Woolbearers

Woolbearers January Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 16:53:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 21:30:00 +0000

Here's a new pattern using one skein of Manos del Uruguay's Franca, a superbulky superwash squishy yarn

Franca Cowl

Materials: 1 skeins Manos del Uruguay Franca (shown here in Flamenco)

Needles: 24" Size 15

One stitch marker

Cast on 60 stitches. Join to work in the round

Seed Stitch for 3 rounds

Rnd 1: *K1, p1; rep from * to end of rnd.

Rnd 2: *P1, k1; rep from * to end of rnd

Rnd 3: *K1, p1; rep from * to end of rnd.

Begin Pattern:

Rows 1 and 2: Knit

Row 3: * K3, P3 rep from *

Row 4: *K3, p1, knit into next stich in the row below, p1; rep from *

Row 5 and 6: Knit

Row 7: * P3, K3; rep from *

Row 8: *P1, Knit into next st in the row below, p1, k3 rep from *

Repeat rows 1 - 8 until your cowl is about 8 inches

End with 3 rows of seed stitch. Bind off in seed stitch.

Woolbearers November Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 18:31:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 16:31:00 +0000

Here's a pattern for quick gift knitting.

Simply Slouchy Hat

Requirements:

Yarn: Aran weight yarn, approximately 100 yards of 2 colors (you can use just one color if you like, approx 200 yards)

Yarn Suggestions:

· Backyard Fibers Homestead

· Woolbearers Woolie Bears CashAran

· Juniper Moon Santa Cruz

· Kelbourne Woolens Lucky Tweed

· Juniper Moon Fourteen

Gauge: 4 stitches = 1 inch

Needles: 16" size 7 and 16" Size 9 (or size to get gauge) set of DPN's Size 9

With smaller needles and color A, Cast on 84. Join to work in the round.

Rib -- Knit 1, Purl 1 for 1.5 inches Change to larger needles and change to color B

Knit two rows with color B

Change to color A. Knit two rows with color A

Repeater these 4 rows for 9 inches

Crown Decreases: (change to double points when it becomes difficult to go around on Circular needle) Keep changing colors every two rows if using 2 colors.

Row 1. *K2 tog, k4, Repeat from * to * around 70

Row 2-4 Knit

Row 5. *K2 tog K3 Repeat from * to * around 56

Row 6-8 Knit

Row 9 *K2 tog K2* Repeat from * to * around 42

Row 10-12 Knit

Row 13 *K2 tog K1* Repeat from * to * around 28

Row 14 K2tog all the way around (14)

Row 15 K2tog all the way around (7)

Cut yarn and leave tail of a few inches. Thread a tapestry needle and bring yarn through remaining stitches. Cinch the yarn tightly and pull through center of hat. Weave in ends Make Pom Pom.

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 23:26:00 +0000

The carpet is in, the lights are on and Woolbearers is back!

Join us starting

Sunday, Sept. 15 for our

Love Notes

Knit-Along

Keith Leonard of Knitsalldone is coming to Woolbearers on Sunday, Oct 13 to teach 3 classes

Flawless Finishing

Flawless Finishing Part 2

Short Row Fun.

CLICK for more info

SIGN UP NOW


	Cascade 220 SW Merino

NEW YARNS

Cascade is having another Knitterati KAL using Cascade 220 Superwash Merino -- we have all the colors -- you can choose from the 3 color schemes on the right. The first square will be released on Sept 5. Come on Sundays to knit this soon-to-be heirloom.

BC Garn (distributed by Kelbourne Woolens) sent us Tussah Tweed -- I'm currently knitting a Ranunculus


BC Garn Tussah Tweed

with it and can't wait to finish. Semilla is a Sportweight 100% organic wool dyed in an environmentally sustainable way. It is coming in September.

Kelbourne Woolens new yarn - Lucky Tweed.It's an Aran weight 100% Merino Donegal Tweed yarn made in Ireland with a very soft hand.


	Kelbourne Woolens Lucky Tweed.


Espiral - Alpaca Yarn Co

Espiral from the Alpaca Yarn Co is a soft worsted weight 100% alpaca yarn that gives the look of a random handspun skein. Great for scarves, hats, even sweaters!

We brought in some Freia Shawl Balls -- one or two skeins will make a beautiful shawls.


	Fletchling Shawl in Freia Handpaints

Freia Handpaints Shawl Ball

Berroco brings us Coco, a chunky100% Superwash Merino with


Papavero shawl in Coco

splashes of color- great for quick projects, Arno, a DK weight cotton/wool blend with a sophisticated palette, Ultra Wool Chunky, machine washable 100% wool and new bright colors in Vintage.

From Lang we have Gordon -- a light worsted weight yarn that is a merino/cashmere blend and a new addition to the WoolAddicts family -- Respect -- a merino/alpaca/nylon blend at 19 stitches/4 inches. Come to the WoolAddicts Trunk show starting Sept 6 to check it out.


	Teresita in Arno

For all of you Lopi fans, we now have Plotulopi in a nice selection of colors.

Juniper Moon's new yarn - Santa Cruz Organic Merino is a worsted weight yarn -- the possiblities are endless.


Santa Cruz Organic

Noro brought us new colors in Ito and it's big sister Bachi, a chunky weight self-striping yarn as only Noro can do.

Noro Ito and Noro Magazine #15

Blue Sky Fibers has taken it's wonderful Woolstok yarn and made it into bundles of mini skeins -- great for colorwork.

More yarn is on it's way -- stay tuned for the next newsletter

CLASSES (click for more info)

BEGINNING KNITTING
PROJECT NIGHT/DAY

KNITTERS BOOTCAMP - Simple Projects for the Beginning Knitter

KNITTERS BOOTCAMP II - Simple Sweater

FLAWLESS FINISHING with Keith Leonard

FLAWLESS FINISHING Part 2 with Keith Leonard

SHORT ROW FUN with Keith Leonard

TWO HANDED FAIRISLE

TWO-COLOR BRIOCHE COWL

MY FIRST CUSTOMFIT SWEATER WORKSHOPDO THE CONTINENTAL

FIXING MISTAKES IN KNITTINGEASY MITTENS

BEGINNING SPINNING

BEGINNING CROCHET

BEGINNING RIGID HEDDLE WEAVING

DYEING

SOCKS ON DPN's

WOOLADDICTS TRUNK SHOW LOPI TRUNK SHOW
SEPT 6-19 SEPT 20-OCT 3

NJ SHEEP AND FIBER FESTIVAL

Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, Ringoes NJ

GPS: 1207 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ 08530

September 7 - 8, 2019

9AM - 5PM Sat.

9AM - 4PM Sun.

Woolbearers will be in Barn 4 - stop in and say Hi

MEET UP

Our next Friday Night Meet-up is on September 13 starting @ 6 pm. Click for more info.

Hope to see you there.

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 16:22:00 +0000

WOOL ADDICTS TRUNK SHOW JUNE 1 -10

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 00:03:00 +0000

Happy and healthy New Year to all!

We have lots of things in store for you.

Join us at Booth 708 on the 6th floor
Jan 25 - 27th
.

Uneek Sock yarn is here -- one box contains 2 balls to make a pair of identical socks.

Uneek Fingering is coming in this week -- you can your own Papillon Shawl with this beautiful self-striping hand dyed merino yarn.

FLAWLESS FINISHING

CLASSES click for more info

SHORT ROW FUN

BEGINNING KNITTING

PROJECT NIGHT

BRIOCHE FOR BEGINNERS

TWO-COLOR BRIOCHE COWL/SCARF

MY FIRST CUSTOMFIT SWEATER WORKSHOP

LEARN TO KNIT IN ROUND - BASIC HAT

TWO HANDED FAIR ISLE

COLORWORK KAL

THE WEEKENDER

BEGINNING WEAVING

SOCKS ON DPN'S

DYEING SOCK YARN

DO THE CONTINENTAL

SHEEP SHEARING

Little Hooves Romney at 510 Centerton Road in Moorestown is doing a sheep shearing on Saturday, Jan 5th. Come and watch the sheep being sheared -- fleeces will be for sale as well

WOOL ADDICTS

TRUNK SHOW

JANUARY 11 - 21

See all the fantastic designs made from Lang's Wool Addicts yarns

FLAWLESS FINISHING with Keith Leonard

SHORT ROW FUN with Keith Leonard

Meet up

Our next Friday Night Meet-up is on January 4 starting @ 6 pm.

FALL News

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 20:47:00 +0000

TRUNK SHOW

The Fibre Company's

featuring

Arranmore Light

"Pop Collection"

Thursday, Nov 2 - Nov 12

MORE NEW YARNS

Rowan Cashmere Tweed

Wilke Scarf & Hat in Rowan Cashmere Tweed

I promised to tell you about all the new cashmere blends we have gotten in. First,we have Rowan's Cashmere Tweed. It is a DK weight 80% merino 20% cashmere in 8 different tweedy colors. I'm thinking scarves, hats, cowls -- soft as can be.

Plymouth gave us Cuzco Cashmere -- sportweight 40% alpaca,
40% silk 20% cashmere -- it doesn't get much better than that.

The Fibre Co.'s Arranmore Light has 328 yards to its sport/dk weight skein.

It has  80% merino, 10% silk, 10% cashmere and is a pleasure to knit with.

I'm almost finished with my Bibbe sweater which is pictured above for the

trunk show.

I couldn't resist Debbie Bliss's newest luxury yarn called Iris.

It's a worsted weight 90% merino 10% cashmere blend --

there's also a great  little pattern book  to go with the yarn.

Juniper Moon's newest entry is called Fourteen. This aran weight yarn boasts

147 yards of

 a chained construction that is a 90% merino 10% cashmere blend.

Other new yarns that have come in: Sequoia

from Baah Yarns is a super bulky soft as can be hand painted yarn.

From The Alpaca Company we have Symmetry, sport weight squishy

 merino/alpaca blend in tonal hand painted colors.

Shibui has a new yarn called Birch.  You would think there is cashmere in it,

 but it's 100% extra fine merino in a finger/sport weight skein of 262

 yards and is  very well priced.

Backyard Fibers is a new hand dyed company with rich  saturated colors.

I brought in their chunky and sportweight --- a new pattern book is going to be

released with some of our favorite designers using their yarns --

 Xandy Peters, Lars Rains and  Kathleen Dames are among them.

Skacel sent me Gesa & Floe, a new baby yarn from Zitron which is 100%

Merino Ultrafine Wool -- very soft next to baby's skin and machine washable.

From Appalachian Baby we bought two new designs -- Pick a Knit Blanket and

Baby  Bear Cardigan.

 Here's an article debunking the "I am allergic to wool" myth.

CLASSES - for  more info click here

We have a great line up for classes.

On Saturday, Oct 14 at 1 pm,   Jennifer Dassau, author of Knitting Short Rows, is

teaching a class on Short Row Techniques.

Lars Rains is back.  He'll be teaching "Introduction to Stranded Textural

Colorwork" on Nov. 18.

Other classes:

Building with Lace--learn new lace knitting skills as you build a shawl.

Cocoknits Sweater Workshop -- using Julie Weisenberger's videos

we'll be exploring her method of sweater knitting.

Two-color Brioche cowl/scarf -- Brioche is all the rage -- l

learn the brioche basics

Beginning Knitting/Project Time

MY FIRST CUSTOMFIT SWEATER WORKSHOP

Beginning Spinning

Beginning Rigid Heddle Loom Weaving

Brooks Bouquet Woven Lace Scarf or Shawl

Beginning Crochet

Crochet: The Next Steps

Sock Knitting on DPN's

Toe Up - 2 Socks at a Time on One Circular Needle

Meet up

Our next Friday Night Meet-up is on October 6 starting @ 6 pm.

 Click here  for more info  Hope to see you there.

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 16:49:00 +0000

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all.
Here is my Christmas present to you:

One-Skein Bulky Merino Scarf

Materials: 1 skein Woolbearers Bulky Merino Superwash

Size 13 24" circular neeedles

Begin:

Cast on 6 stitches

Row 1: k 1, yo, knit until 3 stitches remain, k2tog , k1

Row 2: slip 1 wyif, knit until 1 stitch remains, yo, slip 1 wyif

Row 3: k 1, yo, knit until 3 stitches remain, k2tog , k1

Row 4: slip 1 wyif, purl until 1 stitch remains, yo, slip 1 wyif

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until approximately 28 inches are complete on long side (or until you have enough yarn for bind-off)

Bind off on Wrong Side using this stretchy bind off:

Step 1: Knit the first 2 stitches together through the back loops.

Step 2:Slip the stich on the right-hand needle back to the left hand needle purlwise

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have 1 stitch left. cut yarn and pull yarn through last stitch.

Abbreviations:

K1- Knit one stitch

YO - Yarnover

K2tog- Knit 2 stitches together

WYIF-with yarn in front

Yarn available at http://woolbearers.net/storename/woolbearers/ViewDept-278845.aspx

Fall 2016 Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 15:57:00 +0000

IT'S ALMOST FALL

My favorite time of year.. We're starting new classes and I have lots of new yarn for you!

In This Issue

WORK-

SHOPS

I

am very pleased to announce that Lars Rains, author of Modern Lopi, will be holding a workshop at Woolbearers on Sept 24 at 1 pm "Design Your Own Fair Isle Hat". Check our website for more info.

On Oct 1, knitwear designer, Cynthia Spencer, will have a trunk show and class at Woolbearers. She will be teaching Entrelac with or without beads. You can find her patterns at Really Clear Designs or on Ravelry.

KNITTING RETREAT with

Knitwear Designer, XANDY PETERS

at the Northwood Inn Bed & Breakfast, Ocean City NJ

Nov 4-6 2016

Xandy will be teaching her new "faux crochet" technique. Sign up early-- space is limited. For more info click here

CLASSES (check Website for more info)

BEGINNING KNITTING
PROJECT NIGHT/DAYDESIGN YOUR OWN FAIR ISLE HAT
MY FIRST CUSTOMFIT SWEATER WORKSHOP
ENTRELAC WORKSHOP & TRUNK SHOW

LINIENTREU SHAWL KAL

TWO-COLOR BRIOCHE COWL

BRIOCHE 102
GREATAMERICAN, GREAT NORTH AMERICAN AFGHAN & AMERICAN ARAN AFGHAN
FIX-IT CLINIC
DO THE CONTINENTAL
FAIR ISLE TAM

SOCKS ON DPN's

MAGIC LOOP TWO-AT-A-TIME SOCKS

BEGINNING RIGID HEDDLE LOOM WEAVING

INTERMEDIATE RIGID HEDDLE LOOM WEAVING

BEGINNING SPINNING

SPINNING 102
CROCHET CLASSES -- COMING SOON!

YARN

Got in lots of new sock yarn. Biscotte & Cie is a company you may have seen at shows like Vogue Knitting. They are known for their self-striping yarns. Ancient Fibre Arts is a fairly new Canadian company, whose yarn graced the cover of Early Fall

Vogue Knitting with a design by Xandy Peters -- I had to get in all the yarn for this wonderful design and lots of other colors as well.

Xandy is publishing her new pattern book, Jersey Shore Knits 2 and her designs use yarn by Appletree Knits, which I just had to get in for the Sunrise Cardigan (as well as a good selection of her other gradients) Nooch Fibers for the Lime Nut Cowl,

(we have a good selection of their sock yarn) and yarn dyed by yours truly (Woolbearers Bamberino) for the Boardwalk Top and the Saltwater Taffy Shawl in Woolbearers Fingering. Picture of the kit is above. Book should be available soon, or you can find the patterns on Ravelry.

Our order for Meadowcroft Dyeworks yarn has come in and it is going fast --- very saturated deep colors.

Berroco's new yarns include Macro, a Superbulky wool/alpaca/acrylic yarn -- great for quick projects; Cotolana is a wool/cotton blend in a chainette construction. At 4.5 stitches to the inch it is a very versatile yarn. Millefiori is a colorful soft wool/acrylic blend -- great patterns to go with this yarn. They are also distributing Amano's Warmi, which is a yummy aran weight alpaca/merino blend.

Classic Elite brought in Adelaide a 5 stitches to the inch 100% merino with great pattern support. Debbie Bliss has a new sock yarn -- Rialto Luxury Sock 437 yards of striated color yarn -- we have her new mugs as well. Katia's Cotton/Merino is light and airy and will make great accessories as well as sweaters.

Rainbow Beach from Queensland is a sport weight striated superwash yarn, similar to it's heavier cousin, Brisbane, which will be coming in bold solid colors. Babe Softcotton Chunky is a cotton acrylic yarn, designed especially for babies. You can knit up a soft, cushy blanket in no time.

I couldn't resist the 100% silk cone (317 yards) from Ito

called Serishin-- I've seen some beautiful shawls knit in this yarn.

Sirdar brought in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky --

a self patterning acrylic/nylon blend that knits up the cutest outfits. West Yorkshire Spinners is a new company from England. Their Blue-Faced Leicester DK is a pleasure to knit.

I also couldn't resist 100% cashmere from Trendsetter -- Cardiff Cashmere in a DK weight, as well as their new Transitions yarn -- 660 yards of gradient Cotton/Acrylic in a DK weight. Free shawl pattern with purchase of yarn. Come in and check out all the colors. Lana Grossa brought in Alta Moda Super Color. an aran weight alpaca/wool/nylon blend -- tons of yardage.

From Mirasol we have Umina -- the softest alpaca/merino blend at 5 stiches to the inch.

Tahki brings us Alden, a merino/alpaca/nylon blend, DK weight with 250 yards in soft heathery colors and Vermont, a 4 stitches to the inch eco-friendly yarn in 5 natural marled shades -- 50% superfine alpaca, 50% merino. Here is my favorite pattern of the season, the Magnolia Tabard using 6-9 skeins of Vermont.

Plymouth has Tuscan Aire -- a light, airy chunky yarn in soft heathered colors.

I brought in some kits from Appalachian Baby -- organic cotton baby blanket, sweater and hat and bootie kits.

We just got our order from Blue Sky Fibers -- the entire palette of Woolstok, the latest offering from Blue Sky. It's a a worsted-weight yarn, gently plied to give it loft, lightness and a soft hand. Lots of great pattern support.


	Cromwell Pullover in Woolstock

Trimont Snood in Woolstock.

I'm expecting yarn from a brand new company called Sugar Bush Yarns and new yarn from Juniper Moon/ I'll let you know when they come in.

GARDEN STATE SHEEP BREEDERS SHOW -- Sept 10-11

more info

Our next Friday Night Meet-up is on Sept 2nd at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome. For more info click

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 16:47:00 +0000

Here is my June Newsletter, in case you missed getting it.

I went to TNNA in Washington DC last weekend and am excited about all the new Fall yarns that will be coming in.

I met with and scheduled two designers (Lars Rains, author of Modern Lopi and Cynthia Spencer) to come to Woolbearers this fall. Here is Lars' Hildur which won first prize in the Indie Designers Contest.

The highlight of the weekend was the fashion show. Xandy Peters' "Seashell Shawl"


	Seashells Shawl (on left)

(yarn dyed by yours truly) was in the Independent Designers contest It was very exciting -- one of her designs will grace the cover of the Early Fall edition of Vogue Knitting in yarn by Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts and of course, I ordered all the colors for the shawl, as well as a good assortment of other colors. Since I ordered before the show, I expect shipment in a few weeks.

Indie Dyers


	MollyGirl yarns

There are so many indie dyers -- so I decided to bring in some of the best. I already received my shipment from MollyGirl Yarns - all Fingering/sock weights in 3 different bases.

Gradient yarns are hot right now -- Appletree Knits is one of the best for gradients and we will have her yarn here soon.

Biscotte and Cie are known for their self-striping yarn, The yarn should be here in July.

I already mentioned Ancient Arts Fibre - getting in their 8-ply cable heavy fingering/sport weight.

Meadowcroft Dyeworks is a fairly new company. I chose a lot of their semi-solid colors that are deeply saturated. Can't wait till this comes in,

My Madelinetosh order just came in - new colorways in Tosh Merino LIght.

And of course, Woolbearers has their own line of hand dyed yarns. I've dyed lots of gradient kits and have a section of the store dedicated to patterns that use gradient kits. I also dyed kits for the "On the Spice Market" shawl for a KAL starting June 26th. Click here for more info

Kate Davies new book

I am excited to be getting in the first copies of Kate Davies new book, "The Bookof Haps". Shipping is sometime next week. The book has 13 shawl designs by some of the top designers. We will definitely have to do a KAL for this book.

Comfy Cardigan KAL

We will be starting our Comfy Cardigan KAL on Saturday, July 9th. Sarah Punderson, the designer, was kind enough to send me 3 different samples of the cardigan made out of 3 different yarns. Come in and see which one you like best. The cardigan has a top-down construction -- great for beginners and experienced knitters too. For more info, or info on any class click here.

SWOON MAINE TRUNK SHOW COMING IN JULY

Meet-up

Our next meet-up is scheduled for Friday, July 8th at 6 pm. Click for more info

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 22:02:00 +0000

Lots of finished projects at Woolbearers. Adrian and Candy took my Custom Fit class and voila -- sweaters that actually fit. Candy made hers out of Cascade 220 and used Amy's Acorn Trail pattern.

Adrian used Berroco Vintage DK with some Jojoland Splatterdash for the collar using Amy Herzog's Trimmings pattern.

We also did a Hitofude KAL and got some amazing results. Here is mine, made out of Woolbearers' Woolie Bears with Cashmere yarn. Pat's is made out of Wolbearers' Sterling Sock yarn (pink) and Tanya used MadTosh Merino Light (red).

Kelly has been on a roll with Fair Isle. The sweater on the left is from Kate Davies Yokes Book out of Lett Lopi and the sweater on the right is from Ann Kingstone's book Stranded. Absolutely stunning!

I am so glad that Louise brought in her shawl today. Just two weeks ago she picked up 5 skeins of Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim DK and knit up this amazing shawl. It's the Everyday Shawl, designed by Jenny F. Louise said she used almost every bit of yarn. I can't wait to start mine.

The pattern was written for fingering weight, so I was thinking that it would look great in one of my gradients packs. Here's a new colorway that I just dyed.

We had a lot of fun in the Baby Sweater -- Steeking class. Using the pattern Gilipeysa designed by Helen Magnussen, everyone learned how to do two-handed fair isle and we did either crochet steeks or zig-zagged the steeks with a sewing machine.

Then, carefully cut between the steeks and picked up stitches for a button band and finished the sweater -- all without a glass of wine.

Sarah Punderson is a designer who comes to the shop frequently. Her latest creation is the Comfy Cardigan, (modeled by Kat) which she brought with her the other day. It's got a top down raglan construction and looks good on everyone. I think a KAL is in order -- stay tuned.

As you probably have seen, I've been dyeing up gradient kits in fingering weight. I saw the Bounce pattern from Tin Can Knits and knew I had to do some DK weight gradients. So here is my first foray into gradient DK's -- I've even kitted up the pattern and yarn and am working on some "boy" colors too.

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 22:19:00 +0000

Thought I would knit up a quick cowl for those chilly days we've been having

FREIA LACE STITCH COWL

Materials: 1 skein of Freia Ombre Super Bulky --- 87 yards (buy it here)

Needles: US Size 19 - 24" Circulars

Finished Size: Approximately 28" x 9.5"

Gauge: Approx. 1.75 stitches to the inch in pattern stitch

Cast on 49 stitches.

Join to work in the round, placing marker to denote beginning/end of round.

Knit one row.

Purl one row.

Start Pattern:

Row 1: Knit 1 *yo, slip1 as if to knit, k1, yo , Pass slipped stitch over the K1& YO* repeat from * to *

Row 2 Knit 1, *drop yo from previous row, k2* repeat from * to *

Row 3: K2, *yo, slip1 as if to knit, k1, yo , Pass slipped stitch over the K1& YO* repeat from * repeat from * to * end K1

Row 4: K2, , *drop yo from previous row, k2 * repeat from * to * end k3

Repeat these 4 rows for approximately 8 inches

Purl one row, knit one row

Bind off loosely.

Abbreviations: YO = yarnover

K = Knit

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 19:48:00 +0000

Woolbearers First Knitting Retreat with Xandy Peters at the Northwood Inn in Ocean City NJ was a great success.

We were warmly welcomed at the Northwood Inn by our hosts, Marj and John Loeper.

For those who aren't familiar, Xandy is the designer who's pattern "Fox Paw" launched an interest in her own "unvention", Stacked Sttiches.

Friday evening we devoured pizza from Manco and Manco. Later in the evening Xandy gave a talk about her design process. It was great being in a place where you were surrounded by yarn and knitters ---you know -- everyone spoke the same language.

. I had a Pop-up Shop in one room. Everyone hung out and knitted in several other rooms around the house.

After breakfast on Saturday we started learning how to do stacked increases and decreases and learned how to incorporate this method into our knitting.

We took a break for lunch and played with more yarn and patterns

In the afternoon Beth (Xandy's mom) gave a class on photographing your knits. She also took all of these amazing pictures you see in this blog post. We had plenty of time for free knitting and yakking, and of course more delicious snacks.

Saturday night was a yummy dinner at Mosaic 701. After dinner we hung out and knit until late in the evening.

After another delicious breakfast on Sunday we sat down to knit and Xandy helped everyone with their projects.

What a wonderful weekend. Everyone came away with new skills and some of us even made great headway on our new projects.

Thank you Xandy and Beth -- we can't wait for the next retreat.

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 20:43:00 +0000

Insouciant designed by Julie Hoover

Habu Tsumugi Silk

Feels like I get more knitting done during the summer. At least, I get some projects finished, which is a good thing, since new Fall yarns are beginning to arrive.
One of the gals in my Tuesday afternoon class and I decided to knit the Insouciant pattern together. The pattern calls for Habu Tsumugi Silk doubled, which has an incredible drape. Of course, Barb finished hers first but I did get mine done and actually wore it before I put it on display.

Barb's Insouciant

Myra's Inscouciant

Anne Marie finished her Pour Moi sweater designed by Lori Versaci using Juniper Moon Findley DK, After she put it together and tried it on she was not happy with it. Then, she washed and blocked it and Magic -- she is in love. It is really beautiful.

Myrtle did her sweater from a Custom fit pattern and the results are a perfect fit! Sweater was knit in Berroco Vintage DK.

We recently got the book Curls in and I had to start knitting one of the projects. It is called Chlorochrous and I am almost finished. Am using Shibuiknits Staccato and Silk Cloud. Interesting knit - the pattern calls for the Silk Cloud to be used only every 4th tow.

Fran finished her scarf from Curls, called Caesious and used 1 skein of Woolbearers Sport Merino --- so soft and squishy

Now in the almost finished category is Paulina, designed by Cocoknits, made out of Ito Gima, a laceweight cotton. I just need to seam it and it will be done!

Jersey Shore Knits

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 18:08:00 +0000

Foxpaws, designed by Xandy Peters is a very popular pattern on Ravelry. I love the inventive design and Xandy's use of stacked increases. Very clever. I just had to start one out of my hand dyed fingering yarn -- lots of color choices.

I was curious when Xandy posted that she was looking for Indie dyers who reside in New Jersey for a new project. I contacted her and we met in NYC at a coffee bar in Noho. I schlepped every color of fingering yarn I had and some finished projects too. Xandy loved the subtle colors I used in my first Vivid blanket project - the colors reminded her of the old Victorian homes in Ocean City and thought it would be a good match for one of her projects.

Xandy's e-book, Jersey Shore Knits was published this week and has been a huge hit on Ravelry. The pattern my yarn was used for is called "Seashells" and uses 2 skeins of 3 different colorways of Woolbearers Fingering Weight.

I've already downloaded all the patterns and will start this real soon.

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Mon, 11 May 2015 21:23:00 +0000

I thought Spring was finally here and now we are right into Summer. There's lots of wonderful summer knitting on hand. I'm not a big fan of cottons, but I have a great selection of cotton and cotton blends and I've been knitting up a storm with all of these yarns.

If you just want simple this summer -- here's a scarf that is 3 skeins of Debbie Bliss Delphi done in a drop stitch pattern that I got from the Barbara Walker Learn to Knit Afghan book.

DELPHI DROP STITCH SCARF

Materials: 3 skeins of Debbie Bliss Delphi

Needles: Size 11

Cast on 16 stitches. Knit one row.

Pattern:

Row 1: Knit 6, yo twice, k1, yo 3 times, k1, yo 4 times, k1, yo 3 times, k1, yo twice, knit 6,

Row 2: Knit dropping all the extra yarn-overs off needle

Row 3 and Row 4: Knit all stitches

Row 5: Knit 1, yo twice, k1, yo 3 times, k1, yo 4 times, k1, yo 3 times, k1, yo twice k6, k1 yo twice, k1, yo 3 times, k1, yo 4 times, k1, yo 3 times, k1, yo, k1

Row 6: Knit dropping all the extra yarn-overs off needle

Row 7 and Row 8: Knit stitches.

Repeat rows 1-8 until approximately 55 inches.

Cut remaining yarn into fringe. I cut pieces 18 inches long and then attached the pieces folded in half, so the fringe is approximately 9 inches long.

Here are the colors I have in the shop

or you can buy online at www.woolbearers.net

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 19:32:00 +0000

It's been a very busy beginning of the year. It's already February and I am finally able to catch my breath.
In mid-January we did the Vogue Live Show in NYC. It was lots of fun. Saturday was super crowded and I got to see lots of old customers. It's really neat to see the same customers coming back to my booth year after year. Sunday was more subdued because of the weather, but we were still busy, selling lots of Zealana, Three Irish Girls, Isager yarns and Woolbearers hand dyed. As I was leaving, I ran into StevenBe and told him that we would be seeing him in a few weeks. He said that we would have lots of fun -- and he was right.

Last weekend was the Fire & Ice Festival on Saturday. The weather was perfect for the festival and our sheep didn't melt until Wednesday!

Sunday, of course, was our annual Superbowl Sunday sale and the beginning of the Stephen and Steven Tour. We had a luncheon while StevenBe and Stephen West showed us their trunk show. It was really fun.

Monday we had 2 classes - Modular Magic and Shawl Extravaganza and Tuesday night was New Perspectives on Knitting with S-Squared. These guys were so inspiring! Thank you so much --- Can't wait for your next visit.

THE FIBRE COMPANY YARN TASTING

FEBRUARY 20TH @ 7 PM

CALL THE SHOP OR COME IN TO MAKE RESERVATIONS SOON -- SPACE IS LIMITED

Our Knitters have been working hard on their CustomFit Knits Sweaters.
Janet finished her first one. Perfect fit! She used the Cushing Isle pattern and Juniper Moon Moonshine yarn in light grey.

Meg knit an Aislinn, while she did not use the Custom Fit program to knit this sweater, the pattern is available in the program. She did, however, use Woolbearers' Sport Merino.

The next class is scheduled for February 28th & March 7th.

Another finished afghan. Wendy did a fabulous job with this --- she has now completed a sweater and is well on her way to finishing another one!

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 20:18:00 +0000

Happy New Year.

Here's an easy hat pattern.

You can knit this in one night. Enjoy

GARTER STITCH POM POM HAT

Materials: 1 skein of Woolbearers Superwash Chunky (approx 120 yards)
Needles: Size 13
Gauge: 3 stitches = 1 inch

Cast on 22 stitches leaving a long tail for use later.

Knit all rows for 20 inches.
Bind off
Sew bind off row to cast on row using the mattress stitch

At the end where tail is, using a running stitch, sew through all rows and cinch tight. This will form the top of the hat.

Make Pom Pom with rest of yarn and sew to top of hat..

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 17:53:00 +0000

When we got in this new yarn from Aracaunia called Sotaqui, I knew I had to knit up something quick with it. So, here is a super easy, super quick knit with superbulky yarn on super big needles.

SOTAQUI COWL

Materials:

1 skein of Aracaunia Sotaqui

24" Size 19 needles

Cast on 40 stitches. Join to work in the round

Pattern: K2, P2 all the way around. Repeat for each row.

After approx 13 rows -- bind off.

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 20:18:00 +0000

Mini Skeins

Hopefully you have seen my version of Tin Can Knits' Vivid Blanket. I dyed up lots of colors, wound them into 90 yard skeins and kitted them up. I love doing projects like this because it's so satisfying to get a square done. And then you want to do another and another ......

So, I decided to dye more "mini-skeins" and sell them individually -- if you want to make the blanket, you can choose your own colors. Or, if you are doing a project that requires small
amounts of lots of different colors, this would be a great way to buy yarn.

I'll have the yarn for sale at the Garden State Sheep Breeders Show Sept 6-7 at the Hunterdon County Fairgrounds along with plenty of other hand dyed yarns and roving.

Here's a pattern I just wrote that uses 8 different colors of the mini skeins -- you could probably make 2 or 3 cowls using this yarn.

FEATHER AND FAN COWL

Materials: 8 colors of Woolbearers' Mini skeins.

Color A: Red/Black

Color B: Deep Magenta

Color C: Wine Rose

Color D: Med Grey

Color E: Light Grey

Color F: Pink Magenta

Color G: Light Pink

Color H: Dark Charcoal

Needles: Size 5 16" circular needles

Begin with color A, Work first 6 rows of scarf and then change to color B and work 8 rows of pattern (or 2 repeats), do the same for Colors C through G. Work last 6 rows with Color H.

Cast on 154. Place marker, join to work in the round.

Setup rows:

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: Purl

Feather and Fan Pattern:

Row 1:* (K 2 tog) 2 times, (YO, K 1) 3 times, YO, (K 2 tog) 2 times, repeat from * 13 more times

Row 2: purl

Rows 3&4: Knit

Repeat these 4 rows for pattern

With Color H: Knit Rows 1-4 of pattern.

Row 5: Purl

Row 6: Knit

Bind off in knitting.

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 19:17:00 +0000

It's hard to believe that Woolbearers has been in business for over 10 years now. I think it was only yesterday when we opened up the shop in a little house down in Mill Race Village. Times have changed and we have had to make lots of changes as well. Moving up to High Street has been great -- lots of visibility and a nice large shop to display all of our goodies.
The latest program Woolbearers is offering is CustomFit. CustomFit makes custom patterns for hand-knit sweaters. It takes your choices, your body, and your hand-knit fabric and produces a pattern perfectly suited to you. Design and fit expertise are built-in, so you get to make all the fun choices without worrying about the hard ones. CustomFit builds a pattern that fits beautifully from hem to neck, and everywhere in between.

Here is my first CustomFit sweater. I used Customfits Classic Cardigan template and indeed, I got a perfect fit. I used Zealana's Heron yarn.

Fran's first sweater is a pullover. She specified some of the design choices she wanted (neck depth, neck style, edging, etc.) and got great results. Of course, it fits perfectly as well. We both said that the shoulders were a perfect fit -- something that doesn't always happen, even when trying on store bought sweaters. Fran knit with Tahki Tara Tweed.

I just started another CustomFit sweater. I did a twisted 1 x 1 rib and am incorporating a pattern on the back -- maybe the fronts too -- we'll see. I was really inspired by the Botanic Knits trunk show. Found this leaf pattern in one of Barbara Walker's books.
This time I'm using Classic Elite Mohawk Wool and I just love this new yarn -- it's made of Merino and Romney, is soft, but has great stitch definition. Here are all the natural colors.

Our first 2-part classes are scheduled for Thursday, July 31st & August 7 or Saturday, August 2nd & 9th, More info is on our website.

I know it's been months since I have blogged, so here are a few items I have been collecting to put on the blog. I hope you have all seen my version of the Vivid Blanket by Tin Can Knits. I've made up kits and lot of folks are knitting away.

Here is my first version

and here is Bonnie's version. Just love it!

I dyed extra black yarn for her and away she went!

Janet has a new grandson and of course he needed a new blankie. Janet made this out of Berroco Vintage. The pattern is by Ashley Rao and is published in 60 Quick Baby Blankets.

Robert visits our shop when he is in the area and just had to show off his latest creation.

Here are some new yarns that have been coming in:

Mrs. Crosby Train Case (fingering weight) Buy here

Spincyle Dyed in the Wool. Buy here

Sweet Georgia Silk Crush

Delicious Yarns Parfait

If you can't make it into the shop, I'll be getting all these new yarns on my online store soon.

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 01:55:00 +0000

Double Knitting Workshops held at Woolbearers last weekend were a big hit. Thanks to Alasdair for coming down to Woolbearers from Boston, where it was a little warmer and we didn't get any snow. Can't wait to see all the new double knitting projects you are making.

Now I know it's been a while since I last blogged. These are some of the things I've been up to:

Vogue Live Knitting

Here's our booth

I dyed up kits of 20 different colorways for knitting Tin Can Knits pattern "Vivid". Sold out at the show, but I've since dyed more and have for sale in the shop and on my online store.

I actually finished a sweater (yay). Last Fall we started a KAL for Kate Davies Braid Hills Cardigan. I decided to use my hand dyed sport weight merino and am really pleased with the results. Kind of hard to see in the first picture -- the second picture, while not true to color, is a better representation of the cable work.

Everyone loves those buttons!

I finished the wedding shawl for Jen a long time ago, but didn't put the flowers on, because Jen thought it should be lined. So, I bought some fabric and proceeded to line it. Then I realized it wouldn't have any stretch with the fancy fabric I had, which is key to getting the shawl on. I went with Jen to her final dress fitting the other night and we all (dressmaker included -- thank you Rosemary) decided not to line it. Since the bodice is beaded, she will have to be careful getting it on and off. The pattern for the shawl is the Summer Rose Capelet and I double stranded the Lotus Mink yarn. It is just so yummy. I hope the bride likes the final product.

My daughter, Emma is going to be one of the bridesmaids. Since there are 5 of them, I did not volunteer to knit shawls for the bridesmaids, but I really wanted to make Emma something. So here's a little shrug she can wear to the rehearsal dinner. It's the Gaia Shrug pattern made out of Shulana's Mersilca, an aran weight, wool/cashmere/silk blend. Knits up in a day or two.

I bought my dress for Jen's wedding a few weeks ago and decided at the last minute to knit myself a shawl. I have always wanted to do the Swallowtail shawl, and since Jen didn't want any lace in her wedding shawl, I just had to make it. I used Jaggerspun Zephyr wool/silk laceweight and used beads instead of doing the dreaded nupps. Love the way it came out.

Since I had a deadline for the shawl, all of my other projects were on hold. But I am now slowly getting everything else finished. Only 5 more rows on Ysolda Teague's Follow Your Arrow shawl. Glad I used my hand dyed fingering weight yarn, because I had to dye more yarn to finish.

Here is my Harvest Cardigan. I'm making a child's size in hopes of finishing quickly. Using Madelintosh Vintage and just love the way it knits.

My Strokkur is coming along slowly. I had to rip out about 10 inches --- I put the stitch markers for side shaping in the wrong places initially and just couldn't salvage it any other way. Finally on the sleeves and then for the fun stuff -- fair isle yoke! I'm sure it will be ready for next winter. Making this out of Lopi Lite.

There are lots more UFO's -- but I am determined that 2014 is going to be the year of finishing things!

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 20:14:00 +0000

Here is my Christmas present to all of my wonderful customers!

Llama Glow Moebius Cowl

Materials: 1 skein of Woolbearers Hand Dyed Baby Llama Glow, buy it here (shown in colorway Grape Juice)

Needles: Size 10 US 32" circulars

Gauge: 3 stitches = 1 inch

Finished Dimensions (stretched) 10" x 19"

Cast on 150 stitches using the Moebius cast-on (see Cat Bordhi's video for instructions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVnTda7F2V4) or take our class on Feb 1st 2014 (more info found here.

Knit the first row according to Cat's instructions.

*Knit 4 rows

Purl 4 rows

Repeat from * 2 times

Knit 4 rows

Bind off with a stretchy bind off. I used this one: * Knit 1 stitch, Put stitch back on left needle. Knit 2 stitches together through the back loops. Repeat from * until you are done.

Sew in ends.

Enjoy!

noreply@blogger.com (woolbearers) — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 01:59:00 +0000

So, I noticed a sweater in the J.Jill catalog that I received today. Looks an awful lot like Strokkur, the pattern created by Ysolda Teague. We are having a KAL for this pattern, starting on Dec. 7. If you want the sweater from J.Jill you will have to shell out $119. If you knit the Strokkur at Woolbearers it will cost a lot less and you will have a lot more fun! Hope you can join us.

I have been starting lots of projects lately. But the one that I'm really excited about is Vivid, a small blanket from TinCan Knits. I just started knitting a square and am already addicted. Each square is begun with the Emily Ocker cast-on. Remember I blogged about this in an August 2007 post? There is a nice You-Tube video that explains how to do this cast-on -- from Mountain Mom.

I decided to dye yarn in lots of varying colors going up and down the hue scale. I am going to kit up the yarn, so you don't have to buy full skeins - each square takes only 70 yards or so. Here are some of the colors I've dyed already.

I'll definitely be doing more color families. This is lots of fun.

Another KAL going on at Woolbearers is the Braid Hill Cardigan KAL. Here's mine so far

It's a little hard to see the cables, but I have definitely become a "cable without a cable needle" convert. I'll explain how it's done next time -- with pix.

Speaking of dyeing yarn, Marcia, a longtime customer, wanted to knit the Rosita Jacket from Knitters 108, but couldn't find a yarn to suit her. So, I volunteered to dye some yarn and just can't believe the wonderful results. The black and white intarsia is done out of Cascade 220, but the rest of the sweater is out of Woolbearers' Worsted Merino. Just love it!

Branwen is a beginning knitter who wanted to knit some baby clothes during her pregnancy. She started with a sweater and then added hat and booties. Here they are before baby and

on baby!

How cute is that?