Not to belabor the point, but we’ve had more snow in the last month than we had all last winter. As much as I like winter, I’m now throwing up my hands and admitting defeat. This week, I thought I’d spotlight some fun yarns in vibrant, warm colors to get us all thinking about spring. Even though some of my picks are built for cold-weather projects, it will still lighten my thoughts to see these intense shades on the needles.

Debbie Bliss Paloma is a bulky-weight yarn but the slightly tubular chainette construction makes it feel super-light. And the rich dark pink that caught my eye would make a great-looking tam to take you from freezing outdoors to cozy inside. Cascade Avalon Multi in a sweet pastel palette would be perfect for a pullover vest or shrug to layer over a long-sleeve tee. And who doesn’t love Madeline Tosh? Tosh DK in Fluoro Rose makes a bold statement, so just a little will go a long way. Maybe a loose cowl or some fingerless mitts? It’s never too early to plan your garden, and to help with that, take a peek at Schachenmayr Tahiti in a variegated green/yellow/teal color combo. It can’t help but bring lacy flowering shrubs and lilac bushes to mind.
Are you thinking of spring? What would be your dream color or project?

We’re so excited to share this next design with you! The amazing Debbie Bliss has designed the cozy Waterfall Jacket in our Valley Yarns Deerfield. 

She has put together a modern, boxy cardigan in a simple but sophisticated broken rib pattern that is sure to become one of your go-to wardrobe staples. Designed with just the right amount of positive ease and fantastic front pockets this sweater looks great dressed up or styled more casually. You can never go wrong with a pocket! 

Debbie Bliss has released a new collection of crochet projects for the home, Crochet Living.

There are some simple but visually stunning blankets and home accessories, like pillows and table linens, as well as cozy, wearable accessories. With lots of colors available in Baby Cashmerino, Cashmerino Aran and Rialto DK you can take any of these patterns and make them your own.

I’m really loving the simple grey poncho with that pop of color from the orange buttons.

 

This week the staff at WEBS is buzzing about two great yarns and a new knitting needle set.

It’s been a couple of years since I’ve last knit with Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. But when the six new colors passed by my desk this week, I was reminded all over again how much I love knitting with this yarn.

I’ve used Baby Cashmerino twice: once to make the Knitting at Knoon Sweet Pea sacque and once for my final project sweater for the WEBS Expert Knitting Certification Program. Each time I was delighted by how enjoyable it was to knit with. The springyness of the yarn made my stitches look so even. I have another baby gift that I need to make soon. It may be time to have fun with this yarn again. > Dena C.

I have been working with Knit One Crochet Too Ty-Dy Socks and it is scrumptious! The stitch definition is absolutely beautiful. I was considering making these as a gift, but have come to realize that I cannot wait to get these on my feet! The fiber blend of 80% merino and 20% nylon creates a lovely springy sock that I know will hug my feet and keep my toes cozy and snug. > Karen M.

Knitter’s Pride Cubics Interchangeable Circular Deluxe Set – I’ve been anxiously awaiting this set ever since we got our first shipment of Knitter’s Pride needles. I was a huge Cubics skeptic at first, and thought the shape wouldn’t feel right and would throw off my knitting. The square needles are so much more comfortable in my hands than round needles. I think I get a better grip on them. I’ve heard some knitters see a change in their gauge with these but I haven’t had a problem. Knitting up a quick gauge swatch when you first knit with them is a good idea. The joins of this interchangeable set are just right. They hold the tips in firm without snagging the yarn. This set is high on my wish list! > Grace H.

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Kirsten and Kathy chat about the fall photoshoot and how she came up with the collection of projects.

Check out the behind the scenes video!

Steve’s Yarn Picks

• Debbie Bliss Paloma
• Debbie Bliss Riva
• Madelinetosh Tosh Chunky
• Classic Elite Pirouette
• Be Sweet Simply Sweet Satisfaction
• Be Sweet Simply Sweet Whipped Cream
• Classic Elite Premiere Closeout
• Classic Elite Waterlily Closeout

CAL – Valley Cowl

Pattern is laid out with the notes and special stitches on the first page, so you have to go to the second page to know exactly how much to chain.

Foundation double crochet! Not as hard as you think it is
– Directions are very clear as to exactly where to put your hook (through the face of the chain and under the nub) Sounds weird, but makes a lot of sense when you’re looking at your chain
– I found an Addi hook to be the most useful, nearly a necessity: the head is pointy and narrow and fits into the chain easier than other hooks.
– Doing the foundation double crochet exactly as directed makes a very clean edge and the resulting chain is really flexible and stretchy

Gauge is given in Foundation Double Crochets, which is very handy. You can check your gauge as you’re starting your project!

A big huge thanks to everyone who came out to our Debbie Bliss event and also to our staff who continues to rock the free world with their awesome-ness.  I know, “awesome-ness” is not a word but it is in my vocabulary and sometimes you just need a created word to express yourself.  At least I do.

The day was not as full-of-Bliss as we had hoped.  Debbie and Trisha from Soho Publishing encountered more than their fair share of traffic jams, accidents, irreverent police and the like that slowed their journey to WEBS.  Nobody likes to be late and I think we all have our 15 minute window of tolerance.  Yes, that was truly tested.  For those who couldn’t stay my deepest apologies and I know Debbie and Trisha join me in just feeling awful.  For those of you who had the opportunity to stick it out – what a great time we had!

Debbie truly gave a dynamic talk encompassing all aspects of her design process and experiences.

We tried on garments:

That red coat is a new design from Debbie’s Fall ’09 Collection.  It’s knit in a new yarn – Luxury Tweed Chunky and I am so in love with it.

Debbie fielded questions:

And signed copies of her latest book Design It, Knit It:

Don’t forget that books are now part of our discount program!

A grand time was had by all.  I’ve received several lovely emails today from customers – some who stayed until Debbie arrived and others who had to leave.  I cannot tell you how appreciative I am of our very understanding customers.

Next up is our Lexie Barnes Classic Collection Launch Event tomorrow night (Thurs 6/25) from 6:00-7:30pm.  Lexie lives locally so I am confident we want experience any delays in her arrival   Plus, we are the exclusive retailer for these bags for the next few weeks so if you want to be seen with one of the coolest bags of the season, you better make your way to the event or get shopping on-line!

Kathy