Indie dyers rejoice! Your favorite dyeable yarns are available with a bulk discount – save 15% off the regular Bare yarn prices when you buy a package of 20 dyeable skeins. Most of our popular yarn lines are also available in a Bare version, from Biggo to Swish Worsted so there’s a yarn for every project and preference.

The weather is finally warming up and the days are perfect for outdoor dyeing adventures with our Indigo Dye Kits or Earthues Botanical Dye Kits, two of my favorite natural dye packages. It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for natural dyes and the gorgeous range of colors in each dye bath! Greener Shades Acid Dye and Jacquard Acid Dyes have stunning ranges of vibrant shades that you can mix and match to get the precise color you’re looking for every time.

I have a package of Andean Treasure Bare in my queue to do an ombre batch of hanks with the Indigo kit over the next sunny weekend. Do you dye or are you interested in trying it out? What’s your favorite fiber? Let me know in the comments!

The post Save With Bare Yarn 20 packs! appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

This time of year, with summer just around the corner, many knitter and crocheters put away their bulky wool yarns and pick up lighter weight yarns for projects. Socks, shawls, light scarves, tees – all much nicer to have on the lap than a bulky weight afghan! With the release of our new Stroll Tonal and Stroll Handpainted colors, we thought this would be a good time to go over our different types of fingering weight yarns and the perfect projects for each yarn.

Yarn: Stroll (See also: Stroll Brights, Stroll Tonal, Stroll Tweed, Stroll Handpainted Yarn, Stroll Glimmer)
Fiber content: 75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon
Details: We designed Stroll with socks in mind, with its Merino softness, machine washability, and nylon for strength, it’s no wonder it’s been so popular.  All variations are perfect for socks but that’s not all it could be used for – Stroll is fantastic for baby and children’s clothing and accessories for those same reasons.  It’s also great for scarves, shawls, mittens, hats, and garments for adults, pretty much anywhere you’d prefer a lightweight but warm project to wear close the the skin. Blankets would also make a lovely addition to any home and lightweight enough to use year round.  Just a note – since Merino is a very soft fiber, it can tend to pill.  Knitting at a tighter gauge or simply using a pill remover will clear that right up.
Recommended Projects: Socks, scarves, shawls, mittens, hats, garments, children and baby clothing and accessories, blankets and afghans.
Stroll Patterns

Yarn: Palette
Fiber content: 100% Peruvian Highland Wool
Details: Created especially for colorwork and fair isle projects with 150 shades to choose from, you can create all sorts of masterpieces. In addition to classic colorwork sweaters, this hard wearing yarn is great for all sorts of accessories. And since it’s not as soft as a yarn like Stroll, it won’t pill nearly as much. However, Palette is not machine washable so keep that in mind when choosing your projects – there is also no nylon content which means that projects like socks tend wear through spots like heels and toes quicker. Palette also felts beautifully, so it’s always a great yearn for felted bags and home goods.
Recommended Projects: Colorwork garments, hats, cowls, scarves, mittens, socks, felted projects.
Palette Patterns

Yarn: Hawthorne (See also: Hawthorne Kettle)
Fiber content: 80% Superwash Fine Highland Wool, 20% Polyamide (Nylon)
Details: Hawthorne has similarities to both Stroll and Palette; the wool is midway between super soft Merino and the sturdy Peruvian Highland wool, creating a yarn that is soft but with a tight twist for strength. It’s one of the best yarns for socks, since Hawthorne has nylon, is machine washable and will hold up to wear and tear.  This also makes it a great yarn for babies and children, in addition to cowls, scarves, shawls, mittens and garments for adults.
Recommended Projects: Socks, scarves, shawls, mittens, hats, garments, children and baby clothing and accessories, blankets and afghans.
Hawthorne Patterns

Yarn: Gloss Fingering
Fiber content: 70% Merino Wool, 30% Silk
Details: The silk gives a lovely sheen to Gloss while the merino makes it perfect for next to skin wear – it is a true luxury yarn and should be treated as such! The shine of the silk will illuminate any textured or lace project. Gloss is perfect for gorgeous pullovers and cardigans as well scarves, cowls and hats. Since it is not machine washable, it’s something to keep in mind when choosing projects for yourself (and also for intended recipient) – feet will feel wonderful in socks made of Gloss; however one accidental trip in the washer will felt them down.
Recommended Projects: Garments, scarves, shawls, hats, cowls, socks.
Gloss Patterns

Yarn: Capretta
Fiber content: 80% Fine Merino Wool, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon
Details: You”ll want to surround yourself with this super soft Merino/Cashmere blend!  We recommend items such as scarves, shawls and cowls especially for this yarn. Similar to Gloss Fingering, Capretta is not machine washable, so while this yarn will make soft, warm socks (cashmere is a warmer fiber than the silk in Gloss), they can only be handwashed. Capretta is perfect for luxurious hats and elegant sweaters that are lightweight and warm.
Recommended Projects: Garments, scarves, shawls, hats, cowls.
Capretta Patterns

Yarn: Comfy
Fiber Content: 75% Pima Cotton, 25% Acrylic
Details: Pima cotton is extremely soft, durable and perfect for all sorts of next-to-skin projects. The small amount of acrylic in Comfy adds a bit of elasticity, which makes it easier to work with in both knitting and crochet. It’s perfect for kids items and warm weather wear since it is a breathable and easy care yarn. Comfy is also great for bath and spa items – anywhere you need a bit of softness. While you can also knit socks in Comfy, keep in mind that cotton can sag over time so knitting at a tighter gauge will help your socks keep their shape.
Recommended Projects: Baby and children garments and accessories, toys, adult garments and accessories, spa/wash cloths, home decor, blankets/afghans.
Comfy patterns

Yarn: Chroma
Fiber Content: 70% Wool, 30% Nylon
Details: Our most colorful yarn! Chroma’s transitioning colors makes it perfect for accessories – hats, cowls, scaves, mitts, and shawls. Since it’s a single ply yarn (not sure what that means? see our post on single ply  yarns), some care should be kept in mind when creating items such as garments and socks. As with other yarns on this list, Chroma is not machine washable. Chroma can also be used with a yarn like Palette to create unique and easy colorwork projects.
Recommended Projects: Scarves, shawls, hats, cowls, mittens, garments, socks.
Chroma patterns

Yarn: Lindy Chain
Fiber Content: 70% Linen, 30% Pima Cotton.
Details: The construction of a chain or chainette yarn makes it lightweight while giving your projects a wonderful sheen and crisp stitch definition. Lindy Chain is perfect for warm weather because of this reason and with the high linen content, the projects will be softer and drapier over time. Because Lindy Chain has a slightly delicate construction, socks would not be a good choice for this yarn, as we recommend handwashing only.
Recommended Projects: lightweight scarves and light accessories, shawls, tanks, t-shirts, shrugs, sleeveless tops.
Lindy Chain patterns.

So those are our fingering weight yarns! We hope this will be useful when deciding on those summer projects!

The post Choosing the Perfect Project for Fingering Weight Yarns appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

Have you seen all of the lovely, new yarn samplers that we’ve recently added? You’ll find a fun mix of colors and yarns – all of which are perfect for small accessories or combine them into one larger project.

McGregor Comfy Sport Sampler

The perfect all-season yarn, this Comfy Sport yarn sampler is filled with summer cheer and comes with 4 irresistible shades. Perfect for children’s garments and small accessories, or grab a few samplers for a baby blanket!

Treasure Diadem DK Sampler

Brights not your thing? This luxe sampler features our plush single-ply alpaca and silk yarn in an dazzling array of metallic shades. Mix and match the shades or combine them into one larger project. I think a set of cowls would be just stunning.

Rocky Shores Stroll Tweed Sampler

A true classic – this Stroll Tweed sampler includes 8 balls of yarn, enough to make four pairs of socks or combine them into a larger project, like a striped cardigan or pullover! It’s also soft and machine washable, which makes it a great yarn for gift-able knits.

These are just a few highlights of the new yarn samplers you will find HERE. And the best part is, you’ll save 25% when you purchase a yarn sampler. Beautiful, color-curated yarns and a delightful discount, what could be better?

We’d love to hear what your favorite samplers are, or if there are any yarn lines you’d like to see added – let us know in the comments!

The post New Yarn Samplers – 25% off! appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

Give your yarn stash some love with a free ball of Chroma*, our favorite shade-shifting yarn! Available in both fingering and worsted weight yarn, you can create stunning colorful projects with minimal effort – the yarn does the hard part for you! The colors move gently through a single ply, creating subtly blended and shaded sections.

Wanna know how to get in on this colorful deal? First -do a bit of shopping ($25+), then add your favorite color of Chroma to the shopping cart and then enter CHROMA at checkout! It’s that easy and the one ball of Chroma is yours, for free!

Chroma is a 70% wool/30% nylon blend and like I mentioned earlier – it is a single ply yarn. If you’re not familiar with single ply yarns, be sure to check out our post on the topic HERE.

Want to get started? You can find both Chroma Worsted and Chroma Fingering HERE.

*Knit Picks Promo Code CHROMA ends 06/03 at 11:59pm EST. Normal shipping charges apply. Purchase required, must meet or exceed $25. Does not apply to downloadable merchandise, gift cards and backorders. No adjustments to prior purchases or to purchases made after this promotion expires. Offer good while supplies last – limit one per customer; must be logged into free Knit Picks account for promo to be valid. No cash value. Cannot be combined with other promo codes or offers.

The post Get a free ball of Chroma! appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

Oh Swish, I could write poems about how wonderful this yarn feels and knits up. Perfect for sweaters where you need extra next-to-skin softness without compromising on durability and (don’t forget) it’s machine washable which scores this yarn major points in my book. Bonus, both Swish Worsted AND Swish DK have select colors on sale during our big Summer Yarn Sale! Make sure to stop by to see the full range (and peruse the other goodies too!). For a dash of inspiration, here is a round up of some of our very favorite patterns in Swish to get both your hooks and needles busy.

Starting with Andi Satterlund’s brand new Sunshower Cardigan knit up in Honey Swish Worsted. Perfect for throwing over sundresses as the sun sets and the evening chill begins to creep in, this cardigan features 3/4 length sleeves and airy eyelets throughout to keep you warm without overheating this spring.

Next is my personal favorite, the Annisa Cardigan in Swish Worsted Delft Heather from the Swish 2013 Pattern Collection. With just the right amount of cables and a flattering square yolk it has everything I look for in an early fall cardigan. (hint: the Swish 2013 Pattern Collection is part of our book sale right now so make sure to grab a copy at 40%!)

Crocheters, ready your hooks! Jenny Catching’s free Camus Crochet Hat pattern is a quick project, perfect for wearing during the early (or late, as the case may be) brunch rush, to the park or around town as you run your errands over the weekend. Slouchy with style, this pattern is one of our go-to stash-busters. Plus, it only takes two skeins of Swish DK to make your very own!

Lastly, there’s the perfect pattern for the wee ones in your life too. Catherine Shields’ Cervide Sweater fits kiddos from 3 months – 8 years and shows off Swish DK‘s stitch definition and durability to full effect with a cabled yolk and button closure. And remember, Swish is machine washable making it a great choice for baby sweaters, blankets and toys.

The post Favorite Projects for Swish! appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

Our favorite self-striping sock yarn is back! Felici is the perfect blend of squishy-soft Superwash Merino Wool and Nylon complete with colorful stripes and cute colorways. We put together a roundup of mitten and sock patterns, perfect for the new Felici colors (and the perfect size for your next portable project). Feast your eyes and keep busy during your summer vacations!

Frankenfingers by Elizabeth Green Musselman feature Felici’s zaney stripe repeats to full effect with the long length and multicolor fingers. I just love them! Shown in an old colorway, I think they would look beautiful knit up in the blue shades of Glacier or be the perfect “pop” accessory in the cheerful Gummy Bear stripes.

The traditional, simple shape of Jane Richmond’s LINDEN Mitten pattern is the perfect showcase for your favorite Felici colorway. I would love to see a pair knit in the neutral Baker Street colorway with the two blue stripes starting at the tip of the fingers. Perfectly unisex, you can make these mittens for everyone on your list.

SoaDS v2 by Camille Chang has the coolest zigzag pattern created by working with a solid Stroll Fingering color and a self-striping Felici colorway. The effect appears extremely complicated with shifting colors (imagine having to weave in all those ends!) but you can just sit back, relax and let Felici do all the heavy (stripe) lifting for you!

Socks of a Different Stripe by Camille Chang is another great pattern that uses Felici’s self-striping colors to produce an intricate pattern with little effort. Imagine knitting this pattern up with a hank of Stroll Brights Pucker and Felici Countess or Glacier? Mind. Blown!

All of these patterns have so many possibilities depending upon which colorways you choose, allowing you to customize each project so that next pair of mittens or socks are uniquely yours. What’s your favorite new Felici colorway? Let us know what you like and, more importantly, what you’re excited to make with it in the comments below!

The post Stripes Galore! Felici is Back! appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

Our newest monthly yarn sale makes me so happy – it’s Chroma! Both fingering and worsted weights in all colors are now on sale for 30% off, so it’s a perfect time to stock up on this wonderful and colorful yarn.

Since its release, Chroma has been a favorite of mine – I love how fantastically soft it is and, of course, the colors and striping make even the simplest knit or crochet stitch project look like a work of art. One of my favorite type of projects for Chroma is a simple granny square afghan – I’ve made a bunch of them and they hold up so nicely.

For this one, I used Weather Vane, Sandpiper, and Fog Bank, all in fingering weight. You can read more here!

If knitting is more your style, be sure to check out our Chroma Collection – it’s also on sale and includes 6 fun projects that are designed to show off the color transitions of each color.

Chroma works nicely with other fingering and worsted weight wool yarns such as Palette and Wool of the Andes. Mixing a solid with a stripey yarn is a great way to subtly show off bright colors, like in our Chromatic Sweater, which has long been on my to-knit list.

Need more inspiration? Check out all of the Chroma patterns we have on the site with our handy pattern search feature!

So what will you make first with your Chroma haul?

Handy Links!
All Chroma yarns
Chroma Collection
Chromatic Sweater
All Chroma Patterns
Chroma Projects on Ravelry

The post July Yarn Sale – Chroma! appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

Stroll is my go-to yarn for socks, accessories and light garments. I know each project will be oh-so-soft, stand up to some heavy wear and easily washed in the machine, ready to be worn again and again! You can still save 40% on a wide selection of Stroll colors and lines with our Summer Yarn Sale, here is a list of popular patterns for extra inspiration!

Want to beat the heat by dodging into a cool theater or air conditioned restaurant? The Strand Hill Lace Cardigan from Golden Morning is the perfect weight to guard those surprise blasts of cool air and small enough to pop in your purse “just in case”. Plus, Dogwood Heather (shown in the photo) is on sale!

Tracy Seamster’s Charm City Socks from the 2015 Spring Accessories Collection features sparkly Stroll Glimmer in this great colorwork sock pattern. I’ve been working on my stash of  hand knit socks in preparation for chillier months and because they make great travel projects. Small, portable and with cute patterns, socks are my go-to project for long car rides to the beach or while I wait for the commercials to start before a movie. Plus both Frost and Fiji (shown in the photo) are part of the sale!

The Thrysos Yoked Blouse in Stroll Tonal was one of my all-time favorites from the In Bloom pattern collection a few years ago. I love the sweet lace detail for the yoke and the lovely soft tonal color. Frozen, a lovely light blue tonal is part of the sale and would look lovely with this pattern.

Lastly, the Light Basics Shell shown in Stroll Glimmer would look absolutely stunning in any of the Stroll yarn lines. The simple, flattering silhouette can easily compliment the rustic nepps of Stroll Tweed or the lovely shifting colors in Stroll Handpaint.

No matter which Stroll yarn you choose for your summer projects, you know you’ll get soft knits with great wearability and washability. From summer tanks to cozy socks, we’ve got you covered especially while the Summer Yarn Sale lasts!

The post Our Favorite Patterns in Stroll appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

Mighty Stitch is here! An easy-care yarn with 20% Superwash Wool and 80% Acrylic, this yarn is perfect for garments, accessories, and blankets in a wide range of gorgeous hues. Need some inspiration? Here are some staff projects and patterns to get you started with our new favorite yarn!

Say “HELLO!” to Alison’s gorgeous Mighty Rainbow Blanket! Size 9 needles and one ball of each color makes this an incredibly quick and squishy knit. Shown here on a twin-sized bed, this blanket is perfect for cuddling on the couch or wrapping up with a book in bed. Plus, it’s machine washable making this project a great gift for people of all ages. Think it can’t get any better? The Mighty Rainbow Blanket is now a free pattern on our site, so grab your needles and get to work!

Next up, I’m working on a staff project in incredibly bright Pucker! Heidi’s Darling Blanket in our Tucked In collection has just been waiting for the right yarny excuse for me to grab a crochet hook and the wonderfully soft Mighty Stitch is just the crafty nudge I needed. The only alteration I’ve had to make to this pattern was to increase the number of repeats because I won’t be able to block this yarn as aggressively as Wool of the Andes. So far I’m in love with this project and I’ve been getting tons of attention every time I pull it out of my tote bag at the coffee shop. We joke that I need a pair of sunglasses to save myself from a yarn version of snow-blindness from the pink glare!

Lastly, Jenny made this super cute Flying Geese Knit Baby Blanket with 3 balls each of Navy and Cream, and 2 balls each of Mint and Canary. Just in time for her friend’s new baby, this project is the one that got me excited about doing my own blanket. The best part? She doesn’t even have to include special washing instructions! Just pop in the wash machine on gentle and the garter ridges will come out even softer than before.

Do you have any new projects in mind for this fun new yarn? Let us know in the comments!

Links!
Mighty Stitch
The Mighty Rainbow Blanket
Darling Blanket
Flying Geese Knit Baby Blanket

The post Patterns Perfect for The Mighty Stitch appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

A new yarn comes out and my mind immediately starts running through existing patterns that would look great in the new blend! Yarn weight, finished fabric feel and fiber blend are all things you should take into consideration when substituting yarns. Here are some of my favorite existing patterns that would be great in our new oh-so-soft worsted weight Mighty Stitch!

The Luxe Pullover is worked flat and features a cozy turtleneck collar, perfect for the next-to-skin softness of Mighty Stitch. I have to suppress a shudder every time I see a high collar because I’m instantly transported back to my childhood filled with scritchy, scratchy sweaters. No thank you! This new yarn passes my “neck touch” test with flying colors and I can’t wait to finally add more collared sweaters to my wardrobe this fall. The cute pockets and 3/4 length sleeves are just the right kind of details to get me excited to cast on with a rich color like Spruce or Navy.

Andi Satterlund’s Sunshower Cardigan has sweet details creating a feminine but functional layer. Originally knit in Swish, this pattern is the perfect project for Mighty Stitch because the finished fabric characteristics will be pretty similar – lovely drape, soft texture and a slight shine.

All of the blankets from our Tucked In collection would be absolutely stunning in Mighty Stitch. Last week I shared my Darling Blanket progress in Pucker and I definitely have a version of the Alison’s Forest Path blanket tucked away in my mental queue. Granny stripes are super quick to crochet (the perfect stitch for a beginner crocheter) and show off a range of colors to work in any home decor. Looking for some color inspiration? Check out our samplers like the Blue Mountain Mighty Stitch Sampler or the lovely  Soft Rainbow Mighty Stitch Sampler for your next big afghan project.

Honestly, I can’t get enough of that wonderfully bright Pucker colorway and the first pattern that lept to mind when I was imagining swapping Mighty Stitch in to an existing pattern was Jenny’s free Besta Neon Hat. While there isn’t a Highlighter color in this new yarn there is Canary, a super cheery yellow that comes pretty close. I can’t wait to knit one of these hats for my 7 year-old niece for Christmas. Bonus: Mighty Stitch is totally machine washable!

There are so many great patterns on our site that would be great in this new yarn, you can browse through them all by just turning on the worsted weight filter. Last week there was a comment about casting on for a sweater project, what other projects are on the needles? Let us know in the comments!

The post Try These Patterns in Mighty Stitch! appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

Have you been wanting to venture out beyond the basic wool and cotton yarns to explore luxe fibers like silk, alpaca, bamboo and cashmere? Now’s your chance to get a free ball of our favorite luxury yarns, on us!

Simply choose your favorite color in either Galileo, Reverie, Aloft or Capretta with your $50+ order and it’s yours free* with the promo code GOODSTUFF. Just enter the promo code on the cart page when you check out and voila! You get to indulge in a fabulous yarn, for free!

(top: Galileo and Reverie; bottom: Aloft and Capretta)

This is the perfect chance to explore a new-to-you yarn and try something a bit different. We love these four yarns for special treats when we knit and crochet for our friends and family. And of course, we like to treat ourselves to something special from time to time as well!

Have you ever tried one of these luxury yarns? Let us know your favorite in the comments below!

Shop Galileo>>      Shop Reverie>>       Shop Aloft>>       Shop Capretta>>

*Promo ends 09/02/15 at 11:59pm EST. Normal shipping charges apply. Purchase required, must meet or exceed $50. Purchase required, does not apply to downloadable merchandise, gift cards and backorders. No adjustments to prior purchases or to purchases made after this promotion expires. Offer good while supplies last – limit one per customer; must be logged into free Knit Picks account for promo to be valid. No cash value. Cannot be combined with other promo codes or offers.

The post Free ball of luxury yarn promo appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

The month of August is quickly coming to an end, which means there are only a few short days left to save on the monthly yarn sale: 25% off Preciosa!

If you haven’t worked with Preciosa before, it’s such a lovely yarn to knit and crochet with. Not only is it extremely soft (it’s Merino!), but the colors are just incredible. We’ve had a few cooler nights here in the Pacific Northwest, and I happily snuggled up under my Beginner Knit Blanket which I knit out of Preciosa. Bonus: there is a Crochet Beginner Blanket version too!

Oh, and if you are thinking about trying out (or stocking up) on Preciosa, don’t forget our site wide sale is going on right now! Save 15% off everything*, just use the promo code 15%OFF in the promotion code box on the cart page when you check out.

*Promo ends 09/02/15 at 11:59pm EST. Normal shipping charges apply. Purchase required, does not apply to downloadable merchandise, gift cards and backorders. No adjustments to prior purchases or to purchases made after this promotion expires. Offer good while supplies last – limit one per customer; must be logged into free Knit Picks account for promo to be valid. No cash value. Cannot be combined with other promo codes or offers.

The post The Monthly Yarn Sale: ENDING SOON! appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

Hooray! Hawthorne, my favorite yarn, is on sale for 20% off for the month of September. With a high twist for durability, this yarn is wonderfully sturdy and unquestionably colorful, perfect for socks, shawls and even tops!

In celebration of the sale, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite patterns that I think would be amazing in Hawthorne!

Courtney Spainhower’s Wild Violets Shawl showcases two gorgeous colorways of Hawthorne Fingering Multi and Kettle Dye. I love the combination of Conifer and Belmont used in her photos (the perfect homage to wild violets!) and I think it would look wonderful in two colors that are close together like the calming blues of Sellwood and Irvington too.

Donna’s Yoga Socks are perfect for stashbusting a partial hank of any fingering weight Hawthorne. From sun salutations to plank, these little socks will have you covered the next time you hit the mat.

Next are Nona Davenport’s Alameda Fingerless Gloves! Perfect for variegated and tonal colors, these mittens are just the right weight for the changing seasons. I’ve queued this pattern up for last minute panic presents this holiday season because they’re sure to please a wide range of family members with their simplicity and lovely little stitch details.

The Crown Tree Hawthorne pattern is a show-stopper! I did a double take when I saw the gorgeous lace yoke and immediately added it to my “someday soon” list when I saw the picot edging at the collar, long torso length and flattering sleeve shape. The lace pattern stands out amongst the color changes in the Alberta Arts colorway and makes for an eye-catching addition to any wardrobe.

Lastly, Marousa Gallagher’s Thomasina Shawl also features a stunning lace pattern that’s easy to admire in Hawthorne Fingering Multi. I would love to make this up in a bright pink tonal like Turkish Delight or the soft blue of Wisp. Plus, this shawl uses just two hanks of Hawthorne!

Take advantage of our Hawthorne Sale over the rest of the month and cast on for those fall knits or quick projects. My sock drawer is bursting at the seams with Hawthorne socks so I’ll definitely be stocking up on a handful of hanks in all the blues!

The post Hawthorne is on Sale! Plus a Pattern Roundup appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

It’s always quite exciting around the office when we introduce a new yarn line! This time around, we are super stoked about the ultra squishy Tuff Puff.

Tuff Puff is a super bulky, single ply 100% wool yarn in bright cheerful colors. We love how quickly it works up in this works up for all sorts of projects – blankets, pillows, hats & scarves – even sweaters (stay tuned for a certain staff member’s project!) While not merino-soft, Tuff Puff has a cozy feel once knit up and given a soak in a wool wash (I love Soak personally).

Need some project ideas? Well, Emily has whipped up a free pattern for squishy hat that is sure to keep your noggin warm this winter.

This is the Ayre Hat – it works up quick on size 17 needles (I think Emily did hers in about an hour one afternoon). The reverse stockinette body gives it a great look and best of all – a big pom pom! You can choose to make yours with the same color yarn, or have fun with it and use our Full Circle Roving for a giant fur-like pompom.

You can also check out some of our patterns that feature The Big Cozy – we’ve had some great luck substituting Tuff Puff in those patterns. Something like Beth Marjor’s V-Stitch Bulky Cowl would look great crocheted up in bright Tuff Puff color.

Or try it in a home project, like the Cable Me Cozy Pillow Cover.

No matter what you choose, your project will look fantastic! What are some of your favorite super bunky yarn patterns?

Handy Links!
Tuff Puff
Ayre Hat
V-Stitch Bulky Cowl
Cable Me Cozy Pillow

The post New Yarn Line – Tuff Puff! appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

We have a sampler for every occasion in our new super bulky Tuff Puff yarn! Perfect for quick knits, cozy projects and wooly accessories, you can get a carefully curated color palette to get started on your next project right away.

The Tuff Puff Rainbow Sampler is our largest super bulky sampler with fourteen balls of yarn. You’ll get enough yarn to work up a lap blanket or make hats for your extended family in this rainbow of chunky wool, either way you’ll have enough to get you well on your way during your next craft session.

The Tuff Puff Cotton Candy Sampler is my personal favorite. The bright colors and super modern palette has me reaching for my Jumbo needles and a copy of Crochet Boutique‘s Boy Beanie for myself this winter.

Our Tuff Puff Woodsmoke Sampler offers a darker palette to fit a range of home decors in pillow projects or wardrobes in the form of a quick hat or scarf. Looking for inspiration? The Modern Crochet book has some lovely basket, pillow and other home decor projects perfect for Tuff Puff.

There are a range of samplers online so be sure to check out our full array of colors and sizes the next time you find yourself queue up a super bulky project!

The post Tuff Puff Samplers! appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

Do you love the Oakwood Poncho? It’s been one of the best selling patterns from our 2015 Fall Collection, Twist and Tweed. As soon as it came out, the colors of Wool of the Andes Tweed that the pattern called for began flying off the shelves, so we put together some kits with alternative colorways in Wool of the Andes Worsted we think would make equally stunning Oakwood Ponchos. Save some money by buying a project kit, and cast on for a garment you’re sure to reach for again and again, this season!

The Birdwatcher Kit:

The Beachcomber Kit:

The Wildcrafter Kit:

The Winter Wanderer Kit:

The Wool Gatherer Kit:

Which kit fits your personality? Whichever one you choose, you’ll love getting a package of wooly warmth in the mail to craft up this poncho that will keep you cozy, no matter what your activity.

Check out our whole range of project kits, and you’re sure to find something you’ll love, at a savings you can’t resist!

The post Oakwood Poncho Kits in Inspiring Colorways appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

When we released Mighty Stitch earlier this year, it proved to be so popular that we sold out of many of colors of this fabulous acrylic/wool yarn! But now, all colors are back in stock, just in time for holiday gift knitting and crocheting.

I love Mighty Stitch – it’s been my go-to yarn the last half of this year. In addition to hats and other accessories, I’ve been working on a Hue Shift Afghan, using Mighty Stitch colors!

I’m using the same size needle but since Mighty Stitch is a worsted rather than the Brava Sport called for in the pattern, it’s turning out a bit larger than the original – which is fine by me! I’m on the last of the four large squares, then it’s time to sew it up and use it to keep warm this winter. I used colors similar to the original and about one & half skeins of each.

Another project I’ve been hard at work on the past few months is a new free collection of sporty knits – Go, Fight, Win!

If you or someone you love is a sports fan like me, handknit blankets, scarves and hats are a must to enjoy outdoor games in the colder months of year – and nothing gets you in the spirit like rooting on your favorite team in their colors. Mighty Stitch is the perfect yarn for this collection, the bright colors cover most team colors, plus the wash-ability and warmth is important, whether you’re in a stadium, high school bleachers or simply at home on your couch. Also included in this collection is my recommended color charts for both Major League Baseball and National Football League teams using Mighty Stitch – you can also see my previous color recommendations for Brava (for NFL and MLB) and for Wool of the Andes (MLB). For other sports or for local and college teams, I’d recommend looking up their official colors on their website.

Another recent free pattern is by Emily – check out her Airdrie Hat and Mitts Set.

This sweet hat & mitts set features a stretchy twisted rib and a bright pop of color – exactly what you need on the dreary dark days of winter! It’s perfect for gift knitting; I think it’ll be great for my teenage niece and her friends this year – they love slouchy hats with giant pompoms and the mitts are an easy and fun accessory to add to any winter outfit.

The cheerful rainbow stripes of Alison’s Mighty Rainbow Blanket pattern (free!) only takes one skein each of Mighty Stitch color to create this large cuddly afghan.

This very easy pattern (only using the humble knit stitch) is great for a day knitting on the couch and catching up with your favorite tv show – and you’ll be done in no time.

Finally, Hannah’s free pattern Pongo Draft Stopper is perfect to keep that cold blustery wind out of the house on those long winter nights!

Filled with beans, rice or plastic pellets and placed in front of drafty windows or doors, Pongo is an easily customizable pattern – change up the colors to match your decor and make it longer or shorter to make sure you have the correct size to keep the chill at bay.

Are you excited for Mighty Stitch? What’s on your holiday gift crafting list?

Handy links!
Mighty Stitch Yarn
Go, Fight, Win! Free pattern collection
Airdrie Hat and Mitts Free Pattern Set
Mighty Rainbow Blanket Free Pattern
Pongo Draft Stopper Free Pattern

The post Mighty Stitch is Back! appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

This month we’re celebrating our love for Stroll with a 20% off sale all month! Stroll is our most wide-ranging yarn with six families to choose from so you can find the perfect yarn for each project. For traditional knits, reach for a ball of Stroll Tweed or grab a hank of Stroll Hand Painted for something bright and cheerful! If you’re looking for some pattern inspiration during the sale, here are three of my favorite knits in Stroll to get you started!

Above, the Jewel Be So Cozy pattern in Stroll Sock White and Tranquil is so cute and graphic! I love the big jewel motifs (and the punny name), plus it’s so easy to customize with different colors as an homage to gems like emeralds, garnets or amethysts. I can just imagine this pattern knit up in Stroll Glimmer for even more sparkle!

Requiring only three balls of Stroll Sock Dogwood Heather, the Strand Hill Lace Cardigan is a light-weight layer with just the right amount of lace as a delicate detail. I love the idea of knitting this up in a dark Stroll Tweed like Prussian Heather for a dramatic effect or even a super bright pop color like Pucker in Stroll Brights! It’s so easy to move between any of the Stroll yarns for a project for drastically different styles with a single pattern.

Lastly, Stroll is prefect for socks because it’s machine washable and has a huge range of colors and dye effects for almost endless possibilities! The Endless Peaks Socks use Stroll Sock in White with sections of Stroll Glimmer in Peacock for an extra special sparkly effect. I would love to make a pair in Stroll Sock white with Stroll Tonal Pearlescent or Shale for super soft color effect between each stripe. So lovely!

Whether you want to make a baby sweater, a pair of socks for yourself a quick pair of fingerless mittens for a friend, Stroll might just be what you’re looking for! Remember, it’s on sale this month so make sure to add a ball or two to try it out or grab a bag full of your favorite color!

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Did you know that every month – we feature a different yarn line to be on sale, all month long? And this month, we are featuring our gorgeous Galileo, at 20% off!

A beautiful blend of 50% merino wool and 50% viscose, this yarn makes gorgeous clothing, and luxurious, expensive looking accessories.

My favorite is our Piney Ridge Necklace, a superb gift for birthdays and holidays. Why not make some for your girlfriends for Valentine’s Day?

At 20% off Galileo, good ideas abound :).

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February 14th is just around the corner and our Valentine to you is up to 40% off our favorite rosy red and pink yarns* (over 170 colors to choose from, to be exact)!

From bright reds to deep burgundy hues and pastel pinks to rose colored shades, there is sure to be a color for everyone. But hurry, this lovely sale lasts for one-week only.

You can find all of the red and pink yarns on sale HERE.

*Sale ends Feb. 10, 2016. Select yarn colors only, limited to stock on hand. No adjustments to prior purchases or to purchases made after this promotion expires.

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