The Silence in the Fields

I have been told by reliable sources that there are some of you who every Monday morning, eagerly await the news of our 75% off sale. You sit there at your computers, with your coffee. The kids have gone to school. You have a moment to breathe, or maybe you're at work checking Facebook every few minutes, waiting, waiting, having tissues ready to catch the drool or a fan to cool you down when your temperature rises once you see what's on sale. You hope the phone doesn't ring, or that no one comes to the door, or that a client or your boss doesn't interrupt you with talk. You wait, not saying a word.

We appreciate that. We love to hear from you. We love knowing that people care.

We've even had people standing outside our door before opening time, banging on the doors, afraid that someone else will snatch up the deal first, like it's Black Friday, or a one day Boxing Sale event.

So are you ready? I know you. You've probably already cheated and not read a thing but instead scrolled down to the announcement.

Which isn't fair because how am I supposed to surprise you?

Okay, okay, here it is.

We have two yarns from two different companies that are exactly the same. I'm sure there are spies in the yarn world. It's not the first time we've seen this. They infiltrate the yarn companies and report back to their supervisors, risking torture if caught, like being forced to sit alone in a room with knitting supplies just a couple of feet away - locked in glass cases.

And so this is the result. Two lovely identical yarns. Two different companies. Same price.

SMC Silenzio and Kertzer Meadows are 25% Alpaca, 25% Superwash Wool, and 50%  Acrylic in a chunky 60m/66yd balls. There are currently nine seven colors although that won't last long. Great for cowls, hats, scarves and mitts.

While writing this we had someone come in and buy some changing my color numbers.

SMC Silenzio & Kertzer Meadows

Regular: $6.00

Sale: $1.50

And as always, once it's gone, it's gone.

Posted by Anna Maria Junus happy employee who is showing restraint this week.

A Weekend to Remember

Berroco Weekend Chunky

Regular $8.50
Sale $2.13
http://www.berroco.com/yarns/berroco-weekend-chunky


Anna had Monday off and this is why I let her do this.
;) Lori

A Sheep, An Alpaca, and a Worm Walk Into a Bar...

Well folks, two weeks in a row we sold out of our weekly special on Thursday. And this morning we had someone in looking for the special before we even had a chance to put it out.

Which means, that unless you get here early, you may not have a chance. Tantrums in the store will not be tolerated should that happen. You will have to take them outside, which will look pretty silly to passersby.  Tantrums are for the bar across the street, although I suppose you could drown your sorrows there, but, why would you do that when we have so much wonderful yarn therapy?

Last week I mentioned the Mirasol company. Here's a statement from their website (although I do encourage you to look around it).

The philosophy behind the Mirasol Project is very simple, the Mirasol Project supports local  communities in Peru through the sales of the Mirasol Yarn Collection. Peru's heritage and culture of textile artistry is rich and ancient. The Mirasol Yarn Collection includes  yarn made from the animals bred by these communities for generations in the Peruvian highlands.  Without them we would not have this beautiful yarn. By purchasing the Mirasol Yarn Collection you are supporting the shepherds and their families  ensuring the continuation of this tradition. A portion of every purchase goes directly to the funding  of a centre in the remote area of Munani in the region of Puno. So not only do you buy beautiful high quality yarn, but you also help support hard working families. Win! Win! We have another Mirasol yarn for sale this week (the lonely little Nuna did find a home - yeah). Sulka is 60% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca, and 20% Silk It's 50m/55yds of chunky squishiness! What else could it be with those ingredients? We have seven beautiful colors. Think hats, scarves and cowls, or if you're really adventurous, a  multi-colored sweater. Mirasol Sulka Regular $9.00 Sale: $2.25 Unfortunately we don't have this color, but come in anyway and see what colors we do have.  And in case you missed it, here's the link to the Mirasol site. Mirasol Yarns And remember, no special orders, all sales are final and once it's gone, it's gone! Posted by Anna Maria Junus (happy employee who is still trying to come up with a punchline for the title).

When Sheep and Worm Cooperate Sale

One of the benefits of knitting besides handmade socks and the mental stability required to not kill your boss, your teenagers, the toddlers, or that person you married, is the opportunity to support women's businesses throughout the world.

Manos del Uraguay is one of them. Check out what Manos is all about.

Manos del Uraguay

No really, read it. It's interesting. Not only did these women create a way for other women to support their families, but they even started schools for their children.

Manos rocks. Okay, I guess they spin and dye too which is not as physical as it sounds when you say it out loud.

So this week's 75% off sale is one of the Manos yarns. This is a DK weight that knits up so soft you'll want to sleep under it and on it.

Manos Silk Blend

70% Merino, 30% Silk Kettle Dyed

150 yds/135 m

DK weight

Reg: $14.00

Sale: $3.50

Manos Silk Blend Topaz (which we do have)

We have six colors at the time of this post. There is enough of a couple of colors for a sweater. Think also hats, gloves, and cowls.

Oh, and included in this sale is one lonely ball of Nuna from Mirasol. Mirasol is another company that supports women, this time in Peru.

We don't know what to do with this ball of Nuna. It's been sitting here all alone for quite awhile. We think someone should give it a home. It's a lovely little yarn made with 40% merino, 40% silk and 20% bamboo. At 175m/191yds of sport weight, it would make a beautiful little lace scarf.

Our lonely terracotta Nuna

Regular price. $10.00

Sale price: $2.50

Last week we completely sold out of our special sale yarn two days before the sale was over. So it does happen. Once they're gone, they're gone!

Posted by Anna Maria Junus happy employee who is breaking my resolution for this sale.

A True Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, in a land far far away called Japan, there was a man named Eisaku Noro who decided that he didn't like color rules.

And so he chose to make yarns from certified organic farms around the world using colors that no one else would put together, like hot pink next to rust and hunter green beside lime. And lo and behold, it all worked and the magical folk who could take two sticks and some thread and create the most wondrous garments, flocked to buy his yarns with the wild colors and textures.

He became a world wide sensation and was greatly revered in the sticks and thread world. Books and magazines were devoted to his work. Designers clamored to be one of the Noro gang, and little shops were thrilled when the magic yarn came in like big Christmas presents, for they knew that these brightly colored balls and hanks would one day be reborn into special gifts for loved ones made by the magical folk.

And so we too have just recently had boxes brought to our door containing the magic yarn.

Silk Garden 

45% Silk, 45% Mohair, 10% Wool
100 meters, $13.00
Aran weight (4)

We have the five following colors. You can check out the colors at Knitting Fever.

87, 338, 351, 415, 424

Kureyon (it means crayon)

100% Wool
100 meters, $10.00
Worsted Weight (4)

We have the eight following colors. You can check them out at Knitting Fever.

359, 362, 366, 367, 368, 369, 371, 374

Now those are just the new Noros we got in this week. We have other Noro throughout the store. Kureyon Air, Taiyo Sock, Taiyo Sport, Silk Garden Lite, Takeuma, Koromo, Retro, and Shiraito.

And we even have some in 25% off sale yarns. But then you may only find one ball of something and once it's gone, it's gone. We have Hitsuji, Matsuri, Kirameki, Furin, and Maiko. Come in and grab it while you can!

And if you need some Noro inspiration we have the following copies of Noro publications.

Noro Magazine Spring/Summer 2013

 Noro Pattern Book Vol. 28

Noro Pattern Book Vol. 29

Noro Pattern Book Vol. 31

We know that the magical folk will be in to soon and we hope that you will be one of them. Soon they will be all gone and yet the magic will continue. The end is not the end. 

Posted by Anna Maria Junus happy employee of a sticks and threads shop that carries magical yarn.

The Classics Never Grow Old

Don't you just love our weekly 75% off sales? In fact, can we get an amen. If you see this post please make a comment telling us how fantastic we are. Okay, I admit it. It's purely for my ego because I have no idea if real people see this or if I'm just echoing into an empty cave. 

This week's sale!!!!

We have two lovely basic yarns for our 75% off sale. No glitz, no sparkle, no razz ma tazz (not that there's anything wrong with that). Just beautiful wool/acrylic blends that are the staple of a good stash. You can't go wrong with the classics. Think cables and textured stitches, all those beautiful knitting techniques that get lost on variegated and specialty yarns. Sweaters, scarves, hats, mitts and boot toppers. Or you can make some beautiful cabled pillows for your sofa. Easy care too. Machine wash and dry.

Classic Worsted 80% Acrylic 20% Wool 197yds/180m

Regular Price: $7.00

Sale: $1.75

Himalaya Vira 65% Acrylic 35% Wool 263yds/240m

Regular Price: $6.50

Sale: $1.63

Remember, no special orders. First come first served. Once they're gone they're gone! And it's for this week only. 

Ooo SHINY!

(ghost written by Lori who can spin a good tale in person but is freaked out a little about blogging so Margaret is helping too)

Berroco "Elements"

For the dull dreary days ahead or to add a bit of style to your Valentine's date night outfit, check out this week's Special!

On offer: three different -- yet similar -- yarns in a variety of colours:

• Berroco Elements - 51% wool, 49% nylon; 153 yards or 140 meters to the ball;
• Sirdar Softspun - 25% wool, 51% nylon, 24% acrylic; 137 yards or 125 meters to the ball; and
• SMC Select Silk Wool - 64% wool, 9% nylon, 27% silk; 131 yards or 120 meters to the ball.

SMC Select "Silk Wool"

Sirdar "Softspun DK"

We have quantities of each that would be perfect for that special accessory, such as fingerless mitts, scarves, cowls or hats.

Come in to select your perfect match to knit up in time for your next wintry evening out!

Remember -- these will be on sale for one week only -- and when they're gone, they're gone!

Berroco "Elements" 

Regular Price: $14.00

Sale Price: $3.50

Sirdar "Softspun"

Regular Price: $5.00

Sale Price: $1.25

SMC Select "Silk Wool"

Regular Price: $10.95

Sale Price: $2.74