January 2013 Newsletter 

- Always Something New - 

 We recently received a new shipment of Madelinetosh Tosh DK and Tosh Merino Light; however, stay tuned as any day now we are expecting our largest shipment from them yet.

From Handmaiden, the new super soft Swiss Mountain Mulberry Tussah, which is 50% Tussah Silk and 50% Mulberry Silk, is available in 12 fabulous colours.  The two silks take dye differently resulting in a stunning play of light.  And, from the sister company, Fleece Artist, Tosca, an 8 stitch gauge, merino nylon blend yarn in a variety of hand-dyed colours.

For chunky yarn lovers, new shipments of Malabrigo Rasta and Cascade Magnum have both finally arrived.  Perfect yarns for big, cozy cowls.

Lorna's Laces Solemate and Sportmate sock and sport weight yarns (respectively) are also new.  This yarn is 55% superwash merino, 15% nylon and 30% Outlast.  Outlast is a "phase change" material tested and approved by NASA to regulate temperture and keep you comfy.

For those who like embroidery or would like to try something new, we have super-adorable crewel kits from Wool & Hoop. You can make cards, pillows, or just hooped designs. 

[Please note that inventory may vary between stores]    

If you don't already follow us on facebook or twitter, it is a great way to keep up to date on all the fun new products that are arriving daily!  

     - Project Ideas - 

 Wondering what to make to go with - or take a break from - all those cowls you knit (or received)? We'd like to suggest mittens or gloves.  Fingered, fingerless, flip top...we've got lots of pattern choices and yarns for this year-round, essential accessory.

A perennial staff and customer favourite are the Churchmouse Classics Welted Fingerless Gloves.  This pattern has a superb technique for constructing and finishing the thumb hole.  Made using dk weight yarn, it is a satisfying and relatively quick knit.  You can make one glove in an evening; if you're super speedy, perhaps even a pair in one evening.  Donna recently made this pair using just one skein of Alchemy's luscious Kozmos yarn.  They can be viewed at our Edgemont location.

Still in the fingerless style, try out one of our newest yarns, Zealana's Air - a superlight and luxurious blend of 40% cashmere, 40% brushtail possum, and 20% mulberry silk.  This pattern is available free from Zealana and is featured in Vogue Knitting Holiday 2012 magazine.  We also have a sample in our Edgemont location.

And, for something to cover the full hand, why not try the lovely Rosina Mittens.  We love the cables, twisted stitches, and small bobbles on the back of the hand and the twisted-rib detailing on the edges of the palm.  The pattern appears in Norah Gaughan Collection Vol. 9 and requires just one skein of Berroco's Ultra Alpaca.  We have a selection of more than 20 colours in this wool/alpaca blend yarn as well as alternative yarns you could substitute if you choose.  

- Upcoming Events - 

Join us in welcoming Jane Richmond to our Urban Yarns Point Grey location on Friday, January 25th from 7-9 pm.  Jane is a fabulous knitwear designer who recently published a new book, Island, a collection of handknits inspired by life on Vancouver Island.  She will be available for book signing and will bring a variety of her creations for viewing. We look forward to seeing you there!

                   Happy Knitting & Crocheting