Superwash Me from J. Knits is a beautiful 2-ply fingering weight yarn. We have it in twelve beautiful semi-solids, each named after a US city or state. It’s buttery soft and each skein has a whopping 550 yards! That’s more than enough for a pair of socks–with cables!

I know that a few of you still haven’t been bitten by the sock bug, but there are a million things this yarn could become. Superwash Me is a little lighter than some sock yarns, which makes it perfect for lace. One skein would make a beautiful Flower Basket Shawl. One skein would also make a beautiful, scarf-sized Landscape Shawl–two would make the largest size.

I’m trying my hand at colorwork with a pair of Eunny Jang’s Anemoi Mittens. The pattern calls for 50 grams of each color, which is only half of a skein of Superwash Me; I’m planning to make matching fingerless gloves with the leftovers.

Lately, I have Holiday knitting on my mind. I know it’s August, but there’s no harm in getting a head start, right?

This striped Silk Garden Scarf is a great go-to gift for any occasion. The pattern is unbelievably simple: Grab 4 skeins of Noro Silk Garden yarn in two different colorways, cast on 39 stitches, and work a k1, p1 rib. Alternate colorways every two rows (don’t cut the yarn that’s not in use, just carry it up the side). Work until the scarf is your desired length, or until you run out of yarn!

I can’t say enough good things about Noro Silk Garden yarn. Of course the colors are beautiful, and the yarn feels soft against the skin. The silk adds a rustic look to the yarn, which looks great with any winter coat, or even a pair of jeans! Each ball offers a large range of colors so you don’t have to worry about matching them up to your hat and gloves. Or you could just make a hat and pair of gloves to match!

Scarves like this are sure to be a crowd pleaser. I plan on knitting up two or three before the Holiday season is upon us. And now that Silk Garden Sock yarn is available, I can make a lighter version of the scarf. It’s not just for socks, you know!

Scarves are the accessory to have this summer, but the perfect scarf is hard to find. When I saw the Lace Ribbon Scarf knit up in Koigu Mori I immediately reached for my needles. This is the Perfect Scarf.

We knit this scarf in just two skeins of Mori, which has quickly become the new favorite yarn around the shop. The wool/silk blend keeps the scarf light and has just the right amount of shine. The lace pattern is simple yet striking, making it a great on-the-go project that produces fabulous results.

If you want to make you’re own Lace Ribbon Scarf, we’re offering a class that starts on July 9. Give us a call to reserve your place!

I squealed when we opened the boxes this morning and saw new! Noro! Kureyon! Sock yarn! The new colors just gorgeous! If you haven’t experienced Kureyon, you’re definitely missing out. Kureyon Sock Yarn is a fingering weight version of the very popular Noro Kureyon. Noro yarns are known for their beautiful, subtle color transitions. When knit, each color flows seamlessly into the next creating a sophisticated stripe. Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn is 70% wool and 30% nylon, so your socks will be beautiful and durable.

I’m going to cast on for a pair of socks, but what if socks aren’t your thing? Noro Kureyon Sock yarn is machine washable and would make a beautiful Baby Surprise Jacket. Or why not try a Feather and Fan scarf or a beret?

We have eight new colors that are sure to inspire. You can drop by the shop or check them out on our website.

Knitting with Koigu’s new yarn, Mori is one of the nicest knitting experiences I’ve had in awhile. It feels so good sliding through my fingers and the knitted fabric is soft and light. As I knit, I keep coming up with new ideas of what to do with it.

But for now, it’s this simple scarf. This photo’s from a few days ago; the scarf’s much longer now. I’m using 2 colors - numbers 6 and 14 - and a simple drop stitch pattern. It goes like this:

Cast on 36 stitches with Color A (in my case, number 6).
Rows 1 and 2 - Knit 2 rows with Color A.
Row 3 - Join Color B, *k1, yo* to last stitch, k1.
Row 4 - With Color B, *p1, drop yo* to last stitch, p1.

Repeat those 4 rows.

You don’t need to cut and rejoin the yarn as you change colors, just carry them up the side. Work until Color B is used or your scarf has reached the desired length. Work Row 1 and bind off.

The Mori Yarn is now available on the website. Enjoy!

When we opened in 2005, one of our missions was to bring some of the new and wonderful yarns being made to Philadelphia. Alchemy Yarns of Transformation from Sebastapol, California were at the top of our list. The combination of high quality fibers and brilliant colors still thrills us. Alchemy Yarns are wonderful to look at, to knit, and to wear.

Last year, Alchemy told us they were producing their first book and were looking for a few shops around the country to become stockists. Of course, we said yes! We now have Alchemy’s first book - Destination Alchemy - and all of the yarn you need to knit every design in the book.

Yesterday, a trunk show of some of the gorgeous garments from the book arrived. It’s inspiring to see what can be made with these fabulous yarns. Click here to see all of the designs in the book.

To celebrate Alchemy’s yarns and designs, were offering 20% off all Alchemy yarns and patterns from now until the trunk show ends of April 20. Come take a look!

Please note: sale applies to in stock yarn purchased in Philadelphia store only.

This Spring, Koigu introduced a new yarn, Mori. It’s a fingering weight blend of merino and mulberry silk. Each 50 gram hank contains 185 yards. The combination of Koigu’s glorious colors and silk is stunning. The yarn just glows.

These are just a few of the 25 colors that arrived this afternoon. I brought a few home to swatch; I can’t wait to get this on my needles!

Sock knitters will probably know from the title what I’m about to tell you.

Smooshy Yarn by Dream in Color has arrived at Loop!

This was the best find of my trip to the Yarn Market in January. Dream in Color is a small company in Illinois owned by two former yarn shop owners. They dye 100% Australian superwash merino wool yarn in a variety of weights, all available in their spectacular palette of subtle color variations.

Smooshy is Dream in Color’s fingering weight yarn. There’s approximately 450 yards in each 4 ounce hank. The recommended gauge is 6.5 to 8 stitches on size 1 to 3 needles. It’s become popular in sock knitting circles, but it’s a versatile yarn that can be used for scarves, mittens, baby clothes - even sweaters! Check out Jeanie - a beautiful shawl in the current edition of Knitty.

I’m not sure if I should cast on for a pair of socks (I have 2 on the needles already!) or a hat where I can do some color work. Elizabeth and Laura are both knitting themselves Cookie A’s Red Herring Socks pattern. I could join in and get my socks and color work in one!

Thanks to a delivery this week from our friends at Koigu, our cupboard is once again full. Enough KPPPM and Kersti yarn for everyone!

The list of projects I want to make increases exponentially with each new shipment.

Just beautiful!

Sheep Shop Yarn Company has sent us one of the best trunk shows we’ve ever seen. There are hats, scarves, mittens, pullovers, cardigans, vests, shawls, felted wallets and purses, blankets, and a gorgeous afghan. There are items for babies, kids, women and men. We rarely receive so many items, let alone so many this beautiful!

We carry two of Sheep Shop’s yarns. Sheep Shop One Yarn is a worsted weight kettle-dyed single wool ply. There are nearly solids and multi-colors. Unlike other wool singles, Sheep Shop One doesn’t vary in thickness, so you don’t have random sections of very thick or very thin yarn. And the bright, clear colors come in a broad spectrum.

We also have Sheep Shop Three Yarn, one of 2007’s most exciting new yarns. A fabulous blend of silk and wool, Sheep Shop Three is a two-ply that knits well at anywhere from 5 to 6.5 stitches per inch. The trunk show includes several pieces for babies that would make gorgeous, modern heirloom gifts.

This week we’ll receive a shipment of Sheep Shop Two a super soft chunky two-ply. Wait until you see the cool vests and sweaters in this fun, thick yarn.

The Sheep Shop trunk show will only be here until the end of the year, so stop in soon to take a look!