Twice as Nice

The Yarn Girls are rarely without something on their needles...even if their needles are left at home.  Sometimes we get to make a big deal over the final results, and other times they just quietly display their handiwork without fanfare.

On rare occasions, the true story behind a sample is volunteered by someone who wasn't the maker!  Today is one of those occasions.

Julia didn't even giggle as she kindly requested Jacqueline submit her saga to the TYS blog, and yet the details had to be dragged out of her, piece by piece.

Let us begin with how fabulous her Foxy Duo cowl from Prism looks!

Like we said: Fabulous, no?

The Foxy Duo comes in a kit, available in several different colours.  It consists of Stuff and Plume, two wildly different and totally tactile yarns by Prism.

Plume is an incredible hand dyed fibre that when knit, can mimic the look and feel of fur - it's soooo soft.  Granted, you might not run into many soft green furry animals, but there are other, more natural colours to choose from if you so desire.

Prism Yarns Plume in Mink

Stuff is kind of what it says it is: a skein made up of all kinds of stuff!  Each skein consists of many different textures of strands (cotton, rayon, nylon, and mohair) that have been hand dyed and gauge coordinated. Some of the yarns are single, some double and some three strands to maintain consistent gauge.  They are tied together by hand, end to end in varying lengths, so that one yarn changes to another as you knit.  Jacqueline notes that the knots are no big deal, just knit them in and "leave them hanging out there" - the ends are totally camoflaged by all the texture.   If you're looking for an adventure in your knitting or crocheting, check out this Stuff!

Prism Yarns Stuff

So. We're talking about a kit, here.  An accomplished knitter and crocheter, Jacqueline skimmed the instructions and saw "10 needle", and got straight to work.  In less than three hours she was weaving in the ends and calling it done.  However, this cowl was not in its petite, shoulder-grazing size...

Somewhat shocked at this result, she re-read the pattern, and determined that the fault lay with the 10mm needles she had unintentionally picked up.  It should have been US #10 aka 6.0mm needles!  Too polite a lady, Jacqueline has declined to repeat what she said at that moment.

More determined than ever, she undid the whole thing, and knit it again (on the right needles!) in a quick three hours. (Note: she's using our new Boye Artisan Tools Square circular needles!)

Despite the twice-over effort, it's a lot of fun working with so many different yarns at once. In fact, Jacqueline was so inspired, she's even thinking about combining two kits and making a mini skirt to go with the new thigh-high boots she bought recently.... ;)

Thanks for sharing, Jacqueline - we know you did it that way just so your students could benefit!  

Follow more of Jacqueline's adventures on Ravelry ("knitswiss") and on her blog, Passion to Create.

Just in: Boye Square Needles

There are lots of knitting needles on the market, and we have a good selection here at The Yarn Store, too.  We have Pony Pearl DPNs that are made of a wood-based plastic called cellulose acetate, plus polished wooden needles, rosewood, bamboo, aluminum, and nickel-coated brass needles.  The name of the game is speed - and comfort - and durability and longevity.... Okay, there are a lot of names for this knitting game.  We are pleased to introduce a new player to the field: Boye Artisan Tools Square Fixed Circular Needles.

Yes, square needles!  Their smooth precision points are round, like a sharpened pencil, with a square shaft, which narrows to a smooth cable, which is neither droopy nor overly stiff.

Square needles are designed to be easier to handle, and require less pressure from your hands to hold onto them and create stitches.  Those with arthritis or carpal tunnal syndrome can knit more comfortably and for longer periods of time.

Our new Yarn Girl, Irene, is a Continental knitter

There are reports from the Yarn Girls that the stitches are more evenly formed (no matter who's picked up the work) and it's easier to get into the stitches - because loops are round but the needles have flat edges, it's easier to find a space to insert the needle tip.

The aluminum needles are lightweight, with a slight texture to them so they are smooth but not slippery.  Irene says she didn't even notice they were square, but that using them was easy and consistent.

Come in and try a pair!

Still unsure?  We have a pair in the store that you can test out, and form your own opinion.  Let us know what you think!

Boye Artisan Tools Square Circular Needles come in a full range of sizes
from US 1 / 2.5mm (our #82662, regular price $14.99)
to US 13 / 9mm. (our #82674, regular price $18.49)

We have square crochet hooks in stock, too!

Please note that the yarn pictured above is from our staff's stash.  If you wish to use something similar, try Rowan Kidsilk Haze Stripe (our #71543), or Debbie Bliss Angel (our #81221).  Using a large needle or hook with this slender yarn will give a lovely, hazy lacy effect.

Pick-me-up

Oh, yes, we have been busy!  It's not like we've done anything major like a facelift, but we feel perky and bright...like we all just got a little pick-me-up.

Last week we teased you with our shopping trip to Americo.  This week, we are thrilled to show it all off to you.

Americo, in all its glory

The Yarn Girls have done some amazing work, tidying up the joint after our crazy Boxing Day-Week-Month Madness Sale.  There are now featured sections for some of our favourite yarns.

The fantastic wall of Yarn Hollow

It's sooo much easier to find what you're looking for.  Like, SweetGeorgia, Prism, DyeHard and Madelinetosh...

Mmmmm...Madtosh

There are pretty little vignettes to catch your eye and provide inspiration - or temptation - whatever the case may be.

Our lovely felted Noni kits and Shepherd's Wool

Irresistibly soft (and just plain irresistible) Blue Sky Alpaca kits

Our notions are totally under control now, and very accessible.  No sweat now to find the right size of needle or hook for your latest project - you might even pick up something new to try!

Notions. Yup, we've got 'em

So.  How about that?  New website, new look, and new stuff...all clean and pretty and easy to look through.  Come on in and see (clearly!) what we've got going on!

Oh, and while you're here, you might want to say "hi" to Irene, our newest Knit Wit (she's the only one who likes that nickname).  She's fitting in with the rest of The Yarn Girls just fine, and has lots of experience to share with you - like Continental Knitting.  Look for her hands in an upcoming blog....

Road Trip (aka Shopping)

Guess where we went?

Just sayin'.... ;)

New Notion : Clover Circular Stitch Holder

Our Madness Sale has been keeping everyone hopping at The Yarn Store - but as the sale is drawing to a close, we are taking a look at the new stuff we've got coming in.  There are some great things we want to share with you!

This time, we'll start with the Clover Circular Stitch Holder. 

This little notion is a great needle saver.  If you are knitting socks, and would like to work on two at a time, but you only have one perfect pair of circular needles, you should check this out.  Or, if you're working on sleeves, and want to switch off...or if someone interrupts your hat project for something else that seems soooo much more important, this Circular Stitch Holder will come to your rescue.

So, you're knitting these great purple socks on your prized Addi needles, but you've just hit your groove with the ribbing, and want to make sure both socks are the same.  

Just slide your stitches onto the needle end of the Circular Stitch Holder.

There are two little beads on the end that will keep your stitches from sliding off.  

Then, you poke the needle end into the available hole in the big soft bead, and you can cinch the holder closed around your work - no stretching or sliding! Now, you can get going on that other sock, and keep them even for each step of the way.

The Clover Circular Stitch Holder comes in two different lengths of cable, so you can even try on your work-in-progress, be it socks, sleeves, mittens or hats.

Drop by The Yarn Store today and pick up your totally affordable needle-saver - er, stitch holder!


Clover Circular Stitch Holder Short (16"/41cm):  our # 81915, regular price $7.79
Clover Circular Stitch Holder Long (36"/91cm):  our #81916, regular price $8.29

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.

Look what's here......

A whole wall of Madtosh and the beginning of our Sweet Georgia order.....and the cutest little purses ever from Noni Designs! Lipstick&Change