Dear Friends,
I am writing to you from very cold New York! I’ve never been to Vogue Knitting New York before, and I decided to attend the show this year to meet vendors, designers, and a few friends. My daughter will be joining me tomorrow so she can spend some time with her college friends who live in this area. I’m not great at taking photos at events like this, but I will try to be better about documenting the weekend and sharing what inspires me.
This evening, I am attending the mYak event, "An Affair to Remember." I’m so excited to see Paola and Andrea again and to be there for the launch of their new yarn, Fior di Cashmere. This fingering-weight yarn comes in some fabulous colors (Isabel Kraemer selected four) and pairs easily with Fior di Lino, creating a vast palette to work with. Paola gave me the go-ahead to put it on our website this morning, so go check it out! We will feature a couple of projects in the coming weeks. I’ve seen a sneak peek of a sweater that I am absolutely crushing on!
On the long flight across the country, my flight companion was my Dagmar Sweater. Guess what? I decided to start the sweater over again because I wanted to make a slight change to the pattern. I did lose quite a bit of work, but I know it will be worth it. I will be much happier with the results.
Don’t forget about the Knit-A-Long (KAL) we are hosting with mYak during the two weeks of the Winter Olympics. All you have to do is select a project using mYak yarn and purchase it from Monarch. Cast on during the opening ceremony and knit your way through the games for a chance to win prizes and have some fun! Remember, we have two blog posts full of ideas, and we might add a project to the website tomorrow. Keep an eye on our Instagram account!
Knit and...Be Happy!
Ann
P.S. - Check out my Zizi vest in Ito Rakuda and Sensai. These two yarns are knit up into one of my favorite fabrics!
Knitting Olympics KAL 2026 with mYak Yarns!
February 6th to February 22nd
The Winter Olympics always put us in a cozy, focused, ready-to-cast-on mood—and this year we’re celebrating with our Knitting Olympics Knit-Along in partnership with mYak. We’ll be casting on during the Opening Ceremonies on February 6th, knitting together for two weeks, and connecting in our Ravelry group along the way. Everyone who participates will be entered to win mYak yarn kits, Monarch Knitting gift cards ($25–$150), and a few extra goodies.
Not sure what to knit? Our Part One and Part Two blog posts are full of pattern inspiration featuring projects we’re excited to knit in mYak yarns - perfect companions for cozy Winter Games watching.
Highlights
If you’re craving a peaceful knit, Tasha Shawl is calling. With gentle slip-stitch rhythms, restful stockinette, and a timeless triangular shape, this design is wonderfully meditative. We’ve paired it with Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted for cozy warmth and crisp stitch definition. A quiet, grounding project that’s as comforting to knit as it is to wear.
This is an elegant, understated scarf that lets beautiful yarn and thoughtful design take center stage. With Lisa Hannes' signature balance of simplicity and detail, this scarf is a soothing knit that results in a timeless accessory you’ll reach for again and again.
This special project is Ann’s pick for our Knitting Olympics Knit-Along, and she’s knitting hers in mYak Ra-Ku Cashmere Lace held double, a combination that creates an incredibly soft, airy fabric with quiet luxury and beautiful drape. A perfect cast-on for focused knitting, slow moments, and a project that feels truly special from start to finish.
Olympic KAL Project Idea!
Simple, thoughtful, and endlessly wearable, the Monday Morning Hat is a new classic from Isabell Kraemer. With its folded brim, clean ribbing, and refined crown shaping, it’s a joy to knit and a pleasure to wear. We’ve paired it with mYak Baby Yak Medium for warmth and softness you’ll appreciate all season long. A perfect go-to hat for cool days and everyday comfort.
This satisfying knit features pretty bands of lace 'bulbs' between rows of garter and ribbing. Designed for mYak's Tibetan Cloud, a soft cashmere-like yarn, the stitches simply bloom. Our kits include two skeins of this delicious yarn and we've added new colors from mYak, too! Allow this stunning shawl to carry you over to spring.
Zizi by Britt-Marie Brehmer is an elegant, modern top that celebrates beautiful materials and thoughtful simplicity. I knit the crewneck version using a luxurious pairing of ITO Rakuta and ITO Sensai, creating a soft, airy fabric with gentle structure and a subtle halo. The yarn truly shines here—refined, effortless, and just as lovely dressed up as it is with your favorite jeans.
In case you missed out on these featured favorites,
here is a recap of last week's projects!
Featured in the shop!
mYak Fior di Cashmere - A truly special blend inspired by the windswept beauty of the Tibetan Plateau. Italian linen, Tibetan wool, and ultra-soft Tibetan cashmere come together to create a yarn with stunning texture and timeless elegance, an absolute joy to knit and wear.
Strucket is back! We’ve just restocked both the Mini and 5-Gallon sizes.
Part strainer, part bucket, and fully genius - Strucket makes soaking, rinsing, and draining easy and mess-free. Perfect for handwashing knits, dye projects, and all kinds of yarny care, this hands-free helper is one of those tools you’ll wonder how you lived without.
In case you missed it...
New book alert! The Sock Obsession: Supercool Socks to Knit and Show Off by Summer Lee is here and we're obsessed! With 25 fun, approachable sock patterns, this book is perfect for knitters ready to build skills while having a lot of fun along the way. Think bold designs, playful motifs, and techniques you’ll actually enjoy knitting. Fair warning: it will make you want to cast on just one more pair.
52 Weeks of Sweaters is here, and it’s the most-requested edition yet. This inspiring collection features 52 designs by talented makers from around the world, including sweaters, cardigans, vests, and slipovers. With styles ranging from simple and classic to richly textured and colorful, there’s something here for every knitter. Available for preorder now, shipping February 19th.
A few brilliant new goodies from Twice Sheared Sheep have landed, and they’re the kind of tools you’ll wonder how you ever knit without...
- Cast On Counting Stitch Markers - Take the guesswork out of long cast-ons, helping you stay organized, confident, and right on track from the very first row.
- Mini Bobbin/End Minders - Neatly wind up yarn tails (no accidental knitting!), hold small amounts of yarn for colorwork, or save leftover bits for future repairs. Simple, clever, and endlessly useful.
- Handy Reference Guide to all Things Yarny - Ever find yourself searching for that needle conversion chart again? Or wondering how much yarn you’ll need for a baby blanket without diving down an internet rabbit hole? Dawn’s Handy Reference Guide to All Things Yarny keeps all that information right where you need it.
Practical whimsy is what we're calling these cute Comma Craft Point Protectors! From cat paws to highland cows, from flowers to otters, there is something fun for every knitter who wants to protect their stitches. I love the Pup Cup one!
The popular booklets of Pocket Book of Crochet and Pocket Book of Knitting are back in the shop! These handy-dandy reference guides are filled with affirmations, and are the ideal introduction books to crochet or knitting for a complete beginners.
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Classes & Events
We offer a variety of classes and knitting help, both virtual and in-store. Visit our site to learn more details about each class, to see the list of requirements, and to sign up! When signing up for a class, please note the list of supplies and, if required, the homework. 
February
Knitting 101
Thursdays, February 5th and 12th, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Olympics Knit Along
Friday, February 6th to Sunday February 22nd
Knitting 101
Saturdays, February 7th and 14th, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Sock Knitting Workshop
Saturdays, February 7th and 14th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and
February 21st, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Knitting 101
Thursdays, February 19th and 26th, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Embroidery on Knits
Saturday, February 28th, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
March
Lucky Stitches with Ksenia Naidyon and Peninsula Yarns
Saturday, March 7th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Knitting 102: The Sophie Scarf
Saturdays, March 7th and 14th from 10:30 am to noon
Build Your Knitting Confidence with Catherine and the Patty Lyons Workbook
Five Saturdays, March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and April 11th, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Crochet for Beginners with Kare
Saturday, March 14th, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Knitting 102: The Sophie Scarf
Saturdays, March 19th and 26th, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Knitting 101
Saturdays, March 21st and 28th, from 10:30 am to noon
Knitting 102: The Sophie Scarf
Saturdays, April 4th and 11th, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Happy Hanger Workshop with Kare
Saturday, April 11th, from 10:00 am to noon
