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.

Even if we aren’t all knitters, we’re still connected to yarn somehow in our lives. This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about gifts we’ve received, projects we’d like to knit, and a very exciting new book.

My co-workers gave me this beautiful afghan that they knit in Berroco Vintage as a wedding gift for me and my husband, who also works at WEBS.  I love it so so much.  It’s incredibly soft, machine washable and they couldn’t have picked better colors!  They also did a great job keeping their plans a secret at work.  I never suspected a thing! > Lindsey T.

My mom made this hat out of Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage in Charcoal for me. I really like how soft is is and it’s warm without suffocating my head! I can wash it and dry it too without it shrinking. < Jeff G.

Madelinetosh Merino Light in Fathom - My wife recently knit me a hat with this yarn and I love it. The colors are great and it feels really nice on my head. It’s warm and stylish! > Ken T.

Valley Yarns 448 Fiddlehead Set and Southwick Yarn – I packed this into an order the other day and was really into how Emma used the fiddlehead motif in the design of the mitts and beret. I like that she chose Southwick because it is soft and lightweight for the Spring. > Angela Z.

One of our store managers, Leslie Ann Bestor, wrote Cast On Bind Off, a book all about the many ways to cast on and bind off for projects. I love how it’s spiral bound so it lays flat on the couch while I’m following along. I thought I was done buying knitting reference books, but this one I just had to have. Nothing else in my collection is so comprehensive. > Grace H.

This week, The Buzz at WEBS highlights our fabulous store staff! Our store staffers are on the floor with customers all day; working hands on with our products and getting great feed back from our customers too.  Here’s what the store staff is buzzing about this week…

Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage has been a favorite of mine since it came out. I still had a few skeins from my Christmas knitting, so I decided to use it for these sweaters for twins that are due soon. Knitting for newborns is fun but usually the sweater only lasts a few weeks and then is put away, so I put the sweater on a bear that hopefully will be a blessing for years to come. The pattern is Manda Ruth by Jane Richmond. > Lise G.

One of my favorite podcasts is Knitting Pipeline. I needed a simple project to work on while watching my grand kids and traveling in the car and this worked beautifully. The pattern is Piper’s Journey by  Paula Emons-Fuessle. This pattern works beautifully in any gauge but I  had a cone of our wonderful closeout 2/8 wool so I wound it into 4 pies and had a beautiful shawl to wear on the back deck instead of the Beauty and the Beast comforter I usually grab!! > Lise G.

An ode to Swans Island Worsted: When my Mom suggested I make my brother a gift for his graduation, I knew it would have to be made from a very special yarn. I decided to make him the Laredo sweater vest because every English major worth their salt needs a sweater vest! Plus I wouldn’t have to knit sleeves! After much agonizing, I settled on Swans Island Worsted in Indigo and I was so pleased with my choice. The organic merino fiber is so soft and lofty, the hand dyed color deep and right knitting it was an absolute joy. There is one pit fall to knitting with this yarn, many of the colors have an indigo based dye which caused some (unavoidable) dye rub-off on my hands. However, the dye is not toxic and washes off easily. As you can see, the finished product is so beautiful that it was well worth that small inconvenience. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I am already planning to knit The Sullivan Street Cardigan for myself! > Greta S.

Wearwithall: Knits for Your Life - This brand new volume, a collaboration by several knitwear designers, will please adventurous beginners and those with lots of knitting experience. There are a variety of stylish and timeless garments and accessories for home and family: many would make beautiful gifts. The patterns appear to be clearly written, and, many use yarns we carry (Rowan Kidsilk Haze, Berroco Ultra Alpaca, Cascade 220 and Louet Euroflax among others. This book is a keeper! > Stephanie G.

When I needed to match a top to a jacket, I brought it to WEBS and found Juniper Moon Farm Findley Dappled in color 104. The yarn is wonderful to work with and I love the final product to be worn to my 50th Nursing School reunion. > Marion H.

I have wanted to knit the Wingspan scarf that’s been in the “top 10 patterns” list on Ravelry, and I finally cast on! Plymouth Gina seems to be made for this pattern. The gradual changes of the colors are wonderful! The yarn is really nice to work with too. > Danielle D.

Circular Knitting Workshop by Margaret Radcliffe – There is lots and lots and lots of useful information in this book! Excellent and colorful pictures highlight text and techniques. Lots of patterns (including converting flat to circular) that work for beginners and more experienced knitters. The format is clean and nicely done too! > Nancy B.

This week the staff at WEBS has a lot to Buzz about! Our Anniversary Sale is in full swing with our new May sale yarns, and we have a fantastic new video to share!

Valley Yarns Goshen - I’m not a big fan of cotton yarns, but our Goshen is a blend of cotton, modal and silk and it’s a dream to work with. It’s happy being knitted and it crochets beautifully! On sale this month only for $2.79! Be sure to check out the great designs we have too! > Kathy E.

This week I’m buzzing about a video I shot with the Kangaroo Dyer, Gail Callahan. Gail hand dyes Valley Yarns Franklin, Charlemont, Northfield, and 2/14 Alpaca Silk in her basement, which she’s converted into a working studio. Hearing her story and seeing her workspace left me feeling inspired to rethink color and design with my own work in multimedia. This is a video I am sure to revisit when I’m needing a little inspiration. > Lindsey P.

Berroco Ultra Alpaca is a wonderful workhorse yarn. The alpaca content gives it some extra warmth as well as some drape, while the wool content gives it body and memory. With a gauge of 5 stitches to the inch you can use it for worsted weight patterns, as well as some DK weight patterns. I have some Ultra Alpaca stashed for a crocheted sweater that I’ve had my eye on for awhile, and now that it’s on sale I may just have to buy some more to make a knit sweater too. > Liz A.

Freia Sport comes in four lovely colors. My favorite color is denim. I especially like the monocromatic graduation in this colorway. This yarn would be perfect for a shawl or scarf or perhaps a cute handbag. It could make an interesting felting project too. Check out projects made with this on Ravelry. > Heidi R.

Hand Spun: New Spins on Traditional Techniques - A great new book from Pluckyfluff  (a.k.a. Lexi Boeger) with fantastic photos and fleece-to-finished yarn instructions for a plethora of art yarns, as well as some great projects to knit up with your stash of handspun goodies. With an eye for inspiration, this book is a smorgasboard of techniques, easy to follow instructions and interviews with some of the hottest fiber professionals around. A great addition to the adventuresome spinner’s library. > Ashley F.

I love the video on our Kangaroo Dyer, Gail. I like to add images and video to my Pinterest boards and browse through them when I need to get my creative juices flowing. What do you use when you need a little inspiration?

 

This week the staff at WEBS is buzzing about everything from our anniversary sale to crocheted monsters! It’s a bit of a mix this week, but the patterns being talked about are great finds.

I found the little monsters in Crochet Bakemono to be just SO adorable. The patterns are simply written with easy to follow charted instructions and whimsical illustrations that are sure to appeal to new and seasoned crocheters. And there is no better time to dive into the world of crochet monsters with Cascade 220 at an incredible sale price during our 38th Anniversary sale! Grab 3 or 4 colors and you have enough yardage to make 1/2 a dozen monsters or more. > Sara D.

I just discovered the Woobie Pattern Collection this week and was excited to see that these cute, snuggly blankets are knit in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport on sale through April for $4.89/hank. I’d love to make the Woobie Puppy in Strawberry Cream, Charcoal, and Black for my niece. > Dena C.

I just had Amy knit a store sample using Debbie Bliss Bella. I chose a pattern out of the latest Debbie Bliss magazine for spring/summer 2012. Striped Yoke Top is the name of this pattern. The yarn has incredible stitch definition. Your garment will come out fantastic with one constantly looking at it saying “did I really make that?” The fiber combination of cotton, silk and a tad bit of cashmere gives your knitted piece a nice light touch! > Karen M.

I was excited to see the new Lorna’s Laces Sportmate come into the store this week. It contains Outlast fiber which is supposed to help moderate temperature. As someone who is warm most of the time, I like this idea, especially combined with the gauge of the yarn. I think it will make a nice lightweight cardigan that I can wear indoors. The colors are rich and have a bit of a sheen. > Leslie Ann B.

It may not be new, but I’ve just started knitting with Valley Yarns Charlemont and I love it. It’s new to me! It comes in solid colors, kettle dye, and even hand dyed by the Kangaroo Dyer. I’m making the Aestlight Shawl (along with my entire office), and using Teal Blue from the Charlemont Kettle Dye. It’s subtle, so there isn’t any problem with pooling. Our education manager, Tina, is making her third Aestlight Shawl out of the solid Charlemont which is coming out really nicely too. The yarn is soft and warm but keeps the shawl light too. > Grace H.

We often have trunk shows in the store so our customers get a chance to check out the patterns from different companies in person and even try them on. Since we’re not able to share this in person with all of our customers, we thought we would try out a little show and tell similar to what we do with Valley Yarns. This is a quicker peek than we give those patterns, but we hope this will be helpful too!

Recently, we had the trunk show for Classic Elite 9167 Sanibel. The patterns are available in the book, but also individually as PDF downloads. Classic Elite Sanibel is a blend of cotton and viscose that stripes in tonal colors and also has both matte and shiny textures. It is incredibly soft and has a lovely drape that is perfect for warm-weather projects.

Island Breeze

This is a drapey, openwork pullover with a ballet neckline. Because of the open stitchwork, it stretches to fit a range of sizes, though some of use would prefer a different size. One comment most of us made when we tried it on was “oh, air-conditioned.” The openwork let the breeze in, so even though it is long-sleeved, it’s still a cool top.

Dolphin

The construction of this cardigan has a capelet, sleeves, and fronts all worked in one piece. It is then attached at the neck edge. We weren’t sure how the capelet was going to work in this garment, but we were all pleasantly surprised with the look of the cardigan.

Captiva

This simple cardigan has bracelet sleeves and shows off Sanibel’s color, and drapey finished fabric. As everyone tried it on, we found ourselves saying “that looks great!” It is a lovely basic to have in your wardrobe.

Bayou

Top has a leaf decoration at the shoulder. This small detail makes this seemingly simple short-sleeve top stand out. The front and back are identical. The top was comfortable, but some of us would have preferred to have the sleeves a different length.

In the Sanibel booklet, you’ll also find the Periwinkle headband and the Flamingo pullover. The sample of Flamingo we had didn’t quite fit most of use, but looked lovely on Dena!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this peek at the trunk show. We plan to do more as the arrive and share other store samples we have.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about old favorites, new discoveries and an exciting opportunity!

Yet another Baby Jack sweater… I wanted a very utilitarian sweater for my grandson Jack this time. One that would be easy care, wash and wear. The pattern is a hooded pullover from Cascade 220 60 Quick Baby Knits. I am using Berroco Vintage in color #5188 Juniper and Berroco Vintage Colors in color #5222 Oasis. The solid color of Vintage is creating a very subtle stripe breaking up the variegation of the Oasis Colors. I see Jack wearing this on cool summer nights and into the Fall. > Theresa B.

This week I am buzzing about our “This is Retail Video”. All of the videos I put together at WEBS are a learning experience, but this one was extra special. I had so much fun talking with the ladies who come for drop-in help every week about their experiences in the store. I couldn’t believe that some had been coming to the store to knit and crochet for over 10 years! It was so sweet to hear their stories and learn of the friendships being made right here in our store. The video has made it to the top 20 in the National Retail Federation’s “This is Retail” contest. If you want to vote for our video, you can use this link; http://www.RetailMeansJobs.com/thisisretail/SteveElkins
I know the link redirects you to a different URL, but please use it anyway. As the match-ups change, the redirected URL will too. This one is good no matter what happens. >  Lindsey P.

There are so many things that I love about Nancy’s Knit Knacks Knit-Kards. I carry a small zippered pouch of essential knitting tools that I always have on hand. The Knit-Kards fit perfectly in the pouch and are packed with so much useful information. The cards I use most often are Increases, Decreases, Yardage Table (great for figuring out how much yarn I need for a project), and Knitting Needle Inventory. I also have the Needle and Hook Gauge attached to the set of cards. This is the only needle gauge that has lasted over the years and includes sizing from 000 (1.5mm) to 35 (19mm). This would be an excellent gift for any beginning knitter. > Dena C.

I know that summer is just around the corner, but I can’t help adding to the list of mitten patterns I want to knit!  The latest pair that caught my eye are the Fenway Mittens from The Charles Collection eBook. The cables are stunning and I like the simple detail on the palm of the mitten. > Tina M.

Myself and many of my colleagues at the store were smitten by the Swans Island Yarns when they first arrived in the store. Now, with the arrival of their new Dyer’s Choice Limited Edition yarns in both fingering and worsted, I think I can safely say that we are all in love. These yarns are soft, squishy, and they come in gorgeous colorways. Plus, Swans Island has fantastic pattern support! > Liz A.

I’m excited about the Namaste Messenger Bag. It has tons of space, pockets, and a padded laptop compartment. It has a magnetic closure so you don’t have to worry about your yarn getting caught in velcro. The bag even has a zipper around the outside (like your luggage) so you can expand the inside compartment. The best part about this bag is that it’s in our Anniversary Sale! It’s normally $69.00, but it’s on sale for $39.99, which is a fantastic price for such a useful, sturdy bag. > Mary K.

Our Anniversary Sale continues on until the end of May! New yarns will go on sale at the beginning of May, so be sure to check back.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about so many different things! Weaving, spinning, knitting and yarns all make an appearance.

We’re excited about this addition to our weaving inventory. Dovetail Tapestry Beaters are elegant, beautifully finished tools to aid detail work in many aspects of your weaving. Think weaver controlled techniques as well as tapestry weaving. The contoured shape and silky feel make them a pleasure to hold. The tines are smoothly finished so they will not snag your warp or weft and the finely pointed handles allow for delicate placement in the weft. They are made in four sizes: 2”, 1 ½”, 1” and ¾”. Size refers to width at the tines. See our website for prices and ordering information. > Barbara E.

The Complete Guide to Spinning Yarn by Brenda Gibson offers a complete picture of the craft of spinning.  This book has everything from historical perspective and the basics of fiber preparation and handling, to the techniques for spindle and wheel spinning, and “recipes” to create many different kinds of yarns, all in one place. An excellent introductory book for someone just starting out in the exciting world of spinning and full of information even an experienced spinner can appreciate. > Ashley F.

I have to admit it–I don’t own any Noro! So why not start with Noro Shiraito? This luxurious yarn pairs Noro’s gorgeous colors with incredible softness. Since it’s perfect for next to the skin wear, a shawl or cowl would allow me to cuddle up to it while showcasing the shifting color changes. > Emma W.

A customer came to the shop wearing the pattern Courting Sophia which she’d knit in Valley Yarns Huntington. I fell in love with the variety of straightforward lace stitches and figured this was an oppportunity to use Madelinetosh  Tosh Lace in my new favorite color, Curiosity. This project, with its generous amount of stockinette stitch, works up quickly and I couldn’t be happier with my yarn choice. > Stephanie G.

I tend to knit with yarns that are in the fingering to DK range, but this winter when my sister showed me a super bulky circular scarf and asked for a similar one, I was happy to oblige.  I unexpectedly fell in love with the scarf I made her, (partially due to how quickly it grew!) and decided to make one for myself. It gave me a chance to try out Berroco Vintage Chunky, held doubled.  This yarn is so squishy, is easy to work with, and blocks beautifully. > Tina M.

With winter behind us and the warm weather here to stay, I’d love to know what’s on your hooks, needles and looms.  Do you stick to cotton and lace in the summer months or prepare for winter with warm woolies all year round?

This week the staff at WEBS is buzzing about some great patterns and fantastic yarns to knit them with.

I’m a big fan of the Debbie Bliss Rialto line of yarns, so soft and machine washable too. So when the new Debblie Bliss Rialto Lace passed by my desk this week I was really excited. I immediately reached for the Charcoal color which has a subtle purple-y hue to it, simply lovely. There’s also a dedicated pattern book for this yarn with many designs I’d love to knit. Topping the list is the Bobble Edged Shrug, super cute over a sleeveless dress. > Dena C.

I don’t normally gravitate to pattern collections (give me a good reference book any day), but Juju’s Loops grabbed my attention from first glance. The book is beautifully styled and contains more than a few projects I want to knit for myself. The patterns are clearly written and well-photographed; the charts and text are large enough to read easily. Best of all, many of the projects use yarn that Webs carries! > Stephanie G.

I am in love with the Cascade Softspun. We have so many amazing colors and this is such a soft and lofty yarn. I’m using 2 colors, #2823 Sphere Heather and #2816 Straw Heather, for a scarf and hat set that I’m making along with my exploring Tunisian class. (Watch for the next class schedule if you’re interested in Tunisian!) Tunisian crochet can be fairly dense and stiff, especially worked in a slip stitch pattern, but there is such life and movement with this yarn. It’s so squishable! >  Sara D.

Valley Yarns Franklin – I’ve been wearing hand knit socks for a few years now, and while almost all of them have gotten holes in the heels and on the feet, my pairs out of Franklin are still going strong. It’s actually pretty amazing! They’ve been through a lot of trade shows, long hikes, dance sessions, even the washer and dryer a few times, and they’re still looking and fitting great. I’m stocking up on more Franklin to replace all my other worn out socks. > Kirsten H.

I have a baby niece and, as a result, I’m obsessed with all things baby. When the new Little Rowan pattern booklet passed by my desk I could not contain my excitement. I think I showed it to at least fifteen people that day. The patterns are sweet and adorable without being over-the-top cutesie. My favorites are Paws, Cherry Pie, and Sweetheart. If you’ve got little ones in your life then you definitely don’t want to miss this. > Liz A.

The Kangaroo Dyer’s Color Grid has been sitting on my desk just begging to be used. I have never been able to tell which colors go well together, and this little tool takes all the guess work out. Now I have the new Valley Yarns Worsted Natural and Fingering Natural on my desk too… I think you can tell where this is going. These natural hanks are perfect to ease into the hand dyeing world. I’m a sucker for lace, and I can’t stop thinking about making the perfect hand dyed lace shawl. > Grace H.

It looks like the staff at WEBS are starting a lot of new projects! Do you always finish what’s on your hooks and needles before starting something new? There are so many beautiful yarns and patterns, they’re hard to resist!

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about a lot of  yarn used in multi-colored projects. Be sure to check them out along with the one book no knitter should be without.

Vogue Knitting Winter 2011/2012 - Zigzag Skirt - I used 2 colors of Rowan Colourspun; Jervaulx #274 and Appletree #273; Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Hurricane #632; Rowan Kid Classic in Lavender Ice #841 and Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light in Dark Grey, Light Grey, Red and Teal. This pattern was both easy and fun to knit with only a two row pattern repeat. It’s a magic skirt! So many people have tried it on and it looks great on everyone. I’m sold on the knit skirt; planning one for spring already! > Amy

When the 2/8 wool came in I knew immediately that I wanted to weave with it so I grabbed a few cones and made a sample swatch to test out some pinwheel designs. I love this wool! It weaves beautifully (I sett it at 18 e.p.i. for the pinwheels) and blooms nicely when wet finished. The hand is soft and I think it would drape beautifully for a scarf. I, however, will be making a cozy blanket! Get it quick, it’s flying off the shelves! >  Leslie Ann B.

I learned to knit several years ago and quickly discovered The Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt. Even though it was out of print, our library had one copy which I frequently checked out. I loved how comprehensive this book was. I started to contemplate buying a used copy for a couple hundred dollars. Finally, a revised edition is now available. Though $45 may seem like a hefty price for just one book, I think it’s a bargain for all of the information packed into it. And at 712 pages, that’s about 6¢ a page. I’m keeping this book by my bedside for evening reading. > Dena C.

This project was started as a “no brainer” Super Bowl project. You know, “I can knit and watch, listen, not look…”. Now the whole project has grabbed my attention, as I cannot wait to see how the colors play-out with the short rows against the regular stripes. It also became a total stash-buster as all of the pieces were just waiting to be drawn together. The pattern is Color Affection by Vera Valimaki  and I used 2/10 Merino Tencel in color Rich Purple, Malabrigo Sock in Indiecita, and 2/14 Alpaca Silk Hand Dyed. > Theresa B.

We recently had a Classic Elite trunk show in the store for the yarn Silky Alpaca Lace. One of the garments that caught my eye was High Tide. It would make a great layering piece – it looked perfectly casual over a tshirt and jeans. The yarn gave it such nice drape and, according to the store manager who witnessed many staff members trying it on, it looked pretty great on everyone. I think it would be interesting knit in a single solid color, as well. > Tina M.

Schulana Lambswool - This yarn was one of the hidden gems we discovered at TNNA. This 100% lambswool is like nothing else we have in the shop (and that’s really saying something). The yarn itself is very soft and knits at 5.5 sts on a #7-8 needle. It’s put up on a 25g ball with 109 yards. The colors are gorgeous and I can see this yarn creating gorgeous hats and scarves as well as an absolutely killer sweater or even a shawl! > Kathy E.

Zigzags, pinwheels and stripes, oh my! Color is definitely on our minds here at WEBS. How do you like to incorporate color into your projects?