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November 19, 2022
Cheery & Bright: Vickie Howell x Knit Collage Holiday Stocking Kit!
Your Spun Cloud Light is in my Montoya Merino! Your Montoya Merino is in my Spun Cloud Light! And, it’s glorious. Just like the Reese’s of our youth, this combination will make your whole mouth smile.
Meet this year’s holiday stocking, Cheery & Bright. Using a combination of Knit Collage’s beautiful thick-and-thin yarn, and Vickie Howell’s hand-dyed heavy-worsted, this stocking is both simple to make and festive to hang. Available in YarnYAY!’s exclusive shade, of Spun Cloud Light, Juniper, paired with your choice of 4 shades of Montoya Merino, you’ll want to make a unique version for every member of your family!
Get the Cheery & Bright Kit!
Kit Includes:
Psst… there’s more. Get our gorgeous November YarnYAY! Box, featuring Knit Collage!
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November 18, 2022
12 Days of YarnYAY! Starts Today!
12 Days of YarnYAY!It’s my birthday, and I love giving things away, so we’re doing a few fun things this year!
First up, today is the launch of our virtual advent countdown, 12 Days of YarnYAY! Every day for the next 11 days we’ll review something new – kits, projects, products, deals, and more – so be sure to check your inboxes!
Next, everyone who shops with us during the 12 Days of YarnYAY!, including today, will be automatically entered to win $600 worth of fiber-related YarnYAY! and friends’ products!
Last, but not least, for today only, we’re offering DOUBLE Rewards points on all existing items already in the YarnYAY! Shop.
Not signed up for rewards? Just create an account by clicking here.
Happy 12 Days of YarnYAY!
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November 3, 2022
YarnYAY! November Box #55
YarnYAY! November Box #55It’s time for the YarnYAY! November Box Reveal! This month we’ve teamed up with Knit Collage to bring you something truly special. So special, in fact, we turned a supply chain issue into an opportunity to create packaging just for this box! Scroll down to see all of the gorgeousness!
Spun Cloud Light | Knit Collage
Knit Collage’s newest (and skinniest) yarn is yours this month, in an exclusive-sized hank and custom YarnYAY! color, Juniper. Handspun by a small co-op in India, this selection is truly an artisanal treat!
Knit Collage is owned by Amy Small and is based in the Boston area. Learn more at: knitcollage.com
Wristers Patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & Toni Lipsey
We love wristers to keep our hands cozy while the weather cools down! The knit mitts, designed by Vickie, combine the textured yarn with a panel of layered cabling.
Wave Hi Knit Wrist Warmers by Vickie Howell for YarnYAY!
The crochet wristers, designed by Toni, are made in simple double crochet stitches, which allow the metallic thread in the yarn to gleam.
Clap Back Crochet Wrist Warmers by Toni Lipsey for YarnYAY!
Follow and support our Fall/Winter Designer in Residence, Toni Lipsey on Instagram: @tlyarncrafts
Metallic Bulb Stitch Markers | Laura Hand Knits
Bulb stitch markers are one of the most useful notions we stitchers can have in our tools arsenal. This batch is metallic so that your stitching can shine!
Laura Hand Knits is owned by Laura Clouse and is based in Jasper, GA. Learn more at: etsy.com/shop/LauraHandKnits
Rose Gold Sewing Kits | YarnYAY!
Every knitter & crocheter will at some point need at least the basic sewing tools, We sourced this kit that will do the trick and look glamorous in your project bag!
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October 24, 2022
Seam-as-You-Go Mitered Squares
Seam-as-You-Go Mitered Squares
Love patchwork projects, but not a fan of weaving in a bunch of ends. You’re going to LOVE this week’s episode and our new kit for the Spare a Square Shrug! Watch to learn how to knit seam-as-you-go mitered squares — it’s like magic!
Spare a Square Shrug by YarnYAY! Design Team Featuring Becky Joiner
This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro
Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Day & Nite Holiday Gift Set
Seam-as-You-Go Mitered Squares: Swatch it!
MATERIALS
Scraps of any weight yarn and corresponding size needles. We used Vickie Howell Montoya Merino (heavy-worsted) and Size US 9/5.5 mm needles from the Knitter’s Pride Day & Nite set.
Square 1
With larger (gauge) needles and color of choice, CO 29 sts.
**Set-Up Row (WS): K14, p1, pm ON this st to mark as center st, knit to end of row.
Row 1 (RS): Knit to 1 st before marked center st, s2kp, pm ON this st to mark as center st, knit to end of row. – 2 sts dec’d.
Row 2: Knit to marked center st, p1, pm ON this st, knit to end.
Rep Rows 1-2 until 3 sts remain. You will have completed 13 garter ridges.
Last Row (RS): S2kp.
Cut yarn and pull the tail through the final st.**
Square 2
With larger (gauge) needles, color of choice and using Backward Loop method, CO 15 sts.
With RS facing, orient previous square with cast-on edges at right-hand and bottom sides. Pick up 14 stitches along the top edge of previous square. – 29 sts
Work from ** to ** as given for Square 1.
Put your seam-as-you-go skills to work with our Spare A Square Shrug!
Pattern and kits are now available in the YarnYAY! Shop!
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October 10, 2022
Knit & Crochet Checkered Patterns
Knit & Crochet Checkered PatternsThis week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to knit and crochet checkered patterns for eye-catching projects. Give the swatches a whirl, then dive on into to making one of the featured cowl patterns in the YarnYAY! Box #54. Have fun!
Ask Me Monday is in its 8th year, and airs most Mondays on Facebook. You can watch past episodes HERE.
This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro
Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Mindful Collection
View this post on InstagramKnit & Crochet Checkered Patterns: Swatch it!A post shared by Vickie Howell | YarnYAY! (@vickiehowell)
Mosaic Knit Checkered Swatch
You’ll need 2 colors of yarn in any weight, and corresponding-sized needles. The photo above shows Rowan Norwegian Wool in colors, Cappucino & Daphne and was knit with US 5/3.75 mm needles.
With A, CO 21 sts.
Rows 1-2: Knit.
Join B when necessary.
Rows 3-4: With B, *Sl 1, K2; rep from * to end.
Rows 5-6: With A, knit.
Repeat Rows 3-6 until piece measures a square (or desired length).
Pleased as Plaid Cowl, featured in the YarnYAY! November Box #54
Crochet Checkered Swatch
You’ll need 2 colors of yarn in any weight, and corresponding-sized needles. The photo above shows Rowan Norwegian Wool in colors, Cappucino & Daphne and was crocheted with US 7/4.5 mm hook.
With A, ch 25.
Row 1: Dc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 2 ch (skipped ch does not count as st), *with B, dc in next 3 ch **, with A, dc in next 3 ch; rep from * across, ending the last rep at **. Turn. – 90 sts.
Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st throughout), dc in first 3 sts, *with A, dc in next 3 sts**, with B, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, ending last rep at ** and joining B to last st. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, dc first 3 sts, *with A, dc in next 3 sts**, with B, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, ending last rep at **. Turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, dc in first 3 sts, *with B dc in next 3 sts**, with A, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, ending last rep at ** and joining A to last st. Turn
Row 5: Ch 1, dc in first 3 sts, *with B dc in next 3 sts**, with A, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, ending last rep at ** . Turn
Row 6: Ch 1, dc first 3 sts, *with A, dc in next 3 sts**, with B dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, ending last rep at ** and joining B to last st. Turn.
Repeat Rows 2-6 until piece measures a square (or desired length).
Checks, Please Cowl Featured in the YarnYAY! November Box #54
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October 3, 2022
YarnYAY! October Box #54
It’s October, so let’s get cozy! This month we prep for cooler weather, with a pop of pattern & color. Here’s what’s inside the YarnYAY! October Box!
Norwegian Wool | Rowan
Roaming and grazing freely on the hills and natural pastures, Norwegian sheep produce one of the world’s most eco- and animal-friendly textile fibers. This month you’re treated to 2 colors from the Arne & Carlos designed palette!
Rowan is an iconic fiber company based in the U.K. Learn more at: knitrowan.com
Cowl Patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & Toni Lipsey
There’s no end in sight for the patchwork-look trends, and we’re here for it!
Pleased as Plaid Knit Cowl by Vickie Howell
The knit cowl, designed by Vickie uses mosaic colorwork to create a checked-plaid.
Checks, Please Crochet Cowl by Toni Lipsey
Toni Lipsey’s crocheted cowl uses alternating shades of double crochet stitches to create checkered blocks of color.
Follow and support our Fall/Winter Designer in Residence, Toni Lipsey on Instagram: @tlyarncrafts
Rose Gold Foldable Scissors | Knitter’s Pride
Rose gold + floral pouch = pretty much project bag tool perfection. You’ll smile every time you reach for these!
Knitter’s Pride produces beautiful tools and employs over 400 women in India. Learn more at: knitterspride.com
Wool Wash Pod | Eucalan
Wet blocking is wool’s best friend and this lovely wash makes the process a delight! We’ll surprise you with one of their many scents.
Eucalan is a family-owned, Canadian-based business
Learn more at: eucalan.com
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September 26, 2022
Crochet Skull Mug Rug
Crochet Skull Mug RugThis week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to work the hdc tapestry crochet skull motif called for in my Dead Man’s Party cowl pattern, plus offer of a free project for a Crochet Skull Mug Rug. Halloween, let’s do this!
This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro
Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Zing, Waves & Ginger Crochet Hooks
Crochet Skull Mug Rug
MATERIALS
Mystic Fiber Co Enchanted Worsted (100% superwash merino; approx 183 yds/168 m, 3.5 oz/100 g), 1 hank each in colors:
(A) Black Cats, and (B) Fairytale Pumpkin — or equivalent worsted-weight yarn.
Size U.S. I-9/5.5 mm hook — or size needed to obtain gauge
Tapestry needle
Removable stitch marker
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
4 1/2″ x 5″, excluding ball fringe
GAUGE
14 hdc x 11 rows = 4″/10 cm
NOTES
When working from chart, read RS rows from right to left, and WS rows from left to right.The body of this project is worked in Color A, and the skull motif and edgings are worked in Color B.
Color changing tips:
Change color when completing the last stitch before the stitch in the new color as follows: work hdc until 3 loops are left on hook, YO with new color and draw through 3 loops on hook, proceed in new color.
I’ve found that the color work slants a little less when, as the piece faces you, on the RH side of the motif you YARN UNDER, instead of YO (yarn over) during the switch over to the new color. On the LH side switch over, the usual YO works.
DIRECTIONS
With A, ch 17.
Row 1 (RS): Hdc in 3rd ch from hook, and to end. Turn. — 15 hdc
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1 (doesn’t count as st), hdc in every st across.
Join B when beginning charted skull.
Rows 3-13: Work Rows 1-11 of chart.
Cut A.
Row 14: Ch 1, hdc in every st across.
Row 15: Ch 1, hdc in every st across.; joining B in the last step of the last st.
Cut A.
Edging:
Row 14: With B, ch 1, hdc in every st across.
Row 15 (ball fringe): *Ch 5, [YO and insert hook into third ch from hook, YO, pull through 2 loops on hook] 4 times, (5 loops on hook) YO, pull through all loops on hook (first bobble made)**; ch 3, rep from * to ** (second bobble made); sl st into base of first bobble (this will connect both bobbles to create a ball); ch 3, sk next st, sc in next st; rep from *, ending with sl st in last st.
Fasten off.
Flip the piece over, and repeat the Edging process (Rows 14-15) for the opposite side.
FINISHING
Weave in ends, block if necessary.
Use those skills for a larger project, the Deadman’s Party Cowl!
Looking for more Halloween Coasters? Here are two more!
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September 19, 2022
Fringed Halloween Hangers
Fringed Halloween HangersSpooked by an overabundance of scrap yarn? This week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to use it to embellish cute Halloween Hangers that are now available in my YarnYAY! shop. Add fringe, knit or crochet edgings, or sew-on swatches to fiber-up these dastardly little decorations.
This episode is brought to you by:
Fringed Halloween Hangers
Knitted FringeUsing sport-weight yarn and size 5/3.75 mm needles, CO 20 sts (or desired multiple of 4).
Row 1: *K2, YO, k2tog; rep from * to end.
Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 2 3/4″, or desired length/
Note: The length will actually be the width of the piece as the firing will be dropped from a side edge, and not the bottom.)
BO 11 sts. Fasten of yarn.
Drop remaining stitches, unraveling them to create finger loops. Trim and press with a flat iron at a very low heat, if desired.
Half-Hitch KnotJust plain ol’ fringe.
Cut two strands of yarn twice the length if the desired fringe. Hild the two strands together and fold them in half. Using a crochet hook (a Size US D/3.25 mm fits easily through the hanger holes) pull the loop created by folded strands through one of the holes. Set hook aside. pish tails through the loop and tighten. Repeat for remaining holes.
Applied i-Cord LoopsFind the tutorial HERE.
Looking for more Halloween treats? Check out the YarnYAY! Limited Edition Halloween Box!
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September 12, 2022
Bargello Knit Stitch In-the-Round
Bargello Knit Stitch In-the-RoundThis week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to work the Bargello Knit Stitch in-the-round. This stitch pattern packs a lot of visual punch, with relatively low effort. II love that!
Give it a go with the swatch below, then dive into a Bargello Knit Stitch project by making my Lo-Fi Cowl (see below). Enjoy!
This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro
Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Mindful Collection
Bargello Knit Stitch In-the-Round: Swatch it!
Notes:
Due to the small circumference of this swatch, you’ll need to use dpns, or a long circular needle & the Magic Loop method.For striped effect, change colors every 4 rnd repeat.CO 28 sts. Join rnd, taking care not to twist.
Setup Rnds:
Knit 2 Rnds.
Next Rnd: *K3, k1 wrapping yarn around needle twice; rep from * around.
Rnd 1: *K1, ML, k1, sl1 wyib dropping extra wrap; rep from * around.
Rnd 2: *K3, sl1 wyib; rep from * around.
Rnd 3: Knit.
Rnd 4: *K3, k1 wrapping yarn around needle twice; rep from * around.
Repeat Rnds 1-4 until pice measures 4″/10 cm from CO edge.
Last Rnd: Knit.
BO.
Bargello Knit Stitch In-the-Round: Make it!
Lo-Fi Knit Cowl: Free pattern with purchase of YarnYAY!’s September featured yarn, Kelbourne Woolens Germantown
Let’s hang! Knit with me every month! Subscribe to my YarnYAY! monthly boxes.
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September 3, 2022
YarnYAY! September Box #53
It’s September, which in maker language means the kick-off to crafting season (which is really more ceremonial than anything, because, come on, we never stop making things)! For many of us, this time of year also marks back to school which means the kids are outta da house so maybe, amidst all of the other things you have to do, you’ll get a little more time to knit and crochet. The YarnYA! September Box is here for you. Here’s what’s inside!
Germantown | Kelbourne Woolens
An icon of American craft, Germantown is made of 100% U.S.-grown wool. It’s a lofty yarn with gorgeous stitch definition. Meet your new go-to yarn for fall/winter projects!
Kelbourne Woolens is a Philly-based company, owned by Courtney Kelley & Kate Gagnon-Osbourn. Learn more at: kelbournewoolens.com
Beanie Patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & Toni Lipsey
Whether you’re headed back-to-school, or just happy to be back to cooler weather, this month’s hats are for you!
The knit version, designed by Vickie, is worked in a library carpet-inspired pattern. The crochet beanie by Toni is designed in a rich, classic, textured stitch reminiscent of your favorite nubby wool coat.
Follow and support our Fall/Winter Designer in Residence, Toni Lipsey on Instagram: @tlyarncrafts
Cross-stitch Bookmark Kit | Avlea Embroidery
Learn to cross-stitch, then mark your spot in your favorite pattern book with this folk art-inspired, custom bookmark kit.
Avlea Embroidery is owned by Krista West and is based in Salem, OR. Learn more at: avleaembroidery.com
Notebook | Studio Portmanteau
Take note of your knitting & crochet ideas with our YarnYAY! logo, kraft notebook!
Studio Portmanteau is a woman-owned, Oregon-based business. Learn more studioportmanteau.com
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