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Guest: Marji LaFreniere of Marji’s Yarncrafts in Granby, CT chats with Kathy about her shop and the 2nd Annual I-91 Shop Hop. The Shop Hop is June 29-July 1. Marji has been in business for 24 years this June! Marji offers classes and “Knit, Chat, and Get Help” classes where knitters can bring their projects in and get help and chat. A lot of Marji’s stock is beautiful hand dyes, as well as classic yarns. There are some novelties available as well. Her favorite yarn is Koigu.

When you visit during the Shop Hop,  you’ll find special guests, samples, and more. Make sure you pick up your passport to get it stamped to you can enter the grand prize giveaway. The grand prize is a massive basket full of goodies, a $50 from each shop, and an afghan that features a square designed by each shop. Each shop will be giving away their pattern with the purchase of the yarn, so you can collect them all and create your own afghan.

This Is Retail video contest update: We want to thank everyone who helped us and put up with our requests for votes, but unfortunately we didn’t win. Our contest had the greatest number of votes. We are so thankful for all of your votes an really appreciate it.

Steve’s Yarn Picks

Grignasco Springfield Vintage

BeSweet Bamboo

Classic Elite Lush Closeout

Cascade Pastaza Closeout

Berroco Pure Pima Closeout

This week’s free pattern is a crochet pattern from Tahki. The Paris Tunic is crocheted in Cotton Classic Lite.

Tahki Cotton Classic Lite is part of our Anniversary Sale, so it’s a great time to grab the yarn for this pattern. You’ll need 5-8 hanks depending on the size, so the total cost would be $22.95-$$36.72, which is an incredible deal! There are great colors available, so you’re sure to find something you like. You could go neutral with black or fun and bright with a pink!

The Paris Tunic is crocheted in one piece from the top down and it would be a great layer for spring and summer. I think that this one may actually go in my queue!

Click here for a link to the pattern.

Do you have a favorite crochet pattern that’s perfect for cotton yarn?

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We were named a Top 20 finialist in the This Is Retail Contest. We submitted a two-minute video. Please go check it out and vote for us! http://www.RetailMeansJobs.com/thisisretail/SteveElkins Voting for the first round ends Sunday, April 8th. You’re allowed to vote 10 times per day per email address. Thank you for taking the time to vote!

Guest: Bruce Weinstein, author of Knits Men Want chats with Kathy. Bruce stresses that if there’s a failure with the sweater, it’s not you! It could be the choices you make for the sweater, but he’s certain it’s a fantastic garment. He says there are things you need to know, like Rule #7: Not all men are worthy of cashmere. Interestingly, Bruce’s other books are cookbooks, and he believes that a knitting book should be no different than a cookbook – patterns (recipes) should be tested and clear. Bruce also points out that many men have multiples of things (like 12 navy sweaters) because that’s what he likes.

Bruce will be at WEBS Thursday, April 26th at 6:00pm-7:30pm. He’ll also be bringing a treat from one of his cookbooks, so you’ll want to come visit with him if you’re close!

He also has a new cookbook coming out soon and a new knitting book headed for shops in December.

Steve’s Yarn Picks

• Circulo Tecido Trico
• Malabrigo Worsted is back in stock – get it while you can!
• Plymouth Scandalicious

Anniversary Sale Weaving Yarns

• Valley Yarns 8/2 Tencel (our most popular weaving yarn)
• Valley Yarns 3/2 Valley Cotton
• Valley Yarns 10/2 Valley Cotton
• Valley Yarns 60/2 Silk

These will only be on sale the month of April. Check out all of the weaving yarns in our sale.

Make sure you also check out the mill ends we’ve received recently

Our Next Big Adventure: We recently purchased a new building 6 miles down the road in Easthampton. This location will only be shipping and customer service. The store will not move and this new space will not be open to the public. The back warehouse will still be shoppable, it’s just the behind the scenes portion that’s moving.

This week’s free pattern is absolutely adorable! We’re featuring the Bunny Nuggets from Danger Crafts.

I love all of the Danger Craft patterns and these are no exception! Not only are they ridiculously cute, they’re also super fast and a great way to use up scraps of yarn.

You can use any gauge yarn you have. Choose sock yarn and you’ll have a tiny bunny friend, bulky yarn and you’ll have a bigger pal. I love the safety eyes and safety noses, but if you’re thinking about giving one of these cuties to a young child, you’ll want to embroider or needlefelt the face.

With Easter just a couple of days away, I’m thinking of whipping up a few of these to give to my favorite kids (and maybe some grown-ups too!).

Click here for a link to the free pattern.

Do you have a favorite critter pattern?

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Our 38th anniversary is happening and so is Kathy and Steve’s 10 year anniversary at WEBS.

Guest: Andra Asars, our Berroco sales rep reminisces with Kathy and Steve about when they started 10 years ago and Andra and Kathy chat about yarns and Pinterest!

• Berroco Lago
• Berroco Captiva

Andra and Kathy are still a little unsure of Pinterest. Did you know that WEBS is on Pinterest? Check out our boards! What do you think of Pinterest?

Steve’s Anniversary Sale Yarn Picks (The sale starts Sunday, April 1st!)

• Cascade 220 (on sale April and May)
• Cascade 220 Superwash (on sale April and May)
• Plymouth Encore (on sale April and May)
• Shoppel Wolle Zauberwolle
• Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool
• Plymouth DK Merino Superwash
• Valley Yarns Nortfield
• Noro Kureyon
• Plymouth Mushishi
• Debbie Bliss Paloma

If you’re local, make sure you don’t miss out on a class with Laura Nelkin! Butin Necklace and Advanced Lace with Beads

Brenda Dayne is coming May 8th and 9th. If you’re interested in a class, or the event, make sure you sign up! Space is limited.

Tent Sale is May 19th and 20th.

This week’s free pattern is from ChickenBetty (aka Sara, our crochet-guru!). The Longmeadow Cuff is a great way to practice your broomstick lace.

The cuffs are worked in Valley Yarns Longmeadow, which is a wonderful blend of cotton and microfiber. It’s a great yarn for spring and summer!

Have you ever tried broomstick lace? I created a shawl using the technique several years ago and it was pretty fun. At first, it was a little nerve-wracking sliding those loops off of the big needle, but after a while, I got used to it and it was tons of fun!

Click here for a link to the free pattern.

Do you think you’ll give this technique a try?

Hello! Our last Valley Yarns Show and Tell for Spring is 450 Purlless Pullover. It is knit in Valley Yarns Goshen. A most unusual and fun way to make a one-piece, seamless pullover without any purling: nalgar sleeves (raglan spelled backwards)! This construction method makes built-in sleeves that get longer as they get wider, so it’s great for warm weather, shorter-sleeved garments. Worked in the round from the bottom up, it also features a cute garter stitch yoke that highlights the construction and avoids purling.

We tried on the 36″ size.

Kirsten
Height: 5’3″
Bust: 37″
Waist: 30″
Hips: 42″

I loved knitting this tee, and it’s really nice to wear, too! Probably not over another t-shirt, though.

Grace
Height: 5’0″
Bust: 38″
Waist: 30″
Hips: 38″

This tee was too small. I’d need to go the next side up. The sleeve length is great but I might make it a little longer. I’d use a different color too. The white was too light against my fair skin. A darker color would make a great warm weather tee.

Dena
Height: 5’4¾”
Bust: 35½”
Waist: 29½”
Hips: 40″

This sweater felt great against my skin. The combination of the softness of the Goshen and the relaxed fit would make this the perfect weekend sweater to pair with my favorite jeans or comfortable skirt.

Mary
Height: 5’4″
Bust: 39½”
Waist: 32″
Hips: 43″

This is a comfortable pullover and I’m a huge fan of Goshen. I think I’d like to make this a lot longer. Almost as long as the tank I have underneath it. I’d also knit it in a different color. I look better in darker colors.

Liz
Height: 5’7 ½”
Bust: 36¾”
Waist: 34¾”
Hips: 38½”

Love, love, love this tee! Goshen feels silky and cool against the skin so its great for the warmer months. I think the sleeve detail is a simple but very interesting touch. And the delicate detailing on the v-neck is really lovely too. Plus, no purls! A home run in my opinion. This size seems to be a pretty good fit for me so I wouldn’t change a thing.

That’s it for the Valley Yarns Show and Tell for Spring. What was your favorite sweater?

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Steve is in the studio alone and Kathy calls in to the show!

WEBS won’t be at Stitches South year. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fit into our schedule this year and we have some great things going on behind the scenes that we’ll share in the next few weeks that require a lot of Steve and Kathy. If you’re in the area, make sure you go check out all of the awesome vendors there and incredible classes!

We will be at Midwest and East.

Anniversary Sale starts April 1st online and April 2nd in the store. Along with the Anniversary Sale, we have our Tent Sale May 19th and 20th and our Fleece Market is only on that Saturday. You don’t want to miss it if you’re at all able to get to the store! You’ll find incredible savings on fantastic yarns. At the Fleece Market, you’ll find local shepherds and hand dyers sharing their products.

On May 8th and 9th, Brenda Dayne will be at WEBS. If you want to take a class with WEBS, make sure you sign up soon! The event will have a maximum number of people, so make sure you register for the event. If you don’t register, we won’t be able to accommodate you.

If you’re local, the River’s Family Music Meltdown & Book Bash is happening Saturday, March 31st at JFK Middle School. You don’t want to miss out on this great event. There are authors, musicians, and more!

Steve’s Yarn Picks

• Circulo Renda Trico Margarida
• Circulo Tecido Trico
• Dream in Color Starry
• Noro Ayatori
• SweetGeorgia CashSilk Lace
• SweetGeorgia Tough Love Sock
• SweetGeorgia PDF Patterns
• Malabrigo Finito
• Knitting Fever Luxury Silk
• Knitting Fever Merino Flounce
• Jenny Watson Babysoft DK
• Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK
• Jenny Watson Pattern Books
• Cascade 128 Tweed Closeout
• Louisa Harding Sari Ribbon is back

Next week we kick off the Anniversary Sale!

Today’s free pattern comes to us from Juniper Moon Farm and features one of their newest yarns Sabine.

Carlyle is a cardigan that with an off-center button, cables, and a touch of added color with the contrasting color edging that perks up the sweater.

Juniper Moon Farm Sabine is a great blend of cotton, royal llama, and merino. The different fibers mix together to create a slightly heathered look. It will work up into a soft, light fabric.

Click here for a link to the pattern.

Hello!

Today we’re featuring 449 Bridge Cardigan in our Valley Yarns Show and Tell. It is knit in Valley Yarns Berkshire. Long, extra wide fronts and an extra tall neck surround you in warmth. Ties at the yoke create a gathered look. The cardigan is worked sideways from the cuffs-in and joined together at the center back with a technique that’s a lot more fun than Kitchener stitch.

We tried on the 36″ size.

Kirsten
Height: 5’3″
Bust: 37″
Waist: 30″
Hips: 42″

This was definitely an experiment with sweater construction and a different kind of closure, but the result is surprisingly wearable, and very warm!

Grace
Height: 5’0″
Bust: 38″
Waist: 30″
Hips: 38″

This cardigan fit really well, but made me a little top-heavy. Maybe I’d make the bow out of a thinner yarn, or just make it a little smaller in general. Making that fabric a little lighter would even out the proportions.

Dena
Height: 5’4¾”
Bust: 35½”
Waist: 29½”
Hips: 40″

This was a comfortable, warm sweater. But I would want to leave off the yoke ties. They just produced too much fabric at the top of the sweater. I’d rather close the sweater with a shawl pin.

Mary

Height: 5’4″
Bust: 39½
Waist: 32″
Hips: 43″

I didn’t totally love this cardigan. I feel like there was too much fabric for me. I did really like it without the ties on the front. Without them, it’s a nice, simple cardigan, and Berkshire is a great warm layer, so I think it would work well for an outer layer in the fall.

Tina
Height: 5’2″
Bust: 40″
Waist: 33½”
Hips: 43″

I think the size is right for me, and I like the horizontal element created by knitting it sideways.  It is super warm and cozy.

Liz
Height: 5’7 ½”
Bust: 36¾”
Waist: 34¾”
Hips: 38½”

I think this cardigan would be great on the right person, but I don’t think it was built for me. I like it best when the cardigan is completely closed. My white shirt peeking through is a little distracting. I think I’d make one size larger and lengthen the sleeves so that they go just past my wrists. The front tie gives this cardigan a little retro vibe and it draws the eye up to the neck and face, which is nice. The Berkshire yarn would be nice and warm for the late fall and winter months, but its a bit too warm for the coming spring.

We have one more sweater from the Spring catalog for next week!