When you first read through your pattern you may see a note that says to “hold the yarn doubled throughout” or “yarn is doubled throughout”, this means you’ll carry 2 strands of yarn and knit with them as if they are one strand. This allows you to knit at a bulkier gauge or to combine yarns for a completely different look and texture, like transitions of color. The Lodge Pole Cowl uses two strands of Valley Yarns Northampton Bulky for a chunkier gauge than one strand would have yielded and the Gradient Cowl from Shibui transitions colors easily by changing just one at a time.

If your pattern is made up of short stripes, usually only 2 or 4 rows of each color, it may make more sense for you to “carry the yarn up the side” of your work rather that cutting and starting with new yarn for every new row – think of weaving in ALL those ends! The trick to this method is carrying the yarn up the side of the work each time you change color for the stripes. You’ll finish a row, and when you turn the piece over you’ll let the color you just finished with hang to the front of your work and bring the new color up behind to begin the new row. If you remember to change your colors this way for each color change it will be nearly invisible. The Garter Trap scarf, and the Chevron Tube Cowl are great examples of this technique!

What techniques or stitches are you struggling with? Ask WEBS, we can help!

Steve’s Deal of the Day for this weekend is Plymouth Yarns Grandiosa hand-dyed – $8.19/hank (reg $17.99). This super bulky yarn knits up at just 2 stitches per inch for super quick and cozy projects.

With just 2 skeins you could whip up your own Herringbone Neckwarmer, which is a FREE pattern, like Ravelry user paigecm has done.

Or with only 3 skeins you could do what Ravelry user knittingnurse has done and whip up an Ovate shawl for yourself.

Don’t forget! Plymouth Yarns Grandiosa hand-dyed is Steve’s Deal of the Day through 11:59pm EDT Sunday, June 22, 2014.  Use Promo Code FBGRANDIOS3 at checkout to get the special price, $8.19/hank (reg $17.99). 

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’s featured free pattern is a stylish, slouchy hat knit in Plymouth Coffee Beanz. The Coffee Beanz Hat is a simple knit that is fun to wear.

Sometimes when it seems too hot to knit, accessories are a great option and you’ll end up with a stash of warm projects when you need them in the winter. It’s also a great time to get a jump on gift knitting.

Plymouth Coffee Beanz is a machine washable blend of acrylic and wool. When knit, it has wonderful flecks thanks to the accent of a variegated ply.

Click here for a link to the free pattern.