Yarn, Roving, Knitting, Notions and Friends...

New Fall Yarns!

2011-09-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

We received about 15 boxes of yarn, patterns and magazines this week (and last week)!

It's like Christmas at YarnDurango! Speaking of Christmas ~ Do you know how many days there are til Christmas?! Me either - I don't really want to think about it! But I know I HAVE to think about it, so this should help me keep track!

Yes, there is a tracker that counts down til Christmas. You can get it here! http://www.xmasclock.com/

While you are thinking about how few days that actually is, think about what gifts you'll be knitting for the holidays this year. Stumped? Ideas? Plans?

Have you seen the new yarns for fall? Here's a little snippet of what we received at YarnDurango this week! (And a few ideas of what to do with it!)

Berroco Boboli

And what to do with it?

FREE PATTERN - Duchess

What a fun take on the usual shawl! Or if the tentacle like things are a little too much (and remind you of something off of a SpongeBob cartoon) then maybe make it plain with a pretty scalloped, knit-on edge! Either way, you HAVE to see these colors in person! They are amazingly shimmery and reflect light in a way that does it no justice in photos!

Berroco Link

I know the yardage may seem sparce - But I assure you that a little goes a LONG way! You should see the AWESOME scarf/cowl Miss Lani is knitting with Link on size 35 needles!!! And so easy, you'd be able to work several up as gifts (or for yourself) for sure!

Not only are there FREE PATTERNS ~ But there is a whole FREE eBOOK!!!

You can download the single patterns or you can click on the little picture that says "FREE Link eBook" (in pretty colors) at the top right of the field of patterns!

Click here to go to Berroco's site and download this one like Lani's!

Berroco Souffle'

Souffle` ~ Link's littler cousin! If Link is too bulky for your taste - there are more options!!! Souffle has similar colors but is a finer chain-knitted yarn and equally as impressive. The colors are deep and saturated and the touch is wonderfully soft! There's no reason a ball or two of Souffle` wouldn't make an equally impressive scarf like the Link cowl shown above!

Flicker

And if that's still too bulky for you we have Flicker!

Which also has plenty of beautiful FREE PATTERNS and and eBook! Flicker is more like a worsted weight, however I knit it up on a size 6 needle for THIS lace baby shrug and it is ADORABLE. Now that Berroco has their colored Flicker available we have the full selection in the shop!

People always ask me "How do you know about all these patterns?"

Well first of all - That's my job - If I cannot help you find a pattern, you'll have nothing to knit!

Second - I cheat - Berroco has a newsletter that goes out periodically called KnitBits!

Follow the link to see the back issues and to subscribe!Anyone can sign up for KnitBits and I highly recommend it, there's always something helpful, interesting or knitt-able inside! So I hope that helps, gives you something new and fun to think about and even knit, and takes the mysetery our of how we always have a pattern to pull up for our customers!

So that's just a FEW of the yarns in our recent Berroco orders - I didn't even get to the other brands YET - You really need to come in to see EVERYTHING and it's never the same looking online - you just have to FEEL The Yarn!

Image source:http://doyoonkim.com/2011/07/26/fashion-feel-the-yarn-competition-winner-2011-2/

Click here to see more photos of the winner of the "2011Feel the Yarn Competition" in Italy!

How cool is this photo?! Talk about feeling your yarn, just wrap yourself in it!

See you soon and Happy Knitting!

~ Brandy @ YarnDgo

STILL SPACES LEFT FOR NANCY BUSH WORKSHOP!

2011-08-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

We still have a few select slots available in both Nancy Bush Workshops. If you were considering attending, please call the shop and pay for your session by September 1st!

Click here or scroll down to see the original post (2 below) for all the information!

Who Love's Interweave?! - WE DO!

2011-08-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

Have you subscribed to Knitting Daily?! Check out the email I received today - Not only a free scarf pattern, but a 10 CENT download of an entire catalog! TEN CENTS!

There is ALWAYS something good in their emails, I highly reccommend signing up today - And take advantage of the 10 cent Ebook so you can get a jump on holiday gift knitting!

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August 22, 2011

It's All About the Stripes


Zigzag Scarf by Debbie Bliss, from Knits Accessories

When the kids go back to school I start thinking about fall knitting, and when I start thinking about fall knitting, I think about holiday knitting. And when I think about holiday knitting, I think: Knitted accessories!

To get ready for holiday knitting time, I went through my stash last weekend. It was so much fun to visit all of my yarn! I don't know about you, but I have my favorite yarns and I use them over and over. Therefore, I have lots of leftover balls of the same yarn in different colors. How do you solve this problem? I solve it by knitting stripes.

Last year I saw a chevron striped knitted scarf pattern, called Zigzag Scarf by Debbie Bliss, in Knits Accessories and I knew right then that I was going to make it. While I was looking through my yarn, I knew I could do it from my stash. Hooray!

I can see several of these scarves in my future; what a fun gift that's a stash-buster to boot.

Here's the stitch pattern:

Chevron Stripe Pattern
Row 1: (RS) K1, ssk, *k9, sl 2 sts individually pwise, k1, p2sso; rep from * to last 12 sts, k9, k2tog, k1.
Row 2: K1, *p1, k4, (k1, yo, k1) all in next st, k4; rep from * to last 2 sts, p1, k1.
Rep Rows 1 and 2 for pattern.

This chevron stitch pattern lends itself particularly well to stripes, from a skinny scarf to an afghan.

Managing Stripes while Knitting
from Knitted Accessories

Stripes are an easy way to add multiple colors to your work. They can be as narrow or as bold as you desire, and you can use many stripes in one project. Several shades of one hue give a subtle, almost dimensional effect, while contrasting colors make a work vibrate. Stripes are a fun way to experiment with color effects that can be further enhanced by stripe width and placement.

When you're working stripes back and forth in rows, it is easier, but not essential, to work in two-row increments so that all stripes begin on a knit row; in this way the yarn will always be at the edge where you need it. When you're working narrow stripes of just a few colors, it is not necessary to cut the yarn when you change colors-the unused color can be carried loosely up the side of your work for a few rows (Figure 1) or you can carry the colors for more than two rows by twisting the colors every other row (Figure 2). If you are working circularly, the yarn will always be at the beginning of the round.

To change colors, simply begin a new row (or round) with your new color. If the edge stitch seems too loose, you can tie the yarn end temporarily (you will undo the knot and work the end in later) to the color you are stopping close to the edge of your work (Figure 3).

Proceed with the new color for the desired number of rows and then either return to the original color or add yet another color. When you are finished, work the yarn ends carefully into the backside of the matching color (Figure 4).

You can download Knits Accessories now for just 10 cents! So get your copy and make the Zigzag Scarf part of your holiday knitting this year.

Cheers,

Kathleen Cubley
is the editor of
Knitting Daily.

Kathleen's Knit-AlongThe winner is the Bella Blouse!
Come join the KAL in the official forum.

Download for a Dime -- Limited Time Only!

Interweave Knits Accessories 2009: Digital Edition Now $.10!

		If you've never downloaded a digital edition before, see how easy it can be! Interweave Knits Accessories features projects for every season and every style! Interweave Knits Accessories is a special digital edition with 60+ projects. Filled with accessories galore to warm your extremities--hats, scarves and wraps, socks, mitts and gloves, this is a compilation of our favorite knitting accessories. These projects are both seasonal and year-round, timeless in design, and wearable for young and old alike. From simple how-to get started techniques through quick finishing tips, this issue will be a handy reference for great accessories now and for many years to come.
		Hurry -- this sale ends at midnight mountain time 08/29/2011!

2011-08-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

YARN DURANGO TO HOST NANCY BUSH THIS FALL

Books by

Nancy Bush

We are very excited at Yarn

Durango as we will be hosting

two workshops by Nancy Bush

this fall! Nancy is one of the

best knitting teachers on the

circuit today. She has designed

and published numerous books and

has been teaching knitting for years.

She travels to Estonia each year to spend time with the knitters that have inspired her. I have personally taken workshops from her and she is by far the best knitting teacher I have ever taken lessons from. She is an amazing and talented lady.

Sign up today to be included in these wonderful workshops this fall and take advantage of this awesome opportunity!

Do you have questions about the workshops? Email Donny - jdthulson@aol.com.

Call the shop - YarnDurango

9 7 0 . 2 5 9 . 9 8 2 7

Workshop Information

Day 1: October 15, 2011

Estonian Lace Sampler, 6 Hour Class

In Estonian lace knitting tradition, patterns were recorded by knitting them into a long sampler or by a collection of small sample pieces. In this class we will study this tradition and make our own sampler of Estonian lace patterns. Knitting lace is not as hard as you'd think. By doing this small lace sampler and learning what you need to know from Nancy, you will never be afraid of lace patterns again. It's all technique!

Cost $98.00

Workshop limited to 20 people.

Call Yarn Durango and sign up today! 970-259-9827

Day 2: October 16, 2011

Traditional Estonian Mittens

Learn about Estonian knitting traditions through their mittens. Students will make a mitten, learning some interesting Estonian techniques: a special cast on, unique cuff treatment and knitted braids. Students should be able to use double point needles and have some experience with 2-color knitting, also know as Fair Isle or Stranded Knitting. It will be so fun to learn how to knit these beautiful mittens!

Cost $98.00

Workshop limited to 20 people.

Call Yarn Durango and sign up today! 970-259-9827

Bio: Nancy Bush

Nancy found her passion for traditional hand knitting via a degree in Art History and postgraduate studies in color design and weaving in San Francisco and Sweden. She has worked as a freelance designer and consultant to several yarn companies, as a contributing editor to Knitter's Magazine, and is currently on the Editorial Advisory Panel for Piecework Magazine. Her designs and articles have also appeared in Interweave Knits, Spin-Off, Vogue Knitting, and Threads. She has taught workshops for guilds, shops and at conferences throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Finland, France and Estonia. She has been honored to serve as the Knitting Guide on the Interweave Press Knitter's Journey to Scandinavia in 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2004.

Update: Rescheduling Classes ~ Skirt & Tank Top

2011-07-31T12:47:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to let you all know that a couple of the classes have been rescheduled.

(click here for pattern details)

The Luminaire Skirt class has been scheduled -

for Session One, August 10th & Session Two August 24th.

(Pattern determined by your gauge swatch & measurements~ Click here for details.)

The Design-Your-Own Tank Top class has been rescheduled. Session One is August 11th, Session Two August 25th, and Session Three, September 1st.

Upcoming Classes @ YarnDurango!

2011-07-24T00:46:00.000-07:00

Please call the shop to reserve your place in a class.

9 7 0 . 2 5 9 . 9 8 2 7

If you are not positive you will attend, you may pay for your session the day of the class, all materials purchased for classes are 10% off.

Classes with no attendance may be rescheduled, and if you need a make-up session, PLEASE let the teacher know and arrange to meet up on one of our regularly scheduled UFO Saturdays!

If you are attending at the last minute, please call before showing up to be sure there is a slot open or that the session has not been rescheduled!!!!

We hope to see you learning a new technique at one of our upcoming classes!

Happy Knitting

~ Brandy @ YarnDurango

Botanica Medallion Cardigan/Shrug

Cost: $40.00 for 2 sessions OR $20 if you can only make one or the other.

(Scheduled: Aug 1st 5-7pm; 4th 10am-Noon; 15th 5-7pm; 18th 10am-Noon)

This is a fabulous and fun project! This pattern comes to us from Vogue Knitting, and can be purchased and downloaded via their website.

Review and download the pattern - CLICK HERE.

PLEASE refer to the pattern for your materials list and yardage.

The first class will focus on the center medallion, and the second class will focus on the outer band and finishing.

Possible Yarn Suggestions: Venezia, Cascade 220SW, Silky Wool, Dream, Ultra Pima, Weekend, Vintage, Bamboo & Pearls, Soya Cotton, Seduce, Comfort, Solstice, Flicker etc.

Design your own Tank Top

Cost: 3 sessions of 1 hr/2 hrs/2 hrs - $50 for all three or $20/$25/$25

(Scheduled July 25th 5-7pm & 28th 10am-Noon)

(August 8th 5-7 pm / 11th 10am-Noon / 22nd 6-7pm / 25th 10-11 am)

The aim of this class is to design your own garment using your favorite and best fitting top. Skill level will be for all who can knit, purl and cast on. You can make this as simple or complicated as your personal skill allows! This is a great opportunity to experiment with stitch patterns.

***Students will be required to come to the first session with your gauge sample in the yarn you have chosen. This will be your reference for calculating your top's measurements!!!****

The 1st class will get you started knitting, the 2nd class focuses on armholes, neck shaping and short-row shoulders, and the 3rd class on sewing together, picking up stitches around the armholes, and the neck.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

Yarn: summer weight yarn in cotton or bamboo (Misti Cotton, Bamboo & Pearls, Ultra Pima, and more available at the shop!) Come in if you need help with how many yards you'll need, but make SURE to get enough to finish your project.

Needles: Bring one set of needles that matches the band on your yarn and one set that is one size SMALLER.

HOMEWORK: With smaller needles, CO 30 stitches and knit in garter stitch for 1 inch. Change to larger needles and knit in stockinette stitch for a minimum of 3 inches. For a simple top this is enough, however if you desire a stitch pattern, knit it after teh stockinette section for 1-3 repeats. Do not rip out patterns you do not like, as this will be a useful experience and benefit you and the rest of the class. It is helpful to divide your stitch sample sections with 2 rows of garter stitch. You can get help with pattern repeats in the shop when you choose your yarn! (You can also bring PICTURES of knit garments that have design inspiring elements to them!)

Luminarie (Entrelac) Skirt

Cost: $40.00 for 2 sessions OR $20 per session

(Scheduled: July 27th and August 10th 10am-Noon)

This pattern appears in the Interweave Knits Summer 2009 magazine and can be purchased and downloaded via their website (CLICK HERE). This is a good opportunity for intermediate knitters to challenge themselves. You must know how to UN-knit, as mistakes can and do happen!
MATERIALS: Silk, Cotton, Rayon or Bamboo yarn (or a blend!) REFER TO PATTERN FOR YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS! Choose something with a nice drape in a Sport or DK weight. (Interlacements silk or bamboo would be loverly!)

Helpful tip: this skirt grows length-wise on thin ladies and looses length on curvier ladies. Take this into consideration and if you need a longer or shorter garment, make sure to consider that in your yarn yardage. Sample knit in Interlacements yarn with LOTS leftover!)

24" or longer circular needle (lace needles would be helpful!)

Size 9 / I / 5.5 mm Crochet Hook for finishing the bottom edge.

*****PLEASE come in with a gauge swatch knit in stockinette stitch if you need help determining your size!!!*****

Mosaic Knitting - Colorwork/Slip-stitch Scarf

Cost: $20.00 for a 2 hr class

(Scheduled: August 3rd 10am-Noon / 27th Call for time)

Learn a simpler way of 2-color knitting than fair-isle. This technique uses slipped stitches to achieve a patterning effect. Students must know how to Cast On, Knit and Purl. We will begin making a scarf during this class. Come into the shop of you need help choosing yarn!

Materials: 2 skeins worsted weight yarn - Main color and Contrast color.

(TIP: Wool works best, if you need help with a substitute fiber just ask! It is recommended to use 2 highly contrasting colors. One solid dark color and one self striping or variegated color would be a fun combination!)

Sz 10 needles or size on yarn label

(Yarn Suggestions: Cascade 220, Sprout, Luna, Vintage, Venezia or Lana Bambu would be good options!)

Beaded/Scalloped Summer Purse

Cost: $25 for a 2hr class

(Scheduled August 13th call for time / 17th 10am-Noon)

This class will teach you a lot! You will learn a double-needle cast-on, knitting

with beads, a bit of lace knitting and how to crochet a seam together.

The finished purse measures about 14x21cm.

Materials: 200 yds of cotton yarn (You may substitute but need a yarn that is firm!)

45 beads that will fit ON your yarn

(TIP: have a few extra in case you break or lose some! Beads are not available @ the shop, however Beads and Beyond or Cowboy Trading Co. have great selections and are within walking distance!)

1 beading needle or dental floss for stringing

(small beading needles available in the shop!)

(Dig into your needle stash for this baby!)

Crochet hook

Knitting needles listed on yarn band

Knitting needles one sz smaller than listed

1 dpn in lg size

2 sz US#7 dpn's for making the i-cord strap

1 sz US#1 for double needle cast on

(TIP: If you choose a yarn that will knit up nicely on a US #7 needle, then you can use a set of DPN's with stoppers on the ends. Then all you need is a set (or a single) US #6 needle and a single US #1 for the rest of your project!)

UFO Saturdays!

2011-07-11T01:34:00.000-07:00

Pattern for Knitted UFO HERE

UFO Saturdays 1st and Third Saturday of every month Noon-4pm

A day of finishing up Un-Finished-Objects (look for schedule on YarnDurango.com!)

Anyone is welcome to come and work on a project that needs finishing (or starting!). Also, if you are in need of assistance or guidance for your project, please call before coming in, and we will have someone available to help you get moving again. There is no charge for help, but if we are really busy in the shop there could be a delay, so we like to have an extra hand and individualized attention for those who need help!

Feel free to make every saturday your day for finishing up your knitting, even on unspecified days, you are always welcome to sit and knit!

KAL YARN SUGGESTIONS

2011-07-11T01:18:00.000-07:00

For those of you participating in the KAL, here are some suggestions and ideas for yarn choices:

Henrietta Maria

The pattern calls for a yarn that is actually more of a Sport or DK weight. If you are unsure of your yarn choice, please do check your gauge! If you haven't picked a yarn, here are some suggestions that we have in stock:

Any of the Sublime DK's , Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino DK, Rowan Pure Life, Pure Merino by Berroco, Venezia Worsted, Silky Wool, Cascade 220 Sport, Frog Tree Alpaca Sport, Solstice by Classic Elite, Epiphany, Heritage Silk, Sterling, Any of the Mirasol yarns, Degrade, Firefly, Soft Linen, Ultra Alpaca, Eco Cloud, Flicker, MiniMochi, Vintage, Vintage DK, Cascade 220 Superwash, BijouSpun Yarns, Intelacements Yarns, Strandavarious yarns, Shaeffer Yarns.

That should be plenty to choose from!

Check out who is knitting Henrietta on Ravelry.com by clicking here!

As for Otto:

You could knit him right to gauge with any DK weight yarn. He is done on DPN's and with a super tight gauge - which is key, because you don't want him bleeding his stuffins out all over!

AND LOOK WHAT I FOUND!!!!! Click HERE for the FREE pattern!

You could knit him a SWEATER!!!!! How stinkin cute is that?! You know you just have to knit this for your kids, or grandkids, or cat, or dog, or baby elephant... Or your desk - Or your car window, or passenger seat, or bike basket - Or little red wagon!

Whatever or whomever you knit him for, he is just TOO cute to pass up!

You could change the yarn selection up EASILY - Like this:

Worsted:

Cascade 220, Vintage, Vintage Chunky, Peruvia, Comfort, Pima Fresca, Caccade Baby Alpaca, or even Plush!

Aran/Chunky:

Eco Wool, Lustra, Venezia Bulky, Mochi Plus, Sprout, handspun alpaca by CoeBear Alpaca Ranch, Puffin, Misti Alpaca, Eco Duo, or double strand any lighter yarn!

Bulky/Super Bulky:

Let's make a big snuggly Otto!

How about Lanaloft bulky, or Brown Sheep Burly Spun, Thick & Quick Merino, Peruvia Quick, Campus, Magnum, or stack the lighter strands up to make your own bulky yarn!

The key is to keep your gauge SUPER TIGHT! And who says he has to be WHITE - He could be any color, make him brown or grey, or russet or fawn - Or make it fun and knit him up in red, orange, green, gold - Otto's fun possibilities are endless!

Check out who made him on Ravelry by clicking here!

KAL DAY!

2011-07-11T00:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday July 16th!

Be there or be knitting a garter stitch square!
Not that there's anything wrong with that!!!

But how's about something cute and wearable or cute and entertaining?!

We are going to gather at the end of customer appreciation week, and Knit Together on our KAL projects! With the sale happening in the store this week, there's no better time to stock up on enough yarn for the Henrietta Maria Cardigan or Otto the Polar Bear!

Come in and choose your yarn and be ready to Knit Together on Saturday. We'd like it to be a grand old time, so bring a snack or a drink to share, and we will gather out front in our beautiful courtyard garden.

The afternoon shade is usually loverly, and Saturdays in Durango can't be beat. Come early and get a good parking spot on the street too!!! We open at 10 AM, so feel free to come and go as you please! It will be a casual time of Knittin Around!

The Votes Are in!

2011-06-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

First - Thank you to all who voted for our KAL! Now that the people have spoken- I am pleased to announce that we have a tie!

I thought short and soft about it, and decided that two proposed projects could very well have a fight to the death. But what a waste of YARN!

So, why not just do both!?!

Henrietta Maria

Otto the Polar Bear

The knitting officially starts July 8th, but feel free to start now if you want! We'll kick off the knitting July 8th and focus on the KAL projects on mondays. We are already getting short on Otto patterns, but have a call in for more - and you can get Henrietta Maria on Ravelry.

So pick which one you would like to do, choose your yarn, and show up on KnitNight and we'll compare our projects, help each other, give tips to those in need of assistance, and on the night of our unveiling of our finished projects - Perhaps we could have a little shindig and have goodies to celebrate the finish of our KAL.

The runner up was very clearly the Percy Shawl, and boy was I kinda hoping for that one in a way (so I had a reason to knit it too!). So the NEXT KAL for early fall may surely have to be Percy. It was fun to vote, and fun for me to watch the little bars climb higher and higher. Go grab your needles, lug in your knitting bag of yarn, and let's get our Henriettas and Ottos going - I'll be CASTING ON (AGAIN) tonight. And since I actually already am in the Henrietta KAL on Ravelry, my little Otto shall begin!

Can't wait to see you all, either online or in shop!

Happy Knitting!!!

~ Brandy

Cast your vote and Knit ~A~Long with all the Gals @ Yarn Durango

2011-06-10T22:54:00.000-07:00

We have decided to introduce a KAL for the summer.

All of the patterns collected are friendly to most knitters, and relatively easy. Also easy to substitute yarns, adjust or alter the pattern, or use an alternate technique (i.e. magic loop) to suit your knitting style as well. Anyone can join, whether in one of the groups that meets locally or across the country, feel free to dive in.

We will post the results here on the blog and in our Ravelry group as well. Have a look, pick your favorite pattern (Use the poll @ the top-left of the blog) and ENJOY!

All photos and pattens listed are copyright of their respective and original

owners, and are also linked, so feel free to click!

So let's see what's behind:

Door # 1:

Corsica Pattern by Berroco

(FREE PDF BOOLKET HERE)

"Corsica is a curve flattering garment that is worked in several directions. The center lace panel rises from the lower hem while the sides are picked up and knit at a perpendicular angle." ~ Berroco.com

Door # 2:

Lapse Pattern in Berroco's Lustra Booklet #289

(available in the shop, preview HERE)

Lapse is a simple sweater knit in Berroco Lustra. Pattern is in the Lustra book # 289, so you'll have plenty of lovely patterns to knit after Lapse is finished!

Door # 3:

Henrietta Maria Cardigan - Pattern designer Beth Wolden is also having a Ravelry KAL -

(Download on Ravelry.com)

Henrietta Maria is a simple knit that is highly textured with seed stitch, and embroidered with small flowers. Easy to follow and easy to adjust, it is written in 2 size groups to fit anyone, and any size from xSm to 5x. Pattern designer Beth Wolden is having a KAL on Ravelry.com as well. Take a peek for ideas as to how each knitter is personalizing their own Henrietta!

Door # 4:

Percy Shawl

(Download on Ravelry.com)

Percy is a beautiful shawl that would make a wonderful summer gift! You can download the pattern on Ravelry.com, and it would knit up beautifully in any weight yarn from Lace to Worsted! Maybe an adventurous knitter would like even like to knit it in a Chunky or Aran weight as well!

Door # 5:

Otto the Polar Bear

(available in the shop or on Ravelry)

If you like Elijah the Elephant, you'll LOVE Otto the Polar Bear! Like Elijah, Otto is knit in the round entirely on DPN's and stuffed as you work. What an adorable gift for a Baby or even an Older Child for Christmas, Birthdays, or an Older Sibling Gift!

Join one of our local groups!

2011-05-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

We have several groups meeting at the shop throughout the week. If you have been looking for other knitters and fiber enthusiasts to meet, this is the place to do it! Check out the descriptions of our current group meetings and feel free to join us at any time!

Monday KnitNight group 4pm-7pm
Join the YarnDurango group on Ravelry and get a Free Gift in the shop! Just join the group, come in with your Ravelry username, and receive a Free YarnDurango Gift!

Open knitting! Everyone welcome, feel free to bring a beverage, snack or bottle of wine to share. And be ready to laugh, and loose count, and frog, and knit again! Always a good time, with friendly knitters who love to visit, have Project Show-And-Tell, and help one another out.

Wednesday FLKC group 5:30-8pm

FunLadiesKnittingClub (Join the group on Ravelry!)

Open Knitting! Everyone welcome, bring a snack or beverage to share. Regular knit-a-longs and fun knitting projects. An eclectic group of friendly knitting friends, always have an interesting project to start or share.

Thursday WildWooly Spinners Spinning group 1pm-4pm

(Join the group on Ravelry!) Open Group! Spinning, Knitting, Lockerhooking - No rules - Really! Not a shy group at all, so get ready to have a good laugh. While most bring their wheels and drop spindles, we have been known to work on anything that suits our fancy. Everyone is welcome to come and work on their spinning or knitting projects anytime.

Find this shirt HERE

Saturdays Mad-Hatters group Noon - 3 pm
(Call the shop or look for schedule on YarnDurango.com!)
(PS- Shirt pictured not affiliated with the group, but why not check out something fun?!)

Knitting newborn hats for Mercy Medical Center's nursery. Simple, easy baby hats work up fast. Mandi will even teach you how to knit them if you promise to donate a hat! Pattern booklet availiable, also if you would be so kind as to donate a hat - or as many as you can knit up! Crochet hats also accepted, but no pattern available YET! Nice and easy-going group, friendly and always helping one another, we have a good relaxing knit-time while we whip up our lovely little hats!
If you are not able to make it to a group session, you can bring your finished baby hats to the shop. PLEASE make sure your hats are machine washable, and measure 6 inches wide and 5 inches tall when laid flat! Otherwise, hats that are not the correct size, the hospital will not accept. (Whenever hats are either too small or too large, Mandi has to take them out and re-knit them - So sizing them properly makes a huge difference for her as well. She puts so much work into organizing everything for this cause, and delivers every hat by hand, so lets make her work a little easier!)

Pattern for Knitted UFO HERE

UFO Saturdays 2nd and Last saturday of every month Noon-4pm

A day of finishing up Un-Finished-Objects (look for schedule on YarnDurango.com!)

Anyone is welcome to come and work on a project that needs finishing (or starting!). Also, if you are in need of assistance or guidance for your project, please call before coming in, and we will have someone available to help you get moving again. There is no charge for help, but if we are really busy in the shop there could be a delay, so we like to have an extra hand and individualized attention for those who need help! Feel free to make every saturday your day for finishing up your knitting, even on unspecified days, you are always welcome to sit and knit!

Didn't find a group that suits you?! How about coming by and finding a day that your own group of friends can gather at the shop to knit?! We love having groups come and work at the shop, and all are welcome at anytime. Also, now that our beautiful Durango weather is warming up, we can use the courtyard in front of the shop as well! So please, join us in one of our groups or start your own!

SPRING SALE

2011-04-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

April 23rd is the last day to get15% Off All Spring & Summer Yarn and 10% Extra Off Sale Yarn!

We will be closed Easter Sunday, April 24th.

A new sale will begin Monday, April 25th - Friday the 30th.

Come in for 15% - 25% Off all Winter Yarn and 10% Extra Off Sale Yarn Continues.

MAY 1st - 3rd we will be CLOSED FOR INVENTORY!

Local Fiber featured at YarnDurango!

2010-08-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

One thing we really wanted to focus on at YarnDurango is LOCAL fiber.

There are a couple yarns that are local to the area, and we are looking at getting more in the very near future. Today, we'll talk about Bridle Valley Ranch Alpaca Fiber.

We were fortunate enough for JoAnn to bring her local alpaca yarn into to shop, and she kindly invited us out to visit her ranch near Ignacio. We had a great time learning about the Alpaca, seeing the new Baby alpaca (1 week old!), and picking out roving to bring into the shop for the spinners of our area.

We've spent a great deal of time talking with JoAnn about her yarn and are convinced that she has some of the nicest "fresh" fiber we've seen in a while. She put every effort into choosing the right fiber, blend of silk, etc. From the animal, right down to the mill itself, nothing has been overlooked.

Her fiber is mill carded and spun, undyed and not chemically treated or processed. It is blended with just the right amount of silk as well, which makes it feel very luxurious!

Most knitters complain about the "vegetable content" of unprocessed fiber. Bridle Valley fiber has VERY LITTLE bits or pieces of anything left in the fiber. So no worries about picking bits of hay or grass every few inches in your yarn. And even more important, no pieces of alpaca poo either! A nice perk when knitting with fresh fiber, the less poo the better!

Hope you enjoy these photos of the day's visit, and please come in and check out the LOVELY soft Alpaca/Silk blend yarn we carry from Bridle Valley!

This gal was super sweet, and a "close talker"....

You see now?

"Close Talker!"

Skeptical Guard Llama... With beautiful eyes.

See, there is the Close Talker again... Inspecting Jonni!

She sniffed everyone up and down, then sat down with everyone and visited.

All the white females shorn like a poodle are pregnant.

They have an 11 month gestational period.

Photos by Brandy Dare and Susan Jones

Yes, the NEW YarnDurango is OPEN!

2010-08-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

We opened up July 3rd, 2010, under new ownership.

If you have not yet met Jonni (pronounced Jaw-Knee) please do come by and say hello.

We are interested in knowing what our customers would like to see @ YarnDurango, so send us an email, call in or come by and write something down on our Wish List @ the front counter!

The new shop hours are:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 6pm

Wednesdays from 12Noon - 8pm

Sundays from 12Noon-4pm

Lots of new things have happened in the past month since we have opened.

We have a new sitting area with all of the books and patterns.

It is lovingly referred to as the "Man Chair" section.

Husbands always welcome.. ;0)

The courtyard Garden is BEAUTIFUL this time of year.

Strange to think that in just a few more months it will be filled with snow!

Many have commented on how "clean" everything looks.

Wel, there is not a TON of yarn in the shop, but there WILL be! Surely it will fill up nicely.

We also put a lot of work into sprucing things up. Fresh paint, rearranging displays, cleaning and finishing the floors, and a new style of decorating all around.

The shop feels large and open, and it has made for a lovely environment to browse yarns in!

We do have a few "special" yarns in the shop, for a hand knit item to treat yourself or someone else. These spools of differnt luxurious blends are just the thing!

Perhaps these might go on your Christmas list?!

Have any of you who have been in noticed the beautiful, fragrant, fresh flowers gracing the shop?

We have Blossom arrangements freshly placed in the shop every week. They smell AMAZING and are so BEAUTIFUL! If you are in need of flowers, definitely give them a call!!!

HAPPENINGS:

Monday's Knit Night group has resumed meeting from 4-7pm.

Wednesdays the FLKC Ladies group meets from 5:30 - 8:30.

Thursdays the local spinners of Durango come in from 1-4pm.

And The Mad Hatters group will resume meeting to knit

Baby Hats for the hospital this month as well.

We will be posting a class list soon, there have been many requests for classes and certain projects. If there is anything you would particularly like to attend a class on, PLEASE let us know!

Thursday's Spinning Ladies

We still have a lot of Spring and Summer yarn, and a few things left in the sale area. We also have the Odd's and Ends section where Jonni has painstakingly placed out her own collection of yarn in an effort to find it all a new home. It's always changing and new Stash items are being brought out every week.

For August, September and October, expect to see some new Fall/Winter yarns in the shop. We'll have new wool and alpaca from Cascade. We have ordered Atenti and Namaste totes and bags. We'll be having Needlepoint kits as well as kits for Fair Isle hats featuring One of a Kind and Vintage yarns! We're also looking at getting some embroidery supplies in the shop in time for Christmas.

All this is just a start to the many things coming in to the new YarnDurango, so if there is anything you would like us to consider, don't be shy, please do let us know!

Happy Knitting!

*Photos taken by Lani Dill

Knitting Tips!

2009-11-16T17:09:00.000-08:00

We've had a lot of interest in Ysolda Teague's Urchin Hat, and quite a few knitters that have come in are working on it. We've had a few people get a little stuck with the shorts rows, mostly count and recognizing the finished wraps. Once you get through a few repeats of the "wedges" that compose the hat, it will fly by.. You'll love it!

I knit my first one up in some Cuzco and it turned out great. It was little baggy and floppy, I forgot that this yarn stretches out quite a bit with wear. So keep that in mind when choosing your yarn. I like mine like this, but if I want a change, I gather it up and attach a vintage pin. Adorable.

I've got 2 more planned, and I think I can finish them up in a day a piece. They really are that easy once you get moving on them.

Come on in and check out our shop model that was knit up in Lumpy Bumpy. Even try it on for size, it looks great on just about everyone!

If you get stuck, you are welcome to come by for a little help, or check out these knitting help links:

http://www.knittingatknoon.com/provisional.html

This is the provisional cast on recccommended in the pattern

Short Rows:

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer03/FEATbonnetric.html

http://www.thedietdiary.com/blog/lucia/222

http://www.stitchdiva.com/custom.aspx?id=143

http://www.knotions.com/techniques/short_rows/how_to_knit_short_rows.aspx

This hat does call for a Provisional Cast ON and a grafted bind off, OR 3 Needle Bind Off.

It is knit from side to side, the short rows cause the rounded shape, and the graft makes for a seamless finished piece.

Now, if that is all too much for you, you could very well just cast on and bind of as normal. Then graft, seam, sew or whatever, your two ends together and draw up the center. It just won't be as neat or invisible. And you won't learn a new technique! But if you're OK with that, then go ahead and go the other direction with it.

Anyhow, hope this all helps, and maybe you found something new that you've needed.

Happy Knitting!

- Brandy

Thank a Veteran!

2009-11-16T12:26:00.000-08:00

Did you all have a nice Veteran's Day?! I hope so, and I hope you took the time to thank your local veterans for their service to our country! Regardless of political differences, Our Veterans - young and old, need Our Support!

If 2009's Veteran's Day has left you feeling a extra patriotic, Denver Public Library is

STILL ACCEPTING hats for their Knitting 4 Our Troops (K4OT) campaign.

Knit up a hat or ten and send it to DPL, they go straight to our active duty troops.
Pattern and details of where to send finished hats can be found HERE.
I'm told by family members that have or are still serving in Afghanistan, that the winters in the middle east can be brutal. Our Troops need all the LOVE and SUPPORT you can get in to EVERY single little STITCH!

Happy Knitting and Thank a Veteran!