It’s about that time again! What time, you ask? Time for the new [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] issue and all the colorful, interesting, creative wonders this publication brings with it. This issue’s collection is all about embracing the long nights of winter in order to celebrate colors that pop and spark against winter’s darkened backdrop. A feast for the eyes, each project in this issue is as clever and fresh as we’ve come to expect from our beloved pom pom magazine. PLUS: Autumn guest editor Juju Vail shares some great ideas for mixing colors, including some recommended apps that can help you with that sometimes tricky process. Here’s a peek at some of my favorite projects from this issue:

This gorgeous pullover uses the simple contrast of garter and stockinette stitch to show off its clever modular front panel. Tabular is worked in pieces and seamed. Knit up in a light fingering weight wool such as JaggerSpun Maine Line 2/8 Yarn, you can choose to make the color blocking detail as bold or subtle as desired. Not to mention, our mini cones are a great way to use multiple colors without breaking the bank.
Sizes: 33 (37, 41, 45, 49)” bust, to be worn with 1.5-3″ positive ease.
Yarn: JaggerSpun Maine Line 2/8 Yarn, or any light fingering weight wool of your choice.
Color A: 2 mini cones, or approximately 300 yards.
Color B: 2 mini cones, or approximately 300 yards.
Color C: 1 lb cone, or approximately 900 (900, 1200, 1500, 1500) yards.

Lettlopi (Lite Lopi) Icelandic Wool Yarn knits up into incredibly warm garments that are not nearly as heavy as they look. The cozy cardigan above combines this hardy Icelandic wool with modern colorwork to create the perfect go-to layering piece. This sweater is worked back and forth from the bottom up; the sleeves are worked in the round from cuff to shoulder, then seamed to the body.
Sizes: 34 (39.25, 46, 50, 55.25, 61)” bust circumference, to be worn with 4-8″ of positive ease. (That means you should make a size that is 4-8″ larger than what your actual measurement is.)
Yarn: Lettlopi (Lite Lopi) Icelandic Wool Yarn in three colors:
Color A: 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins.
Color B: 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins.
Color C: 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 8) skeins.

I’m endlessly impressed with two-color brioche. This stretchy fabric is wonderful for hats, and what a way to show off some fun colors! I think Cascade 220 Superwash Wool Yarn would make the perfect backdrop for a bright colorway of Malabrigo Rios Superwash Merino Wool Yarn – or vice versa, since this hat can be fully reversible if you choose to omit the pom pom. Nervous about trying brioche for the first time? This project might be just the opportunity you’ve been looking for to give it a shot. The notes included with this pattern are very helpful, and serve to point less experienced brioche knitters in the right direction.
Sizes: 18.5 (20, 22)” head circumference, to be worn with 2″ negative ease (this means you should make a size that it 2″ smaller than your actual measurement).
Yarn: Malabrigo Rios Superwash Merino Wool Yarn and/or Cascade 220 Superwash Wool Yarn, or any DK weight yarn.
Color A: 1 skein.
Color B: 1 skein.

This beautiful half-circle shawl offers a guarantee of (and I quote), “maximum accomplishment for effort”. That might just be my new knitting motto. What it means in relation to this deceptively easy to make piece is just that: it’s deceptively easy! Slipped stitches are worked over plain garter stitch to create the lovely crystal inspired design you see above. Consider Jo Sharp Classic DK Wool Yarn for a warm, sturdy piece that will last many winters, or pair Malabrigo Arroyo Yarn with something solid for a lovely variegated effect.
Size: 77″ wingspan x 38.5″ deep.
Yarn: Jo Sharp Classic DK Wool Yarn and/or Malabrigo Arroyo Yarn
Color A: 738 yards.
Color B: 738 yards.

Beautiful and innovative as always, this [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] issue doesn’t disappoint.  Whether you’re looking for your next project or simply looking for inspiration, you’re sure to find it in the pages of pom pom.

The [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] issue is full of Nordic inspiration. From new takes on classic Scandinavian knits to an article (pattern included) on the Danish Sontag shawl, a traditional triangular shawl that sports ties so it can be worn wrapped around your body and still held securely in place. This issue also features a collection of obi inspired knitted belts, monochrome sweaters and even a handful of ruffled tops. Read on to check out some of my favorites:

The traditional Norwegian selburose pattern shown on this blanket is beautiful when knit up in a bulky weight yarn such as Lamb's Pride Bulky Yarn.  This blanket is worked in the round and steeked, with a garter stitch and I-cord border.
Size: Approximately 42.25″ x 48.5″
Yarn needed: Lamb's Pride Bulky Yarn, in three different colors:
4 skeins Color A
4 skeins Color B
1 skein Color C

Who doesn’t love a good ski sweater? This handsome pullover has a modern slim fit and a comfortable crew neck. Four shades of heavy worsted or Aran weight yarn work together to show off the pattern details across the top, with a subtle patterned band along the hemline and cuffs to bring it all together. This will be beautiful and soft knit up in Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed Yarn, or make a sturdy outdoor version out of Peace Fleece Yarn.
Sizes: 37 (42, 45, 50)” chest circumference.
Yardage needed: 1095 (1095, 1314, 1314) yards MC (main color)
219 (219, 438, 438) yards Color A
219 yards each of Color B and Color C.

[Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] is a clever way to make the yarn do some of the colorwork for you in this obi inspired belt. An attached I-cord adorns the outer edges, and the Fair Isle leaf motif is carried through right to the tips of the leaf shaped ties. This pattern is for a size 25-26.5″ waist, and it requires three different colors of [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] , one skein of each color.

In this world of cheerful hand-dyed yarn and the buttery richness of Malabrigo, sometimes solid colored yarn gets overlooked. This textured pullover is worked in a DK weight superwash yarn such as [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] or Jo Sharp New Era Merino DK Superwash Yarn. Choose a color that speaks to you and let the stitches do the rest of the talking!
Sizes: 36 (38, 40.5, 44.5, 47, 51)” bust.
Yardage needed: 1520 (1710, 1805, 2185, 2375) yards DK weight yarn.

Whether you’re knitting for yourself or a loved one this holiday season, the [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] has some great projects to keep you inspired. Grab a copy now and get your Nordic on!

Always an inspiration, Väv delivers a range of styles and perspectives for the modern weaver including artist profiles, and intriguing projects. I’m especially inspired by the collaborative efforts Studio Supersju, a futurist weaving group working just outside of Stockholm… Here are few more highlights from [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] :

(For more on weaving with a fan reed, take a look at the wonderful book Ondule Textiles - Weaving Contours with a Fan Reed, by Norma Smayda & Gretchen White.)

If you’re looking for a project or two, [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] offers some lovely inspirations, including Four Rugs, One Warp, a cheerful Handtowel and repp runner on the same warp, and a sturdy, yet playful Baby Wrap. Each of these pieces canbe created as shown, or offer you a jumping off point to try your own colors and materials.

For more on baby wraps take a look at Handwoven: Baby Wrap - eBook Printed Copy. We recommend using Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn, 8/2 Cottolin Organic Yarn, or 5/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn for colorful, easy to clean, and durable baby wraps.

[Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] is always a treat for the eyes, as well as the mind, of every weaver. The beautiful photography and timeless pieces make this magazine a nice gift too!

The [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] issue is all about the North, from Icelandic inspired circular yoked pullovers to chunky warm cables. A helpful article on tidying up your cables is conveniently included so you can tackle your next cabled project with confidence. It’s nice to see some cool and timeless patterns for guys too. Read on to see pattern highlights from this issue!

Great for him or her, the Nome pullover is worked in pieces and seamed together. Cables run all the way up the saddle shoulders, and the cabled detail is on both the front and back. This pattern calls for DK weight yarn, and I can’t help but immediately picture it in Jo Sharp Classic DK Wool Yarn.  For a softer superwash version, you could try Jo Sharp New Era Merino DK Superwash Yarn. Of course, almost everything looks good in tweed: Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed Yarn sure would make this a comfy, squishy sweater.
Sizes: 37 (41.5, 46, 50.5, 55)” chest, to be worn with approximately 1.5″ of positive ease.
Yardage needed: 1470 (1680, 1890, 1890, 2100) yards DK weight yarn.

This long, cozy cardigan features a shawl collar and a detailed belt – small finishing touches like these make for satisfying knits. This project uses Lettlopi (Lite Lopi) Icelandic Wool Yarn, a tried and true classic.
Sizes: 37.5 (41.5, 45.5, 50.5, 54.5, 58.5)” bust, with approximately 6″ of positive ease.
Yardage needed: 13 (14, 15, 17, 19, 20) skeins color A
3 (3, 3, 3, 4, 4) skeins color B
1 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins color C
1 skein color D

This might be kind of a weird time to bring it up, but my knitting hero happens to be my older sister. I blame her for my “never not knitting” status (as well as my chronically tight shoulder muscles); she’s also to blame for my love of tall knitted stockings.  These Yukon River Stockings made me think of my sister instantly – and then I started daydreaming about yarn. Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed Yarn would make these already cozy stockings truly decadent to wear.
Sizes: 8 (8.5, 9.25)” foot circumference; 8.75 (9.5, 10.5)” from back of heel to tip of toe; 26.5 (28.5, 30.5)” leg height.
Yardage needed: 10 (10, 11) skeins Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed Yarn

Who doesn’t like to raid other people’s stashes?  I’m a professional stash-raider, having spent the better part of my life using my mom and sister’s leftover yarn.  Lopi Alafoss Icelandic Wool Yarn has always been a part of those stashes; this sturdy, classic yarn is always reliable, whether the labels are faded yellow or bright and new.  This Klondike pullover uses bulky Lopi for all over chunky cables, with saddle shoulders adding to the uniqueness of the piece.
Sizes: 39.5 (42, 47, 49, 54)” bust, to be worn with approximately 8″ of positive ease.
Yardage needed: 10 (10, 12, 13, 14) skeins Lopi Alafoss Icelandic Wool Yarn or
10 (10, 12, 13, 14) skeins Halcyon Geo Rug Wool Yarn.

Chunky, cozy and rustic are the name of the game with the collection of patterns featured in this [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] issue. As the nights get longer and the thermostats drop, we have no shortage of projects to keep our hearts and hands busy and warm!

As the days get shorter its time to get cozy with a new project, and this issue of Rug Hooking has plenty of colorful pieces and helpful tips to keep you going – plus some great holiday and winter themed designs. This issue’s free pattern suits the season with the piece Vintage Ornaments, by Beth Miller.

Since this week is all about Rug Wool at Halcyon Yarn, I’ve got to mention that there is a great how-to article that may make a convert out of you. “How to Hook with Yarn: Just Do It!” will help you understand gauge, what hooks and backing to select, and what effects you can achieve. As it says “No cutter, not twisting, no problem”, sounds pretty good – right? Stock up on Halcyon Yarn Rug Wool and learn more about our favorite rug hooking yarn here – on sale for a limited time!

There’s plenty more to explore in [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] – pick yours up and get hooking!

[Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] brings dyers an exploration of the wonderful red dye madder, and some ideas on new mordanting techniques.

There’s more to explore in the beautiful [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] – enjoy!

Just in time for winter, [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] is sure to get you longing to make yourself something nice. This collection of sophisticated designs is the perfect opportunity to use luxurious yarns that are as gratifying to knit with as the finished piece will be to wear. This issue features 22 elegant patterns – twenty-two of them!  Here are some of my favorites:

The Bianca pullover has a bottom up body and top down sleeves. I love the unique cables! This piece works up quickly in the bulky Jo Sharp Silkroad Ultra Yarn, a very soft and squishy blend of 85% Wool, 10% Silk, 5% Cashmere. You could also consider Baby Alpaca Grande by Plymouth Yarn for a slightly looser, more drapey fabric.

This pullover features allover texture with a beautiful cable pattern on the front. It is worked bottom up in pieces and seamed – and because the cable detail is only on the front, the rest of the textured stitch pattern will be a breeze to work up. [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] would be perfect for this piece; this incredibly soft yarn offers excellent stitch definition. I also wouldn’t mind wearing one of these made out of [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] . Although Stratus doesn’t offer quite the same stitch definition, it certainly doesn’t hide fancy stitchin’ (Like the textured stitch pattern in my Fortitude Ponchette Pattern).

I can’t think of anything fancier than a sweater knit from 100% cashmere. The Bendz pullover is just that – but it looks as just as comfortable as it is precious! Not only does it look beautiful, but this piece features some really clever construction. The front, back and pockets are worked from the bottom up, with the sides picked up and worked horizontally. Who isn’t a sucker for pockets? For ultimate luxury use Jade Sapphire Cashmere 2-ply Yarn. This would also be beautiful knit up in Herriot Fine Alpaca by Juniper Moon Farm Yarn. Like, really beautiful.

This [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] issue includes a few pieces from Wool Studio Vol II – such as this incredible pullover. Worked in an all-over interrupted brioche pattern, the unique neckband lends an artistic flair to this very wearable sweater. Knit up in Jo Sharp Mulberry Silk Georgette Yarn, this would drape beautifully and wear well against your skin. Alternately, you could use Victorian 2-Ply Wool Yarn for a warmer, woollier version.

Although it’s mostly about the patterns (no complaints here!), this issue of knit.wear also includes a very intriguing article about mock cables; which is a technique I’m very excited to explore! Between that and the large collection of modern designs, this [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] issue offers a season’s worth of inspiration. Get ready for some extra luxurious winter knitting!

The new [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] features 17 projects – from knitted gingerbread toys to a delicate one-skein cowl. Winter inspired colors and texture abound in this appropriately cozy collection. An excellent segment on sizing for different body types serves as a useful reference when browsing this issue’s sweaters; these helpful tips and photos will help steer you down the path to perfectly fitting knitwear. Speaking of knitwear, let’s take a look at my top picks from this issue!

The all over slipped stitch pattern of this sweater is a great opportunity for color play. Worked up in worsted weight yarn, you’ve got a lot of yarn options!  Plymouth Encore Worsted Yarn is always a safe bet, as would be Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash Yarn. If it were me, I’d try to somehow incorporate some kettle-dyed Malabrigo Rios Superwash Merino Wool Yarn into the mix for added color fun.

This crescent-shaped shawl has a simple garter stitch body and lace edging.  The contrast between yarn colors helps highlight the fancy border. I’d use Malabrigo Silky Merino Yarn to make this, hands down. We carry a few tonal shades in that line, and there’s even a neutral white in addition to the rest of Silky Merino’s beautifully variegated colors.

Speaking of Malabrigo Silky Merino Yarn… This lovely little cowl is made from just one skein of it. An all over diamond motif adds a little bling to this otherwise simple, luxurious accessory. This is a great excuse to pick up one more skein of your favorite color.

There is nothing like a huge shawl. Since I don’t have any big shawls, I’ve been known to drape myself in throw blankets for public excursions – and while I don’t mind looking like a crazy cat lady, this project would certainly be a more stylish option. Made from two skeins of Cascade Eco and Cascade Eco Plus Wool Yarn, this is sure to be warm and cozy. Just a simple rectangle flanked by wide cables, this is the next best thing to wearing a blanket.

Just in time for the cold weather season, this [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] issue has plenty of projects and useful tips to keep you covered!