Finished objects: two cool summer tops!

Sandy recently completed two summer tops, both featured in the Spring/Summer 2011 issue of Vogue Knitting, from two different wonderful worsted-weight yarns.



First up is pattern 22, the Cable Collar Top, designed by Norah Gaughan. Sandy made it her own by omitting the cable on the collar and by substituting Nashua Creative Focus Linen in place of the pattern's recommended yarn. Creative Focus Linen is a worsted-weight yarn made up of 50% linen and 50% cotton. Sandy chose color 1723, bright pink, but YBD currently has 11 colors of this versatile yarn to choose from.



Like a ray of sunshine, Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Cotton in color 628, dandelion, will brighten up your day. Sandy knit this cheerful yarn into pattern 24, the Diagonal Front Vest, by Mel Clark. This menswear-style vest has fronts worked on the diagonal and a ribbed back with a cute cable detail. Yellow not your color? We currently have more than ten colors of Worsted Cotton in stock, along with those charming buttons from Mission Falls.

Finished object: Foldover Top from Ori Ami Knits, knit with Habu yarns!

Tamara recently completed the elegant Foldover Top pattern by Olga Buraya-Kefelian from the book Ori Ami Knits. The pattern calls for a strand each of Habu Textiles A-1 2/17 tsumugi silk and A-20 silk wrapped stainless to be held together to create a light, incredibly malleable fabric. The minimalistic look of the design combines simple, yet innovative, construction that emphasizes the shoulders with minimal seaming. The edges are treated with various i-cord techniques to provide a refined look. Tamara chose color 12 (natural) of the tsumugi silk and color 01 (white) of the silk wrapped stainless, creating the perfect color combination to show off her summer tan. Currently, we have ten colors of the tsumugi silk and eight colors of the silk wrapped stainless in stock (see photo below). What color combination will you choose?

This just in: Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton!

Just arrived is Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton Naturally Dyed, a DK weight cotton colored in soft hues with plant dyes. Purelife Organic Cotton is grown in an environmentally and socially responsible manner without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Each batch of cotton can be traced back to the certified farming communities where farmers are paid a fair trade price for their crop.

This lovely yarn will work beautifully with any pattern calling for a DK-weight (22 stitches/4 inches, 131 yds, US 5) cotton. Currently in stock are (pictured clockwise from top left) colors 994 (medium indigo), 986 (natural), 980 (madder), 982 (brazilwood), 995 (oak bark) and 992 (chlorophyll).

Mother's Day Sidewalk Sale - Saturday, May 7, 2011!

Please join us on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 10am-4pm for a Mother's Day Sidewalk Sale! Bring your mom or treat yourself to some great deals on selected yarns from the following companies: Araucania, Asland Trends, Be Sweet, Debbie Bliss, Elsebeth Lavold, Feza, Knitting Fever, Laines du Nord, Lorna's Laces, Louisa Harding, Sirdar, Sublime, Twinkle Handknits and more!

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

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.

This just in: new books!

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!

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!





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.



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.