 127, 187, 131 and 155). What do think? Give your own combinations a try and let us know how it turns out.
You’ll Adore Odori!
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 Posted in General News, New Items | No Comments »Noro Odori from Noro is our latest yarn addition at Halcyon Yarn. If you love color you’re sure to adore Odori. One look, one feel and you’ll be hooked. This beautiful self-striping bulky yarn is a luxurious blend of 40% silk, 25% angora, 25% wool and 10% kid mohair. |
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As soon as Odori arrived at the shop we wanted to get knitting. I say knitting because that is the “go to” fiber craft of choice for many of us. Of course, it would be beautiful crocheted or used as weft in a woven project. In any case, we started searching for a pattern with which to take Odori on a test drive. Thanks to Gwynn it was found, the Spiral Rib Hat. This is a fantastic multi-gauge pattern. In no time at all she had the hat, as well as a matching cowl (it’s included in the pattern) knit up. What fun! We think you’ll agree this ensemble would elicit a smile on even the frostiest of winter mornings. Beth was gracious enough to model.
So choose your color and get knitting. The hat and cowl pictured is an adult large, knit at a gauge of 3 stitches per inch. Both required a skein each. If you choose to knit at a tighter gauge you may need an additional skein.
New Limited Edition Hand Dyed Sock Yarn
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 Posted in General News, New Items | No Comments »
In 2011, Halcyon Yarn’s Limited Edition Hand Dyed Sock Yarn created in honor of our Ruby Anniversary was such a success we decided we’d do it again. Last year our color theme was “ruby” so Maine’s own fiber artist, Linda Whiting of Pine Star Studio, developed two beautiful colorways, Ruby Gemstone and Ruby Sunset. Linda has a phenomenal color sense. I’m sure those of you who purchased a skein (or two) will agree, they were beautiful colorways. Unfortunately those colors were limited editions for 2011 and are no longer available.
Well, 2012 is a brand new year with a brand new color theme, green. Once again Linda has been working her color magic for us. She has developed two more colorways you’re sure to love, Halcyon Yarn Hand Paint Yarn color 003 (Sea Glass) and Halcyon Yarn Hand Paint Yarn color 004 (Pine Forest) . Now don’t delay, pick up a skein today. These are limited editions and will only be available this year. | |||
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Please be aware each skein is individually hand dyed so there are no dyelots. There will be slight differences between every skein. This is not an issue when making projects that require one skein such as socks, gloves, mitts and hats but please keep this in mind if you are planning a larger project. Each skein is 437 yards, 75% Merino & 25% Nylon.
Hand Manipulated Supplementary Wefts – New Class, New Teacher
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 Posted in General News, New Items | No Comments »
Halcyon Yarn is pleased to be offering a brand new weaving class, Hand Manipulated Supplementary Wefts with a new teacher, Lori Benson. Join her on Saturday February 25th OR Saturday April 28th from 10am-2:30pm and spend the day experimenting with supplementary wefts. You’ll have a great time transforming your ordinary weaving into something funky and fun with this embellishing technique! Bring your own loom warped 10″-12″ wide using 3/2 pearl cotton. Lori will provide supplementary weft materials. Specifics provided upon registration.
For more information on this class, as well as to see our entire selection of classes, please visit our classes on the web.
Knit Noro Accessories and Other New Books
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012 Posted in General News, New Items | No Comments »The bookshelves at Halcyon Yarn are continually changing. We’re always on the lookout for newly released titles, as well as not so well known titles that our customers might appreciate. Here’s a list of our latest additions.
Weaving
Handwoven E-Books are a great source for fascinating weaving patterns and Shadow Weave-Handwoven e-Book Printed Copy is no exception. |
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Weft-Faced Pattern Weaves Tabby to Taqueté is a comprehensive guide to weft-faced pattern weaves for all weavers, beginning weavers to experienced. Author, Nancy Hoskins has been renowned in weaving circles for decades and now her knowledge can be yours. |
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Spinning
Calling all adventurous spinners. Spin Art is a comprehensive guide to creating the most fun and innovative yarns imaginable. Who’d have thought you can, and should, “do this at home” ? |
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Knitting
Noro books are always highly coveted and Knit Noro Accessories: 30 Colorful Little Knits is no exception. It’s a definite “must add” for your collection. |
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Coastal Knits is a new ‘shop favorite’. It’s a wonderful collection of stylish knits inspired by our country’s opposite coastlines. |
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Unravel the mystery of fair isle knitting with Mary Jane Mucklestone’s 200 Fair Isle Motifs without wanting to unravel your knitting. |
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If you loved 60 Quick Knits - 20 Hats 20 Scarves 20 Mittens in Cascade 220 , you’ll love 60 More Quick Knits: 20 Hats*20 Scarves 20 Mittens in Cascade 220 Sport . It’s a great collection of patterns for winter accessories, from hats, scarves and cowls to wrist warmers, mittens and gloves. All feature Cascade 220 Superwash . | |||
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The Knitter's Book of Socks: The Yarn Lover's Ultimate Guide to Creating Socks That Fit Well, Feel Great, and Last a Lifetime is the yarn lover’s ultimate guide to creating socks that fit well, feel great, and last a lifetime. |
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29 classic traditional Norwegian designs fill the pages of Norwegian Mittens and Gloves . Our very traditional Victorian 2-Ply Wool is designed with the look and feel of Scandinavian knitting and weaving in mind so will be perfect for lots of the projects. | |||
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Support and celebrate US yarn companies and their homegrown yarns with Knit Local . Includes 28 company profiles, over 30 patterns, a list of fiber events across the country and many inspirational photos. |
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Add a stretchy new twist to your sock knitting with Knitting Brioche-Stitch Socks . The technique creates so much give that it allows the socks to be knit in a tube sock style, thus eliminating the need for heel shaping. |
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Pocket Posh Tips for Knitters is a perfectly sized knitter’s reference book filled with helpful tips and tricks. It’s even small enough to fit in an accessory bag. |
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The cutest dinosaurs you ever did see fill the pages of Knitted Dinosaurs . Customize your prehistoric pals with fun and funky colors. Great projects for using up small bits of yarn. |
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Nancy Bush has updated her popular original book and now has up-to-date yarn substitutions, new sock knitting information and a section on Estonian inspired socks in Folk Socks - The History and Techniques of Handknitted Footwear . |
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Designer Connie Chang Chinchio presents 20 new classic, flattering knitwear designs in Textured Stitches . Each design, from sweaters to accessories, combines simple knitting with textural stitches that enhance each design. |
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Lopi’s latest addition, Lopi Volume 29 , is a fantastic collection of patterns that range from traditional to modern. Includes interesting new patterns, plus some non-traditional Icelandic designs for both children and adults. |
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Definitely – “Not your Mother’s Lopi Book.
Crochet
Modular construction is a revolutionary idea in crochet. Learn this new technique in Seamless Crochet . The book includes a helpful DVD explaining the details of her new crochet technique. |
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Simply Crochet is a collection of 22 stylish and cleverly designed projects from shrugs and vests to baby sweaters and afghans. |
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18 adorable animals from around the world grace the pages of Crocheted Softies . If you don’t crochet, you’ll definitely want to learn! |
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Knitbot Patterns by Hannah Fettig
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012 Posted in General News, New Items | No Comments »Did you know Halcyon Yarn is now carrying Knitbot patterns by Maine’s own independent knitwear designer, Hannah Fettig? After falling in love with Coastal Knits , a book she co-authored with west coast designer and friend, Alana Dakos, we took a closer look at her line of individual patterns. Many of us here at the shop have long admired her sense of style. Think of your favorite everyday sweater with style and attention to detail. Although initially drawn to Knitbot patterns by their outward appearance, we were equally impressed with their construction. Each is well written and supported with illustrations and charts. Needless to say, it was an easy decision to add Knitbot patterns to Halcyon Yarn’s collection. Take a look for yourself. |
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Yarn Catalog XIV now online
Monday, November 14th, 2011 Posted in Events, General News, New Items | No Comments »
We think you’ll love the ease with which you can now combine your Halcyon Yarn online and paper catalog browsing!
With Yarn Catalog XIV just out this week, we wanted to share the catalog with as many as possible. For those unfamiliar, the yarn catalog is a great way to see yarn colors and all the related items you’ll need, along with great pattern suggestions from staff and friends of Halcyon. Plus with the online version it’s easy to share pages with your friends.
We’re celebrating green and “eco” this year – a great time to start e-Publishing our print catalog. But, for some the print catalog is a requirement: It has truer color reproductions, and doesn’t require an internet connection. If you didn’t sign up yet to have a paper catalog and would like one please let us know here or call 800-341-0282 and it will arrive in the mail soon!
Now get busy planning and doing, stitching and weaving, There’s still plenty of time to create for the holidays.
Halcyon
p.s. and feel free to email your Santa some convenient links to your favorite pages too.
p.p.s. Now that we have this newest catalog online, we’re going back and make the Equipment catalog have the same interactivity. Let us know how we can improve the interface – suggestions are welcome!
A New Slant on the Alpine Topper
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 Posted in General News, New Items | 1 Comment »
Here in Maine we had our first snow storm of the season on October 30th. It was to the delight of many (I believe mostly children and skiers), but to others it wasn’t such a joyous occasion. Personal feelings aside, it did prompt us all to think about our winter attire. Here at Halcyon Yarn we started thinking about making hats, mittens, cowls and scarves for cozy winter warmth.
Naturally, we took a look at our most popular hat pattern, the Alpine Topper . Some love it for the practicality of a densely knit, extremely warm hat with a super soft lining. Others love it for the endless fun of playing with colors when choosing a skein of the multi-color Noro Iro and finding the perfect compliment for the lining in super soft Schulana Cortina . I have to say I appreciate the pattern for both reasons, but it’s definitely the love of color that keeps me coming back for more. To date, I’ve knit 15 Alpine Toppers and already have yarn picked out for my next. It’s a great hat to make and wear, but we wanted to make it even better. | |||
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| So… we listened to you. Some of you weren’t fond of the straight lines created by the flecks of Cortina showing through in the main body. There were others, like Beth who works here at the shop, who wanted smaller sizing to make an Alpine Topper for a young child (Gracious is the most adorable 2 year old). After a little brainstorming and a little figuring, the pattern now includes a new “slant” on the Alpine Topper, as well as sizing for a young child. You choose the size and the design. Knit an Alpine Topper with the traditional column design or knit one with the new diagonal design. | Original Column Design for the Alpine Topper:
Diagonal Design for the Alpine Topper: Young Child Size Alpine Topper: |
As a matter of fact you can also choose the yarn. The gradual color shifts of Noro Iro look beautiful in the Alpine Topper, but any bulky weight yarn can be used for the main color. You might also consider Lamb’s Pride Bulky, Noro Kochoran, Noro Kogorashi and Debbie Bliss Riva. As for the lining, it’s designed with a super bulky yarn. Cortina creates the softest interior, but Magnum can also be used. Magnum will create a loftier lining, but won’t be quite as soft as Cortina.
Have fun creating your own combinations. Remember the pattern is free when you purchase yarn to knit an Alpine Topper (just be sure to include the pattern in your order). To get you started I’ve included pictures of 2 new colors of Iro and a few of the color options in Cortina that Beth and I were considering.
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In the first picture color #116 in Iro is shown surrounded by the following Cortina colors, beginning with the light blue ball at the top and going clockwise, #57, #54, #8, #21, #58, #7 and #17. I ultimately chose the light blue Cortina#57 for an Alpine Topper for my niece. You can see a picture of the completed hat above. Susan, here at Halcyon Yarn, plans on using the same Iro color, but with light pink Cortina #54 and one of our regular customers is knitting the same hat with the bright pink Cortina #17. There are so many options. |
| The second picture features color options Beth was considering for an Alpine Topper for Gracious. They are color #108 in the Iro and Cortina colors #12, #10, #8, #19, #7, #20 and #17 as viewed clockwise starting with the green in the upper left corner. She decided upon red, #19. How bright and festive! We can’t wait to see it on Gracious. |  |
We’d love to hear about Alpine Toppers you’ve knit or plan on knitting. What are your favorite combinations? Let us know or better yet, post a picture to our Facebook page! We’ll compile a list of top choices in a future post.
