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.
