This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

Jeff’s mother, Lise, made him yet another fantastic hat for winter. Windschief by Stephen West was knit out of Jade Sapphire Brigadoon to create this hat. Jeff says it’s so soft, “It feels like my head is surrounded by puppy ears!”

I was looking for a fun and colorful scarf to brighten up my winter. This pattern (Mister Hannah from the CEY Color By Kristin Book 2) was easy to follow and the colors really zing! I used the “Color by Kristin” yarns called for; Raspberry, Spring Green, Geranium, Turquoise Sea and Aubergine. The contrast stitching and tassels really make it work! > Suzette J.

I love seasonal accessories. Luckily, I work at Webs. I have access to the best raw materials and after I’m done, I can wear my crazy knitwear around people who will appreciate it. These arm warmers and boot toppers were inspired by my favorite seasonal candy, Candy Corn. I started to see all sorts of knitted things based on Candy Corn all over the internet. I thought I would make my own. These were made with some yarn off our bargain shelf, but could easily be made with Cascade 220 fingering in Burnt Orange, Goldenrod, and White. They were quick to knit up and have already been stolen by my 13 year old! > Amy S.

The Spring Ribbed Cardi by Hannah Fettig was a lot of fun to knit! While being fairly easy to knit I love the free and easy look of the finished cardigan. I used a discontinued yarn to knit mine, but some great substitutes would be Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, Madelinetosh Sport, or (if you want something really luxurious) Madelinetosh Pashmina. > Greta S.

With a birthday coming faster than I realized and loving the challenge of a new pattern I decided that would take one of my workhorse yarns, Berroco Comfort on a recent trip with my husband. I heard for years about The Wonderful Wallaby pattern yet had not taken the time to research and make it. It was such a wonderful knit and I loved the process so much that not only did I make Luke his for his first birthday but also one for Hannah for her first day of preschool. > Lise G.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about some beautiful finished projects!

When I worked at Stitches Midwest this August, I couldn’t keep my hands off the super soft Malabrigo Finito. In a spontaneous moment, I thought of a simple shawl shape that I could easily knit while working and travelling, and the High Plains Drifter was born! Since quantities of Finito are limited, I made sure the pattern could be knit in any yarn, with any gauge or yardage. I think it would look incredible in the new BFL Hand Dyed. > Kirsten H.

I recently finished Valley Yarns #487 Dappled Shawlette. I loved knitting the pattern. It was just complex enough that it wasn’t completely mindless, but it also wasn’t so complex that I was pulling my hair out. While the Valley Yarns Charlemont Hand Dyed that the pattern is done in is gorgeous, I was drawn to the Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in Flashdance as soon as my co-worker Lindsey suggested it. I love deep, bright pinks and purples and since most of my wardrobe is black and gray with a few pinks and purples thrown in, this was a perfect choice. It was already cool enough here for me to wear it and I absolutely love it. > Mary K.

I loved the Loire Cardigan from the moment I laid eyes on it. I started this back in August when I was on vacation and I was able to finish it in about 2 weeks! It was fun and quick to knit and I enjoyed in bottom-up construction. I had never knit a simultaneous set-in sleeve before, but I think it is a really flattering shape and much easier than I thought it would be. Also, my coworker Emma had the brilliant idea to put the lace panel on the sleeves as well and I liked it so much I did it too. > Greta S.

I was getting ready to leave for a week long beach vacation and needed a project. I fell in love with the Color Affection shawl by Veera Välimäki, but I was really itching for a crochet project. I found Stephanie’s Wrap by Julie Blagojevich. Inspired by Verra’s design, Julie adapted the pattern so a similar effect could be achieved with crochet. I used Fiber Company Canopy and it was super soft and great to work with. I was able to work up this project in a little over a week. It’s a cold and rainy day here in Western Mass. today, and this shawl is keeping me nice and cozy. > Grace H.

This week, the staff at WEBS is excited about Heidi’s Catkin shawl! We have two buzzes for it this week, along with other stunning projects and yarn.

The pattern I knit is called Catkin by Carina Spencer, and it’s available on Ravelry. The pattern may seem intimidating, but it is just very thorough. Madeline Tosh Merino Light and Madeline Tosh Sock are recommended. If you use Tosh Merino Light, you only need one skein of each  color. I used Tosh Sock in Ginger and Byzantine for this catkin, which required one skein of Color A and two skeins of Color B.  This project is so much fun! > Heidi R.

Heidi passed by me in the store last week wearing this beautiful shawl she knit to wear to her friend’s wedding and I immediately stopped her to see if I could take her picture. It’s the Catkin Shawl by Carina Spencer. I love the colors, the way the stripes swirl about her shoulders, and that awesome pattern on the bottom. She used two colors of Madelinetosh Sock, Ginger and Byzantine. > Lindsey T.

I knit this store sample out of Jade Sapphire’s new yarn, Brigadoon – washable cashmere? Yes, that’s what I asked. I washed it in the machine on gentle cycle with Eucalan. Dried flat. It washed well and is so soft. We all can’t stop holding it. The pattern is the Getting  Purly with it Brigadoon Neckwarmer. > Marion W.

When Juniper Moon Farm’s Marlowe yarn crossed my desk, I was immediately hooked by the variegated colors, which are so sheeny, they seem to glow. Marlowe is 50% Merino, 50% silk, so this single ply beauty is really a luxury item–it’s perfect for special accessories. Stephanie swatched Marlowe and she reports that it knits easily and isn’t at all splitty. She used a Barbara Walker Indian Cross Stitch pattern (from Volume 1, p. 112) to show how a bigger, stockinette-based pattern makes the most of Marlowe’s busy variegation. The swatch is fantastic – Marlowe knits up into a substantial fabric with nice drape. I can’t wait to make one of Marie Grace Smith’s cowls from the Marlowe pattern book, maybe the honeycomb patterned Terra Cowl. It’ll keep me cozy and stylish all winter! > Kendra C. and Stephanie G.

I recently knit the Cloudy Day beret from Never Not Knitting. It was a great pattern that ended up being a fairly quick knit. I knit it in Lorna’s Laces Sportmate. This is one of Lorna’s Laces yarns that contain Outlast – a fiber designed to help regulate body temperature. I thought that this would be a great option for a hat and I’m excited to wear it more often once the weather starts to really cool off. > Mary K.

I took an end of the summer trip to the beach last weekend and I wanted a quick and easy project to knit. The Chrysanthemum Hat knit in Valley Yarns Buckland seemed just right. I decided to add striping with the golden rod and charcoal colors, and I really liked the outcome. Buckland is one of the newest valley yarns we have in the store. It’s super easy to knit with and leaves you with a garment that’s really special. This pattern is free and looks great on both men and women. Check out the video below for a closer look at Buckland! > Lindsey T.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

A good friend of mine was turning 50 and I really wanted to knit her something special. After narrowing down hundreds of patterns, she decided she wanted a cardigan from Knit, Swirl! in a beautiful charcoal color of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. We decided the Plum Perfect pattern would be the right silhouette for her. It was a bit daunting starting since you cast on 513 stitches around the outside of the swirl. But working a few rows first before joining made it a lot easier to not introduce a twist. Since this sweaters is constructed so differently than any other sweater I’ve made, it was a ton of fun to knit and to see how it magically came together at the end with only one seam. I really want to make one for myself now, maybe the Sheer Beauty which alternates rows of lace yarn and DK yarn creating sheer stripes. > Dena C.

Metalico, the new yarn from Blue Sky Alpacas, was so nice to knit. I was lucky enough to snag a skein to knit a swatch for the store and I loved every minute of it! The yarn is so soft and warm, yet it is surprisingly light. It absolutely begs to be knitted into lace, as evidenced by my swatch. > Greta S.

Classic Elite Yarns Blackthorn was knit up into this fantastic wrap for a store sample, and I have to have it! It’s Widgeon Hill and you can find it in the new Classic Elite pattern book 9182 Blackthorn. It’s wonderfully warm and the sample is very long. You can wrap it several times around your neck for extra warmth and protection from winter wind. It’s also crescent shaped, so it sits really nicely over your shoulders so you can easily wear it as a traditional shawl. > Grace H.

I’m always excited when we publish a new season of classes, but fall tends to feel extra special to me. Maybe because I’m so happy for the air to get cooler and looking forward to yarn weather. This fall we are kicking off the schedule with two of the things I am most excited about – The Valley Yarns Trunk Show event, and an ergonomics class with Physical Therapist and knitter Carson Demers! At the Valley Yarns event you’ll be able to try on our new designs, get a sneak peek at the holiday designs, ask Kirsten Hipsky questions and try out our newest yarns. (It’s free, but we ask you to register.)  Carson Demers is offering two workshop options for learning about avoiding aches and pains while knitting – something I know many of us can use advice on. These both happen in September, so don’t miss out! > Tina M.

I was so excited when I saw a copy of The Beaded Edge 2 arrive at the store I ran right to the registers and bought it! I have Midori’s first book and I’ve dreamt of making beautiful beaded edges for everything but until now I’ve never actually done it. Once I had this book in my hands I grabbed a cone of UKI 20/2 mercerized cotton in dark grey and then headed down to the local bead store to find the perfect little pink beads. I’m so excited about getting the first full scallop done, I may just make this piece into a necklace. > Sara D.

This week, the staff at WEBS has some fantastic buzzes! A stunning Daybreak shawl by Greta, Kerry’s Smooshy with Cashmere projects, everything you need for your own Dr. Who scarf and more!

Daybreak is a wonderful semi-circular shawl pattern from Stephen West. At first I didn’t want to jump on the Stephen West band wagon, but now I’m hooked! Knitting it was a breeze and I had so much fun doing those little stripes. I used two colors of a heavy weight sock yarn I bought at Stitches, but you can use pretty much any fingering weight yarn. Try Valley Yarns Charlemont in Solids, Kettle Dye and Hand Dyes! > Greta S.

I am a huge fan of the vibrancy and variation of Dream in Color yarn, and the moment I touched a skein of Smooshy with Cashmere in the It’s a Sparkler colorway, I just had to have it! It really is SO smooshy that I wish I could make a bed with hanks of it and curl up to sleep! The colors worked up even better than I’d hoped in my shrug, and still looked great in a little knitted cuff I made out of a bit of the extra. I can’t wait for cooler weather so that I can start wearing this! > Kerry T.

I walk through the warehouse several times every day and enjoy seeing the ever-changing landscape of yarn closeouts. Occasionally a yarn in the warehouse makes me smile every time I pass, and recently that yarn has been Manos del Uruguay Rittenhouse Semi Solid.  The colors of this semi-solid yarn are just stunning.  I can’t help but stop at the shelf it is on and think about which colors I would mix together for a fun striped project!  At the moment I’m really loving the colors Thistle and Citric. But there are so many possibilities. > Tina M.

Well, I’m excited about the new Classic Elite yarn line Color by Kristin for a slightly nerdy reason, and I’m not ashamed to admit it! Fans of the classic Sci-Fi TV series Doctor Who remember the Doctor’s iconic scarf, and for knitters seeking to make one of their own, matching those colors properly can be a challenge. As your lines change and companies come and go, that perfect match can be here and then gone again. This lovely yarn, a 3-ply blend of wool, alpaca and mohair, features several colors that perfectly compliment the original scarf, especially the October leaves and the Deep Forest colors as well as Yarrow and Mushroom. The Doctor Who scarf in all its various forms is painstakingly detailed season by season at www.wittylittleknitter.com if you’d like to get started on a scarf yourself. > Ashley F.

I’m very excited about Ann Budd’s newest book, The Knitter’s Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters. This new volume is formatted in the same way as her previous volumes, The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns and The Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns. Designs are organized by sleeve type and accommodate a range of yarn weights from fingering to bulky. Following the instructions is straightforward and the results are always rewarding. I’ve successfully used each of these books as templates to jumpstart my own knitting designs. This volume also includes new top-down designs by several knitting luminaries including Jared Flood, Pam Allen and Veronik Avery. If you’re ready to expand your knitting skills, I think this book is a must-have for your knitting library! > Stephanie G.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

I  just made the new Noni Anouk felted bag for the store. I used 3 skeins of Valley Yarns Northampton. The kit comes with the pattern and all of the hardware you need to make the bag. It does not include the yarn, so you get to pick what you want! The hardware is quite nice, and the fact that it comes with all the components including feet, handle that also has a chain, a lovely magnetic closure, Noni Designs decal and a nice sturdy canvas to cut out for the inside of the bottom of the bag make it so you don’t have to hunt down each part for this bag. One stop shopping, that’s what I like! The pattern was easy to follow and fun to make. I will definitely be making one of these adorable bags for myself. > Karen M.

Kerry is knitting the Nemi Lace Cowl in Valley Yarns Charlemont Hand Dyed in color Oak Grove – This is the first project where I’ve had the opportunity to knit with yarn dyed by the Kangaroo Dyer, and I couldn’t be happier. Not only is Charlemont a pleasure to work with, but the colors are just gorgeous! > Kerry T.

I’ve been wanting to make some crochet rag rugs and was a little put off at the thought of spending my time cutting up old sheets into strips when I remembered that we carry Poppana which is essentially the same thing! I swatched on a couple larger hooks, K and N, and I’m really happy with the results. This may turn into some pretty terrific holiday gifts. > Sara D.

I absolutely love the new crochet book, Unexpected Afghans by Robyn Chacula. Her premise of using veteran crochet designers to use their specialty in crochet to design something that they would use as a piece in their homes has worked beautifully! I have begun two for wedding presents and am thrilled to be able to have so many to chose from in one book!! > Lise G.

When the “Gleener: The Ultimate Fuzz Remover” came across my desk, I was pretty skeptical. One pilly old sweater later, I’m a convert. The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold, which counts for a lot because de-pilling a sweater can take a while. What I really like is the Gleener’s three different blades: one is coarse, for heavier gauges and aggressive de-fuzzing; one is in the middle; and one is really fine, for cashmeres and fine knits. The blades are easy to take on and off.  And after I get rid of the pills, I turn the Gleener around and brush my sweater down with the “velvet lint brush.” The lint brush gets all the little bits left over, and the sweater looks great. I plan to try the Gleener on other fabrics–fleece, boiled wool blazers, whatever needs a little sprucing up. Watch the video below to see the Gleener in action! > Kendra C.

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Guest: Andra Asars, our Berroco Yarns Rep., talks with Kathy about the new Fall yarns from Berroco.

They chat about the new engineered yarns, Cirrus and Elements as well as Boboli and Boboli Quick.  Andra mentions a pattern she’s working on from Norah Gaughan Vol. 11, and two free pattern from the Berroco website: the Checkerboard Throw and the Woodhaven mittens.

They also discuss Andra’s conversion to Knitter’s Pride Interchangeable Needles, Stitches Midwest and Kathy’s second Super-Big-Exciting announcement for the Fall schedule.

Kathy and Andra’s Yarn Picks:

• Fiber Company Tundra
• Cascade Yarns Sitka
• Cascade Yarns Venezia Sport
• Cascade Yarns Casablanca
• Euro Yarns Broadway
• Wisdom Yarns Poems Silk
• Cascade Yarns Cotton Rich DK Closeout

• Clones Irish Lace event and demonstration with Maire Treanor in store on July 28th

This week the staff at WEBS is buzzing about a beautiful, lightweight shawl that’s perfect for warm weather knitting. Also, a warm and cozy cowl for when winter finally returns! And two fantastic book reviews from our weaving expert Barbara and our spinning expert Ashley.

For my first mystery shawl KAL, I decided to be good and went stash-diving. I unearthed a forgotten skein of Ella Rae Lace Merino and gave it some love by knitting up this airy lace shawl. The Lace Merino blocks out better than I dreamed, soft and drapey with crisp stitch definition. And as luck would have it, the autumnal red tones and lacy leaf motif go together perfectly! > Emma W.

It might be 100 degrees out right now, but we can’t forget that winter will come again eventually. Cowls are my favorite accessory and I wear them outside under a warm coat, as well as around the office on chilly mornings. The Valley Yarns Bell Lace Cowl is the perfect length. I can wear it long as an accessory, or wrapped around twice to be kept extra warm. It’s knit in super soft Northfield so its perfect to be worn up against the sensitive skin on your neck and face. > Grace H.

I like to spin on my Ladybug in the summer while I sit out on the deck in the evenings and I realized the other day that all my bobbins were full so I’ve been plying up a storm! From Left to right: Creatively Dyed Yarn fiber in the colorway Goat, Optim Merino from Ms. Gusset (a gift Kirsten H. brought back from Sock Summit last summer) and a batt of mystery fiber from Kathy Elkins massive destash event back in May. Now I have 7 empty bobbins to fill with singles! > Sara D.

The weavers among us are excited about a new book that just came in. It is Custom Woven Interiors, by Kelly Marshall, a Minnesota weaver and the owner of a production company of the same name. The book is part pictures of the warp rep rugs, throws, blankets, pillows, curtains and table fabrics in her home and part instructions for those projects. The drafts are mostly for 8 shafts, with some 6-shaft and some 10-shaft projects. Because the fabrics use a lot of colors of 5/2 cotton, but not a lot of each color in the warps, this seems like a great study group project. If each participant provides a few colors, the cost can easily be shared and everyone would come out with a great fabric. Sturdy looms required for the sett of 48 epi! > Barbara E.

Entering the complex world of natural dyeing can seem daunting, but Jenny Dean welcomes her readers to the exploratory process with clear and engaging information in Wild Color. All the equipment you’ll need and how to make sure your choice of dyepot doesn’t change your color results, how to mordant different types of fiber and choose the safest one to use for the color results you want, and how to safely work with toxic chemicals and plants without worry for your family or the environment. Color modifiers, Ph charts and a cool recipe for achieving 25 different color results from one dyebath! My favorite feature of this book is the copious information on the dye plants themselves, from flowers and leaves to barks and roots, with how to grow and/or harvest for the best color results, how much plant material is needed and the many different colors that can be drawn from the same plant. Last year’s dye experiments, guided by this wonderful compendium, yielded great results. I’m already harvesting new plants to add to my dyepot and looking forward to exploring all these wild colors. > Ashley F.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about some old yarn favorites, as well as a brand new addition to the Valley Yarns line. Ashley is buzzing about the Know Your Wheel DVD and has written a fantastic review for all the spinners out there!

I am knitting a Catkin (designed by Carina Spencer) for a friend (shhh don’t tell!) in Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light colorways Wicked and Manor. This pattern is available for purchase on Ravelry, and although the length of the pattern may seem daunting, it is very well written and easy to follow. Carina Spencer has her own site with video tutorials to aid your Catkin creation. It can be worn as a shawl with the buttons down the front or side and as a cozy scarf. I had so much fun picking colors! The Tosh Merino Light is very soft and great to work with, too. > Heidi R.

Reynolds Soft Linen – This yarn caught my eye in our warehouse! This hot coral/tangerine color is very popular this season, and I thought it would be great for accessories. I grabbed three balls of it, two of which I am making a cute clutch purse with. The linen will help make this a durable bag for years to come! > Deb S.

I had a lot of fun joining westknits Earth & Sky Mystery knitalong last summer and was super excited to see there will be another mystery shawl KAL starting soon. The Rockefeller Mystery Shawl knitalong starts July 13th, so you’ll want to purchase the pattern before then. After browsing through many fingering weight yarns, I finally decided to knit my shawl in Swans Island Fingering in Seasmoke and Tide Pool. > Dena C.

Valley Yarns Buckland – I am absolutely smitten with the newest addition to our Valley Yarns line. Buckland features the same fiber content as our Charlemont but rather than being plied, Buckland has a chain construction which creates a light, lofty fabric. It has 109 yards in a 50-gram skein and knits at 4.5 sts on a #7. My head is spinning with ideas for this yarn! > Kathy E.

I always forget how much I love Valley Yarns Amherst. Right now I’m working on a project for Kirsten for our next catalog out of Amherst and it’s incredible. It’s easy to knit with and super soft. I think it’s time to dig the Amherst out that I have in my stash and make something for myself! > Mary K-H.

Know your Wheel DVD with Alden Amos and Cindy Lair with Linda Ligon - This two-disc set is chock-full of amazing spinning wheel knowledge, from master wheel maker Alden Amos, who talks with Interweave’s Linda Ligon on the first disc, which will delight tinkerers, wheel makers and aficionados of antique double drive wheels as well as new spinners wanting to really dive into the mechanics of this fascinating tool. The second disc features Cindy Lair of Schacht Spindle Co., sharing copious wisdom on the best ways to set up your wheel, its lubrication needs, and how that applies to many different types of commonly produced modern wheels. Both discs feature tips, tricks and hints to help better understand your wheel and alleviate any trouble you might be experiencing while offering new and experienced spinners the maintenance know-how to enjoy a lifetime of worry-free spinning! > Ashley F.

It’s been a very busy start to the summer here at WEBS! We’ve just moved into our new warehouse, and we’re working on getting everything settled. Fall yarns are already starting to arrive, and the staff at WEBS is buzzing about some of the new goodies we’ve received so far. Amy learned a new skill and managed to turn her first project into a fantastic zippered bag! Kathy’s buzz reminds us of why we love our Knitter’s Pride Dreamz needles and Dena shares one of her favorite new books.

I had the privelege of taking LA’s weaving class this winter. Our second project was a twill sampler out of 2/10 Merino Tencel.  I was not happy with mine until I realized I was weaving cloth that could be cut up to make things like zippered bags.  (I can be a little slow sometimes) I made seven bags out of my sampler and have plans for many more! > Amy S.

Frog Tree Ewetopia – As a spinner, I love to examine the new yarns and how they are constructed, and this one caught my interest. One single strand of superwash treated Merino wool is plied with a single of untreated Merino wool, giving a slightly marled quality to the yarn as both plies have absorbed the color a little differently. The superwash treated ply has a subtle shine against the matte quality of the untreated wool. The different treatments will add a unique texture to this yarn after blocking and the finished fabrics it works into will have a lovely squishy softness. A really interesting yarn, and I’m looking forward to seeing some of the amazing projects folks will create with it! > Ashley F.

Imperial Yarn Columbia 2-Ply - I am in love with this yarn! The big 4oz hanks are so squishy and soft, I can imagine knitting a sweater I’d have forever. And I really like the fact that this yarn is from American wool, spun on old-school mule spinners, in a tiny town in Oregon. Imperial Stock Ranch is dedicated to sustainable land stewardship, so this yarn reflects my values. The colors are great, too– most of them are subtly heathered, and deep. I want a sweater in every color! Maybe it’s time to learn fair isle… > Kendra C.

I am so excited that our new 5/2 Bamboo has arrived! This yarn will be great for weaving all sorts of projects. The colors are vibrant and shimmery and the hand is soft and fluid. I think it is going to make wonderfully drapey fabric and can hardly wait to get it on my loom. I have been planning a rigid heddle project – a scarf with some lace details, I think. And speaking of lace, I think this will knit up into some beautiful lacework. The colors choices are incredible. > Leslie Ann B.

Dreamz Needles from Knitter’s Pride – We’ve had these needles for several months but after using them for my latest project I was reminded how great they are. These beautiful wooden needles are smooth and the yarn slides easily along and over the joins. I love the points – not to dull but not too sharp. If you’ve yet to try these needles, consider them for your next project! You can also check out a great video review here. > Kathy E.

I was impressed by how much information was packed into The Handknitter’s Yarn Guide book – all things yarn weights, yarn fibers, and yarn construction. If you enjoy shopping our yarn closeouts or are curious how different fibers such as camel or alpaca will knit up, this book is the perfect guide to helping you make yarn substitution decisions when choosing a yarn for your next project. > Dena C.