A poll and free store patterns

Here at the store, "new arrival" season is over and we're hunkering down for the winter. Our shelves are full of new yarns, colorways and plenty of old favorites. When choosing a new project, many people work to balance yarn budgets with the yummiest yarn possible.

With that in mind, we would like to know:
What would you knit with a $25 yarn budget? (vote on our blog)

(poll closes at 11:59 PM on Monday, November 23)

In the coming weeks we will be featuring store patterns that work up for under $25. Each of the hats below is an A Good Yarn original free pattern and is on display at the store.



Peruvia Hat

Yarn: Berroco Peruvia

Skeins: one
Sizes: adult small, medium, large (shown in large)
Cost to make: $8
With a large pallet of colors, this is a great hat for either men or women. This Peruvia hat is worked in a simple rib with a folded up brim.

Alpaca Cotton Toboggan

Yarn: Rowan Alpaca Cotton
Skeins: two
Sizes: small (white and black), large (brown and black)
Cost to make: $25
This lightweight hat has two brim options and is knit at a dense gauge for warmth. The two sizes (done by changing needle sizes) are appropriate for children and adults.

Silk Garden & Cash Iroha Hat

Yarn: Noro Silk Garden, Cash Iroha
Skeins: one of each yarn
Sizes: one
Cost to make: $24
Fans of Noro yarns will enjoy choosing a solid color to complement one skein of Silk Garden for this hat. Make a complete set with our matching Silk Garden scarf pattern that is knit lengthwise.

Blizzard Cap

Yarn: Malabrigo Aquarella
Skeins: one
Sizes: one size
Cost to make: $14
This stockinette cap is quick knit on size US 13 needles--perfect for beginners and those who want to enjoy a skein of hand painted yarn.

The above patterns are available at the store, just ask! Other yarns can be substituted for these patterns as long as their gauge is appropriate.

Our fall classes are almost over and a new schedule will be published in January. As always, the new list will be available on our web site and will be sent to all of our mailing list and/or blog subscribers.

Thanks for reading and happy knitting and crocheting!

Get a head start on holiday knitting

A bit of a chill in the air is a great reminder to start gift knitting early. Just in time, we have plenty of new patterns and yarns for small (and quick!) projects. For inspiration, stop by to browse the new Interweave Knits "Holiday Gifts" 2009 magazine, Vogue Holiday 2009 magazine, or Cat Bordhi's new book Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters.

We also have new needle cases from Della Q, "Switch" interchangeable circulars from KA, and a new selection of Christmas Stocking kits from Accessories Unlimited.

Continuing with the trend of previous weeks, we also have new yarns:

• Rio by Tahki: 50% alpaca, 35% Merino, 15% silk; 3.25-4 sts / 1", US #11; 87 yards


• Kami Bison by Fibre-Isle: 60% bamboo, 30% Merino, 10% bison; 2 ply, lace weight; 440 yards


• Pearl Bison by Fibre-Isle: 65% Merino, 20% seacell, 10% cashmere, 5% bison; 2 ply, light sport weight; 220 yards


• Mochi Plus by Crystal Palace Yarns: 80% Merino, 20% nylon; 4-4.5 sts/ 1", US #9 - 10.5; 95 yards; superwash


• Mini Mochi by Crystal Palace Yarns: 80% Merino, 20% nylon; 7-8 sts/ 1", US #1-2; 195 yards; superwash


• Merino 5 by Crystal Palace Yarns: 100% Merino; 5 sts/ 1", US #7-8; 110 yards; superwash

In addition to the above yarns, we also have stocked up on a few favorites including Lamb's Pride (bulky and worsted), Socos, Malabrigo Aquarella, Cascade 220 Superwash, and Eco Wool--each of which will make a basic hat with just one skein!

As always, we have plenty of yarns on sale to browse, such as Naturwolle by Muench. It is spun in the Black Forest in Germany, 100% wool, 110 yards, and knits up quickly at 3-3.5 sts/1" on US #10 needles. One skein is enough for an adult hat, mittens, a crochet child's hat, or a narrow scarf.

Finally, a few of our fall classes have not started and still have a few spaces left:

• Beginning Knitting: Tuesdays 6:15 - 8:15, November 10-24


• Socks From the Toe Up: Tuesdays 6:15 - 8:15, December 1-15


• Gloves/Glovelets: Wednesdays 6:15 - 8:15, December 9 - 16

Please drop by or call to reserve your space and bring your materials to the first class.

Shop Update & "Cookie's Deep Dark Secret"

The flow of new arrivals has begun to slow down, but this week we do have new colorways and patterns from Elsebeth Lavold, Schaefer Yarn Company, Tahki and Jenny Watson to name a few.

Fans of Shepherd Sock by Lorna's Laces will be interested in the brand new colorway called "Cookie's Deep Dark Secret," which is a nearly-solid, dark blue sock yarn designed by Cookie A.

The release of this yarn coincides with the new issue of Knitty that includes Clandestine, a sock pattern also designed by Cookie A.

We do have the "Cookie's Deep Dark Secret" color of Shepherd Sock in the store. The pattern, however, must be directly downloaded from Knitty (link to pattern). The above pictures are courtesy of Lorna's Laces and are used with permission.

We also have a few new arrivals:

• Meilenweit Men by Lana Grossa: 80% wool, 20% polyamide; 7 sts = 1", US #2; 460 yards; superwash
• Big Baby by Muench: 100% acrylic; 2.5 sts/1", US #13-15; 49 yards; superwash
• Teddy by Lana Grossa: 100% acrylic, 5 sts/1", US # 6-7; 175 yards; superwash
• Gnocchi by Lana Grossa: 100% microfiber, 1.25 sts/1", US # 10 - 11, 27 yards

Today we also received a large shipment of needles and notions from KA, Prym/Inox, and Susan Bates. As always, we hope you'll stop by to touch a few new yarns and see the new colors and patterns.

Happy knitting!

More New Yarns and a Featured Pattern

Continuing with the trend of previous weeks, this week we received a large shipment from Berroco. We now have many new colors of Ultra Alpaca (worsted, light and fine), Peruvia, Peruvia Quick, Pure Merino, Berroco Sox, Berroco Sox Metallic and Jasper.

Many people have already signed up for fall classes. Both Beginning Knitting (Tuesdays, September 22 - October 6) and Beginning Crochet (Wednesdays, September 30 - October 7) are starting soon and each have a few spots left. Call or drop by to sign up for these or any other classes.

A few other arrivals this week include Interweave Knits Weekend magazine, the new Spin Off magazine, Knit Simple Holiday 09 and the Original Knitter's Block kits (complete with interlocking blocking squares, T pins and pressing cloth).

If you've been by the store recently, you may have seen our Embossed Leaf Beret by local designer Amy McElwain. Now we also have the matching Embossed Leaf Cowl pattern:

The beret uses about 200 yards of worsted weight yarn and the cowl uses about 260 yards of either worsted or DK weight yarn. Both patterns include written instructions, matching charts, and detailed stitch keys.

Finally, a quick reminder that we're now open on Sundays 1 -5 and select sale yarns, usually 25% off, are now 40% off of the original price when you buy six or more.

As always, thanks for reading!

Welcoming in the fall with more hours, discounts and classes

Starting next weekend we will be open on Sundays from 1 - 5 for fall hours. All other shop hours remain the same. Also, last week we announced our fall class list (view or download it here).

To continue to make room for new fall yarns, select sale yarns that are usually 25% off are now 40% off when you buy six or more. Similarly, buy one knitting bag at 25% off and get a second bag at 40% off. All discounts apply to original prices.

We've also officially switched from our old e-mail list to a newer, more user-friendly system. To subscribe to the new newsletter, simply visit this page on our web site and follow the instructions. The newsletter is separate from this blog and will only be sent to announce new classes, sales and other occasional events.

New arrivals last week include:

• Alpaca Cotton by Rowan: 72% alpaca, 28% cotton; 4 sts/1", US #8; 140 yards; machine wash gentle / cold
• Lima by Rowan: 84% baby alpaca, 8% Merino wool, 8% nylon; 5 sts/1", US #9; 109 yards
• Como by Debbie Bliss: 90% Merino wool, 10% cashmere; 2.5 sts/1", US #15; 46 yards
• Donegal Luxury Tweed Chunky by Debbie Bliss: 85% wool, 15% angora; 4.5 sts/1", US # 10.5; 110 yards
• Fez by Debbie Bliss: 85% Merino wool, 15% camel; 4.5 sts/1", US #7/8; 110 yards
• Sitar by Nashua: 51% wool, 49% acrylic; 3.5 sts/1", US #8-9; 82 yards
• Lustra by Berroco: 50% wool, 50% tencel; 4.5 sts/1", US #7; 197 yards
• Sundae by Berroco: 50% wool, 50% acrylic; 2.5 sts/1", US #15; 62 yards
• Bonbori by Noro: 94% wool, 6% nylon; 3sts/1", US #10.5; 88 yards

We also have new patterns for the above yarns. Drop by to see these yarns and new colorways of a few of our old favorites including Kureyon, Cashmerion Aran, Cashsoft DK and Felted Tweed.

We hope you drop by to see our new arrivals for yourself!

More fall arrivals and a Monday KAL

A bit of a cold spell has us all thinking about knitting for the colder months. This week we received a variety of new yarns, patterns and colorways.

We have also been preparing a fall/winter class list which we will post here on our blog and on our web site in the classes section when it is finalized.

In addition to classes, our very own Paula is hosting an experimental knitting group on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month from 6:00 to 8:00 here at the store. Unlike classes, you do not need to sign up. It costs $10 to drop by with your project, knit with the group, and get help with the occasional problem. If you plan on attending, please let us know so we can ensure there is enough space for everyone.

If you do not have a current project, Paula and a few others will be doing a KAL (knit-a-long) with the Central Park Hoodie from Interweave. The pattern is written for many different sizes and knits to 4.5 sts/1". Please note that you will need to purchase the pattern online from Interweave.

New arrivals this week include:

• Portland Tweed by Classic Elite: 50% wool, 25% alpaca, 25% viscose; 4.5 sts/1", US #7 needle; 120 yards
• Rustic Wool DK by Queensland Collection: 100% wool; 5.5 sts/1", US #6; 131 yards; superwash
• Kathmandu Aran by Queensland Collection: 85% Merino wool, 10% silk, 5% cashmere; 4.5 sts/1", US #8; 104 yards
• Grace Hand-dyed by Louisa Harding: 50% Merino, 50% silk; 5.5 sts/1", US #6; 110 yards
• Colora by Lang Yarns: 55% wool, 45% acrylic; 3.5 sts/1", US #8-10; 137 yards, machine washable
• Filz-Wolle by On Line: 100% wool; 2.5 sts/1", US #13, 55 yards

In addition to these new yarns, we also have new colors of Ariosa, Baby Llama, Bearfoot, Inca Alpaca, Lush, Silky Wool, Socos, Tinkerbell and Wool Bam Boo.

New patterns this week include a large selection of Fall '09 booklets from Classic Elite and the new Debbie Bliss Magazine. We also received errata for the Made in Brooklyn booklet.

As the days get cooler we expect more new fall arrivals. Once again, please check back as we will announce fall classes soon and let us know if you plan on dropping by for Paula's Monday group.

New yarns last week, new patterns this week

Last week we announced a few of our new fall yarns. What to do with such beautiful new fiber? Maybe try out one of the new fall patterns that trickled in this week. Or, if you don't mind patterns that are a season or two old, previously reduced single patterns are now free!

For those looking to swatch and knit in luxury, we now have the Addi Turbo Click needles in Della Q "Qui-i" interchangeable cases. The set includes Turbo needles and various lengths of Addi's pliable cord. The Qui-i case has labeled needle pockets, separate cord pockets and a zippered pouch for notions, the included cord connector and Addi pin. The companion extra cord and needle tip sets should arrive soon.

We have already sold out of Jared Flood's Made in Brooklyn but expect more soon, along with a large shipment from Classic Elite. A few of our new patterns include:

• Thrown Together by Kim Hargreaves
• Crochet Edging & Trims from Interweave Press
• Knit Edgings & Trims from Interweave Press
• The Mirasol Collection, Book 3 by Jane Ellison
• All New Homespun, Handknit by Amy Clarke (editor of Spin Off)

For those who prefer kits, we have a few recent feltable arrivals from Pick Up Sticks:

• Sushi Wallet Kits-- a favorite from last year
• Little Snuglets-- booties in bright colors for babies
• Big Snugs-- alpaca-lined adult's boots

For years people have regularly been dropping by and calling about needlepoint. Although at the store we specialize in knitting and crochet, for those curious about the craft we have Stitch & Zip needlepoint kits that come with cotton embroidery thread, needle, instructions and require no finishing.

That concludes one week's worth of arrivals but more are sure to come next week. To keep up to date with every new blog post, simply subscribe to receive our new posts in your inbox. After inputing your email you will receive a confirmation email with a link you must click in order to be added to our blog email list.

For now our new web site is still a WIP (work in progress), as is our store mailing list. More about that in the coming weeks. Until then, happy knitting and crocheting. We hope you see you in the store!

New Fall Arrivals

Our sale two weeks ago was a big hit, thanks to everyone who stopped by! It may still be hot out but we've already begun stocking up on new fall yarns and patterns, including Jared Flood's new book Made in Brooklyn.

New yarns in the store include:

• Ballerina by Fiesta Yarns: 50% alpaca, 50% tencel, 7sts/1", US #5 needle, 925 yards, hand dyed
• Classy by Dream in Color: 100% superfine Australian Merino wool, 4.5sts/1", US #7-8, 250 yards, superwash, hand painted
• Crofter Chunky by Sirdar: 60% acrylic, 25% cotton, 15% wool, 3.5sts/1", US #10.5, 86 yards, superwash
• Del Sur by Aslan Trends: 100% Merino wool, 2-3sts/1", US #13-15, 87 yards
• Hacho by Mirasol: 100% Merino wool, 5.5sts/1", US #6, 137 yards, hand dyed
• K'acha by Mirasol: 60% fine Merino wool, 25% Suri Alpaca, 15% silk, 5.25sts/1", US #6, 98 yards
• Lana Lux by Lang: 40% Merino wool, 32% polyester, 28% nylon, 4.24sts/1", US #8, 92 yards
• Malabrigo Lace: 100% baby Merino wool, lace weight, 470 yards
• Mega Skein by Tilli Tomas: one of a kind skeins made from a variety of Tilli Tomas yarns with silk, Merino, milk protein, seaweed, cashmere, sequins and beads, varying weights in every skein, 150 yards
• Milli Colori Big by Lang Yarns: 50% new wool, 50% acrylic, 3 sts/1", US #10, 207 yards, superwash

In addition to the above yarns, we've stocked up with new colors of Malabrigo Sock, Sirdar Baby Bamboo, J. Knits Softee Alpaca and J. Knits Lace-a-Licious.

Our new pattern booklet arrivals include:

• Interweave Knits Magazine, Fall 2009
• Vogue Knitting Magazine, Fall 2009
• Berroco Norah Gaughan, Issue 5, Men, and other new Berroco booklets
• Jane Ellison, Issue 9
• Many other patterns from our favorite companies including Debbie Bliss, Sirdar, Louisa Harding, and Elsebeth Lavold

In the coming weeks we are expecting large shipments of new yarns and colors. Stop by to see what's new and get ready for your winter knitting.

We're still closed on Sundays until the weekend after Labor Day, when we'll resume regular hours as we prepare for a new season and new round of fall classes.

New web site and a summer sale

If you've been in the store lately you've probably noticed we've moved things around a bit. Soon we will be making another big change to the store: a shiny new web site! Although much of the information on the site will remain the same, we hope you find it easier to navigate and enjoy.

After almost a year long hiatus from the blogging, we're also going to be publishing store updates here--everything from new arrivals to class schedules. There are several ways you can keep current with our blog and store happenings:

• Simply bookmark our blog (http://agoodyarnma.blogspot.com) and check back
• Visit our homepage, where the most recent blog post will display
• If you have an RSS reader, you can subscribe to our blog
• Receive new posts in your inbox, simply add yourself here to get the full post (and pictures!) e-mailed to you whenever we publish.

Soon we'll also be launching a new mailing system that will make it easier for you to subscribe and unsubscribe from our newsletter.

If you are already on the A Good Yarn mailing list, when our new e-mail system is ready you will receive a notification with a link to subscribe to the new list. If you do nothing, you will not be added to the new list. However, you can always subscribe through the "mailing list" section of the new site.

In addition to these big changes, we are also having a huge summer sale on Thursday, July 30; Friday, July 31; and Saturday, August 1st. Everything in the store will be reduced 25%! We will be open our regular hours (Thurs: 10 - 7, Friday 10 - 6, Saturday 10 - 5).

Thank you for reading and check back for updates.