by: Sierra Roberts

Jumpstart your summer projects with Jo Sharp cottons!

Jo Sharp Cottons – on sale now, only $7.00!

If you’ve got summer knitting on the brain, then you’ll want to hear about Jo Sharp’s two wonderful cotton yarns – Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn and Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn. Cotton fans and skeptics alike will love the softness and versatility of these yarns.

Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn

Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn

A lot of you might hear “cotton yarn” and cringe, your mind conjuring up images of stiff, shapeless garments that only get more shapeless as time goes on. Not to mention how hard some cottons can be on your hands after some quality knitting time! I can honestly say, though, that those problems do not occur with these yarns. Allow me to illustrate…

The Jo Sharp Fitted Cotton Cardigan Pattern is a perfect example of the lightweight, wear-with-everything summer cardigan I’m always in search of. This go-to cardigan is knit out of Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn, which is way softer and more buttery than you’d expect from a 100% cotton yarn. The Soho Summer has a subtle sheen to it, but it’s loftier and squishier than most mercerized cotton yarns. This yarn manages to hold its shape well, and it’s soft as can be.

Jo Sharp Fitted Cotton Cardigan Pattern

Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn

Another popular pattern here at the shop is the Jo Sharp Sideways Ribbed Top Pattern. Also knit from Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn, this simple pattern gives you options for different sleeve and body lengths, from cropped to tunic and tee length to bracelet length. The Jo Sharp A-Line Cotton Tunic Pattern is another shop favorite, as is the Jo Sharp Cotton Bolero Pattern.

Jo Sharp Sideways Ribbed Top Pattern

Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn

Jo Sharp A-Line Cotton Tunic Pattern

Jo Sharp Cotton Bolero Pattern

And we can’t forget the crocheters! I love the Jo Sharp Retro Chevron Skirt Pattern for warmer weather. With options for two different lengths, a drawstring for a fully adjustable fit, and a color scheme that makes for great stash busting, this skirt has just about everything. Use Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn or a combination of any DK weight yarns you like.

Jo Sharp Retro Chevron Skirt Pattern

Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn

That’s a whole lot about Jo Sharp’s DK Cotton. What about Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn? This stuff makes me shake my head in admiration every time I work with it. Desert Garden is a blend of 65% cotton and 35% microfibre, which makes it far less dense and heavy than any other aran weight cotton I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. The Jo Sharp Cotton T-Shirt Pattern showcases these traits beautifully. Breathable, soft, lightweight and sturdy, this yarn offers excellent stitch definition and a heavenly loft. Desert Garden will work equally well for the Knitbot Sweet Pleat- the hardest part would be picking a color!

Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn

Jo Sharp Cotton T-Shirt Pattern

Knitbot Sweet Pleat

Some other great patterns for Desert Garden are the Jo Sharp Cotton Sweater and Beret Pattern and Jo Sharp Somerville Cotton Sweater Pattern. Each of these pullovers is a timeless classic. Folks on Ravelry also love the Jo Sharp Origami Bolero Pattern, which can be worn right side-up or upside-down, creating two different looks. Very fun! Or if you’re looking for a smaller project you could check out the Jo Sharp Moss Stitch Beanie Pattern. All of these patterns use Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn, so you know they’ll be super wearable.

Jo Sharp Cotton Sweater and Beret Pattern

Jo Sharp Somerville Cotton Sweater Pattern

Jo Sharp Origami Bolero Pattern

Jo Sharp Moss Stitch Beanie Pattern

Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn

This isn’t the first time I’ve extolled the virtues of Jo Sharp’s two wonderful cotton yarns, and it probably won’t be my last. In the meantime, I’m going to be busy making my own Jo Sharp A-Line Cotton Tunic Pattern out of Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn in our color 0255, Siren red. Just in time for summer!

Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn

Both Jo Sharp cottons are on sale now, for a limited time! (Jo Sharp’s patterns are available as downloads too!)

Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn

Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn

Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn

Related items of interest:

by: Sierra Roberts

New Book! Framework by Norah Gaughan

framework

(pssst – the yarns featured below are on sale…)

Norah Gaughan has long been a household name where knitters are involved, and with good reason. Gaughan is known for designing beautiful, unique knitwear patterns, from intricate cable work to unconventional garment construction. Her newest book, Framework - Architectural Knits is no exception. Framework features ten fresh, clever patterns that will entice you to give them a try.

Framework - Architectural Knits

I have to say, it took me a while to get through this book. In a good way, though! Usually when I browse a new pattern book, I’m focused on the photos (and maybe peeking at what yarn the designer used). But some of these designs stopped me in my tracks; I had to look closer to see how these pieces were constructed. For example, the Cella cardigan/shrug has armholes that are created by simply folding down the top of a rectangle. I won’t give any more about it away, but check out the photos below:

Then I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued by the back view of the cover project, the Walkway shell. I love the delicate eyelets, and how it makes this piece seem so detailed, although it’s a small enough element. This linen shell would look awesome knit up in our Block Island Blend Yarn!

Block Island Blend Yarn

So there I was, happily flipping through this fascinating collection of designs, when I came to this:

That, my friends, is the stunning Arris pullover. It can be worn with the V-neck in the front, or reverse it for a lovely mesh panel instead. I can’t help but picture this knit up in Block Island Blend Yarn, too; the slubbiness of that yarn would add a whole new layer of texture to this beautiful sweater.

Block Island Blend Yarn

The last pattern I’ll talk about is the elegant Annex tank:

This tank is actually worked flat, but still features minimal seaming. What a lovely garment. I want it for myself!! Although this is knit with an aran weight linen, I think I’d make it out of Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn.

Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn

The beauty of these pieces comes from the thoughtful placement of geometric shapes, with intuitive knitting maneuvers that make creating them just as beautiful an experience as wearing them. Designed for minimal seaming and ease of knitting, any one of these pieces is something that you yourself can make. Newer knitters can enjoy pushing themselves just a little, and experienced knitters will certainly love the breath of fresh air and spark of inspiration that Norah Gaughan’s patterns always provide.

» Info / buy

Remember, the gorgeous summer yarns featured above are both on sale right now, so dive in to some amazing summer stitching!

Block Island Blend Yarn Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn

Block Island Blend Yarn

Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn

Related items of interest:

by: Gretchen

New Weaving Magazines – Handwoven & VÄV

Weaving inspiration for summer, when color and creativity abound…

Palu’e Ikat weaver, photo by Magnus Danerek.

VÄV

This incredible Scandinavian weaving magazine is always packed with textile treasures on every page, and the summer 2017 Vav Magasinet 2/17 color themed issue is a delight! You’ll lose yourself in the beautifully written and photographed articles, and you’ll want to try your hand at some great projects. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Vav Magasinet 2/17

Palu’e Ikat: A Gift From Heaven, by Stefan Danerek & Magnus Danerek, takes readers to small island of Palu’e and explores the distinctive motifs of the local ikat weaving and dyeing (photo above).

Gutasagan I, by Eva Ek-Schaeffer.

Threads of Life: Poetry Woven Into Tapestry, by Tina Ignell and photos by Bengt Arne Ignell reveals the whimsical and profound tapestry work of Swedish artist Eva Ek-Schaeffer. Her large narrative works bring stories of both personal and cultural mythology to life. Her commitment to dyeing all the colors herself speaks to the intimacy you feel when taking in each piece. An exhibition of her work is planned for this year and in 2016 Ek-Shaeffer won the Gällivare Commune Cultural Prize.

More in this issue:

Dyeplants In the Bergius Botanical Gardens, by Tina Ignell, photos by Bengt Arne Ignell.

Sarape Refashioning, a new interpretation of traditional Mexican weaving. By Maja Svensdotter, photo by Mestiz.

Chamantos, a Chilean Weaving Tradition, by Tina Ignell, photos by Bengt Arne Ignell.

Looking for gorgeous projects…? Dive into these summer wonders:

Spotted Indigo Cushions, by Monica Hallen.

Colour-and-Weave Checked Handtowel, by Monica Hallen.

An extended plain weave handtowel in Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn, in light and dark blue, and pale pink. Perfect for a summery gift, derived from a Scottish glen check.

Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn

Spaced Weave Check Scarf, by Tina Ignell and Sanna Ignell.

A plain weave on 4 shafts, this simple and lightweight wool scarf takes a summery and unusual turn by spacing blocks of warp and weft to create a mesmerizing openwork scarf.

Wool and Linen Wrap Cardigan, design and knitting by Karin Öberg, weaving by Maiko Tanaka.

With plain weave panels for the body, and simple knitted sleeves, this geometric cardigan is a new take on a traditionally shaped boxy woven jacket. In wool and linen, the shape is simple, modern and effortlessly wearable. The combination of knit and woven textures gives a nice play of texture and lends softness to the silhouette.

This is just a taste of what Vav Magasinet 2/17 has to offer – grab a copy, find the closest hammock and dive in!

Vav Magasinet 2/17

Handwoven

Handwoven May/June 2017 is filled with new summer weaving projects you’ll want to warp up as soon as you can! You’ll enjoy the weaving, but this time the best part may be taking it off the loom and finishing it… This issue of Handwoven is all about distinctive finishing techniques. While many weavers dread this step, fear not – you’ll be introduced to some creative solutions, how to choose the right technique, and helpful tools for putting the perfect final touches on your handwoven projects.

Handwoven May/June 2017

Articles include Clean Up Your Shed, by Deb Essen, 5 Types of Hemstitching, by Deanna Deeds, and in Tom Kniseley’s Notes From The Fell, you’ll learn a beautiful Damascus edge, with it’s fancy knotted V and flat braided fringe, as shown on his Rag Rug With A Triple Finish (below).

Tom Kniseley’s Rag Rug uses 1″ wide, cut cloth strips and Cotton Carpet Warp 8/4 Yarn. It can easily be woven on a 4-shaft loom with 20″ weaving width and a 15 dent reed.

Cotton Carpet Warp 8/4 Yarn

For more fantastically finished summer projects try these:

A Cluster of Cavandoli Knots, by Rosalie Neilson.

This rep weave runner features a unique Cavandoli knotted edge that lets the fringe stay loose while remaining structured and elegant. This would be a great finish on so many pieces! You’ll need 8-shafts and a 14″ width for this one, and a 12 dent reed. Warp is five beautiful jewel-toned colors of 3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn, and for weft you’ll use Medium Cotton 16/8 Mop Yarn tripled, and more of the main color in 3/2 Pearl Cotton. Remember, with mini-cones of Pearl Cotton this is a very affordable project!

3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

Medium Cotton 16/8 Mop Yarn

Gumdrop Scarf, by Deanna Deeds.

With only two shafts you can create the beautifully textured Gumdrop Scarf. A mix of Tencel and Pearl Cotton give this piece beautiful drape and the pearled texture on the long twisted fringe is a great compliment to the Danish medallions that really pop the colors in this piece. You’ll need six colors of 8/2 Tencel Yarn for the warp. For weft you’ll use more of these, plus natural white in 10/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn and 3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn. A mini cone of each of these is plenty for the whole scarf!

8/2 Tencel Yarn

10/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

Summer Lace Placemats and Mug Rugs, by Suzie Liles.

Just the thing for summer dining al fresco – a table set in cheerful linen huck lace. Woven on 4 shafts with a 14″ width and a 10 dent reed. For 4 finished placemats plus hemstitched mug rugs you’ll need 3 colors of Newport 16/2 Linen Yarn; approximately 1,300 yards of the main color, and 124 yards of two accent colors.

If you’re thirsty for even more finishing expertise…

Newport 16/2 Linen Yarn

Check out Virginia West’s thorough and easy to follow book Finishing Touches for the Handweaver, recently back in stock. As you explore finishing, we’ve got you covered for tools too! Check out these can’t-finish-without-them devices and achieve perfect twisted fringes and knots from now on.

Finishing Touches for the Handweaver

Leclerc Double Fringe Twister Shadybrook Double Fringe Twister Leclerc Triple Fringe Twister Ashford Fringe Twister Leclerc Quad Fringe Twister Shadybrook Quadruple Fringe Twister 5" Netting Shuttle 6" Netting Shuttle 8" Netting Shuttle Chibi Jumbo Darning Curved Needles

Leclerc Double Fringe Twister

Shadybrook Double Fringe Twister

Leclerc Triple Fringe Twister

Ashford Fringe Twister

Leclerc Quad Fringe Twister

Shadybrook Quadruple Fringe Twister

5" Netting Shuttle

6" Netting Shuttle

8" Netting Shuttle

Chibi Jumbo Darning Curved Needles

We also want to welcome Handwoven’s new editor, Susan E. Horton! We’re looking forward to seeing more of her careful eye and passion for the craft, as she steers Handwoven into the future. The handweaving world may not be enormous, but there is no shortage of passion, skill or camaraderie – we are grateful for those who commit to the stewardship and growth of this vibrant community. Congratulations, and welcome, Susan!

Related items of interest:

by: Sierra Roberts

New! Try-It-On Tubing and other handy knit-knacks

Sometimes the simplest of things can make a huge difference…

As a knitter who tends to make things harder than they need to be, I’m excited to tell you about Try-It-On Tubing Needle Sizes 2 to 8. It’s just arrived and came highly recommended by Ann Budd when she was here recently. This two-yard long plastic tube fits surprisingly snugly over the tips of your knitting needles (best suited for US sizes 2-8), making it beyond easy to simply slide your stitches from needle to tube and vice versa; this allows you to try your project on without the hassle of scrap yarn or stitch holders. Speaking of stitch holders, this tubing works wonderfully for that as well! And it isn’t just for straight needles, either. Try-It-On Tubing works with circular and double pointed needles too. Just try not to think of this stuff the next time you’re picking stitches up from waste yarn…

Try-It-On Tubing Needle Sizes 2 to 8

While I’m at it, I thought I’d mention a few other items that make life easier for knitters. Quite often you don’t even realize you need or want these notions until you use them – and once you use them it’s hard to go back. A great example that may seem obvious is the wonderfully efficient Knitter's Pride Ball/Wool Winder. I am mildly ashamed to admit that I don’t have a ball winder at home. I do all my winding by hand, and you don’t want to talk to me when I’m winding the last few yards of a lace weight skein. For those of you familiar with the cramped, stiff hands that winding yarn by hand will give you, I very much recommend a ball winder. We even have an Economy Yarn Winding Combo - Swift and Ball Winder Set for starting out. Once you’re really hooked (or if you’re looking for a very fancy gift for someone), check out our Heavy Duty Wooden Ball Winder or the beautiful COMBO-Maine Made Cherry Swift and Wooden Ball Winder.

Knitter's Pride Ball/Wool Winder

Economy Yarn Winding Combo - Swift and Ball Winder Set

Heavy Duty Wooden Ball Winder

COMBO-Maine Made Cherry Swift and Wooden Ball Winder

Something else I use almost every day is the Sweater Stone - Made in USA. This little guy doesn’t just remove pills from your sweaters! I’ve used it on tights, leggings, and even one time to get paint off a sweater here in the store (…oops!), it worked great! Incredibly useful, the Sweater Stone always works.

Sweater Stone - Made in USA

Speaking of making life easier, we’re all fascinated by the Knitter's Keep Kit Blue, from Cocoknits. This kit consists of a fully adjustable bracelet with a magnet at the center. This magnet is the handiest, most convenient place for the notions that come along with it: cable needles, tapestry needles, and an assortment of stitch markers – all magnetic. This makes it super easy to keep a steady flow while you’re working, not to mention helping keep those little items in one place. Oh yeah, and these bracelets come in three colors: the Blue mentioned above, Green, and Gray.

Knitter's Keep Kit Blue

» Info / buy

» Info / buy

I’m also noticing a lot of folks using these cute Mini Crochet Hook, Bamboo for picking up dropped stitches and other small fixes. Or if you need multiple sizes there’s also these: 4 Mini Hook Ring sizes 6, 10, 12, 15.

Mini Crochet Hook, Bamboo

4 Mini Hook Ring sizes 6, 10, 12, 15

Then, there are the row counters. If you’re ready to put the pencil down and keep your tally an easier way, there’s the Ring Barrel-type Row Counter. This fits on any straight needle up to size US 10.5. The adorable Mini Kacha Knitting Row Counter rides along well in your notions bag, and keeping count is as easy as pressing a button. But if that’s too small for you, there’s the bigger Push-Button Row Counter - Kacha. And if you’re feeling especially fancy and efficient, you might want to take a closer look at the Electronic Row Counter Plus.

Ring Barrel-type Row Counter

Mini Kacha Knitting Row Counter

Push-Button Row Counter - Kacha

Electronic Row Counter Plus

The fiber arts community is so full of creative, clever minds, I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. In the meantime, here’s a list of some other helpful and handy doodads:

Micro Clip Light – These little guys are incredibly bright and super useful to have around for close-up project inspection, pattern reading, finding those stitch markers at the bottom of your notions bag…

Micro Clip Light

Key Ring Knit Gauge – It’s always good to be prepared, and with this adorable key chain sized gauge check you can do it in style.

Key Ring Knit Gauge

Who doesn’t have a random needle or ten floating around – make sure what size it is and save yourself the hassle of buying new needles when you already have what you need. Both helpful and extremely adorable, try any of these critters: Fox Animal Needle Gauge Hedgehog Animal Needle Gauge Sheep Animal Needle Gauge

Fox Animal Needle Gauge

Hedgehog Animal Needle Gauge

Sheep Animal Needle Gauge

The Knit Kit – Speaking of being prepared, this Knit Kit is a Swiss Army style tool every knitter can use. It includes a tape measure, scissors, stitch markers, point protectors, stitch counter, thread cutter, double-sided crochet hook and darning needle, as well as a needle gauge- all tucked away in a small, portable case.

The Knit Kit

SockDoctor – Here’s another key chain sized tool that has real day-saving potential! Cute enough to be an ornament, these little socks have instructions for the kitchener stitch on the back, the anatomy of a sock on the front, and a little darning needle tucked into the toe.

SockDoctor

Sock It To Me Shoe Size to Sock Length Conversion Guide – If you like to knit socks for people, this is an almost indispensable sheet to have. If you know the shoe size of the person you’re making the socks for, this simple tool will assist in inch or centimeter conversions. Complete with rulers around the edges, the laminated card is the perfect bookmark for your sock pattern book. It includes three charts; women, men, infant/child.

Sock It To Me Shoe Size to Sock Length Conversion Guide

When it comes to indispensable references, Ann Budd’s Knitter's Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements should be in every knitter’s bag. You can quickly estimate how much yardage you’ll need in any given pattern and gauge. It includes a huge range of sizes, weights of yarns, and pattern styles, from blankets and accessories to kids and men’s and women’s sweaters. It’s especially handy if you are making yarn substitutions, we use it all the time in the shop to help people make sure they have what they need!

Knitter's Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements

Related items of interest:

by: Sierra Roberts

New Spin-Off – Summer 2017 issue

Another season, another new Spin-Off magazine!

The Spin Off Summer 2017 issue is here, and I had such a good time flipping through it I thought I should give all you lovely readers a peek at what’s inside.

Spin Off Summer 2017

Technical how-to’s, interesting fiber facts, and talk of spinning competitions are just a few of the topics covered in this issue, beginning with a very interesting article about ANIROONZ Farm in Colorado; this ranch is home to sheep whose fleece is specifically produced for handspinners. In this article, shepherd Nancy Irlbeck discusses her intimate relationship with her sheep, from spending time with them to taking care of them.

Ever wonder why you’ll often see sheep wearing coats? You’re not alone. This issue features a short piece explaining the handful of reasons why you’d want to dress your sheep. Here’s one fun fact: As the sheep and their wool grow throughout the year, you have to up their coat sizes accordingly. Makes sense, but I’ve never thought about that before!

Also included in this issue is a piece about Columbia sheep. These are some of the largest sheep out there, and the breed is part of one of the oldest sheep-breed development projects in the US. This all American breed produces a versatile fleece, some attributes of which are detailed in this article. For example, check out the beautiful stitch definition demonstrated in the laceweight and chunky weight Columbia yarns shown below:

And of course we can’t overlook the Double-Cable socks pattern – with notes on fiber prep, spinning and a pattern, you’ve got everything you need to know to make these cute, comfy socks:

Lastly, this issue includes an interesting article about crowd-funding (such as Kickstarter). After reading some intel from a few business owners who have made crowd-funding work for them, you might be tempted to consider starting that fiber-related business you’ve been dreaming about for so long. This article happens to feature Romney Ridge farm’s owner, the lovely Kelly Corbett. This is very cool, because Romney Ridge farm actually started quite close by to us here in Bath, Maine and we know from experience what a hard working and wonderful fiber artist Kelly is! We carry Romney Ridge Farm Note Cards featuring some of her flock of sheep, and a bunch of her needle felting kits, like these adorable creatures: Puffin Needle Felting Kit- Romney Ridge, Fox Single Creature Needle Felting Kit - Romney Ridge, Sheep Needle Felting Kit- Romney Ridge. To see all the kits we carry from Romney Ridge, click here.

Romney Ridge Farm Note Cards

Puffin Needle Felting Kit- Romney Ridge

Fox Single Creature Needle Felting Kit - Romney Ridge

Sheep Needle Felting Kit- Romney Ridge

Greeting from a Romney Ridge sheep!

These are just a few of the cool things you can find in the Spin Off Summer 2017 issue. To read it in full, make sure to get a copy before they’re gone!

Spin Off Summer 2017

Related items of interest:

by: Gretchen

Vogue Knitting Summer 2017

VOGUE: The Lace Escape

Vogue Knitting Spring / Summer 2017 is all about the light and lacy side of knitting, so don’t let the warm weather stop your stitching! From gorgeous installations of urban lace, to luxe accessories, plus a focus on conserving UK heritage breeds, and a showcase of summer’s prettiest yarns – there’s something for every knitter in this issue of Vogue Knitting.

Vogue Knitting Spring / Summer 2017

Designer Yoko Hatta’s leaf patterned ruana (above) is just right for summer knitting, and will look great all season long. We’d try it in Block Island Blend Yarn. You can make the piece from a single pound cone of the Block Island. The slight slub and heatheriness of the colors would be stunning in this perfect summer accessory. Plus, it’s easy to throw a cone in your project bag and knit from anywhere – a hammock perhaps?

Block Island Blend Yarn

Yoko Hatta’s Swing Back Tank

Also from Yoko Hatta, this swingy chevron cover up is fun coming or going! Simple stitches and easy finishing make this a sweet project to knit or wear poolside! You’ll need between 750 and 1,200 yards. Try it in Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn – on sale now!

Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn

Chevron Lace Tee, by Mari Lynn Patrick

For another summery celebration of chevron, we love the boxy shape of Mari Lynn Patrick’s Chevron Lace Tee. This design is actually just a very simple diagonal lace eyelet, so it is really easy to knit. In a springy soft yarn like Jo Sharp Mulberry Silk Georgette Yarn it will keep a nice bouncy shape even in a loose, oversize style. Plus, there are so many fresh, juicy colors to choose from!

Also in this issue…

Jo Sharp Mulberry Silk Georgette Yarn

Lace isn’t just for accessories! Imagine gazing up at this stunning lace canopy, floating above a canal in Amsterdam… Dora Ohrenstein’s article explores The Lace, an installation created by Choi+Shine for Amsterdam’s winter lights festival.

As some of you may have noticed, I get really excited about sheep breeds, especially their conservation… Leslie Petrovski’s engaging article Made in the U.K., takes us on a tour of British breeds and the gorgeous yarns that they produce. Learn more about the characteristics of each breed, as well as the fascinating stories of the people, places, and sheep, that create these unique yarns. (above are sheep in the Falklands, carding machines in Cornwall, and a lovely Shetland Islands pair.)

Editor’s Favorites:

This issue declares the LYKKE birch needle sets, with their stunning driftwood finish, and the knitter’s rule! wooden swatch gauges to be among summer must-have’s. Plus, both the Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn and the Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn are featured in the summer yarn showcase – and they’re both on sale now!

Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton Yarn

Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton Yarn

Lykke Interchangeable Deluxe Circular Knitting Needle Set - Grey Faux Denim Case

Related items of interest:

by: Gretchen

Free Shipping – Memorial Day Weekend!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Use code MEMD2017 when you order online, or over the phone, to receive FREE SHIPPING* on your order!

Now’s a great time to stock up on summer projects or replenish your stash after a long winter of weaving and knitting. Whether you’re planning for travel, for projects with kids when they get out of school, or just looking forward to some days of creativity ahead… we’ve got what you need for summer fiber arts.

This weekend your order ships free when you enter the code MEMD2017 at checkout. No minimum purchase, just free shipping on fantastic yarns, fibers, books and tools*. There are some great yarns on clearance as we make room for new summer stock too – check them out here: CLEARANCE DEALS!

*Details: Offer is good for free standard ground shipping to the 48 contiguous United States only, now until midnight (EST) Tuesday May 30th. Offer does not apply to international or expedited shipping, items purchased at bulk price three, or special order items. The store will be closed Sunday and Monday, but you can shop online anytime!

If you’ll be in Maine this summer, please join the Maine Yarn Cruise/Crawl, take a CLASS with us, or just stop by and say hello to us here in beautiful downtown Bath, Maine!

by: Gretchen

Little Loom Wrap Up

Long live little looms!

May is moving on, but we hope your little loom adventures have only just begun!

Easy Weaving with Little Looms a Special Issue of Handwoven 2017 is back in stock, so grab a copy if you haven’t already, and preview some of the great projects here. This final week of “little looms May” we are featuring that most beloved and versatile piece of equipment, the rigid heddle loom. For those of you still on the fence about investing in a rigid heddle, trust us – you will love these little workhorses! (And we’re always here to help when you need inspiration, or just a little hand-holding!)

Easy Weaving with Little Looms a Special Issue of Handwoven 2017

In this week’s newsletter we’re republishing our guide to selecting the right rigid heddle loom, so you can review all the models we stock by feature, size, price, and brand. You’re always welcome to call or email if you’d like some one-on-one help selecting your loom. For great instruction and inspiration, our favorite rigid heddle books are on sale for a limited time here:

The Weaver's Idea Book - Creative Cloth on a Rigid-Heddle Loom

Disc. or unavail.

Get started with the right tools now, and be ready to weave with us as we roll out new weaving kits for rigid heddle looms this summer and fall. From accessories, to table linens and home decor, each kit will have helpful tips online as well so you can enjoy all the help you need as you get underway!

Buy the featured books above on sale now – plus these Tapestry Weaving Favorites – by midnight EST, Tuesday, May 30th, and take advantage of FREE SHIPPING too!

(remember to use code MEMD2017 for free shipping)

Related items of interest:

Jumpstart your summer projects with Jo Sharp cottons!

Jo Sharp Cottons – on sale now, only $7.00!

New Book! Framework by Norah Gaughan

framework

New Weaving Magazines – Handwoven & VÄV

Weaving inspiration for summer, when color and creativity abound…

VÄV

Looking for gorgeous projects…? Dive into these summer wonders:

Handwoven

If you’re thirsty for even more finishing expertise…

New! Try-It-On Tubing and other handy knit-knacks

New Spin-Off – Summer 2017 issue

Another season, another new Spin-Off magazine!

Vogue Knitting Summer 2017

VOGUE: The Lace Escape

Also in this issue…

Editor’s Favorites:

Free Shipping – Memorial Day Weekend!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Little Loom Wrap Up

Long live little looms!

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