From YARNS WITH A TWIST

Countdown to the Holidays – Part 4

One week from today, that’s it. All the knits and purls and single crochets must be completed. Is there still someone on your list that you absolutely must knit a hat, scarf or a pair of mittens? If you are quick, you could still do at least one before the end of the week. YWAT will be open regular hours this week. December 24th the store will be open from 11am to 3pm.
 

If you don’t already have a enough on your mind, let’s begin thinking about after the holidays. The last few months you have been knitting for others, now it is time to think about YOU! The first of the year is when you can finally relax and begin that sweater you always wanted to make. What about a nice cozy afghan?  Want to start with something small, what about a pair of socks?

Yarns With A Twist has a wonderful selection of Sock Yarns ranging from th very basic colors to hand dyes that are too die for. Whatever you chose the end result will be a pair of socks that you will love wearing.

For beginners, Carol, our sock lady, is at YWAT on Wednesday from 1:30 to 5:00 pm.  Carol can either teach you how to knit socks or assist you with any sock knitting questions or problems you are experiencing. She will guide you through the cast on, down the ankle, past the dreaded turning of the heel, on to the foot and finally to the equally dreaded kitchener stitch when binding off the toe. If you want to learn sock knitting and are unable to join Carol on Wednesday afternoons, let us know. Sandee, Barbara, Margaret and Christiane are also here to assist you.  

YWAT has a large stock of sock books to choose from too. The photo above only shows a few of the many sock books that are in the store. (Don't forget that until Saturday, December 24th all books - hard and soft cover - and leaflet patterns are on sale buy one get the second at 1/2 price.
 

 A favorite sock book is the new Sock Knitting Master Class by Ann Budd. The patterns are user friendly and there are not only top down socks, but many that are knit toe up. The Slip n' Slide socks (upper right corner) are being knit with Fiesta Baby Boom sock yarn, color RainForest. If you have never used this yarn don't wait. The fiber content is 90% Super Wash Merino and 10% Nylon.
Have you always wanted to use the hand dyed yarns but don’t want to make just a plain pair of socks? Would you prefer to include a design, but don’t want it lost in the color?  Cables, twists, lace designs can come to life even with a yarn that has a lot of color. Baby Boom is a perfect example of a yarn with a lot of color that deserves to have the perfect pattern. For your next sock projects, let us help you pick the right pattern for the yarn. 

 

This hat was knitted from the pattern Thoreau Hat from the new issue of  Interweave Knits Accessories 2011. This issue has many hat patterns just for men. This hat was knitted with Berroco Ultra Alpaca and size 7 needles and is a quick, easy project.

Easy first pair of gloves knitted with Berroco Nanuk and Berroco Voyage yarns.

The pattern is free from Berroco and is available at YWAT.

Kathy knitted this vest using a Lisa Knits pattern called Cabled V Vests. All she needs to add are the buttons, wrap and put under the tree. A special person in her family is going to have a nice surprise come Christmas morning.

OUR CUSTOMERS MAKE THE PRETTIEST THINGS

  This is Kai Ce B's creation…how beautiful…pattern by Cheryl Obeyle Folk Vest.  Made out of Mountain Colors Mountain Goat in color Lady Slipper.  The background is handspun by Kai Ce  out of a Sheltand Ewe named Lumina from the Abby Regina Laudis in Bethleham, CT. 

Here is Jenette K modeling her beautiful fair isle hat that she knit out of Cascade 220 Sport.  The pattern is Oslo Cairo that she found on Ravelry.  You look so cute in your hat Jenette.
You did a great job.

Maralen L modeling her nice and cozy Nomad Hat that she knit out of Mirasol Silk. 

You did a wonderful job knitting this Maralen.

Countdown to the Holidays - Part 3

Getting close to the end and a
few names left on your list?

If they are knitters, or crocheters,

why not give them a gift from
Yarns With A Twist?

Beginning on Tuesday, December 13th and continuing through Saturday, December 24th, all books and patterns will be on sale for buy one at full price, get the second for 50% off.  YWAT has a large selection of hard cover books, a shelf of soft covers and binders full of leaflet patterns available on their shelves.

 Do you need help choosing yarns and accessories for that special gift? Bring in your bag, box, basket, whatever and we will help you select the items to fill it. Choose from our large selection of yarns, books, needles and other gift giving ideas. If you want to keep with the knitting theme of your gift, choose a knitting bag from one of the many YWAT has to offer.

Yarn holders (a new shipment has arrived), Lights, Yarn Cozies are only a few of the stocking stuffers that YWAT has available. A knitter never has enough needles. YWAT carries a variety of interchangeable needle sets. Two of the more popular - KnitPicks and Addi. YWAT also has gift certificates. What knitter wouldn't enjoy finding any, or all, of these under the tree.

Mittens (Hats and Scarves) Workshop on Tuesday, December 13th, from 5pm to 8pm.. This will be our last workshop this year. We will resume after the holidays. 

Einstein Jacket or Not As Warm Jacket class will meet Saturday, December 13^th from 2 to 4. This will be the last class. If you still need help to complete your jacket please let us know.

OUR CUSTOMERS MAKE THE PRETTIEST THINGS

Leslie K. knitted these Tufted Mittens. Don't you want to be the one wearing these warm mittens when it's so cold this winter?? 

Sharon F. was busy knitting and felting these adorable Bugga Bags. Love them.

These wonderful Christmas Stockings were made by Barb P for her new grandchildren.

Countdown to the Holidays - Part 2

Three weeks to go and still plenty of time to get those needles clacking. Last week I posted a photo of the new Kraemer Sterling Silk and Silver yarn. Yesterday I saw the what Sandee ordered. She had told me that the devil made her place this order. Well, for once, the devil wasn't wrong. The colors that are now available at YWAT are not only fun but full of bling. 
Unfortunately, my camera was misbehaving and I was unable to get a photo. Let's just say this is a must have for your holiday giving and beyond. The Kraemer website has a number of free patterns available for this lovely yarn. Who wouldn't want a pair of "sparkle" socks or a shining scarf? The other patterns available on this site include a hat, another scarf with matching fingerless gloves and a shawl just to name a few, most patterns only use one skein. http://www.kraemeryarns.com/patterns/foryarn.asp?yarnIdnt=13 

Another simple/quick project you might like for holiday giving is a scarf knitted with Fiesta Baby Boom. It only used one skein, a pair of size 5 needles and a basic knowledge of knitting. The pattern creates a nice lacey edging and this scarf is light enough to wear indoors. One skein of Fiesta Baby Boom will also make a colorful pair of socks. The shop has a bin full of beautiful colors.  

The yarn for the next Skacel Knit-A-Long has arrived. After taking the month of December off, the KAL will resume in January with a pair of "Mitten/Fingerless Mitts:. This KAL will require two skeins of Simpliworsted by HiKoo. Simpliworsted is a superwash blend of merino, acrylic and nylon. So soft.

Don't forget Christiane's new pattern SAMEDAN, an earflap trapper hat. So many yarns to chose from to create this cute, and practical, hat. Patten is available at Yarns With A Twist or at Christiane's ETSY shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/LismiKnits?ref=top_trail

The new Interweave Knits Accessories is in the shop and already Sandee needs to order more. This magazine is chock full of hats, scarves, socks, shawls and mittens. The cost might be a little higher then the normal Interweave Knits, but this is one magazine you will keep in your pattern collection, and use, for years to come. 

Countdown to the Holidays - Part 1A

Christiane's newest design, SAMEDAN, an earflap trapper hat, is just too cute to wait to be posted to the blog next Sunday. This is a must knit for adults and children on your holiday list.

The pattern is available at her Esty Shop Lismi Knits http://www.etsy.com/shop/LismiKnits?ref=top_trail or at Yarns With A Twist.

Material:
• Approx. 125 (100,) yards of bulky weight yarn = Col1
• 1 skein of “fuzzy” yarn like: Berocco, Nanuk or Knit One Crochet Too, Fleece or WoolieBullies by HiKoo = Co2
• Circular needle size US 11 (8 mm) and/or dpn size US 11 (8mm)
• Crochet Hook size I or bigger.
• Needle to sew in ends
• Stitch markers

Sizes:
• Adult = for approx. 21” head circumference (also fits teenager)
• Child = for approx. 18” head circumference

Countdown to the Holidays - Part I

Thanksgiving is over, along with Black Friday. Did you save enough money to purchase your yarn for those last minute knitted (or crocheted) gifts for someone special on your holiday list?

The Espresso Scarf is a free pattern available from Berroco. Knitted with new to the shop Berroco Nanuk and Voyage, it is described as “The soft and warm shearling like texture of Nanuk nestles against your neck, while the tailored shaped ends of this scarf are knit in a co-ordinating color of Voyage.”

Here is another quick scarf/cowl project. Buttons added at the end let you make the choice to wear it as a scarf or a cowl. Recommended yarns for this project are DK weights such as Manos Silk Blend or Rowan Felted Tweed. Pattern available at YWAT.

Don’t forger that the Ellyn Cooper’s Yarn Sonnets Trunk Show continues at the shop. The Periwinkle Capelet (upper right) made out of one skein of Ellyn’s Perwinkle yarn or two skeins of Quicksilver. Quicksilver Vest (lower right), Texas in Sequins Necklace (upper left) or Steam Punk Bracelet (lower left) are only a few of the featured items in the show and perfect holiday gifts. 

Another new to the shop yarn is Kraemer Sterling. If you have never knitted with this yarn you are in for a treat. Stop by the shop and see what colors Sandee has ordered. (She said the devil made her do it). One skein will make a beautiful pair of socks. 

Mittens (Hats and Scarves) Workshop meets again on Tuesday, November 29^th from 5pm to 8pm. Barbara may not be there, but Sandee will be stepping in to assist you with your current YWAT projects. Workshop attendees, make sure you ask Sandee about the upcoming January Skacel Knit-A-Long when Skacel will feature a Mitten/Fingerless Mitt. Last Workshop for this year will be held on Tuesday, December 13th. Start thinking about what projects we want to work on during the new year.
(Mittens in the photo were knitted by Lynda B. The pattern is called Toasty Mittens by Jean Moss. It was purchased on Ravelry and knitted with Manos Silk.)

Einstein Jacket or Not As Warm Jacket class will meet again on Saturday, December 3^rd from 2 to 4. How is everyone doing? At this class we will be talking about inserting the sleeves. Last Class will meet on December 17^th. Barbara has completed her jacket (photo below) and is just waiting to add the buttons.

Part IV Skacel KAL now online

The fourth and final piece to Skacel's November KAL is now available online. http://knitpurlhunter.com/kal/  The pattern is only asking that you knit the Leg in the pattern (same pattern as used on the foot) for 4 inches. If you want a longer sock you should have plenty of yarn to go further.
Can't wait to see everyone's finished socks! If you are unable to stop in the store, please send us a photo.

Happy Knitting!!!

Ellyn Cooper's Yarn Sonnets Trunk Show plus What's New At YWAT

For the next few weeks, Yarns With A Twist will be featuring Ellyn Cooper's Yarn Sonnets Trunk Show. All the items pictured can been seen at the shop.We carry a large selection of Ellyn's yarns. Come in and start your holiday shopping with one of Ellyn's kits.

3 Button Jacket done out of  Ellyn Cooper's Yarn Sonnet's Naturally Smooth.

 

This beautiful shawl with a little bling on the bottom is called Lace Caplet made out of lace or fingering yarn.  Ellyn has wonderful colors to choose from.

 

This adorable pattern is called Perwinkle made out of one skein of Ellyn Cooper's Perwinkle or 2 skeins of Quicksilver.

  

This pretty vest is called Quicksilver Vest and, yes, it is made out of Ellyn Cooper's Quicksilver.

 

 
 

This unique necklace is called Texas in Sequins and we have the kits here to make it up.  This would make a great holiday gift.

This beautiful bracelet is called Steam Punk Bracelet and we have a nice selection of this kit.  Another nice gift for the holidays.

NEW YARNS AND PATTERN AT YWAT

 

NANUK

FIBER: 67% Wool, 33% Nylon

BALL WEIGHT:  1.75 oz / 50 g

BALL LENGTH:  70 yds / 64 m

KNITTING GAUGE:  3 sts = 1"
12 sts & 18 rows = 4" (10cm)

NEEDLE SIZE:   10.5 (US) / 6.5 mm

CROCHET GAUGE:  2.75 sc = 1"
11 sc & 13 rows = 4" (10cm)

HOOK SIZE:  10.5(K) (US) / 5.5 mm

CARE: Handwash. Lay flat to dry.

VOYAGE

FIBER: 93% Super Fine Alpaca, 7% Polyester

HANK WEIGHT: 1.75 oz / 50 g

HANK LENGTH: 125 yds / 114 m

KNITTING GAUGE: 4 sts = 1"
16 sts & 22 rows = 4" (10cm)

NEEDLE SIZE:  10.5 (US) / 6.5 mm

CROCHET GAUGE: 3.5 sc = 1"
14 sc & 18 rows = 4" (10cm)

HOOK SIZE:  10(J) (US) / 6 mm

CARE: Handwash. Lay flat to dry.

Use these yarns for this cute jacket and other fun patterns
in this new Berroco Booklet.

 

OUR CUSTOMERS MAKE THE PRETTIEST THINGS

The first four photos are from Barbara Porter. She has been a busy lady.

The baby blanket was designed and made by Barb. She did such a beautiful job making it out of Cascade Heritage Yarn.  Her grandchild's name will be embroidered in the center square when the baby arrives. 

These cute mittens were knitted the Yankee Knitter Mitten pattern and the yarn used was Cascade 220 Superwash.

These adorable baby hats were made out of Cascade Heritage and Crystal Palace Mini Mochi. The pattern used for the baby hats was by Sheila Fee.

 This colorful and beautiful scarf was using Limi Knit's Pattern called Volan. She used Kauni colors. Thanks Barb for allowing YWAT to show off your beautiful projects.

This beautiful scarf was knit by Betty B. out of Cha Cha from Trendsetter Yarn Co. YWAT still has a nice selection of Cha Cha, plus other fun ruffle yarns - Flounce, Ripple,  and Triana. Any one of these yarns will make an easy, quick holiday gift.

The Triplicity Shawlette was knit by Carol Kent out of Skacel's Simplicity. Very beautiful job Carol.
The Triplicity Shawlette was the November KAL from Skacel. There are still a few skeins left if you would like to knit one for yourself or as a gift.

Would like to have photos of your Yarns With A Twist projects included on our blog? Send your photos in jpeg format to yarnswithatwist@gmail.com. When taking your photos please make sure your camera date and/or time stamp is turned off.

Part III November Skacel KAL Now Online

Part III is now available at http://knitpurlhunter.com/kal/. This is where you will add the heel. Pattern is calling for a short row heel. If you have never worked a heel in short rows don't fear it isn't difficult. The website does provide an online video to guide you or else stop by the shop for assistance.

Part IV  - The leg. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday that clue will be released on Wednesday, November 23rd.

MITTEN, HAT & SCARF WORKSHOP

Tuesday, November 15th, 5 - 8 pm with Barbara 

Get the help for any mitten/hat/scarf project you choose to make from Yarns With A Twist yarns and patterns. 

New mitten for this week – Flip Top Thumb Mitten. Are you a text-aholic or is there one on your holiday list? These mittens keep your hands warm but by flipping back the top of the thumb you can still text. Mittens are knitted with and worsted weight yarn with 220 yards and size 6 double pointed needles. There is a simple cable pattern on the front. Patterns available with purchase of yarn.

Upcoming classes for the Einstein Coat or Not As Warm Jacket class will meet again on:
Saturday, December 3^rd from 2pm to 4pm. Adding the sleeves

Saturday, December 17^th – 2pm to 4p – Putting in all together.

If you need additional help with your Einstein Jacket please call the shop.

November Skacel KAL Part II -

Interesting pattern for the foot. If this design stays through the ankle and cuff this sock could definitely be made for a man.

Part III will be available online on Thursday, November 17^th

 

OUR CUSTOMERS|
MAKE THE PRETTIEST THINGS

Would like to have photos of your Yarns With A Twist projects included on our blog? Send your photos in jpeg format to yarnswithatwist@gmail.com. When taking your photos please make sure your camera date and/or time stamp is turned off and the background for your project is not too dark.

November Skacel KAL Part II Now Available Online

How is everyone doing? Judy's Magic Cast on can be a little tricky, but makes a great toe. Are you ready to continue with Part II -- The Foot. http://knitpurlhunter.com/kal/  To make it more fun, there is an easy pattern that will be added to the top of the foot, the bottom is knitted.
Happy Knitting!

Officially, winter might be over one month away, but the current weather is saying it is time to begin knitting hats, mittens, scarves, anything to keep you warm.

Cabin Fever “Need A Hat?” book is chock full of fun hat patterns for the entire family. What makes this book unique is that each pattern is written a variety of yarn weights.

The Top Down Igloo hat in the photo was knitted with Plymouth Encore Coffee Beenz yarn. New to the shop, each skein of Coffee Beenz, has 214 yards. It is a combination of acrylic and wool and is washable.  The cost per skein is also very easy on the pocketbook.

Part II of the current Skacel Toe Up Socks Knit-A-Long will be available on Thursday, Nov. 10^th. If you would like to join in, there are still a few skeins of Royal yarn remaining at the shop. Note from Barbara - The combination of merino wool, nylon and cashmere in this yarn is wonderful to work with – so soft. If you are a sock knitter this yarn is definitely one you want to use for your next, or future, pair of socks. I can’t wait to complete my pair and wear – or will they become a Christmas gift? Going to be a tough decision.

The Einstein Coat or Not As Warm Jacket class will meet again this Saturday, November 12^th from 2pm to 4pm. We will be ready to begin the top portions of the coat/jacket.  

OUR CUSTOMERS|
MAKE THE PRETTIEST THINGS

Maureen G. knitted the following two shawls. The bottom photo is the Wavebird Shawl by Christiane Burkhard.  The top photo is the Triplicity Shawlette, the Knit Purl Hunter knit-along.

   

Would like to have photos of your Yarns With A Twist projects included on our blog? Send your photos in jpeg format to yarnswithatwist@gmail.com. When taking your photos please make sure your camera date and/or time stamp is turned off.