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| Nothing puts the taste of spring in our mouths like strawberries - there's just something about seeing the first real, dirt-grown, rich and ruby-red berries in the market that means warm weather is here to stay! Combined with rhubarb, another harbinger of spring, they make a perfect dessert for those who like a little tart in their treats (and in their yarn!). Take a taste of our May installment in the Tasty Tosh 2015 series: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie! |
Kristen can't wait for the rhubarb to start popping up in her mother-in-law's garden so she can start making her favorite strawberry-rhubarb pie recipe from food blogger Smitten Kitchen, so it was a natural inspiration for this month's color. We can already smell the sugary, heady fragrance of the berries bursting in the oven, along with the scent of buttery pastry getting flaky and golden... slurp! Our mouths are watering already! | |
The juicy red, delicate pink, and creamy white yarn has piqued our appetite, too... say, Kristen, how about bringing one of those pies to work? Yum! | Hopefully she'll share the pie, but we know for sure Kristen's got a special design ready to share her love of this great color: the Rhubarb Helix hat, which uses just one skein of Tosh Vintage! The pattern is free with purchase of the yarn, or available on Ravelry for just $1. Or, if you'd like to try this delicious color in our newest Madelinetosh base, Twist Light, grab the Malena Shawl pattern from Andrea Rangel- the pretty eyelet lace will look just like a strawberry patch! |
As if that wasn't enough, the team at Black Rock Mud has created a special Mini Mudpot to coordinate with this month's color, which comes with a recipe for a silky-smooth Strawberries and Cream face mask! Slather it on and soak up the goodness of mineral-rich, Nevada Illite clay! | |
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Pssst... can you keep a secret? We have a super-special shipment of now-discontinued Madelinetosh Tosh Lace sitting on our shelves in the warehouse! Each skein is a generous 950 yards of gorgeously hand-dyed 100% superwash merino wool, ready to be knit up into soft, frothy lace projects. Use it for a light shoulder cozy like the Spring Leaves Lace Shawl from Grace Akhrem, or the Facing Lilies Stole by Anne Merrow! Or, for a beautiful and timeless garment, try your hand at the Marian Tunic. Beautiful! On second thought, don't keep this a secret - tell everyone you know! We don't want anyone to miss out, because once this delectable yarn is gone, it's gone for good! | |
| By the way, for the single-ply lace lovers among you, we have a fantastic stash of Prairie Short Skeins perfect for bringing your favorite designs to life! At 740 yards, these first-quality, richly-colored hanks of merino wool goodness are just 100 yards short of a normal skein, still plenty to make a large lace project like The Yarniad's Sidere Shawl, but we've knocked off almost 20% of the price! These beauties are also available in limited quantity, so hop on this deal while you can! |
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Well, what they say is true - some do like it Scot! At least many of you did: Rachel's Mystery Knit-Along was a huge success, and the finished shawl in the Lorna's Limited Edition color Craigh na Dun is just gorgeous! If you missed the KAL, the complete pattern is available for purchase on Ravelry. | We learned some great new skills during this project, including handy-dandy reversible cables!
For projects where both sides are seen, like shawls and scarves, these special cables are indispensable, and they added a sophisticated, finished look to the shawl. We love how they give a beautiful, smoothly undulating look to the top edge! |
Rachel created a helpful video tutorial about reversible cables and how to make them look great - if you haven't seen it yet, take a look! And for more reversible cables, check out Rachel's Moebius Braid Cowl, featured in the Knitty Winter 2013 issue! This gorgeous cowl is unbelievably simple to knit, taking advantage of the beautiful look of braided cables to make a fantastically warm accessory. It would look great in a bright, worsted-weight yarn like Tosh Vintage. All you need is two skeins, so pick your favorite color and get started - you'll be a reversible cable expert in no time! | |
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Classic Elite has us planning our summer vacations already - and our vacation knitting! We have two new yarns that just shout out to be knit up into light, breathable creations that will take you from breakfast on the balcony, to basking on the beach, to blazing bonfire parties without ever changing your outfit!
| Sandpiper is an effortless, worsted-weight yarn in softly marled colorways that will make even the simplest design just radiate feelings of summer! The fluffy, absorbent cotton will keep you cool and protected from the sun. Try one of the gorgeous tops from the Classic Elite Birdsong pattern book; we love the rib-and-cable detailing on the Jarita Tee, and the simple-but-stylish Dove Hooded Cardigan! |
For a bright, sure-to-be-noticed look, check out Classic Elite Santorini: the bright, self-striping colorways are anything but subtle! This chainette-construction, viscose and cotton blend is imbued with shimmering sections of pearlescent color that give the finished fabric a bit of special visual interest. We love it in the Naushon Wrap, which features lacy dropped stitches and can also be made as a scarf! Take a look at the Along The Shore pattern book for more great patterns using this unique and beautiful yarn! | |
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We can't get enough of the spring and summer patterns coming through the door. It's a fight (well, a gentle internal discussion) to figure out which one to try first! We know you all can't exactly thumb through the magazines and sheaves of patterns like we can, so we thought we'd give you the insider info on some of the great projects you can make from our favorite publications and designers this season!
The Knitscene Summer '15 issue is jam-packed with goodies, just like a picnic basket bursting at the seams with drool-worthy treats! Here's a sampling: | Berroco Folio Green Apple Tank
- Yarn: Berroco Folio: 65/35 alpaca and rayon blend, DK weight
- Needles: US 6 circular needles recommended. We like Marblz Circulars for working with Folio - the acrylic provides a bit of extra grip (but not too much!) for this silky yarn.
- Why we love it: This tank is all about ease - simple stockinette and garter stitch, an easy, top-down construction, and an effortless shape that's comfortable and stylish.
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Also check out from this issue:
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| Stepping Stones Shawl
- Yarn: Manos Silk Blends: a DK-weight, 70% Merino/30% Silk single-ply with gorgeous sheen
- Needles: US 7 circulars; we like Dreamz Circulars! The smooth, polished wood won't snag the single-ply yarn, but provides more grip than metal to hold onto the slippery silk.
- Why we love it: Details! The large eyelets on the spine have a modern look and are a perfect foil for the more old-fashioned-looking feather-and-fan lace along the edge.
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Other great picks from this issue:
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For our crochet lovers out there, get ready to love it even more with the newest designs from Interweave Crochet Spring '15! This issue tops the bar with new, innovative, and trendy looks for your hooks! Our picks: | Spud & Chloe Fine Bolt Shawl
- Yarn: Spud & Chloe Fine, a fingering-weight, machine-washable blend of 70% merino wool and 30% silk with a medium twist and a light sheen
- Hook: Size US D (3.25 mm) hook. We like the Addi Swing hooks for fine work like this - the special ergonomic handle really makes a difference with small (and many!) stitches!
- Why we love it: this polished-looking shawlette features chevrons and bold colors -two elements that are especially hot right now- and the fine gauge of the yarn yields a light, drapey fabric that won't weigh you down this summer.
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More from this great issue:
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And here are a few more staff picks that have us all talking: | Fibra Natura Denims: Jeans-style is coming back, and we mean for more than just pants! Denims by Fibra Natura is a unique cotton/wool tape yarn that knits up at a bulky gauge with a finished look of your favorite wear-with-anything blue-jeans! Kristen was so inspired by this Denim-y goodness that she whipped up the Denim & Blues bandana cowl which uses 2 balls. We're also thinking the Rib and Lace Cowl, a free pattern from the Universal Yarns website, is going to be our go-to accessory to match any outfit. The One Ball Kerchief is also fun - and as promised, takes just one ball! ellspacing="10"> | Grace Akhrem has been the name on everyone's lips this spring; from the amazing trunk show we were lucky enough to have in the shop last month, to the fun and enriching weekend full of classes, crafty conclaves, and darling designs we shared with her (see the recap below!)...we just can't get enough! We especially love her sweet and summery Janna's Tunic in Shibui Twig or Classic Elite Firefly. Rachel has already finished one and she's planning to wear it all summer! | |
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There's a new kid on the block (or in the warehouse), and she's brought a bounty of new cotton yarns for summer! Distributed by Plymouth, Sesia has two new beauties we can't wait to to share with you. Sesia Kreo is a 100% cotton, chainette-construction, worsted-weight yarn that will knit up into beautiful garments and accessories before you can blink. | The soft, sophisticated colorways have a heathered look, and the chainette construction means that it will be lofty and light on the skin, keeping you cool in warm weather! We love it in the Plymouth Lace Panel Pullover; the three-quarter sleeves provide coverage, but the yarn is still breathable and comfortable. Look for it in the Plymouth ad in the Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer '15 Issue! |
We're also excited about Bio Sesia 5 - a 100% organic cotton yarn in a fingering weight just perfect for featherweight projects! The smooth, combed cotton has a light sheen that will make shawls, scarves, and tank tops stand out, and best of all, it's completely machine washable! Perfect for a wear-with-everything shawl like the Bio Sesia 5 Shawl, a free pattern from Plymouth, simply choose your favorite color (there are over 20!) and cast on - it only takes 2 balls! You can get an even better look at it in Knitscene Spring '15! | |
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Regia Sale Yarns - 50% off!
Hold onto your socks: we've got a bunch of Schachenmayr Regia sale yarns that can't wait to get on your needles! Hush those tired puppies with a pair of socks in Regia Pop Art Color, a tightly twisted, merino wool and polyamide blend perfect for comfy and long-wearing footwear in fantastically fun hues! Or let out your inner color enthusiast with the Kristin Nicholas and Kaffe Fassett Design Line yarns - each unique colorway was created by one of the best color gurus in the business! And for super-fun stripes, try some Regia 4-ply Color - it would look awesome in socks, shawls, and scarves, too!
Swans Island Onesies! You know we love our onesies here at Jimmy Beans - stunning yarns that weren't colored to the dyer's standards, but are beautiful in our book! That's why we jumped at the chance to stock up on some gorgeous skeins from one of our favorite natural dyers: Swans Island! These one-of-a-kind wonders in naturally dyed, organic merino wool are available in Worsted, Bulky, Lace, and Fingering. Be sure to grab some before they're gone, because we don't know when we'll get this opportunity again!
Rowan Sale Yarns - select colors now 50% off!
Just in time for warm weather, we've got some great Rowan yarns on sale! These colors of regular Rowan yarns have been discontinued, and the savings are passed on to you! Creative Linen is a natural choice for summer garments; the linen keeps you cool and softens with wash and wear. Try it in the Daphne Tunic for a sweater you'll wear all summer!
Purelife Revive is a light and delicious blend of recycled silk, cotton, and viscose fibers with a tweedy look, and would look awesome in the Sherry Cardigan from Kim Hargreaves!
And Summerspun is a beautiful wool/cotton blend with a great texture - we'd love it in the Grosvenor Top!
Tosh Onesies - 15% off!
Take advantage of some hand-dyed beauty by stocking your stash with these one-of-a-kind skeins that didn't quite match the rest in the dye pot! They're great for one-skein projects, like baby sweaters or hats - how about an Antler Hat in Tosh Vintage? If you are jonesing to make a larger item, they also work well for projects with multiple colors that won't be affected by mismatched skeins, like the enchantingly striped Barndom Shawl by Stephen West, knit in soft Tosh Merino Light! We have onesies available in other Madelinetosh bases as well: Tosh Sport, Tosh Sock, Home,
Tosh DK, Pashmina, Tosh Vintage, and more!
Muench Tessin and Big Baby - from 30% off!
Muench Tessin was such a hit last time we had it on sale, we brought it back! And no wonder; this chunky wool-cotton blend is perfect for children's garments and accessories - little ones and big ones alike will delight in the bright colors and easy care of the superwash wool! And don't forget Big Baby - in both solids and self-striping colors, this super-bulky,e it for chunky cowls or super-cozy baby blankets! |
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| Kristen's Alfalfa Baby Hat:
Kristen wanted something fun and gender neutral to knit for her new little one. Since she had no idea yet whether she is having a boy or a girl at the time (update: it's a girl!), she picked this adorable little Alfalfa hat by the Fibre Company and knit it in the recommended yarn, Terra. The pattern is free from the Fibre Company website here: Alfalfa Baby Hat and calls for just 1 skein of Terra in any color -Kristen chose Olive Leaf for a nice gender neutral shade of green. The pattern is a quick and easy one (as baby knits often are!) and incorporates simple decreases with I-cord ties. You could knit this fun hat up in an evening or two and it comes in just one size to fit 4-12 months!
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| Jen's Quite a Common Thief:
Jen saw Chris's and Laura's Quite a Common Thief projects and just HAD to make one for herself! This unique shawl/poncho was designed by Chris, one of our employees and inspired by Robin Hood from the TV show, Once Upon a Time. We love how this looks in just about any color combo of Malabrigo, and Jen's choice was a combination of Teal Feather and Frank Ochre in the Malabrigo Rueca Handspun. She used only 3 skeins of the main color and 1 skein of the contrast color. We just love her bright and vibrant version!
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| Rachel's Indigo Playmate Cardigan:
Rachel fell in love with the tonally self-striping and tweedy look of Plymouth Mushishi, not to mention the HUGE amount of yardage in every skein. She landed on the Indigo Playmate cardigan from Wendy Bernard's Custom Knits book for an easy, shawl collared knit that would really let this yarn shine. She was able to get an entire sweater out of just two skeins by omitting the belt and shortening the sleeves to 3/4 length, which is perfect for our sunny but cool winter days. She added a toggle button closure to finish off the front, and we love how it turned out!
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| Jenny's Bandana Cowl:
Jenny decided she needed a Bandana Cowl (a FREE pattern from Purl Soho) of her own, so she grabbed some Tosh Chunky and cast on! She chose the Antique Lace color for a wear-with-everything quick and easy accessory. We love that it just took one skein to boot!
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| Laura's Touch Me Scarf:
Laura designed this simple striped scarf in Muench's scrumptious Touch Me chenille yarn eons ago, and we are finally getting around to taking decent photos of it! This gorgeous scarf uses 5 balls of the Touch Me and is knit lengthwise for an easy and quick knit that is perfect for a beginner. This pattern is FREE on our Free Patterns Page in case you'd like to make one of your s://www.JimmyBeansWool.com/knitting/yarn/Muench/TouchMeDue.asp">Touch Me Due, and the sparkly Touch Me Lux are all 50% off - what better time to treat yourself?!)
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We've been daydreaming about the fun we had with Grace Akhrem a couple weekends ago ever since she left. From the great meet-and-greet to the amazingly informative classes she taught, we just couldn't get enough - and neither could our local Reno customers! We learned how to customize garments to our body types, ten things every knitter should know (tubular cast on is our new favorite trick), and got an in-depth look at how to create our very own Triangles, Diamonds, and Squares, Oh My! Blankets (Grace stocked up on Tosh Merino Light samples to make another one, too!)! And to top it off, we had a special visit from the Still Rollin' Food Truck, a local favorite. | |
| Best of all, Grace lent us her time and expertise to film some helpful videos for you all who couldn't make it to the event. She showed us her favorite knitting items, including one that she carries with her all the time - you won't believe what it is, but we guarantee you'll want one! Check it out and get to know Grace a bit - we're glad we did, and we're hoping she'll grace us (wink!) with her presence again soon! |
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There are many ways to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at Jimmy Beans Wool!
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Jimmy Beans Wool
4850 Joule St. Ste A1
Reno, NV 89502
Toll Free in U.S. (877)JBW-KNIT (529-5648)
Phone (775)827-9276
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