We’re very excited about the new Spring Yarns from Berroco.  All the yarns are washable with a great range in weights from DK to Bulky and as always Berroco has fantastic pattern support for their new yarns.

Weekend DK – available in over 20 colors, is wonderful for striping, summer sweaters and accessories as well as children’s garments. Berroco 328 – Weekend Stripes features 12 designs using Weekend DK, Weekend and Weekend Chunky.

Karma –  with it’s unique mesh, tape construction makes for an amazingly light weight bulky yarn. Berroco 330- Karma includes 6 projects with almost instant gratification appeal.

Maya – a beautiful cotton and alpaca blend, is a much lighter weight yarn than you would expect because of it’s chainette construction. Berroco 331 – Maya includes 6 designs that are perfect mid-season pieces.

Fuji – a great blend of silk, cotton, and rayon, makes for a solid but light weight fabric that has beautiful stitch definition and would be wonderful for cables. The fibers take in the dye differently for great, subtle color depth. Berroco 327 features 6 designs using Fuji.

Floret – is another great cotton, acrylic blend in multi color strands with a great sheen that works up into a subtle, almost tonal fabric. Berroco 332 – Floret is a collection of 5 designs featuring Floret’s beautiful drape and color.

Berroco 329 – features 6 delicate, Victorian inspired designs in Lago, Seduce and Captiva Metallic.

Berroco Norah Gaughan Vol. 12 is a collection of 14 designs, tops and accessories in simple shapes with refined elaborate detailing that play with geometry, texture, and drape, featuring the full line of Spring yarns.

I’m looking forward to making the Hami tank in Fuji from Berroco 327 Fuji, the cedar colorway is calling my name!

What new yarn from Berroco are you looking forward to using?

We recently received the Spring 2013 issue of Knitscene from Interweave. It is a fantastic issue!

One project that stood out to all of us was the Salacia Cardigan designed by Josie Mercier. It is knit in or Valley Yarns Longmeadow, which is a fantastic, soft blend of cotton and acrylic microfiber.

It is worked from the bottom up in pieces. The biasing lace changes direction at the waist and pairs with the drawstring tie to create an hourglass effect.

The rest of the issue is loaded with fantastic projects that are classic and interesting. You won’t just find sweater projects – there are great hats and accessories too. I don’t often find magazines where I would knit most of the projects, but this is one of them, so it is an incredible deal. There is also a great article by Kim Werker on Maker Faire. This issue will be coming home with me.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about some belated gifts for the holidays and a stunning bag knit in Cascade 220 Sport and lined with fabric!

I’ve used Cascade 220 Sport before, but now I’m even more in love with it after making my Scallop of the Sea clutch for the Holla Knits Holiday KAL. It’s light and lofty with a wonderful texture that makes knitting time just fly by! The hardest part was picking four colors for the pattern–I chose 9451 Lake Chelan Heather, 8013 Walnut Heather, 7802 Cerise and 9408 Cordovan, but I saw countless other perfect combinations. The yarn is also just sticky enough to keep your floats in check on the most complicated of stranded colorwork patterns! > Emma W.

(Left) The book 200 Fair Isle Motifs is an amazing resource for Fair Isle knitting. I’m planning an epic project, and the color photographs are wonderful. It includes charts for each motif, an easy reference for the number of stitches and rows each motif uses, and alternate all over pattern charts based on each motif. There’s also a bit of information on how to do fair isle knitting, steaking, and the history. I’m really excited to get the time to plot out the patterns I want to use. There’s an index showing all the patterns, referencing their page number so you can browse through all the beautiful colors. I’m super glad I got this one! > Kristin L.

(Right) Being a little behind in my knitting projects (I am not even talking Christmas!!) I have finally completed the afghan designed for my nephew who was married in July. The pattern is a free Ravelry download called “Nancy’s Favourite Afghan” by Nancy Duff. I did adjust the number of squares and added my stockinette border after instead of while knitting the entire piece. I just find that it adds more stability to the piece. I used one of my all time favorite yarns, Cascade Eco+ Wool, #8010 and just love the feel and stitch definition it produces. Now let’s see if I can get it delivered before their anniversary. > Lise G.

This week the staff at WEBS is buzzing about their last minute Holiday gifts!

(Left) A couple of years ago, I decided that for our holiday photo, I was going to knit my four children elf hats. I used Brown Sheep Bulky because time was running out . I had pictured happy elves but the best picture was all of them with their arms crossed and grumpy. It is one of my favorite holiday cards and they still pull out the hats every year and wear them to school. The pattern is lossly based on the cover of More Last Minute Hats. > Amy S.

(Right) One of the best things about working at Webs is being able to make and wear festive knits around people who appreciate them. I made the candy cane striped boot toppers last year and could hardly wait to wear them again this holiday season! I also wore them to a holiday party where they were first “knitnapped” by a two year old who would not give them back until I promised to knit her some and then by the host of the party who wore them as arm warmers. These might be my “go to” gifts next year.  They are knit out of Berroco Vintage DK in red and white. I used some left over green from my stash to crochet the jingle bells on after I was done knitting. > Amy S.

My daughter in law saw this pattern on Pinterest and asked me to make it for my granddaughter. It’s called the Burton Bear Cowl and it is  super fast and easy to knit in a super bulky weight yarn. I used Rowan Big Wool and Berkshire Bulky. The pattern comes in sizes from baby to adult and is easily modified. My grandson wanted one when he saw it but he wants his in the UVM colors of green and yellow (he’s 5 mind you). > Linda B.

I knit this basic cable bag using Valley Yarns Berkshire in color #44 Tan Heather. For the asymmetrical cable, I knit Berkshire with FDC Gioiello in color #61 Foliage. I took my project to the new Beehive Sewing Studio on Pleasant Street in Northampton. The owner Tess Poe helped me create a beautiful lining for my purse, complete with two zippered pockets and a third pocket with a button closure. We ironed interfacing onto the lining to give the purse additional structure. > Heidi R.

My three year old granddaughter Beatrice is taking ballet. For Chanukah I knit this mouse with Northampton Sport. The pattern is Mousie by Ysolda. Like all of her patterns, it was well written and easy to follow. I put on the little tutu because I am also giving her the book Angelia Ballerina with it. > Marion H.

I made the High Plains Drifter shawl as a wedding present for my sister. I used Anzula Squishy in Denim and it’s amazingly soft. I loved working with the yarn and the project just flew off the needles. It’s so soft, and the garter stitch makes it nice and warm. > Grace H.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about fantastic holiday gift ideas!

I have been making these sheep for years, mostly for friends and fundraising events.  Each one seems to have its own distinct personality. I’m particularly fond of the one I like to call “little black dress”. The sheep are made with sewn felt, stuffed with wool roving and have needle felted coats. They are fun to dress up with knitted accessories. The stacking trees are crocheted and then felted.  The yarn is an Araucania closeout from a couple of years ago but they would be great in any heavy worsted weight yarn, particularly one with a little bit of a halo after felting like Valley Yarns Berkshire.  I keep them up all year round. > Amy S.

I absolutely love the Madelinetosh Vintage.  It’s super soft, the colors are great, and it’s machine washable, which is great for bigger projects like sweaters and blankets. I made my mom a sweater from it in Fathom, and she loves how it’s lightweight and warm all at the same time. I adapted the pattern Melia by Ysolda Teague. > Jackie V.

Susan Bates yarn bobs – I’m using the smaller ones with some fingering weight yarn, and it fits quite a bit of yarn. The large ones can fit a lot of a thicker yarn too. It’s so much easier than working from the ball of yarn and having to change colors every few rows. I don’t have to worry about my different colors tangling and getting in the way when I’m not working with them while doing colorwork. They hold the yarn so it doesn’t unwind, but it’s very easy to unwind a length when you need to. > Kristin L.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about gifts! We’re busy getting our gifts ready for the holidays; only a few weeks left!

( Left) I made the hedgehog wool pet as a gift for my girlfriend. The instructions were easy to follow and the pictures demonstrated every step. After I made the body, I used the finished picture as a guide for the nose, ears and coat pattern. I’d recommend wool pets for anyone looking for a fun and creative gift! > Kyle C.

(Right) I’m making several pairs of socks as gifts this year, and I’m in love with the Karbonz needles. They have the nice, sharp points I love from the Novas, but the carbon fiber has a little grip to it. The joins between the different materials are smooth, and I know I don’t have to worry about my yarn snagging. Definitely a plus when working with thinner yarns! > Jackie V.

I don’t do a ton of holiday knitting, but every year my Grandma Gen is at the top of my list to receive a handmade gift. This year I wanted to go with something beautiful but fast. The Kid Cozy Throw was exactly what I needed; a combination Berroco Boboli and Berroco Cirrus yarns knit on a large needle to make quick work. Plus, I think I like it so much that I’ll have to make one for myself! > Greta S.

When my girls were much younger I made them each Ganomy Hats and a pair of Mitered Mittens from Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Knitter’s Almanac using Noro Silk Garden. They have outgrown them now but my youngest daughter asked for a new set this year. I let her dig through my stash for yarn and she chose the new Noro Kirara, color #11. She’s thrilled with how it’s turning out and can’t wait to start wearing it. > Sara D.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

This angler fish was a very special birthday present for a dear friend’s six year old.  He loves deep sea creatures and saw an angler fish that my oldest daughter knit and loved it.  This was really fun to knit and put together.  The pattern is from Amigurumi Knits.  The book is full of all sorts of sea creatures, food and other knit animals.  The yarn I used was Valley Yarns Berkshire, for the fins and “lips”, and Cascade 220 for everything else.  He also needed a card to go with it, so I painted a miniature version of his knit angler fish.  His mother says he loves it! > Amy S.

I saw this scarf as a sample in the store, and had to make one for myself.  It’s feather light, but warm!  The yarn is Superior by Filatura di Crosa, and the pattern is Modera Mesh Scarf which was adapted from a Barbara Walker lace motif. It looks like an intricate spider web.  There’s a P5 repeat in there that I had to do with a pin, since the Superior is so fine that it was difficult to pick it up with regular needles. > Andrea V.

I recently knit the Arctic Circle Cowl from the Tundra Collection from The Fibre Company. For starters, the yarn itself, Tundra, is heavenly. It is soft and luxurious and the color is tonally rich, almost iridescent. I loved the feeling of it in my hands as I knit! The pattern was well-written and easy and because the yarn is bulky, it was a quick knit. The stitch pattern gives it some nice texture and it’s just the right size for a sweet, cozy cowl.  > Leslie Ann B.

(Left) Schacht Flip Trap – A perfect addition to either the Flip Rigid Heddle Loom or floor looms from Schacht. Use the sling to put shuttles and bobbins that you’re not using when you’re weaving. Great gift for the weaver in your life. > Gail C.

(Right) These wrist warmers are for a friend who loves just cuffs to keep her hands warm while she is working. The pattern is the Sokkelo half mitts and cuffs designed by Anna Nilsson. I chose some Madelinetosh Sock in the Tart colorway.  I knit them on our new Karbonz needles, which were a dream to knit with.  Great needles, great yarn!  One Holiday knit down, one hundred to go! > Amy S.

We have been so inspired this fall by Kristin Nicholas’ newest designs using Classic Elite’s Color by Kristin. So when we saw her new knitted stocking kit come into the store we knew it would quickly become a staff and customer favorite!

Using stunning color combinations, this kit includes patterns for both stockings and enough yarn to knit both!  These stockings will be a fun, colorful addition to any celebration.

We are giving away one Classic Elite Color By Kristin Stocking Kit this week.  Leave a comment on this post telling us why you would like to knit these stockings. You have until Monday, November 12th at 9:00am EDT when we’ll choose one comment at random.

We recently received the newest needles from Knitter’s Pride and we’re excited to share them with you. Check out the Knitter’s Pride Karbonz in our video.

The needles feature a carbon fiber body and nickel-plated brass tips. Since they are made of carbon fiber, the needles have a high tensile strength, warm feel, and a surface that helps your stitches move smoothly. They are also extremely lightweight.

Because the carbon fiber is so sturdy, Knitter’s Pride offers these needles in the smallest of sizes. We have cricular needles in 16″-40″ n US0-US4, 10″ single point needles in US0-US4, and 6″ and 8″ double point needles. The 6″ are available in US000-US4 and 8″ in US00-US2.5.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about doggie sweaters, Halloween treats and more!

Little Penny Sweater from Doggie Knits by Corinne Niessner; modeled by Juke the Miniature Pinscher – Let me just say up front that I am not the most experienced knitter here at WEBS but this was a quick knit even for me. Super easy pattern to follow and the ribbing even stretches over Juke’s harness to keep him warm on walks. The pattern called for worsted weight yarn but as Juke has little fur and gets cold easily, I wanted a bulky sweater and this pattern adapted beautifully. Just knit a sample swatch ahead of time! I wanted something machine washable so I went with Berroco Comfort Chunky due to the ease in care. I had a bit of difficulty with the yarn splitting due to so many plies. And knitting in the dark was out of the question since I had to keep an eye on what I was doing. It was also my first time working with yarn that I could not spit splice, so weaving in the ends was a bit of a challenge, but they are all on the inside now and he won’t care. I plan on knitting it again in Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Worsted next time to keep him warm through the New England winter. > Malea R.

(Left) Here at WEBS I work packing orders for shipment. When I saw this pattern come across my desk, I had to have it! I made the bag (with lots of help from one of the lovely ladies at the store) for my son to go trick or treating. It is a simple stockinette stitch that I made in Cascade 220 in Burnt Orange and Black. You can find the pattern here. > Jenny D.
(Right) I have a thing about felted bowls.  Every season I seem to come up with some reason to need a bowl.  It’s really just an excuse to try new things with knitting and felting.  These bowls were inspired by Autumn.  After a plain bowl is felted, it’s like a blank canvas.   On the pumpkin bowl with the lid, I used the “mistake” of pulling the embroidery thread too tight to my advantage.  It puckers the felt and makes it look more natural.  All the bowls were made with a closeout yarn that is long gone but could easily be made with Cascade 220 or Valley yarns Northampton held double. > Amy S.

I made this shawl to wear on my wedding day in mid-October - to keep my shoulders warm, as the ceremony was outdoors on a Berkshire hillside. The pattern is Purity by Sharon Miller and I used two skeins of Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Cream.  As written, the pattern has a “frill” on both ends, but I omitted the second one because I wanted a simpler look.  Knitting with Kidsilk Haze requires a bit more attentiveness, as the stitches can blend together - I was off on stitch count a couple of times in the lace section, but the lace section is so forgiving that I can’t tell where the mistakes are. I love this shawl, it’s so light & airy but still very warm! > Andrea V.

(Left) When I decided to knit my sister a blanket, she and I briefly argued about fiber content and yarn weight before we compromised on Spud & Chloe Sweater.  The yarn is so soft and has such great stitch definition that I want to use it for everything.  And it’s machine washable so I know I don’t have to worry about the finished project getting ruined. I didn’t use a pattern; instead I just cast on 180 stitches and knit feather & fan until it was as big as I wanted it! > Jackie V.
(Right) The first time I saw the Fibranatura Cobblestone was when I was putting it on the shelves for Stitches East.  I knew it would be perfect for children and babies.  The colors are great and it’s 100% superwash merino.  I grabbed a skein and quickly knit up the Ear Cozies hat for a friends’ two year old.  I had enough left over to knit a matching one for her baby that’s due in March.  I think I’m going to grab some more for “last-minute, I need a baby present” projects. > Amy S.