Valley Yarns Northfield is a customer and staff favorite. Soft enough to wear against the skin, great stitch definition for cable work, and 22 lovely colors to choose from. These nine Northfield projects on Ravelry are excellent examples of why we love Northfield so much.

Erin’s Mittens and Hat by Debbi Stone
(pattern available for purchase on Ravelry)

Babette Blanket by Kathy Merrick, crocheted by Carajv’s
(pattern available for purchase from Interweave)

Henna Cardigan by Veridian Design Team, knit by ksporter
(pattern available for purchase on Ravelry)

Trailing Vine designed and knit by ksporter
(pattern not available, but it’s so stunning I just had to include it)

Ripple by Kim Hargreaves , knit by helmade
(pattern available in the Nectar pattern book)

Norie by Gudrun Johnston , knit by jerdingr
(pattern available for at yarn.com)

Orkney Pi by Elizabeth Lovick , knit by motherbee
(pattern available for purchase on Ravelry)

Chickadee by Ysolda Teague , knit by ravelry name
(pattern available from the book Little Red in the City)

Today I’m highlighting some beautiful shawls and scarves knit and crocheted in Valley Yarns Charlemont and Charlemont Kettle Dye. Charlemont is a great choice for projects like these with its great drape and lovely sheen.

 

Earth & Sky by Stephen West, knit by denarae
(pattern available for purchase on Ravelry)

 

Traveling Woman by Liz Abinante, knit by PugMama
(pattern available for purchase on Ravelry)

 

Helix Scarf by Stephenie Gaustad, knit by a freespirit
(pattern available for free on SpinningDaily.com)

 

Cladonia by Kirsten Kapur, knit by gretchenoh
(pattern available for purchase on Ravelry)

 

Lucy Shawl by Debbi Stone
(pattern available for purchase on Ravelry)

 

Sprout Chains Shawlette by Kristin Omdahl, crocheted by xnedra2
(pattern available in the book Crochet So Fine)

 

Elise Shawl by Evan Plevinski, crocheted by jtellier
(pattern available for free on Ravelry)

Check out what the staff at WEBS is buzzing about this week.

I recently knit a Danger Crafts monster with Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted and I really enjoyed the yarn. It is super soft and I love that it’s machine washable. The next time I’m working on a project that needs to be easy to care for, I think I’ll take a closer look at Shepherd Worsted. I just love the colors too! > Mary K.-H.

I’m really excited about my new pattern Myceria! Both the mittens and hat are made top-down so you can customize the fit and the little ridges at the cuffs and brim have an interesting construction and add surprising detail. I enjoyed working with Valley Yarns Williamstown. It’s so soft, has great drape, even in fairly dense crochet work, and the little pops of tweedy color kept me smiling through the whole project. > Sara D.

I wanted to knit a cowl for a friend and was searching my stash for the softest yarn I could find. Filatura di Crosa Superior was the clear winner with its lofty cashmere. A quick search on Ravelry and I found a simple free cowl pattern by Patricia Scribner and was off to knitting in no time. Now that its finished I know I will need to make one for myself. It’s so light and airy, and crazy soft. It was also a great simple project I could work on if I only had a few minutes. No counting or concentrating required. Sometimes you just need that kind of project. > Dena C.

My New Year’s resolution is to get at least one holiday gift done each month of 2012. For January I’m working on a pair of Gnome Mittens by SpillyJane for my sister. I’m using mostly Valley Yarns Huntington and a few colors in Cascade Yarns 220 Fingering. I’m also using my go-to mitten needles, US size 2 Pony Pearls. I can be kind of rough on dpns and these have great strength as well as flexibility. > Sara D.

Best of Handwoven Technique Series: Twills on Four Shafts – This soon-to-be released eBook from Handwoven features a set of placemats in Valley Yarns 10/2 Valley Cotton designed and woven by Barbara Elkins and originally published in the March/April, 2001 issue of Handwoven. The pattern is an advancing point twill on 4 shafts that could easily be mistaken for a lot more shafts! It’s really easy to weave and takes just one cone each of 3794 Burgundy and 2629 Ink. Or adapt it to a 60/2 silk scarf using 666 Burgundy and 635 Navy.

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Steve’s Deal of the Day for today is Valley Yarns Stockbridge. This is our alpaca and wool blend yarn that is cozy, light and will create a nice drape in garments. Head over to our Facebook page to get the promo code for the Deal of the Day, $2.29/hank, (regularly $3.99)!

Check out some of these great projects I found on Ravlery made in Stockbridge for some inspiration.

1. Blankie for lil E knit by nbrench – have fun playing with color in this baby blanket which is a downloadable free pattern on Ravlery.

2. Harvest Moon knit by plhigdon – grey cardigan with pockets, this would absolutely be my go-to sweater if it was in my wardrobe.

3. Liberty throw knit by gab-fab – so very striking in this color combination.

4. Blue Meanie knit by 17Q17 – love the simpler two-color version of Tubey with the addition of the pretty lace trim on the sleeves.

5. Autism Awareness Scarf knit by joilynn – love how she converted a Tunisian stitch pattern into a knitting patten.

6. Lena Warm crocheted by mng – since this shawl works up so fast, you could have it done in no time.

7. Fabric Stitch Mittens knit by sebaenen – great color combination of this Valley Yarns pattern by Kirstin Hipsky.

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Guest: Linda Pratt of Westminster fibers talks with Kathy about SMC Yarns. SMC is a shortened version of the Schachenmayr brand. The brand has been given a huge face-lift and rejuvenation. SMC Select is a little higher end, fashion-focused line. Several of the Gedifra yarns have been absorbed into SMC Select.

• SMC Select Silk Wool
• SMC Dolce Vita

Steve’s Big Announcement!
We’re excited to introduce Knitter’s Pride needles, hooks, and accessories that we’re now carrying online and in our store. Check out our entire Knitter’s Pride collection!

Dreamz – laminated birch (Symfonie wood) needles, every size is a different color

• Dreamz Interchangeable Deluxe Interchangeable Needle Set
• Dreamz Fixed Circulars
• Dreamz Single Point Set
• Dreamz Single Points
• Dreamz DPN Set
• Dreamz DPNs
• Dreamz Crochet Hook Set
• Dreamz Crochet Hooks
• Dreamz Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hook Set

Nova – nickle-plated brass

• Nova Interchangeable Needle Set
• Nova Fixed Circulars
• Nova Single Point Set
• Nova Single Points
• Nova DPN Set
• Nova DPNs

Cubics – Symfonie wood with an ergonomic square shape

• Cubics Single Points
• Cubics Fixed Circulars
• Cubics DPNs
• Cubics Interchangeable Needle Tips

Trendz – Acrylic Interchangeable Needle Set

If you experience any problems with any of the parts and pieces of your Knitter’s Pride needles or hooks, just let us know and we’ll get a replacement right out to you!

We’ve also got a ton of accessories! Sock blockers, cable needles, stitch holders, chart keepers, magnet boards, shawl pins and more!

CAL with Kirsten
After the crochet chain, you’ll work the main body of the cowl. Round 4 and 5 you work into the chain, not the chain space. You should have a loose gauge here, so you shouldn’t have to force the hook.

Learn from us and make sure you check your gauge! A couple double crochets off over four inches makes a huge difference in the finished size. Make sure you’re working nice and loose!

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Tina our Education Manager talks with Kathy about our fall classes.

• Design Your Own Knitted Cowl with Kirsten Hipsky
• Dyeing Silk Scarves with the Kangaroo Dyer
• Porcelain Sheep Ornaments
• Two Classes with Guest Teacher Laura Nelkin
• Guest Teacher Shannon Okey teaches Sewing Patterns for Knitting
• Guest Teacher Andi Smith teaches Big Foot Knits
• Exploring Tunisian Crochet
• Design a Pi Shawl
• Beginning Weaving and Weekend Weaving
• Intro to Rigid Heddle Weaving
• Fabulous Chenille Scarves with Dena Gartenstein Moses

Upcoming Events

• Craft Activism Book Signing and Event with Gale Zucker
• Valley Yarns Trunk Show
• National Spinning and Weaving Week
• Rhinebeck Road Trip
• Stitches East
• Juniper Moon Trunk Show
• Bag Day

Steve’s Yarn Picks
New Yarns

• Sublime Lustrous Extrafine Merino DK
• Mirasol Kutama
• Prism Indulgence
• Queensland Collection Caracara

Closeouts Yarns

• Gedifra Fiorista
• Nashua Handknits Cilantro
• Nashua Handknits Creative Focus Silk
• Noro Shirakaba

Doris Chan Valley Cowl Crochet-A-Long

So, today we’re joining this cowl in the round!

Some tips I found useful: When you’re making the foundation chain, don’t omit the stitch marker at the beginning. It’s very, very useful. Work on a flat surface – it’s a lot easier to see when there’s a twist and to tell up from down

Here are the joining directions in my words: When chain’s the right length, lay it flat, then bring the beginning together with the end that’s on the hook without twisting – the marked stitch is at the bottom (closer to you) and the hook is at the top (further from you) Put one twist in it by bringing the marked stitch up to the hook and work a slip stitch in the marked stitch

Now the top of the foundation is connected, but the bottom is still split. So let’s join that together: Rotate your work on the table 180 degrees, so the marked stitch and the hook are at the bottom and the split ends are at the top.
Work 3 slip sts in the chain above the marked stitch Slip stitch into the base of the last FDC Now you’re ready to go!

Inspired by Cara’s recent blog post Lace Boot Camp, I looked around and found some incredible lace projects on Ravelry in some of our Valley Yarns.

1. Shawl for Pelion knit by Chilicoco uses just a little more than 1/2 a cone of the Valley Yarns 2/14 Alpaca Silk to make the Knitty free pattern Cold Mountain.

2. Spanish Moss knit by hlf in Valley Yarns 2/10 Merino Tencel makes a lovely shawl with great drape. The pattern is available for purchase on Ravelry from Designs by Romi.

3. Rosalind Shawl knit by Fyreball in Valley Yarns 2/14 Alpaca Silk Hand Dyed has a stunning center cable strip that really stands out from the cable pattern. Amazing! The Sivia Harding pattern is also available as a Ravelry download.

4. Wedding Stole for Megan knit by sunfishknitter in Valley Yarns 10/2 Bamboo is a great example of what you can create with a yarn normally intended for weaving, making a delicate lace fabric perfect for an extra special event. Ann Hanson’s Twinings Stole is available as a Ravelry download too.

5. Birthday Marrowstone knit by knittinggolfer with just one skein of Valley Yarns Charlemont Kettle Dyed, shows off the subtle variation you get with a kettle dye yarn. The Marrowstone Shawl is a Marcy Vandale design available for purchase on Ravelry.

6. Graphite Remember Me crocheted by CraftyCSW in Valley Yarns Huntington displays how sock yarn is not just for feet. Great pattern from LilyGo available on Ravelry.

7. Willow crocheted by herbivore100 in Valley Yarns 5/2 Valley Cotton is another good example of what else you can do with our weaving yarns.

8. Down by the Sea knit by donnabriz in Valley Yarns Colrain is a slightly heavy shawl than the others, but equally gorgeous with the oversized scallop edge detail. The Captiva Wrap pattern by Carol Feller is available for download on Ravelry.

This week the staff is buzzing about…

1. Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmermann – A powerful book packed with tips and tools for independent knitters. It’s got everything from winding a skein of yarn to designing seamless sweaters. If a knitter were to have just one book, it should probably be this one. > Kirsten H.

2. Westknits Mystery Shawl KAL 2011 – I’ve never done a mystery knitalong before. But I’ve been itching to knit a shawl lately, particularly a westknits pattern. So I’m super excited to join this KAL on August 1st. Now the hard decision…what yarn? Suggested yarns like Fibre Company Road to China Light, Fibre Company Canopy Fingering, Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine, Madelinetosh Pashmina, or Tosh Merino Light would all be wonderful to work with. But I do have plenty of Charlemont from the crochet scarf leftover that would make a shawl with great drape. Hmm, decisions, decisions. > Dena C.

3. Valley Cowl crochet pattern by Doris Chan – I love this cowl designed by Doris Chan. The sample is done in Valley Yarns Deerfield, but there are directions for any gauge yarn, so you can use your favorite Valley Yarns yarn. I’m thinking of making one for myself in Charlemont. It’s also our next crochet-a-long on Ready, Set, Knit, so you can crochet along with Kirsten. > Mary K.-H.

4. Blue Sky Alpacas Five Inch Double Points – I love the feel of these in my hands. They have such a smooth finish that it makes the needles glide easily through the stitches. The tin they come in makes for great storage for these little lovelies! > Karen M.

5. Both of my girls spent a week at our Fiber Camp this year and my youngest daughter fell in love with weaving. While I’m not quite ready to buy her a Baby Wolf, I do want to encourage her weaving. So, as an early present for her birthday she got a Schacht Cricket Loom this past Tuesday. She’s already woven 26 inches and has been flipping pages in my copy of the Weaver’s Idea Book to find her next project! > Sara D.

Hi Everyone,

Today’s free pattern is crocheted from Berroco – Delicata. I love the way they describe it on their site: “Delicata, a soft, lacy cover-up, and pull your summer sundresses out of storage a little ahead of schedule.”

We’ve had more snow recently and we’re all ready to drag out the spring and summer clothes. I keep looking at my favorite skirts and all the cute dresses that are starting to pop up places and dreaming of warmer days.

The great thing about this cardigan is that it’s versatile. It could easily be worn with a long sleeve shirt underneath, or a cute dress as suggested.

Delicata is crocheted with Berroco Vintage DK, which is a great, machine washable blend of acrylic, wool, and nylon. It comes in many great solid and heathered colors. I have used the worsted weight version, and look forward to using this DK weight version soon.

Happy Crocheting,

Mary

 

I am so excited to debut this new pattern today!  Louise’s Nature Hat is a design of my own (remember those granny squares from a couple of months ago?)

Here’s what they became:

I’ve had this design in my head for awhile but not the right yarn.  With the addition of our Valley Yarn Superwash in a DK weight, I finally had the yarn I needed!  The hat features 7 traditional granny squares joined together to form the base of the hat.  I then added a row of single crochet to even out the grannies and add some stability before picking up the necessary number of stitches and knitting the remainder of the hat!

What tickles are endless possibilities for this particular design.  You can easily select colors that you love and even change up the pattern for the squares to truly make this hat your own.

Click here to download Valley Yarns #297 Louise’s Nature Hat for FREE!

If you make the hat I’d love to see your results!

Kathy