Yarn Market Blog

“Knit and Crochet Today,” the PBS series produced by Candi Jensen and underwritten by Coats and Clark, has been nominated for an Emmy!!

The Sexy Knitter’s Club, a long-standing knit-a-long group, just released its top 20 nominations for its Spring KAL. Many of these projects require beyond-beginner skills, perfect for short-term, warm-weather classes. Some of the patterns are free, like Jaden and Talia from Knitty.com; others are for sale and available via download.

You’ll find that the term sexy is broadly interpreted. These are pretty, body-conscious designs (a few actually are quite prim) that offer skill builders such as lace edgings, waist shaping, stitch patterns and more.

You might find these designs so alluring, you’ll be tempted to cast on yourself. 

For tips on using Knitty’s free patterns without violating copyrights, check out Knitty’s instructions here.

A commemorative volume featuring aboriginal and non-aboriginal Aussie toppers from the famous Alice Springs Beanie Festival

We’re trying to be more diligent about maintaining the online YMN calendar. To check out the calendar via the YMN homepage, click “Yarn Events” and off you’ll go.

In logging these various “yarn events,” we were struck not only by the sheer number of wool and fiber festivals but also by remarkable diversity of locale. I found myself fantasizing about taking an entire summer to tour various wool fests. Imagine starting at Maryland Sheep and Wool in West Friendship, MD in early May, heading up the coast to hit the New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival on Mother’s Day weekend then on to the Maine Fiber Frolic and the Estes Park Wool Market in June with a swing down under to the Alice Springs Beanie Festival.

And that only takes us partially through June.

Though many of us will be stuck in our offices this summer or working away in our shops, fiber festivals are a wonderful reminder that much of our yarn comes from fiber animals and their hardworking shepherds, and that the garments we make from that yarn are, in the words of the brilliant designer Erika Knight when discussing Rowan’s organic Purelife range, “slow clothes,” items we treasure and wear and pass down.

Happy Earth Day, everyone. I can rest easy that my fantasy peregrinations carry a much lighter carbon burden than if I really had the time and money to indulge them. 

(Oh, dear, but then there’s Woolfest in Cockermouth, England. Sigh.)

I swear on a stack of Barbara Walker treasuries that you should be receiving YMN more reliably. Our new improved mailing system is in place and our goal is to have “May” in your hands prior to TNNA.

Speaking of May, here are a few things to look for in the next issue:

Transitions—Second Careers

Nurses, lawyers, rocket scientists: Many, if not most, LYS owners have had at least one previous professional incarnation. In the fourth part of our Transitions series, contributing editor Cheryl Krementz talks to some storeowners about what they did before and how it helps them now.

Is Green the New Color of Money?

Adding organic to your store’s offerings can help your bottom line AND the environment.

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!

Spinning, weaving, quilting, needlepoint. Knitting may not be enough any more. What can you add to your offerings? Shannon Okey explores the options.

Just Like dear Old Dad

Dick Power, Jr., Warren Wheelock, David Blumenthal, Karin Skacel-Haak, Kirstin Meunch: they have more then yarn in common. YMN talks to some folks in our industry about following in the family tradition.

Company Profile: Namaste

These cool Californians donated the fab bags we filled with swag for the YMN Conference attendees. We wanted to find out what their story is.

From left to right, Dawn Butler, Clint Lealos, Kelly Lealos, Toni Lealos (aka “Mama Toni”) and friends

International Profile: South Africa

More than 60 per cent of world mohair production is produced in South Africa. Nadine Curtis’s partner in Be Sweet takes us on a tour of this fascinating fiber-producing country.

Yarn Forward: Clean and Green Yarns

Eco-friendly offerings from companies old and new.

Candi Land

Candi Jensen shares her excitement about new projects and new directions she sees the industry going in.

You may have noticed that your March 2008 YMN is a bit on the late side. The issue “dropped” late, but you should be seeing it in the post any day.

Many of you have mentioned recurring problems with receiving YMN reliably. We’re working on it. We recently changed printers (you may have noticed the improved paper and color quality) and we are still ironing out labeling and mailing issues. 

Hopefully by the time the May edition rolls around, our logistical woes will be behind us.

Is another YMN Smart Conference a wise idea?

We’re certainly talking about it! The conference was such a success that we’ve begun discussions on next year’s. We’re waiting to get survey results from those of you who attended this one (hint: they’re due April 15, same as taxes) before we make a final decision.

Do you want another one? Let us know!