Book Raffle!

Posted by Julia on July 4, 2016

One of our big goals at market this year was to find a new book distributor, as the one we’d long relied on went out of business earlier in the year. I’m happy to report that we did find a lovely new source for books, and they were kind enough to send us home from market with something special: five brand new knitting books, each signed by their authors.

To celebrate our new book distributor, we’re having a raffle, and giving away these signed copies as prizes. For each book you purchase during our Annual Inventory Sale this July, you’ll receive a raffle ticket, an entry to win a signed copy of one of the following books:

Knitting Ephemera, by Carol J. Sulcoski
Knitlandia, by Clara Parkes
Cable Left, Cable Right, by Judith Durant
Knit Wear Love, by Amy Herzog
Wee Garter Stitch, by Vickie Howell

At the end of the month, we’ll draw 5 raffle tickets, one for each book. Come by the shop during July to get anything in stock at 15% off, and get a chance to win a book with each book you buy!

We have lots of new books to choose from, along with a large collection of older ones. Ask us if you’re seeking a recommendation; we love books almost as much as we love yarn, and have favorites in a variety of categories. See you at the shop!

Just a reminder–all sales are final on discounted items; there can be no exchanges, returns, or special orders. Thanks!

Hello, Rowan Pure Wool Superwash DK.

Posted by Julia on October 17, 2015

Rowan’s newest yarn has arrived at the Hillsborough Yarn Shop! Meet Pure Wool Superwash DK.

We’ve long been searching for a good quality superwash wool in DK weight, one that comes in loads of colors and at a reasonable price, and this yarn is it. Last fall, Rowan met a similar need with their Pure Wool Superwash Worsted, and this yarn is very much a thinner version of the same good stuff.

Superwash DK weight wools like this one are good for all kinds of projects, from accessories to home goods to garments. One 145 yard ball would make a nice pair of mitts, like the Churchmouse “Welted Fingerless Gloves,” or for that matter, my own “Welting Fantastic Mitts.” Baby and children’s things are also a good fit for Pure Wool Superwash DK; I’ve made “Milo” a couple of times using Rowan Wool Cotton, and this yarn would make a nice wintry version of the same little vest.

For adult sweaters, Martin Storey’s Easy DK Knits is a collection worth checking out. Rowan sent along a sample of the cover sweater, “Barbican,” a garter stitch pullover with drop stitch patterning at the bottom edge. Come by the shop to see it in person, and get a tangible sense of how this yarn works up. Easy DK Knits uses a variety of knitting techniques to make relatively simple sweaters, including texture patterns, cables, and beginner-level colorwork.

In addition to these patterns, consider Rowan’s recently-announced Fall Knit-Along, featuring this very yarn, and hosted by designer Amy Herzog. Herzog is a prolific sweater-designer, and one who cares deeply about how those sweaters fit the knitters who make them. Her Options Knit-Along will guide you through the creation of a highly-customizable sweater knit in Rowan Pure Wool Superwash DK, from choosing a size to making modifications to finishing. There’s a textured pullover option and a striped cardigan option, and it looks like there’ll be other options within each of those. Read more about it on her website, where you can download the shopping list and get ready to start the Rowan Options Knit Along this Monday, October 19th!

Look for Rowan Pure Wool Superwash DK in the DK weight section of the shop, where we’re happy to help you plan your next project. See you there!

New books for all.

Posted by Julia on July 15, 2015

We’re halfway through our Annual Inventory Sale, and folks have been taking advantage of our 15% discount in many different ways. Some are stocking up on their favorite needles, others are snapping up Cricket Looms (which are now temporarily out of stock!), and still more are planning ahead for holiday gift-making, while there’s still plenty of time to start and complete those gifts. Here’s another idea: treat yourself to a few new books this month, for a book is another kind of indulgence, one that can instruct and inspire.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve received new publications for all kinds of crafts. For weavers, 100 Pin Loom Squares shows the many possibilities of Schacht’s Zoom Loom.

For crocheters, we have two new titles. Colorful Crochet Lace is exactly what it sounds like: a collection of brightly colored crocheted garments and accessories in openwork patterns.

Honk! Beep! Vroom! is a book of crocheted toy vehicles with wheels that actually turn.

Knitters, meanwhile, should peruse Sheryl Thies’ Slip-Stitch Knits, and Amy Herzog’s newest book, Knit Wear Love.

Knit Wear Love is a collection of basic sweater shapes in a range of gauges, with lots of useful tips about modifying those basic shapes to make unique sweaters that suit your personal style.

Come by the shop to check out the latest publications, and do so during July to shop our entire inventory at 15% off!

Just a reminder–all sales are final on discounted items; there can be no exchanges, returns, or special orders. Thanks!