Halcyon Yarn Newsletter

Call with questions or to order: 800-341-0282

In this issue:

2nd Time Cotton

In keeping with Halcyon Yarn’s effort to renew and expand our commitment to sustainability and the environment, we’ve been searching for a yarn that incorporates recycled fiber. Believe it our not, it’s not been easy. ”Patience is a virtue” we kept reminding ourselves. We knew it was just a matter of time before we found someone in the yarn industry that had the desire to produce a quality yarn using recycled fiber. Finally!… Halcyon Yarn is pleased to announce the addition of K1C2 2nd Time Cotton from another great Maine Company, K1C2.

K1C2 2nd Time Cotton

2nd Time Cotton is a blend of 75% recycled cotton derived from unused materials from the textile and garment industry and 25% acrylic. What a terrific way to repurpose. This 8-ply worsted weight cotton blend is perfect for spring and summer garments. The colors have a great tweedy effect that is created by the fiber mix and by blending small bits of colors into the main color before spinning. We’d also like to mention it is made in the USA reducing its carbon footprint and providing US jobs.

We knit and washed some samples. Here’s what we found. The yarn softens after washing creating a garment with that “old favorite” appeal. Although its recommended gauge is 4.25 stitches per inch on a size 8 needle, most of us here at the shop prefer a fabric knit at 4.5-5 stitches per inch on a size 6-7 needle. The label suggests machine washing with cold water and laying flat to dry. Despite K1C2′s recommendation we wanted to give the dryer a try partly because we prefer the softer hand that develops. We dried our samples in the dryer with the only effect being a 12% -15% shrinkage in length. Be sure to take into account the final care of your garment when calculating your gauge and knitting your sweater.

Leah Top

Seed Stitch Yoke Cardie

Double Tee

So how about a few pattern recommendations. First, we added 3 new patterns from K1C2 that have been designed specifically for 2nd Time Cotton, Leah Top , Seed Stitch Yoke Cardie and Double Tee . We’re knitting the Seed Stitch Yoke Cardie for the shop and plan on putting only two buttons at the top. We’ll show you ours when complete. We also searched our current pattern library for additional patterns you might like.

For those of you who knit for babies or toddlers, try using 2nd Time Cotton in Fruit Caps for Kids , Cardigan With Hat or Baby Neck Down Hooded Tunic by Knitting Pure and Simple . Roll Neck Raglan Sweater and Fisherlad Guernsey are two classic, versatile patterns that include sizing for babies through adults.

Fruit Caps for Kids

Cardigan With Hat

Baby Neck Down Hooded Tunic by Knitting Pure and Simple

Roll Neck Raglan Sweater

Fisherlad Guernsey

Fairhope Open Cardigan

Basic Chic Pulli

Want a stylish, everyday sweater knit with 2nd Time Cotton? Look no further than Fairhope Open Cardigan and Basic Chic Pulli . These are just a few suggestions. What ideas do you have? And share your finished projects with us when you’re done. Perhaps we can share them with other customers too!

Posted by:
Portrait of Kendra

Spring Fiber Classes

Just a reminder that Halcyon Yarn’s spring 2012 classes are posted on our website and include classes running through the first part of June. You’ll find classes in weaving, knitting, spinning, crochet, dyeing, spinning and rug making. We’ve tried to offer something for everyone, however if there’s a topic of interest you don’t see or timing just doesn’t work, remember Halcyon Yarn will create individual or group classes at your convenience. It’s easy and affordable. Simply call 1-800-341-0282 and ask to speak with Jane.

Keep watching for a couple of exciting special event “classes” that are in the planning stages. This summer we’ll be welcoming back international felter Martien van Zuilen plus we will be hosting our own “Fiber ME” tour (yes – this is a word play on our great state of Maine’s postal designation as well as on the pronoun). The tour will include tours of spinning mills, fiber studios, fiber schools, lighthouse and river tours, sustainable agriculture hotspots, plus lobster and a lot more.

For those of you in our local area of Bath, Maine we’d also like to mention that in addition to our wide range of classes, Halcyon Yarn offers weekly opportunities to enjoy good company while you knit, crochet, spin and weave. Each is free of charge and meets in our classroom on the 3rd floor. If you aren’t close enough to stop by connect with the Halcyon Yarn community on Facebook and Ravelry.

Evening Spin Share with Denice Sharpe, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm the 1st Thursday of each month. Bring your wheel and enjoy spinning, exchanging new ideas and learning with old friends and new.

The Tuesday Twisted Spinners meet in our classroom every Tuesday from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Bring your wheel, some fiber, and lunch. There is no charge, no reservation needed, and all levels of spinning skills are welcome!

Monday nights, Halcyon Yarn hosts a Sit ‘n Knit Group which meets from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, and knitters of all experience level are welcome! It’s an informal, relaxing evening with no reservations needed, and no charge.

Weave Share with Michael Patterson runs March through December on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Bring your ideas and questions, or just join us for a monthly chat about weaving. A great place to share your latest project, get tips from Michael and others, and share some good company with other weavers.

Halcyon Yarn also hosts other fiber group meetings. If your group is looking for a meeting place, we have a large classroom with kitchen facilities available. Please call 800.341.0282 for more information.

Posted by:
Portrait of Kendra

Recycled Sawdust Shawl Pins

Who knew recycled sawdust could be so beautiful, not to mention fun and functional. Take a look… and then another look… at this new line of recycled sawdust shawl pins by designer Gina Hatcher. You’ll be amazed. Each design is created by inlaying dyed recycled sawdust into stainless wire forms. Acrylic overlay is then applied giving a glossy finish. No matter what your taste there’s a style for everyone, from whimsical and funky to sophisticated and stylish. Match your shawl pin to your mood, sweater or wrap and wait for the compliments. It’s worth mentioning, these pins are very light weight so they won’t drag or sag on your garment. They’re even light enough to be worn on a lace stole.

Don’t worry if you fall in love with a design, but don’t have anything on which to pin it. Victorian Boucle Stole and Victorian Boucle Crochet Stole , made with Victorian Bouclé , can be created in a weekend!