Our first-ever YARN TASTING event, hosted by Michael from CASCADE Yarns proved great fun for all. Eager knitters waited patiently outside the doors while
knitch staff transformed our everyday space into a place with elbow room for 80.
Michael provided pre-cut lengths of about 20 different yarns, some of which we already stock and some which were new to everyone. In the spirit of the "tasting" event, he presented them in wine bottles--flowing out of the neck like foam from champagne.
Each "taster" approached the task with her own style and tools: circular needles, straight needles, and crochet hooks. Some people cast on a few and made a narrow swatch of stripes; some people cast on a lot and added new yarns as one ran out. Some people cast on for each new yarns and made a dozen mini-swatches.
About every 15 minutes, Michael gave away a Cascade yarn/pattern kit as a door prize. Knitters put aside their needles to check the numbers on their tickets.
Some yarns emerged as strong favorites, based on the votes tallied after the event as well as comments overheard during the course of the evening. As a result we have ordered:
- Cascade 220 Superwash Sport
- Venezia DK (silk/merino blend)
- Heritage Sock yarn
and will restock
Eco Duo (merino/alpaca) for the fall
Discussions are underway for which vendor to "taste" next!