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

The Traveling Fiber Artist

I've had the good fortune of having some amazing travel plans in my recent calendar. My travels made me realize how important it is to plan ahead when it comes to packing the perfect project to match your trip. Here are a few things to consider before you are on the go:

-Type of transportation. While knitting needles and crochet hooks are allowed on your carry-on luggage for flights, keep in mind scissors are only allowed if less than 4 inches on domestic flights. Nail clippers are a good alternative option. Check out TSA's list of allowed items: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring. If your trip is mostly by automobile, think about whether or not your travel time will take place during daylight hours. Interior lights or other light up devices may be distracting to your driver. If traveling by bus or train it may be a good idea to find out if you'll have easy access to your bag or if it will be secured away and out of reach.

Crocheting on a plane helps me pass the time. 

-Time allowance. In the past, I found myself overpacking when it comes to yarn. I completely overestimated how much free time I'd have to work on my projects. Try to tally up your travel time and your down time and make a realistic estimate.

-Pattern picking. If you are short on space in your bag, choose a pattern that doesn't require a lot of color change and can be completed in one skein. You can even pick a pattern that can be completed and worn during your trip! The project pictured below was used with scrap yarn I was thrilled to finally use.
Be sure to have a paper copy of your pattern.  While all of the online patterns are wonderful, you never know when you won't have access to WiFi or your mobile device is low on battery power.

Travel projects can be completed in time to wear on your trip. 

-Choosing yarn. When traveling, I try to avoid yarns that tend to shed. No one wants those fuzzies all over their clothes! I like to make sure my yarn is already wound or is one that has a center pull option. Be sure to keep your project free from dirt and stains that might arise during your trip by keeping it in a project bag when not in use. Shop our Project Bags just in time for your next vacation.

-Challenge yourself.  Don't be afraid to increase your creativity during travel time. One of my favorite project packing challenges was successfully making a pair of baby booties and hair accessories on a road trip to the baby shower. It was completed in perfect time from door-to-door.

-Venture out. If I go to a new city, I always try to check out a local yarn shop. Perhaps pack enough yarn to get to the city then switch to a new project with some new yarn on your return trip home.

Checking out the yarn scene in New Zealand. 

Tell us how you like to travel with your projects, we'd love to hear from you!

Warmly,

Sarah LaVoie

Yarns By Design

Knit and crochet mistakes: you aren't alone.

Last week, I wrote about starting a crochet summer pattern for a beach cover up. It was going so smoothly and then…(you've all been there) I got stuck. I tried talking to the pattern: "what are you talking about?!" but it didn't answer back. I unraveled and started the section over then over again. After expressing my frustrations to my knitter friend, she tells me "keep frogging or move on to something else". She then explained to me what frogging means. In knitting and crocheting, a frog says "rip it rip it" referring to undoing rows of work due to errors. So I frogged some more but it still didn't look right. I felt like a failure. I consider myself an advanced crocheter, so why couldn't I make this work?
I turned to the pattern on Ravelry.com and realized I wasn't alone. There were other crocheters out there showing the same frustrations. Some got through it, some decided to iron out the errors on their own and some (including me) gave up and moved on to something else. It feels good to let go!
I found this similar pattern http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-beach-cover-up and am moving along nicely with it. Lesson learned: if you get the pattern from Ravelry, look at the project notes from fellow fiber friends if they are available. There are great tips and wonderful pictures too.
Interested in learning more about this feature on Ravelry and how to take advantage of everything else it has to offer? Sign up for our Ravelry 101 class at Yarns By Design on February 23, 2016 from 5:30-7pm. http://yarnsbydesignpa.com/social/classes.html

New pattern + same yarn= happy crocheter!

Warmly, 

YBD

Churchmouse: Crochet Classroom

NEW from Churchmouse

CLASSROOM: LEARN TO CROCHETE COMPANION
The Learn-To-Crochet Companion is a 16-page booklet that uses more than 180 instructional photos that will turn you into an accomplished crocheter. Just follow the steps! With The Companion by your side, you can even begin one of the First Projects patterns in the Churchmouse Classroom collection.

PHOTO TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Choosing and preparing your yarn • Getting started: slip knots and how to hold your hook and yarn • Making a chain • How to perform a variety of crochet stitches: single, double, half double, treble, and slip stitch • Keeping your edges straight • Working in rounds • Increasing and decreasing • Finishing and blocking • Swatching for gauge and fabric


© churchmouse

CROCHETED BEANIE & COWL:
These crochet projects use two traditional pattern stitches— single and half double—to very contemporary effect. You’ll get to practice working in the round in two ways—in a circular spiral and in a tubular spiral. Plus you’ll learn a couple of nifty beginnings.

We’re betting your first set will not be your last—friends and family will start to place orders. You could always teach them how to crochet!

TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Increases and decreases. • Foundation half double crochet.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: chain stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, slip stitch, and working in rounds. Need help with any of these techniques? See our Learn-To-Crochet Companion booklet.


© churchmouse

CROCHETED HANDWARMERS: 1 STITCH, 3 WAYS
One simple little stitch—single crochet—can look so very different with just a few minor tweaks. The different textures come from the way the hook is inserted into the stitch in the row below--we'll show you how! Three little must-have accessories explore this phenomenon. Make one pair. Or make all three!

TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Three stitch patterns using only single crochet. • Slip stitch seaming.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: chain stitch, single crochet, slip stitch, and keeping row edges straight. Need help with any of these techniques? See our Learn-To-Crochet Companion booklet.


© churchmouse

CROCHETED SAMPLER SCARF & HANDWARMERS:
This beautiful woolly set lets you practice three basic stitches—double crochet, half double crochet and single crochet—in a simple repeating sampler pattern that will have you expert in no time.

Working back and forth, you’ll create a fabric with an interesting texture that looks much more complicated than it is. Bonus: It’s also reversible! Equally handsome in solid colors or variegated shades, this scarf can be worn any number of ways. And the simple little handwarmers will keep you toasty indoors or out!

TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Combining stitches. • Mattress-stitch seaming.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, and keeping row edges straight. Need help with any of these techniques? See our Learn-To-Crochet Companion booklet.


© churchmouse

Pre-register today for our 2-hour Beginning Crochet class with instructor Tammy.

James C. Brett Marble Chunky

Marble Chunky by James C. Brett is a bulky weight, machine washable, colorful, 100% acrylic yarn with an impressive 341 yards per skein! Marble chunky is a great economical choice for cozy garments, accessories, and home decor projects. It is composed of two contrasting strands plied to create subtle color changes with a tweedy appearance. At the Yarns By Design Boutique we have a wide range of color combinations and great patterns for Marble Chunky to choose from!


© James C. Brett

Below is a super cute sample of a NEW pattern we now have available:

Children's Shrug by James C. Brett

© James C. Brett

James C. Brett Flutterby Chunky

Flutterby Chunky by James C. Brett is a ridiculously soft, super bulky, machine washable, 100% polyester yarn in sweet baby pastel colors. This yarn is oh so snuggly and perfect for baby blankets and garments! At the Yarns By Design Boutique we have all of the colors available to choose from. The new colors, shown below, will work up beautifully in our many pattern options available at the boutique as well.


© James C. Brett


© Yarns By Design

Below are two new patterns we have available to work the super soft Fluttery Chunky with.

Childs Robe by James C. Brett

© James C. Brett

Triangular Wraps by James C. Brett

© James C. Brett

Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light

Tosh Merino Light is a 100% superwash merino wool, single-ply fingering weight yarn. With a generous 420 yards per skein, one skein is more than enough yardage to complete a pair of socks and two skeins can complete a full-sized lace project. Each incredibly soft skein is hand-dyed in small dye lots.


© Yarns By Design

Antler by ANKESTRICK
Antler is a cosy every day sweater. Easy to wear with a feminine neckline and nice garter stitch details. Play with color blocking! 
It is worked top-down in one piece with saddle shoulders and contiguous sleeves. No picked up stitches or sewing is needed. To keep it cosy a wool or wool blend is recommended.


© ANKESTRICK

I am very excited to begin my new project, Antler by ANKESTRICK, knit with Tosh Merino Light. I am loving this pattern, it is clear to read and broken into sections which encourages me to fly right through the project to accomplish the next section.


© Yarns By Design

Schachenmayr Lumio

Schachenmayr original Lumio – the new yarn spun with a light-reflective thread which illuminates in the dark, is a bulky, yarn that works up quick for knit and crochet designs. Lumio is remarkably different and so trendy!


© Schachenmayr


© Yarns By Design

Two super cool and quick projects are available for FREE from the Yarns By Design Boutique with purchase of Lumio.

Diamond Peak by Schachenmayr

© Schachenmayr

Lumio Hat by Schachenmayr

© Schachenmayr

The Fibre Co Knigtsbridge

We are excited to expand our Fibre Co line to include the new Knightsbridge. Knightsbridge is a luxurious heathered yarn made from a variety of dyed fibers that are lightly blended prior to spinning giving it a traditional tweed appearance. The fiber qualities of Knightsbridge include the soft, lightweight, and insulating properties of baby llama, the finest grade of merino wool for bounce and memory and the natural luster of silk. This light worsted weight yarn provides excellent stitch definition and is perfect for fresh modern garments and accessories evoking classic traditions and distinctive style.

• 65% baby llama, 25% merino wool + 10% silk
• 120 yds/ 50 gram skein
• 20-22 sts = 4 inches on US 5-6 needle


© Kelbourne Woolens + The Fibre Company

There are too many gorgeous projects out there to narrow it down to just one. Actually, we want to make them all! Below is a quick glance at our top three favorite patterns to inspire you. Stop by the Yarns By Design Boutique to choose from our many colors of Knightsbridge for your next project.

Maeve by Bristol Ivy
Maeve is knit in two pieces. It begins with the cable panel, then stitches are cast on and the body and cable panel are worked at the same time. Once both pieces are complete, a 3 needle bind-off is used to join the two pieces together in the center back. The body hems and panels are then seamed, and stitches for the ribbing are picked up and worked in the round for the sleeves. An applied i-cord is worked around the body opening to complete the sweater.


© Kelbourne Woolens + Amanda Stevenson Lupke

Teegan by Courtney Kelley
Teegan is worked in the round from the top down with raglan increases. The Clove Pattern is worked in panels on the front, back, and sleeves. You will be placing markers to identify the increase points and the Clove Stitch panels.


© Kelbourne Woolens + Amanda Stevenson Lupke

Gillam by Kate Gagnon Osborn
The sleeves of Gillam are knit in the round from the cuff to the armhole, then divided and the sleeve cap is worked back and forth and then seamed into the body during finishing. The body is knit from the bottom up in one piece to the armholes. The front and back are divided and worked separately and joined at the shoulders using a three-needle bind-off. The neckband is then picked up and worked in rounds. When shaping the fronts at the neck and armhole, work all stitches pattern whenever possible. In the case of having insufficient stitches for completing a cable twist or tuck stitch, work these stitches in Stockinette stitch. Due to the nature of the cable and tuck stitch pattern, you may have a different number of stitches on the front and back.


© Kelbourne Woolens + Amanda Stevenson Lupke

Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Cotton

Worsted Cotton: 100% organic cotton
A two-ply twist of 100% certified organic cotton, this light and lofty worsted weight is perfect for everything from baby clothes and toys to sophisticated sweaters and scarves. Pick your favorites from an almost endless supply of shades all colored with low impact dyes.

details:
Weight: 100 grams
Approx: 150 yards/137 meters
Needle Size: Size 7–9/4.5–5.5 mm
Gauge: 4–5 sts per inch

care:
Hand wash or dry clean. Wash in tepid water using a mild soap. Do not agitate or twist. Shape and dry flat on a towel. Store your little treasure neatly folded; after all, it may be a family heirloom.


© Blue Sky Alpacas

Chevron Baby Blanket by Espace Tricot
We are excited to begin our sample to create this simple and modern baby blanket using Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Cotton. This cheerful two-row pattern is easy to customize in terms of size with the addition of 24-stitch repeats. From the color selection available at the Yarns By Design Boutique, you are sure to be creative when selecting a color combination perfect for that little girl or boy in your life!


© Espace Tricot

If you are interested in making something warm to wear for the colder month's in the Worsted Cotton, below is a beautiful option.

Afternoon Cardi by Olga Buraya-Kefelian
Long on luxury with cable details and an allover lace pattern. Worked in one hundred percent cotton for a casual feel with a feminine and flattering swing.

experience:
Intermediate

materials:
• Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Cotton (100g/150yds): 6 (7, 8, 9) hanks
• Size 9 (5.5mm) 40" circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Stitch markers
• Cable needle
• Stitch holders or waste yarn
• Tapestry needle

sizes:
XS (S, M, L)
Bust: 33 (37, 42, 47)", closed
Length: 27 (28, 29¼, 30¼)"
Sleeve length: 23¾ (25, 26, 26¾)”

gauge:
In Rib patt, 14 sts and 22 rows = 4", blocked
In Lace and cable patt, 14 sts and 22 rows = 4", blocked


© Blue Sky Alpacas

Tee Cakes by HiKoo

HiKoo’s newest addition, Tee Cakes, is constructed using strips of re-purposed tee shirts. Colorful, fun, funky, unique … these are all words that describe this new arrival. Tee Cakes lends itself to knitting and crochet, and features 75 yards per cake. There are between 225 and 300 grams per cake, depending on the width of the strips. Each cake is as individual as the t-shirt it was made from. Colorways will always fluctuate, due to the materials used. Machine washable in warm water. Dry flat.


© Yarns By Design

Tee Cakes are the perfect fiber to either knit or crochet a bath mat. Stop by the Yarns By Boutique today to pick out your Tee Cake colors and receive this FREE pattern.


© Yarns By Design

Rylie by HiKoo

Rylie by Hikoo is a lightweight luxury yarn. Lusciously soft baby alpaca is enriched with the elegant drape and gleam of mulberry silk and the rustic tactile appeal of linen. Dyed in soft pastels, beachy brights and glowing neutrals, Rylie is ravishing. Yarns By Design has a large selection of colors to choose from.


© Yarns By Design

• HiKoo®
• 50% Baby Alpaca, 25% Mulberry Silk, 25% Linen
• 274 yards per 100 gram hank
• US 3-4 needles
• 6 sts per inch

We at Yarns By Design were excited when we came across this FREE pattern by Kris Basta. The Definitely Diagonal Scarf is the perfect project to knit with the new Rylie fiber. This is a 15 row pattern repeat that works up quickly on size 10 needles. And, as we suspected, it turned out lovely and perfect!


© Yarns By Design

"Mystery Achieved" Pullover

Ladies' "Mystery Achieved" Knitting Pattern by Esther Yun-Mancini

Sizes: Small (Medium, Large, X-Large)
Knitted Measurements: Bust 36½ (40½, 44, 48)"/ 92.5 (103, 112, 122) cm
Skill level: Intermediate
Craft: Knitting
Techniques: long tail cast on, knit two together (k2tog), purl two together (p2tog), yarn over increase (yo), knit stitch
Project: Summer Tops
Yarn Weight: 16-20, Medium, Worsted, Afghan, Aran
Needle Size: Needle Size 8 / 5.00 mm

We knit our first sample with Cascade Yarns Luna Paints. This lovely, variegated super soft 100% Peruvian cotton yarn from Cascade Yarns consists of a soft lofty strand of cotton plied together with a fine cotton strand to create a sturdy bumpy textured yarn that will add interest to simple stitches. This is a lovely washable cotton. From brights to pastels the colors that this yarn comes in are sure to suit your every need.


© Yarns By Design

We loved this project so much, we had to make another. This sample was knit with Berroco's Weekend DK. Made from the same machine washable blend as Weekend and Weekend Chunky, this lighter version offers the same softness in a finer gauge. Weekend DK™ is the perfect yarn for any laid back knitting project. A soft, comfortable machine washable blend, this yarn is uncomplicated from start to finish.


© Yarns By Design

Bias Before & After

By Churchmouse

Churchmouse dubbed this scarf 'before & after' because it's so ugly (truly!) before it's blocked and so beautiful after. Knitted on the bias, this light, airy scarf has the smooth simplicity of stockinette stitch without all the rolling at the edges. The pattern includes simple instructions for adding beads at the ends.

We chose to knit our sample with Rowan's Fine Art which is a blend of fibre and colour. Designed for socks, shawls and other accessories, it is made with merino wool, kid mohair, mulberry silk and polyamide to make it suitable and durable for all projects. Hand-washable wool is combined with mohair, nylon and silk for shine and strength.

Both the pattern and fiber are available at the Yarns By Design boutique. Stop by to choose from our beautiful selection of colors.


© Yarns By Design

Summertime Drop Stitch Cowl

The staff at Yarns By Design enjoys making fun cowl projects, no matter what season it is. We wanted to try something new with one of our more favorite fibers, Habu Textiles Cotton Gima. The finished project looks great and will accessorize any outfit this summer.

From Habu Textiles:
”This is a cotton, which feels like paper. “Gima” literally means “fake linen” in Japanese. It feels like linen paper if you do not know it! Great to knit in single. Beautiful warp & weft yarn for weavers also. Looks beautiful in simple stockinette, but also great in seed stitch or just garter (very three dimensional) It may feel stiff in the beginning, but will soften greatly.”

Papery but very soft. Could be used with a wide range of needle sizes. Hand wash or dry clean only.

The Summertime Drop Stitch Cowl is a FREE pattern when you purchase Cotton Gima. We have a nice selection of colors to choose from.


© Yarns By Design

Americana Wrist Cuff

This Americana Wrist Cuff is knit in garter stitch with stripes and intarsia. Stitches are picked up to the add side bands, and a button is used to fasten the cuff. This pattern is worked in three to four colors of Berroco Comfort Sock (suggested yarn: HiKoo American B.R.A.N.D. by Skacel). Size can be adjusted by varying length of cuff ends.


© Yarns By Design

Stop by the Yarns By Design Boutique to get started on your project today.

Two Quick Projects

The Cashmere Queen Cowl is made with two balls of Schoppel-Wolle Cashmere Queen Taupe, one ball of Schoppel-Wolle Cashmere Queen Beige and one ball of Schulana Kid-Seta Lux Taupe. This stunning cowl made of Cashmere, silk, wool, kid mohair, and lurex are combined in this unique single ply yarn. This soft, luscious yarn is a delight to wear next to the skin! It is light and airy, yet suprisingly warm. Kid-Seta Lux has the same pleasing feel of Kid-Seta with a touch of Lurex for a hint of glitz and glitter.

The pattern is Free with the purchase of the yarns at the Yarns By Design boutique.


© Yarns By Design


© Yarns By Design

The One Hank Tiara Shawl by Jodi Roush is made with HiKoo's Tiara. Tiara is fit for a beauty queen! This beaded, sequined yarn elevates the simplest stitches with no added effort! A blend of fuzzy mohair, soft wool and lightweight acrylic, each colorway features coordinated sparkle and a one-skein shawl pattern printed right on the ball band.


© Yarns By Design

Stop by the Yarns By Design Boutique to pick from our selection of colors for your project.

Habu Textiles Wrapped Silk

Anna by Julie Weisenberger

Anna is knitted sideways from cuff to cuff with big needles. This makes her a quick and seamless knit with a very open, net-like fabric. You begin at the cuff of one ribbed sleeve, continue across the body in reverse stockinette stitch with an asymmetrical hemline and end with the second ribbed sleeve. Anna is great over a tank or t-shirt to add coverage without adding too much extra warmth.


© cocoknits

Wrapped Silk by Habu Textiles is a great fiber to knit Anna with. 4 strands of fine merino is wrapped in super fine silk. Because it is wrapped, not plied, the colors show in a very subtle way in between each other. Has a good stretch. At the Yarns By Design boutique, we have every color available.


© YBDoakmont

Habu Textiles Cotton Gima

Gisela by Julie Weisenberger

Cocoknits designed this garment especially for you. Because if you are a woman of a certain age and your upper arms are not what you’d like them to be (and you’re too busy knitting to go the gym) this cardigan allows you to wear sleeveless tanks while diverting attention from your upper arms. And for all body types, this cardigan is a perfect amount of sexy.


© YBDoakmont

Our sample of Gisela is knit with Cotton Gima by Habu Textiles. Gima means to "fake linen" in Japanese. It feels like linen, but does soften up greatly as soon as you handle or wash it. Only 3-4 balls of this yarn will make a whole garment. Good warp yarn also.

At the Yarns By Design boutique we have a large selection of colors to choose from. Here is a tasting of what you will see.

© YBDoakmont

Rowan Fine Art

Starling Wrap by Marie Wallin

Lace and moss stitch (seed stitch in the USA) are integrated to create visual and tactile texture in this luxurious wrap. Knit this versatile rectangular wrap from the Fine Art Collection. A design by Marie Wallin using Fine Art, a premium hand painted sock yarn (merino wool, kid mohair, mulberry silk and polyamide) this knitting pattern is suitable for the average knitter.


© Rowan

Fine Art by Rowan
The latest yarn from Rowan is designed for sock-making. Hand-washable wool is combined with mohair, nylon and silk for shine and strength. Rowan Fine Art is a blend of fibre and colour. Designed for socks, shawls and other accessories, it is made with merino wool, kid mohair, mulberry silk and polyamide to make it suitable and durable for all projects. At the Yarns By Design boutique we offer every color available to choose from for your next project.


© YBDoakmont

For more information, and to read the Fine Art story: click here to download the PDF flyer.