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Tag: Lopi

Change in the air for the Needle Arts industry

Change in the air for the Needle Arts industry

We recently were informed of some major changes in the distribution of a few popular yarns. Twenty years ago this sort of thing would never be discussed with the end customer (you!) but our world has indeed changed dramatically because of the internet and social media.

About a month ago, Westminster Fibers Inc. announced that it would no longer be importing and distributing any yarns in North America. The brands that you will recognize are Rowan, Regia, SMC, Schachenmayr, Schachenmayr Select (aka Gedifra), Istex/Lopi wools, and Butterfly Super 10 Cotton.

Of course this doesn’t mean that these brands will no longer be available to you– not at all! There are quite a few established companies interested in providing the import and distribution of these brands.

As for Handknitting.com, you already know that we are committed to all 5 Lopi yarns, and also to Butterfly Super 10 Cotton, and we promise to continue to provide them to you if at all possible.

While we wait to hear about the possibilities for future importers, we are working on a plan to make sure we will have enough of all these yarns to fulfill your orders for the coming season.

We think it is important for you to have accurate information, not rumors. As children we all played the game “telephone line” where a message is passed from one to another and by the time the message reaches the end of the line it has changed dramatically! Well, the internet accelerates and magnifies this effect. If you have any questions at all, please contact us directly by emailing Laurel@handknitting.com.  Please do not rely on speculations on the chat and comment threads of the various social media sites for your information.  We will do our best to answer all your questions honestly and in a timely manner.

Plotulopi Knit Along

Plotulopi Knit Along

Hello Everyone! I hope you already know that we have begun importing Plötulopi, the classic unspun Icelandic wool. In celebration, I’ll be hosting a sweater knit-along in our Handknitting.com ravelry group for the beautiful Auđna pullover:

22 Audna

Isn’t that gorgeous? It is truly a special design, and has great design elements that are derived from the nature of the Plötulopi yarn.

This isn’t a beginners’ project; you should have some experience with knitting in the round, and with stranded color work like fair isle. On the other hand, you could very well learn some new techniques while we work through the sweater pattern!

Your investment in the project will depend on the materials you need, of course. You will need the yarn, Lopi Book #34, and US 7 & 9 circulars and dpns. You can see more details about this in my project listing.

There is no charge for this KAL. We have set up a kit package on Handknitting.com, but participation is not limited to people who buy the products from us. (If you are experienced with Plotulopi and have everything you need in your stash, that’s fine! We welcome your insights!)

I’ve been working and test knitting this pattern for the last month, and I will start posting my preparatory suggestions within the next week.   Please help me spread the word with your friends who might be interested. Thanks so much, Laurel

 

 

[1]: http://www.handknitting.com/Audna_Plotulopi_Sweater_Kit_p/audna.htm

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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.