If you haven’t received our holiday catalog in your mailbox yet, it should arrive any day now. (In the meantime, you can check out our online version here.) Gradients are big this year, and you’ll find two in the catalog from the fine folks of Wonderland Yarns. We feature the Wonderland Yarns Mad Hatter 5-Skein Pack, and the Wonderland Yarns Cheshire Cat 5-Skein Pack. Gradients lend themselves well to accessories, and more. You can use them as the main yarn, or as an accent.

In Passaggio from Lyrical Knits, the Cheshire Cat 5-Pack is combined with Madelinetosh Tosh Sock to make a gorgeous wrap. It is worked seamlessly and works up into an interesting trapezoid shape.

If you want your gradient to shine on it’s own, a pattern like Spectral or Tralicco from Stitches of My Life Designs may be what you’re looking for. Each cowl uses a gradient and an interesting stitch pattern to achieve a beautiful look.

No matter what pattern you end up choosing, a project made with a gradient makes a great gift. It’s an easy way to incorporate color without having to do too much pre-planning. What do you think of gradients?

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This week Kathy talks with Debbi Stone WEBS’ featured Emerging Designer, about her Sproutlet collection eBook.

Learn about Debbi’s design aesthetic and inspiration as well as the growth of her company, Stitches of My Life Designs, her collaborative design label Adventure Du Jour Designs, and learn about the Strung Along knitting retreats she hosts in Port Ludlow each year.

Steve’s Yarn Picks of the week :

• Madelinetosh Silk Merino
• Rowan Magazine 58
• Rowan Hemp Tweed
• Rowan Alpaca Merino DK
• Rowan Pure Wool Superwash DK
• WEBS End of Summer Sale
• Valley Yarns Amherst
• Louisa Harding Akiko
• Louet Gems Worsted – Discontinued Colors
• Louet Gem Sport – Discontinued Colors
• Louet Gems Fingering – Discontinued Colors

Reminder:

Stitches Midwest is happening THIS weekend, August 6-9. WEBS is there and you can save 50% on admission with a coupon from us.

Sign ups are open for our annual bus trip to Rhinebeck – get your seat now!

Upcoming Events:

Bathroom renovations are happening in our retail store starting August 23rd. Please plan ahead for restroom stops before and after your visit to help alleviate lines for our customers and staff. We will be down to just one bathroom stall through the Labor day weekend – PLEASE plan ahead.

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