Oh baby!

It always seems to me like June, July and August are popular months for babies to be born. If you're like me, each summer comes with the joyous addition of newborns amongst friends, family and coworkers. Giving a handmade gift is an extra special way to say congratulations. It may even be something the little one gets attached to and treasures for years! 

Yarns By Design has some beautiful yarns that are perfect for your next baby project. Our most popular  one by J.C. Brett- Flutterby comes in a variety of colors. It's super bulky weight can make for a quick moving project if you need one done before baby gets here. This yarn has many pattern designs to use- you'll need more than one as you'll be hooked on the yarn after feeling it's marshmallow-soft fiber. Looking for something in a lighter weight? Try Cascade Yarns: Cherub Baby for sport weight or Rowan: Super Fine Merino for fingering weight. (All pictured above)

Squishy soft Flutterby yarn patterns. 

To make life even easier, Yarns By Design has in stock the  Feza Baby Gradient Blanket kit. Pattern and yarn ready to go!

J.C. Brett Flutterby Hooded Blanket on top and Feza Baby Gradient Blanket in center. 

If you see more baby projects in your future, consider a pattern book to have handy. We have a collection to choose from including patterns for blankets, booties, garments, and toys.

Just a few of the baby pattern books at YBD!

Finally, if you are looking for something a little bit different than the usual pastels of baby projects I suggest trying something like making a blanket or garment in the baby's birthstone color. June is light  amethyst or moonstone, July is ruby and August is peridot. 

Left to Right: June/Light Amethyst in Malabrigo Rios "Orchid", July/Ruby in Malabrigo Rios "Ravelry Red",  and August/Peridot in Madelintosh DK in "Grasshopper".

Bonus: all yarns mentioned and pictured are machine washable! A must for baby friendly projects.

Do you have a favorite project you like to make for the babies in your life? Share them below or bring them by the boutique to show us (babies too)!

Warmly,

Sarah from Yarns By Design

Wrist Ruler: A Functional Accessory

If you are like me, you are always taking a project with you wherever you go. Sometimes, you just really wish you packed your tape measure too! This problem has a fun and fashionable solution and it is at Yarns By Design…the Wrist Ruler- a bracelet that doubles as a ruler. The bracelets have both inches and centimeters etched on them and are made in the USA.

This bracelet easily measures up to any of your other accessories. 

They come in two lengths of either 15 or 17 inches and designed to be wrapped around your wrist twice for a stylish look that goes with everything.  The genuine leather bracelets will look good on everyone as they come in three shades: medium brown, dark brown or black. I think the leather looks great with anything denim and can be dressed up or down (of course with your favorite handmade top, shawl or pullover).

Prepared for any project on the go. 

Are bracelets not your look but you like the idea of having a ruler with you on the go? We also have the keychain ruler,  you can find them at our boutique in both light brown or black.

Ruler Keychains.

What other accessory or tool do you not leave home without when taking your project with you? Leave a comment here or stop in and tell us about it! 

Warmly,

Sarah with Yarns By Design

That Darn Heel!

     

   Ask any novice sock knitter and they’ll tell you that turning the heel and picking up stitches for the gusset can paralyze even the most adventurous among us.  It’s one of the top reasons knitters think that sock knitting is an advanced project.  Fret not, fiber friends, November’s snuggly sleeping sock class is designed with you in mind.  After this class, you’ll see that any advanced beginner can knit a simple sock. Everyone at Yarns By Design wants each of you to have that Eureka! moment when you turn your first heel and see your gusset stitches just waiting for you to gather them up and conquer the heel once and for all.  If you can count, you can turn a heel.  It really can be that simple.  

   Here’s a quick sneak peek of what you’ll learn:

• Half of the stitches of the sock leg will form the heel flap in nearly every basic sock pattern. (Of course a knitter can customize the flap to fit an unusually narrow or wide foot.)
• The total number of gusset stitches picked up (on both sides of the heel) is the same number of stitches on your heel flap.
• Picking up an additional stitch or two at the top of the heel flap when you pick up your gusset stitches will help avoid the dreaded hole at the top of the gusset.
• Turning a simple heel is no more complicated that knitting a few short rows.
• Vanessa's super-simple trick for knowing WHICH stitches must be picked up to conquer the gusset and more!

   So come join us on November 10^th and see how easy sock knitting can be!  You’ll never fear that darn heel again.

Knitter's Keep Kit by Cocoknits

Keep knitting accessories close at hand …

Are you tired of digging through the sofa cushions to find your stitch markers? Tired of holding your cable needle behind your ear (or with your teeth)? And where is that tapestry needle when you need it?

Problem solved.

Introducing Knitter’s Keep
A silicone slap bracelet fits any size wrist and sports a brushed steel-plated magnet. Nickel-plated accessories attach to the magnet to keep what you need where you need it most.

KIT INCLUDES:
One silicone slap bracelet in orange, green, blue or grey
10 large round stitch markers (accommodate US 15 / 10mm needles or smaller)
10 small round stitch markers (accommodate US 9 / 5.5mm needles or smaller)
10 opening stitch markers (accommodate US 11 / 8mm needles or smaller)
2 cable needles (size US 1 / 2.5mm)
2 curved-tip tapestry needles
One handy 100% cotton pouch to keep everything together in your knitting bag.


© cocoknits

Available in colors: Grey / Blue / Green / Orange

Cocoknits Sweater Care Kit

The Cocoknits Sweater Care Kit contains everything you need for blocking and handwashing your hand-knit items and all of your fine hand-washables. To block seamless sweaters or accessories which do not require pinning, and to wash seamed sweaters whether hand-knit or store-bought, the Sweater Care Kit is perfect. It can be used alone, or in conjunction with the Knitter’s Block kit.

If you knit mostly scarves, shawls, seamed sweaters and other pin-able items, the Knitter’s Block kit is probably best for you.

The Sweater Care Kit includes:
- Two fine mesh, zippered laundry bags (small: 8" × 12 × 8", large: 8" × 22" × 8")
- One large super-absorbent towel (dimensions 36" × 60")
- One super-absorbent grid towel, inches and centimeters on opposite sides (dimensions 40" × 40")
- One mesh pop-up dryer (dimensions 28" × 34" opened, 11" diameter folded)
- A bottle of unscented Eucalan wash
- Jute bag (dimensions 15" × 12" × 5")


© cocoknits

Trendy Canvas Totes

- Hand silkscreened print with embroidered & cotton applique details
- 100% cotton
- Measures: 16" h x 14" w



Available in: Cool Cat, Drapper Dog, Rockin' Owl

Addi DIY Knit-cessories

Pavia Lewis is a knitting artist who found an outlet for her striking jewelry in her business called ‘Miknitures®’. Pavia uses decorative miniature (mikniture) knitting needles paired with coordinating yarn, to make remarkable pieces of knitted jewelry. Pavia’s work has been featured in publications such as Vogue Knitting, Creative Knitting, Cast-On, Living Crafts, and Interweave Knits, and her work has become recognizable nationwide.

Lewis has now combined efforts with skacel and addi® to provide custom hardware for her renowned innovation, allowing knitters to make their very own wearable art! For flexibility of personal style and fit, the necklace bases are available in addi® Natura or addi Turbo® needle styles, in two different lengths. The necklaces have a strong magnetized closure in the back, making for easy fastening and removal. These special magnets are the perfect strength - so your necklace will stay on all day, yet still remain easy enough to remove without assistance! While garter stitch is all it takes to make a simple, yet charming necklace, the inspiration is endless, so feel free to tap into your creativity and incorporate various yarns and stitch patterns to your heart’s desire! Wear your passion for knitting around your neck, and have some creative fun!



DIY Knit-cessories available in: Turbo Necklace Tips in the Standard length, Turbo Necklace Tips in the Extended length, Bamboo Necklace Tips in the Standard length and Bamboo Necklace Tips in the Extended length.


© skacel knitting

Raspberry Ripple Shawlette Kit

Raspberry Ripple takes its name from the way the gently waving edges suggest ripples, the way the bumpy texture of the red silk center panel suggests ripe raspberries, and the way my brain will use any excuse to suggest ice cream. Wear Raspberry Ripple to keep your neck and shoulders warm while enjoying your favorite frozen treat!


© Meghan C. Radick

Raspberry Ripple is a triangular shawlette, knit from the bottom point to the top, with a lace edging on either side of a textured triangular center panel. A handful of colors are available to choose from.

The instructions given are for a shawlette knit with two skeins of Lantern Moon’s Indochine yarn, but the pattern can easily be adapted to any size/weight of yarn. Indochine is a luxurious 100% silk yarn made exclusively for Lantern Moon in a mill in Vietnam. Indochine is the result of working directly with their producer to create a beautiful 100% mulberry silk, spun to their specifications, creating a sport weight yarn that feels wonderful in the hand and makes a luxurious fabric.

The kit is available at Yarns By Design and includes the pattern, 2 skeins of Indochine and a Recycled Paper Yarn Bowl. The creatively made bowl of wrapped recycled paper is the perfect size for a ball of yarn.


© Yarns By Design

© Yarns By Design

© Yarns By Design

© Lantern Moon

Gift Card Special

Now thru December 24, 2014

Stop by Yarns By Design for the perfect gift…
Purchase a $50 gift card
and receive $5 additional on card (total $55).

Gleener Fuzz Remover Kit

A Better Solution: The Ultimate Fuzz Remover is now available at Yarns By Design!

Sweater pills and fuzz balls are a fact of life. Every single one of us has experienced the disappointment – and frustration – of pulling out an almost-new knitted garment from the closet and seeing those unsightly pills. Even the most expensive kinds of knits are susceptible! And what about that favourite sweater, the one that used to make you feel so great… you simply can’t part with it, so now it’s become weekend-wear only.

At Gleener® we understand and share your frustration. In fact, the Gleener was born out of that frustration.There are other products out there designed to de-fuzz, de-pill, de-lint — but each has it’s limitations. We have designed a better solution to de-pilling — all without pulls and tears, environmentally unfriendly batteries and small motor burn-out, or weird odours and gritty residue. Gleener is easy to use and is the only product on the market with three fabric-sensitive edges, so you can use it to remove pills and fuzz from almost any kind of garment. Plus — it actually works!

Gleener has three numbered edges
— all clearly marked on the bottom. Each carefully designed edge targets a different kind of pill — allowing you to customize the Gleener to every item you want to renew. And they are a cinch to attach and remove. Click here to find out more about how and when to use each in order to get the most out of your Gleener.

Gleener is all about convenient garment care
— so it is actually two products in one! The attached lint brush picks up pesky pet hair in a flash, and can be used to finish any de-pilling job beautifully.



Product Features: Patented Design
Gleener® — The Ultimate Fuzz Remover — works like magic to quickly and easily remove fuzz, pills and lint from most woven or knitted fabrics. Everything from sweaters, t-shirts, pants, jackets, and scarves to cushions and upholstery will be completely revitalized!

Handy Lint Brush
Ergonomic Handle
Easy Release Button
Detachable Edges
Handy Lint Brush



The lint brush attached to the Gleener makes total fabric care as easy as turning the handle around. To read more about this great product, click here.

Re-purposed Totes

Re-purposed Totes are perfect for any of your knitting and crochet projects, carrying goods from the farmer's market or filling it up for an outing to the beach. Stop by the Yarns By Design boutique to pick out your tote.

Repurposed Plastic Tote
These heavy duty totes made of skillfully woven re-purposed plastic crate strapping offer great style for transporting projects and so much more. Durable and washable.


Gold w/ Wood handle - 8.5"w x 5"d x 10"h

Fun Again Tote
After many requests, the popular Fun Tote is back in one size and one pattern. Made of poly-strapping. Heavy duty - you'll use it for years!

15.5"h x 12.5"w x 6.5"d

AddiColours Crochet Hook Set

Yarns By Design is very excited to have the new AddiColours Crochet Hook Set available at the boutique. Hurry in today, these are very popular!



© Skacel Knitting

The addiColours crochet set includes 9 addi® Color-coded crochet hooks, in an easy-to-store travel case. The famous Addi Comfort Grip hook, featuring color-coded handles for ease of organization. Perfect for those seeking an ergonomic hook! Set includes addi’s® Color-coded hooks in US A (2mm), B (2.5mm), C (3mm), D (3.25mm), E (3mm), 3.75mm, F (4mm), G (4.5mm), H (5mm), I (5.5mm) and J(6mm).

Cupid Cowl Kit

Cupid Cowl Kit - NEW at Yarns By Design!
Design by Bobbi IntVeld



© Blue Sky Alpacas

Details

Yarn Shown:
Manatee #7525

Experience Level:
Advanced Beginner

Materials:
Spud & Chloë Sweater (100g/160yds): 1 hank
Size 9 (5.5mm) 16” circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
Stitch marker
Cable needle
Tapestry needle

Finished Measurements:
Circumference: 25½”
Height: 8½”

Gauge:
In ZigZag stitch, 17 sts and 25 rnds = 4”

The Little Experience Kits

New at Yarns By Design

The Little Experience Kits for Kids



Video games and other electronic toys might be all the rage, but kids still enjoy creative toys. Arts and crafts are at the heart of The Little Experience. Created in 2002, this UK business has grown from its humble beginnings. It has been nominated for numerous awards and has been the recipient of the Startups Awards Micro Business of the Year.

Parents introducing their kids to The Little Experience will be pleased with the selection that they'll find at Yarns By Design. We have a number of different kits to choose from. These kits are fun and creative and are ideal for both boys and girls.

Are you ready to show your kids a whole new way of having fun? Selecting the perfect toy from The Little Experience is as simple as knowing what your kids enjoy the most. You can stop by or place your order today at the Yarns By Design boutique.

Flutterby Chunky

Flutterby Chunky by James C. Brett is a new chenille incredibly super soft and affordable yarn in sweet baby pastel colors. This machine washable, super bulky yarn is perfect for baby items and oh-so-snuggly! Below is an example of the adorable pattern support available at the Yarns By Design boutique. We also carry all of the colors available in Flutterby Chunky.

Stop by the Yarns By Design boutique to see our sample made up of #174.

Caribou & Simplicity by HiKoo

New at the Yarns By Design boutique are these adorable cuddly critters knit with HiKoo's Caribou and Simplicity. We have all of the neutral colors available to begin your Caribou Critter today. Stop by the boutique to get started.

Caribou by HiKoo is an incomparably soft, fluffy yarn which will be an instant favorite in your knitting basket. With 93 yards and suggested needle of US 9-11, this versatile super bulky yarn is perfect for fuzzy toys, cozy baby blankets and elegant faux fur garments alike. Keep the knitting simple and let the yarn do all the work!


© skacel

Simplicity by HiKoo is a value yarn that is an excellent choice for afghans, children's wear, and anything else that get's daily use. This machine washable wool blend feels like butter in your hands while knitting, but is a true "work horse" of a yarn.


© skacel

Caribou Critters designed by CiD Hanscom, are awe-dorably cuddly and cute! Made out of the super-soft Caribou, and durable Simplicity by HiKoo, they will remain intact after hours and hours of cuddles!

The pattern includes instructions for all three animals - dog, bear, and monkey.


© skacel

Sajou Scissors & Linen Thread

YBD is excited to announce our newest line, Sajou.


Sajou scissors are hand-made in small workshops in France. The scissors are presented in a floral motif box. Sajou scissors are quality that can be identified by their pairing marks. This indicates that the two blades have been perfectly adjusted to form a pair. Size: 4"


To celebrate its comeback, the famous brand Fil Au Chinois has reproduced the packaging of their linen thread, sold in capsules in bygone days. This thread is lightly waxed to make sewing easier. It is manufactured in the north of France, the birthplace of Fil Au Chinois. The label on the capsule features the famous illustration of the Chinois character. This set includes twelve of these capsules in an assortment of colors. Each spool contains 50 meters of thread. Available in 5 Color Combinations:
- Classic: White, Black, Ecru, Light Grey, Dark Grey, Tobacco, Beige, and Garbardine, Garnet, Khaki, Navy, and Dark Green
- Mod: Yellow, Orange, Golden Yellow, Old Rose, Azure, Royal, Bronze Green, Green, Dark Green, and Brown

Quick Holiday Projects

I have been busy knitting up gifts for my sister-in-laws, nephews and nieces. Each of these projects take no time at all and you can always use up any left over fibers you may have in your stash.


A Very Braidy Cowl by Maryse Roudier


One Night, One Skein, Seed Stitch Cowl by Diana Levine


Lush-ious Swirl Cowl by Linda Frydl


Strib Hat by Kelly Williams



Rib-A-Roni by Jane Tanner



Non-felted Slippers by Yuko Nakamura