News

It’s time to play “Pick Your Emma’s Yarn Theme Pack“! As mentioned in the last post, we’ll be taking special orders for these gorgeous sets of 10 coordinated Emma’s Yarn mini skeins for midsummer delivery.

There are 6 different Theme Packs and all can be ordered in your choice of Emma’s top 3 yarn bases—Practically Perfect Sock ($65), Super Silky (also a fingering, $85), and Simply Spectacular DK ($65).

Call or visit the shop to order starting Wednesday, June 22. Deadline is Friday, July 8. If you’d like us to ship your order to you as soon as we receive it, please add $7 for domestic postage.

What can you make with 10 amazing colors, chosen by dyer Emma herself to practically melt into one another? The Tropical Dilemma shawl was designed by Laura Dobratz specifically for Theme Packs, but there’s enough yardage in each pack to make all sorts of things. The two fingering weights have 810 yards each; the DK is 610 yards total. Let your imagination soar!

Here’s another look at these glorious hand-dyed Emma’s Yarn colors (pictured in the Practically Perfect base). Good luck deciding on your pick!

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Are you on Instagram? So are we! And as of today, we have a new address: @followgoshyarnit. Please follow us there and continue to enjoy seeing great customer projects, our newest merchandise, and (of course!) lots and lots of beautiful yarn. You’ll be able to continue to view our original account, @followtheyarn, as an archive.

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Did you know you can look back through all our older posts any time? Click on the link at the bottom of any post that says “Filed Under: Uncategorized.” Enjoy!

Or is it “Donut”? Well, either way, that’s the good news. The not-so-good news is that the shop’s computers crashed earlier this week. Consequently, we are unable to accept credit cards at the moment—cash and checks only for all purchases.

The problem shouldn’t take long to fix, certainly in plenty of time for pre-orders to be placed for the just-released Emma’s Yarn Theme Packs—sets of 10 “Smalls” (mini-skeins) of the most wonderful hand-dyed Emma’s Yarn colors!

The assortments have been chosen to coordinate perfectly and are meant to be used together for a color “melting” effect, rather than to fade or contrast. There are 6 packs in all, each available in your choice of 3 different scrumptious yarn bases.

Choose your colors, then pick your yarn base:

• Practically Perfect Sock – a beautiful 2-ply 80% superwash merino/20% nylon fingering weight with the perfect balance of stretch and softness against the skin. Perfect for socks, shawls, sweaters and garments. 10 Smalls = 810 yards total.

• Super Silky – 2-ply 80% Superwash Merino/20% Silk luxury fingering weight with gorgeous drape and an elegant sheen. Emma’s most popular choice for wraps and shawls. 10 Smalls = 810 yards total.

• Simply Spectacular DK – a gorgeous 4-ply 75% Superwash Merino/25% Nylon DK yarn that is so soft to the touch and has just the right bit of give, making it perfect for garments, blankets, and accessories. 10 Smalls = 500 yards total.

We will be accepting pre-orders for delivery later in the summer. Prices and complete ordering details coming soon.

And here is the ever-so-fun Tropical Dilemma shawl, designed by Laura Dobratz expressly for the EY Theme Packs. Pattern will launch shortly.

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Do you follow the shop on Instagram? (You really should!) On June 15th, our current account, @followtheyarn, will be retired and we will start posting in a new account, @followgoshyarnit. Please follow us (again) at the new address. The old account will remain viewable as an archive.

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The email we sent in May that featured ideas for Remix Light by Berroco contained a broken link to Ravelry. Here is the corrected link to the all-time favorite accessory patterns for Remix Light. In that email there were pictures of my Summer Soundtrack* top by designer Elisabeth Smith, modeled by Maude the Mannequin. Here, contrasting with the Maude shot, is a classic “selfie in the bathroom mirror” of yours truly. Yes, I’m getting a lot of wear out of this vest and loving it!

My next vest will be PetiteKnit’s Ingrid Slipover*. I’m a pushover for designs with multiple stitch patterns. I’m thinking about using just Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok, rather than holding a DK + laceweight silk/mohair together, as the pattern suggests. I love the look and feel of that combo, but I know I’ll get a lot more use out of a pure wool sweater. (Now if only I could look as cute as the designer when I’m wearing mine!)

Which look do you prefer? Light or dark?

Or maybe I’ll make my first one in a summer yarn, either all-cotton Berroco Pima 100 or in a yummy shade of slinky cotton/rayon Modern Cotton DK, shown below, that worked so well in my Guernsey Baby Blanket.

Here’s GYI’s top-selling pattern for Pima 100, Cosette* by Amy Christoffers. The crisp stitch definition of the pure cotton might be perfect for the Ingrid Slipover—I’ll report back after a few swatches to let you know which yarn I go with.

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Jill finished three big projects recently, and I need to catch up with her here. First, her knockout Gresham Wrap* in Woolstok by Blue Sky Fibers. The pattern is from Michael Vloedman. Here’s another design that uses multiple easy stitch patterns to hold the knitter’s attention—a project like this will never get boring.

Malabrigo Rios in Ravelry Red was the winning choice for her Simple Swoncho, designed by Karida Collins. One word: WOW.

Jill adjusted where she divided for the sleeves to get less of a batwing silhouette. She followed Kay Gardiner’s suggestions that she used with her cable-less version. Here’s the original Simple Swoncho from its Ravelry pattern page:

And behind Door No. 3 is Jill’s sleek, elegant MEHAMA from Shellie Anderson in Shibui Billow.

I adore Billow (knitting the Two Point Cowl* in Billow was a joy), yet I’d love to see this pattern knit again in other yarns—it’s such a classic design. It’s also a great introduction to the intarsia technique and would be spectacular in other colors, too.

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I have three customer projects to showcase this time around. Let’s start with Krista’s sweet Cirrus by designer Katie Hanrott, worked in Berroco Ultra Wool DK. I see on Ravelry that some knitters have knit the whole sweater in stockinette, but I think the contrasting front panel is what makes it so adorable.

Janet knit Stephen West’s free pattern Boneyard Shawl in Berroco Vintage for her granddaughter because everyone needs a snuggly shawl now and then. This was West’s first published pattern, and it’s a simple, “vanilla” design that will work with any weight yarn.

The last lesson I gave was with a delightful knitter named Carole, who came in just for a refresher on knitting with double point needles to make some mittens. “I already know how to knit,” she said, “I knit a dress once.” Boy, did she ever!

I asked her to send me a picture of her knit dress—and isn’t this a masterpiece? Knitters are amazing!

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On a personal note, as some of you may know, April 30 was my last day working in the shop. As you can see, however, it’s not so easy to be rid of me—I’m still here, albeit working remotely. I’ll be clicking and clacking away on this news column and sending out occasional emails for a while longer.

Jill generously invited me to join her on her adventure of getting Gosh Yarn It! up and running in 2010, which feels like forever ago and yesterday. It has been a wild ride at times, but always a treat because, yes, working in a yarn shop is about the best job any knitter could wish for. It’s been a privilege to stitch alongside you all, even though at times I know it seemed I was just an extension of the computer at the register!

I have learned so much from everyone and have tried to pass on as many knitting tricks, shortcuts, techniques and hacks as I could—the good ones that make our craft so rewarding and worth making in the first place. Thank you for accompanying me on my own Gosh Yarn It! adventure. — Ann Ross

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Note: Patterns marked with an asterisk (*) are available at Gosh Yarn It!

The star of the second week of our LYS Month celebration is beautiful Shibui Billow.

Save 10% on this DK-weight yarn that offers comfortable, lightweight warmth with the softest touch of fluff, thanks to gentle wisps of merino and alpaca spun around a fine cotton core.

Our newest shop sample of Billow is Shellie Anderson’s graphic MEHAMA* wrap. The $8 pattern will be free this week with your purchase of project yarn (4 hanks).

And this is our model in Billow of the cozy Churchmouse Two-Point Cowl*, a same-but-different mini version of their Easy Folded Poncho*.

Antonia Shankland just published a new scarf/wrap design for Billow called Chroma*. The $10 pattern will be free this week with your purchase of project yarn (5-7 hanks).

We shared Betsy’s fabulous Cumulus Blouse* from PetiteKnit in the 02/25/22 post, but it deserves another shout-out for showing how great Billow is for sweaters — if you’re considering a pattern that calls for holding a fingering with a silk/mohair to get a DK weight yarn, just use Billow!

Billow would be ideal for many of the same designer’s patterns, including her No Frills Sweater* and Sequence Sweater*.

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YOU COULD WIN a Hiya Hiya Steel Sharp 5″ Interchangeable Needle Set (US 2-8) — a $99.50 value! You’ll get a chance for every $20 you spend this month. The drawing will be held on Local Yarn Store Day, Saturday, April 30, at 4:00 p.m., but you need not be present to win.

Many wonderful designers and yarn companies are supporting local yarn stores with exclusive products and patterns for LYS Day. While we aren’t supposed to say too much about these LYS Day surprises, we can say we will have a treat from Madelinetosh, plus free pattern download coupons from Berroco and Kelbourne Woolens. (We may let a few more hints slip in future posts.)

Be sure to keep an eye out for our LYS Month Week #3 savings announcement next week — it’s one of our top-selling yarns!

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NEW PRODUCT ALERT: Stitchy Notes from HiKoo join the fabulous Knitting Barber Cords as the best, most useful notion we never knew we needed because they hadn’t been invented — but now they’re here! We love these knitter-friendly sticky notes and hope you will, too.

Once again, congratulations to all our Spring Sprint-ers. Here are three more lovely finished projects that were knit in those 31 days, starting with Tina’s impeccably elegant Cragside shawl from designer Stella Ackroyd.

Cragside was one of three projects Tina was able to start and finish in March. She also completed this charming wee Liesl* cardigan and matching wee Liesl Beret* from Ysolda Teague. All are currently on display in the shop. (Thank you to Tina for allowing me to “slurp” her gorgeous photos.)

Linda knit her cuddly Summer Soundtrack Cowl* in two colors of Berroco Ultra Wool DK. The pattern comes from designer Elizabeth Smith. It’s almost like getting two cowls in one, depending on how you you flip it. April weather in NEPA being what it is, I bet Linda has already enjoyed wearing it!

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: The Fine Arts Fiesta is looking for fiber and textile artists to demonstrate crafts to the public on Friday, May 20, for at least one hour, any time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Fiesta is held on Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square, rain or shine. Volunteers will be given space inside one of the tents. For more information, please call Volunteer Coordinator Helen Grebski, 570-288-1111, and leave a message by April 15.

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Note: Patterns marked with an asterisk (*) are available at Gosh Yarn It!

Why wait until LYS Day, Saturday, April 30, to celebrate having a local yarn store? At GYI, we will be partying all month long, starting next week, with lots of specials and surprises.

It may be April Fool’s Day, but this is no joke — a major restock of Rowan Felted Tweed arrived today!

Congratulations to all our Spring Sprinters who set and met their goals. I’ve seen several of your projects, heard about others, and look forward to sharing as many as possible here in the coming weeks.

March really did go out like a lion where I live. We had a furious rainstorm that knocked out our power for over an hour. My last hour of official Spring Sprint knitting was done by candlelight.

Did I finish my Summer Soundtrack* pullover? Nope — I’ve gotten only as far as separating the body from the sleeves, and I’m okay with that. I never expected to finish in 31 days. For me, the Spring Sprint was the reminder I needed to work on one project EVERY day — no matter how many others I had going at the same time. I plan on keeping that same pace, and, believe it or not, the blob pictured below will be a sweater in another month.

My actual completed Spring Sprint projects are these two pairs of booties and the pattern they were knit from — my seamless adaptation of Stay-on baby booties, as mentioned in the last post. I would still welcome more test knitters.

Here are two more completed Spring Sprint projects. Liz used two hanks of Malabrigo Sock for this elegant single-warped scarf, woven with a 10-dent heddle. It looks so comfortable, doesn’t it?

Kathy knit her sweet little mermaid with Berroco Pima 100 and Amy Gaines’ Mermaid pattern. I may have to make a few of these for my 🧜‍♀️-loving granddaughters this summer.

And now for some FOs that weren’t knit as Sprint projects. Let’s start with Gina’s vibrant Embers* from Tin Can Knits. She used Emma’s Yarn Practically Perfect Sock for the body of the sweater. The textured colorwork was knit with Edition 3 from Schoppel Wolle. This sweater is on fire🔥!

For a “bespoke” pair of socks for her husband, Laurie customized a favorite pattern with asymmetric cables, placing them to the outside of each sock. This was accomplished with no small amount of research into cable pattern options! Here’s the amazing left foot:

Bonnie did some customization of her own, changing the stand-up garter collar of Melissa LaBarre’s Habanero* cardigan to traditional 2×2 ribbing — with this adorable result.

While baby may not be quite big enough yet for the cardigan, the matching hat is already getting regular use. I love the one-row stripes she got using helical knitting technique.

Francie used the pinkest pink Lana Grossa 365 Cashmere for this light, summer weight Guernsey Wrap* from designer Jared Flood. The pattern clearly works as well with non-wool as wool yarns — it’s all about beautiful stitch definition and drape.

I finished my Broken Garter Blanket in Malabrigo Rios. While I didn’t use a pattern, Meadow Lane, a free pattern from Fifty Four Ten Studio, is quite similar.

Please allow a proud Nana to include this blanket “action shot.”

I’ll close with Tina’s showstopper Jade Scarf* from Lisa Richardson.

The scarf was designed specifically for Rowan Felted Tweed Colour, and Tina used the two suggested colors (#024 Chestnut and #027 Succulent), making only one slight change — she worked 23 of 25 pattern repeats to allow her to use 4 balls of each.

Isn’t this just stupendous? When Tina brought it in, there was much exclaiming over not only her lovely colorwork but also the incredible softness of the fabric. That’s Felted Tweed for you — I think I remember someone saying, “It feels just like a pile of bunnies!”

Note: Patterns marked with an asterisk (*) are available at Gosh Yarn It!

Spring Sprint Update: Halfway through the month, I am working faithfully on my “official” Sprint project, Elizabeth Smith’s Summer Soundtrack*, every day now. Will I finish it in two weeks? Probably not, but I’m trying! I have the dreaded condition “Knitter’s Startitis,” and I’ve put my Soundtrack* aside once already, just long enough to start and finish an irresistible project, these Seamless Garter Baby Booties*:

The pattern is my adaptation of the 0-3 mos. size of Stay-on baby booties from Ravelry member “KnitgirlinNorway.” The original is knit flat and seamed. My version is worked (mostly) in the round and closed with a 3-needle bind off across the heel. I used a sport weight yarn, Alpaca Yarn Co. Symmetry, on US 2/2.75mm DPNs. If you’d like to be a beta tester for my rebooted bootie, I’ll happily send you my instructions.

Could we be in the middle of a new baby boom? Perhaps because we have a new bébé in our family, I’m hearing about new arrivals everywhere. (Congratulations, Ann! Congratulations, Bonnie!) There definitely has been an uptick in the number of customer requests for baby sweater and blanket patterns — so a shout out to my favorite blanket source, Fifty Four Ten Studio.

My current favorite quick and easy baby sweater is this Norwegian Fir Top Down Cardigan* from OGE Designs. I knit it in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light in a week in February, so it doesn’t qualify for the Sprint, but yours could — even with just two weeks to go! It is that simple, with the raglan increases built right into the lacey panels and no underarm stitches to cast on or pick up. As a bonus for all the chart-phobic knitters out there, the directions are clearly written out, row by row.

One last baby knit, my Ellen’s Coming Home Set* from PetiteKnit. The bonnet has Berroco Aerial silk/mohair added to give it extra coziness. This was knit in ancient stashed yarn, but Berroco Ultra Wool DK would be my choice for a washable soft wool, Modern Cotton DK for a summer weight.

Despite last Saturday’s snow storm, warmer weather is on the way, of course. You can be ready with our lighter, seasonal yarns that have just arrived, Isola and Remix Light. And don’t forget our favorite 100% cotton worsted weight Pima 100.

ISOLA — Made in Italy; 284 yds/100g; Suggested Knitting Gauge: 5.25-5.5 sts = 1″, 21-22 sts & 29-30 rows = 4″ (10cm); Needle Size: 5-6 (US) / 3.75-4 mm; Crochet Gauge: 4.75 sc = 1″, 19 sc & 24 rows = 4″ (10cm); Hook Size: F (US) / 3.75 mm; Fiber Content: 38% Cotton, 36% Linen, 26% Viscose; Care: Machine wash in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry.

Elizabeth Smith (there’s that name again) wrote a blog post recently about swatching the newest Berroco yarns, including Isola, to find a replacement yarn for her Castaway* sweater, designed originally for Quinoa, a yarn that’s been discontinued. Isola tied for first place! Read the full article here — a fascinating look behind the scenes at how designers pick their yarns. Here’s Castaway*, her boxy tee.

Another simple summer top that would be perfect for Isola is A Slice of Linen* from Susan Barstein. Knit sideways, you could use two or just one color of Isola. The yarn’s long ombré gradient shading would create subtle vertical stripes.

You, too, can be a yarn detective, whether, like Smith, you have a pattern and are looking for a yarn for it or you have a yarn and are pattern hunting. Here’s how:

With a brand new yarn such as Isola, a search on Ravelry for “Pattern Ideas” can yield no results, since the yarn is just too new for folks to have posted projects using it. Likewise, a new pattern might have very few “Yarn Ideas.” Stephen West’s latest Corrugation Shawl*, for example, released only 5 days ago, has only 3 projects listed on Ravelry and just one yarn option other than the suggested yarn, which is a hand-dyed yarn, priced at over $38/skein, with 5 skeins required — yikes!

My simple solution for yarn substitution? Go to YarnSub.com. In the Search Box, enter the yarn you want to match or replace in a pattern. Like magic, this amazing resource site will give you a list of comparable yarns. For Isola, I picked Zooey, the 5th suggested yarn and an 89% match, because I knew it’s been available long enough to have been widely used. Sure enough, there are 35 pages of Pattern Ideas for Zooey on Ravelry — plenty to choose from for Isola! Working in reverse to find a substitute for the suggested yarn for Corrugation Shawl*, I discovered the 3rd suggested yarn, a 91% match, was our very own Kelbourne Woolens Scout!

(Please note that not all of YarnSub’s suggestions will be available in the U.S.)

Come to think of it, Remix Light would make a fantastic summer weight version of Corrugation Shawl*. There are plenty of other Pattern Ideas on Ravelry for Remix Light, though, in addition to Berroco’s own designs. We’re welcoming it back for spring with the newest colors, including Irish Moss and Blue Moon, below. Recycled non-wool fibers make it a comfortable year-round yarn. I love having it in my hands every day now — thank you, Spring Sprint!

REMIX LIGHT — Made in France; 432 yds/100g; Suggested Knitting Gauge 5.5 sts = 1″, 22 sts x 32 rows = 4″ (10cm); Needle Size: 5 (US) / 3.75 mm; Crochet Gauge: 5 sc = 1″, 20 sc x 22 rows = 4″ (10cm); Hook Size: F (US) / 3.75 mm; Fiber Content: 30% Nylon, 27% Cotton, 24% Acrylic, 10% Silk, 9% Linen; Care: Machine Wash in cold water, delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE MAKING…

Sharon chose Malabrigo Rios in the kettle-dyed color Candombe for her Low-key Cowl* from Elizabeth Smith (3rd mention!). It’s a one skein project that uses a technique possibly new to many knitters, the split hem. Fear not! Smith has a video that explains exactly how to work it. If you’d like to jump into the Spring Sprint, this pretty cowl could easily be started and finished by the end of the month.

Stephanie brought in two completed sweaters recently, both designed by Thea Colman, a.k.a. Baby Cocktails. (Like finding a clothing brand that fits you really well, when you knit your own clothing and find a designer whose patterns seem tailored just for you, you become a fan!) This is Stephanie’s magnificent Dolin* cardigan. She used Kelbourne Woolens Scout in Blue Heather. Just look at that stitch definition.

And don’t you love those cables?, how they match at the shoulder seam? She did some beautiful seaming here. Her second sweater is Lillet* in Lana Grossa 365 Cashmere, a cotton blend. Short rows worked right into the lacey neckline invisibly extend the back for better shaping and fit. Stephanie even added lace detail to the original ribbing at the hem. This one will be getting a lot of wear very soon!

And finally, here is Francie in her Weekender* from Andrea Mowry — that is one happy knitter! Her yarn may not have come from GYI, but we celebrate every finished sweater here!

Note: Patterns marked with an asterisk (*) are available at Gosh Yarn It!

Our Spring Sprint begins today, and to recap: Spring Sprint is a challenge to GYI customers to knit/crochet/weave at least one entire project, start to finish, in 30 days. You can do it!

Have fun, amaze yourself, and inspire the rest of us! No purchase necessary. No yardage minimums. Work down your stash and/or have fun picking out new yarn from GYI.

Choose your own patterns or use one of our suggested designs — Elizabeth Smith’s Soundtrack sweaters and cowls. Not only are they well-written, beginner-friendly patterns, offering lots of yarn and wear options (either worsted or DK weight, wool or non-wool), but Smith also has helpful videos explaining each technique and term. If you choose to make one of the Soundtrack pieces and purchase your yarn from us, we’ll give you your pattern FREE!

Here’s my swatch for a Summer Soundtrack* sweater using Berroco Remix Light, a DK weight non-wool yarn:

Soundtrack is designed to be worn with 6-10″ of positive ease. My swatch tells me my gauge — the target number of stitches per inch to yield the desired dimensions. Summer Soundtrack has the same gauge for both flat and in-the-round knitting, 24 sts = 4″ or 6 sts/inch. After washing/drying my (flat) swatch, then measuring in several different spots (think of the 5 pips on a playing card) and averaging those measurements, I got a gauge of 6.5 sts/inch on a US 5 needle.

If I wanted 6 sts/inch, I would need to go up a needle size to a US 6 to get larger stitches. However, I’m staying with US 5 because I actually want my finished sweater to fit somewhere between two of the pattern’s sizes — a little bigger than Size 2’s 43.25″ body circumference and smaller than Size 3’s 48.5″. I will still cast on Size 3’s 292 stitches, though. With my higher gauge (6.5, rather than 6 sts/inch), I hope to end up with a 45″ body circumference (44.92″ or 292 ÷ 6.5) instead of Size 3’s 48.5″ (actually, 48.66″ or 292 ÷ 6).

If all this sounds too technical and like too much trouble, let me say that the swatching, washing, and measuring took only about an hour + overnight dry time — an investment of my time I’m happy to make before embarking on a month of knitting that could otherwise produce a sweater I’d NEVER want to wear! I also now know that I love the fabric made with this yarn on a US 5, and I’m already thinking how nice Modern Cotton DK or Pima 100 could be, too.

(You may notice I kept my swatch stitches “live” on a Knitting Barber Cord; I’ll use up my other balls of yarn first, but eventually I may have to unravel my swatch to finish the sweater. By not cutting my swatch yarn, I’ll be able to re-use it after a light steam to unkink it once it’s unknit.)

If you’ll be Spring Sprinting, please email us at info<at>goshyarnitshop<dot>com and share with us what project(s) you’ll be making. In April we hope to feature as many customer FOs here online and in-store as possible to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments!

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FYI at GYI: The wonderful Berroco 123 DropShip Program is still going strong — allowing us to order any of their yarns for you, in any amount and color, to be shipped directly to you. It’s as if GYI stocks every Berroco, Lang, Amano, Lopi, and WOOLADDICTS yarn available!

Howling wind and snow, sleet, ice… enough already, winter. Fortunately, our Spring Sprint starts next week, and that should make the last month of winter fly by! Spring Sprint is a fun way to challenge ourselves to start and finish (at least) one entire project in 30 days—a chance to stitch our personal best.

You can knit, crochet, or weave anything you like. The only rule for Spring Sprint is to start no earlier than March 1 and finish by March 30.

If you’re looking for some ideas, take a look at designer Elizabeth Smith’s Soundtrack sweaters and cowls. They have simple slip stitch patterning, keeping the knitting both interesting and easy. Choose from either worsted weight (cool weather) or lighter DK weight (warm weather) versions. When you buy your Spring Sprint yarn from GYI, we’ll give you your choice of one Soundtrack pattern FREE, as our gift!

Jill knit our store model of the Summer Soundtrack Cowl* using Berroco Ultra Wool DK in a matter of days:

If you’d like to join the Spring Sprint, just email us at info<at>goshyarnitshop.com and tell us what you’ll be making. In April, we will host an in-store show of Spring Sprint projects to celebrate the creativity of the GYI community. We hope we may feature your work! If you won’t be able to loan your work for display, please be sure to email us a photo so we can share it here online.

The email we sent out earlier this week mentioned yarns recently restocked — all of which can be used for the Soundtrack patterns, by the way — Rios and Sock from Malabrigo, Ultra Wool DK, Vintage Worsted, and Ultra Alpaca Natural from Berroco, Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok, and Kelbourne Woolens Scout. But we left one out: Cascade 128 Superwash!

As you see, our favorite chunky yarn is back on the shelves in two dozen shades. The plump 2-ply twist of Cascade 128 Superwash is 100% buttery-soft merino that works up into a snuggly machine washable and dryable fabric.

The winner of this month’s “Didn’t-Know-I-Needed-It-Now-Can’t-Live-Without-It” Prize goes to the new Knitting Barber Cords. What are they? Smooth silicone cords that securely stick to your needle tips, allowing you to quickly slide your stitches off to try a garment on for size and then safely slip the stitches right back on your needle again. Each tin includes one 60″ cord and two 30″ cords. No more threading a needle with waste yarn or dental floss. (And after selling out in record time, the EZ PZ Gauge Ruler, last month’s winner, is now back in stock.)

What have our customers been working on? Laurie completed her lovely Avantaea’s Blanket last month. She said she decided to cast on 300 stitches to “see where that takes me.” It took her to 36 x 90″! She knit stockinette with a garter border, sideways on a 32″ cable needle using a little bit of a lot of yarns—Rowan Felted Tweed, Berroco Vintage Worsted, Titus Baa Ram Ewe, Lana Grossa Gomitolo 200 Dégradé, plus other fingering, DK, and worsted weight yarns, held alone or together — a real stash buster.

Molly chose Cascade 128 Superwash in pure white for her baby-sized blanket in an elegantly simple ribbed pattern.

Gina used (mostly) Cascade 128 Superwash for her bold OOAK version of Denise Bayron’s Wave of Change Jacket*. The original design is a solid color stockinette cardigan with evenly spaced purl ridges. Here Gina used all stockinette but has added diamond motifs and randomly-placed bolts of bright colors that are absolutely inspired!

Here is Betsy’s stunning Cumulus Blouse* from designer PetiteKnit in Shibui Billow in Deep Water. Holding two strands of silk/mohair lace weight together or a strand of silk/mohair with another lace or light fingering weight yarn is in vogue right now. What Betsy’s sweater so beautifully shows is that you can get the same on-trend look and DK weight by using Billow alone.

Now, what will you make in March?

Note: Patterns marked with an asterisk (*) are available at GYI.

Usually I try to show pictures of our latest arrivals, but so much inventory has been delivered in the last 2 weeks that my camera and I just can’t keep up – here’s a list of what’s new right now:

• Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural – we’ve brought back all 7 undyed shades of this 50% super fine alpaca/50% Peruvian wool worsted, created by blending the natural colors of alpaca with undyed wool.
• Re-stock of Cascade 128 Superwash – this is our go-to “light chunky” superwash merino wool that’s happy on a US 10/6mm needle. Vibrant colors, buttery soft, and machine washable.
• Re-Stock of Kelbourne Woolens Scout – a true modern classic. 100% heathered wool at a sport/DK weight in a gorgeous on-trend palette, ideal for colorwork.
• Re-stock of Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok – are we allowed to have a favorite favorite? That would be this 2-ply yarn of the highest quality Peruvian Highland wool, available in 50g and 150g hanks. Extremely soft with excellent stitch definition. And incredibly versatile – the suggested needle range is US 6-11/4-8mm.
• Re-stock of Ultra Wool DK – not just for babies, but this is our pick for “baby yarn.” 100% machine washable wool, smooth and gentle enough for little ones but also a great all-around DK weight. Berroco’s own patterns for Ultra Wool DK show what a wonderful staple yarn it is.
• Jūl Shawl Pins – simple, elegant shapes in rosewood or metal, all handmade and Fair Trade.

I do have photos to show of…

• EZ PZ Gauge Rulers – our first shipment of these amazing magnifiers flew out the door. They make accurate measurement of stitch and row gauge a snap. Get your name on the wait list for the next batch coming in (even our supplier is temporarily sold out right now, that’s how hot these gadgets are!)

And will there be spring yarns coming? You betcha! Berroco’s brand new ombré gradient Isola (below) is headed our way, along with a full re-stock of Berroco Remix Light, our bestselling non-wool yarn. Also coming soon, lots more Malabrigo Sock and Rios. As soon as the boat docks, the truck unloads at the warehouse, and the boxes are shipped to us, we’ll let you know!

Here’s a teaser for Isola…

…and here are two pattern suggestions for light, breezy tops made with Remix Light, Maëlle (in #3982 Blue Moon) and Capucine (in #6961 Peony held with Berroco Aerial in #3444 Fuchsia), both from the Berroco Design Team and both available at GYI…

Remember my Churchmouse Yarns and Teas Three/One Colorwork Cowl from the last post? I did indeed have enough Rowan Brushed Fleece left to complete another one, but it ended up not being a cowl.

I made it into a hat!

I am pretty pleased with the results, both with and without the pompom. Want to make one for yourself? You can pick up my modifications for this free pattern when you purchase your yarn.

(My cowl/hat trick worked because I have a 22″ head; if you don’t have a melon head like mine, you may need to go down a needle size or two to trick the gauge into making you a smaller hat)

Let’s get our Gallery of Finished Projects off to a great start with four absolutely beautiful woven scarves from our customer Liz. Yarns used include Malabrigo Rios, Emma’s Yarns Practically Perfect Sock, and Berroco Ultra Wool DK.

Nan wanted an ear-warming cloche hat and chose the pattern Mrs. Peel, We’re Needed* by Nina Machlin Dayton. Remember watching The Avengers? This is a bit like John Steed’s signature bowler, but much more stylish. Her yarn is Berroco Ultra Wool Worsted.

Joanne’s ready for spring with this comfortable, classic pullover in Luma from The Fibre Co. The pattern is #993 Neck down V-Neck T-shirt for Women* by Diane Soucy/Knitting Pure & Simple. Joanne says this was her easiest, quickest sweater ever, completed in less than a month. Here’s hoping she gets to wear it very soon!

Until that day comes, Joanne will have toasty toes with these snappy socks made with the Churchmouse Simple Toe-Up Sock* pattern. Her first pair was worked with Opal 4-Ply Sock for the main color and Manos del Uruguay Alegria in Crimson for the heels. The second pair was knit in sport weight Cascade Heritage 150 with a brilliant purple Wonderland Yarns Mad Hatter as the contrast color.

Linda made herself a clever little Pandemic Wrister, a free pattern from Claudia Krisniski. Knit in Berroco Pima 100, it will be a handy spot for her to park her needles, stitch markers, pins, etc. while she crafts.

And it’s not too early to start crocheting a family heirloom for next winter like this amazing afghan Cindy made. You don’t want to leave a project like this to the last minute!

Note: Patterns marked with an asterisk (*) are available at Gosh Yarn It!

Shop with us through December 31 – don’t forget to redeem valuable Frequent Buyer Points!

QUICK GIFT-KNIT IDEA: If I can knit this plush Three/One Colorwork Cowl with two balls of Rowan Brushed Fleece in three nights, you can, too! I’m a new-ish stranded knitter, still trying out different ways to hold my yarns, and this pattern from Churchmouse Yarns and Teas is a very easy first colorwork project. You’ll even have enough yarn remaining to make a second cowl with the colors reversed.

Want to tuck your handmade gift into a pretty pouch or pick up a new notions or project bag for yourself? New Baggu Go Pouch Sets are here, $38 for a set of 3 zip bags (4 x 6.75″, 7 x 10.5″, and 9.4 x 14″).

For when stitching time finally runs out, Baggu’s snazzy metallic ripstop nylon Wine Bottle Totes will dress up the classic last-minute gift. Each bag folds into its own flat pouch, with a keychain loop so it’ll never slip away. Handles double as tie closures. Set of 3, $34.

New Shibui Billow has quite a fan club, thanks to our shop model of the Two-Point Cowl*, a Churchmouse Yarns and Teas design. This unique DK weight yarn makes the most deliciously airy fabric.

Billow, made of merino wool and fluffy alpaca spun around a contrasting cotton core, is lovely from start to finish.

RESTOCKED: Berroco Aerial, 65% mohair/35% silk. Like the dollop of whipped cream on your slice of pumpkin pie, mohair/silk just makes great yarn better.

We love using one, two, or even three strands of mohair/silk by itself for the ultimate in coziness.

Above, the Arrochar* cowl, designed using simple slip-stitch mosaic knitting by Meg Gadsbey, in Aerial held double and knit as a DK weight on US 7/4.5mm needles.

RESTOCKED: Berroco Vintage Worsted. Soft and machine washable – it’s our bestseller, still only $9/skein. And, yes, that is a rainbow of Malabrigo Rios on the top shelf.

As always, I have wonderful and inspiring customers’ projects to share in our FO Gallery.

Joanne’s crimson socks were knit with Alegria from Manos del Uruguay and Wonderland Yarns Mad Hatter. Her pattern is Churchmouse Yarns and Teas Simple Toe-Up Socks*, to which she added baby cable patterned legs and cuffs.

Rebecca’s delightful Christmas mini-sweaters, featured individually in earlier posts, are worked in both knit and crochet and decorated with sewn, sequined, beaded, and baubled details. Each is a tiny original work of art. Here is her completed (Ugly) Sweater Wreath, finished with lights and tinsel, with nothing ugly about it!

One more beautiful holiday decoration from Rebecca, a Christmas ball covered in sparkly, lacey crochet.

Bonnie had a request for a “polar bear hat.” This is the charming result, the pattern improvised with chunky yarn from stash.

Bonnie knit one Sunday Balaclava* from PetiteKnit… and then another… and another…

…and now she’s trying to keep up with the requests for them, too!

These three kiddos loved their Sunday Balaclavas so much, they wore them all night. Bonnie uses Malabrigo Rios and prefers it to other worsteds for this pattern for its next-to-skin softness and washability.

Francie wore her Junegrass Pullover* in the other day, and I insisted on taking her picture – what a happy knitter! This is why we make our own clothing! The pattern from Carrie Bostick Hoge is a favorite of Francie’s. She used Malabrigo Rios in Cian.

Yes, a sweater that fits perfectly is one of life’s great pleasures. I’ll close with this knit-worthy story for you from the New York Times about a T. Rex and its custom “Christmas jumper” at the Natural History Museum in London. Enjoy – and have yourself ferociously happy holidays!

Note: Patterns marked with an asterisk (*) are available at Gosh Yarn It!