Hello, Isager Eco Soft!

Posted by Julia on February 9, 2024

We love all things Isager here at the Hillsborough Yarn Shop, and are excited to bring a new Isager yarn into the shop – meet Eco Soft!

Isager Eco Soft:

aran weight
56% alpaca, 44% cotton
137 yards/50 g
$9.50 each

Eco Soft’s construction is a little unusual – undyed alpaca fiber is blown into an organic cotton chainette tube, resulting in a beautiful tonal yarn with a stunning halo, the cotton core seeming to glow through the alpaca fuzz. Garments and accessories made with Eco Soft are soft, cuddly, and warm, but lightweight.

Bailey has cast on for PetiteKnit’s “Cloud Sweater,” an oversized drop-shoulder pullover with a rolled funnel-neck. She was able to get the pattern gauge (17 stitches = 4″) with Eco Soft alone, though if you’re seeking extra warmth, you can certainly add a strand of Silk Mohair.

What else to knit with Eco Soft? Here are a few ideas…

“Lulu Slipover – Chunky Edition,” by PetiteKnit – turtleneck vest, buttoned at sides
“Flurry,” by Ankestrick – textured cardigan
“Eclair,” by Karin Fernandes – raglan pullover with split high/low hem
“Badger and Bloom,” by Anne Ventzel – colorwork yoke pullover
“Robinia Sweater,” by Anne Ventzel – colorwork stripe pullover
“Sweater No. 21,” by My Favorite Things – mesh lace pullover
“Levitate Wrap,” by My Favorite Things – oversized wrap cardigan
“Sophie Shawl,” by PetiteKnit – garter stitch shawl with i-cord edge
“Harris Hood,” by Cheryl Mokhtari – oversized hood

Look for Isager Eco Soft in the aran weight section here at HYS! We keep many other Isager yarns in stock as well, including Silk Mohair, Alpaca 2, Alpaca 3, Jensen, Boucle, and more…

Hello, & Make Aran!

Posted by Julia on November 11, 2022

The Fibre Company has just launched a new line of yarn, & Make! These are yarns for stitchers at every stage of their crafting journey, made of natural, sustainable fibers from renewable sources. We’re starting with & Make Aran, a soft and squishy blend of Highland wool and alpaca.

The Fibre Co. & Make Aran:

aran weight
2-ply
solid and heathered colors
50% Highland wool, 50% alpaca
164 yards/100g
$17.50 each

What to knit with & Make Aran? Here are some ideas!

Garments:

“Felix Pullover” or “Felix Cardigan,” by Amy Christoffers – stockinette sweaters with eyelet details at raglan yoke
“Downstream,” by Kate Davies – striped, raglan cardigan knit from the top down
“Boreal,” by Kate Davies – large motif colorwork pullover
“Purls of Wisdom Sweater (Aran),” by The Fibre Co. – stockinette circular yoke pullover with purl ridges

Accessories:

“Warm & Easy Hat (Aran),” by Kate Atherley – stockinette hat with ribbed brim
“Bandana Cowl,” by Purl Soho – bandana shaped cowl
“Gridland Scarf,” by The Fibre Co. – textured scarf in 3 gauges (DK, aran, and super bulky)
“Catch my Fall,” by Melanie Berg – lace and textured triangular shawl
“Open Sky,” by Andrea Mowry – lace and textured semicircular shawl
“Almina,” by Lisa Hannes – cabled triangular shawl

Come by the shop to see & Make Aran for yourself! We’re here from 11-5:30, Tuesdays-Saturdays; masks required.

Back in stock: Kelbourne Woolens Perennial and Lucky Tweed.

Posted by Julia on August 29, 2022

Kelbourne Woolens is the source of some of our most popular yarns, beloved for the variety of high quality fibers they produce and the accessible price. Some of their yarns are super soft and luxurious, others are rustic and hard wearing, and each one has its own unique color palette. We’ve restocked Perennial and Lucky Tweed – let’s take a look!

Kelbourne Woolens Perennial:

light fingering weight
60% superwash merino, 25% Suri alpaca, 15% nylon
497 yards/100g
$26 each

The folks at Kelbourne Woolens have designed Perennial to be something of a staple: soft from the alpaca but sturdy from the nylon, easy care on account of the superwash merino, suitable for all kinds of projects.

We’ve seen beautiful sweaters, shawls, and baby things made in Perennial – here are some pattern ideas!

“Slipstravaganza,” by Stephen West – 4 color slip stitch shawl
“Oslo Hat,” by PetiteKnit – double stranded stockinette hat
“Linen Stitch Loop,” by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas – 2 color linen stitch cowl
“Navelli,” by Caitlin Hunter – cropped colorwork tee
“Lucille,” by Courtney Kelley – lace baby cardigan and bonnet

Kelbourne Woolens Lucky Tweed:

aran weight
tweed
100% merino wool
210 yards/100g
$20 each

Lucky Tweed is manufactured in Donegal, Ireland, for an authentic tweed look and soft hand. Folks who have tried it often come back for more, exclaiming how soft and lightweight it is for a yarn at this gauge. If you’re looking to knit a cozy new sweater this fall, consider Lucky Tweed!

Here are some cozy patterns ideal for Lucky Tweed:

“Shop Frock,” by Nell Knits – long sleeved stockinette pullover with pockets
“Alanis,” by Elizabeth Smith – oversized stockinette tee for layering, also has pockets
“Big Love,” by Ankestrick – long sleeved textured cardigan with shawl collar
“Novice Slipover,” by PetiteKnit – stockinette vest
“The Throwover,” by Andrea Mowry – long sleeved pullover with colorwork yoke
“Jason’s Cashmere Hat,” by Melissa Thomson – cabled hat

Look for Perennial and Lucky Tweed here at the Hillsborough Yarn Shop, along with these other Kelbourne Woolens yarns – Camper, Andorra, Scout, and Germantown!

New colors in Cascade Nifty Cotton!

Posted by Julia on August 23, 2022

We’re excited to share a rainbow of new colors in Cascade Nifty Cotton!

Cascade Nifty Cotton:

aran weight
100% cotton
185 yards/100 grams
$8 each

It had been a while since we ordered this economical aran weight cotton, so we were due for new colors as well as restocking the old.

Nifty Cotton can be machine-washed and dried, a cotton yarn without a mercerized lustre. That matte quality makes the yarn “thirstier,” more absorbent, and thus, ideal for making dishcloths. Here are a few pattern ideas for knitters and crocheters alike!

“Grandmother’s Favorite Neat-Edged Dishcloth,” by Gina Lynette – knit, garter stitch
“Linoleum Dishcloth,” by Kay Gardiner – knit, mosaic
“Iron Gate Dishcloth,” by Amie Palmer – knit, cables
“Serene Spa Washcloth,” by Lion Brand Yarn – crochet, textured
“Bright Chevron Dishcloth,” by Tamara Kelly – crochet, 2-color chevron stripes
“Sylvan Star Washcloth,” by Lion Brand Yarn – crochet, star-shaped

Look for Cascade Nifty Cotton in the aran weight section here at our shop! We’re open from 11-5:30, Tuesdays-Saturdays, masks required for entry.

Sale of the Week: Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed!

Posted by Julia on June 22, 2020

We’ve decided to keep our doors closed through the month of June, though we’re still virtually open for online orders. As we have done throughout April and May, we’ll have a special sale each week – 15% off a featured yarn, our Sale of the Week!

Our next Sale of the Week is 15% off Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed, from June 22 – 30!

Silkroad Aran Tweed is a rustic looking yarn, but it’s surprisingly soft to the touch, composed of 85% wool, 10% silk, and 5% cashmere. Each 50 gram ball has 104 yards.

What to make with Silkroad Aran Tweed? Here are some ideas!

“Atawhai Hat,” by Francoise Danoy – 2-color beanie with stranded colorwork pattern
“Daisies in Pearl,” by Nidhi Kansal – cabled, buttoned cowl
“Evendale,” by Neisha Abdulla – reversible lace cowl
“Ain True Love,” by Michelle Grace – crescent-shaped garter stitch shawl with lace edge
“James Cardigan,” by Michele Wang – long cabled cardigan/coat
“Kabir,” by Neisha Abdulla – oversized, drop-shoulder cardigan
“Topanga Canyon Cardigan,” by Veronik Avery – textured waterfall cardigan

Usually, Silkroad Aran Tweed is $12 per ball; at 15% off, it’s $10.20 each. Head to our online order form if you’d like to place an order – it’ll be on sale through June 30. Thanks for all your support!

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

Sale of the Week: Kate Davies Àrd-Thìr!

Posted by Julia on May 15, 2020

Though we’re keeping our doors closed during May, we’re still virtually open for mail orders, and we want to offer something fun during this uncertain time. Throughout May, we’ll have a special sale each week – 15% off a featured yarn, our Sale of the Week!

Our next Sale of the Week is 15% off Kate Davies Àrd-Thìr, from May 15 – 21!

Kate Davies Àrd-Thìr is an aran weight blend of Peruvian fibers, 60% highland wool and 40% alpaca. Each 50 gram skein has 71 yards, and it knits up at about 15-19 stitches over 4″ on needles from US 7-10.5. The texture is smooth and round, for sharp stitch definition and a springy elasticity in the hand.

Àrd-Thìr comes in 10 heathered shades inspired by the winter landscape of the Scottish highlands, a beautiful muted palette.

What to knit with Àrd-Thìr? Last year, I made Kate Davies’ “Weel Riggit Hat” with this yarn, which was great fun.

Since then, Davies has written a few more patterns for Àrd-Thìr – “Footfall,” “Corryvreckan,” “Skep,” and “Upstream,” for a start – and Melanie Berg published a lace shawl, “Catch my Fall.” Check out Warm Hands for a few more ideas – we still have copies of the book in stock, too!

Usually, Àrd-Thìr is $12 per skein; at 15% off, it’s $10.20 each. Head to our online order form if you’d like to place an order – it’ll be on sale through May 21. Thanks for all your support!

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

Warm Hands.

Posted by Julia on January 25, 2020

Warm Hands is here!

This eclectic collection of mitten and handwarmer patterns is edited by Jeanette Sloan and Kate Davies, and features many other designers, as well.

Some mittens are colorful, some are textured, some are lacy or cabled, and some combine multiple techniques for intriguing effects.

The mittens in this book are knit with Kate Davies’ own lines of yarn, Àrd-Thìr and Milarrochy Tweed. Àrd-Thìr is a blend of Peruvian fibers, 60% highland wool and 40% alpaca. The texture is smooth and round, for sharp stitch definition and a springy elasticity in the hand. Look for it in our aran weight section!

Milarrochy Tweed is a fingering weight wool and mohair blend. We don’t have it here at the shop, but we have a great many excellent substitutes – Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift, Tukuwool Fingering, Brooklyn Tweed Loft and Peerie, Isager Tweed, and more.

Look for Warm Hands on our teacart, among the latest books and magazines for knitters! We also keep a nice selection of Kate Davies’ older titles in stock, the likes of Colours of Shetland, Yokes, West Highland Way, Milarrochy Heids, Happit, Shore, and Handywoman.

See you at the shop!

Hello, Kelbourne Woolens Lucky Tweed.

Posted by Julia on October 5, 2019

Fall is such an exciting time of year here at the shop, with one new yarn after another. The latest comes from Kelbourne Woolens – meet Lucky Tweed!

Lucky Tweed is an aran weight merino wool yarn, manufactured in Donegal, Ireland, for an authentic tweed look and soft hand.

Like any classic tweed, Lucky Tweed is dotted with flecks of fiber in contrasting colors, and the team at Kelbourne Woolens have thoughtfully selected 13 shades for a balanced color palette.

Lucky Tweed knits up at 4 – 4.5 stitches per inch on US 7 – 8 needles. Though it’s warm and relatively thick, it’s not heavy; with 210 yards on each 100 gram skein, Lucky Tweed is quite lofty for an aran weight yarn.

What to knit with Lucky Tweed? Kate Gagnon Osborn, Courtney Kelley, and Meghan Babin of Kelbourne Woolens have designed the nine-piece Lucky Tweed Collection to answer that very question. From the looks of it, Lucky Tweed is as happy in a cable pattern as in colorwork, lace, or a simple knit/purl texture pattern.

Find the patterns on Ravelry and the yarn here at our shop!

Weel Riggit.

Posted by Julia on March 24, 2019

Kate Davies has designed just two patterns so far for her newest yarn, Àrd Thìr. They are both named “Weel Riggit,” which means “well dressed” in Scots and Shetland dialects.

The sweater pattern is currently exclusive to Davies’ club, but eventually it will be available as a single pattern. The “Weel Riggit Hat,” on the other hand, is available to purchase from Ravelry, and has been the subject of much discussion here at the Hillsborough Yarn Shop since Àrd Thìr arrived!

Color A: Kiloran, B: Ardnave, C: Vatersay, D: Luskentyre.

Color A: Camusdarach, B: Firemore, C: Huisinis, D: Kintra.

Davies’ pattern shows the hat in two colorways, both of which share a certain logic: color A (pictured here on the right) is much lighter in value than the three contrast colors, B, C, and D, which are themselves similar in value. With this strategy in mind, I’ve created a few more “Weel Riggit” color combinations.

Color A: Camusdarach, B: Luskentyre, C: Ardnave, D: Huisinis.

Color A: Luskentyre, B: Vatersay, C: Kiloran, D: Camusdarach.

Color A: Huisinis, B: Kintra, C: Veyatie, D: Glamaig.

After much deliberation, I decided to knit my own “Weel Riggit” hat in the colorway shown at the very top of this post, in Davies’ “Weel Riggit Pullover.”

Color A: Ardnave, B: Camusdarach, C: Kiloran, D: Vatersay.

I’m so pleased with the outcome – the experience of knitting it was satisfyingly quick, and the finished hat blocked beautifully, relaxing and softening an already lovely fabric.

You can read more about Davies’ design process on her blog, where she also discusses a bit of the history and cultural context for “Weel Riggit.” Come by the shop to see this “Weel Riggit” hat on display, and to pick four shades for your own!

Hello, Kate Davies Àrd-Thìr.

Posted by Julia on February 11, 2019

We’re thrilled to announce that Kate Davies’ new yarn is here!

We’ve long been admirers of Davies’ writing and knitwear design, and keep a variety of her books in stock here at the shop. Since she started her own line of yarn a few years ago, we’ve longed to carry it, but she sells directly to consumers on her website, rather than through retailers like us. For her newest yarn, Davies has collaborated with Fyberspates to distribute Àrd-Thìr more widely, and we could not be happier to have it on our shelves and in our hands!

Àrd-Thìr comes in 10 heathered shades inspired by the winter landscape of the Scottish highlands, a beautiful muted palette. Head to Davies’ blog to read more about the inspiration, production, and sourcing that makes Àrd-Thìr so special.

I’m the lucky knitter charged with making a shop sample in Àrd-Thìr, and I’ve cast on for Davies’ first available pattern for this yarn, the “Weel Riggit Hat.” It’s been delightfully quick to knit, a pleasure in my hands and on the needles.

Come by the shop to see and touch Àrd-Thìr for yourself, and plan your next project! You’ll find it in our Aran weight section.