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Summer's officially here and that means we're combining the best of the season: outdoor cooking and delicious summer produce! This month's Tasty Tosh 2015 installment celebrates both, and resulted in a tantalizing color to boot - just one look at Mexican Grilled Street Corn and your mouth will be watering: the enticing yellows, tempting oranges, and spicy reds of this gorgeous color will have you ready to get out in the sun and grilling up something delicious! We have piping hot skeins of Pashmina, Tosh DK, Tosh Merino Light, Tosh Sock, Tosh Vintage, Twist Light and TML Samples ready to rouse your appetite!  | Kristen certainly didn't wait for the rest of us - she dug right in and designed a gorgeous shawl that shows off this bright and beautiful color in a different way! Her Baja Sunrise Shawl pairs the piquant pigments of this month's color with the oceanic blues of the Cousteau colorway in Tosh DK in a design that brings to mind the rays of the sun washing over the ocean at sunrise. |
Kristen also hand selected a few other color combos to use with June's tasty colorway (pictured left from the top down): Shire, Forestry, Deep, or Kelp, all of which look gorgeous in contrast with the orange hues in Mexican Grilled Street Corn. Receive a Ravelry download code for the Baja Sunrise Shawl for free with purchase of 1 skein of Tosh DK in the Mexican Grilled Street Corn color, or, if you prefer to use your own color combo, you can snag the pattern on Ravelry for just $1 this month! |  |
 | Heather also loved the color saturation of the Grilled Mexican Street Corn in the single-ply Tosh Merino Light, so she grabbed a skein and created the simple but striking Cholula Chevrons Shawlette! Outfitted with pretty lace details that hide dramatic increases and an eye-catching lace edge that's knit right onto the crescent-shaped body of the shawl, a download code for this pattern comes free with purchase of 1 skein of TML. Or, get the pattern for just $1 on Ravelry! |
And to complete our jump into all things summer, the gals at Black Rock Mud have created a deliciously musky scented soap to coordinate with this month's color! It's called On the Playa and it conjures up daydreams of a relaxing summer vacation somewhere beachy, warm, and siesta-friendly! Even if you're stuck at home, pick up a bar and pretend you're not! |  |
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 | Just in time for our month of all things Tosh, we just received a super-special shipment of Tosh Vintage Short Skeins! These gorgeous hanks of first-quality yarn in one of the most popular Madelinetosh bases, Tosh Vintage, ended up just 3 yards short of a full skein - we know, hardly any difference, right? But the difference in price is more than a little. These get-them-while-you-can, Just-at-Jimmy's hanks are just $19.50! Time to stock that stash for your winter knitting! |
If you're looking for a quick one-skein project, try the stylish Plum Tree Slouch hat by Alana Dakos! Or, go all out and really take advantage of this sale by picking up a sweater's quantity of yarn, then knit the stunning Creature Comforts Cardi from Madelinetosh! C'mon, you know you can't resist delicious hand-dyed yarn at a great price! |  |
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Summer is the perfect time to lighten up on your yarn - in this heat, the lighter, the better! That's why we decided to focus on laceweight yarns for our summer "Make It" event on Ravelry! Starting July 1st and running through the end of August, we'll be hosting Make It Laceweight, a fun festival for the featherweights we love! To participate, knit anything you want - the only requirement is that the yarn be laceweight, but the project doesn't have to be! You can double, triple, quadruple-strand the yarn if you wish, use larger needles, different laceweight bases together - if you can dream it, you can do it! The project doesn't have to contain lace elements, either, if you don't want it to. We have prizes, too - yarn (laceweight, of course!), notions, and possibly books! Prize winners will be drawn at random from the eligible entries after the end of the event.  | |
Take advantage of our new Search Attributes to find the perfect laceweight for you: looking for a super-soft, baby alpaca laceweight yarn with a nice halo that will knit up on larger needles? Why, that's Fyberspates Cumulus!  | As if it couldn't get any better, Rachel, one of our lace-lovers, has prepared an extra-special design for this event using Prairie Short Skeins! Rachel used her brilliance with shawls and her eye for color to create Aurelia, a gradient-effect shawl featuring slipped-stitch accents. The result is amazing: it uses three strands (but just two hanks!) of Prairie held together on a size 8 needle, so it just flies off the needles. We love it! |
Whatever you choose, head on over to the Make It Laceweight discussion board in the JBW Ravelry Group and join the fun - then, post pictures of your project when it's done! |
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If you love binge-watching your favorite shows, you'll love binge-knitting even more - and we know you were just looking for an excuse to do it! Rachel's Orange is the New Black Binge MKAL starts tomorrow, and we're ready with yarn, needles, and snacks in hand to knit a fun mystery project while we soak up all the new episodes of Orange is the New Black on Netflix! If you haven't yet, pick up one of our handy Binge MKAL Kits. |  |
Each kit includes one skein of Sportmate in the fabulous June Lorna's Laces Limited Edition color The New Black (conceived especially for this project by Rachel), or choose one of the other colorful options! All kits include the Ravelry download code for the clues, which will be released once a day for the whole weekend! The pattern is a mystery, but it's appropriate for all levels - fun enough to keep you knitting, but easy enough to keep you watching the show! Please note: The New Black in Sportmate was even more popular than we anticipated, and we are currnetly sold out. However, Lorna's is dyeing up another batch of New Black amazingness and pre-orders for the kits are expected to ship by the end of this month! |
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Sometimes beauty is not without its challenges - and when it comes to hand-dyed yarns, we're willing to accept the challenge! Those gorgeous colors that have us salivating over our computer screens and inspire us to create dazzling projects can also have the unwanted side effects of pooling, striping, and in general, not looking like we want them to! That's why we've put together a useful Hand-Dyed Yarn Guide with tips and tricks to get the most out of those precious skeins full of stunning colors, so you can enjoy wearing them instead of looking longingly at them as they languish in your stash! Plus, we're kicking off a series of instructional sections in our next few newsletters that will turn you into a hand-dye pro, so stay tuned - it begins now!  A great place to start is Jeanne's helpful video: she explains the intricacies of the different types of hand-dyed yarns and how to plan projects with them. To give you an idea of what we mean, let's compare some of our most popular types of hand-dyed yarns:  | Variegated, like Lorna's Laces:
- Characteristics: multiple colors (usually 3 or more), often in sequence (meaning the colors are repeated in the same sequence as you knit with the yarn) in high-contrast color combinations.
- Pros: Saturated, vibrant color with a one-of-a-kind look
- Challenges: As your project changes size or shape, the colors "line up" differently over the rows - and if too many rows of the same color stack up together, you get pooling or unplanned striping.
- Other variegated favorites: Baah Yarns, Lotus Yarns
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 | Tonal, like Madelinetosh:
- Characteristics: yarns have a more tonal variation, with multiple shades of the same or similar colors blending together in the yarn
- Pros: easy on the eye; "watercolor" effect adds visual interest without being overwhelming
- Challenges: each skein is unique, so there can be much variation between skeins of the same colorway
- Other tonal favorites: Unraveled Designs Yarn, Swans Island
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 | Hand-painted, like Koigu:
- Characteristics: dye is applied by hand, so each skein has subtle variations; the dyer completely controls color application and can create truly unique combinations and effects
- Pros: instantly recognizable as hand-crafted; very artistic look
- Challenges: larger projects can be difficult due to variation between skeins
- Other hand-painted favorites: Artyarns , Misti Alpaca
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 | Kettle-dyed, like Malabrigo:
- Characteristics: a soft-blend effect between multiple colors of yarn on the same skein, achieved by adding different-colored dyes to the dye pot at the same time
- Pros: even high-contrast colors are able to intermingle beautifully for a unified effect
- Challenges: colors are placed at irregular intervals on the skein, so it can be difficult to tell exactly what it will look like when knit up
- Other kettle-dyed favorites: Manos del Uruguay, The Fibre Company yarns
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 | Long-striping/Ombre Effect:
- Characteristics: yarn is dyed in very long color runs, so your knitted project has color shifts that gradually blend from one to the next
- Pros: you can create gorgeous, ombre-effect knitting without switching between skeins of different colors
- Challenges: choosing the right project to show off this uniquely-dyed yarn
- Long-striping favorites: Vice Blurred Lines, Freia Fine Handpaints
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Wasn't that fun? We hope you feel more at home with hand-dyes - whichever type you decide to try, we know you'll love it! In our next newsletter, we'll go over how to handle some of the challenges that come with all this amazing color. Want even more? Head on over to the JBW Blog for an in-depth look at working with hand-dyed yarns! |
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 | The summer yarns are pouring into the warehouse and some new triumphs from Debbie Bliss are among them! Right on trend with new Delphi: we don't need an oracle to tell us this will be one yarn we'll have in our knitting bag all summer long! This 100% cotton, woven-tape-construction yarn knits up quickly on large needles, but stays light as a feather and absolutely breathable for ultimate summer comfort. The colors, in typical Debbie Bliss fashion, are the height of understated sophistication - they'll look great on a variety of skin tones, especially when you're showing a bit more skin this summer! |
Looking for ideas? The Spring/Summer '15 Debbie Bliss Magazine is packed with patterns that show off this new yarn: we love the Shell Pattern Slipover to wear under a light jacket or over a swimsuit - it would be eye-catching either way, and features drop stitches (our new favorite!)! Or, go for a wear-with-everything piece: the simple stockinette of the V-Neck Cardigan really shows off the gorgeous tonal colors of the yarn! There's even a free pattern for a simple Delphi Cowl that will keep your neck warm and stylish well into the fall! And our Leanne used Delphi in her Denim and Blues Cowl, with great results! |  |
 | For fans of ever-popular Eco Baby, check out new Eco Baby Prints! The same sport-weight, 100% organic cotton you know and love for baby and home items now comes in a fun array of variegated colors! Try knitting up a Classic Baby Cardigan for that special little one, or an adorable Guernsey Top - both would look sweet on either a girl or a boy! |
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Sublime Extra Fine Merino Lace - 40% off!
What better way to kick off our Make it Laceweight event than by putting a favorite laceweight yarn on sale! Sublime Extra Fine Merino Lace is as lovely as it sounds - 100% deliciously-soft merino wool in a weightless laceweight perfect for shawls, cowls, and accessories! Make something simple like the Flippy Edge Scarf, or a more traditional, lacey project like the gorgeous Jasmine Wrap! Or, double- or triple-strand it for a quick-knitting project with a lightweight feel. In fact, anything you choose to knit from the Extra Fine Merino Lace pattern book will be beautiful!
Berroco Sale Yarns - up to 50% off!
It's a Berroco for all seasons sale! Stock up on cold-weather comforts like Kodiak and select colors of Marmot and Abode and get a jump on your winter knitting, or grab up select colors of recycled-fiber Remix, linen blend Lago, and ribbony Linus and knit to your pleasure all summer long! Just don't forget to pick up one of the great pattern books on sale, too!
Plymouth Toria - 30% off!
We're loco for lace, and Plymouth Toria is no exception! Knit it up on large needles and you'll have a light and lovely garment to grace your spring wardrobe in no time - like the gorgeous Plymouth Lace Shrug! The mohair and nylon content keeps this yarn nice and light, but will keep you warm on any chilly nights, and can be knit up at a huge range of gauges. You can even use it as a carry-along yarn to add a cozy halo to your project!
Misti Alpaca Grab Bags!
You know we love a good sale, and we've got a great one for you! We've made up some fabulous Misti Alpaca Grab Bags that are like the prize in the piñata - each one is unique, but they're all fun! We've got Qolla Worsted, Best of Nature Cotton, and even some special Jumbo Hanks that are an amazing deal! We've paired matching and coordinating colors to make planning projects easy!
Cascade Sale!
We've got some of America's Favorite Yarn on sale! Stock up on select colors of Cascade 128 Superwash Multis at 50% off and make a cozy baby sweater or cuddly blanket for that special new baby you know! Or, create a warm, frost-repelling hat for yourself! And don't miss out on the Cascade 220 Superwash Paints - these 100% machine-washable wool balls with a beautiful, hand-painted look are sure to put a smile on your face in the cold days of fall and winter! Just make sure to stash plenty so you don't regret it later!
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 | Monika's Branching Out Shawl
Monika loves bright colors and shawls, so for her the Tin Can Knits Branching Out Shawl in one skein of Fyberspates Gleem Lace in the color Sunshine was a match made in heaven! The yarn is a well-balanced blend of Bluefaced Leicester wool and pure silk, so it blocks really well and has fantastic drape. With over 800 yards to the ball, even a larger shawl like this one took only one skein! The pattern is chart only, easy to follow, and actually used less than the one skein required.
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 | Chris' Exploration Station Shawl
Chris knit this shawl as part of the WestKnits MKAL for 2014! Chris' version uses a combination of various colors of Malabrigo Lace Baby Merino. The result is a super light and airy shawl in stunning bright colors that really pop! Colors used in Chris' shawl include: Sunset, Tortuga, Sapphire Green, and Orchid. We love that the color possibilities in this pattern are absolutely endless! Nice work Chris!
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 | Sandy's Shoalwater Shawl
Sandy knit the Sandy's Shoalwater Shawl from Fiber Trends a while ago, but recently wore it to work and it was so gorgeous we just had to grab it for a picture! The Shoalwater Shawl has 4 different options for yarn weight/sizing, but Sandy, a professed lace-lover, chose the laceweight version and used stash yarn to complete the project. A good alternative would be Helen's Lace. Sandy loved the Old Shale Lace pattern and said it was quick and straightforward to knit!
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 | Rachel's Aeolian Shawl
When Rachel first started working here, she was eager to show us her most recent project-- this gorgeous beaded shawl knit for her summer 2011 wedding. The pattern is Aeolian Shawl by Elizabeth Freeman, a free pattern from Knitty Spring 2009. Rachel used 1 skein of Handmaiden Lace Silk in Ivory, which is similar to Helen's Lace. She knit an intermediate size between the two that the pattern offered, but it blocked out to the same size as the large one. The shawl is simply stunning and contains tons of tiny little beads to make it sparkle just enough. We are so lucky to have such a talented knitter on our team. Nice job Rachel!
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 | Sandy's Zealana Leaf Panel BeretSandy saw this hat in the Zealana Air booklet and couldn't wait to cast on! Air is a super soft blend of Possum, Cashmere, and Silk and it's so lightweight, it really is like you are knitting with air! This stunning little beret only takes one ball of Zealana Air and it's a quick little project you'll be wearing in no time! |
 | Jeanne's Reversible Wristers
These Reversible Wristers from Knit Red, designed by Kit Hutchins, are simple to knit but gorgeous to wear! The Shibui Silk Cloud Yarn is a dream to work with as well! Jeanne mixed things up a little with the I-cords and the colors and folded hers so that both the colors can been seen more predominantly. She plans on making the wristers again in different colors - she just has to choose which ones!
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You know what they say: time flies when you're having fun, and this past weekend was a blur! Our JBW Rowan Retreat at Northstar-at-Tahoe was a resounding success, and it's become clear that we're building a lasting tradition - we can hardly wait to start planning for next year!  | We couldn't have made the weekend such a success without the help of Rowan and Martin Storey:
From the mind-boggling swag bags stuffed with Rowan yarns and project booklets, plus special surprises from JBW like stitch markers, a JBW-logo bag, a copy of Knit Red, needles, notions, and much more, to the amazing class Martin taught, this weekend was jam-packed with Rowan fun! |
50 enthusiastic knitters (including our first international attendee, from Finland!) happily cast on at Martin's instruction to learn to knit cables with beads - without a cable needle! Martin used his sweet charm and encyclopedia of a brain to coach us to success with this new skill; we can't wait to see all the things we can do with it! Participants also had a fantastic time touring and exploring the JBW Warehouse and getting a special spa treatment from Black Rock Mud! But perhaps the most lasting memories were made during our evening "show and tell" on the last night of the retreat where we presented our favorite finished projects along with the stories that inspired them. The final hours of that night were spent gathered around a fire, enjoying delicious s'mores, and the company of our knitting friends new and old. |  |
If it's true that you truly know a knitter through her work, then we're bonded for life! And we have the evidence to prove it: our Sharon took gorgeous professional photos of each project that we'll send to the participants as keepsakes!
If you missed out this year, don't be sad - just look forward to joining us next year. We can't wait to see you! |
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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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