YAK

My current WIP is this adorable pair of frilly, lacy socks! 🧦

When we received Edelweiss Alpaca 4ply by Kremke Soul Wool recently, I knew I had to make something with it. I scrolled through Ravelry and came across the Midsummer Dancer Socks by and fell in love. I couldn't decide between this cream colour or the bright pink, but ultimately thought this colour would go with more outfits.

I've made a lot of socks over the last 5 years (socks were actually what got me back in to knitting in my 20s and how I discovered Yak!), but I always stick to a simple pattern I cobbled together through trial and error, and I've never done socks with any kind of texture. So this pattern is knitting up a treat and I'm loving seeing a new row of lace diamonds appear each time I finish a section.

Edelweiss Alpaca 4ply is without a doubt the softest sock yarn I've used. It's so soft it glides through the fingers, yet combined with a 2.25mm needle size is creating what feels like a sturdy fabric that I'm sure will wear beautifully.

I'm excited to finish this pair and wear them peeping out of some Dr Martens Mary Jane shoes!
- M

Snefnug Snefnug Snefnug! It's back in stock 🎉

Snefnug is a blown spun yarn, its core is made of a cotton chainette through which is ‘blown’ fibres of baby alpaca and merino wool.

This ultra soft, light yarn is perfect for transitional pieces and baby knits.

We stock a range of muted neutrals. bold brights and dark autumnal tones.

Shop Snefnug in store and on our website 🧶🧶🧶

❄️

It's been a long time coming but we have Malabrigo Chunky back in store!

Malabrigo Chunky is the softest, squishiest 100% merino yarn. Perfect for warm winter items like hats, scarves and gloves, or a big chunky jumper! 🧣

Malabrigo's kettle-dyed yarns have so much richness and depth to them, giving even the 'solid' colours a beautifully subtle variegated effect once knit up.

Shop Malabrigo Chunky online and in store.

We received some this week!

Gilliatt and Robinson have both been topped up, including three new (to us) colours in Gilliatt - pictured above. Emeraude, Erable and Baleine Bleue.

Gilliatt - worsted weight, 100% Ardles De Merino. 100g = 250 metres.
Robinson - heavy DK / light worsted, 70% Arles merino, 28% recycled cotton and 2% mixed recycled fibres. 100g = 250 metres.

Shop Gilliatt, Robinson and the rest of our De Rerum Natura yarns instore and online.

We have two new dates for our Learn to Crochet class this Autumn!

🧶 Sunday 6th October 1pm-4pm
🧶 Sunday 17th November 1pm-4pm

Our Learn to Crochet class is taught by the wonderful Eleonora of 🌊

In this comprehensive beginner's class Eleonora will teach you the basic stitches, setting you up for your crochet journey with useful tips and tricks. The perfect way to spend a chilly Sunday afternoon in Autumn 🍂

These classes fill up quickly so don't miss out! Book your spot via our website, or call up the shop or pop in.

Et voilà!

I recently cast off this little jumper I made for my niece, Sybil. Other than the sleeves being a little too long, I'm really pleased with it! And I'd quite like to live here...

The pattern is my own, and as I'm still very new to baby knitwear I cast this on without having much of an idea what size it would turn out (I'm a 'wing-it' knitter rather than a planner!). Comparing it to measurements of other baby knitting patterns this is around the 9-12 months size, which means this will be perfect for her to wear this winter.

I've almost finished writing the knitting pattern for this! The sizes I've included are 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months and 1-2 years. If you want to follow the patterns progress you can get regular updates !

The yarn is a mix of various scraps I was trying to use up, lots of which were Snefnug by Camarose - one of my favourites.

I will absolutely be making myself one of these so me and Sybil can match 🤣
- M

Due to popular demand - we've booked in another Jumper Along course! The first one sold out in a matter of hours, so to give those a chance who missed out we've decided to add more dates.

This course will run on Saturdays rather than Sundays, from 2-4pm.

Jumper Along is suitable for those who have completed at least a couple of projects (not necessarily jumpers), who can cast on, cast off, knit and purl with confidence.

Whether you're a first time jumper knitter and need help with the construction, or you've knit a few in the past but would like to try something more complicated such as colourwork or texture, our knitting tutor Dani Sunshine will be there to hold your hand (metaphorically, of course) along the way.

Jumper Along runs every other Saturday starting 5th October, for 6 sessions. Participants will receive 15% off yarn and accessories needed for the class (you can also bring along your own materials if you've got yarn you'd like to use!).

Book in via our website, give the shop a call or pop in!

We've been busy on the blog recently! We're always looking around sourcing the very best knitting patterns for you (and for us..!), and we think the roundups in these 3 posts are top notch 👌

Stay up to date on the blog for knitting and crochet tips and advice, pattern roundups, information on different fibres, and all round knitspiration!

Head to the link in our bio 👉

Our long awaited Autumn / Winter class dates have been released!

With Autumn comes cooler weather and rainy days spent indoors. It's the perfect time to learn something new - wherever you are in your knitting journey, to cosy up by the telly with. Come along and join a group of like-minded creative individuals and receive expert advice from our knitting teacher 🧵

🧶 Learn To Knit - This comprehensive beginner’s class will take you from casting on all the way through to casting off with all the important bits in between.

🧶 Next Steps in Knitting - both patterns available for this class are full of skills and techniques that, once mastered, will give you confidence to start any new project!

🧶 Grow a Pair: Beginner Socks - you will learn how cast on and knit in the round; turn a heel and graft stitches together at the end for a seamless toe.

🧶 Jumper Along - Learn to make the jumper or cardigan of your dreams in this all levels garment knitting class.

Classes can be booked instore and on our website - be sure to secure your space soon as classes sell out quickly!

Our knitted bunting looking gorgeous in the new window display!

Being in front of the light meant that it was really hard to get a good photo of it as it's silhouetted. But we've had a lot of compliments on it in the shop! This was a collaborative effort between past and current employees of the shop, and it was very satisfying to finally thread an i-cord through all the triangles and bring it together for the first time.

Bunting is a great way to use up scraps as each triangle took very little yarn. It's also a great project for beginners as it's small, quick, and teaches you some basic techniques such as decreasing.

I've been inspired and have started knitting my own out of my cotton scraps at home!

- M

Our new sock yarn Edelweiss pairs perfectly with Babygarn, to create an expanded colour range for all your colourwork needs! 🐞🐥🐠

Both 4ply, both machine washable and both soft as butter. Babygarn is 100% merino and Edelweiss is a blend of wool, alpaca and polyamide.

Babygarn comes in 50g / 175 metre balls, and Edelweiss in 25g / 100 metre balls. The smaller quantity balls of Edelweiss makes them particularly well suited to the contrasting colours in colourwork where you don't need a lot of it.

Come in and browse the full range of colours in these two beautiful yarns, or check them out on our website!

One sleeve to go!

I must say, I do have a bit of 'second sleeve syndrome' with this.. After the fun of knitting up the landscape front, the monotony of the plain stockinette sleeves has got to me. But I can't wait to see it finished so I'm powering through!

I'd say this has come out around a year - 18 months size wise. Perfect for my niece's first winter as she'll be able to get lots of wear out of it before she outgrows it.

The pattern is self-drafted and the yarn is a mixture of Snefnug and other scraps I've been wanting to use up.

- M

Our Catona display is bursting with colour since being restocked!

Catona by Scheepjes is a wonderfully versatile yarn. It works well for amigurumi, baby clothes, crochet accessories and light summer garments.

Made with 100% mercerised cotton, Catona is a 4ply that comes in 25g balls. Perfect for a project with lots of colours!

Shop Catona online and instore 🌈

Babygarn has been restocked in all 13 colours!

Babygarn is a 4ply 100% merino superwash. It's super soft (hence it's name) and is the perfect choice for next-to-the-skin garments and colourwork.

Shop Babygarn via the website and in store 🐑

Crochet bucket hats keep popping up on my feed and since we received our last batch of Sandnes Garn Tykk Line, I couldn't resist trying to make a version of my own.

Saying that I am not the most proficient crocheter is an understatement. At the exception of a giant throw I've been working on for over a year now, this is my first actual crochet project. I found an easy free pattern on Ravelry and decided to give it a go.

The hat is designed to have a circumference of 22" and made with a yarn that is ever so slightly lighter than Tykk Line. As I want it to be a little bit wider to fit my own head circumference, I calculated each square should be about 4.5" wide instead of the 4.25" recommended by the pattern. I manage to get gauge by going down a hook size which also gives a tighter tension to the fabric and so more structure to the hat.

I really hope it's going to fit well as it's my first time making a bucket hat so it's all a bit of an experiment. Wish me luck! - E.

We've had a big top up of Terrazzo! 🐦🐸🦞

Terrazzo - aptly named after Italian Terrazzo tiles - has multi-coloured speckles running through it. The wide variety of colours are all tied together through their complementary, contrasting flecks.

Terrazzo works up as a light DK, and is made of 70% recycled mulesing-free wool and 30% recycled viscose. It's an excellent choice for baby garments as it's machine washable and soft.

It also works beautifully for crochet granny squares, due to the wide range of colours it comes in and mentioned above, the fact the colours are paired through their flecks.

Shop Terrazzo in store and online!

On the blog this week: two completed projects by !

Read the post for info on how to make the perfect cardigan for you. Felicity discusses yarn, shape & fit and construction.

Link for the full post in bio

We're sock-knitting fanatics in Yak - so we were super excited to receive this new sock yarn last week! Introducing: Edelweiss Alpaca 4ply by Kremke Soul Wool.

Edelweiss is a luxurious blend of 65% wool, 25% polyamid and 10% alpaca. Though 10% alpaca doesn't sound like much, wait until you get your hands on this yarn! So soft it's like butter.

One of the things we love most about Edelweiss (aside from it's softness) is the fact that it comes in a large range of colours. Combine this with the fact the balls are 25g - and you've got the perfect yarn for colourwork projects. No huge amounts of scraps left over when you finish a fairisle jupmer!

Also a lovely yarn to use for baby garments, as it's soft and machine washable.

Shop Edelweiss through our website and in store.

And one completed Anker sweater ⚓️

This is the size 1-2 years and I've just used two balls of Scheepjes Terrazzo - which is about 100 meters less than the recommended meterage. It is good practice for designers to recommend more yarn than what is actually needed so people don't run out half way through their projects. This is quite a significant difference though, especially for a baby jumper.

It's my second Anker and again, I am delighted with the outcome. This is such a simple yet stylish design. I love the textured yoke whilst the plain body and sleeves show off the speckles of Terrazzo beautifully. It also fits my son perfectly - that being said he is a small boy so it might be best to choose your size based on bust measurements rather than age - E.

What's better than real flowers? 🤷‍♀️ flowers made of yarn! 💁‍♀️

Our cute new window display bringing the summer vibes indoors 🌸

The Nostalgia Bucket Hat is the perfect summer project to whip up in a few evenings!

Suitable for beginners, this hat is made using only single crochet (US terms), in the round from the top down.

It was originally designed in Wooladdicts Joy which we won't be restocking, however Sandnes Garn Tykk Line will work wonderfully for this, plus with the wide colour range we stock of Tykk Line there's an option for everyone! We think this design looks extra cute in stripes.

Come in store to grab your yarn and copy of the pattern, or find the pattern on Ravelry 👒

The Erika Knight Wool Local colour palette looking lovely in the morning light we get in the shop ☀

Wool Local is aptly named after it's production process. From fleece to to finished product all in less than 50 miles! The Masham and Bluefaced Leicester fleece starts it's journey at the British Wool Auction in Bradford, after which it is combed, spun, dyed and hanked in the county of Yorkshire.

Wool Local is a 4ply yarn, surprisingly soft and very bouncy and comes in 100g / 450 metre skeins.

Here's 3 reasons why we think Crazy Zauberball is the ultimate sock yarn:

1) it's self striping! New to sock knitting and don't want to make anything too intricate (or a seasoned pro but fancy a nice easy project to take with you on your commute)? Crazy Zauberball will do the work for you with it's never ending colour changes, sure to bring the simplest of pattern to life.

2) Schopple Wolle use eco-friendly, biodegradable polyamide to give you the strength of nylon without the added harm to the environment! Perfect for those wanting to maximise their sustainability.

3) Crazy Zauberball comes in 100g balls, meaning you can get one pair out of one ball! Plus the range of colours suits everyone's needs. We have neutrals with tonal colour changes and bright, bold colours with multicoloured changes!

Check out the full range of Crazy Zauberball on our website and in store 🧦🧦🧦

Last 12 hours to shop our Summer Sale! Don't miss out on 15% off yarn, books and magazines 🧶🧶🧶

Summer holidays means long days of relaxing at the beach, in the park, (at home if the weather doesn't ever cheer up?!). None of this would be complete without a new project on your needles!

(The sale is online only today, as our shop is closed on Mondays. If you're a local, you can select click & collect at checkout and pick up your purchase from Tuesday onwards).

Sale ends at midnight tonight.

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Our Summer Sale is now LIVE! 15% off all yarn, books and magazines! ☀️💥

Shop the sale online now until Monday 15th July 11.59pm, and in store Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th normal opening hours.

Stock up for the summer holidays. The Euros and Wimbledon are on, is there any better way to watch them than with a new project on your needles?!

(Exclusions include: items already in the sale, needles, accessories, classes and gift vouchers).

Our Summer Sale starts tomorrow - set your alarms! 🎉🎉🎉

School's out, Wimbledon and the Euros are on - it's time to let your hair down, put your feet up and cast on a project! ⚽️🥎🧶

The sale is running instore and online, and you can expect to find 15% off yarn, books and magazines.

Instore - Saturday 13th 10am-5.30pm, Sunday 14th 12pm-5pm.
Online - Saturday 13th 9am - Monday 15th 11.59pm.

The latest blog post is all about how I use up scraps by making landscape sweater vests 🌅🌄🌃

In the post I explain how I draw the colourwork charts using Stitchfiddle, how I organise my scraps in to becoming one of these vests, and tips on how make one yourself.

Check out the blog post via the link in our bio!

-M

We have a new section on the website dedicated to summer fibres!

What do we mean when we refer to 'summer fibres'? Anything plant based such as cotton, linen, h**p. Where animal fibres are great at retaining heat and keeping us warm in the cooler months, plant based fibres do the opposite in the warmer months. They are breathable and don't hold on to heat. amongst many other properties making them well suited to summer projects.

Plant based fibres also tend to be machine-washable. Ideal when you are wearing them against your skin on hot summer days, as they can be washed hassle-free regularly.

Check out the Summer Fibres edit on the front page of the website and get inspired for your next summer knit!

**p **pyarn

In case you missed it - we recently wrote a blog post with an in depth photo tutorial on how to do the Magic Loop Method 🪄🧶

If you're new to the world of knitting (or a seasoned pro) and aren't sure what patterns are referring to when they reference the Magic Loop method, then head on over to the blog to find out! The post explains when and why to use it as well as the tutorial itself.

The shop is looking shiny and new since it had a lick of paint, and also our updated logo painted!

Amazing Pride Month window display crocheted by our very own 🌈🌈🌈