Wednesday, April 20, 2011

This just in: Habu, Haiku Knits and Ori Ami Knits!

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YBD is thrilled to announce the arrival of our latest Habu Textiles order, plus the arrival of two books that feature Habu's yarns: Haiku Knits and Ori Ami Knits!

We've restocked Habu's Cotton Gima, Linen, Fine Merino and Silk Stainless yarns. New to us is their Ultra Fine Stainless Steel Thread, with the excellent message on the label: "Yardage not available, but A LOT".

In Haiku Knits, author and designer Tanya Alpert features 25 designs that celebrate originality, simplicity, sophisticated color and comfortable fit. Her "Lantern Floating" pattern brings together Habu's Silk Stainless and Super Fine Merino into a softly felted, romantic top and skirt. The book also features some other fine yarns that we currently stock, including Rowan Cocoon.

Ori Ami Knits - featuring designs from Olga Buraya-Kefelian, Vanessa Yap-Einbund and Kirsten Johnstone - is a collection of 13 pieces that focus on the concepts of folding, pleating, draping and combining textures. The "Concertina Dress" uses Habu Linen and has intricate detailing around the neckline. The linen yarn's flowing drape is perfectly suited for summer days. The "Abyss Jacket" uses two strands of two different colors of Tsumugi Silk held together (for a total of four strands) and is a perfect addition to any wardrobe. With classic tailoring and minimalist feature details, this garment is a true crowd-pleaser.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

This just in: new books!

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YBD has received several great books over the last few weeks. Here is some information about some of them.

Nicky Epstein's Knitting Block By Block is an innovative book that provides the reader with 150 block designs and diagrams to design with. Simply choose the design you want - afghan, bag, sweater, scarf or toy - and select one block design or several to mix and match and create your own personalized finished object!

Knit.Sock.Love is the latest release from sock guru Cookie A. This beautifully photographed book features 19 original patterns that are broken down step by step into bite-size components that are easy to digest. Illustrations, diagrams and charts accompany each project, offering an invaluable guide for visual knitters.

In A Knitting Wrapsody, Kristin Omdahl features 18 innovative designs to wrap, drape and tie. According to the author, although all of the projects in the book - scarves, wraps, shawls and skirts - are knitted, much of the aesthetic is inspired by crochet. A DVD is included with the book to help to demonstrate some of the unusual techniques used in these patterns.

60 Quick Baby Knits is a collection of charming knits from Cascade featuring their 220 Superwash yarn. This collection of designs, ranging from easy to experienced, includes hats, booties, sweaters, blankets and more.

Both edited by Judith Durant, One-Skein Wonders and Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders feature patterns - you guessed it - using just one skein of yarn each! One-Skein Wonders features 101 patterns written for just about every weight of yarn out there - plus novelty yarn! Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders features 101 patterns that go way beyond socks. While the volume features many wonderful yarns, while paging through, we found three patterns featuring one of our favorite sock yarns, Noro Kureyon Sock (shown below). The Ericka Scarf from Gina House features a simple, open lace pattern that is easy to knit and works up quickly. Patricia Colloton-Walsh's Crocheted Market Bag is fast, fun and useful. And now for something completely different, how about Irina Poludnenko's knit and crocheted Umbrella Lamp Shade? Yarn cost for any of these three projects is a steal at just $19.95!

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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Restock alert - Handpainted Knitting Yarns and Berroco Comfort!

Yarns By Design is pleased to report that we've just restocked some of our most popular products!

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The Hand Painted Knitting Yarns "Scarf-in-a-Scarf" Knitting Kits include four skeins of soft-as-butter yarn in a 60% silk, 40% fine Merino blend, as well as a handpainted silk scarf that's been dyed to match. Knit the included pattern, thread the silk scarf through your knitting, and you have a beautiful new accessory for fall that can be worn in a number of ways! See the top photo above for the colors now in stock.

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Also just in is a huge restock of one of the most popular and versatile yarns that we carry - Berroco Comfort. Great for baby or adult knits, Comfort is an affordably-priced classic worsted weight yarn. An ultra-soft blend of super fine acrylic and super fine nylon is spun into a luxury twist. The yarn is easy care– machine wash and dry – and allergy free. Currently, we have 45 colors of this fabulous yarn in stock.