Welcome, Woolfolk!

Yarns By Design's newest yarn has arrived and it is fabulous! Woolfolk joined our family in October and customers and employees have been enjoying it ever since. It's easy to fall in love with the comfortable yet luxurious feel and rich range of colors.

Arkade scarf made by Sandy with Woolfolk Får

The Woolfolk company prides themselves on their high quality wool  coming from the Patagonian Grasslands and their ethical and sustainable practices. They describe the science behind their "Ultimate Merino" fiber:

"The presence of coarse fibers in wool create “prickle”-- the main obstacle to wearing and working with wool. Most wool products have a high percentage of over 30 microns - the diameter measure of a strand of fiber. Ultimate Merino® has a micron count of 17.5, and combines the hand of cashmere with the wear of merino. The long cylindrical fibers, with a surface that is smoother due to elongated, flat scales, reflect light and absorb dye better than elliptical fibers, resulting in lustrous yarns with deep and lasting hues."

Yarns By Design currently stocks three Woolfolk yarns: Får, Sno and Tynd. Får is a chainette structure, worsted weight and 142 yards per skein. Tynd is fingering weight, 223 yards per skein. Sno is Tynd's sidekick-coming in the same weight, structure, and feel but in a two toned marled version. 

Woolfolk patterns are also a delight to use. They are both practical and cosmopolitan. 

Co-owner Sandy has already finished two scarves made with Woolfolk. One is the long and luxurious  Arkade scarf made with Får, the other is a design by Sandy which she calls the London Calling Wrap, made by using a double strand of both Tynd and Sno. Natalie knitted the Morning Walk Hat  also using both Tynd and Sno. 

London Calling Wrap made by Sandy with Woolfolk Tynd and Sno
 

Morning Walk Hat made by Natalie with Woolfolk Tynd and Sno

Shop our online boutique or stop by today to get your Woolfolk yarn and patterns. Let us know what you think and be sure to share your finished projects with us!

Warmly, 

Sarah with Yarns By Design

sarah@yarnsbydesignpa.com

Charitable Creations

The holidays are around the corner and that means the giving season is here! For many of us, the holidays are a time for giving back. We can donate our time to something like serving Thanksgiving meals at a local shelter or donate items like toys and clothes for the less fortunate. We can also give back when it comes to our knitting and crocheting skills!

There are many local organizations that may be looking for handmade donations such as hats, scarves and blankets. Give them a call to see what items they can use.
Check your local:
-women's shelters
-homeless shelters
-nursing homes
-hospitals
-animal shelters
-churches

Consider the yarn you use and where it is going. For example- is it nice and soft for newborns? Is it machine washable? This adult size knitted hat pattern "The Vermonter" is quick and easy-perfect for making a few for donations.

The Vermonter hat pattern. 

You can also contact national organizations that are dedicated to donating handmade items including Project Linus, Comfort for Critters, and Warm Up America.

Sometimes my dog keeps warm with my crocheted hand-me-downs. You can donate your (new) handmade items to shelter pets in need. 

If you are on Facebook, check out Knit and Crochet for a Cause- a virtual community focused on making items for a cause.  Ravelry also has a list of charitable groups you can join.

Remember, you can donate your time too. You can share your love of the fiber arts by teaching your skills to locals of all ages. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!

Even if you don't have time to make items for charity, you can still be charitable just by stopping in Yarns By Design. We are a donation site from now through December 9th for Toys for Tots. Every toy you drop off earns you 5 raffle tickets to win this gift basket worth over $300 full of yarns and patterns!

Do you know of an organization that is looking for handmade items? Please share your comments below.


Warmly,

Sarah with Yarns By Design
sarah@yarnsbydesignpa.com