Dear Friends,
My daughter and I enjoyed a lovely few days together filled with sightseeing, good food, and a little shopping. I’ve been steadily working on my Fake Sweater Scarf and hope to finish it on the trip home, though I might be cutting it close on yarn. Why? Because a certain fluffy someone got a little too excited about my project bag. Ben had a grand time turning a ball of Lamana Como into confetti, proudly leaving me with about 30 yards in the center. Every puppy I’ve ever had has done this at least once… and each time, I’m reminded to put the yarn out of reach. Lesson (re)learned!
The most exciting news in this week’s newsletter is the arrival of a brand new yarn from Bread & Butter: Pretzel! This DK-weight beauty is the cozy cousin of Everyday and Bun, and we’re absolutely thrilled to have it on our shelves just in time for winter knitting.
We’re also featuring one of my favorite pieces from the Ikigai trunk show this week: the Scallopini. Pam wore it layered over a simple sweater during the event, and it was just darling. I’m planning to cast on one for myself soon, the perfect pop of color for the season!
As the holiday season kicks off, we’d love for you to join us Friday and Saturday - and all season long - to shop small. Whether you're near or far, supporting local, independent businesses truly makes a difference. Running a small shop is a labor of love, and your support means the world to us. Nothing brings us more joy at Monarch than being a meaningful part of our community.
Lastly, keep an eye on your inbox next Wednesday (a bit early due to the holiday). We’ll be launching our 2026 Curated Seasons Box, and I think you’re going to love it. I’m already working with some wonderful vendors, and Jenn and Molly are helping me curate what I hope will be our best yet. As always, my rule stands: every item should be something you’d love to keep or would be delighted to gift. One of my favorite parts of my job is working on these boxes.
Knit, and be happy,
Ann
Shop small with us—online or in-store—and help support local this season! Everyone who spends $50 or more (before tax/shipping) will receive a thank-you gift, and we’ll be drawing names for special giveaways, too. We’re so grateful for you!
Highlights
During our Ikigai Weekend, Pam Powers’ Scallopini had everyone swooning, and for good reason. This tip-to-tip accessory is packed with charm, from its sweet scalloped edge to its quick, cozy construction in Ikigai Paka Chunky. It’s the kind of knit that brings joy to your needles and warmth to your wardrobe. A fun, fast project just in time for gift-giving season!
MK Gift Ready!
A dynamic duo worth celebrating again! Now that we’ve added beautiful new colors of mYak Fior di Lino, we’re thrilled to bring back one of our most-loved projects: Bonnie & Clyde by Isabell Kraemer. These two scarf-style shawlettes are engaging to knit, versatile to wear, and even more stunning in Fior di Lino’s expanded palette.
- Bonnie is knit top-down in a captivating dip-stitch stripe pattern, it features decreases on both sides and soft, open edges created by dropped yarn overs.
- Clyde is worked sideways from tip to tip, using gentle shaping and playful stripes for a relaxing, beginner-friendly knit.
Whether you choose one or knit the pair, these shawlettes add the perfect touch of color and texture to any outfit. A great gift idea for a knitter, too!
Treat yourself or someone special to a little handmade comfort this season with these cozy knitted loafers. Perfect for slipping into after a long day, they make a thoughtful (and practical!) gift, especially when tucked into a stocking. Knit with Berroco Lanas Quick, they’re true to their name: a fast, satisfying project that’s wonderfully warm and soft. The perfect blend of cozy, quick, and heartfelt.
These whimsical socks from Andrea Mowary are pure knitting joy - colorful, squishy, and almost too fun to put down! Featuring an adorable rounded toe and playful colorwork, these socks are designed to make you smile every time you slip them on. We’re pairing Kelbourne Woolens Perennial Sock with Coates & Co. Prairie Sock for the dreamiest mix of color and texture. Grab a kit (or two!) and treat yourself to a sweet new project.
Say hello to a brand-new yarn on our shelves, Bread & Butter’s Pretzel DK, and the perfect project to show it off! The Harlequin Stitch Slipover Vest by Lindsay Degen is a textured beauty, featuring a charted diamond motif that wraps around the body with gorgeous movement. Pretzel’s crisp stitch definition makes every detail shine, turning this wearable vest into a true standout piece. A fresh, fun knit we’re thrilled to introduce alongside our newest yarn crush!
Kits to keep you stitching…
here is a recap of last week's projects!
Featured in the shop!
We’re so excited to welcome Pretzel, the newest addition to the Bread & Butter family! This round, 3-ply DK-weight yarn is spun and dyed in the U.S. and brings beautiful texture and versatility to every project. From sweaters and scarves to mittens and blankets, Pretzel is the perfect yarn for projects you’ll reach for again and again.
New from Cocoknits! Keep your crafting space tidy and beautiful with Cocoknits’ thoughtfully designed organization tools. Made from eco-friendly materials and built with makers in mind, each piece is perfect for keeping your favorite notions right where you need them. Order on or get all three for a nice set:
- Cocoknits Notions Dish is small but mighty magnetic dish that holds stitch markers, tapestry needles, and other metal notions securely in place.
- Cocoknits Notions Cup can keep your small tools and pencils/pens all in one spot. A metal disc embedded in the bottom lets it cling to any magnetic surface.
- Cocoknits Notions Tray is an elegant organizer made from biodegradable plant fiber with embedded magnets to keep your metal notions secure. Designed to house the dish and cup, too!
Preorder for The Art of the Sea: 23 Knitwear Designs Inspired by the Moomins
Step into the magical world of Moominvalley with The Art of the Sea, Laine Publishing’s newest collection celebrating Tove Jansson’s beloved characters through 23 breathtaking knitwear designs. Each pattern captures a whisper of the sea, a touch of whimsy, and a deep love for the handmade. A must for dreamers, makers, and Moomin fans alike.
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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. 
Friday, November 28th and Saturday, November 29th
December
Knitting 101
Saturdays, December 6th and 13th, from noon to 1:30 pm
Never Not Gnoming Workshop
Saturday, December 6th and 13th, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
