Newsletter September 27th 2019
The summer sun is still shining on us, but in the morning there's a definite nip in the air. At Riverside Yarns we've started to cast on some cozy cool-weather projects. If you're looking for inspiration we have a few ideas to share with you.
Sweet Paprika
Cathy picked out some great yarns when she visited Sweet Paprika in Montreal. We are thrilled to be carrying their Sutton line, which is a bulky weight. Why are we so excited about this yarn? Because it’s sourced from a farm just south of us in Wellington County. Sweet Paprika has been getting wool from Circle R Livestock, and having it processed in New Brunswick. Romy and Ryan Schil and their three children are the 4th and 5th generations in the family to work their land. Their sheep are a base of Dorset which produce a down-like wool that is lofty and strong. To find out more about the Schil family, and to see some adorable photos of their sheep, check out circlerlamb.ca.
Cathy met Debbie Sullivan, who does all the dying for Sweet Paprika Yarns, on her recent trip to Montreal.
As for Sweet Paprika, what isn’t there to love about this dynamic sister duo? Debbie and Elizabeth Sullivan were taught to knit by their grandmother, and they now are fully immersed in crochet, dying, spinning, weaving, creating designs and, of course, knitting. Their goal is to make beautiful yarns that will compliment any needle craft project.
We have five colourways in Sutton, which is a sturdy 3-ply that is perfect for slippers, mittens and hats. Their Presto line is a 2-ply bulky weight blend of superwash merino wool and nylon. This will make lovely cowls and scarves, or anything that you’ll wear next to your skin. Sutton sells for $26.50 for a 110g/ 151m skein, while Presto sells for $27.00 for a 115g/124m skein.
Kelbourne Woolens Germantown and Scout
Just the name of these yarns makes me want to knit something sturdy, something to keep my kin warm. We chose Germantown because it’s a classic worsted-weight yarn that will not let you down. We were also drawn to the “Germantown Building Blocks” -- three patterns with three possibilities that can be used to entice a new knitter, or challenge a more experienced one. These patterns are available for sale on Ravelry, or you can opt for the free "Year of Hats" patterns. We have six coulourways in the Germantown, and each 100g/200m sells for $18.49.
Scout is a nice 2-ply 100 % wool DK that comes in lovely heathered colours that we couldn't resist. These 100g/250m skeins sell for $19.99.
The Fibre Co. Cumbria
Pattern alert! We were drawn to the story of The Fibre Co’s “One Sweater Project” which features a classic raglan pullover knit in Cumbria. This is a gender-neutral garment that is simple yet powerful, and the pattern, which is available in 13 sizes, is free with purchase of Cumbria yarn.
The New Foundations designs for Autumn and Winter also feature two smaller projects in Cumbria - a cowl and a hat. Again, these patterns are free with the purchase of Cumbria. Each 100g/218m hank sells for $26.99.
Estelle Magic Shawl
We’ve had a lot of fun with the Estelle Sock Twins (the longest socks I have ever knit!) We are expecting the same with the new Estelle Magic Shawl. One ball makes a beautiful shawl with interesting leaf motifs. The trick is that there is no switching colours or weaving in ends required! Each ball of Magic Shawl features a unique colourway that automatically transitions to follow the pattern included on the ball band.
50% Merino Wool, 50% Cotton - Hand wash cool, lay flat to dry.
Sock weather is here!
We’ve brought in more of your favourite sock yarns -- Lang Jawoll, Regia, Cascade Yarns and Kroy -- and brought in some we think you’re going to love. Check out our West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply, Estelle Sock Twins, Sugar Bush Itty Bitty and Sirdar Bamboo.
Really, does sock weather ever go away?
Class update
This fall we offered learn to knit, learn to crochet and learn to knit socks classes. The response has been fantastic, and we’d like to roll out more classes. If you have a request or an idea for a fun class, please call the store:
(519-371-4311)
or email us at: cathy@riversideyarns.ca
Sit and knit
We have really enjoyed welcoming knitters and crocheters into the store for casual knitting and crocheting sessions. If you want to meet like-minded people who love fiddling with needles and a crochet hook, stop by and join in the fun:
Tuesday 1PM to 3 PMThursday 6 - 8 PM
Saturday 1 -3 PM
