The Yarn Department of the Needle & Arts Centre expanded to become one of the most beautiful yarn stores with one of the biggest selections of quality yarns in Western Canada! Supported by several highly qualified knitting and needlework consultants, we offer drop-ins and individual knitting and crochet consulting every day. Tea and coffee are free in our Knit Cafe which is the place for learning, for exchange of experience and for relaxation. Visit www.needlenart.com.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
last but not least... new Sock Yarns!
Fortissima Socka Bambou - A variegated blend of superwash wool, bamboo and nylon. The bamboo adds both reinforcement and softness to the yarn. Nicely priced at $19.95 for a 100g ball. Here is the shade card!
Sockina Cotton - For those who love socks but have trouble with wood, try this variegated blend of cotton, acrylic and nylon. It retails for $15.95 for 100g. Shadecard is coming soon.
We also have new colours in the ever-popular Marble yarn. This 100% acrylic yarn has the look and feel of wool and works well for kid and adult knits. See the updated shade card.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
A new source: Alpaca with a Twist
From Alpaca with a Twist we received three new alpaca yarns - made in Peru.Never tried alpaca? If not, give it a try! It's benefits include:
- Incredible color range;
- Hypoallergenic - many peaople who cannot wear other natural fibres such as wool or mohair find that alpaca is okay for them, as it is less irritatiing to the skin;
- Next-to-the-skin softness, which makes it ideal for baby and childrfens items, sweaters, hats and gloves;
- Alpaca is a natural fiber, so it's perfect for those who prefer ecologically friendly yarns. It's versatile too, so you can even felt with it.
Big Baby - if you prefer bulkier knits, try Big Baby, also made with 100% baby alpaca. This yarn knits up to 3 sts per inch on 8 mm needles and would look fabulous in hats, scarves, even sweaters. It retails for $19.95 per 100mg skein. Here is the shade card.
Fino - for those who enjoy lace knitting, we are pleased to off Fino, a lace weight blend of baby alpaca and silk. Besides lace, this yarn would also work beautifully for classic baby knits that call for 4 ply yarns (28 sts par 4 inches). The 100 g skein has 875 yards and retails for $29.95. Check the shade card.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Now in: Amazing Berroco Yarns
I thought it would be coming to an end, but here is another treat: we brought in several new yarns from Berroco!Trilogy - An aran weight yarn in a mix of wool, cotton and nylon. As the name suggest, this yarn is the composite of at least three yarns, giving it some variety in texture and color. We have several sweater patterns for this yarn and it would also look great in accent pieces such as hats and scarves. See the Trilogy shadecard here, it retails for $8.95. See photo of free pattern to the right!
Jasper - A gorgeous aran weight merino wool dyed in multicolored jeweled tones. With next-to-the-skin softness, Jasperwould be perfect for sweaters and accessories. Check the shadecard; it retails for $8.95
Memoirs - A variegated mohair/wool blend that works up to a chunky weight. This one must be seen and felt to be truly appreciated, and would look stunning in a hat, scarf or sweater. Check out the shadecard, it retails for $10.95.
Visit http://www.berroco.com/ for free patterns and pattern book previews for these yarns!
Friday, October 05, 2007
More exciting new books!

From the publishers of Knitter's Magazine, in the "Knitter's Dozen" series: Ponchos and Wraps - twenty-two favorites from past issues of Knitter's, including an adaptation of Elizabeth Zimmerman's "Pi" shawl. If you have a knitter on your gift list, here's a great book to "wrap up" your shopping early!
Kids - another "Knitter's Dozen"; this one with nineteen great designs for children. Many of the sweaters go up to size twelve, so you are sure to find something for your favorite kids, whether they be toddlers or tweenies.
Arans and Celtics - Classic cabled sweater, vest and accessories patterns from past issues. This one is sure to become a favorite of intermediate and advanced knitters who enjoy the challenge of arans and guernseys.The Great American Aran Afghan - This is the fourth afghan in the magazine's popular series of afghans published in past issues. It includes twenty-four cabled square designs, so you can create your own, one-of-a-bird heirloom afghan.
Last, but certainly not least, popular designer Cat Bordhi has a new book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One. With her innovative techniques and patterns, Cat is guaranteed to catch the attention of new and experienced sock knitters alike. We also have in stock copies of two of her other books, A Treasury of Magical Knitting, and A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting.
Check www.needlenart.com/id53.html for more!
That's about it for this year...
From renowned Australian designer Jo Sharp: Silkroad DK Tweed; a glorious wool, silk and
cashmere blend that must be felt to be appreciated. This worsted weight yarn with a subtle tweed effect would work up nicely in sweaters, hats, scarves and other accessories. We have in stock Jo Sharp's Knit: Issue 3, which includes several patterns for this yarn which retails for $10.95 per ball. Click for the shade card.New Books for new Projects
Here comes the first "batch" of interesting new books in store. See details and prices at www.needlenart.com/id53.html!New books from the "Vogue Knitting On the Go" series: Chunky Scarves and Hats and Svarves Two. Lots of great projects for the upcoming fall and holiday seasons.
Two books from renowned British designer Debbie Bliss: Junior Knits features fun and functional patterns for kids aged 3 to 10 years. Baby Knits for Beginners features simple yet sensational designs for the little ones in our life.