Plymouth Yarn Company Blog

New Year Resolutions

Friday, December 30th, 2011

Most people will make a New Year’s Resolution for 2012.  We want to lose a few pounds, save more money, drink less coffee and be more organized.  But what are your New Year’s Knitting Resolutions?  I’d like to share a few of ours with you, along with the resources to help you accomplish them!

1. Knit for yourself! Now that you have the feeling back in your fingers from the last-minute-holiday-crunch knits, sit down and find a pattern that you want for you.  Even if it’s as simple as a new scarf.  Think of the time you will have to fit in knitting for yourself.  If you only have an hour or two a week, think of a spring or summer shawl so when you are done your project, it will be the right season to use it.  Here are a few to consider….

2.  Make a gauge swatch.  I am notorious for not following my own advice on this one.  I often go blindly into a project.  I learned my lesson just a few weeks ago while making a Christmas gift for my niece.  I switched a yarn in a pattern for a slouchy hat.  There were very few differences between the two yarns, fiber content and put-up were the only things that jumped out at me.  My slouchy hat ended not fitting my niece but fitting my husband and I can’t talk him into wearing a purple hat with a touch of glitz.   Check out this article from knitty.com on the importance of and how to knit a gauge swatch.

3. Use your stash! I tried to use my stash this year for all of my holiday knitting and will try to continue to do so.  I ran out of masculine colors and only had to purchase a few balls! I am left with mostly baby yarns so I am hoping for a very long, cold winter so I will get news in the spring that I have some babies to knit for.  I am going to use some for charity but I will get to that later in this post.  There are some wonderful things you can do with those one or two skeins you picked up.  If you have 100% wool, felt, felt, felt! Small coin purses, small bags, small bowls and headbands.  Have a baby or wedding shower to attend?  If you have cotton, consider washcloths.  I have one that a friend made me almost 10 years ago.  It was in my wishing well at my bridal shower and it may be the only linen that hasn’t needed to be replaced! Hats are a great way to use up the stash too.  Here are some pattern ideas you can try.

4.  Finish the projects you start.  I’ll admit it, I have 3 wips in my inventory for about a year now BUT I also started and finished at least 20 others this year.  Will I ever finish those other 3? Hopefully, maybe, well, I can’t answer that question.  There are some great reasons why this should be a resolution you keep.  First is if you get to the end and realize you need just 20 more yards, it may be impossible to track down the dye lot.  Second is while I always try to have a couple pairs of needles in each size, they do me no good if they are tied up in a project I’ve been procrastinating on, then I am off to buy another set or borrow from one of my many knitting buddies.  Which isn’t so bad I guess as I get to see all the new arrivals at my LYS.  Third is the most obvious, that baby will grow right out of that sweater you started.  I am going to choose my projects more carefully and think ahead to make sure I have the time and supplies I need to complete them.  Try looking up your patterns on Ravelry and get real world tips, advice, materials lists and pictures of finished products.

5. Knit for Charity.  I know so many of you are already doing this and it’s such a wonderful opportunity to use your talents.  I send scarves to a local homeless shelter.  I can get them done in one or two nights while I’m watching t.v. and it’s a great way to use your stash.  Check with your local yarn shop, they will likely have a program set up for donations of all sorts.  Here is a list of just a few organizations we have had contact with….

Chemoclothes.org

Bob’s Blankie Brigade

Project Linus

Hair Flair for Hope

Stitching for America

6. Use your technology! Did you know there’s an app for that?  Use your smartphone for more than Angry Birds!  I use my iPhone for everything. There is a free app (called Needles) for cataloging your needles so you know what you’ve got on hand.  It can also direct you to the nearest yarn shop when you are on the go!  Vogue Knitting and Knitting Daily are available too.  YouTube is a great resource for how to videos on just about everything.  I’ve used it to learn a new stitch and how to knit with the new ruffle yarns.  You can also find yarn reviews there.  I can’t talk about technology without mentioning Ravelry.  If you haven’t joined yet, get on it! It’s a fantastic resource for everything yarn, patterns and the people who love them.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday and the gang here at Plymouth Yarn wish you a very Happy New Year.

Joy-full Knitting and Glorious Free Patterns!

Monday, December 5th, 2011

You can tell the holidays are right around the corner. The phones are ringing off the hook in the office, the fax machine is practically smoking and email boxes are bursting at the seams. I am more excited this year then ever before. Why, do you ask? Well, it’s the new Joy collection of yarns we have been shipping to our shops. I finally was able to get a ball of each and I whipped the scarves up in no time this weekend. I wanted to share the yarns and patterns with you. Call your favorite local yarn shop TODAY because everyone is telling me it’s flying off the shelves.

First we have Joy Metallic. It’s a super quick knit full of ruffles and sparkly goodness. It’s perfect for New Year’s Eve out on the town or with a pair of blue jeans.

Joy Metallic

Free Pattern

F390

Joy Metallic Scarf

F390 Joy Metallic PDF

Scarf

Materials:  1 hank.
Approx. Finished Size:  4” x 48”
Needles:  Size US 10.

Knitting Instructions: Spread open the mesh. Turn sideways so that the glitter effect is at the bottom. Cast on 8 sts across the top edge using a size US 10 needle. Knit through the top edge openings – one opening per stitch. Knit every row.

Next up we have Joy Prism with it’s sweet ruffles and delicate loops of sparkle. The color palette will go with everything in your wardrobe.

Joy Prism

Free Pattern

F391

Joy Prism
Scarf
F391 Joy Prism Scarf PDF Download

Materials:  1 hank.
Approx. Finished Size:  4” x 55”
Needles:  Size US 9.

Knitting Instructions: Spread open the mesh. Turn sideways so that the prism effect is at the bottom. Cast on 7 sts across the top edge using a size US 9 needle. Knit through the top edge openings – one opening for the first stitch of every row, then skip a track hole each time for the other stitches of the row.  Knit every row.

2011 Plymouth Yarn Company.  092711jbt

Last but not least, we have Joy Rainbow.  Lots of beautiful ruffles in feminine color combinations without the sparkle.

Free Pattern

F392

Joy Rainbow Scarf

F392 Joy Rainbow Scarf PDF Download

Materials:  1 hank.
Approx. Finished Size:  3” x 48”
Needles:  Size US 10.

Knitting Instructions: Spread open the mesh. Turn sideways so that the rainbow effect is at the bottom. Cast on 6 sts across the top edge using a size US 10 needle. Knit through the top edge openings – one opening for the first stitch of every row, then skip a track hole each time for the other stitches of the row. Knit every row.

2011 Plymouth Yarn Company.  092711jbt

If you would like a little guidance on how to knit with ruffle yarn, you can check out Plymouth Yarn‘s YouTube page and view the “How to knit with Joie de Vie” video as the instructions are similar.  Always knit through the top edge with the effect at the bottom.

I hope you have as much fun as I am with our Joy collection of yarns, keep your eyes peeled for new additions to the line.  Have you made scarf already with one of these yarns?  Come visit our facebook page, post a picture and tell us all about it.

Vogue Knitting Live! California.

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

It’s almost time to visit all your favorite shops attending Vogue Knitting Live! in Los Angeles, CA.  It takes place this weekend, September 23rd-25th at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

Don’t forget to sign up for your classes and lectures before they fill up.  Meet all of your favorite designers and knitting celebrities!

Raffles, giveaways, fashion shows, classes, and celebrities, who could ask for anything more!

So many of our favorite shops will be there that I can’t list them all, but you can see them here.

Share your photos on our facebook page and we’d love to hear your Vogue Knitting Live! stories.

Minnesota State Fair-Oh How I Wish I Was There!

Friday, September 9th, 2011

I wanted to wish a big congratulations to Linda from Kelley’s Quality Sewing Center in Rochester, MN.  She entered her Boku Mitered Square Afghan in competitions at the Minnesota State Fair.  Linda won both the sweepstakes for  Afghan Knitting and the Minnesota Knitter’s Guild.  She also won the blue ribbon for Best Wool Article.  The pattern she chose is 1063 and Linda used 5 different colors of Boku.

I have always heard such fabulous things about the Minnesota State Fair from many of our yarns shops who have participated over the years.  This year, it ran from August 25th to September 5th, in St Paul.  The fair was first held in 1859 and has been held every year with only five exceptions due to war and a polio epidemic! It hosts dozens of competitions for everything from needle crafts and canning to hogs and dairy products.  Not to mention all of the great exhibits, rides and food.  It is the second largest fair in the United States.  Many of our yarn shops were there. This year’s total attendance was 1, 769,872!  I really think I should be there next year, reporting live.  We’ll see if the boss will go for it!

You can get pattern 1063 at your favorite yarn shop that sells Plymouth products, or give Kelley’s Quality Sewing Center a call at 507-288-9051.  Visit their website here and like them on facebook to keep up to to date with all the latest news.

Congratulations again Linda, what a beautiful afghan!

Bazinga Bel et Bon Mitts

Friday, August 19th, 2011

For those folks who don’t already know, I LOVE BAZINGA! This super bulky, wool/acrylic blend has colorways that are to dye for.  It knits up quickly and can be used for so many different projects.

Our friends at Double Ewe Yarn Shop in Circle Pines, MN love Bazinga too.  The owner of the shop, Kelly Judson, has created a darling set of mittens that can be knit in your choice of fingerless or full cover.

Kelly is offering a free download of the Bel et Bon Mitts pattern through Ravelry and on the Double Ewe Yarn Shop website.   You can also check out Kelly’s blog.  But if you are in the Circle Pines area, be sure to stop by.  The gang at Double Ewe would love for you to visit.  Check out their website for shop hours, classes and more.  You can also check them out on their facebook page.

Is there a Bazinga project you would like to share? What else are you working on? We love project pictures! Please visit Plymouth Yarn’s facebook page and share your photos and stories.

August at Plymouth(free pattern link too!)

Friday, August 5th, 2011

August is always an exciting time here at Plymouth Yarn.  New yarns are arriving and fall orders are leaving.  I love when customers call and thank us for all the boxes of beautiful yarns. We use this next week or two to get ready for the upcoming season.  We kicked it off yesterday with our employee breakfast.  After breakfast, we took advantage of the beautiful weather to snap an employee photo or two.

The Plymouth Gang

Dick Jr, Butch and Betty

Some of those new Plymouth yarns you might see in your favorite local yarn shop include

Bazinga

You can find the Bazinga color card here

Stiletto

You can find the Stiletto color card here

DeAire

You can find the DeAire color card here

Holiday Lights

You can find the Holiday Lights color card here

I love this time of year also because I get to chat about Christmas knitting projects with everyone.  Usually, there is a lot of Encore colors 1386 and 54 heading out the door and I’m excited to use Holiday Lights in some of my projects this year.  It has the same gauge and about the same yardage as Encore Worsted.  Log into Ravelry today and download this free Encore Christmas Stocking pattern (hint- you can also use Holiday Lights).

Encore Worsted Christmas Stocking Pattern F167

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, Happy knitting & crocheting!

Ciao from Italy! Pitti Filati Tour

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

This week, our Marketing Director, Christine had the opportunity to visit the Pitti Filati show in Florence, Italy.

Beautiful views in Florence

another beautiful sight

Christine with our agent, Peri

This event demonstrates the latest innovations in yarns, yarn technology and stitch design.  You can see all of the newest fiber trends on the horizon in some of the pictures below.

Gorgeous!

Exquisite detail

Lots of great hats to be seen

We also wanted to share the color trend chart.

I'll take one in every color!

With over 100 yarn brand representatives in attendance, it proves to be one of the most diverse and exciting events we attend.
The show’s focus this year is in ethical quality.  Fiber prices are higher than we have ever seen.  This directly influences all of our choices. Plymouth Yarn Company strives to keep the quality you deserve and the affordability you crave. These decisions are difficult ones and we have discovered some fabulous fibers!

The yarn I love, the pants...not so much!

Knit & Crochet unite!

You won't catch me in this one but the colors are fabulous!

Keep any eye out for new colors in some of your favorite yarns.  We are also considering two new beautiful yarns from Peru and just wait until you can feast your eyes (and needles) on Mushishi Black. We would like to announce that coming soon…Plymouth Yarn will be the exclusive distributor for Grignasco Knits in the United States!

For more photos of Christine’s adventure, please visit our facebook page.

Free Pattern Friday!

Friday, July 1st, 2011

The tribe has spoken and Baby Alpaca Ultimo is the yarn with the most votes in our free pattern poll.  You click, we listen.  You will love this cowl in all it’s beautiful, cuddly, super chunky goodness! Since it’s knit on a size 13 needle, you can make it this weekend while sipping on some lemonade in the backyard.  If your thinking about your holiday knitting projects, this will make a wonderful gift. Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

F371

BABY ALPACA ULTIMO
Cabled Cowl

Approx. Finished Measurements: 20” tall  x 20 around”
Materials:  Ultimo- 2 hanks
Gauge:  8 sts = 4” in garter st on size 13 needles over st st.
Needles:  Size US 13 knitting needles.

Loosely cast on 50 sts
Row 1, 3, 5:  K1, p1, k1, p1, k12, p1, k1, p1, k12, p1, k1, p1, k12, p1, k1, p1, k1.
Row 2, 4, 6: P1, k1, p1, k1, p12, k1, p1, k1, p12, k1, p1, k1, p12, k1, p1, k1, p1.
Row 7:  K1, p1, k1, p1, cable 12 back, p1, k1, p1,  cable 12 back, p1, k1, p1, cable 12 back, p1, k1, p1, k1.
Row 8:  As row 2.
Row 9: As row 1.
Row 10:  As row 2.
Repeat rows 1-10 until total length is about 20” long, or desired length, ending with row 2.
Bind off.  Sew the cast on edge to the bind off edge.  Weave in all ends.

Cable 12 back:  Place 6 sts on a cable needle, hold in back, knit the next 6 sts, knit the 6 sts from the cable needle.
©2011 Plymouth Yarn Company. 032511jbt

Here are some other Baby Alpaca Ultimo patterns available at your favorite yarn shop that sells Plymouth Yarn.

2012

2103

2104

The Royal Wedding Shrug

Friday, June 24th, 2011

It has been just a couple of months since The Royal Wedding and still all eyes are on Kate Middleton (her official last name is Mountbatten-Windsor; I’ll stick with Middleton for now!). She has such a wonderful sense of style and grace.  The future queen has become a fashion icon, as well as her sister, Pippa.  I always peek in the fashion magazines to see what they are wearing.

Kate on her wedding day, wearing a beautiful shrug

Stylish sisters

A few days ago, designer Angela Juergens posted a picture of her Royal Wedding Shrug/Bolero finished project on Plymouth Yarn’s facebook page.

Angela's Shrug

I absolutely fell in love with it and found myself on a mission to find out what I could about the pattern.  I was delighted to find that it was made with and written for Plymouth’s Angora yarn which has been a favorite of mine since the first day it landed in our office.
Angela designed the pattern for Absolute Knits on Ravelry where it is available for purchase.

Soft & Delicate detail

You can find Plymouth’s Angora at your favorite yarn shop that carries Plymouth products.  If you need help locating a shop, you can use the “Find a shop” link at plymouthyarn.com or give our office a call and we will be more than happy to find one for you.
I Googled Kate Middleton’s wedding day attire and found that Angela hit a home run.  She captured the delicate and sophisticated qualities of the original.  It’s almost like Plymouth’s Angora was made for this shrug!  Check it out on Absolute Knits on Ravelry for the details and you’ll want it too!

If you are looking for a variation of the shrug with short sleeves, Plymouth’s Design team has taken care of that.

Pattern 2210, Wedding Jacket

You can order pattern 2210 from your favorite yarn shop or contact our office for more information.

Stitch N Pitch 2011

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Stitch N’ Pitch brings together two traditions — Baseball and needle arts. Whether you knit, crochet, embroider, or cross-stitch, everyone is welcome from the beginners to the experts.  On Wednesday, June 15th, the Plymouth Yarn family attended the major league event at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia to cheer on our Phightin’ Phils! The weather was ideal and the moon was full.  It was perfect knitting weather for me.  With 16 Major League and 19 Minor League Stitch N Pitch events this baseball season, I hope you get the chance to attend a game.  It’s sew much fun!

Stitching the night away!

Knit one, Pitch two

Play ball (or skein)!

If you know the Plymouth gang then you know we love our local sports.  We have had several company outings to Phillies games, Lakewood Blue Claws minor league games and quite a few “friendly” company softball games. We listen to the Phillies on the radio in the afternoon and sometimes our customers will hear some cheers in the background when they are speaking to our customer service team on the phone. We even try to attend a game when we go to trade shows.

Sales Rep Jennifer Phillips and Design Director JoAnne Turcotte catching a game in Ohio.

Christine, our Marketing Guru and her husband enjoying a night out

But we get the most excited about Stitch N Pitch.  It’s a time when we get to meet some of our shop owners, colleagues, and fiber fans!

Some Stitch N Pitch swag

More swag

We were lucky enough that the Phillies won the game. They filleted the Marlins in the 10th inning which gave me just enough time to almost finish the Baby Alpaca Grande cowl project I brought and learn to knit with our new yarn, Joie de Vie!
Thanks so much to all who attended, the Phillies, and The National NeedleArts Association for taking part in such a great night.  Check out www.stitchnpitch.com for a game near you.  See you next year!

Chemo Clothes, Hope you can wear.

Visit Chemo Clothes facebook page to find out how to donate.