Category Archives: Yarn

Fibery fun in the sun

  Last weekend was the Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival - a big favorite of those here at the office.  While Oregon has a lot of fibery festivals, OFFF is one of the largest.  Lots of yarn & fiber vendors and a lot of fun to be had. And Saturday was an absolutely gorgeous day, so it was the perfect thing to do.  My mom even came up from Eugene to go with me, so it was extra fun! To the shock & horror of many of my coworkers, I don't spin and my yarn budget is maxed out this year from all the festivals & yarn shops I went to this summer so my main interest was looking at all the animals!  It's my favorite thing about OFFF.  I wish I had the means to have them, but I'm afraid my little house would not support something like an alpaca, :)    

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Small projects are ideal for new yarns!

When we received the samples of our first Special Reserve yarn – Sugarbunny – I grabbed a ball of Platinum and headed off to Ravelry to find a hat pattern. The Hollywood Boulevard Tam by Alexandra Tinsley is a well-written pattern that I finished in just a day!!  Sugarbunny is such a wonderful yarn.  So soft and squishy, it makes me just want to squeal. Think about it as ideal for gift knittting.  But, I’m keeping my tam for myself!  

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Felici Favorites are here

In June, I asked for your nominations for Felici Favorites, your all time favorite colorways of our Felici self-striping yarn. I was overwhelemed by the number of responses I got!! It took a long time to look through all the comments here and in the KP Lovers Group on Ravelry (Ravelry link), but based on your suggestions and our sales data for Felici, we narrowed it down to 9 colors and placed our order. And now they're here!! Thank you so much for helping us make this tough decision.

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Podcast Episode 168: New Fall Yarns 2011

Kelley and Alison chat about all of the new and exciting things that have been happening at Knit Picks! Not only did lots of new yarns get new colors (Swish, Wool of the Andes, and Stroll), but there are also a few brand new things as well. First, Kelley and Alison catch up with the new releases for the September catalog, Wool of the Andes Tweed and Wool of the Andes Roving. Next up, Biggo is introduced! Alison shares just how durable this new bulky weight, superwash and nylon yarn really is! Finally, Kelley and Alison annouce the arrival of the Special Reserve line, where extra-special fibers get picked for a limited edition yarn. The first in the Special Reserve line is Sugarbunny, a delightful merino and angora blend that both Kelley and Alison love!   3 easy ways to listen…

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Hello Everyone!

I wanted to take a minute and introduce myself because I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot from each other on this blog. I’m the new (very excited) Graphic Designer at Knit Picks. I just sent my very first catalog to the printers so I’ll have more time to post about all the crazy knit things I’m working on. I’m a self-taught crafter. There’s nothing I like more than starting a brand new project, just to experiment with a little idea I have. I think all my best ideas start in the morning over a fresh cup of chai tea brewing in my favorite mug. A few of you have already met Linus, my little rabbit friend and the new spokes-bunny for our Sugarbunny yarn. He lives in my apartment with his bunny friend, Fiona. His hobbies include eating fresh mint, getting stuck in curtains and munching on the ...

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Meet Sugarbunny!

This morning, the Knit Picks office has been buzzing with excitement over all of the new yarns, colors, and kits that just launched on the website this morning! And I have to say - one of the most delightful new yarns is Sugarbunny, our very first yarn in the Special Reserve line! This 80/20 blend of merino and angora is the perfect little yarn treat, I can assure you that this makes for the ultimate knitting indulgance. Super soft with a beautiful halo, I think something like a cowl, or anything worn next to your skin, would be best for this special yarn. Just remember, Special Reserve means that the yarn is a one time deal and once it's gone, it won't be back. Check out our video yarn review to hear all about what Kelley loves most about Sugarbunny!

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New Stroll Glimmer!

I have to admit that I am a sucker for anything that shimmers and shines - everything from nailpolish to shoes, and yes, yarn too! This is exactly why I could not wait to see our newest yarn, Stroll Glimmer, which shimmers and shines and looks simply stunning. When the box of samples finally arrived at the office, everyone rushed over to look through the colors and to see the pretty sparkles in person.

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My day at Sock Summit!

Yes, I know, that is really thick yarn! It is a photo of two irresistable braids of 80% Merino/20% from Wonderland Dye Works that were my first purchase of the day. After sorting through my stash a couple of weeks ago, I realized that I still had fingering weight sock yarns from the first Sock Summit! The good news is that I was still completely in love with those yarns. That got me to thinking about the first Sock Summit and what I say to people when they ask me about it. I always explain it as being like visiting a large art museum. Each independent dyer has her, or his, color sensibility. Seeing booth after booth made that clear in a way I couldn't resist. Sort of like Monet and Picasso and Degas.

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Podcast Episode 164: Gearing Up for Sock Summit

Kelley gets ready for the upcoming Sock Summit with weaving! By planning out projects for her rigid heddle loom, Kelley is able to go through her sock stash and use up yarn from the first Sock Summit. Who knew weaving could work as a stash management tool? Kelley also shares two books that would be perfect for those interested in weaving – Hands On Rigid Heddle Weaving by Betty Linn Davenport and Weaving Made Easy by Liz Gipson. Next up, Kelley chats about projects on her needles and her weekend of weaving! Kelley also reviews the book, Mittens & Hats for Yarn Lovers by Carri Hammett.   3 easy ways to listen…  

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