The Yarn Garden Blog

Yarn Garden 2013 Sock Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:50:00 +0000

We’re all super obsessed with socks, and are thrilled to invite you to join our 2013 Sock Challenge!

January was for finishing up (or recovering from) holiday knitting, so starting in February, we’ll be knitting one pair of socks each month, to end up with 11 new pairs of socks by the end of the year! Get a start on your Christmas presents, or stock up on your own sock collection.

You can sign up for this challenge in store during the month of February. Everyone who finishes the challenge will be entered into a raffle at the end of December for a $50 Yarn Garden gift card, and will have warm, cozy feet for all of 2014!

We’ll have yarn and pattern suggestions posted on our blog throughout the year. We can’t wait to see what you create!

Cascade Paints

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:15:00 +0000

Cascade's Magnum yarn has been flying off our shelves this season for quick projects on big needles (US #15-17) such as cowls, hats and mittens. We are happy to announce it now comes in colorful paints!

From left to right: Magnum Paints in colors Purple, Denim and Salt & Pepper.

Caramel and Forest

Orange and Reds

From left to right: Wild Honey, Olympic Forest and David's Eyes

Of course we had to get more sock yarn too. Cascade's Heritage sock yarn has been popular at the shop for a long time for socks to shawls with it's broad solid color selection. We now carry it in Paints!

Londonberry, Forest and Tropical Seas

75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon, machine washable and has 437 yards per 100 gram skein, plenty for a pair of socks. It's incredibly soft, warm and strong!

Dark Sunset, Fall Foliage and Dahlia

Knit a pair of the B&B socks designed by Betty Balcomb using one skein of Heritage Paints. A wonderful combination of basketweave and cables. Pictured here in color David's Eyes #9922, free pattern from Cascade Yarns.

We also have lots of Magnum and Heritage solids and Quick Knits books in stock too!

Upcoming Class: Learn to Knit Fingerless Gloves

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 23:37:00 +0000

Class #03 Teacher: Emily Devlin

Learn to knit while making a pair of trendy fingerless gloves in this class. You'll learn how to knit, purl, read a pattern, and sew a seam. These fingerless gloves are a great first project, and they're small and quick enough that you'll be impatient to start a second set.

*Students receive 20% off class materials

Class Dates and Times:
Wed. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 1/9/2013
Wed. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 1/16/2013
Wed. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 1/23/2013

Auld Lang Syne

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 23:55:00 +0000

We will be open New Years Eve until 3pm so come in and pick out your project for 2013!

We are closed New Years Day and open our regular hours Wednesday, Jan. 2nd.

Treat yourself to a ball winder and wooden swift, Stitchionary books or the Addi Turbo Click Interchangeable needle set. Get inspired!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Yarn Garden!

Upcoming Class: Learn to Knit Scarf

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 21:57:00 +0000

The New Year is just around the corner and with it comes resolutions for 2013.

My mother is always encouraging me to take a class and learn something new. Since our mother's know best, I take the annual challenge and sign up for something different and always have the best time. So, if knitting is something you've always wanted to learn, I encourage you to sign up for the Learn to Knit Scarf class.

Learn the basics of knitting while creating a stylish scarf perfect for men or women.

We will use a pattern that includes many more scarf and wrap options that you can knit later on - it is full of design possibilities! You will learn how to cast on, knit, purl, bind off, read a pattern weave in ends.

We will be making this lovely Textural Scarf.

Class Dates and Times:
Tue. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 1/8/2013
Tue. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 1/15/2013
Tue. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 1/22/2013

* No knitting experience required to take this class

Students receive 20% off all class materials.

Gift Idea: Knit and Crochet Classes

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 01:46:00 +0000

Our Winter Classes for 2013 are here and there is one for everybody!

My mother signed me up for a class 10 years ago to learn to knit while I was visiting her. I'll never forget my patient and hilarious teacher and the first scarf I made with knits AND purls! Knitting is a huge part of my life now and I still continue to take classes and now teach them myself.

There's nothing else like a room full of people bonding over a first scarf so take a look at our class schedule and sign up for one today or gift a class to a loved one for the holidays!

For the last minute shoppers, pick up a Yarn Garden gift card along with a printed out class schedule.

Upcoming Class: #01 Dickinson V-Neck Pullover

Teacher: Michelle Corcoran

Learn the basics of sweater construction as you knit this cozy v-neck pullover. In addition to reading a pattern, you'll also learn increases and decreases, seaming, and a decorative ribbing that adds a special touch to this sweater. Knit on larger needles, you'll find this sweater a fun and quick knit!

This is a great class for new knitters. Skills needed: cast on, knit, purl and bind off.

Class Dates and Times:
Mon. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 1/7/2013
Mon. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 1/14/2013
Mon. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 1/21/2013
Mon. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 2/4/2013

-Annie, Yarn Garden

Last Minute Gift Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 02:39:00 +0000

Hand made Serendipity knitting needles crafted from Northern White Birch with handcrafted polymer clay finials on top from animals to snowmen! We carry sizes US #7-9.

The ASAP (five hour sweater) from Classic Elite Yarns is a
stylish and warm quick knit using La Gran double stranded (pictured in color Iris).

La Gran is an aran weight blend of 76½% Mohair, 17½% Wool, 6% Nylon, soft and fluffy!

The Cozy Como Cowl from last season revisited in Classic Elite Yarns Ariosa held double. Knit this cowl in a couple evenings with circular US #17 needles, two balls of Ariosa. Pictured above in color Tannin. Free pattern on our Yarn Garden Ravelry page.

A simple hat for women or men in a classic tweed yarn. The Chunkeanie, a free pattern on Ravelry.com, designed by Woolly Wormhead was a fun knit with easy to read instructions and nice decreases at the top. We knit ours with one ball of Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran in color Sienna and size US #8 needles. This hat can be worn slouchy or with a folded brim.

The Tivoli Twist, the perfect accessory for her. Ribbed with a simple twist in the front and buttonhole closure in the back. Knit with one ball of Tivoli in color Amber from Tahki Stacy Charles, a luxurious blend of 52% Silk, 48% Mohair. Free pattern with yarn purchase!

We have wooden swifts in stock too! Who doesn't want one of these?

-Annie, Yarn Garden

Gift Idea: Cloudy Portland Sky Cowl

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 01:48:00 +0000

One of best sellers this year has been the Cloudy Portland Sky Cowl. A simple infinity cowl knit seamlessly in the round in seed stitch on US #10.5 needles. The yarn is what makes this cowl really special.

Cascade Yarns Eco Cloud, an aran weight chainette 70% merino wool, 30% baby alpaca with 164 yards/ skein. A very soft yarn and the chainette ply makes it light-weight, even knit on big needles while giving a simple seed stitch lovely texture. We carry Cloud in 18 beautiful colors and Eco Cloud in 5 undyed natural shades.

This is a free pattern available on the Yarn Garden Ravelry page, designed by Michelle Corcoran.

"Snow Skies" pictured above was knit with 2 skeins of Cascade Yarns, Eco Cloud in color #1801 natural.

Size can be easily modified by adding or taking away stitches, as long as the cast on number is odd.

Wear it doubled to stay toasty!

Pictured above, 2 skeins of Eco Cloud, color #1810 charcoal.

There is still time to knit a couple of these and gift, or gift the yarn and pattern to the special knitters in your life!

-Annie, Yarn Garden

Gift Idea: Marie Mayhew's Woolly Patterns

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 23:10:00 +0000

New from Marie Mayhew's imagination are some wonderful felting patterns. The Woolly Bird Holiday Ornaments are one of my favorites. I've already cast on a couple to be gifted!

This pattern gives instructions for four birds: an owlet, a tufted-ear owl, a cardinal, and a penguin chick. When felted, the ornaments measure a little over 2-inches round.

Endless color possibilities with the Woolly Matroyshka Doll pattern. Personalize them for a friend for the holiday!

The Beehive Skeps are so sweet.

Marie's take on the old baskets made of grass or straw to house a colony of bees.

Knit and felt a whimsical 3-1/2 or 5-inch beehive as a tribute to the hardest worker out there - the honey bee!

The Woolly Kitty Kat felts to about 8 inches tall.

Something for the cat lover.

The Woolly Gnome & Mushroom has 3 adaptations now! Woolly Santa, pictured above, a wee leprechaun and Matilda the witch. Once you have the Woolly Gnome & Mushroom pattern you can download Marie's other adaptions on her website.

Last winter we had so much fun knitting the Woolly Penguin Chicks and Snowmen, you can read about it here.

Come in and check out her other patterns!

-Annie, Yarn Garden

Gift Idea: Eco Duo

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 01:50:00 +0000

We are all knitting and crocheting away as the holidays are fast approaching so we will continue to share patterns we love and hope you will too!

The One Skein Scarf is a wonderful unisex scarf great for anyone that loves soft yarn and neutral colors.

Last season we coveted Eco Duo from Cascade Yarns. The yarn is so unbelievably soft and with 197 yards we found we could make some beautiful timeless accessories with just one skein.

The Pattern
One Row Handspun Scarf by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee aka the Yarn Harlot. It's a free pattern on her blog and we love it! Mary used only 1 skein of Eco Duo in color Storm #1703 and the scarf turned out long enough to wrap around once.

For Her

The Burberry Inspired Cowl is another great gift idea. This is such a classic pattern that looks good in so many different yarns. We knit this cowl with US #10 needles and 1 skein of Cascade Eco Duo. I love it pictured here in color Vanilla, the yarn slowly changes from cream to ivory.

This would make a wonderful first cable pattern, it's very easy to read and goes by quickly.

The Yarn

Cascade Yarns Eco Duo is an aran weight, undyed blend of 70% alpaca, 30% merino.
There are 197 yds/100 gr in a skein with 4.5 sts per inch on a US 8 knitting needle for $14.95 per skein.
We carry eight different natural undyed colors. A couple skeins would make great stocking stuffers!

-Annie, Yarn Garden

Gift Idea: Chalet Cowl

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 23:55:00 +0000

To keep up with every one's wish list, I am going to continue to share some of Yarn Garden's favorite gift ideas.

The Chalet Cowl is one of my personal favorites. The yarn is a dream to knit with and the pattern is easy to read and goes by quickly. The cowl is knit with Classic Elite Yarns, Chalet, one of the softest yarns we carry. It's a quick knit on US 10 1/2 needles, worked flat like a scarf with textured cables and kitchener stitched together at the end for an invisible seam.

Free pattern with yarn purchase!

Chalet is a bulky weight chainette, 70% baby alpaca and 30% bamboo. It is part of Classic Elite's Mountaintop collection of yarns that are spun from natural, undyed fibers.

Eight beautiful neutral colors to choose from.

-Annie, Yarn Garden

Gift Ideas: Yarn Garden Gift Card

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 19:57:00 +0000

The holidays are fast approaching and to make your shopping easy, Yarn Garden has gift cards!
Perfect for the fiber lovers in your life.
We ship anywhere in United States, so you can go ahead and add a Yarn Garden gift card to your wish list and use it on that project you've always wanted to make for yourself.
Order one online at yarngarden.net or give us a call at 503-239-7950.

Gift Idea: Layers of Cashmere

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:35:00 +0000

There's nothing like cashmere around your neck, keeping your warm and toasty for the winter.

We knit a few of these simple ribbed cowls in different colors using one ball of Aiko, 80% cashmere/ 20% nylon with big needles and layered them. It feels like a cloud and would make the perfect gift.

Free pattern with yarn purchase!

Grey, pumpkin and white.

Knit seamlessly in the round, this cowl flies off the needles. Knit one for yourself and another for a friend and have matching cowls!

We love layers.

Black Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 19:54:00 +0000

Look for the red tags today only! Lots of yarns on sale starting at 15% off.

Add a little glitz to your stash with Aura (pictured above), on sale 15% off all colors. Many more yarns on sale such as Baby Cashmerino, Jaeger Fur, Himilayas, Jo Sharp DK (one of our favorites) and many more!

Northern Lights

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:42:00 +0000

With the holidays on the horizon, we've been working away on some simple and classic patterns that will knit up quickly and be adored be the recipient.

Northern Lights is a stockinette stitch cowl, knit seamless in the round with one ball of Alpaca Degrade.

The yarn fades from one color to the next in beautiful shades reminiscent of the Aurora Borealis.

This pattern is available free in the Yarn Garden Ravelry Store.

Simple rolled edges let the colors pop against each other. Pictured in color #59.

Lang Yarns Alpaca Degrade, a worsted weight brushed 70% Alpaca/ 15% Wool/ 15% Polyester blend available in 6 color changing shades. With 147 yards/ 25 gram ball, it knits up soft and airy on US #8 knitting needles and $7.95 per ball.

Two balls of the same color (#59) show how much the shades change.

Color By Kristin

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:04:00 +0000

Portland can be dark and rainy this time of year and adding a little color to a hat, scarf or pair of gloves will make anyone smile. We introduced the Color By Kristin line of yarn and booklets this season and have fallen in love with all of her colors and color combinations. She's a brilliant designer and her yarn is so wonderful to work with.

Color By Kristin is a worsted weight soft blend of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% mohair . With 20 colors to choose from inspired by nature and the world around us.

This yarn knits up at 5 stitches per inch on US #7 knitting needles with 93 yards/ 50 gram ball.

We have all been having fun knitting up accessories from the Color By Kristin booklets. The Ziggy hat is knit knit in the round with 4 contrasting color stripes from booklet # 9209 and the Petunia gloves from booklet #9210. Her patterns are easy to read and the color combinations are perfect.

The Sebastian gloves give you two fun options. Both color block, one using 3 colors and embroidery with a ribbed cuff, the other using 3 colors and a cabled cuff. The contrasting garter ridges really pop!

Vera is a slouchy hat with a wonderful colorwork pattern. This would make a wonderful gift!

Michelle had a lot of fun teaching the Cabled Cookie Tam class this fall. Everyone loved the yarn and the pattern from booklet #9210 This has become a fall favorite and would be a great holiday gift idea.

Another great gift idea is the Tablet Cozy, a free pattern from Classic Elite Yarns from their web-letter. This is pattern would be a perfect way to learn colorwork and try some unexpected color combinations.

Cricket

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 23:36:00 +0000

Cricket has arrived! Along with the other yarns we carry from Anzula, (Breeze, Inyo, Oasis and Wash My Lace) Cricket is wonderful. We are so happy to be carrying it in 15 beautiful hand dyed colors.

Cricket is a blend of 80% merino/ 10% cashmere/ 10% nylon with 250 yards per skein. It's machine washable, making it a great yarn for hats, cowls, gloves and even babies.

We are in love with this yarn!

From the top, left to right: Elephant, Black, Teal, Prince, Grace, Periwinkle and Plum

From the top, left to right: Taupe, Coco, Seaside, Poppy, 1 Red Show, Au Natural, Daffodil and Raspberry.

Hand dyed to perfection! Coco, pictured above, has a wonderful mix of tonal browns.

Anzula

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:12:00 +0000

Over the summer we fell in love with Anzula's Wash My Lace and Breeze yarns. We are excited to introduce more of their yarns into our shop!

Oasis is a sport to dk weight blend of 70% silk/ 30% camel and 375 yards per 100 gram skein. The combination makes the yarn light and soft, yet still warm. The beautiful hand dyes create a gorgeous tonal effect that would show off well in lace to plain stockinette. The silk gives this yarn wonderful drape, great for shawls or cardigans.

Colors clockwise from top left: Coco, Olivia, Emerald and Shiitake.

Clockwise from top left: Curry, Arizona, Aurora and Avocado.

Toffee and Seaside

Upcoming Class: Toe-Up Socks 201: Shetland Lace

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:20:00 +0000

Class #09 Teacher: Arwen

Arwen's sock, knit with Millamia in color lilac blossom.

Now that you've discovered toe-up socks, why not challenge yourself with a little lace? This traditional Shetland stitch takes on new life as ribbing for these pretty socks. Choose a bright color for a modern twist!

*Skills needed to take this class - CO, knit, purl, BO, have made toe-up socks before.

Class Dates and Times:
Tue. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 10/16/2012
Tue. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 10/23/2012
Tue. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 10/30/2012
Tue. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 11/6/2012

Students receive 20% off all class materials.

Class Spotlight: Cable Loop Cowl

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 20:55:00 +0000

Class #07 Teacher: Amanda

Learn to cable with this fun, reversible cowl. That's right, reversible; impress all of your friends while staying warm and cozy. It's so easy you'll feel magic!

*Skills needed to take this class: Cast on, knit, purl, bind off

Class Dates and Times:
Thu. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 10/11/2012
Thu. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 10/18/2012
Thu. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 10/25/2012

Students receive 20% off all class materials.

Pictured in Cascade 220 Superwash, 100% Peruvian Highland washable wool with 220 yards/ 100 gram ball.

Upcoming Class

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Portlandia Hat - Double Knitting 101

Class #05 Teacher: Amanda

Learn to make and shape a completely reversible fabric by knitting a double knit hat with Amanda.

*Skills needed to take this class - Knit, purl, cast-on, knitting in the round.

Class Dates and Times:
Thu. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 9/20/2012
Thu. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 9/27/2012
Thu. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 10/4/2012

Students receive 20% off all class materials.

Hat pictured in Berroco Vintage DK, Navy and Split Pea Melange. Just one skein of each color.

Upcoming Class

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 00:03:00 +0000

Toe-Up Socks 101

Class #03 Teacher: Arwen

These sportweight socks cover all the basics. You'll learn the Figure 8 cast on, how to make a gusseted short row heel, and the always stretchy sewn bind off. It's easy to get the perfect fit with toe up socks!

*Skill needed to take this class: CO, knit, purl, BO, comfortable working with small needles, ability to knit in the round with smaller needles.

Class Dates and Times:
Tue. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 9/18/2012
Tue. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 9/25/2012
Tue. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 10/2/2012
Tue. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 10/9/2012

Students receive 20% off all class materials.

Two balls of Regia Crazy Color 6ply will make a self-striping pair.

I learned the toe-up technique from Arwen and love it. It's all I use now and my socks always fit me just right. -Annie, Yarn Garden

Yarn Garden Classes

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 01:06:00 +0000

Learn To Knit Liberty Wool Pillow

Class #01 Teacher: Emily

Learn to knit while making a super cozy pillow for your sofa! Liberty Wool Print yarn stripes automatically, making the fun colors in this project a breeze. You will learn to knit, purl, increase, decrease, read a pattern and seam.

Not just for beginners, this is a great refresher class too!
*Skills needed to take this class - none

Class Dates and Times:
Mon. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 9/17/2012
Mon. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 9/24/2012
Mon. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 10/1/2012

Sign up at yarngarden.net or call us 503-239-7950

Hooded Cardigan For Babies & Toddlers

Class #02 Teacher: Michelle

Gear up for fall baby gifts and conquer your first sweater! We will be knitting a cute and cozy little hooded sweater from the top down. We'll cover top-down sweater construction, sleeves knit with magic loop, and more!
*Skills needed to take this class - CO, knit, purl, BO.

This little hooded sweatshirt was knit using Encore, a machine washable wool/acrylic blend.

Class Dates and Times:
Mon. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 9/17/2012
Mon. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 9/24/2012
Mon. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 10/1/2012
Mon. • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • 10/8/2012

Students receive 20% off all class materials.

Summer Flies

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:20:00 +0000

Join us on Sundays from 2-4pm at Yarn Garden for our current KAL, the Summer Flies Shawl, a free pattern on Ravelry.com.
A beautiful shawl to wrap yourself in for fall and a great way to try your hands at lace with the help of our friendly and knowledgeable staff. This pattern calls for a dk or worsted weight yarn but a few people are using sock yarn for a lighter shawl.
Our KAL's are free to join so bring your friends and cast on!

Lois already finished one shawl! Knit with Ruca Solid, a 100% sugarcane yarn with lots of drape.

Beautiful ruffled edge.

Emily's shawl in progress. She's knitting with Classic Elite Yarns Sanibel, a worsted weight cotton/viscose ribbon that changes

Photos of finished Soda Spring Socks from our last KAL:

2 socks of Sally's (North Pole and Opal Van Gogh), Lois's Soda Springs Sock, Carol's Soda Springs Sock in Alpaca Sox Kettle Dyed.

Sally's Soda Springs sock in Zoe Sock

Emily's Soda Spring socks in the Opal Vincent Van Gogh color series.

Chalet

noreply@blogger.com (Yarn Garden) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 23:31:00 +0000

The new Classic Elite Yarns have arrived for Fall! All of us here at Yarn Garden have knitted with at least one of the new yarns and are loving them. For new bulky yarns, Chalet is at the top of the list and the booklet for it has 6 great patterns, pictured above.

From left to right: Sand, Adobe, Camel and Chestnut

Chalet is a very soft yarn made of 70% baby alpaca and 30% bamboo.

The chainette construction makes this yarn lightweight even at 3-3.5 stitches per inch on a

US #10-11 knitting needle. Chalet is from Classic Elite's Mountaintop Collection of yarns spun from natural, undyed fibers.

From left to right: Parchment, Steel, Slate and Charcoal

Arwen was the lucky one who got to knit with Chalet and she designed this beautiful cabled cowl using 3 skeins of color camel and US #10.5 knitting needles. This is a free pattern with yarn purchase.

Cowls are so easy to wear and make great gifts.

A simple cable pattern that gives a lattice effect.

-Annie, Yarn Garden