Unicorn Tail Scarf

MadelineTosh is a shop favorite. The colors are so beautiful! And choosing just one is really difficult. So when the Unicorn Tails were introduced last year - 52 yard "skein-ettes" of 30 favorite colors of MadelineTosh Merino Light - we were all very excited. Then Antonia Shankland introduced the Unicorn Tail Scarf - see below. We are truly in love!

I wanted to cast-on for quite some time but as expected something always became a bigger priority (baby blankets, wedding gifts, etc.). The time to cast on finally came this summer and I love this project! It is the perfect mix of mindless and interesting knitting and I love watching the hand-dyed color changes. This project is ideal for summer social knitting - you won't lose your place while knitting on the deck of your shore house. More importantly, at the end of Summer, if you do one color a day (my goal) you will be ready for fall with a fabulous and beautiful new scarf. 

Here is my progress so far...

Another option on the project is the cowl which is 15 skeins and is the same concept with only five colors. 

Whichever you choose this is a really great summer project that will be so warm when cooler temperatures arrive. Summer is the perfect time to knit items for fall! 

Summer is officially here = summer knitting!

If you need some ideas for what to make take a peek at some current projects being worked on in the shop.  Here are a few lighter knits for the warmer months as well as a few projects in anticipation of cooler days ahead.

Baby Wrap Sweater by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas
This sweater is all knit in one piece out of fingering weight yarn and is available in two sizes, 6-12 month or 12-18 month. The knitting was perfect for summer days - semi-mindless as you work and adorable when finished. 

Beehive & Beehive Ox Cowl by Jill Zielinski
This infinity scarf is knit in the round so that it is completely reversible once finished and the beginning and end are grafted together. This is going to be a very cozy accessory for Fall days.

Announcing the NJ Wool Walk

Below is some information about Patricia's Yarns and visiting Hoboken.  We are greatly looking forward to participating in The New Jersey Wool Walk and look forward to seeing you!  Happy Knitting! - Patricia

NJ Wool Walk - April 16-19, 2015

Patricia’s Yarns - Knit, Crochet, Create!


Website:

www.patriciasyarns.com

Shop Hours for the NJ Wool Walk: 

Thurs: 11-7

Fri, Sat, Sun: 11-6

*For normal shop hours, please see main page of our website.

Location:

107 Fourth Street, Hoboken, NJ

Visit Hoboken:

Here is our Visit Hoboken page from our blog. It is a great guide both for first time visitors or for those who want to find new places in the Mile Square City (as well as support businesses owned by fellow knitters).

First Time Visitor?

Give us a call and we will help you find the easiest ways in and out of our city.  Hint: we have a parking garage just down the street (Fourth Street between Clinton and Grand) and know a few restaurants who will validate parking for up to three hours.  That’ll give you time to eat lunch, walk around town, and, of course, shop for yarn!

About Patricia’s Yarns:

Celebrating Eleven Years! Patricia’s Yarns is an exclusive retailer of hand-dyed, natural fiber, artisan yarns for hand knitting and crochet.

Patricia’s Yarns is owned by Patricia Scribner, a Hoboken resident and an avid knitter and crocheter. Patricia’s Yarns was a dream until April, 2004 when Patricia left her career at a financial firm with a goal of doing something she loves in the town that she loves. The shop became a reality in July of that same year.

Patricia designed her shop to best display the beautiful yarns she hand selects from around the world and to make a cozy and inviting space just for you. It is the goal of Patricia’s Yarns to fulfill all of your knitting and crocheting needs.

A true Local Yarn Shop, Patricia’s Yarns is proud of its ongoing commitment to the city of Hoboken and beyond. We are honored to partner in philanthropy with the following organizations: (Locally) the Hoboken Homeless Shelter, the Hoboken Historical Society, the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, numerous local public and private schools, (Nationally) Caps to the Capital, Heifer International, The Mother Bear Project, andProject Linus.

New Yarns for Spring:

We love spring at Patricia’s Yarns.  Some of our favorite spring yarns are arriving daily: Madeline Tosh, Blue Sky Cotton, Spud and Chloe, Manos del Uruguay, Koigu, Millamia, Done Roving Gradiant, and more! We will also be featuring a Spud and Chloe Trunk Show for the Wool Walk!

Exclusively for NJWW:

Patricia’s Yarns will be offering daily events, raffles, and give-aways as well as having other specials.  To learn more about our GSYC events and discounts, “like us” on facebook or “follow us” on Twitter (@patriciasyarns)!  Not tech savvy?  That’s ok – just give us a call before you arrive.

Charity Knitting:

At Patricia’s Yarns, we do many charity knit nights.  In the past, we taught local teachers to knit for free (and supported local school knitting clubs), we knit “#26hats for #26acts” (knit 26 children’s hats in the wake of the Newtown shooting), knit and raffled off beautiful blankets for the Hoboken Homeless Shelter, and knit bears for the Mother Bear Project.  We look forward to more charity knit nights in 2015 and hope you can join us.

Become a Part of Our Knitting Community:

Patricia’s Yarns holds many events for local knitters: classes, book signings, trunk shows, charity events, wine tastings, and more – there are numerous ways to join the fun.  Also, we hold an annual bus trip to the New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck.  Sign up for our newsletter (on our website) for more info.

A Baby Cardigan

Baby items are a frequent request here in the shop - many knitters want to make blankets, sweaters, booties or hats for new little loved ones.

Beth came by the other day with a pattern she wanted to knit for a friend as a shower gift. The pattern was In Threes: A Baby Cardigan by Kelly Herdrich. If you are not familiar with it check it out as it is a great pattern. You can buy it in the shop through Ravelry In Store Sales.

It is a short sleeve cardigan and goes from size 0-6 months to age 5 which is a generous size range for a pattern like this.

Beth chose a Spud & Chloe Sweater in Turtle 7514 for hers and after she left I chose Spud & Chloe Sweater in Ice Cream 7500 to knit for my cousins baby Charlotte. I am doing the 12 months size so that she will get to wear it for more than a minute. So far it has been a very fast knit and I am excited about adding some fun buttons. My progress is pictured below:

I think this will become a staple pattern in my repertoire as it really is such a great design. You can knit it a size larger so they can wear it like a tunic style vest and grow into it. Spud & Chloe Sweater is a great yarn choice as it is machine washable (and if you forget it in the dryer it should be ok). A great combination that makes a great sweater!

Favorite Patterns

We all have our favorite patterns that we love to make as gifts or for ourselves (we tend to give knits away that we love to wear). I have compiled a list below of a few of my favorite patterns.  These are great projects to make for someone special.

The Honey Cowl by Antonia Shankland

This pattern was the #1 pattern on Ravelry last year and it was designed by our friend, Antonia! I have 2 on display at the shop and have knit at least 5 of these as gifts and have one for myself. This is a great beginner to intermediate pattern that really can be done with almost any yarn.

This is a free Ravelry download.


The Baby Beanie & Mittens by Blue Sky Alpacas

This baby hat pattern is so cute! The sizing is perfect for a newborn baby and the design is reversible which takes out guesswork. It looks great on wee ones and works up so quickly on a size 7 needle.

The accompanying mitten pattern is also very cute and perfectly sized - great for a baby born in a cold climate.

This pattern is available in the shop as well as on Ravelry here.






#106 Outer Baby Blanket by Leslie Scanlon

This baby blanket pattern is definitely a shop favorite. It is knit in Spud & Chloe Outer (machine wash & dry) yarn on a size US 15 needle so it can be finished pretty quickly. I have made and gifted 2 of these and we have another in the shop on display. I highly recommend this blanket as it makes a beautiful gift.

This pattern is available in the shop as well as on Ravelry here.


Cast Away Cowl by Patricia Scribner

I designed this cowl to use one skein of Cast Away from the gorgeous Knit Collage. I love this yarn and wanted a cozy cowl that is easy to put on during the cold winter months. The yarn has a soft and beautiful melange of colors in a hand spun thick & thin hand spun texture.

Ravel it here!

Patricia's Yarns Annual Sheep Sale!

Stop in Patricia's Yarns between now and Christmas and help families in developing countries. For $1, you can purchase a paper sheep, write your name on it, and we will hang it up! All proceeds will benefit Heifer International, a non-profit that helps impoverished families by purchasing livestock and agricultural goods. For every $120 we raise, we will be able to purchase a sheep for a needy family. The gift of a sheep is a wonderful way to share the warmth of the holiday season! Knit, Crochet, Create... Love!

Merry Mondays Are Back!

Why shop Cyber Monday when you can shop "Merry Mondays" at Patricia's?  Patricia's Yarns is open every Monday in December, noon to 6 - starting Monday December 1st. Special discounts, deals, treats, and raffles too! Knit, Crochet, Create... And shop local!

Twelve (Weekend) Days of Christmas!

The Twelve (Weekend) Days of Christmas starts Saturday, November 15th!

Once again, join us for the Twelve (weekend) Days of Christmas! From now until the day Saint Nick dons his red scarf, Patricia's Yarns will be celebrating! Every Saturday and Sunday will be like receiving a new gift in your hand-knit stocking. One Saturday might bring a sale of your favorite yarn and the next might be that perfect project you've been hoping to make. Some days we might offer sweet treats from our fav Hoboken shops and others offer a glass of bubbly. So join us for some holiday cheer!

To sign up for our Twelve (weekend) Days of Christmas, simply "like" us on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter. We will make announcements each weekend day. We can't promise you a Partridge in a pear tree, but we can promise you purls.

Happy Holidays!

Love,

Patricia

A new pattern: the James Cowl (for AHC awareness)

A new pattern: the James Cowl (for AHC awareness)

I am honored to share the above post by my friend Margaux. She was a fixture in the shop for many years and although she now resides in New England she is still here in spirit and visits as much as she can.

This beautiful cowl pattern is for her son James to raise money and awareness for AHC. I think we should do our part too so Patricia's Yarns is hosting a Knit-A-Long (KAL) to show our support. As she says, it is a 2-3 day project so perfect timing for quick holiday gifts!

How to get involved.

1. Buy the pattern from Margaux

2. Come to the shop with the pattern and choose your yarn and get 25% off as my way to say thank you for supporting Margaux!

3. Cast on and knit either with us at the shop or at home - wherever you choose.

4. Come in sporting your newly finished cowl between now and 11/30 and have your photo taken so we can make a photo collage of support for Margaux & James (& Jim & Baby).



Easy peasy! I am making mine out of Toboggan... what will you choose?

(Margaux & her sweet baby James)

Rhinebeck 2014

                        

Every year Patricia's Yarns takes a bus trip to Rhinebeck for the annual New York Sheep and Wool Festival. And this year didn't disappoint! The weather was perfect for wearing hand-knits and the fairgrounds were beautiful and packed with artisan vendors. 

Our bus ride along the New York Thruway.

A Margaux (a.k.a. Tentenknits) Selfie!

We caught up with Jackie from Soak! 

And the animals are soooo cute!

Balling yarn on the bus...

It was a beautiful day to get out of the city. We look forward to you joining us next year!  Knit, Crochet, Create... In Rhinebeck!

2014 New York Sheep and Wool Festival

Join us on Sunday October 19th for our annual bus trip to Rhinebeck, NY For the annual NY Sheep and Wool Festival at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. It is a wonderful excuse to get out of town, see some lovely fall foliage, and attend the festival. You also get an opportunity to see all the animals that the fibers you love come from as well as taste some yummy treats. We currently have available seats on the bus - so join us, and let someone else does the driving while you knit your way to Rhinebeck! Knit, Crochet, Create! Call, email, or stop by the shop to sign up. (201) 217-9276

Celebrating a DECADE

Let's Celebrate 10 Years Together!

We are so thrilled to be celebrating a decade in business! To thank all of our customers we are having a four day anniversary sale! All yarns will be on sale from 10% to 50% off! No exclusions.  We will also have raffle prizes for every year we have been in business - yes - 10 raffle prizes! Prizes are from our favorite yarn and needle companies including Madeline Tosh, Blue Sky Alpacas, Shibui, Fibre Co., Manos del Uraguay, and more! We will also have free gifts with purchase and, of course, treats from local Hoboken specialty stores. Sale dates: Thursday July 31st, 12-7                     Friday August 1st, 12 - 6 PM                     Saturday August 2nd, 12 - 4 PM              Sunday August 3rd, 12 - 4 PM   Raffle prizes will be drawn at end of business Sunday.   We look forward to celebrating with you!  Thank you for 10 amazing years!   xoxo, Patricia Knit, Crochet, Create!

World Wide Knit in Public Day

Today is World Wide Knit in Public Day! In honor of the day, we are having a SALE! Today only - all yarns will be 15% off!  So stop by and pick up the perfect project for a great day of knitting! 

It is a beautiful day here in Hoboken to Knit, Crochet, Create... And Save! 

For more information about World Wide Knit in Public Day (WWKIP), visit the WWKIP Wikipedia Page.

Time for Market!

I am off to Indianapolis for the TNNA Trade Show (The National Needle Arts Association, Indianapolis, IN) to see all that is new at Market and pick out some amazing new things for Fall, 2014!

I am very excited!  I always look forward to this trip as I get to see all the people who make the products I love and I see what's new. I will be visiting with Lorna's Laces, Koigu, Soak, Manos del Uruguay, Kelbourne Woolens, MadelineTosh, Blue Sky Alpacas, Spud & Chloe, Knit Collage, and more.  It is always so fun to see all the new products!

I will take as many photos as possible and keep you updated via blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram from Indianapolis! So keep checking back!

I look forward to bringing back new and exciting products just for you. Knit, Crochet, Create!

Happy Earth Day

In honor of Earth day I knit a market bag almost every year.  When I go to the grocery store I try to bring my own bags and do my little part to reduce waste.

This year I knit the "Grrlfriend Market Bag" by Laura Spradlin. It is a free pattern you can find on Ravelry.  I really like the single strap for it - and that it is knit in one piece. After all, seaming a market bag seems counter-intuitive. The pattern is well-written and the finished bag is perfect for running errands.

I knit the bag using Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Cotton in color 637 Raspberry and used size 8 and 10 needles. I am really pleased with it and look forward to farmers markets in Hoboken so I can put it to good use.

Happy Earth Day everyone!  Knit, Crochet, Create - and be Green!

Spring is in the Air

It happened! Mother Nature has (finally) brought Spring - and it is here to stay (I hope). I have spotted daffodils and crocus' sprouting around town. Spring accessories are slowly making their way into our wardrobes and our cooler-weather items are getting moved to closets. But before you put those items away, you need to make sure they are ready for storage, right?

So, what to do? Dry clean? Machine wash? Hand wash? 

Depends on the item, the yarn, and the recommended care. When in doubt - hand wash. We are huge fans of Soak, a wonderful wool wash that does not need rinsing but will clean your hand made woolens beautifully. Fill a clean tub (bowl/sink/tub) with lukewarm water, some Soak and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Gently swish it around - rinse and squish out excess water in a clean towel or two. Then lay flat to dry until.... 

Until cooler air returns, let's enjoy some lighter weight scarves and shawls. Maybe knit a toy for spring - or a market bag for farmers markets! Whatever you do, enjoy these lovely days!

Knit, Crochet - Create!   

Celebrating Ten Years

Patricia's Yarns was started in 2004 with the goal of providing the highest quality natural fiber artisan yarns for hand-knitting and crochet.  More than a retail store, Patricia's Yarns has become a unique local community of knitters, crocheters, and friends.  Through classes, charity events, wine tastings, knit nights, trips to Rhinebeck, and more, Patricia's Yarns is the proverbial "third space" (not work, not home) for friends and community members.  Whether you are picking out the perfect project - or just stopping by for coffee, we love having you be part of it all. To celebrate our Ten Year Anniversary, we put together the following video.  We love Patricia's Yarns - and we hope you do too!

Patricia's Yarns - "'Ours', Since 2004"



Knit, Crochet, Create!

10th Annual SuperBowl Sale

With the SuperBowl being held in our backyard, we are very excited to celebrate 2014 with our 10th Annual Superbowl Weekend Sale, Saturday February 1st and Sunday February 2nd! Pick up the perfect project for the big game!

• Yarns will be discounted 15% - 50% off regular price!
• Special sale prices on select patterns and books!
• Superbowl pool & giveaways with purchase!

Knit, Crochet, Create!

Knit Collage Cast Away Cowl

Cast Away is a new yarn from Knit Collage. It is hand spun with thick and thin qualities and  natural colors with pops of color making a beautiful melange yarn.

I knit a cowl out of the Oak colorway and I love it! it is so soft and warm! Oak is a beautiful blend of soft earth colors and the thick and thin quality makes this perfect for simple mindless knitting and produces a very unique, soft rustic fabric. This is a quick knit out of one skein and really will  be nice and cozy to wear when walking around town. 

This yarn would be perfect for a cozy knit vest or any other accessory like a hat, scarf or infinity scarf. Anything to keep you warm during cool winter months! 

Knit - Crochet - Create!

Happy New Year

A new year brings resolutions, goals and new knitting projects! I know of some people who sit down on the January 1 and make a list of what they want to make. Others I know keep going with projects as the inspiration hits. Either way, I am sure that 2014 will be full of beautiful yarns and projects. 

One thing that I have had my eye on for a while include Poppy by Ysolda Teague. This little doll is so cute I think it would be very fun to make and see her personality come out.

On quite the opposite end of the spectrum I am dying to work with some Knit Collage yarns, like their new line Cast Away. It is a very soft and colorful hand spun 100% wool yarn. It is so pretty when all balled up and waiting to be turned into something cozy.

The to-knit list for 2014 is going to be spectacular.