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July 2015 Lorna's Limited Edition Release
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You might have guessed that we love the 1980s - if there's one decade that cemented our affinity for pop culture, the '80s is it! And what better way to pay homage than to snuggle down with our knitting and a favorite '80s movie!? But before you head for the couch, check out our July Lorna's Limited Edition color! The Brat Pack is all about our favorite teen-movie icons of the age and the John Hughes films they became famous for: The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, Pretty in Pink, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, to name just a few!
 | We wondered what these hip teens might wear to prom in their day? And Lorna's answered: a totally glam blend of teals, pinks, and purples that would have any self-respecting '80s chick fluffing her bangs, smacking her Bubble Tape, and crying, "Crucial!"! This kickin' color is available in our seven most tubular Lorna's bases: Shepherd Sock, Solemate, Shepherd Sport, Sportmate, Shepherd Worsted, Honor, and Helen's Lace! |
And check this out: faster than Pac-Man running from Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde, four of our resident designers (and '80s kids!) came up with a set of new patterns to indulge your '80s mania: The Brat Pack Collection! Remember those hearts you scribbled all over your Trapper Keeper? Flash back to that and throw on Leanne's Scrunchy Heart Legwarmers (be sure to peg those acid-washed jeans first so you can really show them off) - they're sure to bring out the Flashdancer in all of us! Channel your inner princess with Kristen's Claire Shawlette: the asymmetrical shape and eyelet details are radical to the max!
If your perm is looking, like, totally gnarly, throw on Heather's Bodacious Beret and get to the mall on time for that shopping sesh! Having a great hair day and don't want to deflate your big hair? Monika's Brat Pack Headband will look righteous and protect that precious pouf, and it comes in two versions: a wider "Ear Warmer" version, plus a narrower "Aerobics" version with an i-cord tie to keep it in place while you're dancing along with your music videos!
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Each pattern in the collection uses a special technique - a specific shape, lace, stripes, holding the yarn double - to get the most out of this bright and busy hand-dyed yarn (see below for more tips on working with hand dyed yarns!). So what are you waiting for? Straighten those shoulder pads, throw a Madonna record on the hi-fi, and get knitting!  | But wait: glam it up a little! We know markers that snag in your knitting totally bum you out, so Spark created a set of snag-free Stitch Markers designed especially to coordinate with this month's color! They're totally bad - you know, in the good, '80s way! |
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We've said it before, and we think this month's Lorna's Laces color proves it: hand-dyed yarns are both fun and fascinating - so much color, so much inspiration, so many possibilities!
To get the most out of these attributes you someetimes need a few tricks up your sleeve; even the most beautiful colors can look less than desirable when knit or crocheted up due to pooling, skein variation, and the natural tendency of the shades to fight for attention, resulting in a "busy" look.
Here are just a few ways you can tone it down and amp up the pleasing qualities of the yarn at the same time!
 | Problem:
Pooling - when color repeats line or "stack" up in concentrated areas, causing blotches of color. The swatch pictured left is a great example of pooling. Knit in the Circus colorway in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted, this swatch was knit on US 7 needles (to get the gauge on the ball band).
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Fixes:  | Change needle size:
Even a slight change in the gauge of your overall project can offset the color repeats enough to make them line up in a more appealing way, like this swatch knit on a US size 8 needle (instead of a 7).
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 | Alternate skeins:
Alternate every other row or every couple of rows between two skeins of the same color to avoid same-color pooling.
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 | Knit with 2 strands held double:
Especially handy for smaller-circumference projects like hat brims where color repeats are likely to overlap, double stranding helps keep the colors randomized. Heather chose this technique for the brim of her beret and it disguised any pooling issues beautifully.
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 | Choose the right size/shape project:
Monika found the perfect widths for her headband pattern that kept pooling from being a problem and Kristen used an asymmetrical shape for her shawlette to keep colors from stacking up.
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 | Add a simple design element:
Incorporating an uncomplicated, minimal stitch pattern like eyelets ( Kristen's shawlette), slipped stitches ( Heather's beret), simple cables ( Monika's headband), or even just alternating sections of stockinette and garter stitch can break up the busy look.
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 | Stripe it:
Leanne used a solid, coordinating color to alternate with the busy Brat Pack color in her legwarmers, with a fantastic result.
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 | Outsmart it:
Stop pooling in its tracks by making it happen when you want it to - Romi used short rows in her Shard Shawlette, and Rachel used drop stitches in the Cell Block Shawlette (from the Orange is the New Black MKAL) to force the yarn to pool when certain colors came to the needle, making it into a design element instead of a distraction.
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Feel like an expert yet? We hope so - and we hope you'll chime in with any tips and tricks you might know, too! For even more info, join us on the JBW Blog! |
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 | It's time to unleash the laceweight yarn from your stash! Are you ready? Our Make it Laceweight event begins today, July 1st, on Ravelry! From now through the end of August, we'll be knitting up some gorgeous projects in laceweight yarn and sharing them on Ravelry. When you join us, you'll be eligible to win some pretty sweet prizes, just for showing off your finished objects! Knit anything your heart desires, just do it in a laceweight yarn. You can use large needles, lace elements, multiple strands, you name it! |
If you need something to knit, we've got you covered. Here are some project ideas to get your creative juices flowing!  | We've already cast on for Rachel's Aurelia Shawl, and Erika just finished her stunning red and gray version! This 2 color shawl is knit with 3 strands of Madelinetosh Prairie Short Skeins held together on a US size 8 needle. The best part? It only takes 2 skeins, one of each color! Rachel's awesome design results in slowly graduated color that surrounds your shoulders like a soft and beautiful halo - gorgeous! |
 | Heather loved the idea of a lacy top to wear over a tank or sundress, so she designed the Daylily Tunic! With a simple construction and elegant lace details, it shows off the hand-dyed yarn beautifully. Also knit using the knit Tosh Prairie Short Skeins, this top is light-as-air, making it perfect to wear all summer long in any climate! |
 | If you haven't yet had a chance to try the scrumptious Findley yarn from Juniper Moon Farm, do it now! Each ball boasts nearly 800 yards of delicious merino wool and silk yarn in 40 colors - what more could you ask for? It even comes in Dappled prints (over 25 of them!) for a hand-dyed look. Now wouldn't that look astonishing in an open-work design like the Gable Wrap? Yes! Or choose your two favorite colors (or coordinating solid and dappled colorways!) and knit up the Coulter Reversible Hat! |
 | And Monika's already shown us the beauty of Fyberspates Gleem Lace, a stunning blend of 55% BFL and 45% silk, with her Branching Out Shawl - it's like a shot of sunshine on a dreary day! But don't think that lace shawls are all you can do with this gorgeous yarn. It's perfectly suited for other projects like the Bonny Tank from Tin Can knits!
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Whatever you decide, don't forget to join the discussion on Ravelry and post pictures of your progress and your finished projects - we can't wait to see what you come up with! |
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We came, we binge-watched, we knit... The Cell Block Shawlette! We don't know about you, but we couldn't keep our fingers still until this ingenious asymmetrical wrap was off the needles - it was just too addicting to stop knitting it! And we were so excited to find out what would happen to the ladies of Litchfield this season, we think we knitted faster with all the nervous energy! We love the result: drop stitches cleverly break up the variegated colors of the yarn, and the wrap can be worn in a multitude of ways to suit any mood. |  |
If you haven't given in to the guilty pleasure of watching Orange is the New Black yet, there's still plenty of time - and even if you don't want to fill a weekend by watching all the episodes at once (ahem...we're not admitting to anything), you have a whole year until the next season comes out, so you can take it at your own pace! The New Black limited edition color was super popualr and unfortunately we're now sold out, but you can still pick up a skein of Lorna's Laces Sportmate in your favorite color (we recommend Bittersweet, Giddings, Ma Ruth, or Zombie BBQ), a copy of the Cell Block shawlette (available as a download on Ravelry), and binge watch/knit away! |
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 | Universal Yashi
Just in time for summer, we've got a cool new yarn from Universal that's sure to be the talk of the beach! Universal Yashi is a one-of-a-kind, colorful and smooth raffia-fiber yarn made from palm trees, and that's what sure to be on your mind as you're crocheting up a charming, striped Sunblock Hat to keep you cool this summer! Or how about a chic tote for your sunblock, cover-up, and beach knitting?
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The Loop Bag is where it's at - all your sundries stay in, and sand filters right out! And with Knitter's Pride's Faux Leather Bag Handles, it's even stylish enough to take to dinner. Win-win!  | Regia 6-ply Active
Think handmade socks are just for lounging around the house, showing off your fancy stitchwork? Think again! New Regia 6-ply Active makes it possible to put your best foot forward in your sporty endeavors, too! A balanced blend of washable wool, polyamide, and the revolutionary Outlast fiber - developed by Nasa and adored by sock knitters for its temperature-regulating properties - this DK-weight dandy is ideal for a pair of extra-cushy socks that will delight those active feet: try the Cloud Peak Socks!
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Or, quickly knit up the awesome Bishorn Socks with the yarn held double for a super warm and thick pair. But it's not just for socks: pair knitting and crochet talents together for the Jade Mountain Hat that is worthy of wearing year-round!  | Koigu Sparkle
Sparkle is here to stay, and we're ecstatic: check out Koigu Sparkle! The geniuses at Koigu took the ever-popular KPPPM yarn and added just a touch of glitter to lend a beautiful twinkle to everything you knit! The overall effect is a subtle shine among the gorgeous hand-dyed hues - enough to make you feel like a princess on the inside without looking like a glitter bomb went off on the outside!
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We think it would look great in the Orchid Thief by Ysolda Teague, or how about adding some shimmer to the Belle Gloves by Grace Akhrem!? Yes, please!  | JBW Logo Tote Bag
First rule of Knit Club: tell everyone about Knit Club. Second rule of Knit Club: don't forget your reusable JBW Logo Tote Bag! These clever canvas totes are stamped with the bright and instantly recognizable JBW color wheel logo, and the straps are long enough to go over a shoulder or swing from your fingertips! Load them with yarn, needles, and notions, or even with gym gear, groceries, or just odds and ends - whatever you throw at them, they can take it!
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And what better way to show your support for your "Local Yarn Shop...Online"? Whether you're camping, at the beach, or just the grocery store, you're sure to find a fellow crafter!  | Wool Tree Mill Greek Cross Drop Spindles
Looking for a new obsession? Need to keep those fingers busy between knitting or crochet projects? Try spinning! Wool Tree Mill Greek Cross Drop Spindles are a great way to start - they're portable, beautiful, and perfectly balanced for hand-spinning. It's the oldest form of making yarn known to man, and all it takes is a spindle, your hands, and some raw materials, like roving or wool top.
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For a super-fun and summer-inspired spin, try some Vice Fluff in Watermelon - slurp! Or if you're headed to the sea, keep an eye out for a Mermaid with some gorgeous hand-dyed roving from Manos del Uruguay! |
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Show that special little one what a treasure they are with an adorable, downy-soft cardigan knit in cozy Plymouth Baby Alpaca Cherish! The absolutely endearing Baby Alpaca Cherish Crossover Baby Cardigan is easy-fitting enough for baby's everyday wardrobe, but lovely enough to become a garment that's prized and preserved to pass on to future babes. The charming, tiny-bobble design is easy to execute and the cardigan is perfect for wearing over dresses or onesies alike. But just because it's treasured doesn't mean it's expensive: for the month of July, this sweet kit is 35% off! |  |
That means you can knit the smaller size, including yarn, pattern, and button, for less than $20! Pick up a kit and you'll have this beautiful piece off the needles in no time. Talk about a prize! |
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Madelinetosh Onesie Grab Bags - 20% off!
When we combined two of our favorite things, onesies and grab bags, we knew you'd be on board - and were you ever! We know it's sometimes hard to tell from your computer screen what colors look best together, so did the work for you and paired up skeins of Tosh Onesies in either matching or coordinating colors that are perfect for small or 2-color projects. We still have some left in the most popular Tosh bases: Home, Tosh Chunky, Tosh DK, and Vintage! It's a great way to plan for a 2-skein or 2-color project (like one of Romi Hill's Small Shawls) or to just fatten your stash. Grab them up before they're gone!
Muench Touch Me Yarns!
What's smoother than velvety chenille? Nothing that we know of! That's why we're thrilled that all the Muench Touch Me series yarns are now on sale! From the luminous colors of regular Touch Me, to the sparkly fun of Touch Me Lux, to extra-plush Touch Me Due, we can't get enough! Just a couple of balls are enough for a small scarf or neckwarmer, or even a cute clutch to fancy up that evening out. Get ready to be touched!
Denise2Go LE Sets and Creative Commodities Bright Beads Necklaces - from 40% off!
Don't miss out on grabbing the perfect to-go accessory for your craft bag with a Denise2Go Limited Edition Needle Set! These all-inclusive little bundles are packed with goodies: 6 needle tips in sizes US 5 through US 10, 3 cords in 14", 16", and 19" lengths, 2 end buttons and one extender, and a handy crochet hook in size US G/6. The beautiful Limited Edition Set cases were designed by Lorna Miser of Lorna's Laces fame, and are hand-sewn with fabric from designer collections like Marjolein Bastien, Tina Givens, and Jenean Morrison. Plus, each set is paired with coordinating-color cords! Pack a little extra power with a Bright Beads Necklace - these clever counting tools will keep track of your stitches and look gorgeous at the same time!
SMC Lumio Cotton - 50% off!
If you haven't tried SMC Lumio Cotton yet, don't wait any longer! This super-bulky superstar is a versatile cotton and acrylic blend with an irresistibly cool element: a strand of reflective tape spun right into the yarn! Anything you knit up will reflect light directed at it - from bonfires, camera flashes, or even the headlights of a passing car, making it great for head and wristbands to keep you safe while walking or running in low light. And it comes in ten pretty colors. So what are you waiting for? For an equally fun, super-bulky weight yarn, try Lumio Color! Like Lumio Cotton, it's spun through with a special reflective thread that glows when light is shined upon it. Hats, cowls, sweaters, and more will spark in the dark (especially with a camera flash!) in this awesome yarn!
Plymouth and Rowan Sale Yarns - from 40% off!
Get those clicker fingers ready for these short-lived steals! For starters, how about 109 yards of squishy, super-bulky, 100% merino wool for less than $10? Yep! Perennial favorite for quick hats, scarves, and cowls, Plymouth DeAire is on sale for a steal! There are 15 colors to choose from - how will you ever decide? If texture's what you're looking for in your winter garments (and who isn't?!), grab some Rowan Thick 'n' Thin yarn - the specially spun strands of this wool beauty do all the heavy lifting to add interest to all your cold-weather cowls, hats, and sweaters!
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 | Something exciting is in the works here at JBW: a super-special Swirl Class, taught by Terry! The in-store class series, Get Your Swirl On, begins in July and runs through the end of 2015 with one class every month (for a total of 6 classes), plus walk-in help and swirly twirly knit-together social events. This class series takes knitters from start to finish in creating one of Sandra McIvers Swirl coats from her ever popular book on innovative sweaters, Knit, Swirl.
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Read all the class details on our July Class Schedule, and/or give us a call or stop by the shop to sign up! The Knit, Swirl sweaters are clever coats knitted mostly in one piece with just one seam (gasp!), flattering to all figures, and endlessly customizable for the perfect sweater you'll wear forever. Just take a look at the beautiful creations on the Knit, Swirl Website. If you're feeling inspired or have one of these coats queued up in your never-ending wishlist of projects to make, now is the time to cast on!
Of course we wouldn't dream of leaving anyone out of the fun! For all you wonderful online customers and those that aren't able to take the class, but still want to partake in getting your Swirl On, we'll be running a Swirl-a-long on Ravelry! Run in tandem with the class here at the shop, we'll have a dedicated Ravelry thread to offer support of all varieties, as well as check-ins on our social media channels, and summaries of the classes on the JBW blog with additional technical tips.
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Don't forget we're always available by Live Chat, phone, and email to talk you through any knitting (or crochet!) roadblock. We hope you'll join in our Swirl Extravaganza! Just think, in 6 months, you could have an amazing coat to wear all season long! |
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 | It's that time again: Jimmy Beans Bucks from the second quarter of 2015 are going to be available July 1st (that's today!!!!), which means they are available to use on anything you've seen in this issue of the newsletter, hooray!!!
Not familiar with Beanie Bucks? If you have an account with us and you've made purchases with that account between April 1st and June 30th, you are eligible for an account credit of 5% of those purchases (with a few rules, of course). These rewards will be available from July 1st until September 30th, 2015. |
Not sure if you have Beans Bucks available? You can log into your account to check.
If you didn't earn a reward last quarter, or if you aren't familiar with this incredible Rewards Program, take a look now! As always, feel free to call our toll free number, e-mail us, or use our Live Chat option if you have any questions.
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There are many ways to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at Jimmy Beans Wool!
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Jimmy Beans Wool
891 Trademark Drive
Reno, NV 89521
Toll Free in U.S. and Canada (877)JBW-KNIT (529-5648)
Phone (775)827-9276
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