For those who missed the incredible "knit, Swirl!" trunk show from December 15th to the 26th, it was a rare treat. Since Sandra McIver published her book November 2010, knitters have been drooling and wanting to make one for themselves. This past June at TNNA Columbus, I was lucky not only to have met Sandra in person, but also see all of her Swirls. While there, I met up for breakfast with Jenny Raymond of zzJonquil Designs and Deborah Robson of "Fleece & Fiber Source Book" by Storey Publishing. Deb's Swirl is made with two different colorways of Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride. To see her twirl in her swirl, click on the below photo. I love the way it moves!

There are many Swirls made by prominent folks in the fiber world. A second one by JC Briar of the award-winning "Charts Made Simple" book is in WIP status. I have seen hers up close during TNNA also, and it is utterly elegant. During Thanksgiving, when I showed my Swirl-in-progress to a friend of Christopher and I, she was smitten by the alternating welts of reverse stockinette and stockinette stitches. Inspired, she offered to trade a substantial amount of String Theory for my hardcopy book (purchased here at The Yarn Club). Unable to refuse, I accepted her offer and handed it over. By the way, the yarn is a luxurious amount (weighing close to 7 ounces) of silk/merino sport-weight blend at $30 per 4 ounces. I think I hit a nice jackpot, don't you agree?


For those curious about what yarns to use besides the ones listed in the book, here are a few to help. *Note: You must have access to Ravelry to see the details on these projects.*

The Coat of Many Colors swirl above was made in Berroco Vintage by adixonmahatoo

ChezShea's Forest Fiesta swirl above was made in MadelineTosh DK with the Tart colorway
Jill's above Sheer Beauty was made in Malabrigo and Louet
ltlknits' Winter Waves swirl above was made in Malabrigo
knittingalways' Shades of Grey swirl above was made in Cascade Rustic
So before I digress further, here are some of the latest trunk show photos. Again I apologize if you missed seeing these beauties up close and personal because they are simply GORGEOUS.
Ann in a couple of poses:


Andrea grinning in her Sheer Beauty:
Myself unable to resist trying on a swirl in black and red:
Amanda cozying up in a swirl of Mountain Colors:
Our favorite swirl in a beautiful burgundy wine color:
Now if you still want to make your very own Swirl, do not fear because we can help you! Now that I have my first Swirl under my belt, I have figured out not only to make the very long sleeves shorter, but I also figured out how to make the pattern fit larger sizes. Feel free to drop by the shop to get twirling in a swirl!! See you soon! Kimberly =:8

Going 'Round with Alisha

While hanging out in the evenings with my friends this past June during TNNA at the Hyatt lobby area, I met a wonderful woman who was determined to finish knitting a polar bear for her booth. She was using yarn doubled on large needles, and one could not help watch her in fascination as she furiously knitted while still chatting with everyone around her. At some point, I found myself helping her by holding whatever spot she directed me to in order to sew and seam whatever needed to be done. It turned out that the woman was Alisha, and her fabulous polar bear was a cool asset to her fabulous Alisha Goes Around yarns at her booth!

Because TNNA does not allow photography on the showroom floor, the bad news is that I could only Kinnear* a shot of the finished bear in the booth. However, the good news I have is that Alisha's yarns have arrived at The Yarn Club, and they are nothing short of delicious!
To begin the list of what is still available, I must brag about my favorite - Tracks of Bison Fingering yarn. If you click on the yarn's link, you will be able to Add it to your Stash, Favorites, or Queue it on Ravelry. Why tell you now? Because you will want to after seeing this gorgeous yarn in person. Here is one of many projects that are a perfect match: the Mezquita Shawl by Roxanne Yeun. The pattern is a free download on Ravelry, and beads can be added by way of a crochet hook. Pictured below is katecknits' Bison Mezquita. Isn't it gorgeous?
The next yarns to mention are sparkly and shiny. Both "Tiding of Magpies" and the "Tittering of Magpies" are fingering weight yarns at 400-420 yards that contain just a hint of shine to catch the light. The difference between the two yarns is that one contains silk while the other contains metallic thread. Both are amazingly soft and will make your projects stunning.

My favorite project out of these yarns would be hands down HelenJ's Deep in the Forest Mittens. I am in complete agreement with HelenJ when she wrote that the glitter in the yarn made the scene look "c-c-c-c-cold."
As for going by the way of worsted, Alisha created "Stable of Horses Worsted" and the merino combined with her dyepots are truly magic. The semi-tonal colors are deep and vibrant. Our selection at the shop? Well, you will have to see for yourself, but here's a peek...
With 200 yards of machine washable 100% merino in each 100 gram skein, the possibilities of projects are endless. I see blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves (with and without fingers), even boot socks being made. A great idea came from Sjanova on Ravelry, who made an octopus with hers. I really love it!

"Marmalade of Ponies Aran" may be the last yarn I write about, but it is definitely not a least favorite one. In fact if I could, I would get every colorway that Alisha offered in this "soft and sproingy" 2-ply yarn. We do have sweater quantities, but they are limited. Shown below are the skeins "Ashes" I am eyeing. I hope you can grab them before I do!

By the looks of the projects on Ravelry, I see quickly knit garments and accessories in my future, especially for gift-giving time. Clara Parkes' "Hill Country Hat" and Purl Soho's "Bandana Cowl" are two such items. Both of patterns are knit using size US 10-1/2 needles, both only take one skein, and best of all, both patterns are free. Here is killerdaisy's "Bandit" Cowl. Can you believe that she knit it in about 24 hours tops?


I had mentioned earlier that if I could I would snag those skeins of Ashes for myself. What would I make with it? Knitty's latest Winter Issue has the Sky Isle cardigan that I think would be a perfect match. Then again, I seem to have a penchant for grey colorways...

See you soon!

Kimberly =:8

It's Knitting Men!

Inspired by what works in progress (aka WIPs) I saw during the Free Men's Knitting and Crocheting Session (the next one is December 10th at 11 AM), I have been looking through various patterns to see what to make for holiday gift giving. For those who love brioche stitch, in-house instructor Chuck Dunn (chuckldunn on Ravelry) knitted up this fabulous scarf from "Knitting Brioche" by Nancy Marchant using Berroco Boboli and Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage. I really like his color choices.
Another talented knitter is Jake Di Toro of the "Random Babblings" blog and "Karrde" on Ravelry. His latest finished object (aka FO) is "Clockwork" by Stephen West. Jake used 2 different colors of Berroco Sox to make his scarf, and it turned out great.
This gentleman has a newfound love of lace knitting. Christopher (CraftyWineaux on Ravelry) is enamored with the balance and rhythm of the yarnovers and decreases. During the Men's Session on the 19th, he was diligently working on the HPKY Scarf in a Shrug for his mother's Christmas gift. His latest FO is the "Fleurdelise One Skein Triangle Shawl" by Michelle Miller, aka FickleKnitter, that he made for me.
No photograph as of yet, but Scott Waitzer has been using the stitch pattern from Madelinetosh's Honey Cowl to knit himself a blanket. He chose Manos Rittenhouse in the colorway Cerulan (which looks like "Carolina Blue") held doubled over KnitPicks needles. In case you are wondering where the Rittenhouse is at the shop, here is a quick peek...
Our recent addition to the Yarn Club membership is Joseph Elliott, aka ACallToYarns on Ravelry. If you browse through his blog and Ravelry projects pages, you can see his talented work shine like his current WIP, the "Spanish Dancer" by Laura Patternson of Fiber Dreams, that he is making for his SuperWife. The yarn he found in the shop is Traveller from Kate of DragonFly Fibers, and the colorway is Red Bud.
My final mention is none other that designer Russell Boyd, who occasionally drops in from Murfreesboro, NC. Rusty is in Love of Knitting Magazine's Winter 2011 issue, and we are tickled to see him whenever he is here. Hmmm... I wonder if he could autograph the issues that we have left? So if you would like to meet any of these wonderful yarn magicians, definitely pop in at the next Free Men's Knitting/Crocheting Session on December 10th. Of course if you would like to come on in before then, we would love to knit and crochet with you too. ;)

See you soon!

Kimberly =:8

Crazy for Cowls

Hi Everyone! We are extremely grateful for the many folks who came out to the Early Black Friday Sale we held over the weekend. Now that much of the summer stock is gone, we can stuff the shelves with more goodies from Madeline Tosh and other  yarns that are perfect for this winter and the Holiday Season. Lots of boxes are arriving daily, so Andrea has kept all of us busy in the shop with rearranging and adjusting where everything goes. For many years, cowls have made the fashion scene. From knitting 150 grams of super bulky alpaca/wool in the GAP-tastic cowl, to making Madeline Tosh's Honey Cowl in her to-die-for Pashmina Yarn, to my latest two finds: The Burberry Inspired Cowl which folks at the shop are making out of 2 skeins of either Cascade Eco Duo or Jade Sapphire 6-ply or 4-ply cashmere, and the Uber Elegant Cowl which I am making out of a skein of Dragonfly Fibers fingering weight -- cowls are a hit for both the knitter and the wearer during the winter months.

What I like best about cowls is that they stay in place as I actively move about my busy day while keeping my neck warm. I easily feel temperature changes, and having something on my neck seems to put them in check. In this photo, Donna models the Honey Cowl she made out of Madelinetosh DK in Calligraphy.

About two years ago, I knit a cowl for my sister as a Christmas gift. This year, I adapted the GAP-tastic Cowl from Ravelry to work with her busy schedule and to offer more stylish versatility. This unisex cowl also knits up FAST -- as in it only took me less than 8 hours of a day to finish!

If you want to learn how to make these awesome quick gifts, we have oodles of patterns to suggest like Berroco's made out of Souffle. It only takes 4 skeins and knits up very fast.  And if you have a pattern that you want to try, bring it in so we can get you started.

Cowls are definitely ALL the rage this winter.

See you soon!
Kimberly =:8

Diving from Spring into November

Hi there! I’m Kimberly, the newest addition to The Yarn Club family. Many of you may know me from the STITCHES Knitting Expos and my previous work with Knitter’s magazine (I’m the one constantly wearing the bunny ears at fiber events). That chapter of my life came to a close last month, but as one door closes, another one opens. I am very “hoppy” to be working with Andrea and the girls at The Yarn Club. My specialty is Social Media so I will be helping out with our Blog, Facebook, Ravelry, and other e-media. You can also find me in the shop on Thursdays and Saturdays. Since Andrea has had absolutely no time to write I will be keeping everyone up to date with all the happenings at The Club. Here are some of the highlights since May and some events to look forward to this Fall...

Spring and summer whooshed by so fast, we have had no time to talk about the fun that happened!  Back in June, Dianne Lutz of Creatively Dyed Fibers taught a workshop on how to dye a skein of yarn while bringing her awe-inspiring trunk show.  For $75 apiece, everyone attending had the chance to play with the delicious superwash worsted merino with all shade of acid dyes.  During this exclusive workshop (only one is held per state), Dianne described what to do and what to avoid in choosing colors to make personalized colorways.  The result of that day was lots of happy customers who were able to see her fabulous yarns up close and personal without having to attend a fiber festival.



With the heat of summer now gone, we are diving head first into autumn's welcoming yarns.  The hordes of merino, alpaca, cashmere, and their blends continue to arrive.  Sally Melville's book signing on October 23rd was just one of the fun events we held to round out her Tidewater Knitting Guild of VA visit. Just recently we had a sale on all cashmere and cashmere-blend yarns to celebrate Halloween.  Right now, Sandra McIver's "knit, Swirl!" trunk show will be here to coax all who touch the fabulous jackets into making one. If you have not heard of this book yet, stop by The Club and ask to see the "Sheer Beauty" I am knitting for the shop using Madeline Tosh DK in Whitewash and Cascade Yarns Kid Seta in Silver.  For specific details, check out Kimberly's Ravelry Sheer Beauty project page.



We also have 2 events happening very soon: the first is our 2-day "Early Black Friday Sale" in which you can find some really great bargains from 10% to 40% off!  This big sale kicks off on Friday the 18th at 10 AM sharp. The other event is our Men's Session that offers free knitting/crocheting lessons to those guys who have always wanted to learn. This 3-hour period starts at 11 AM on Saturday the 19th. With both of these events happening next weekend, the fully stocked shelves won't be full for long.

We look forward to seeing you during one of the social knit nights on Tuesday or Wednesday and this weekend!

Bye for now...
Kimberly =:8

Oh the things you can do with a little dye and some fiber.

Every once in a while a yarn company will take you by surprise.  Where you may find your eyes delving into a skein like it was a fine painting in a museum or a breath taking sunset.  I found that feeling the first time I laid eyes on Hand Painted Knitting Yarns.  First, Bjorn finds the finest fiber; then uses it as a canvas to explore color variations and texture.    The colors explode and the textures delight.  Then it is twisted into a creatively presented braid or bundled into a GIANT skein in several possibilities.  Lastly, there are the patterns.  The guys at HPKY keep the patterns simple.  One reason is because you do not want the pattern to detract from the yarn.  Anything complicated could get lost.  Bjorn says it’s best to let the knitter use their imagination as to what to create.  He recommends letting the yarn do the talking and it will tell you what it should be.

At The Yarn Club we are so excited to have these gems in our shop.  The Venice Shawl has been making the biggest splash.  In variegated or tonal alpaca with gold glitz, this shawl is luscious.  We have been wrapping ourselves in its flowing warmth and not wanting to let go.  It’s like a cocoon of love with the colors of a butterfly.  This kit has been selling quickly, so come on in while it’s still here.

The Giant Skeins are awesome, and I do mean G-I-A-N-T!!!  16, 20 and 26oz. of pure color.  Named after the Opera, these gems can sing.  My favorite is definitely Madam Butterfly with Parsifal a close second, La Boheme and …… okay, they are all really special.  These inspiring bundles knit up the Striped Cardi or the Wavy Shawl like Rembrandt’s canvas.

Also making waves is the Regina Shawl.  We moved them to the center so you can feel the excitement in every kit.  I’m still not sure how they make this really cool fringe.  Someone please let me know if you have started yours.  The shawls are all one of a kind works of art.

Now, we have yet to chat about the fibers themselves.  Can you say A-L-P-A-C-A!!!!!!  Wow!  And Wow, again.  We have all run to the back of the store and given it a big hug.  Picture yourself knitting the perfect alpaca afghan on a cool evening with a cup of tea or a class of wine, just waiting for the weather to get a bit colder….  Okay, it’s only going to get hotter than _____ at the Beach, but this stuff is warm and cuddly and not staying around that long.  So cuddly in fact that Bjorn has a braided afghan kit named the “Cuddle Afghan”.  This simple feather and fan pattern is perfect for the softest, most cuddly, most scrumptious yarn in the shop.  We cannot forget Cuddles cousin, “Alpaca Afghan” in awe inspiring colors in a medium weight fiber.  Also shown in feather and fan, this one is just too sweet to pass up.

The newest arrival from HPKY is the Bolero.  Sporty and cute in many different colors, this one is just plain fun.  Knit with five different colors, the artist can choose which yarn to put where.  There is a different skein for the arms, the back, the fronts and the collar.  You choose and have fun with this super quick knit.

Sadly, HPKY is a trunk show.  That means the yarns are only with us a short time.  Through May you can experience the wonder of color and fiber hand crafted by HPKY at The Yarn Club.

As many of you may know, I am an artist.  This company has brought the passion of color into yarns like I do with a canvas and paint.  Inspiring all of us to unlock your inner Picasso, knitting with HPKY is like a day in an art studio.  Indulge yourself in color.

The Yarn Club's Claudia modeling the HPKY Striped Cardi made from a 20 or 26oz. giant skein.

SPRING!!!

Warm, beautiful weather is here.  I hope it is here to stay for a while.  And with the Spring holidays upon us, I thought I would get things hopping here at The Yarn Club. 

First, and by popular request, we have Ultra Pima from Cascade.  These colors are just awesome.  Twelve colors arrived and about the same are on back order.  Boo-Hoo for the back order, but this stuff is worth the wait.  The colors are so bright you need sunglasses in the shop.  Perfectly paired with the summery C2knits patterns, this yarn just announces "Spring time is here".

New shop models arrived from Tahki Stacy Charles.  We have an adorable little jacket made from Tiffany.  It's light weight and has just enough sparkle to dress up any outfit.  Perfect with jeans or for a night on the town.  We have a booklet of patterns to match with this cute yarn.  Tiffany arrived with her friend Misty.  We have a fabulous, cute Tee with a small twist in the front.  This perfect little detail really makes the sweater shine.  Misty is a light weight, light worsted yarn in soft pastel colors.  It has drape and style.  Pictured below (but covered by Marina).  These spring yarns from Tahki are sweeter than Passover wine.

Since we mentioned Marina, This scarf yarn is insane!!!!  The number one, most popular, exciting, fun, mesmerizing, and outrageous yarn of the season.  You can't knit just one.  It's worse than the jelly beans on the counter. So addicting and so much fun. The reorder is expected any minute.  The last order didn't last a week.  I stepped it up a notch and ordered more colors.  Check in often as this stuff hops out fast.

Tuesday night beginner classes start next week with Kiki.  The class is almost full, so if you are a beginner or know someone who would like to learn to knit, call now.  No class April 19th.

Finally, Rowan has shipped the remaining colors of Summer Tweed.  The Kaffe Fassett shawl, has been a huge hit at The Club.  Made from Kid Silk Haze and Summer Tweed, with grace and elegance, this shawl is a show stopper.  So, here is the big news.  Yarn Club members have requested a knit-a-long and more classes.  So we listened.  We are doing a Club knit-a-long/class for "Unwind".  Dates to be announced soon.  Cost is $25 or buy the book for $23.95.  Don't let this amazing project pass you over.

Come celebrate Spring at The Yarn Club.  "Hop" to see you soon.

Table Full of Tosh

What could be better than a "Table full of Tosh"?  NOTHING!!!!!  Madelinetosh arrived this week with a big bang.  With lots of new colors for Spring it is hard to pick a favorite.  Most customers have walked around the store holding two until  finally putting both in a bag and leaving with a huge grin, anxious to get home and cast on.  About ten colors of Pashmina came in.  Lora discovered that the Rowan book "Nectar" uses the same gauge with timeless classic patterns.  She bought the wisteria and cast on in the shop.

Soon to follow was a customer who bought this lovely lace to make a nightie.  Yes, what could be more incredible than sliding into bed in a handmade pure silk nightie.  Ooh, la, la.  Check out the pattern Sassy by c2knits and make it longer.  This is the Madelinetosh Pure Silk Lace.  At 1000 yards it is truly amazing.

We could not forget the Tosh Sock.  We now carry about 16 colors of these feet pleasing, needle clicking, wonders.  Tart has been a favorite color here at The Yarn Club and it certainly jumped right out of the box in the sock yarn.  WOW!  It's also flying out of the store like the Red Barron.  This yarn is perfect for an intricate pattern.  The tonal highlights give dimension and depth.

So whether you are knititng at night or knitting a nightie, I hope you are knitting with Madelinetosh.  Treat yourself and cast on soon.

The Miraculous Miley Tee.

How much mileage can we get out of the Miley Tee from c2knits?  Here it is knit up in Revive, a new yarn from Rowan.  This Tee has been knit for all ages in 7 or 8 different yarns and looks awesome in all of them.  Which yarn are you going to try?

Welcome!

The Yarn Club continues to grow.  Welcome to our new blog.  Here is where I will post fun knitting tid-bits, recipes and Yarn Club related stuff.  Yes, you may get a post regarding the zoo from time to time, but those who know me, know that my kids, my husband and my zoo are what makes me tick.  This is also a great place for me to give thanks to all my new customers.  I truly appreciate all your support and friendship.  Thank you Purl Girls.  And a big thank you to my Mom, Lora. 

New at the Club this week is Riveting.  This yarn is absolutely riveting.  It's made from 100% recycled blue jeans.  The patterns are fun, too.  I think the red denim is my favorite.  It's a sport weight yarn, perfect for summer.

To my surprise, Marina has been the hit of March.  I was almost sold out so I just had to order more.  This amazing yarn makes a fun rruffled scarf with just one ball.  Check out www.universalyarn.com to learn more.  They also have a great video on how to knit this crazy stuff.  We have a sample in the shop to knit on.  Come in and try it.  It's addicting.  Fun new colors are on their way.  Watch for the posts on facebook. http://www.facebook.com/Theyarnclub 

You can also join our group on Ravelry. http://www.ravelry.com/groups/the-yarn-club-inc  Catch the latest news and classes here, too.

Back in and full of style and elegance is Madelinetosh.  Great new colors of Pashmina and Tosh Sock have brightened the shelves.  I just love this company.  Making a big splash is a Rowan book ,"Nector".  The patterns call for DK weight yarn and Pashmina is the perfect compliment.  If ever a yarn was meant to be married to a book of patterns this is it.  Elegant, feminine, graceful, special.  I could go on, but I think you've got it.

Check out the website, facebook and Ravelry for great photos and ideas, then come on in and help us make your knitting dreams come true.  Yes, I do dream about yarn.

I look forward to many years and many laughs.
Happy Knitting,
Andrea

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