Check out Twirl, by Mary Pettis-Sarley, a plant-dyed, acid-dyed, and undyed yarn spun from the wool of Mary’s sheep. The animals are free-range and raised humanely in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. Says Mary, “My thinking is that we are what we eat, so the animals and their fibers are ‘of this place.’”
Some fibers contain small amounts of mohair or alpaca depending on color. All yarn is available in 50-gram balls, approximately 140 yards per ball, and knits between 5.5 to 6 stitches per inch. Twirl yarns are a recent addition to the ImagiKnit online shop, so you don’t have to be in Northern California to enjoy this great yarn.
The photo above, of Mary Pettis-Sarley, was provided by Fibershed.
How do you store your needles? I like to keep my straights in a vase, but there are many straight needle case options out there that are more suited for transport. If you are DIY all the way you could sew your own, or, if you prefer, there are plenty of options available for purchase.
It took me a while to figure out how to store my circulars, but I finally settled on the Circular Solution. Since it is designed to hang from a hanger, it doesn’t take up much room in my closet, and all of my needles hang straight so they aren’t all twisted when I want to use them.
New in the shop are some really cute circular cases from Della Q including the limited edition cotton print shown above in polka dots. This circular needle case holds multiple circulars in 12 numbered pockets that hold more than one set of needles, and also includes a small zip pocket for notions. The Della Q Hanging circular needle organizer is very similar to the Circular Solution, but with a cute notions pocket at the bottom and some colorful fabric options. Practical and cute they would also make a nice gift for a knitter. Stop by and check them out today.
Pictured above: The “Totable” ; 15″x12″x4″ Gusset; Adjustable & Removable Strap; 3 Inside Pockets; 3 Brass, Nickel Plated Grommets ; 100% Cotton, Canvas ; Large Tooth Zipper ; Machine Washable, Cold & Air Dry
They’re here! These super cute bags from Top Shelf Totes just hit our shelves. Stylish and durable these guys are waiting to carry around your projects. With a removable and adjustable strap, you can make it fit your shoulder perfectly and inside you will find three pockets for carrying your phone, needles, notions and anything else you may need. While carrying the “Totable” you will find that the angle is perfect for retrieving things or knitting while you walk.
Three grommets across the front provide a fun detail along with functionality (like headphones while in transit) and the large tooth zipper across the top keeps everything safe and secure.
Pictured above: The inside of the totable and a few of the cute fabric options these guys come in.
Pictured above: The “Gadget” Great for carrying one project and throwing it into a larger bag.
Picture provided by Yarn Pop.
What is a silk Hankie?
“A hankie (also known as a mawata) is shaped over a frame (think of a small picture frame) with nails at each corner to create a square shape. A single silk cocoon is pulled into a square sheet and held in place by putting the corners of the sheet over the nails. Multiple sheets are built up to create a stack of hankies.” –Tactile Fiber Arts Studio
These silk Hankies were dyed by Maia Discoe of Tactile Fiber Arts Studio. Tactile is based in the East Bay and dyes their fibers naturally using plants and bugs to create their beautiful colors. Some pretty cool yarn can be made from these without even knowing how to spin. Instructions for knitting from these silk sheets come with the purchase of a hankie.
If silk isn’t really your thing we are also carrying two different sock weight wools (already spun) from Tactile both naturally dyed. One is Bolinas Sock, a Blue Faced Leicester Wool and the other, Sierra Sock, a Merino Wool. You can check them out in our online store, or stop by for a visit.
Pictured above: Ringlets, and Purls
Pagewood has come out with some great new yarns. Each has it’s own distinct theme, and all would be great for a cowl, a crazy hat, or some avant guard clothing. Pictured in this post are a few of them.
Pictured above: Glitterati
Pictured above: Brissa
Stop by the shop and check them out here today!
