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Yet-to-be-appreciated Yarns, Part 1

Yet-to-be-appreciated Yarns, Part 1

Some great but yet-to-be-appreciated yarns
This season there have been a lot of changes in the yarns available for knitters. There have been a lot of yarns discontinued, and a lot of new introductions.  In times of economic uncertainty, it’s no surprise that crocheters and knitters return to their favorites.  But there are some that I have tried, and deserve a closer look.

Lang Donegal     

Lang Donegal

Tweed is a trend, and this yarn is much more than a rehashed version of other tweeds.  Donegal has a DK gauge, but it is thick and thin (sometimes very thin).  If you are an intermediate knitter who hasn’t worked with thick and thin yarns, you will have to pay attention.  Donegal fulls on blocking, meaning that what looks like holes as you knit will fill in more solidly after blocking.  This quality makes Donegal an interesting choice for crochet, too!  A big plus–This is a yarn that is a man magnet!  I have a pullover OTN for John, and when our two sons were home for Christmas they both immediately snatched it up saying “this is nice!” (and they live in CA & AZ–not sweater country)  Just be sure to stick to the darker, neutral colors.  After showing off the patterns in the Lang Vintage book, they were all judged to be winners by my houseful of men.  The 50g skein has over 200 yards, so it goes a long way.

Big Yarns

Big Yarns

Big

VK Cover Garment
Vogue Knitting’s Cover Sweater featuring Cortina Nuvole

   BIG,
Astrakan by Lang
Lang Astrakan

& even

BIGGER yarn
Link Long Scarf    Berroco’s Link

Yes, all the fashion magazines, the knitting and the crochet magazines, and the TV/internet style shows  are showing big, Big, BIGGER knits! And they’re so gorgeous, and they’re fast to knit, but… but…. but….

“Super-bulky knits look great on a 5′ 10″, 90 lb model, but not me! They’re so pricey with so little yardage! And they’re so heavy–who could wear all that?! Even if you’re skinny, it weighs a ton!”

The answer is Yes, you can wear these yarns, if you choose wisely.   Here are some tips:

  • Accessories–scarves, hats, muffs–give the fashion look without being overwhelming
  • Look at the cost of the garment, not the price of the skein.  Most of these yarns are cost-effective.
  • Remember to keep the fabric and the fit loose–unless it’s an outerwear coat or jacket, these yarns shouldn’t be firmly knit.  They also not meant to be knit into sweaters that are close-fitting; instead choose patterns for layering garments.
  • Natural fibers are heavier than synthetics.  In these super big yarns, a synthetic portion or blend is a big plus in keeping them light enough to wear.
  • “Cable knit” yarns, where the strand is really a knitted tube, are much lighter to wear, and warm too.

A Quick Link to all our Big Yarns!

4th Annual Cashmere and Exotic Yarn Sale

4th Annual Cashmere and Exotic Yarn Sale

Happy New Year!  Here’s our email announcing our annual exotic yarn sale–there are great bargains to be had, don’t miss it!
Seasons Greetings
Logo
4th Annual
Cashmere & Exotic Yarn Sale
12/26 through 1/4/2012
In Stock Only on all items
You must use coupon codes to get the sale price

Pure Cashmere! always a favorite

$5 off every skein of undyed cashmere, any weight! Use coupon code plush21

$7 off every skein of dyed cashmere, any weight!
Use coupon code ccolor58 (Allow 2-4 weeks delivery)

Cashmere and Silk Blend!
soft & lustrous, 2ply, 4ply, 6ply

$4 off every skein of undyed cashmere & silk
Use coupon code shimmer38

$5 off every skein of hand dyed cashmere & silk
Use coupon code 2silky1 (allow 2-4 weeks delivery)

$7 off every skein of Elysium, our cashmere & silk blend hand painted by Cherry Tree Hill
Use coupon code luxury11

$3 off every skein of Neighborhood Fiber Co.
Pagoda Silk 2ply semi solids Use coupon code 84drift

Best Quality pure silk yarn!

$5 off every skein of undyed pure silk DK weight
Use coupon code 2drape9

$6 off every skein of hand dyed silk DK weight
Use coupon code luscious44 (allow 2-4 weeks delivery)

$4 off every skein of Claudia handpainted 20/2 silk laceweight Use coupon code chp68

$4 off every skein of Neighborhood Fiber Penthouse Silk laceweight Use coupon code NFC4

Handknitting.com
PO Box 10279 Jackson WY 83002
Phone: (307) 200-0733
Email: [email protected]

We’re looking forward to 2012, and we wish the best for all of you. For the rest of this year, our 3rd Annual Cashmere and Exotic Yarn Sale is our year-end gift to our customers. Enjoy

Pure Luxury from Buffalo Gold

$5 off every skein of Buffalo Gold Lux Use coupon code Lux63

$9 off every skein of Buffalo Gold Earth Use coupon code 50Earth

ALL
Cherry Tree Hill Yarn
25% off
In Stock Only

CTHWOW
Remember: 1) You must use the coupon code     2) If you want to get these announcements before they are published to the general public, then please sign up for our newsletter on our website.  Your information is secure, never shared, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Buffalo Gold Herd Wear

Buffalo Gold Herd Wear

Buffalo Gold Herd Wear

Buffalo Gold Full Fingered Gloves

Have an outdoorsman or outdoor worker on your gift list?  Buffalo Gold Bison accessories are incredibly thoughtful gifts for fishermen, hunters, gardeners, construction & landscape workers, winter sports fans–anyone who needs extra warmth and protection from the elements.  Bison down is one of the most durable and warm fibers out there.  It has to be experienced to be appreciated!

There are gloves, hats, scarves, and more!  These wonderful items are knit right here in the USA, but they sell out fast so if you want to have these for the holidays,  please order now.

Quick Holiday Gifts

Quick Holiday Gifts

Have a little sweetheart or ‘tween girl on your list?  Whip up a little fun and frolic with some Frivola

Frivola Fun

— she’ll LOVE it! 
2 balls for short scarf, 3 for long.       On sale now, stock on hand only

Try A New Yarn: Cyber Monday–hope you’ll visit us!

Try A New Yarn: Cyber Monday–hope you’ll visit us!

Wow! Cyber Monday!  This is supposed to be the day when those of you are still shopping on Monday, but online, make everything great for us online retailers.  But we do have a very special deal for you to try something new or just treat yourself for getting all that holiday shopping done!

It’s the Fifth (and last) day of the Try a New Yarn promotion from Handknitting.com.  Today’s Buy One Get One Half off coupon is for the yummiest new yarns from Lang:  Aiko, a multi-purpose chunky yarn,   and a great extension of Alpaca SuperLight, Lang Alpaca SuperLight Lamé.

       Aiko:  Use the coupon code    AIKOLUX     Lux because this is truly a luxury yarn.   One look at this yarn and you will be wondering where it has been all your life!  This yarn is a combination of so many desirable qualities:  fast and easy to knit, a little bit of haze from some mohair, depth of color and texture.  You will love it–try it now!

Alpaca SuperLight Lamé:  Use the coupon code OOHLALA

    You can use this beautiful yarn for any lace weight pattern that has a large enough gauge to handle the halo, or substitute for any pattern for Alpaca SuperLight in any of the Fatto à Mano books.  A fabulous addition to the Lang yarn line-up.  For those of you who like to experiment, this yarn is a great carry-along for a plain yarn.  The colors coordinate with all the other Lang yarns, so pair it with Alpaca SuperLight for a chunky knit, or with Aiko for a bulky.  Make yourself a one of a kind masterpiece!

This coupon will allow you to buy 2 skeins of  these yarns, with the second skein at half price.  You may mix colors, and you may use the coupon as many times as you wish.

GOOD TODAY (11/28/2011) ONLY.

Try A New Yarn: Coupon Codes for a Fabulous Sunday

Try A New Yarn: Coupon Codes for a Fabulous Sunday

So it’s the Sunday after Thanksgiving – are you all exhausted from shopping?  No? Tired of football?  Good, because we have new discount codes for 2 more great new yarns today.  There’s still time to knit a holiday gift from the skeins you order.

Anyway, it’s the Fourth day of the Try a New Yarn promotion from Handknitting.com.  Today’s Buy One Get One Half off coupon is for the newest yarn from Lopi (Istex) Einband Lace weight, and Regia Design Line Hand-Dye Effect by Kaffe Fasset

                       Einband:  Use the coupon code LOPILACE

This is just a marvelous yarn –Lopi yarn in a next-t0-the-skin soft lace weight.  Try it!

Regia Design Line Hand-Dye Effect by Kaffe Fasset:  Use the coupon code KAFFE8     

The master of color has designed a line of beautiful degradé colors for socks or any 4-ply pattern .

This coupon will allow you to buy 2 skeins of  these yarns, with the second skein at half price.  You may mix colors, and you may use the coupon as many times as you wish.

GOOD TODAY (11/27/2011) ONLY.

Try A New Yarn: Saturday Special Coupon Codes

Try A New Yarn: Saturday Special Coupon Codes

Ok, I know there’s no official designation for the Saturday after Thanksgiving in terms of the holiday shopping season.  But we can make up a new one, right?  I wish I were more creative in coining catchy phrases–Saturday Special is pretty common.

Anyway, it’s the third day of the Try a New Yarn promotion from Handknitting.com.  Today’s Buy One Get One Half off coupon is for the newest yarn from Jojoland, Fantasia, and Regia Highland Tweed!

Fantasia:  Braided Swirl Hat in FantasiaUse the coupon code FANSAT1

Fantasia is the latest yarn from Jojoland, in chunky weight.  Super fast to knit, with the same constantly changing long, long color variation.  Love it!

Regia Highland Tweed:  Use the coupon code TWEEDY    Regia Highland Tweed

A great tweedy 6-ply sport weight yarn.

This coupon will allow you to buy 2 skeins of  these yarns, with the second skein at half price.  You may mix colors, and you may use the coupon as many times as you wish.

GOOD TODAY (11/26/2011) ONLY.

Try A New Yarn: “Black Friday” Day Coupon Codes

Try A New Yarn: “Black Friday” Day Coupon Codes

Black Friday is Bargain day, right?  And you get to take advantage of it without sitting outside in the weather.

It’s the second day of the Try a New Yarn promotion from Handknitting.com.  Today’s Buy One Get One Half off coupon is for 2 Trendsetter Yarns:

              Rendezvous:   Use the coupon code BF11FUN

  

Improv:  Use the coupon code BF11JOY 

This coupon will allow you to buy 2 skeins of  these yarns, with the second skein at half price.  You may mix colors, and you may use the coupon as many times as you wish.

GOOD TODAY (11/25/2011) ONLY.

Try A New Yarn: Thanksgiving Day Coupon Codes

Try A New Yarn: Thanksgiving Day Coupon Codes

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

It’s the first day of the Try a New Yarn promotion from Handknitting.com.  Today’s Buy One Get One Half off coupon is for 2 Lang Yarns:

  Donegal  Donegal by LangUse the coupon code THANKS1

Merino Lace 400  Use the coupon code THANKS2   

This coupon will allow you to buy 2 skeins of  these yarns, with the second skein at half price.  You may mix colors, and you may use the coupon as many times as you wish.

GOOD TODAY (11/24/2011) ONLY.