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Newsletter: May 2012 Newsletter - What's Your Knitting Style? Needle Selection Pointers , FREE Pattern and More!

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:53:02 GMT

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May 2012 Newsletter

In this issue:

Ten Beginner Knitting Tips for Kaity!
The Right Tool for the Right Job: Needle Selection Tips
Free Pattern: Kristen's Sierra Sunset Cowl
What Type of Knitter Are You?
On Our Needles: Our Latest FOs and WIPs
Sale Update! Tosh, Swans Island, Loop-d-Loop and More!

Click on any highlighted text to view the item in our online store!

Ten Beginner Knitting Tips for Kaity!

Kaity began working at Jimmy Beans as our Public Relations Director in December. With no previous knitting experience, we knew it was only a matter of time before she broke down and learned how to knit. Several months at JBW, free yarn (donated from our personal stashes) and a free set of Addi circulars later, we think we've got another knitter for life! Still mastering her knits and purls, we took a poll on Facebook to see what YOU thought she should keep in mind while learning. We tossed in a few of our own personal tips for good measure. Here's what we came up with:

1. "If you cast on tightly, use a needle size bigger to cast on and then work with the correct needle from then on." - Jeanne (JBW)

2. "Continental vs. English? Hold the yarn however it's most comfortable for you! (But just so you know, Continental is the preferred way - turbo knitting!)"- Stephanie

3. "Stitch interrupted? Not to worry, keep a piece of paper and pencil in your project bag to quickly write down where you are." - Casey (JBW)

4. "The best thing about knitting is that you can unravel your work in a matter of seconds. The worst thing about knitting is that you can unravel your work in a matter of seconds..." - Lindsey

5. "Did you drop a stitch? Don't fret! Put a locking stitch marker on it until you can get to it." - Sandy (JBW) (See how to pick up a dropped stitch here)

6. "When in doubt, there is probably a YouTube video (or six) that can show you how." - Maria (Or an instructional video on our website!)

7. "To create a clean edge along the side of a project, simply slip the first stitch of every row (instead of knitting or purling it)." - Jeanne (JBW)

8. "Don't know how much yarn to leave for binding off? If you can stretch your leftover yarn across the width of your knitting 4 times, then you should have enough to bind off!" - Amber

9. "Learn to read your stitches. A knit stitch wears a scarf and a purl stitch wears a noose." - Amy (Great beginner tips like this one are also described in Debbie Stoller's series!)

10. "Always knit with wine! Or is it, friends don't let friends drink and knit?" - Katherine

There are plenty more tips where these came from. Some knitters suggest working with yarn you like so you enjoy the process, even if it's a bit challenging to start. Kaity, for example is using Blue Sky Alpaca's super soft Worsted Cotton in Periwinkle. Other knitters remind us to only work with carefully wound yarn and not to let it get away from us... or you might just end up with the knitter's nightmare pictured above. Ouch! Stay tuned to see what comes next for this ambitious beginner and let us know what lessons you've learned on Facebook. Share your latest project or take part in the conversation!

Oh, and as it turns out, Kaity discovered her own tip for beginning knitters. Addi's smooth needles may be a little TOO smooth for beginners still working on their knitting coordination. She suggested going for some simpler wooden needles. Sorry, Kaity. :) To make it up to you, here are a few things we think you should add to your stash...

Interweave Workshop DVDs - Knitting Seamless Colorwork
$19.95

Clover Jumbo Locking Stitch Markers
$5.00

Knitter's Pride Dreamz Interchangeable Starter Needle Set
$29.99

Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Cotton Yarn 634 - Periwinkle
$13.15

The Right Tool for the Right Job: Needle Selection Tips

Newbie Knitter, Kaity actually brought up a great point about her knitting needles not being the right ones for the job. One knitter's prize needles can be another knitter's nightmare. So, at Kaity's request, we reviewed a number of different types of needles. Here's a brief run-down to help you find the right needle for you...

Lantern Moon Rosewood Needles
Was $22.60
Now $16.95
(25% off!)

Many of us beans began our journeys into knitting with the classic long single point wooden needles. For many beginner knitters, budget knitters, and really just anyone who prefers the beauty and stability of wood, there's really no need to invent the wheel--or the knitting needles, as the case may be. Kaity, along with many of the rest of us, has finally found comfort in knitting with some classic Bamboo Single Points from Crystal Palace. The wood surface is lightly polished, but not too slick so they prevent dropped stitches, especially if you're a loose knitter. The tips aren't too sharp, so they're good for knitters still learning the basics, who don't want to go poking all over their yarn or themselves. Clover , Plymouth and Brittany also offer great basic wood needles.

But wood needles aren't only good for beginner knitters and budget knitters. There's a real beauty and comfort in working with the warmth of wood. For wood enthusiasts who take the time to notice the differences between Rosewood, Blondewood, Ebony and others, you may consider the gorgeous, polished wood of Lantern Moon needles--some of which are on sale now! Then there are Bryspun and Pony Rosewood needles to consider. And we can't forget the fabulous Knitters Pride wooden needles that are color coded, so you know what size they are at a glance!

For some advanced knitters, speed is of the essence! If you are one of those knitters, you have probably already discovered the magic of metal. The sharp tips, super slick surface and strength of metal needles are worth the investment. For these knitters, we have long been fans of Addi needles, which exemplify what we look for in smooth, slick metal-needle knitting. We are also recent fans of the Nova needles from Knitters Pride which are reasonably priced and made from hollow brass pipes, plated with high quality nickel. Addi, Nova and other metal needles often come with sharper points, which are great for working with finer yarns and more detailed projects. If you've ever tried to use dull points on intricate lace work, you'll appreciate these sharper tips!

Knitter's Pride Nova Starter Interchangeable Needle Set
$26.99

Of course, there are plenty more options where these came from! A plastic needle set is a great, inexpensive option for lightweight, flexible needles. We've also been singing the praises recently of the new cubic needles, which are fabulous for ergonomic knitting and individuals who tend to knit tight.

For a truly comprehensive guide on knitting needles of all kinds, check out the latest Interweave Knits, 2012 Summer issue, which includes (among many other lovely things) an article about all the needle options out there. And, as always, never hesitate to call us with questions, comments or concerns. We're happy to help in any way we can.

Addi Lace Click - Long Tips Needle Set
$169.95

KA Miniature Bamboo Needle Set
$109.00

Knitter's Pride Dreamz Special Interchangeable Needle Set
$62.95

Interweave Knits Magazine 2012 Summer
$6.99

Free Pattern: Kristen's Sierra Sunset Cowl

In an effort to provide more creative inspiration to go along with our yarns, we've enlisted one of our beans as our official in-house designer to come up with a new knitting or crochet design each month that we'll offer for free in our mid-month newsletter and on the Free Patterns page! Our inaugural pattern for this project features the Mountain Silk DK yarn by Sweet Grass Wools, a lovely boutique hand-dyer based in Montana. Here is what Kristen has to say about the design:

"I just love Sweet Grass Wools' lofty, soft, and lightweight Mountain Silk DK yarn! It's precisely the texture and feel of this yarn that inspired my latest design. In the high desert, spring is often comprised of warm days and cold evenings, so this cowl fits the bill as the perfect shoulder-season neck warmer. This cowl features a simple garter stitch pattern, rapid increases, short-row shaping, and a border of Shell Lace that adds a little bit of elegance to the cowl.

The name is inspired by the stunning sunsets that we are lucky to have in Reno on an almost daily basis. Just last week as I was relaxing after work by knitting in the backyard and looking out over the Sierra Nevada mountain range, I noticed that the sky was the exact shade of coral pink as this yarn! At that moment I knew the perfect name for this cowl would be the "Sierra Sunset Cowl" as the peaks of lace are reminiscent of mountains while the fluffy yarn is as lofty as the clouds that surround them. Whichever color you choose from Sweet Grass Wools' spring-like color palette, this cowl is sure to become a wardrobe favorite!"

If you'd prefer a slightly different look with your cowl, see below for a few other yarns that Kristen recommends for this pattern. Or, if you are a newer knitter and need some simpler accessories to knit for spring, why not try out a few of our other free patterns, such as the Basic Neckie, Easy Slouch Hat, or the Kudo Slouchy Tam!

Artyarns Cotton Spring Yarn
$14.00

Manos Del Uruguay Silk Blend Multis Yarn
$13.50

The Fibre Company Acadia Yarn
$13.00

Madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK Yarn
$19.50

What Type of Knitter Are You?

We love that there are so many types of knitters out there in the community and here at Jimmy Beans, our employees run the gamut of these knitting personalities. These are a few of the types of knitters that we identified with (and a few knitting supplies we enjoy!):

1) Can't Wait to Cast-On: Do you love almost every new pattern you see? Or maybe you have so many favorite designers that every time they publish a new design you HAVE to cast on right away? In short, you are a knitter who loves to cast on projects and often has many projects on the needles. We know these knitters well! In fact, Kristen is one of them. She often has upwards of 20 projects on the needles and is always excited to start that new design she just saw on Ravelry! One thing that she swears by is having enough project bags on hand at any given time. Some of her favorites are the new UpCycled Project Bags from Spud and Chloe. Not only are these bags super handy, but since they are made out of vintage bed linens, they are also environmentally friendly, which makes them even more appealing to Kristen's green sensibilities. Each project bag is a little different, making it super easy for her to keep her projects sorted!	Spud & Chloe UpCycled Project Bags - Assorted Colors $12.50
2) The Focused Finisher: This knitter is the most disciplined knitter of them all. Known for starting projects and seeing them through to the end, this type of knitter is not only organized, but is also not one to allow herself to get too distracted by all of the tempting new patterns and yarns until they are finished with their current project. One of our purchasing beans, Rachel, is one of these knitters. She is always finishing project after project with admirable discipline and focus. She swears by her iPad to keep her in line, but her absolute must-have knitting accessory is her Knitter's Pride Nova Deluxe Interchangeable Needle Set! The Nova's are nickel plaited with smooth joins, making them the ideal needles for a multitude of projects. Not only that, she has every size she needs from US 4-11 so if she has to change needles in the middle of a project, she doesn't have to stop to find them or buy another size! Rachel finds this super helpful to maintain her momentum as well as keep her focused!	Knitter's Pride Nova Deluxe Interchangeable Needle Set $68.99
3) The Sometimes Knitter: Are you the type of knitter who only picks up the needles a few times a year, when you feel especially inspired? Are you super busy but occasionally need to make something just to keep those creative juices flowing? Or maybe you have many hobbies and knitting is just the icing on the crafty cake! In any case, this type of knitter doesn't want to be bogged down with too many knitting books or tools. What they really need is go-to accessories that work even when they aren't in the middle of a knitting project! Tiffany is our resident "Sometimes Knitter," often knitting up a storm around the holidays and then taking extended breaks and only knitting here and there at other points during the year. She recently acquired a Namaste Bitty bag (currently on sale for over 50% off) which is perfect for use as an everyday purse year-round but also accommodates small projects during one of her knitting bursts. She also loves to have a few go-to yarns hanging around for when the moment strikes. One of her current favorites is Berroco Comfort in all weights because of its softness, color range and affordability.	Namaste Bitty Bag Accessories - Peacock Was $69.00 Now $29.95 (57% off!)
4) The Newbie Knitter: Are you a new knitter? Just learning to knit and purl, or maybe you've gone a little beyond that? Well first, welcome to this fabulously fun community! We are so glad to have you! Hopefully by now you've discovered some yarns you love, or maybe even started building a queue on Ravelry. The next step is to begin building a collection of go-to items that you'll need for almost every project! Piet, one of our newest knitters here at JBW has three items that she swears by at the moment: her Yarn-Pop project bag to carry everything in, Clover Stitch Markers, and a Chibi Darning Needles. She's found all of these items to be absolutely necessary for her first few projects!	Clover Jumbo Darning Needle Set Chibi - Silver Bent Tip With Case $4.50
5) The Selfless Knitter: We all know this type of knitter. It's the knitter that the rest of us all admire for her ability to selflessly give away everything she knits! Perhaps you knit for charity or maybe you have a never-ending list of family and friends that you love to knit for. In any case, we know it can be exhausting to always be knitting for everyone but yourself, so that's why it's extra important to surround yourself with items to make the knitting process that much more enjoyable for you! Nicole from the shipping team is our resident selfless knitter. She rarely wears any of her own hand knits because she is always giving them away! That's why she treats herself to really nice knitting accessories like the new Addi Lace Click Long Tipped Needles, which are amazingly slick and smooth to knit with. Recently she's really been loving the Bar Maids Lo Lo Bars and LoLo Lip Balms that we just started carrying. They are perfect for moisturizing dry hands, feet and lips!	Bar-Maids Lo-Lo Body Bar - Hookah Girl $11.90

Although these are just a few examples, and maybe you identify with more than one of these categories, we by no means intend to create knitting stereotypes. We just thought we would highlight some of the diverse habits of knitters in our growing community, because we are certainly a diverse and interesting bunch! We also know that there are many more types of knitters out there that we didn't mention and we'd like to hear what they are from you, so feel free to e-mail us your suggestions!

On Our Needles: Our Latest FOs and WIPs

Shevawn's Guernsey Wrap

When a discontinued color of the super-soft Rowan Lima yarn went on sale, Shevawn snatched it up and went to town on this project. This wrap is not just the softest, warmest, coziest wrap a person could ask for, it's also a great beginner knit! All you need to know to knit this beauty are the basic skills: casting on, knitting, purling and casting off! This pattern by Jared Flood really showcases all you can do simply by knitting and purling. Though Shevawn is keeping her wrap, this would also make a fabulous gift for both men and women in your life.

Gina May's Romance Shawl

Gina May really enjoyed working with Wolf Creek Bliss yarn! The variegation with the hand dyed in this particular yarn is amazing! She also highly recommends the Romance Shawl pattern by Susanna IC (available for purchase on Ravelry). According to Gina, it was really quick and a fabulous project for intermediate level knitters looking to try out lace patterns. This is also one of those projects that really benefits from a good set of metal needles, like the Addi Click set Gina used.

Jeanne's Sun Catcher Shawl

Jeanne got a kick out of working with the new Artyarns Ensemble Light! Stitch markers, highlighter tape and sticky notes really helped keep her organized. Since the yarn is barely plied it can split, but as long as you are watching for that, all will be well. Jeanne knit her shawl as part of a KAL and the pattern will be published in an E-book real soon! This shawl is certainly an advanced piece, but my oh my is the finished product worth the effort!

Kristen's Tea Leaves Cardigan

Kristen loved this Tea Leaves Cardigan since we first got the pattern in stock. She chose the Tosh Vintage in Tart and was so thrilled with the end result that she is already planning a second one! The first came out a bit larger than she would have liked (a good reason to knit swatches and measure carefully!), but she'll know what size to make for next time! All in all, she's extremely happy with the result! The yarn is gorgeous and the fit is flattering (even if a little large). Kristen would definitely recommend this pattern to others, especially those who are looking to advance their intermediate skills into the world of cardigans!

Kristen's Manic Pixie Hat

Kristen came up with this fun, spring-inspired green design recently and we think it's perfect for all our fellow wacky knitters out there. We just received the Knit Collage yarns in and Kristen was taken in by the unique story behind the yarns and the cool, different blend of fibers. She grabbed one skein of Gypsy Garden and set out to make this aptly named 'Manic Pixie Hat' because it makes her feel a little bit wild and crazy. She will be self publishing this pattern soon, so stay tuned!

Sale Update! Tosh, Swans Island, Loop-d-Loop and More!

As usual, we have lots of great yarns on sale for the knitter on a budget! Here's just a few...

One of our favorite sale yarns is the Tosh Vintage Short Skeins (or Shortys as we so affectionately call them). Just ten yards shorter than the regular Tosh Vintage hanks, these skeins are perfect for the beginner or the seasoned knitter. Worsted weight and perfect for a first-timers ribbed hat or a sweater, this yarn comes in the gorgeous hand-dye colors Madelinetosh is known for, but for 15% off!

Madelinetosh Vintage Short Skeins Yarn
$16.50

For you "hurry-up-and-finish-this-gift" knitters, we have the perfect thick and thin yarn for your stash! Euro Yarns Quick & Thick is a bulky weight yarn perfect for the last minute gifts you need to turbo knit. Looking for a quick knit from an organic yarn your fingers are sure to love? We have limited edition colors from Swans Island for 10% off! This natural, bulky weight yarn is sure to knit up in a beautiful tonal mix that will look great on any wearer!

Euro Yarns Quick & Thick Merino Yarn
Was $34.00
Now $16.20
(52% off!)

Swans Island Natural Colors Bulky Yarn
Was $30.00
Now $26.95
(10% off!)

Do you like a little funky pizazz in your knitted pieces? The GGH Gracia is just the stuff for you! Soft, squishy and with just the right amount of colorful eyelash fibers, this yarn is sure to brighten up any pattern. Hold this yarn with a heavier weight and you'll add a twist to plain-Jane yarns. Also from GGH, Cappella is the perfect funky yarn for a quick last minute gift. The silky smooth ribbon and fuzzy fur is ideal for a fun scarves!

GGH Gracia Yarn
Was $11.50
Now $3.99
(65% off!)

GGH Cappella Yarn
Was $9.90
Now $3.95
(60% off!)

For the budget knitter looking for summertime projects, Loop-d-Loop is perfect for you! One of our newest sale yarns, this line comes with fantastic pattern support! Even better, the pattern books are on sale, too! Moss is a DK weight, extra-fine merino wool blend with a great range of colors! You can make a lightweight summer sweater from Loop-d-Loop Volume 4 or heavy cabled cardigan from Volume 5. Our personal favorite is the River; a cotton and cashmere worsted weight yarn, this would look great knit up as a striped summer tee! The possibilities are endless with Loop-d-Loop - so many wonderful summertime yarns with pattern support to boot. All on sale!

Loop-d-Loop Moss Yarn
Was $9.99
Now $4.99
(50% off!)

Loop-d-Loop River Yarn
Was $9.99
Now $4.99
(50% off!)

Teva Durham Loop-d-Loop Volume 4
Was $14.95
Now $7.50
(50% off!)

Teva Durham Loop-d-Loop Volume 5
Was $13.00
Now $7.50
(42% off!)

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Jimmy Beans Wool
1312 Capital Blvd. #103
Reno, NV 89502

Toll Free (877)JBW-KNIT (529-5648)
Phone (775)827-9276

Newsletter: May 2012 Lorna's Laces Limited Edition Release - May LLE, Last Minute Mothers' Day Gifts, Crochet Corner Comeback and MORE!

Wed, 2 May 2012 20:51:02 GMT

If you cannot read this email, you can view this newsletter online at:
http://www.JimmyBeansWool.com/newsletterViewRedir.asp?nfID=148

May 2012 Lorna's Laces Limited Edition Release

In this issue:

Lorna's Limited Edition for May: A Tribute
Products for Your Tribute
Kit of the Month- Be Sweet Spring Garden Tee!
Last Minute, Handmade Mother's Day Gifts
Crochet Corner
Sale Update: Fibra Natura, Louisa Harding and MORE Onesies!
Team JBW -- Meet a Bean

Click on any highlighted text to view the item in our online store!

Lorna's Limited Edition for May: A Tribute

Tribute - May Limited Edition Color

(Available in Shepherd Sock, Baby Me Boo, Shepherd Sport, Shepherd Worsted, Helen's Lace, Solemate, Honor, and Lion and Lamb!)

This month's LLE color is a "Tribute" to the popular novels and recent movie series, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Several of us at the shop are fans of the series, especially Jeanne, the color master behind this work of art. The deep, rich purple of the Grand Street Ink color comes out looking almost black, reminding Jeanne of the coal miner's district where Katniss, the main character, is from. The rich golden yellow of Butterscotch is like the glow from embers. Naturally, the vibrant Turquoise represents the mockingjay, an important symbol of hope in the books.

Whether or not you are a fan of The Hunger Games, this month's colorway is earning lots of oohs and ahhs already among the beans, and on our LLE fanclub page on Facebook. Jeanne's shawl, already in the works, shows why. The exquisite color combination creates the sort of bold contrast that is so representative of Jeanne, one of our oldest and most loved beans. And this colorway goes with so many different outfits, whether you want to add a splash of color to the black in your wardrobe, or some contrast to your standard blue jeans, a shawl or some self-striping socks (which is what Casey will be making) out of Tribute will brighten up your wardrobe, without making matching a challenge. Thanks, Jeanne, for your fabulous artistic eye!

P.S. Speaking of fan-inspired knitting, have you heard about Bigger on the Inside, the Dr. Who inspired Shawl? We will be carrying the exclusive color for this pattern in Lorna's Laces Solemate very soon! Stay tuned!

Products for Your Tribute

Knitbot Patterns - Sycamore Vest $6.00	This pattern isn't exactly new, but boy oh boy is it perfect for spring! Use five to eight skeins of the Shepherd Sport on this beauty and you'll have a versatile light layer that will add some color and richness to your wardrobe. And this pattern is so lovely, we're sure you'll want to knit it again and again, in other colors or as gifts for friends.
Artyarns Ensemble Light Yarn H8 $58.00	We are so excited to finally carry the new Artyarns Ensemble Light and Ensemble Glitter Light! Nothing compares to the silky smooth softness of 50/50 Cashmere/Silk that feels fabulous on your fingers. We love the tonal qualities of this yarn, whether you choose a variegated colorway, or a semi-solid (available in teals and golds that match this month's LLE!). Want to see this yarn in action? Jeanne recently finished a stunning Sun Catcher Shawl. As awe-inspiring as this looks in photos, let me tell you; this shawl is a show-stopper in person. It had all of us stopping in our tracks to stare.
Knitter's Pride Cubics Interchangeable Deluxe Needle Set Needles $83.95	Have you tried cubic needles yet? Their ergonomic design is friendly on the hands AND helps with uniformity in stitches. These interchangeable sets come with US sizes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 and 11 tips, one 24" cord, one 40" cord and two 32" cords. More needle tips and cords can always be added to your set, but we think this is a pretty fabulous starting point. Need to take cubics for a test run first? Try a set of the fixed circulars, straights or the double points. Knitter's Pride needles are excellent quality, but if you do have any problems, rest assured that we stand behind all needles we sell with our Broken Needle Exchange policy.
Joel Dewberry Aviary 2 Sparrows Fabric - Cavern $10.50/yd	This fabric by Joel Dewberry is rich with contrast, much like this month's LLE. The birds may be sparrows, but when we see them, we can't help thinking "mockingjay". How cute would this print look in a spring skirt? Maybe wear it with a plain white top and your Knitbot Sweater out of this month's colorway. Looking for more fabrics to match this yarn? Try Handpicked Daisies... and Grace, oh and Turtle Bay!
Blue Sky Alpacas Pretty Cheep Project Bags Accessories - Turquoise $6.50	Okay, okay, we couldn't resist one more mockingjay reference. Really, though, these project bags have saved lives. Alright, maybe not lives, but they've certainly saved more than a few projects from the land of terrible tangles. But don't take our word for it. Check out all the excellent reviews from satisfied customers. The super lightweight cotton muslin is surprisingly durable, washable and breathable. Best of all, you can snag bags for all your projects because they're (say it with me) pretty cheep!

Kit of the Month- Be Sweet Spring Garden Tee!

Be Sweet Bamboo Spring Garden Tee
From $55.00 to $115.50
Now from $44.00 to $92.40
(up to 20% off!)

Spring has sprung here in Nevada and we are loving the warmer days! In celebration, I've decided I need to make myself a soft and flowing short sleeved top for summer. In perusing the options, I keep coming back to the Spring Garden Tee, designed by Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting. With good fit, timeless style and a delicate edging, this top is flattering on just about any shape! With Be Sweet's luscious and soft Bamboo yarn, this is a delightful and perfect spring knit! And at 20% off, this is definitely the month to snag it! The Bamboo yarn has a fabulous drape that allows the garment to fit to your shape easily while still maintaining a very elegant and light feel. Although bamboo yarn does have a tendency to split, you can avoid that by keeping your stitches a little looser (if you knit tight) or using a sharper tipped needle. For more info on the pattern, Alana discusses the design in greater detail in a blog post, which is definitely worth reading for the photos alone. She gives a lovely close up view of how well the garment fits.

Yes, I'm convinced after looking at this pattern again that I must knit it for spring! I think I'll be taking home some Be Sweet Bamboo tonight in the pretty turquoise color! Ssh! Don't tell my hubby!

Be Sweet Bamboo Yarn Silver
$11.00

Be Sweet Bamboo Yarn Slate
$11.00

Be Sweet Bamboo Yarn Turquoise
$11.00

Be Sweet Bamboo Yarn Sea Green
$11.00

Last Minute, Handmade Mother's Day Gifts

Ruffle yarn is all the rage these days and many light weight scarf projects take an hour or less! If your mom likes Marina Glitz, Flounce Metallic, and Moda Lame, the new Tutu Lame is another shimmery material perfect for a last minute Mother's Day gift! For something altogether different, the new Circulo Tecido Trico comes in a collection of beautiful floral prints and several fierce animal prints, which we brought to our store by popular demand! By the same manufacturer, we've also introduced Circulo Renda Trico Margarida (phew, what a name!). Knit in just the same way as the Tecido Trico, this is a lacey material reminiscent of a doily.

If you're interested in trying the lacy ruffle yarns, our customers recommend wrapping it around a page of card stock to loosen it before you knit. Also, our retail beans prefer knitting the Circulo yarns through every two-to-three holes for a less dense, more delicate look. For more on how to knit and crochet with different ruffle yarns, keep an eye on our instructional videos page where we will soon be posting a plethora of new how-tos!

Circulo Renda Trico Margarida Yarn
$20.00

Circulo Tecido Trico Yarn
$20.00

Crystal Palace Tutu Lame Yarn
$7.90

Euro Yarns Rumples Yarn
$12.00

Not a ruffle knitter? No worries. Some of us beans are on a beading spree here at JBW and the Nelkin accessory kits are the perfect way to enter the wonderful world of beading, and make a quick gift for mom! For necklace loving moms, the Rippled Kit or Butin Collar are excellent 60-minute gifts. Knit with basic garter stitch and beads, these aren't just pieces of jewelry; they're art! Also by Nelkin Designs, Butin Earrings are made with bright beads and yarns that will make even the simplest of outfits pop. The Ribband is a wonderful, wrap-around, last minute bracelet that doubles as a necklace. With a four-stitch, two-row repeat, this simple accessory is full of sparkle for mothers that shine.

Nelkin Designs Butin Earrings Kits
$16.95

Nelkin Designs Ribband Kits
$27.00

Nelkin Designs Butin Collar Accessories
$15.00

Nelkin Designs Rippled Kits
$21.00

We have SEW many fabulous sewing projects planned for our own mothers. Casey's first sewing project was Amy Butler's Birdie Sling bag, and it has "Happy Mother's Day" written all over it--figuratively, anyway. She picked three fabrics she loved and created a beautiful bag right out of the gate! It's quite large, so if your mom likes bags with room to spare, this is the bag for her. For a quick sew, Valori Wells has an adorable project bag pattern for the moms looking to store all their knitting WIPs. For moms on the go, try Amy Butler's Laptop Cover & MP3 Case pattern. This pattern is customizable to mom's personal computer. If you're really crafty, you could even adapt this pattern for an iPad case! Oh, the possibilities!

Amy Butler Sewing Patterns - Birdie Sling
$12.95

Valori Wells Designs Sewing Cards Sewing and Quilting Patterns - Project Bags
$3.00

Amy Butler Sewing Patterns - Laptop Cover & MP3 Case
$12.00

Brett Bara Sewing In A Straight Line
$22.99

Crochet Corner

Knitter's Pride Steel Crochet Hooks Needles
$2.99

You asked, we listened! We are now carrying smaller crochet hooks for finer lace projects and beading! These Knitter's Pride Steel Crochet hooks come in a range of sizes from .5mm to 1.75mm and feature an ergonomic handle and soft grip for the ultimate hooking comfort. Our beans who love knitting with beads are also excited to see these hooks come in and can't wait to try them out! Use these hooks with the fabulous Nazli Gelin Garden 10 and Garden 10 Metallic crochet threads! Nazli Gelin means "Shy Bride" in Turkish, which speaks to the delicate and beautiful nature of this 100% mercerized Egyptian cotton thread. Need some inspiration? Try the books that go along with this yarn!

Nazli Gelin Garden 10 Metallic Yarn
$5.50

Nazli Gelin Garden 10 Yarn
$4.50

Churchmouse is one of our favorite go-to pattern collections for simple yet beautiful designs. Several of our beans have had the chance to visit the Churchmouse Yarns and Teas shop on Bainbridge Island in Washington State and have returned with wistful tales of how lovely the shop is and how they wish they could move right in. Churchmouse also has a gorgeous pattern line with a growing selection of crochet patterns that range from home accessories to garments. Check out the options below, along with a lovely pattern available in both knit and crochet versions, exclusively for the Stitch Red campaign!

Churchmouse at Home Patterns - Vintage Crocheted Throw & Afghan
$5.00

Churchmouse Classics Patterns - Kelly's Frothy Crocheted Scarf & Wrap
$5.00

Plymouth Patterns - 2029 Crochet Cropped Cardigan
$4.00

Kollage Patterns - 3816 Sister Shawls (Stitch Red)
$7.00

For more fabulous modern crochet tips and some fascinating crochet history, we're proud to introduce Crochet Corner with Dora Ohrenstein to our blog. Dora is the crochet expert behind Crochet Insider, her website and newsletter where she posts techniques and and teaches online classes. She is also a fantastic designer, with crochet designs published in a multitude of magazines and her very own book, Custom Crochet Sweaters, featuring tips on how to create crochet garments that fit your shape. We are so excited to welcome her to our blog where she'll be posting all kinds of interesting crochet related stories, essays, and articles every other Friday!

P.S. we've been slowly bulking up our crochet book and magazine collection, and we're excited to announce that you can now pre-order your copy of the new Vogue Knitting special CROCHET edition for May, which includes a section featuring Dora Ohrenstein!

Vogue Knitting International Magazine Books - '12 Crochet Special Edition (Pre-Order!!)
$6.99

Sale Update: Fibra Natura, Louisa Harding and MORE Onesies!

With names inspired by our college days, like Thesis and All Nighter, the thick and thin wool, alpaca, and acrylic blend of Berroco Campus will make for cozy garments and felted bags! The twists of color and nature of this fiber blend, lends itself to great textural appeal of even the simplest garments. Conversely, Filatura Di Crosa Alpaca is a super soft option for your finer projects. We can't pass up a fingering weight, merino wool and alpaca blend that boasts 220 yards at such a great price!

Berroco Campus Yarn
Was $11.00
Now $8.75
(20% off!)

Filatura Di Crosa Alpaca Yarn
Was $10.00
Now $6.50
(35% off!)

We have to say we just love the 90% cotton, 10% nylon fiber blend of Crystal Palace Cotton Twirl. Now 30% off, this yarn feels great between our fingers and makes for great baby projects. A worsted weight, machine washable cotton, Cotton Twirl was made for the upcoming baby showers we have scheduled. Yet another great worsted weight yarn is Fibre Natura Sensational, a superwash merino wool with a wide variety of colors that we just adore! Thinking of perfecting your color work skills? This is a great opportunity to stock up on colors to keep in your stash for the day you pick up fair-isle knitting!

Fibre Natura Sensational Yarn
Was $7.50
Now $4.50
(40% off!)

Crystal Palace Cotton Twirl Yarn
Was $5.20
Now $3.63
(30% off!)

Are you a Louisa Harding fan? Well, now is the time to stock up on Albero and Fleuris! Sink your hands into the smooth cotton feel of Louisa Harding's Albero. At 32% off, this worsted weight yarn would lend itself nicely to Grace Akhrem's Maid Marian hat. The sheen from the fiber blend would add an additional sparkle to an already delicate design. A heavy worsted, bamboo and wool blend, Fleuris would be the perfect addition to your stash, for those last minute gifts that sneak up on you.

Louisa Harding Albero Yarn
Was $8.00
Now $5.40
(32% off!)

Louisa Harding Fleuris Yarn
Was $7.00
Now $4.10
(41% off!)

As an extra special treat (because we like you), we have just received MORE Tosh Merino Light Onesies, just in time for the start of the MadMay Madelinetosh extravaganza!

Team JBW -- Meet a Bean

Leanne is one of our head "Purchasing Beans" and is responsible for deciding all of the yarns that we are going to carry each season. Most of us envy her because she gets to see all of the new yarns before we do when she meets with all of our lovely yarn representatives! Such a fun job, right? Other fun facts about Leanne: she was a scholarship runner in college, is an amazing musician, has a dual BA in French and Economic Policy, she LOVES ruffle yarn with a burning passion, and she is one of the most cheerful people you will ever meet! Sadly, Leanne is leaving us in Reno to move to LA soon, but she'll still be doing all kinds of fun purchasing duties from her new home in sunny Southern California! We hope she has a big enough house that we can all come and visit her and knit on the beach!

Follow and Interact with Us!

There are many ways to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at Jimmy Beans Wool!

Thanks for Reading and Happy Knitting!

Please let us know what you think of our newsletter or if you have problems reading it! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Email feedback@JimmyBeansWool.com

And please don't forget to support your LYS. In addition to being an online outlet, we also have a retail location and therefore understand how important it is to be supported by our locals.

We only send the newsletter to people who have requested they be added to the list.

Jimmy Beans Wool
1312 Capital Blvd. #103
Reno, NV 89502

Toll Free (877)JBW-KNIT (529-5648)
Phone (775)827-9276

Newsletter: April 2012 Newsletter - Gifts to Knit, Crochet and Sew for Your Mom New Knit Along!

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:44:27 GMT

If you cannot read this email, you can view this newsletter online at:
http://www.JimmyBeansWool.com/newsletterViewRedir.asp?nfID=146

April 2012 Newsletter

In this issue:

Gifts to Knit for your Mom
A Knit Along First at JBW!
Berroco's New Yarns for Spring
Fun Fabrics and What to Make with Them!
On Our Needles
Sale Update: Lana Grossa, Misti Alpaca, and More!
What's New at JBW: Welcome Penelope Harper!!!

Click on any highlighted text to view the item in our online store!

Gifts to Knit for your Mom

"Moms the Word" this month as we begin the quest for the perfect gift for that special maternal figure in our lives. If you are on the hunt for the perfect knit, we are here to help! We've hand-selected some of our staff favorites that are already set up as kits on our website so that all you have to do is point, click, and knit! If knitted or crocheted scarves, shawls, or wraps are what your mom desires, we have plenty of options for you! We love the artistic look of the Light and Shadow Scarf with its delicately ruffled edges and simple styling. If triangles are more your thing, the Crashing Waves Shawlette is a simple yet lacy mini shawl in a beautiful Tosh Prairie yarn. If a little more warmth is what mom needs, the Frothy Crocheted Scarf or Wrap is a great choice with an open lacy crocheted design from Churchmouse Designs in the cozy mohair and silk blend of Kidsilk Haze. Or, lastly, the Summer Ponchette from Getting Purly With It is the perfect spring and summer wrap! Any of these items are sure to be a hit with mom.

Classic Elite Liberty Print Light and Shadow Scarf
From $38.00 to $47.95

Madelintosh Prairie Crashing Waves Shawlette
From $24.70 to $31.00

Jade Sapphire Silk Cashmere 2 ply Summer Ponchette
From $74.00 to $80.00

Rowan Kidsilk Haze Kelly's Frothy Crocheted Scarf or Wrap
From $14.95 to $49.85

Maybe what mom really needs is a pair of beautiful gloves like the Ornati Gloves with their elegant braided cuffs and design motifs. Kristen is thinking about making the Ribbed Tea Cozy for her mom because she loves tea and Noro yarn, so it's the perfect combo! The One Big Granny Square Throw is a beautiful choice and will crochet up quickly in stunning self-striping Noro. If socks are closer to your mom's style, then show her a little love this year with Johnny's Socks in Schoppel Wolle Admiral adorned with a cute heart motif designed in support of our Stitch Red campaign. No matter what you knit for mom, she's sure to appreciate the gift of something handmade with love!

Cascade Heritage Sock Ornati Gloves
From $12.00 to $36.95

Noro Kureyon Ribbed Tea Cozies
From $8.95 to $15.95

Schoppel Wolle Admiral Johnny's Socks Kit (Stitch Red)
From $16.00 to $20.85

Noro Silk Garden One Big Granny Square Throw and Afghan
From $143.40 to $244.00

For the crafty mom, perhaps something to help her in her knitting/crocheting/sewing is the way to go! Why not consider a cute Sheep Sherpa from Lantern Moon to hold all of her small items while she knits? Or maybe a set of Knitter's Pride Dreamz Interchangeable Needles? If project containers are what she needs, maybe a Yarn Pop pouch in the beautiful fleur Stitch Red print or one of Lantern Moon's famous Rice Baskets? When in doubt, you can always give her a Gift Certificate and let her pick out her own pretty gift!

Lantern Moon Sheep Sherpa
$16.00

Knitter's Pride Dreamz Interchangeable Deluxe Needle Set Needles
$82.49

Top Shelf Totes Yarn Pop Accessories - Bold Red Fleur - Small (Stitch Red)
$20.00

Lantern Moon Rice Baskets Accessories - Small Cranberry Basket
$24.00

A Knit Along First at JBW!

Kristen, a bean and a long-time knitter, sewer, and all around crafty individual, will be hosting a fabulous Knit Along using the oh-so-popular Goodale Cardigan from Winged Knits. While the original pattern uses Madelinetosh Pashmina, we know that this can be a pricey (albeit fabulous) choice, so Kristen asked the designer, Cecily Glowik MacDonald, which other yarns she would recommend. From that list, Kristen chose the new silky, smooth Venezia Sport from Cascade Yarns. If you've tried Venezia Worsted, you'll understand why Kristen flocked to the Peacock color of this yarn. Vibrant colors take so well to the fibers in this yarn that each shade really pops.

So, what are the magical ingredients? The silky shine of this yarn comes from (naturally) silk. Add the hearty, warm merino wool, and voila! And with 300 yards in each skein, you only need four to make the largest size of the Goodale Cardigan, and even less for smaller sizes!

What else is new about this KAL? Well, we couldn't help wondering: how fabulous would this cardigan look with a hand-made skirt? So, for the first time ever at JBW, this Knit Along will be combined with a Sew Along! Most of us here at the shop have taken advantage of the sewing workshops hosted by Kristen, Sandy and Jeanne, and we love all the new skills we've picked up. So (sew?), naturally, we wanted to share them with you.

Now, you need not participate in both the KAL and the SAL. However, if you are interested in both, there are plenty of fabulous fabrics to choose from, and the color selection makes matching easy. Check out what Kristen came up with on the left. She's using Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms Twilight Peony fabric in Azure which contrasts beautifully with her yarn choice. We're happy to help you choose a yarn and matching fabric if you're having trouble deciding. Even if you've never knit a cardigan or sewn a skirt, don't be afraid. We're in this together!

For more information on the KAL/SAL, including all suggested yarns from the designer and a complete list of materials needed, please check out Kristen's blog and let us know if you'll be participating. Also, don't forget to join the discussion on Ravelry.

Last, but not least, if you love Kristen's yarn choice, we do have several other new yarns from Cascade, in bulky and finer weights, for your viewing pleasure below. Enjoy!

Cascade 220 Fingering Yarn
$5.00

Cascade Pacific Chunky Yarn
$7.50

Cascade Pacific Chunky Colors Yarn
$7.95

Cascade Ultra Pima Fine Yarn
$5.25

Berroco's New Yarns for Spring

We are always excited to receive new yarns from Berroco! Each new shipment is like a treasure trove of surprises and this year's new spring yarns and patterns are no exception. One reason we love Berroco is that the company has been family owned and operated for over 100 years beginning in 1910 as a woolen mill and eventually branching out into yarns in the late 1960s. We are thankful for their addition of beautiful, reliably high quality yarns, as we know we can count on them.

This season we welcome some lovely new Berroco yarns to the family here at Jimmy Beans! First we have Lago; a viscose and linen blend that is perfect for summer garments and accessories. The Lago booklet offers an ample range of designs specifically for this yarn. Next we have the Captiva which is a cotton poly-acrylic blend and offers sheen and drape like no other. The Captiva booklet features ethereal draped designs such as the Giulia Sweater that are perfect for hot summer days.

Berroco Lago Yarn
$8.50

Berroco Captiva Yarn
$6.50

Berroco Lago Windley Top
From $68.00 to $127.00

Berroco Lago Sandspur Cardigan
From $85.00 to $118.50

Berroco Captiva Palladio Top
From $45.50 to $86.00

Berroco Captiva Lazio Tank
From $32.50 to $66.50

Another new addition this spring is the Versa, a cotton and acrylic bulky weight yarn in gorgeous variegated colors. The Versa booklet features wonderful shoulder season knits like the one featured below. Lastly, we have some other new additions to our lineup that include: Ric Rac, a super fun vintage looking ruffle yarn that is perfect for scarves and trims; Circus, a bright and textured yarn that is ideal for kids garments; and new colors of some old favorites including Seduce, Origami, and Linsey. Also, keep an eye out for Vintage Colors, a multi-colored version of the popular Vintage yarn, coming soon.

Berroco Versa Alanya Cardigan
From $72.00 to $139.00

Berroco Versa Yarn
$8.00

Berroco Ric Rac Yarn
$17.00

Berroco Circus Yarn
$9.00

If you are a fan of our JBW catalogs, it might interest you to know that we are at the beginning stages of developing our next issue! The new edition will be featuring (you guessed it) Berroco! We're extremely excited about this opportunity to share some of Berroco's fascinating history and, of course, their fabulous yarns. Do you have something in particular you would love to see in our upcoming Berroco catalog? Post it on our facebook page, or e-mail us. We truly appreciate the feedback.

Fun Fabrics and What to Make with Them!

We are excited to welcome the Berenstain Bears Welcome to Bear Country fabric line! Its arrival provoked exclamations from the fabric aisle as beans remembered their childhood on the prints of this collection. Much like the Berenstain Bears books we grew up with, these fabrics are fun, colorful, and just as loveable. Welcome to Bear Country will lend its kid-friendly prints perfectly to a cuddly pillow or Valori Wells' Project Bags; which are great for for the small things your bear wants to bring along. When we received the Berenstain fabrics Jimmy knew she had to get her hands on a couple yards to make her little one a pair of pajama pants. While Huck would have preferred pirate pants, he is warming up to the Berenstain Bears. Try out the Berenstain Bears Precuts to make a quilt for your little one.

Berenstain Bears Welcome to Bear Country Fabric
$10.50/yd

Rachel just began sewing a few months ago and has officially been bit by the fabric bug. She recently came to work fashioned in her first ever skirt pattern made from Denyse Schmidt's Flea Market Fancy Bouquet in Turquoise. Many of us beans, also new to the sewing world, have been eyeing her skirt, and this fabric line, with envy. We just love the retro polka dots, floral designs, and seedpod stripes. Flea Market Fancy, 100% cotton fabric, boasts colorful vintage patterns and geometric prints, perfect for the body and finishing touches of your first sewing or quilting project. Looking for your next sewing project? Check out Amy Butler's Sun Surf Halter or the Domestic Goddess Apron; both of these designs would be lovely sewn up in Flea Market Fancy.

Denyse Schmidt Flea Market Fancy Legacy Collection Fabric
$10.00/yd

On Our Needles

Rachel's Little Leaves Shawlette

This is a lovely, quick shawl with a beaded lace leaf motif on the edge (beads are optional!). The crescent shape is created using short rows after the lace edge is complete. This shape makes it sit beautifully across the shoulders! I used Jill Draper Makes Stuff Aurora in Tiger's Eye and approx 250 size 8/0 beads, but would also suggest using Malabrigo Lace for the yarn.

Marilyn's Les Miserables Scarf

Marilyn used one skein of Lorna's Laces Helen's Lace in the extremely popular Breaking Dawn color for this free Ravelry pattern! She said she couldn't wait to felt it and advises other knitters not to be afraid--the felting process is easier than you think and the scarf is beautiful!

Allison's Twisted Stitch Mitts

I made these handwarmers as a Christmas gift for our daughter Amanda (another of JBW's Beans!) The pattern was free from Classic Elite. I used leftover Manos Silk Blend in color 3055 Olive, and used less than 1 hank. The pattern calls for US 4 dpns, but I used size US 2 dpns (Crystal Palace) to achieve the correct gauge. The funnest part was seeing the progression of the twisted stitches in the ribbing carry through to the twisted stitches in the body of the mitt, and out again at the fingers.

Autumn's Meander Mitts

I love having fingerless mits! It is great to type on the computer in a cold room. I used the Malabrigo Sock in Eggplant. The color is beautiful and the yarn is always a pleasure to work with. Along with cable needles, I used US 3 DPNs, but I am really a loose knitter. I have modified the pattern to have individual fingers, just because I enjoy more freedom. The pattern from Vogue Knitting Fall 2009 is great and works out well!

Sale Update: Lana Grossa, Misti Alpaca, and More!

We absolutely must start this section with the fabulous Condito yarn by Lana Grossa. Great for quick scarves that add an extra piece of flair to an otherwise dull wardrobe, the Condito can be used in a number of different ways. Check out the kits that show just a few options. The price on this versatile yarn has just been knocked down to an unbelievably low $9.95! And since just one skein makes a whole scarf, now's the time to stock up on this for all your last-minute gifting needs!

Lana Grossa Condito Yarn
Was $34.00
Now $9.95
(71% off!)

And there's plenty more Lana Grossa where that came from! If you like 100% organic cotton, Organico is an excellent worsted choice. Or for some shimmery DK weight, the Festa is fabulous. For all around softness and luxury, you can't beat the Alta Moda Estate. But that's just the tip of the Lana Grossa iceberg. If you've always wanted to try the extremely high quality yarns from this manufacturer, but have been cautious of cost, here's your chance to test them out at excellent prices. See all sale Lana Grossa yarn here.

Lana Grossa Organico Yarn
Was $11.00
Now $6.60
(40% off!)

Lana Grossa Festa Yarn
Was $14.00
Now $9.75
(30% off!)

Lana Grossa Coccinella Yarn
Was $13.00
Now $9.75
(25% off!)

Lana Grossa Alta Moda Estate Yarn
Was $12.50
Now $8.75
(30% off!)

While the winter season may be coming to a close (at least in the northern hemisphere), just as spring will come again, so will fall, and the bulky yarns you buy on sale today will come in handy when the weather gets crisp again. Fortunately we have a few colors left in the Misti Landscape collection and several in the Super Chunky Handpaint. Landscape yarn is 100% soft baby alpaca, while the Super Chunky Handpaint line combine the softness of baby alpaca with the warmth of wool. Who doesn't love having a few bulky yarns in their stash for quick projects? And when you can get them on sale, that's even better!

Misti Alpaca Landscape Collection Yarn
Was $23.40
Now $15.21
(35% off!)

Misti Alpaca Super Chunky Hand Paint Yarn
Was $19.80
Now $15.84
(20% off!)

P.S. Sh! Don't tell, but select colors of several discontinued colors of these Debbie Bliss yarns are now on sale! Hurry, before they sell out!

Debbie Bliss Andes Yarn
Was $13.95
Now $9.00
(35% off!)

Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran Yarn
Was $9.95
Now $7.45
(25% off!)

What's New at JBW: Welcome Penelope Harper!!!

On April 2nd, at around 10pm, we welcomed our newest little bean, Penelope Harper into the world! Her proud mama, Bethany, has been an integral part of the JBW family for almost two years and when she announced that she was having a baby last fall, we were all so excited for her and her husband George. We waited patiently for months to find out if Bethany was having a little boy bean or a little girl bean, while referring to her as "Baby Kick-Punch" because Penelope often liked to kick around in there causing Bethany to think she was harboring a little ninja. When the little kick-puncher was born, we were so glad to welcome her and celebrate her new beautiful name! Isn't she a doll? We are all looking forward to seeing her wearing all of the hand-knits we've made--and continue to make--for her. Congrats Bethany and George!

Follow and Interact with Us!

There are many ways to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at Jimmy Beans Wool!

Thanks for Reading and Happy Knitting!

Please let us know what you think of our newsletter or if you have problems reading it! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Email feedback@JimmyBeansWool.com

And please don't forget to support your LYS. In addition to being an online outlet, we also have a retail location and therefore understand how important it is to be supported by our locals.

We only send the newsletter to people who have requested they be added to the list.

Jimmy Beans Wool
1312 Capital Blvd. #103
Reno, NV 89502

Toll Free (877)JBW-KNIT (529-5648)
Phone (775)827-9276

Newsletter: April 2012 Lorna's Laces Limited Edition Release - April 2012 Lorna's Laces Limited Edition Color - Wonderstone

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:21:03 GMT

If you cannot read this email, you can view this newsletter online at:
http://www.JimmyBeansWool.com/newsletterViewRedir.asp?nfID=144

April 2012 Lorna's Laces Limited Edition Release

In this issue:

April Limited Edition Color: Wonderstone
Products for your Wonderstone
Rowan Savannah Kit of the Month!
New Colorways in Some of Our Favorite Hand-Dyed Yarns!
Sale Update: Loop d Loop, Knit Collage and More!
Team JBW: Meet a Bean-- Sharon
JBW Videos Hit 1,000,000 Views on YouTube!

Click on any highlighted text to view the item in our online store!

April Limited Edition Color: Wonderstone

(Available in Shepherd Sock, Baby Me Boo, Shepherd Sport, Shepherd Worsted, Helen's Lace, Solemate, Honor, and Lion and Lamb!)

Not only did one of our very own beans choose the savory colors that make up this colorway, but we also got to name it! That said, I'm excited to introduce you to this month's LLE color - Wonderstone! It certainly has a whimsical ring to it, doesn't it? Jenny, the fantastic designer and super fast shipper of this luscious colorway, left the name in our hands when she told us "I just chose some colors." Oh Jenny, I think we've done your color justice!

So, what goes into naming an LLE color here at JBW? One might think it's a very democratic process - a bunch of yarn fanatics sitting around in comfy swivel chairs, staring at the soft, blushing pink, earthy golds, tan, and olive of the April LLE color and brainstorming. If only! What occurred was much closer to a stream of creative energy.

Jimmy walked out, hank in hand and said, "This is April's color, what should we call it?" It didn't take long for our creative energy to start spinning and soon we were rolling "Mohave Moon" over our tongues - that sure sounds good! A minute of testing the name led to exclamations of possibilities. "Spring Beans!" "Flock of Moon Gulls!"-and suddenly, we had hit the jackpot: "Wonderstone." No long brainstorming sessions, just pure wonder and creativity, everything this month's LLE color embodies.

The warm volcanic rock feel of Wonderstone is the perfect blend of earthy tones and the quiet whisper of spring just around the corner and we're sure it will speak to many knitters this spring season. Jenny may not have been struck with inspiration when choosing colors, but thanks to her, I've been inspired! I'm thinking my first pair of socks will come from one hank of this month's colorway in Shepherd Sock! Be sure to get your hands on a hank of this charming colorway and be wonder-struck by Wonderstone!

Products for your Wonderstone

BasicGrey Hello Luscious Fabric $10.50/yd	If you are looking for the perfect fabric to match this month's color, check out the BasicGrey Hello Luscious in Bubblegum #30281-12. The BasicGrey Hello Luscious prints have quickly managed to capture all of our hearts around here at the shop! How fitting that this particular print features a little red heart surrounded by flowers and flourishes. Printed on 100% quilting cotton, this print would be perfect for garments, quilting, accessories and more!
Bergere de France Origin' Merinos Yarn $12.60	Bergere de France's Origin Merinos is a worsted weight yarn made of 100% super soft Merino wool, making it perfect for all-season garments including sweaters, vests, hats, and other accessories! This yarn has a natural spring and shape to it and creates great stitch definition. While we are sure you aren't lacking in pattern inspiration, in case you need some ideas, Bergere de France has four Origin Magazines full of cutting edge fashions that are sure to please!
Namaste Laguna Accessories - Peacock $79.00	Namaste's reputation for beautiful and functional bags for knitters has not wavered once in our years working with them. They continue to make stellar products, not lacking in great design or lasting style. Two of our most popular Namaste products are the Laguna and Monroe bags. Jeanne is a big fan of her Laguna bag and uses is almost every day! She says that the best part about it is the numerous pockets, especially the outside pocket which is where she stashes her keys and cell phone to keep them separate from the rest of her stuff and quick at hand.
Circulo Tecido Trico Yarn $20.00	Looking for the latest in ruffle yarn? Well look no further because Jimmy Beans has got it! The new Circulo Tecido Trico Yarn is so unique that one could hardly call it yarn! It's actually a strip of printed floral fabric with little holes punched in the top band allowing you to "knit" it through those holes like many of the other ruffle yarns on the market. Its lacy cousin, Circulo Renda Trico Magarida, is knit the same way and creates cascades of lace around your neck. Both of these ruffle yarns create a unique look and are sure to be a big hit amongst ruffle fans!
Louisa Harding Sari Ribbon Yarn $17.95	Louisa Harding fans are sure to be pleased that we recently brought back the stunning and unique Sari Ribbon yarn! Shimmering nylon ribbing with a hint of metallic for a little extra sparkle, this yarn is sure to add that unique touch to whatever work of knitted art you use it in. Available in a range of stunning variegated colors ranging from bold and bright to soft and subtle, you are sure to love Sari Ribbon!

Rowan Savannah Kit of the Month!

Rowan Savannah Oasis
Was $79.60 to $147.30
Now from $63.68 to $117.84
(20% off!)

This stylish tank from Rowan is the kind of spring/summer pattern that makes us wonder why anyone would consider knitting a winter activity. The cute diamond pattern and boat neck design offer a flattering fit for any size. Add to that the light, textured feel of the cotton/silk blend Savannah and you've got a dream spring knit! And at 20% off, this deal is too good to pass up!

You know what they say about April showers? Well, the same goes for April knitting projects! Make this your kit of the month and in May you'll have a lovely garment to wear out and about in the spring and summer sun.

New Colorways in Some of Our Favorite Hand-Dyed Yarns!

New for Spring 2012, Lorna's has created seven new unique colors including both variegated and tonal colors! Each new color is available in most of the weights we carry and completely different from any color combo Lorna's has released in the past. With names like Kedzie, Cornelia, Cermak, Giddings and Dobson, you will be sure to remember these colors. Jeanne was lucky enough to be gifted a beautiful shawl in the Giddings color that was knit by Beth (the owner of Lorna's) herself! You can check it out on our project log here. All in all, the new Lorna's colors are stunning which ultimately prompts the question: what shall I make with it?

Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted Yarn
$20.00

Never one to disappoint, Madelinetosh has also released a slew of new colors for spring in all of their weights! The warm and cool tones of Cathedral, the bright pops of color in Firewood, the airy coolness of Lowland and Grenadine, and the deep water blues of Volga, plus many more, give a range that only adds depth to their already extensive list of colors. To add to the excitement, Tosh has also released a new short sleeved summer cardigan called the Storyteller Hoodie which is the perfect warm weather layer knit in Tosh Vintage. If a lighter weight yarn is what you are after, check out all of the Tosh Vintage and Tosh DK Onesies that we recently received in the new colors!

Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage Yarn
$19.20

Koigu KPPPM fingering weight yarn has long been one of our most popular yarns! We love the enormous range of colors and the vibrancy of the hand-painted yarn. Although we don't carry all of them, we do have over 200 Koigu KPPPM colors currently in stock and are adding more with each Koigu order! If you have a particular color you are looking for, please e-mail or call us and let us know. We would be happy to get it in stock for you! In the meantime, if you are curious so see what colors we've just received, here is a taster for you below. Also, check out our color offerings in Koigu's other yarns, KPM (Solids) and Kersti!

Koigu KPPPM Yarn
$13.50

Sale Update: Loop d Loop, Knit Collage and More!

First up, we couldn't wait to share the new Loop d Loop yarns we have just received at 50% off! We have quite a collection of different lines and colorways, including the cotton/silk Birch yarn, and its sister yarn, New Birch, which is also a worsted weight, but with more silk and less cotton. River is a luxury blend yarn of cashmere and cotton with a soft, loose twist that's great for garments that need good drape. Are you more of a merino wool lover? Moss is a DK-weight brushed merino-blend yarn that has a super soft felted feel. And for a super bulky 100% extrafine merino wool yarn, Tundra is the ticket.

Loop-d-Loop Birch Yarn
Was $7.50
Now $3.75
(50% off!)

Loop-d-Loop New Birch Yarn
Was $7.50
Now $3.75
(50% off!)

Loop-d-Loop Moss Yarn
Was $9.99
Now $4.99
(50% off!)

Loop-d-Loop River Yarn
Was $9.99
Now $4.99
(50% off!)

If you are looking for less traditional yarns, Loop d Loop has a range of yarns with their own, unique texture and style. Try Granite for plush wool roving that's stitched down the center to show great stitch definition. For a little more sparkle, check out the Quartz yarn, which is a fabulous blend of viscose, linen and silk with a touch of metallic for style. Or try Shale, which combines sparkle with the delicate softness of mohair. And, of course, there's the airy Fern, a lightweight, lacy, wool-blend woven tape yarn that's great for spring projects!

Loop-d-Loop Fern Yarn
Was $9.00
Now $4.50
(50% off!)

Loop-d-Loop Granite Yarn
Was $9.90
Now $4.95
(50% off!)

Loop-d-Loop Quartz Yarn
Was $9.00
Now $4.50
(50% off!)

Loop-d-Loop Shale Yarn
Was $9.99
Now $4.99
(50% off!)

If you're looking for a place to store all of these lovely Loop-d-Loop yarns while you work your magic on them, you are in luck! Select Namaste bags are on sale! Bethany here at the shop said she loves her Bitty Bag because it's so durable that she can use it for anything! The hip holsters and messenger bags are all incredibly versatile, whether you use them for craft projects, traveling, or just getting around town. The bright colors are also great for adding a splash of color to your wardrobe!

Namaste Bitty Bag Accessories - Lime
Was $69.00
Now $29.95
(57% off!)

Namaste Urban Hip Holster Accessories - Peacock
Was $39.00
Now $23.00
(41% off!)

Namaste Classic Hip Holster Accessories - Red
Was $45.00
Now $27.00
(40% off!)

Namaste Urban Messenger Bag Accessories - Black
Was $69.00
Now $38.00
(45% off!)

If you're like Kristen and Monika, you love yarn with personality! Both of these ladies have recently purchased Knit Collage yarns and made fabulous hats out of them! These projects are great for kids, or kids at heart. Luckily, these yarns are now available at an whopping discount! With all personalities come some quirks and these are the quirkier skeins. Yes, they are deemed "second quality," but having seen them first hand, we are extremely impressed with how these skeins turned out. Each is categorized by color and quirk, so you can choose skeins that are a few yards short, but perfect in every other way, or skeins that are thinner than intended, if that is something that won't interfere with your intended project. Feel free to browse, but don't wait too long, or someone else may snag your quirky skein!

Knit Collage Pixie Dust 2nd Quality Yarn
Was $35.00
Now $17.50
(50% off!)

Knit Collage Rolling Stone 2nd Quality Yarn
Was $37.00
Now $18.50
(50% off!)

Knit Collage Pixie Dust 2nd Quality Yarn
Was $35.00
Now $17.50
(50% off!)

Knit Collage Rolling Stone 2nd Quality Yarn
Was $37.00
Now $18.50
(50% off!)

Looking for more? Araucania's Ulmo is 100% cotton DK weight with 200 yards per skein! We also have the heavy worsted Panguipulli, with super warm 100% merino wool and variegated colorways you'll love. Or, for thick and thin yarn, Euro's Quick & Thick is available at 52% off and Berroco's Campus yarn is now 20% off!

Araucania Ulmo Yarn
Was $14.00
Now $7.65
(45% off!)

Araucania Panguipulli Yarn
Was $18.00
Now $10.80
(40% off!)

Euro Yarns Quick & Thick Merino Yarn
Was $34.00
Now $16.20
(52% off!)

Berroco Campus Yarn
Was $11.00
Now $8.75
(20% off!)

Team JBW: Meet a Bean-- Sharon

Sharon (aka Sherona) has a deep love for pandas (both kung-fu and run-of-the-mill). Unlike pandas, Sharon loves to run! In fact, she and another bean, Nicole, ran a marathon last year! Her bubbly personality makes all of us smile on a daily basis.

Sharon has been with us for a few years now and is the Team Lead for our Customer Service Department. She is an excellent knitter and crocheter and can always be counted on to knit projects at whirlwind speed! When she isn't knitting or working or running, she is working towards her bachelors degree in art, practicing yoga, and hanging out with her adorable dog Murphy.

According to Sharon, "the only good time is an adventure time!" Well said.

To view Sharon's Video Bio and see other bean bios, check out the Team JBW page on our website!

JBW Videos Hit 1,000,000 Views on YouTube!

We were so thrilled to discover that our product review and instructional videos recently hit one MILLION views on YouTube! All of us at Jimmy Beans would like to give a big THANK YOU to all of you who have watched our videos over the years, sent amazing and constructive feedback, and given us ideas for new reviews. You've all played such a huge part in the success of these videos. We couldn't do it without YOU! Also, we should thank all of the stars of our videos, Jimmy Beans Wool employees and customers, who get up in front of the camera each week and do their very best to give you useful information. Without them, Jimmy and Jeanne would be very tired!

We always welcome suggestions for new videos and how to make older videos better, so please send them our way at any time. You can e-mail video suggestions to: socialmedia@JimmyBeansWool.com and as we continue to build our video library, we will take all feedeback into consideration!

I'll leave you today with our most-watched video. This video has almost 100,000 views on YouTube! It's one of Jeanne's instructional videos called: "How to Pick up Stitches". Enjoy!

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Thanks for Reading and Happy Knitting!

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Jimmy Beans Wool
1312 Capital Blvd. #103
Reno, NV 89502

Toll Free (877)JBW-KNIT (529-5648)
Phone (775)827-9276