Dear Friends,
We just wrapped up the loveliest visit with my daughter’s family. My grandson is on the verge of walking and already crawling like a little speedster, so most of our time was spent happily chasing him from room to room. Long walks, park adventures, cozy dinners, and full days together made the weekend fly by. It was so hard to say goodbye on Sunday.
In quieter moments, I’ve been completely absorbed in the Olympics. There’s something about watching the Games that makes me want to cast on everything. I have two projects keeping me company: Bonnie and Clyde in the dreamy mYak Fior di Cashmere and my Dagmar Jacket in Bread & Butter Everyday. I love having both an easy, rhythmic knit and a more challenging project to reach for, depending on the event (and my focus!). I adore my Bonnie and Clyde so much that we created a kit in Fior di Cashmere just for you. There’s still time to join our Olympics KAL!
Valentine’s Day is almost here. While I have never been a big celebrator of the day, I do believe in small joys—so we’re adding a little sweetness to the shop this Saturday. We’ll have chocolates to nibble on and a front table filled with fresh sale finds. Plus, all yarns currently on sale will be marked down an additional 10% in-store, bringing Luma: Blue Sky Prairie, Berroco Modern Linen, Lumi and Vera, and Julie Asselin Journey Sport to 60% off. Online shoppers can enjoy the same 60% savings starting Sunday. Come show yourself a little love… and savings!
A few quick shop updates: Our Maker's Caddies are back in stock and, if you doubt their worth, check out Marie Claire's article on the Analog Bag Trend. Bash’s Beach in Plucky Knitter Primo DK has been restocked, so our beloved Morning Walk Hat kit is back. And we’ve added more Knitting 101 classes to the schedule. We absolutely love welcoming new knitters into our community!
Knit and...Be Happy!
Ann
P.S. Remember to show your knits some love, too. Check out last week's blog post!
Mini Valentine’s Celebration at the shop!
We’ll have chocolates to nibble on, our front table freshly filled with new sale additions, and an extra 10% off all currently marked-down yarns.
That means 60% off the following (in-shop Saturday):
-
The Fibre Co. Luma
-
Blue Sky Fibers Prairie
-
Berroco Modern Linen, Lumi & Vera
-
Julie Asselin Journey Sport
Online friends - your 60% savings begin Sunday
Pop in, treat yourself to something beautiful, and show yourself a little love… and savings.
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
This shallow triangular shawl by Alla Saenko is equal parts cozy and delicate. Lace meets garter, short rows shape the body, and a sweet line of eyelets separates it all with charm. We’ve kitted it in Magpie Fibers Swanky Sock, a bouncy, richly dyed yarn that makes every stitch glow. The perfect piece to carry you from frosty mornings into brighter days.
This darling scarf is the perfect finishing layer. Knit flat with a beautiful textured motif (and a helpful video tutorial!), it’s as enjoyable to make as it is to wear. We’re pairing Woolfolk Stra with ITO Sensai for a fabric that’s incredibly soft with the loveliest halo. A little luxury you’ll treasure all season long.
It’s back! One of our all-time best sellers has officially been restocked. Bash’s Beach in Plucky Primo DK was made for the Morning Walk hat, knit single for the coziest oceanside companion. Each kit includes two skeins, enough for an adult hat (with a pom!) or an adult + baby set. We’re so happy to have this favorite back on the shelves.
Bonnie and Clyde is incredibly popular here at Monarch, so when the Olympics KAL was planned, I knew I had to knit one for myself. Then, when mYak released the beautiful Fior di Cashmere with its amazing, bright colors, I was hooked. If you follow the pattern, you can knit both shawls, but I decided to knit just the striped version and make it a bit bigger. This yarn is so dreamy!
We fell hard for this one the moment it appeared in our feeds. Cardigan No. 11 by My Favourite Things Knitwear is a beautifully boxy, top-down cardigan with refined double-knit button bands and a polished neckline. We’re pairing Bread & Butter Everyday with Lamana Premia for a soft, lightly haloed fabric that feels both structured and luxurious. A cardigan you’ll reach for again and again.
In case you missed out on these featured favorites,
here is a recap of last week's projects!
Featured in the shop!
If you’ve ever tucked your double-pointed needles into a project bag and held your breath… these are for you. These DPN Holders keep your stitches safely in place, so nothing slips off while you’re on the go. They come in such fun prints, too!
Our beloved Maker’s Caddy is back! If you’ve been waiting, now’s the time! This little workhorse keeps your yarn, tools, and project perfectly organized whether you’re knitting at home or heading out the door. It’s one of those pieces you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. Dare we say this is the new analog bag?
Hardicraft is back — just in time for spring making! Think sweet Easter projects, darling little animals, and charming handmade touches for the season ahead. If you’ve been in the mood for something playful and giftable, this restock is for you.
In case you missed it...
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Olympics Knit Along
Friday, February 6th to Sunday February 22nd
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
Knitting 101
Thursdays, 5th and 12th, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
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 101
Saturdays, April 4th and 18th, from noon to 1:30pm
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
