Interesting tools from Finland, and a closer look at LAMANA Como!

July 09, 2024

I posed this question on Instagram on Saturday, and I thought an update was in order.

As regards the knitting, I finished one thing (which had been in progress, see below), and started two. I did not start the sweater (even though I've been carrying around the yarn and needles for a bit). This was all accomplished sitting directly in front of a box fan.

As regards the terminology, Greta offered "glaube an wunder" (believe in miracles), Charleen suggested "finished object mirage," and Tammy gently suggested "dummkopf." I decided that "immer hoffnungsvoll" (ever-hopeful) was close. Lisa blames heat delusions.

…mark your calendars

Social Stitching

Every Saturday, 2-4pm

Bring your current project, and spend some time with others who really vibe on yarn!

Olive Knits 4 Day KAL

July 3 - 31

Choose your own level of challenge--knit it in four days, or at a pace that works with YOUR July. Either way, join us for the fun! You can find more info at Olive Knits here. And take a look at our kit options here (there's fun surprise swag with your kit purchase, too).

Also Coming in July: Christmas Stocking KAL 🧑🏻‍🎄❄️🎄🧦🧧🎁

Choose your own adventure, and use the hashtag #YarnFolkChristmasInJuly on social media, or send finished or progress pics to me (ann@yarnfolk.com) and we'll do a photo round up at the end of July!

Special Hours for July

July 17 (July Ellensburg Night Market)

Open 7a - 8p

July 20 (No Social Stitching)

Open 9a - 12p

…new in the shop

We sold out of the Washington Beanie Kits -- but we'll be ordering a few more. Send me a note if you'd like to be notified when they are back in stock.

Above are some new items we received from a Finnish supplier. We'd been looking for some crochet square blocking boards from a reputable supplier, and the quality of these items from Kainor is excellent. In addition to two sizes of the blocking boards, we also have some unique needle organizers, and some very charming needle gauges. (So clever how even the screw holes holding a cassette tape together are functional here!)

…to inspire

We loved using LAMANA Como for Spill the Tea, and we're using it for a secret test knit right now. It's SO light, and SO soft. The brand is more established in Europe (they are based in Bielefeld, Germany, midway between Cologne and Hamburg), and we're so glad they came to our tradeshow in the US this year!

Here's a closer (but by no means comprehensive) look at designs written for this beautiful yarn:

STOKEY Shawl, by Evgeniya Dupliy -- six balls, 1-3 colors, two textures

Top Cosima, by Marisa Nöldeke -- a lightweight tank with tie-top straps

Pinia, by Isabel Kraemer -- a top-down sweater with a circular colorwork yoke featuring pine trees

Sorgenfri Jacket Mini, by Guri Pedersen -- a cardigan sized from newborn to 5-6 years

Malente, by Lamana -- an A-line slipover with ribbing details

Fagerborg Overalls, by Guri Pedersen -- baby overalls for newborns up to 18-24 months

Marienlyst Baby Hat, by Guri Pedersen -- a close-fitting baby hat with ties to keep it on

Did you notice a number of baby things? (And there are more.) That's because not only is Como super soft, it can be washed in the machine. It's recommended that you lay flat to dry, but because the yarn is so lightweight, it dries quickly.

...currently stitching

Andrea Mowry's The Traveler Hat, knit up in two skeins of Lamb & Goat might actually be the perfect hat. The long stretch of ribbing makes a brim you can fold deep (but it's not at all constricting), the purl welt texture is easy to memorize and creates momentum as you knit, and the slouchiness accommodates wildly disparate amounts of hair. Lamb & Goat has a touch of cashmere, and you can definitely luxuriate in it. This pattern is a solid recommendation for a portable project that doesn't require super-close attention!