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September 2011 Newsletter
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September is upon us and, at least here in the foothills of the High Sierra Mountains, the subtle hint of Fall seeps in through my bedroom window in the wee hours of the morning. Knitters everywhere know what that means--it's time to get working! What's even better about the start of a new knitting season is learning new techniques to use with each project. In that spirit, we've been working like busy beans this summer to create an entire range of brand new instructional videos based on your requests! In this video, Jeanne shows us how to make a somewhat underestated accent to knitted/crocheted pieces: tassels! Use them to add to scarves, bags, throws, table runners - go wild!
1. To begin, estimate how long you'd like your tassels to be and double that number. So, for example, if you want to make 3" long tassels, you'd need roughly 6" length of yarn.
2. Begin doubling up your yarn. In Jeanne's example, she took 6" of yarn and then matched that 6" with another 6" until she had the desired width.
3. Cut one small piece of yarn (6"-10" for example) and place that over the center of your doubled up yarn (a.k.a. tassel). Wrap it around once and pull snug.
4. Fold your tassel over that piece of yarn, tie a square knot, and pull it snug.
5. Cut another piece of yarn (10"-15" for Jeanne's example or how much yarn you want wound around your tassel). Take one of the tails and start wrapping it around your tassel.
6. Take your tapestry needle and begin from the bottom of your tassel to start weaving the other end of the tail to pull it snug. Trim your tassel to the desired length and weave in your ends.
Ta-Da! You just made your first tassel! This is the most basic tassel. Once you have the technique mastered you'll be ready to add beads, different colors, braids...the tassel possibilities are endless!
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Mueouchy Hat Was $33.90 to $55.85 Now from $27.12 to $44.68 (up to 19% off!)
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I love knitted pieces that seem to have "Touch Me!" written all over them and Muench's oh-so sumptuous Touch Me Slouchy hat certainly spells it out for us. Everything about this simple accessory screams warmth, coziness, and finger-pleasin' goodness. What a way to kick off the knitting season with this fantastic kit of the month, now at 20% off!
Haven't heard of Touch Me by Muench? This 72% viscose/28% new wool blend is literally a worsted weight ball of velvet wonder. And, no, we're not exaggerating! Touch Me has been cherished for years and remains unsurpassed in its softness and regal nature.
Be warned, this yarn is a bit challenging to knit with if it's your first time but once you get going, you'll be loving every second spent with this velvet treat. What's even better? The simpler the stitch, the more lovely it looks! September's kit of the month is a great chance to stock up for holiday gifts and to try out this amazing yarn! This hat will be the perfect gift as a Chemo cap since it's designed to lay softly on the head and not bind too much. Not only that - it's a great fashion accessory!
Interested in the story behind Touch Me? We interviewed Kirstin from Muench Yarn to discuss Touch Me, fiber love, and all sorts of fun subjects. Check it out on our blog here!
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Rowan 2011
One of the most highly anticipated collections for Fall/Winter 2011 that we've been waiting on T-pins and tapestry needles for is from one of our favorite British yarn companies, Rowan. For most knitters and crocheters out there, Rowan symbolizes some of the most classic, go-to yarns on the market and their latest collection certainly attests to that solid reputation.
So without further ado, we'd like to introduce you to the brand new yarns and pattern support from Westminster Fibers!
First up is quite the exciting news - Rowan Knitting Magazine #50 is here! Yep - fifty issues of Rowan pattern bliss! We can't believe they've been issuing out these beautiful magazines for 25 years now and this commemorative edition will be sure to top your pattern library. As always, this edition features three stunning sections: "Wildwood" which are full of rustic floral inspiration, "Finesse" which combine both a classic style with retro influence, and finally "Winter Essentials" has everything you need for the upcoming blustery months! All of your favorite designers including Kaffe Fassett, Erika Knight, and Martin Storey combined with your favorite Rowan yarns makes their 50th edition truely a classic.
Here's just a tiny taste of what's in store!
The first fiber up to bat is the incredibly soft Alpaca Chunky. With a braided 'chainette' construction and a 98% Alpaca/2% Polyamide blend, this plush yarn will put your fingers on cloud-nine bliss. Yep - it's really that soft!
The 'big sister' to one of my all-time favorite Rowan yarns, Lima, Alpaca Chunky will be perfect for just a few evenings-worth of projects like hats to warm your head, socks to melt your feet, and cozies to snuggle with your teapot.
To accompany this fabulous yarn, the beautiful Winter Warmers pattern book has also arrived! With over thirty exquisite accessory projects designed by the one and only Martin Storey, this book will have something for everyone! I'm absolutely in lovenitting/yarn/Kits/RowanLimaBelleCableLegwarmers.asp">Belle Cable Leg Warmers! They look super cozy!
Another yarn that we've also been really excited about is the delightfully innovative Colourspun, which is a DK-weight Wool, Mohair, and Polyamide blend. Each color is made from two 'variegated' and two solid strands spun together, which are then twisted with a 'variegated' binder. Of course, the result is stunning as the pattern book Nordic Tweed certainly attests to. Wow! If you love bright colors, classic fair-isle work, or sweet Norweigan-style hats (or all of the above), you will love this yarn and accompanying book. At least, we did! Sharon has been fawning over the reindeer cardigan (she thinks she might have enough left over for the matching cap) while I've had my eye on the Svana jacket with its cute fair-isle hearts over the pockets and the knitted fasteners. These patterns really show off the amazing workability of this yarn from the oh-so subtle color patternings of this yarn (so pretty!!) to its surprising strength and warmth for winter garments.
We actually have an oldie but goodie here...now just under a new brand! Many of you may be wondering what happened to Nashua's extremely versatile and hard-wearing Creative Focus Worsted yarn. Well, it just switched names and is now under the umbrella of Rowan yarns. Lucky for us since we get to see Rowan designers creating brand new pattern support like City Retreat, a collection of ten simple knits with a sporty yet youthful feel. This book has it all from slouchy hipster hats and striped scarves to flattering sweaters and comfortable hoodies. Combined with the 75% Wool/25% Alpaca blend and generous yardage of Creative Focus Worsted, you'll definitely want to have this book and yarn by your side for the gift-giving season (especially if you have oh-so picky teenage girls on your list)!
On the other side of the knitting spectrum, Rowan has finally done it - they've delivered a lace yarn: Fine Lace! A sumptuous blend of 80% Baby Suri Alpaca and 20% Fine Merino Wool, this yarn not only packs a punch in terms of luxurious fibers, but also boasts generous yardage (437 yds a ball) and a lovely halo effect. Sandy has been quite beside herself with this yarn and has been asking every day if the accompanying pattern book, Rowan Lace, has arrived. Unfortunately, we're still waiting, but expect it to arrive sometime this month. Pre-order yours today! In the meantime, you can drool over the preview on Rowan's website. :)
Our next yarns are a bit of a tease since we don't have all of the colors in stock just yet but we thought since we're talking about Rowan and all - we had to mention them! For the wool enthusiasts, both Rowan Tweed and Rowan Tweed Fine are composed of just that. Yep, 100% Wool and available in both DK (Tweed) or Fingering (Fine Tweed) weights. Both of these yarns look absolutely stunning in rustic fair-isle garments, as the ones seen in Nordic Tweed. Since we don't have all of the colors in just yet, links to the Finna pullover and Valdis Cardigan are also just teasers, but prove that these yarns are definitely worth the extra wait - especially once you check out all the vibrant colors!
But wait...there's more! Besides the fabulous array of brand new fibers from Rowan along with their own pattern support, there's a few more brand spankin' new books to oogle over. And, no, we're not just talking about the male models in the latest menswear book, Dalesman - although every Bean here has commented on the oh-so dreamy model on the cover (*Sigh*). This book is perfect for all the men in your life with pattern after pattern of awesome cabled wear and comfy pullovers.
Evolution will delight the fashionistas out there with its dramatic collection of modern designs. This book plays with everything under the knitting sun, from texture and color to volume and style. This book will certainly take your knitting to the next level on the evolutionary scale!
Finally, Marie Wallin's Purelife Home will have you wishing it was winter already. This extraordinary collection gathers sixteen beautiful designs for the home. Rugs, table mats, pillow cushions, and textured throws can all be found within this book. You'll have no trouble finding the perfect home accent piece, no matter the type of decor that's found in your house!
Last but certainly not least is the latest from Rowan designer Kim Hargreaves called Whisper. The same classic designs using your all-time favorite Rowan fibers, Kim has bested herself once again! I absolutely love each and every design in this book - they're simple but dramatic, comfy yet feminine.
Rowan on Wool Watcher? Yes, Yes, Yes!! We'll have a few balls or so of the beautiful Colourspun this Friday, September 23rd and the delicate Fine Lace next Tuesday, September 26th! Be on the look-out and you might be able to score these fantastic Rowan yarns at unbelievably low prices!
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Koigu Kersti Merino Crepe $13.50
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Brace yourselves, Koigu-lovers. The Kersti Merino Crepe has arrived! Hand-dyed Koigu loveliness is now available in a thicker weight! The 8-ply chainette construction of this 100% merino wool yarn makes it incredibly soft and sturdy. At a DK weight, it will work wonders on a US size 6 needle for hats, sweaters, scarves, blankets... you name it! Our available color selection is modest so far, but I am expecting a color explosion in the near future. As it is, there's sure to be at least one that will catch your eye.
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Now that we've intrt is Kersti yarn, you may be interested in checking out the Cowl-Neck Pullover Kit which uses three different shades of this heavenly yarn and a double moss stitch for a stunning effect. This pattern with pockets will be perfect for those fast approaching chilly winter days, whether you want to go out on the town and flaunt your handiwork or curl up with a good book. In this kit, we've pre-selected the three colorways that are used in the picture to save you from guessing! Even better, this kit comes with Vogue Knitting Fall 2011 where you'll find many more stylish patterns for cooler weather! We've included some below just to give you an idea! :)
Prism Symphony Cabled Shrug From $157.50 to $195.99
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We just can't get enough of hand-dyed yarns so, of course, we just absolutely fell head over heels for another design in the latest issue of Vogue, the Cabled Shrug, knit out of the brand new Symphony yarn from Prism!
Prism's motto, "Dyed in the USA", alludes nothing to the actual supreme beauty and quality of these exquisite yarns. That's why I'm particularly excited about their latest yarns.
Symphony, as shown in this garment, is a delightfully squishy 80% Merino Wool, 10% Cashmere, and 10% nylon blend. It's a DK weight and machine washable, so this is the perfect fiber for sweaters, warmer shawls and an endless array of knitted accessories! I would love to make a nice pair of cabled mitts to match this beautiful shrug - even though I need another project like I need a hole in the head. :) Check out some of our favorite colors below!
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Prism Delicato, on the other hand, is perfect for the lace knitters of the world! This lustrous 100% Tencel yarn is silky smooth and has tons of sheen. Tencel is a wonderful warm-weather fiber because it is naturally cooling. It absorbs moisture quickly and releases it back into the air. Use Delicato for lightweight lace garments and summer shawls and prepare to fall in love with the look and feel of this yarn. With 630 yards per hank, this laceweight yarn is sure to be a new favorite among hand-dyed yarn connoisseurs!
Wool Watcher Alert! Be on the look-out on September 27th (next Tuesday) for a chance to grab some skeins of the lovely Symphony yarn at a low price!
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Berroco Sundae Beseme Was $30.00 to $30.00 Now from $25.50 to $25.50 (up to 15% off!)
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Speaking of winter, don't think we've forgotten about all of you crocheters out there! In fact, for September, we're offering the cream of the crop (well, at least we think so)! Berroco's Sundae Beseme scarf is flirty, fun, and fast! Crocheted out of the super bulky yarn, Sundae, this scarf will be yourself! Plus, the colors are simply to dye for...Isle of Skye, Banbury, Snozzberry...? The most difficult part of this kit will be choosing which color to use!
If you haven't yet crocheted with this yarn, it can be a bit splitty at time which should in no way stop you from enjoying this delicious wool and acrylic blend! I admit I was a little frustrated at first when I used this yarn but you just keep at it and it gets easier as you go. Plus, once your done - it's so worth it. The finished product is so warm and so soft that you'll be scrambling to start your foundation chain all over again! Use a US N hook to create this luscious scarf with lace webbing and heathery colors. Just print out the free pattern (the link is listed on our kit page) and you'll be wearing this scarf in no time at all!
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It is hard to believe that summer is ending, and many of us want to hide in our lacy shawls and bask in the sun a little bit longer. If you're at all like me and not ready for indoor weather just yet, you may need a (slightly) warmer extra layer for your outdoor adventures. For that, have a look at Interweave Knits Fall 2011. This edition includes a range of patterns like Berroco's Blackstone Tweed True North Mittens or the Cascade Eco Wool Angel Fire Jacket that will keep you warm while you take in the slowly cooling temperatures and soak up that dwindling sunlight. Who knows, knitting up these lovely fall patterns may even help you embrace the coming season.
Of course, not everyone loves summer like I do. I know some of you are already eagerly awaiting your winter plans, be they on the slopes or on the loveseat with a movie. And, of course, many of you are already thinking of holiday gifts and working with those crafty hands of yours for your friends, family and neighbors. For you, we have the new Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts edition. With simply lovely additions like the Plethora Scarf (how about in Rustic Wedding?) and the Watercolor Beret, this edition contains over 50 great holiday knits, enough projects to keep you busy throughout the fall, or at least until your fingers get sore.
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Madelinetosh 'Onesies' Yarn On Sale: Up to 15% off!
We loved the Tosh Onesies we received back in July and so did our customers! So much so that when Madelinetosh offered us more, we said "Yes!" without even batting an eyelash. Now, select colors of Madelinetosh in all weights are on sale for 15% off in the form of "onesies"- single skeins and hanks! These hanks are as lovely as ever, but may be slightly under or over-dyed resulting in some very unique colors. These "onesies" are only available for a limited time, so get them before they are gone! Please note that the pictures we have uploaded are not actual representations of the actual skein since each 'onesie' can vary from skein to skein!
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Tosh DK Onesies - Hollyhock Was $19.20 Now $16.31 (15% off!)
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Tosh DK Onesies - Amber Trinket Was $19.20 Now $16.31 (15% off!)
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Tosh Vintage Onesies - Mare Was $19.20 Now $16.30 (15% off!)
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Tosh Vintage Onesies - Sequoia Was $19.20 Now $16.30 (15% off!)
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Tosh Merino DK Onesies - Byzantine Was $19.50 Now $16.57 (15% off!)
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Tosh Merino Light Onesies - Toast Was $18.50 Now $15.72 (15% off!)
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Tosh Sock Onesies - Clemantis Was $26.70 Now $22.69 (15% off!)
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Tosh Lace Onesies - Van Dyke Brown Was $24.70 Now $20.99 (15% off!)
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Select Project Bags: Now Save Up to 40% Off!
Looking for a new way to keep your yarn projects organized? Well check out the Yarn Pop bags we have on sale in the outlet! Yarn Pops are a great way to keep your ball of yarn from getting messy and tangled while working on your project. Just stick your yarn inside the bag and run your working strand through the grommet on the side. The medium size has a hole for 1 strand while the large has two holes for those 2 socks-at-a-time or multi-colored projects. These Yarn Pops are listed as "2nd quality" due to the seam at the top, which isn't quite straight. However, they work just as great as the 1st quality bags! Be sure to also check out what we have left of our della Q sale project bags!
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Yarn Pop - Bright Flowers - Medium (2nd Quality) Was $20.00 Now $12.00 (40% off!)
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Yarn Pop - Bright Flowers - Large (2nd Quality) Was $29.00 Now $17.40 (40% off!)
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della Q Eden Cotton Project Bag - 084 Daylight Daisies Was $9.95 Now $5.95 (40% off!)
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della Q Eden Cotton Project Bag - 085 Whimsical Garden Was $9.95 Now $5.95 (40% off!)
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Select Blue Sky Alpaca Patterns: On Sale Up to 50% Off!
Are you a fan of Blue Sky Alpacas? Now is the perfect time to stock up on some of their great patterns at 40-50% off! We are clearing out some space in our pattern files and are offering some of our overstocked favorites at bargain prices. From women's accessories and garments to tons of cute stuff for kiddos, there are plenty of styles to choose from! Be sure to check them out for some great pattern support!
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Blue Sky Alpacas Patterns - Baby Cardigan Was $7.00 Now $4.20 (40% off!)
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Blue Sky Alpacas Patterns - Little Lacy Jacket Was $7.00 Now $3.50 (50% off!)
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Blue Sky Alpacas Patterns - Royal Knee Socks Was $7.00 Now $3.50 (50% off!)
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Blue Sky Alpacas Patterns - Men's Zip Cardigan Was $7.00 Now $3.50 (50% off!)
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Select Knitting Books: Save up to 30% off!
Now that you've seen all the new books we've been getting in, you might have guessed that we're running out of room! So, of course we're trying to clear our bookshelves by marking select book prices down! Be sure to browse our entire sale book section - you'll be sure to find a pattern booklet or two that will catch your fancy. With great projects to knit for kids and adults as well as plenty of accessories, these books are sure to contain the perfect patterns for your next project!
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Nashua Hand Knits Books - Style: Lac>(30% off!)
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Tara Jon Manning Nature Babies Was $27.50 Now $19.25 (30% off!)
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Melissa Leapman Cables Untangled - Paperback Was $22.99 Now $16.00 (30% off!)
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Rowan RYC Classic Collection Books - RYC31 - Classic Reminiscence Was $17.95 Now $12.55 (30% off!)
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Now that we are settling into the new space, its time for a party!!! Join us on Friday, September 30th from 4-7pm at Jimmy Beans Wool as we celebrate our Grand Re-Opening in our new space!
The Grand Re-Opening will include a fashion show of new trunk shows, pattern signings by Diane Soucy of Knitting Pure & Simple (plus the debut of her newest pattern), refreshments, a raffle, guided tours of our new location, and so much more! We will also be revealing our plan for the 2012 Event and Class calendar, featuring some amazing designers and teachers.
In addition to our new location, we will also be celebrating Jeanne and Sandy's five year anniversary at Jimmy Beans Wool!! Time sure flies when you're having fun! :)
We hope all of our local customers can come on down and boogey with the JBW crew. For those out-of-towners out there, why not fly down for a weekend of knitting and friends? :) |
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A quick reminder to mention before you start shopping... the current quarter of Jimmy Beans Bucks is coming to a close - which means your rewards will expire on September 30th!! So if you haven't yet used your reward and/or free shipping coupon, make sure to log into your account while ordering and you will see both. We will also be sending out a rewards expiration reminder e-mail - just in case!
If you didn't earn a reward or aren't familiar with this incredible FREE YARN program take a look now! In a nutshell, if you have a JBW account and made purchases last quarter (April 1st - June 30th), you received an account credit equal to 5% of those purchases (with a few rules, of course). We were very excited to issue far more rewards during this round compared to the previous four rounds -- we really hope everyone enjoys this program!! :)
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We still have spots left for folks to join us at Knitting Lab! If you're on your way to Knitting Lab (or still considering!), we'd like to invite you to come on down to our booth to visit, shop, and be a star! We're in the midst of celebrating our 1,000th video mark and would like to invite you to join in on the fun! We've realized that our favorite ones are those filmed with our customers and friends. So, bring your cherished project, a favorite yarn, or a friend (how 'bout all three?) to rant and rave, share the new technique you learned from Barbara Walker in class earlier, or just to show and tell! Sign up in advance and film three or more videos at our booth (#'s 15 and 16!) during Knitting Lab and get the 20% off "employee discount" during the show - as our way of saying thanks for being part of the JBW Family! We'll be putting the videos up on our website and on youtube - you'll be famous!
To sign-up for your spot (or to receive more details), e-mail shevawn@JimmyBeansWool.com! We hope to see you there!
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P.S. Not up for the ticket price? Not to worry! The "Knitting Market" is free to the public! If you're in the Bay area, why not come on down for the day to shop, knit, and say hi? |
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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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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.
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Jimmy Beans Wool
4850 Joule St. Ste A1
Reno, NV 89502
Toll Free (877)JBW-KNIT (529-5648)
Phone (775)827-9276
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