Knit, Blog & Be Happy!

I know you all marked your calendars for part three of our roundup of the plant-based and non-wool blends on our shelves, so I will dive in without further ado. Shiny Happy Cotton - 100% pima cotton Soft and sleek, with a beautiful drape, Shiny Happy Cotton is the perfect yarn in warmer months but truly great for any season. This yarn loves moss stitch, garter, and stockinette and does really well with crochet stitches, too!  It is an excellent choice for garments and accessories such as shawls and, of course, an ideal yarn for baby and children's wear. Malibu Sweater -...

I know you all have been on the edge of your seats for part 2 of our plant-based and wool-free yarns roundup, so let’s get into it! Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton Worsted - 100% certified organic cotton This candy shop of color tempts with an array of sweet treats ranging from rich and creamy neutrals to scrumptious and saturated hues. The palette is created with low-impact dyes, and a funky twist gives this 100% certified organic cotton a light and lofty hand. Umaro by Jared Flood - Blue Sky Cotton is the yarn for you if you want a cotton version of...

Let's take a deep dive into the shelves at Monarch and feature some of our favorite plant-based and wool-free alternatives.  Isager Trio 2 - 50% linen/flax; 30% cotton, 20% tencel With the softness of your favorite t-shirt, Isager Trio 2 is a great all-season yarn—perfect for garments and accessories alike. Linen and cotton are blended with a touch of Lycocell (tencel) into a yarn that holds a nice heft, drapes softly, and provides beautiful stitch definitions. Great on its own, it works well held together as well as paired with other Isager yarns for endless combinations. Saltkrakan Tee by Sari Nordlund - Fabulous sweater;...

Do you have a sweater in your closet that fits you to perfection? If you were to reach for a sweater, this is the one you automatically put your hands on....You are comfortable in it; you feel good in it and like how you look.  Maybe there are two.  One can be the sweater you pull to run errands or hang around home and love how you feel.  The other can be one you reach for when you are a little more dressed up, going to grab dinner with a friend or perhaps a party. I encourage you to measure...

Have you ever blocked a multi-colored project and had the colors run? I have, and let me tell you, it is so disappointing. Before I owned the store, I knit a beautiful shawl with a mix of charcoal grey, deep plum, and natural color yarn. It took me ages to knit, and I loved it. I popped it into the Eucalan and lukewarm water bath and left it to soak for 30 minutes.  I was met with a big, muddy-looking mess when I returned to the sink.  I tried to rinse it out, but the damage was done, and I,...