Alternative Fibers

Do you knit in the summer? Of course, we do! Alternative yarns make their way to the forefront in preparation for summer. We carry bamboo, soy, silk, and many other alternative yarns. Perhaps you are allergic to wool but still love to knit. These yarns allow you to continue what you love! We've gotten in great new yarns for summer. Have you ever knit anything with bamboo? Yes, it is possible! Bamboo yarn is our latest craze! This absolutely gorgeous yarn by Mondial is made in Italy...and even looks like Italy! We have two vibrant colorways in the softest yarn you'll ever touch. You can sign up for the class or make the circular tank top on your own with only three skeins! Sojabama by Schulana is a fabulously luxurious yarn made from bamboo and soy. We now carry exclusive lace knit scarf patterns by local artist Phyllis Cambpell. This yarn is perfect for them! Even if you're not allergic to wool, these alternative yarns are an experience all their own. Come see what you've been missing!

Spring has sprung!

We're getting Spring Fever early around the shop. Everyone has been busy rearranging shelves and planting flowers! If you're feeling that spring itch for fun colors and bright projects, stop in and see what's new. Don't worry, no green thumb required. You can have a lush green yard...erm, yarn stash with the newest color of Rowan Summer Tweed, "Hedgerow!"

Now is the perfect time to start knitting summer projects. Perhaps you'd like a new cardigan like "Loppem." This fabulous top is knit in one piece on circular needles in Berroco Palace yarn. We promise you'll feel like royalty!

We also have great lightweight yarns like Pima Cotton DK and Pure Silk DK featured in the new Rowan book Reminiscence. The new Rowan Magazine 45 features hand knit cotton and summer tweed. For the environmentally conscientious, try Rowan Purelife Cotton, made from 100% organic cotton.

Spring is also the perfect time to knit up a pair of socks...or learn how. Our next sock class starts May 16th, so sign up while there is still room!

Ravelry

Ravelry is a phenomenal resource. This website is run by a single couple and their friends. Take pictures of your projects to display on your own “Notebook” page. Take pictures of your stash! Download the entire contents of your stash to an Excel file. You can search for yarns by type, color, brand, or weight. Search patterns to find the perfect pattern to match that yarn you bought in Greece but have no idea what to do with it… See what other knitters say about a yarn or pattern. View their pictures of finished products. This can help you decide if you will really like making that lacy top that looks so perfect that size 0 blonde model*…blonde…grey…what’s the difference right?! The possibilities are endless!

If you are already a member of Ravelry, go directly to Groups and join the “String of Purls” group. Chat with others who love our local yarn shop (LYS). Find out about the latest classes, sales, and events. Ask questions of other knitters familiar with the shop and the projects we feature. Plan when you will meet up for an impromptu sit-n-knit!

Not a Ravelry member? Follow this link to join the masses! Ravelry Click on the “Request An Invitation” link on the right side of the Ravelry home page. Once you receive your invitation, sign in and go directly to the String of Purls group and join our forums. If you need help, send xopheliax a message using the Ravelry message system. We look forward to seeing you there!

*This post does not mean to imply that "Size 0 Blondes" cannot knit. We accept, welcome, and love knitters of all hair colors and sizes. :)