Techno Savvy
Blue Sky Fibers' Techno is a technological marvel and fiber lover's dream. This incredible blend has weightless loft, warmth and softness. Techno is created by blowing alpaca and extra-fine merino fibers through a silk mesh core, making a bulky yarn that we love to use for sweaters and cold-weather accessories.
Stop by Wool & Grace to check out our sample of the Silver Lake Sweater (pictured above). Not only is this sweater a delight to wear, but it knits up quickly and easily. Knit in pieces and seamed together, it is a great "first sweater project." The Silver Lake Sweater is a $9 pattern and requires 6 to 10 skeins of Techno.
Also check out the Studio Beret from Churchmouse Yarns (pictured below). This new pattern plays on this year's beret trend and is knit up with just one skein of Techno.
One more versatile piece with this fantastic fiber is the Shadow Capelet (pictured below). Knit with three colors of Techno (1 skein each), the Shadow Capelet is a piece that can be worn draped like a cape, hung like a long cowl or doubled up for extra warmth. Plus, the Shadow Capelet is a free pattern!
Each skein of Techno is a marvelous 120 yards and $23.20. Click here to learn more and buy online!
Arbor: Brooklyn Tweed's Jack of All Trades
Brooklyn Tweed's Arbor stands out as a favorite yarn among our knitters. This round and smooth yarn is a dk-weight workhorse and steps up to the plate for as a solid contender for every single type of knitting project. Arbor has gorgeous stitch definition and comes in a huge array of colors, making it an idea choice for textured stitches and color-work.
Stop by Wool & Grace to check out our Kumon (pictured above, knit and designed by Stacey Gerbman) sample. This open, long cardigan is knit in a half-brioche stitch, and is the type of cardigan that can be layered over everything. Kumon is a $9 pattern and requires 10 to 14 skeins of Arbor.
Burnaby (pictured below) is a versatile hat pattern that shows off Arbor's cable-knitting skills. This hat looks equally cool on boys and girls, and can be knit in two lengths. Burnaby is a $9 pattern. Depending on size and length, you'll need 1 to 2 skeins of Arbor.
Stop by Wool & Grace to see the beautiful Kumon sample, and learn why we love Arbor so much! Each skein of this user-friendly yarn is $14.50 and 145 yards. Click here to learn more and buy online!
Embroidery Inspiration from Kirk & Bradley
A big bunch of new canvases from Kirk & Bradley Needlepoint is at Wool & Grace, and we're smitten with these beautiful pieces inspired by Mexican embroidery. Maravilla (pictured above) and Margarita (pictured below)both measure 6.25" square and are hand-painted on 13 mesh canvas.
These beautiful canvases are a joy to stitch in their bright hues. Smaller-sized canvases (and bigger holes) with clear changes between colors makes these canvases great projects for newer stitchers - or for those who want a high-impact piece that won't take as much time. Maravilla and Margarita are both $70. You can learn more and buy online by clicking pics or clicking here!
To check out all of the beautiful canvases from Kirk & Bradley, click here!
Shibui Nest for Projects Big and Small
Nest is Shibui's newest yarn and it brings a load and texture and character to your knitted projects. This fascinating yarn consists of a soft core of alpaca and wool, wrapped in a cage of fine wool fibers. Nest is a dk-weight yarn, and knits up beautifully on its own or mixed with other fibers. Each skein is a a compelling 175 yards and $20.
Check out the Common Time Cowl (pictured above) knit up in a combination of Nest and Silk Cloud. This simple 4x4 rib oozes character in this combination of fibers and yarns. The Common Time Cowl is a free pattern from Churchmouse Yarns and uses 1 skein each of Nest and Silk Cloud. Our sample (pictured just below) uses 1 skein of Nest in Suit and 1 skein of Silk Cloud in Abyss. (Silk Cloud is $26.50/skein). You can learn more about these yarns by clicking their underlined product titles above!
Feel like wrapping yourself up in Nest? Check out Mistral (pictured below), Sylvia Harding's voluminous wrap that is knit up on a US9 by holding Nest double. A curved hem and afterthought pockets add wearability to this staple piece. Mistral uses 16 skeins of Nest. Click here to learn more!
Sweater Weather Favorites on This Week's Blog
