I tried out a new circular needle recently and it was a game-changer. Knitter’s Pride Royale fixed circular needles are wood with metal tips, which I like (somehow, metal seems pointier). What I really love about the Royales are that they SWIVEL at the join. Come on! Yes, they do. No kinking up, no twisted joins, just smooth sailing. This swivel is only available in the fixed circular needles, not in the interchangeable sets, alas. But what a great reason to stock up on sizes you may need for your holiday knitting! They’d be a great stocking stuffer for a knitting group buddy, or an in-law at a gift exchange.

I’ve been making some deadline projects lately, but once I free up my time and buy the right size Royale, I’ll be casting on the Genevieve Baby Cardigan for a special baby arriving in December. So fast, so delightful on the right needles. Check them out!

Our Anniversary Sale is coming to a close tomorrow! We’ve had two full months of incredible deals on yarns for knitters, crocheters and weavers, as well as needle and hook sets. With just over 24 hours before these sale prices end you have one last chance to shop these deals and build your stash for summer and even holiday knitting!

left, top-bottom: Tahki Cotton Classic Lite, Noro Taiyo, Knitter's Pride Dreamz Deluxe Interchangeable 
Needle Set and Cascade 220, Debbie Bliss Boheme, Lorna's Laces Solemate

right: Jade Sapphire Khata

Take home your choice of over 100 yarns and needle/hook sets now, at savings of up to 30%, while you still can! Wednesday morning at 12:00am they’ll all be full price again.

The April portion of our Anniversary Sale is winding down and these yarns will be back to full price on Sunday morning. Don’t miss your chance to snap up some incredible deals! I thought I’d share 3 of my favorite yarns from this part of the sale, and the projects I might be stashing them for (wink, wink).

Cascade Eco Wool. When they were younger my kids used to call these my yarn babies, because they are absolutely huge skeins! 478 yds, of a bulky weight, gorgeously lofty Peruvian wool in the earthy, natural colors of the wool itself, this yarn is fantastic for warm and cozy sweaters and as a beautifully neutral backdrop for blankets. The Pop Blanket from Tin Can Knits is the perfect example. Shown here with Noro Kureyon as the bright center circles, this could easily be a scrap busting pattern with the Eco Wool gloriously framing those bits and bobs of yarn you just couldn’t let go of. Think of it as a memory quilt, here are little framed bits of yarns you loved to work with, and for projects like that the frame can be just as important!

Classic Elite Alpaca Sox. I remember making a pair of socks as a store sample in this yarn when it first arrived. I did not want to give them back! The yarn felt amazing in my hands as it glided across my needles and the finished fabric was soft and cozy. While it makes amazing socks this yarn also knits up into beautiful shawls and lightweight but warm accessories! The Wavelength Shawl features a center panel of stunning lace bordered by easy-peasy garter stitch, with a delicate lace border. This is a great project to cut your teeth on lace! The lace panel is isolated in the middle of the shawl giving your brain and hands lots of time to relax in the garter stitch sections.

Noro Silk Garden Sock. A perennial favorite, this yarn glows with all the amazing color changes that Noro has become famous for, and at the lighter sock weight it becomes the perfect choice for lightweight accessories with tons of color impact! For knitters the Mitered Wrap showcases those color changes in the meandering corners of a wrap that will result in  oohs and aahs everywhere you go.  And crocheters can experience equal public curiosity and excitement with Linda Permann’s Circles Scarf. While this may look like a pile of tiny yo-yo’s that have been joined together after being made, Linda actually has a genius way of making these as you go along – only two ends to weave in!

And don’t forget your tools! We have some pretty spectacular hooks and needles in the sale and you’ll want to grab a set. The Knitter’s Pride Dreamz line of needles and hooks feature a different color of laminated birchwood for each different size, making it easy to see which size is which at a glance! The Deluxe Interchangeable Needle Set includes 9 pairs of 4.5″ tips from US sizes= 4, 5 – 11, 4 cables (one 24″, two 32″, and one 40″), a case to hold your cables, 8 end caps, 4 cable keys, and a set of needle size ID tags, all organized in a clear vinyl case. And the Dreamz Interchangeable Tunisian Hook Set  includes US sizes E – L,  4 cables (one 24″, two 32″, and one 40″), 8 end caps, 4 cable keys, a clear vinyl case and tunisian hook connectors to join two hooks together.

What exciting deals will you take advantage of in the April portion of the Sale? Or have you already! And don’t forget, a whole new selection of yarns goes on Sale May 1st!

Recently, a friend told me about her mother, a knitter and crafter, who has been having some memory problems. She wants to keep knitting but she has problems counting her stitches, and following patterns if they aren’t right in front of her, clearly marked. It made me think about what we carry here that would be helpful, and I thought I’d let you in on what I found.

First of all, the Knitter’s Pride Large Pattern Holder seems like a lifesaver. It’s big enough to hold a pattern straight up, or any series of charts so that you don’t have to keep shuffling papers around (my friend’s mother has NO use for technology, so unfortunately paper patterns are her go-to). The magnetic straight-edge holds everything firmly against the backing, and also can be used as a row marker so she doesn’t lose her place.

The Bryspun Rainbow Rings are great stitch markers; colorful enough to stand out from your stitches, and rubber, so they stay put. They come in a variety of sizes, so they’ll fit on pretty much any size needles. The Clover Split Ring Markers are good for hanging on your stitches; if you have a pattern repeat you can mark it off so that you don’t have to remember where to start or how many stitches are in the repeat. They’re easy as pie to move around, too, so that if you increase or decrease, you don’t need to worry that you’ve lost any stitches.

Everyone’s favorite row counter, the Clover Kacha Kacha Knitting Counter, makes a very definitive CLICK and goes up to 99, which is a lot of satisfying clicking. I’ve used one of these since I started knitting and I’ve never had to replace mine. They last forever. Clover also makes a locking row counts, called a Mini. The beauty of this one is that if it gets pushed around in your knitting bag, it won’t change numbers accidentally. It also has a little loop that you can thread some yarn or string through to  make it a pendant so you don’t forget about it if you get up from your knitting chair to get a cocktail glass of iced tea.

The CocoKnits Knitter’s Keep is the most brilliant thing ever. It’s a slap bracelet (that makes SUCH a satisfying sound) that comes with metal cable needle, stitch markers, all kinds of things you need to keep track of while knitting or crocheting. And you just attach them to your bracelet and it holds it for you. Genius. No more turning around in circles while you try to locate a stray needle.

If you are a crocheter, Addi makes ergonomic hooks that don’t tax arthritic fingers. I’m told that the Knitter’s Pride Cubics needles serve the same function, but I bet there are needles specifically for sore hands and wrists out there.

The last thing I thought might be a great addition to a knitting bag are the Nancy’s Knit Knacks Project Cards. You can note what the project you knit was, for whom it was knit, the start and finish date, and any notes – for instance, if you cut out a set of increases, or made the sleeves shorter. Frankly, I could use these myself, since once I finish a project, I often throw it right out of my mind as I hurtle onto the next knitted object.

What have you seen in your LYS that might help you keep crafting as you age? Because I certainly want to keep crafting!

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This week Kathy talks with WEBS Weaving Manager, Leslie Ann Bestor, about the perfect gifts for the fiber enthusiast in your life.

Kathy and Leslie Ann discuss the following products this week:

Yarns: Sweet Georgia Cashsilk Lace, Artyarns Beaded Silk and Sequins Light, Artyarns Ensemble 4

Bags: Hadaki Travel Essentials kit, Della Q Rosemary bag, Namaste Poppins bag

Needles/Hooks: Knitters Pride Symfonie Rose Crochet Hook set, Knitter’s Pride Marblz Interchangeable Needles set

For Spinners: The Spinners Book of Fleece, Three Feet of Sheep, Spinning Fibers, Spinning Wheels, Schacht Niddy-Noddy

For Weavers: Bluster Bay Shuttles will be available in 2015, Schacht Variable Dent Reed

Steve’s Yarn Picks :

• K1C2 Batiste
• Hikoo Kenzington
• Cascade Lana Grande Discontinued Colors – Closeout
• Cascade 220 Superwash Paints Discontinued Colors – Closeout
• Schachenmayr Egypto Cotton – Closeout
• Jade Sapphire yarns – great Gift!
• Yarn to Yards Balance – perfect for weavers!
• Gift cards and eGift cards!

Reminder:

Tomorrow is the 11th Annual Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage! Our team will be walking and running and we’re still taking donations through December 31st. You can donate to the team here. Or you can purchase a copy of the Hot Chocolate Run Polar Bear patten, the cost of each pattern is donated to Safe Passage.

Upcoming Events:

Winter/Spring 2015 Classes will be on the website next week!

Next week Steve and Kathy wrap up our 40th Year!

WEBS retail store will be open only two more Sundays – through December 14th!

Be sure to check out all of our upcoming Events here.

  

We’ve asked a few more of our employees what’s on their personal wishlists. After all, if it’s on the wishlist of a WEBS employee you know it’s a good choice for the fiber enthusiast in your life!

Hi, I’m Amy S. and I’m a knitter and weaver.  Amy is our Mutimedia Assistant and a Sales Associate in our Retail Store.

My holiday wish list includes:

1  Harrisville Designs Cone Holder – My cones are rolling everywhere when I’m winding a warp.  This would make it much easier for me to start my weaving projects!

2  Knitter’s Pride Karbonz 6” Double Pointed Needle Set –  I really feel like I should never need to buy any more needles, but I can never seem to find my smaller DPN’s.  I love the way the Karbonz feel.  It would make it so much easier just to have the whole set.  Don’t you think?

3 The Original Thera Glove -After hours of knitting my hand can get sore.  This just might be a way to get a couple more hours in.  I’ve heard great reviews from customers who use it.

4 Knitter’s Pride Needle Gauge –  They aren’t expensive but I’m going to need about 10, one for every project bag.  As far as I’m concerned you can’t have enough of these.  It’s a great stocking stuffer too.

5 Large Blocking Board – I can’t believe I don’t own one of these yet!
Hi, I’m Ping and I’m a knitter. Ping is a Sales Associate in our store and a Valley Yarns designer.

My holiday wish list includes:

1  Reisenthal Allrounder Medium Bag – You know that boy scout saying “be prepared”, the same applies for knitters. Since I am constantly driving my kids to various appointments and activities, there is always a project bag ready and waiting for me. I love the Reisenthal Allrounder Medium bag. Size of the bag can accommodate a variety of projects, from shawl to color work sweater project – it fits. The hinged satchel is reminiscent of a doctor’s bag; no fumbling around something. With plenty of roomy interior pockets, tools, keys and even your phone have a place.

2  Run, Run, Run Lunch Tote – Okay, I believe you can NEVER have too many bags.  This one is stylish and oh so practical. What is not to love? It folds down to nothing so it’s a great emergency bag. It’s reflective, insulated interior lets you see inside your bag with ease. The finish is smooth, so it’s easy to clean. Plus, the interior is made from recycled water bottles. It comes in four cute colors; each has a little message. My heart is set orange bag. I love how it reminds me to keep taking chances.

3  Lantern Moon Stitch markers –  These stitch marketers are the embodiment of cute! WEBS carries a wonderful assortment of these charming and whimsical stitch markers. Whether it’s the tiny crocheted blue birds, bees, sheep or flowers, there are six in a package. They are lightweight and won’t weigh down your knitting. Each crocheted image is mounted on a metallic marker ring that ensures snag free knitting. My daughters have threatened to use my Lantern Moon stitch markers as earring charms, so I really need to stock up!

4  Knitter’s Pride Karbonz Interchangeable Deluxe Set – When someone asks me why I have a need for so many different types knitting needles, I tell them that knitting needles are tools, and like any tool, a crafter does not have just one. Have you ever asked a woodworker how many drills, hammers, screw drivers, or chisels  he or she has? Or how many knives and pans does the serious home chef own? Does a painter only paint with one brush? Enough said. The yarn and the project often dictate the best knitting needle to help you accomplish your creative endeavor.  As I age, I find my hands are more sensitive surfaces and weight of my tools. I want warmth and flexibility without comprising speed and sight. This is why I find the Knitter’s Pride Karbonz needles so appealing. The carbon fiber is warm, flexible and lightweight. The metallic tip allows me to see the stitches even in indoor evening light. More importantly, unlike most  interchangeable sets, the Karbonz interchangeable deluxe set includes sizes 2.5 and 3 – perfect of lace and sock knitting. Most interchangeable sets stop at size 4. These needles would be a perfect complement to my needle toolbox.

5  Warping Board – In 2013, I learned dress and use a 4-harness loom. This was an amazing learning experience. My education as a weaver has only just begun. The tool that fascinates me the most is the warping board. Made from hardwoods, the simple rectangular frame and strategically position pegs appears rather unassuming, but this ingenious tool enables you to consistently measure your warp ends. For example, the Schacht 14 yard warping board is only 36 inches across. The methodical manner of winding the yarn under, over and around the different pegs is quite calming and rather meditative.

6 WEBS classes –  I believe the opportunity to create with one’s hands something beautiful and entirely personal is truly part of the human condition. There are so many wonderful classes offered at WEBS; knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning, dyeing, felting – all my favorite tactile sports! The classes satisfy my curiosity and my need to create, to learn and to broaden my appreciation of the fiber arts.  There are just not enough hours in the day to pursue all the things I wish to make. However, when I take a class, it gives me the chance to learn and to create in a very focused manner.

Hi, I’m Amy G and I’m a Knitter. Amy is our Education Manager.

My holiday wishlist includes:

1 I would love a huge supply of  T-Pins because I always seem to have “just enough” and I’d love to not have to worry that I’ll run out.

2 I would love a sweater’s worth of Madeline Tosh Merino Light in Badlands, a dark, interesting color I fell in love with at Stitches West this year.

3 It would be great to have the Barbara Walker Treasury of Knitting Patterns, the 4th volume, which is the only one I don’t own.

4 Hey, how about a set of Karbonz double points in sizes 4, 5, and 6? Those are my most-used sizes and I love using dpns, especially these pointy-tipped beauties.

5 Mostly what I’d love is a comfy sofa, good light, hot coffee, “Breaking Bad” streaming on my iPad, and three days’ worth of knitting. And then a nap.

Hi, I’m Jamie and I’m a knitter! Jamie is our E-Mail Marketing Manager.

My holiday wishlist includes:

1 Knitter’s Pride Nova Special Interchangeable Circular Set — It seems like every time I find a new hat pattern to knit I end up needing one or two new 16″ circular needles. I love using the Novas that I already have – they’re nice and smooth and the tips are pointy, but not too pointy. With the Special Interchangeable Circular Set I’d never have to worry about not having the right needles for a hat pattern, and I could have two (or three, or four) on my needles at once!

2 Fibre Company Tundra — I cannot get enough of this yarn. Seriously, can I have all of it? It’s great for quick hats for gifts (I love Greta’s Tundra Hat pattern), and now that the Tundra Elements collection is out there are even more warm and soft projects to whip up!

3 Weekend Hats by Cecily Glowik MacDonald and Melissa LaBarre — I’ve been on a hat knitting kick lately, and I’d be really excited to get this book. The book’s presentation is lovely, and it features hat patterns from a who’s-who of knitwear designers!

4 Knitter’s Pride Lace Blocking Mats — I’ve grown tired of pinning my damp finished objects to the carpet. It seems kind of gross both for the projects and the carpet. The Lace Blocking Mats are a great solution —  they don’t take up too much space but can expand for larger pieces.

5 Lee Highlighter Tape — As I’ve done more lace patterns, I’ve found myself frequently wishing I had Highlighter Tape. My current system consists of resting my pencil next to the row I’m on. It’s not very good system, as the pencil frequently rolls down the page or gets knocked off-course by a curious dog.

Every year we put together a few posts and  videos to help our customers find those extra and special little gifts for the fiber enthusiast in their life.  This year we thought we’d ask our employees what’s on their personal wishlists. After all, if it’s on the wishlist of a WEBS employee you know it’s a good choice!

Hi, I’m Katie and I’m a Knitter and Dyer. Katie is a Sales Associate in our retail store but has also worked in our Warehouse.
My holiday wishlist includes:
1. Namaste Oh Snap! Pouches -These bags are great because they won’t snag your yarn and you can see the project inside! This is a great product for and knitter or crocheter who has multiple projects going at the same time.

2. Jade Sapphire Brigadoon and Getting Purly with it Cowl pattern – I love this cowl pattern and the yarn; who doesn’t want washable cashmere?

3. Wild Color by Jenny Dean – A friend loaned me this book when I told her that I was interested in natural dyeing. It is filled with useful information for both the new and experienced dyer.

4. BFL Fingering, natural hanks – In the dye experiments I have done, this has been my favorite yarn with which to dye. It takes the color beautifully and is such a lovely wool to wear as well.

5. Lantern Moon embroidery scissors – I need some small, sharp scissors for my tool kit and these would make a great stocking stuffer! Plus, Lantern Moon uses sustainable practices in all areas of their business, so
you can feel good about supporting them!

Hi, I’m Greta and I’m a knitter and crocheter. Greta is one of our Website Coordinators but she has also worked in our retail store.
My holiday wishlist includes:
1. Sweet Georgia CashSilk Lace – because…Silk! Cashmere!

2. The Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt – I don’t have it yet and not owning it makes me feel like an irresponsible knitter.

3. The Knitter’s Book of Finishing Techniques by Nancie M. Wiseman – My goal for 2014 is to FINISH some of my many, many works in progress.

4. A skein of Freia Lace in the Dusk colorway – I’m totally obsesses with Amy Stephen’s Rooshed pattern and I’m excited to see what it would look like in this beautiful ombre lace yarn.

5. Knitter’s Pride Bamboo Crochet Hook Set – I only just took up crochet this year, but I’m very excited about it! I would like a crochet hook set so I don’t have to worry whether I have a particular hook size or not!

Hi, I’m Ashley and I’m a dangerous fiber nerd. Ashley is a Sales Associate in our retail store and our resident spinning expert.
My holiday wishlist includes:
1.Abstract Fibers 40/40/20 – Raw Merino/Superwash Merino/Silk, hand dyed blended fibers

2. Ashland Bay Organic Polwarth wool fiber – Super soft, springy wool that takes dye beautifully and spins up smoothly. Processed ecologically

3. Dream in Color Classy with Cashmere – Having a love affair with this super soft yarn, which wants to become new garments for me to snuggle with, in hand dyed colors that pop!

4. Be Sweet Bamboo – Gorgeous hand dyed colors in cable-plied 100% bamboo, which I recently made my first pullover with, and the drape and softness of this yarn makes me want to knit another one right away.

5.  Zealana Willow DK – Following the thread of cashmere addiction running through my wishlist, this blend of 70% New Zealand Merino and a whopping 30% Cashmere content makes visions of cozy soft hats and snug wintertime socks dance in my head…

Hi, I’m J, aka Young Man, and I’m a knitter and weaver. J is a Sales Associate in our retail store.
My holiday wishlist includes:
1. Eucalan, lavender scent – To give with gifts, samples and full size bottles, please.

2. Fix-a-Stitch lace – My current method is Okay but this is perfect.

3. Knitter’s Pride Karbonz 6” DPN set – Love these DPNs; one word: smooth.

4. Schacht baby Wolf 26” – four now, four later – It’s a wishlist and this is definitely what I wish for.

5. Buffalo Wool Co. Sexy in the Royalty colorway – Bison down and silk, thank you very much.

It’s National Crochet Month and we’re excited to share some of our favorite crochet techniques and trends happening in 2013.

This week we’re focusing on Tunisian Crochet which is experiencing a resurgence as more and more crocheters begin to explore the potential of their craft.

Interweave Crochet’s Fall 2011 issue had a focus on specialty crochet techniques and features some really modern and wearable designs in Tunisian including Betty’s Tunisian Tee by Tram Nguyen.

Dora Orenstein’s latest book, The New Tunisian Crochet, is an fantastic combination of history, stitch dictionary and pattern book. You can pick up the book with no knowledge of Tunisian and work your way through smaller, skill building projects, including a gorgeous sampler afghan, and end up making a cozy and stylish cardigan.

If you’re local, we also run a series of Tunisian Classes each winter here at our Store in Northampton. Our Tunisian Basics class has already wrapped up for the season but if you have a bit of knowledge under your belt and would like to see what else Tunisian can offer try our Exploring Tunisian Class which begins this Friday, there are still a few open seats!

Whether you’re new to Tunisan Crochet or a seasoned pro our Knitters Pride Dreamz Tunisian crochet hooks are the perfect tool. You can jump right in with the full set of hooks or start slower, one hook at a time and choose the cable length you want to start with.

Have you tried Tunisian? What’s been your favorite project?

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about gifts! We’re busy getting our gifts ready for the holidays; only a few weeks left!

( Left) I made the hedgehog wool pet as a gift for my girlfriend. The instructions were easy to follow and the pictures demonstrated every step. After I made the body, I used the finished picture as a guide for the nose, ears and coat pattern. I’d recommend wool pets for anyone looking for a fun and creative gift! > Kyle C.

(Right) I’m making several pairs of socks as gifts this year, and I’m in love with the Karbonz needles. They have the nice, sharp points I love from the Novas, but the carbon fiber has a little grip to it. The joins between the different materials are smooth, and I know I don’t have to worry about my yarn snagging. Definitely a plus when working with thinner yarns! > Jackie V.

I don’t do a ton of holiday knitting, but every year my Grandma Gen is at the top of my list to receive a handmade gift. This year I wanted to go with something beautiful but fast. The Kid Cozy Throw was exactly what I needed; a combination Berroco Boboli and Berroco Cirrus yarns knit on a large needle to make quick work. Plus, I think I like it so much that I’ll have to make one for myself! > Greta S.

When my girls were much younger I made them each Ganomy Hats and a pair of Mitered Mittens from Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Knitter’s Almanac using Noro Silk Garden. They have outgrown them now but my youngest daughter asked for a new set this year. I let her dig through my stash for yarn and she chose the new Noro Kirara, color #11. She’s thrilled with how it’s turning out and can’t wait to start wearing it. > Sara D.

Do you love your Knitter’s Pride knitting needles and crochet hooks? Knitter’s Pride is holding a 4-month video contest and the grand prize each month is the winner’s choice of a deluxe set.

Each month has a different theme, so get creative, create, and submit your video for a chance to win. All participants will recieve a shawl pin!

Chrck out the Knitter’s Pride website for full details and have fun!