What's that? 👂 Worsted weight striping sock yarn, you say?
Are you familiar with the Loose Ends Project? Started by knitters Jennifer Simonic of Seattle, and Masey Kaplan of Portland, Maine, the Loose Ends Project serves as a matchmaking clearinghouse to facilitate the completion of unfinished craft projects left behind by a departed loved one, or someone who is no longer able to complete it due to illness or disability. There is no charge beyond the requirement that shipping costs to and from the finisher be paid by the project owner.
To learn more or volunteer to become a finisher, visit the site--the FAQ section has additional information about qualifying projects, and there is a form to indicate your skill levels and interests if you'd like to participate.
Current open hours are Monday - Thursday, 7am-3:30pm, Friday 8:30am - 5pm and Saturdays, 9am-4pm.
In-store shopping: masks are optional (but welcome and appreciated). 
…to learn (and do)
CURRENT CLASSES & EVENTS
Social Stitching
Every Saturday, 2-4pm
Join us around the big table for a couple of hours of convivial stitching.
Berroco Dash Trunk Show
March 4 - 11
Featuring all pieces from the Fall 2022 collection for Berroco Dash.
Yarn Folk Tenth Anniversary
April 15
Local Yarn Store Day
April 29
Winter Challenges
Schedule changes related to winter weather will be posted on the door if possible, as well as on Instagram, Facebook, and Google. If roads are crummy on a Saturday, opening time will likely be delayed until 11:30. We very much hope to discontinue this paragraph soon.
...to anticipate
Lots of things turned up last week including the new Vintage Baby Handpaints. This speckled yarn is compatible with the solid colors of Vintage Baby and are the same soft (and easy care) blend of 52% acrylic / 40% wool / 8% nylon. The cardigan pictured above is Elli, from the Vintage Baby 2023 Collection. (The pattern is also available at Ravelry.)
Another new yarn in stock is Universal Deluxe Stripes--a worsted-weight self-striping yarn which has the 25% nylon combined with wool that so many sock knitters are passionate about. Available in nine color combinations, one skein is usually enough for adult medium socks with cuffs that are not too long--for taller socks or larger foot sizes, you'll want to consider a second skein, or plan on contrasting cuffs/heels/toes. If socks aren't your thing, this yarn works just as well for other accessories--hats, mittens, etc.
We also have the March Stitch Markers of the Month from Katrinkles, and the hibernating bear theme is ADORABLE. (We ordered a few of the notion of the month this time--the hibernating project bag tags. So cute.)
…to inspire
The Berroco Dash Fall 2022 Trunk Show arrived late last week, and it's a delight to see all of the yarn shades represented. We have four of the Dash colors in stock--it was hard to choose, and the decision to limit the colors was driven by space considerations. These fluffy 230 yard balls of yarn are big! As always with Berroco yarns, if there is a color you want for a project, we can set up a drop shipment for you, where the exact amount you need arrives at your door directly from Berroco.
The Dash collection contains:
Galatee, a classic pullover that takes 3-6 balls (most sizes use 4 or 5)
Kikka, a simple cardigan vest
Ciel, a hat and mitts set that uses just one ball for the set
Florrie, a two-ball stockinette scarf that uses garter stitch to bring out the accent colors of the yarn (in four different colorways!)
Zurie, a two-ball crochet infinity cowl
and Belva, a one-ball garter stitch cowl
If you haven't squished it in person, Dash is a bulky chainette made of 92% extrafine Merino wool and 8% Nylon--super soft and super warm.
...to stitch
Three sleeves down, ONE TO GO! It still needs a few rows of the buttonband, blocking, ends tucked in, and buttons, but Pressed Flowers is all but finished. The button band is the last knitting step, and my first crack at it didn't please me--I'd started binding off when I realized that I really didn't have enough stitches. The pattern doesn't specify an exact number, but even if it had, I probably would have ignored it. My second attempt looks like it is going to work, but I made a small adjustment to the button spacing to get the top button to land at the bottom of the v-neck. Finished pictures on social media this week, and here next week.
Then on to the last sleeve of the Gartergan--which thankfully has very little finishing once the knitting is done.
