198 Yards of Heaven

Latest edition of "what did you make?" features Jacqueline and the "198 Yards of Heaven" shawl she's made.  Twice. (Happily, as opposed to last time, she got two shawls!)

Originally, she had knit one for her daughter (who occasionally hangs out with us at The Yarn Store) but was forced to make another for the store for fear her daughter would hate us all for keeping her pretty shawl from her.  No one wants that scenario.

198 Yards of Heaven by Christy Verity

So, Jacqueline knit another gorgeous shawl, and it's hanging in the store for all to see.  198 Yards of Heaven is a free pattern you can download from Ravelry. It's designed to use one skein of luxury yarn (198 - 220 yards / 180 - 200m) and the designer Christy Verity describes the project as a shawlette or a scarf.

Jacqueline chose to knit with the lovely natural fibre Araucania Ruca Multi which is available chez nous in  eight colour combos, as well as Ruca Solid in seven single colours, using a 4mm needle. This yarn has a luxurious drape, and is made of 100% sugarcane viscose.

Araucania Ruca Multi 18 (#74968)

Now, Jacqueline's not one to do things exactly by the rules, so she's made this one a little bigger than prescribed, using two skeins right to the very last inch.  

Jacqueline's (more than) 198 Yards of Heaven

Heavenly, wouldn't you agree? In the next photo, she models the shawl (officially a shawl, in this size).

Keep in mind that blocking is a very important step in the process of completing this - and any other - project.  Blocking will set the size and shape of your hand knitted item, including shaping details like the pretty points on this hem.

photo by Christy Verity

Here at the store we have two kinds of blocking mats.  One from Block 'N Roll and a modular set from Knit Picks.  If you've never blocked a project, come talk to us - we'll help convince you to try it (and suggest soap products for you, too) - and we'll bet you'll never skip this step again.

Come in to The Yarn Store to see and feel this little bit of shawl-shaped heaven, and get some of the yarn that Jacqueline used.  We've got a sale on right now, too...!



Block 'N Roll blocking mat #76410 (38x50" flat). 
Knit Picks Blocking Mat sets #70615 (9 mats each 12" square); 

What's on Our Hooks...Irene?

Just a quickie this week.  Believe us, we've got lots going on!  It's that sort of "too busy to talk" kind of time, what with the Creativ Festival and the Toronto Knitter's Frolic, both on the same weekend!! Thankfully, it's totally possible to get the best of all worlds and visit both shows (say, the Creativ on Friday, April 26 - we're at Booth #115, and then Knitter's Frolic on Saturday, April 27).  See our Upcoming Events page for the whole scoop.

That being said, let us share a little bit.  The question on everybody's lips lately has been, "what's on your needles?" or, in this case, "hooks?".  And hey, if you haven't been wondering, maybe you should...? :)

Irene, our Yarn Girl newbie, the self-professed Knit Wit, is totally outgrowing her newbie status and reaching for all that is meant to be good about the Knit Wit moniker.  She's a continental knitter and, apparently, an accomplished crocheter, as evidenced here:

Irene said she made this giant granny square to see if the guys in her family would like a manly afghan or a car blanket.  She used just one ball of our brand new Noro Taiyo, a lovely blend of cotton, silk, wool and nylon, and just look at the gorgeous colour variations it provides!  The Yarn Store currently has 16 colours available in Taiyo, so there's lots to choose from.

However, this yarn-for-guys movement is building amongst the staff, so you'd better get a move on and get yarn for your man before the staff pinches it all!

We think we might have to come up with a new name for the block... maybe Grampy Square.  What do you think?

Where to find us? Everywhere!

Greetings, fair readers.

We've been quiet for a while now, and we thought it was time for a little update.

For those of you who subscribe to our newsletter, you may be aware that we have a brand new website: theyarnstore.ca.  It's very exciting to be able to stand on our own cyber legs - and yet, we still share a subtle link with The Quilt Store.

We admit that it isn't completely perfect just yet, but we love it, and we're willing to listen to your feedback as we make improvements and adjustments. Check out our Classes and Upcoming Events pages (and keep your eyes here for stories and pics from stuff that happens at the store).

Speaking of stuff that happens at The Yarn Store...you should definitely come out to our Knit Nights.  They happen every Wednesday evening, from 6:30 to 8:30pm.  It's free to come, free to join and free to stay.  We have a lovely round table, comfy chairs, coffee and camaraderie with our staff and other knitters.  Everyone works on whatever they're working on.  It isn't a class, but someone is always on hand to offer assistance - and everyone else has opinions and inspiration to share!  There's also a secret bonus: we offer a 10% discount on any purchases for those who attend.

There's a huge community of knitters, crocheters and yarnies on a fab, free site called Ravelry.  We are there, too! We have a group called "the yarn store inside the quilt store", and we've got a discussion board there.  Feel free to sign up and drop by anytime.  Ravelry is a fantastic resource for patterns - we're totally hooked up, so we can print, email and order patterns for you right in store.  Just ask us!



If you'd like to get in touch with us anytime (day or night), you can!  Although we do occasionally take time to sleep, you can send us an email at any hour: knitting@theyarnstore.ca.  All the staff have access to this account, and we will do our best to make sure you get a response as soon as we can.  Just in case you don't hear back from us, though, please do feel free to call the store at 905-853-7001, and ask to speak to one of the Yarn Girls.

The current roster of Yarn Girls consists of: Deb Y. (of DyeHard Fibre Arts fame), Jacqueline (our Swiss Miss of Many Talents), and Julia (The Queen of Cardigans).

As it so happens, we are actually looking to expand our team of dedicated staff.

We have a warm and friendly vibe, with flexible, creative individuals who work together to provide an excellent customer experience.
Ideal candidates will have knitting and crocheting experience, with an understanding of different types of yarn fibres. Teaching history is not required, though an ability to explain and troubleshoot techniques is an asset.  Must be available to work a variety of hours including daytime, evenings and weekends.
Please email info@thequiltstore.ca with your qualifications.

Last, but not least, you can find us on Twitter @TheYarnStore1, and we share space with The Quilt Store on Facebook and Pinterest.