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Isabel, a 5th grader, joins us from Lander Grinspoon Academy. She’s spearheading a local initiative to knit scarves and hats for the homeless. Isabel had the idea when on a trip to NYC where she ended up knitting with a group in Bryant Park who were knitting scarves and leaving them tied to benches for the homeless. On her way home, she knew she needed to do something similar in our area. There are three students in the knitting group working on it, and several others working on the project at home. On November 15th, they’ll be bringing them to a local park and leave them for those who need them.

If you’d like to help, simple scarves are preferred, in a superwash wool yarn. You can send your scarves to:
WEBS
Lander Grinspoon Academy Scarf/Hat Project
6 Industrial Parkway
Easthampton, MA 01027

She’s been knitting since she was in 1st grade. Her grandmother taught her how to knit after sewing wasn’t quite working. Her first project was a scarf and she LOVES knitting them!

If you’re local, join the students on November 15th at 4:30pm in Pulaski Park, Northampton, MA to share.

Steve’s Yarn Picks:
NEW!
Valley Yarns Mount Holyoke
Mrs. Crosby Reciprocate Shawl Kit

NEW CLOSEOUTS!
Ella Rae Lace Merino DK
Louisa Harding Pittura
Debbie Bliss Roma
Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran
Mirasol Pima Splash

NOTES:

Thanks for joining us at Rhinebeck!

FREE SHIPPING on orders $75 or more ends 10/30/17.

Vickie Howell will be here November, 11th! Sign up for her class and check out The Knit Show.

We’ll be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Don’t miss our Black Friday deals in November!

Because I have been affected by our Anniversary Sale, I have been prowling around the warehouse like a thief, looking for something extraordinary to add to my ever-growing stash. (Mind you, it’s not that I need yarn. Oh no, no, no.) I found Classic Elite Fresco in some discontinued colors in our closeout row and it made me unreasonably happy. First of all, favorite gauge, hands down, is sport weight. Second of all, it’s a happy combo of 60% wool, 30% baby alpaca, and 10% angora. That means that the wool keeps the alpaca in line, not allowing it to get drapy and saggy. The alpaca keeps the angora in line, toning down what sometimes is an unruly halo to a fine shadow around each nicely-twisted strand.

My mother-in-law once made my notoriously picky youngest son a gorgeous argyle vest in Fresco, and try to remember that you like me when I tell you that I stole it right out from under him. He doesn’t even know where that vest lives, but when he sees me wearing it, he gets a resigned expression and no doubt, plots his escape to college and how he’ll hide that vest in his sheets and make a clean getaway.

I saw just the thing that will restore family harmony: this vest, designed by my knitting idol, Veronik Avery. You can find it in Classic Elite’s Saturday Afternoon pattern booklet, and it’s dreamy. A deep V-neck and soft, heathery colors make this so appealing right now, when it’s freezing cold in the morning, and warm and spring-like in the afternoon.

Fresco is a top-quality yarn and we have lots of colors on sale! Come check out Aisle 600 in our warehouse, or shop it online and stock up. You’ve got some knitting to do!

Are you ready for this week’s extra savings on closeouts? 7/8/14-7/14/14, you can save an extra 15% on closeouts from Tahki, Filatura di Crosa, and S. Charles. Just enter code TSCCLOS at checkout. There are so many great options in this week’s selection, it might be hard to choose. Of course, the extra 15% off makes it easier to not have to pick!

Looking for something a little more classic? S. Charles Natalia is a beautiful blend of merino, angora, and a touch of nylon. The chainette construction means it will be light, and the fiber content means that it will be warm! Available in naturals and jewel tones, this yarn is perfect for garments as well as accessories.

If you want something bulky with a bit of interest, Tahki Jackson may be just what you need. Jackson has lengths of textured coils wrapped up in a haze of long wool strands. This chunky yarn will work up in no time and the unique color treatment will add interest to your finished fabric. It has a subtle thick-thin texture and the black and bright color combinations are striking.

Want a little more glitz? Filatura di Crosa Tiffany is the perfect glitzy yarn for the summer months. This yarn has just enough sparkle to catch the light without being scratchy or overpowering. It’s a cotton blend, which makes it perfect for those who can’t use wool, or want a non-wool blend for when it’s warm.

Don’t forget to add code TSCCLOS at checkout for the additional 15% savings on closeouts from Tahki, S. Charles, and Filatura di Crosa.

This week’s closeout deal is an extra 20% off Araucania closeouts. From 6/17/14-6/23/14, enter the code ARAUCLOS at checkout and you’ll receive an extra 20% off the closeout price.

Araucania Huasco (Discontinued Colors) is a wonderful, springy, 100% extrafine merino in beautiful, hand dyed colors. It is fantastic for cowls, shawls, and other accessories. Choose a simple pattern so that the beautiful colors can shine through. Be sure to check out the Related Patterns tab on the yarn page for some project ideas.

Araucania Lauca blends wool, camel, and silk in a soft, plied yarn. Think cuddly outerwear! Create your new favorite hat, mittens, or scarf with this incredible, colorful yarn. The additional 20% off means that this yarn is just $8.63 per hank. That is an incredible savings!

The wool/silk blend of Araucania Rinihue results in a slightly tweedy appearance to the wonderful hand dyed yarn. There are some absolutely gorgeous finished projects on Ravelry. From shawls to sweaters, this yarn can do anything!

Araucania Tepa and 4.5 stars on our website and some fantastic reviews. Customers have used it for everything from cables to felting with fantastic results. The bright color combinations are a fantastic way to add pop to your project.

Don’t miss your chance to save an additional 20% off the closeout price on our Araucania closeouts. Use code ARAUCLOS 6/17/14-6/23/14 at checkout.

Which closeout from Araucania are you most excited about?

This week (6/10/14-6/16/14), we’re having a special that offers extra savings on Plymouth closeouts. Save an extra 15% off of the closeout price when you enter code PLYMCLOS at checkout.

If you haven’t taken a peek at the Plymouth closeout section of our website lately, you’ll want to head over there and see the great yarns that are available.

Plymouth Dreamland is a soft blend of nylon and acrylic that is available in a range of pastel shades that would be great for your next baby project. It is machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about throwing the finished project in the washing machine. This worsted weight is only $2.03 per ball when you add in the additional 15% off. It’s an incredible deal!

Super bulky and soft, Plymouth Grandiosa Hand Dyed is a great option for quick projects that you want to knit or crochet. The blend of merino and alpaca means that this gorgeous yarn will also be incredibly warm. It’s perfect to pick up for your stash for quick gifts. Think cozy cowls and warm hats that will fly off of you needles or hook!

The thick-thin texture of Plymouth Trabajos del Peru adds texture to your finished project while the hand dyed colors add even more interest. This soft extrafine merino wool is a worsted weight, which makes it a great option for nearly anything! Sweaters, cowls, hats, and more.

Plymouth Adore is made up of little loops of super soft fiber on a nylon core. This fluffy yarn is machine washable, which makes it a perfect choice for kids’ garments and blankets. Check out the free pattern for the Kid’s Cowl on Plymouth’s website. You may just want to make one in your size!

Which Plymouth closeout are you most excited to save on? Use code PLYMCLOS at checkout 6/10/14-6/16/14 to save an additional 15% on Plymouth closeouts.

This week (6/3/14-6/9/14), we’re offering our Cascade Yarns closeouts at an extra 15% off! All you have to do is enter code CASCCLOS at checkout and the additional discount will be taken.

Don’t miss your chance to save even more on incredible yarn! There are some spectacular yarns in our Cascade Yarns closeout section. Cascade Heritage 150 Paints, Cascade 128 Solid, and Cascade Greenland top the list, and there isn’t a bad yarn in the bunch.

Cascade Heritage 150 Paints is an excellent yarn for not only socks, but accessories like shawls, hats, and more. Originally $26.00, the closeout price of $12.99 is great, but it’s an even better deal when you take 15% off bringing the price down to $11.04. If you’re a crocheter, check out the pattern on Cascade’s website for the Arched Cuff Mitts. If you’re a knitter, the Checkerboard Mesh Scarf is a lovely accessory.

If a bulky weight yarn is more your speed, the lofty Cascade 128 Solids might interest you. It works up at 3 to 3.5 stitches per inch making for speedy projects. There are several free hat patterns on Cascade’s website, from the simple Garter Rib Hat (and Legwarmers) to the more involved Chunky Fair Isle Pom Pom Hat.

Looking for a nice, machine washable wool? Cascade Greenland is a lovely option. The density of the plies in this yarn means that your stitches will pop. With the additional 15% savings, Cascade Greenland is just $5.95 per ball, and it was originally $13.00. The 3D Cowl or the Playtime Hoodie would be fun projects for this yarn.

Check out all of our Cascade closeouts and start saving with code CASCCLOS today!

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This week Kathy talks with Kelly, co-owner of namaste bags and accessories,  about the origins and growth of their small, family owned business. From their start at the sewing machine in her home 8 years ago to some of the great new products they are now offering, from the new Harlow bag to Kathy’s favorite Monroe bag.

Spring 2014 Catalog is online now! If you’re on the mailing list it should arrive in your mailbox in the next week or so if you’re not you can request a catalog here.

Steve’s Yarn Picks:

• Cascade Yarns Sateen Worsted
• Cascade Yarns Avalon
• Cascade Yarns Tangier
• Cascade Yarns Forest Hills
• Debbie Bliss Mia
• Knit One Crochet Too Soie et Lin
• Knit One Crochet Too Pea Pods
• Sirdar Snuggly Baby Cotton DK

  

This week Kathy talks with Lisa Shroyer, the new editor at Interweave Knits, about the Fall 2013 issue and the upcoming Holiday Gifts issue which will be available in September.

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Lisa began work on the Fall issue with the photography but she has been spearheading the Holiday Gifts issues for the last few years. Lisa will be bringing more of a focus on technique and feature articles that will really make Interweave Knits a part of your long-term reference library for knitting.

This issue is full of lots a great colorwork and textural knits including the Prisma Dolmon and the Filtered Pullover, both worked side-to-side and featuring dropped stitches.

Steve’s Yarn Picks

• Koigu – KPPPM available in 49 colors!
• Debbie Bliss Milano
• Louisa Harding Akiko
• Louisa Harding Luzia
• Ornaghi Filati Cross – Closeout
• Ornaghi Filati Superkid – Closeout
• Ornaghi Filati Bla Bla Bla – Closeout

Upcoming Events:

Our Fall class schedule is live on the website and should be arriving in mailboxes soon, classes begin in mid-September.

Labor day weekend is next week! WEBS will be open normal hours on Saturday, 10:00am – 5:30pm but closed on Sunday Sept. 1 and Monday Sept 2. for the holiday.

Registration has opened for our 7th Annual Bus Trip to the NY Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck on October 19th!

 

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Guest: Kathy talks with Meta about the 3rd Annual I-91 Shop-Hop happening June 27th – 30th, Thursday through Sunday.

Meta owns and runs Metaphor Yarns in Shellburne, MA., set just across the road from a beautiful New England dairy farm with lots of space for classes and knitting groups as well as a great selection of small local yarns.

Meta will have demonstrations happening all weekend in knitting, weaving, tatting and more, hoppers will also get a goody bag. Each store will have a daily raffle. Get your passports stamped at each shop, once you’ve gotten a stamp from each shop you can enter into the drawing for the grand prize. Buy your passports now!

Our Thanks to everyone who came out for the Tent Sale and to the Vendors who participated in our Fleece Market. Thanks to our phenomenal team! You did an awesome job!

Steve’s Yarn Picks

39th Anniversary Sale:  May sale highlights

This is the last week of the Sale! Our 39th Anniversary sale ends Friday May 31st at 11pm EDT

• Knitter’s Pride Dreamz Interchangeable Circular Chunky Set
• Knitter’s Pride Nova Special Interchangeable Circular Set
• Knitter’s Pride Symfonie Rose Interchangeable Circular Deluxe Set

Cascade 220, Cascade 220 Superwash, and Plymouth Encore

• Valley Yarns 2/14 Alpaca Silk
• Lang Jawoll Magic Degrade
• Valley Yarns Southwick

• Loop-d-Loop by Teva Durham Quartz
• Loop-d-Loop by Teva Durham Moss
• Loop-d-Loop by Teva Durham Birch
• Filatura di Crosa Gioiello – Discontinued Colors
• Ella Rea Lace Merino – Discontinued Colors
• Ella Rae Lace Merino Worsted – Closeout
• Schoppel Woll Zauberball Starke 6

Amy Herzog will be here June 6th to celebrate the release of her new book, Knit to Flatter.

The New England Weavers Seminar (NEWS) is happening July 11-14, on the Smith College campus.

 

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Guest: Kathy talks with Heather Ordover about her new book: What (Else) would Madame Defarge Knit?, the sequel to What Would Madame Defarge Knit?

Heather runs the Craftlit podcast and site, and while reading A Tale of Two Cities, she was inspired to wonder what Madame Defarge WOULD knit? As the book idea began to take shape she wanted to make sure the designers not only got paid, but were able to actually recoup the costs of their time spent creating those designs, and to have the book printed in the US, so she worked with Cooperative Press to make it happen.

Iseult’s Dress from What (Else) Would Madame Defarge Knit?, knit in Harrisville Deigns Highland.

The books are divided into thematic sections related to classic literature and each pattern is accompanied by a wonderful essay. WWMDfK- the Shakespeare edition and a Mme Defarge goes Medieval edition are in the works.

Steve’s Yarn Picks

Cascade 220, Cascade 220 Superwash, and Plymouth Encore remain on sale through May 31st!

• Plymouth Kudo
• Debbie Bliss Rialto DK

• Anzula Milky Way
• Lorna’s Laces Haymarket

• St Denis Boreale
• St Denis Nordique
• St. Denis Sommet
• Berroco Nanuk
• Berroco Souffle
• Berroco Circus

Amy Herzog will be here June 6th to celebrate the release of her new book, Knit to Flatter.

The Third Annual I-91 Shop Hop is happening June 27-30th.

The New England Weavers Seminar (NEWS) is happening July 11-14, on the Smith College campus.