Yarns Untangled

01/02/2022

Working as a yarn dyer can be a truly wonderful calling, but like so many jobs of its kind, it can also be grueling, exhausting, and unforgiving. A healthy work/life balance is often especially difficult to achieve, and so many folks will dye with vigour and love for several years and then choose to go a different path.

Last year, we said goodbye to Georgian Bay Fibre Co as a company. There is no one else in the business who is doing quite what she could do, and she will be greatly missed by us and by knitters and crocheters the world over.

We were able to get a large order in with her before she closed up shop, so we do still have some wonderful yarn left. What we have though is it, we won't ever be able to get more, so this is your last chance!

The yarn shown here is Georgian Bay's Bayfield DK, a 100% non-superwash bluefaced leicester (BFL) wool. BFL is a soft, silky wool that is beloved by real fibre connoisseurs. It takes a dye with depth and subtlety unlike any other wool.
https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/products/georgian-bay-fibre-co-bayfield-dk

The colours you see here from top to bottom are: McEwean Wrought Iron, Whitestone Moss, La Cloche Vista, Henrietta's Pie, and Plum Dandy, and we have more than a sweater's quantity (in any adult size) left in each of them as well as several other colours in smaller amounts.

We also have *some* Bayfield Sock (an 80/20 superwash BFL/nylon sock yarn) left as well, so check that out too. https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/products/georgian-bay-fibre-co-bayfield-sock

Working as a yarn dyer can be a truly wonderful calling, but like so many jobs of its kind, it can also be grueling, exhausting, and unforgiving. A healthy work/life balance is often especially difficult to achieve, and so many folks will dye with vigour and love for several years and then choose to go a different path.

Last year, we said goodbye to Georgian Bay Fibre Co as a company. There is no one else in the business who is doing quite what she could do, and she will be greatly missed by us and by knitters and crocheters the world over.

We were able to get a large order in with her before she closed up shop, so we do still have some wonderful yarn left. What we have though is it, we won't ever be able to get more, so this is your last chance!

The yarn shown here is Georgian Bay's Bayfield DK, a 100% non-superwash bluefaced leicester (BFL) wool. BFL is a soft, silky wool that is beloved by real fibre connoisseurs. It takes a dye with depth and subtlety unlike any other wool.
https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/products/georgian-bay-fibre-co-bayfield-dk

The colours you see here from top to bottom are: McEwean Wrought Iron, Whitestone Moss, La Cloche Vista, Henrietta's Pie, and Plum Dandy, and we have more than a sweater's quantity (in any adult size) left in each of them as well as several other colours in smaller amounts.

We also have *some* Bayfield Sock (an 80/20 superwash BFL/nylon sock yarn) left as well, so check that out too. https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/products/georgian-bay-fibre-co-bayfield-sock

12/31/2021

New colours from @julie_asselin in the amazing Boucle!

https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/products/julie-asselin-boucle

A 70/30 blend of alpaca and Highland wool, this yarn is such a wonderfully squishy texture. Great for fuzzy sweaters, hats, mittens, and scarves, and also to add some texture to your woven work and handmade toys.

While this is a worsted weight, we often work it with larger needles (6.50mm) as the texture fills in the gaps nicely. Last winter, we made a Turtle Dove Sweater (pattern by @espacetricot) with just four skeins for a 44" bust (with leftovers).

Here you see: Trench, Alpine, Menthe, Ti-Pêche, and Happy (top to bottom).

Oh and happy new year everyone! See you in 2022.

New colours from @julie_asselin in the amazing Boucle!

https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/products/julie-asselin-boucle

A 70/30 blend of alpaca and Highland wool, this yarn is such a wonderfully squishy texture. Great for fuzzy sweaters, hats, mittens, and scarves, and also to add some texture to your woven work and handmade toys.

While this is a worsted weight, we often work it with larger needles (6.50mm) as the texture fills in the gaps nicely. Last winter, we made a Turtle Dove Sweater (pattern by @espacetricot) with just four skeins for a 44" bust (with leftovers).

Here you see: Trench, Alpine, Menthe, Ti-Pêche, and Happy (top to bottom).

Oh and happy new year everyone! See you in 2022.

12/23/2021

Happy holidays from all of us at Yarns Untangled!

We are open most days throughout the holidays:
Dec. 24: 12-5 (may go home a touch early if no one is around, but just call if you're not sure)
Dec. 25: Closed
Dec. 26: Closed
Dec. 27-30: 12-5
Dec. 31: 12-3
Jan. 1: Closed

Please stay safe, take the tests you can get, be kind to each other, and we'll see you soon!

#yarnsuntangled

Happy holidays from all of us at Yarns Untangled!

We are open most days throughout the holidays:
Dec. 24: 12-5 (may go home a touch early if no one is around, but just call if you're not sure)
Dec. 25: Closed
Dec. 26: Closed
Dec. 27-30: 12-5
Dec. 31: 12-3
Jan. 1: Closed

Please stay safe, take the tests you can get, be kind to each other, and we'll see you soon!

#yarnsuntangled

12/22/2021

Three days left 'til Christmas, and we know there are some folks out there with a few names left on their lists. No judgment. The lists are long and somehow keep getting longer!

Here are some great ideas for last-minute, easy to give gifts for the crafters in your life. They're all small enough to stuff a stocking, and several pack enough punch to be considered for a more significant gift. Swipe to see them all, and then click the link below to the stocking stuffer section of our website:
https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/collections/stocking-stuffers

Pic 2: New from Soak Wash Inc., a pack of eight minisoaks in assorted scents (or all unscented). Great for anyone who gives a lot of handmade gifts, or those who travel frequently
3: Hiya Hiya Snips: these tiny, airplane-safe scissors come in cat, dog, or octopus shapes (you know, your three standard house pets)
4. Sudz from Estelle: each ball makes a dishcloth whether you're knitting or crocheting. A few of these make a great filler for a stocking, or check out their small bottles for $10.
5. Minilooms from Chip and Sparrow: easy to use and make the sweetest little wall hangings and decorations
6. Everything from Firefly Notes: we have their markers, their notion tins, and now their enamel pins! Anything from this whole line is a great addition to a knitter or a crocheter's stocking
7. Kits from Mochimochi Land: each little kit has all the yarn, stuffing and instructions for at least two tiny toys. Gnomes, grandmas, sushi, cats in boxes, and more!
8. Moosehill Woodworks makes this beautiful yarn holder. Place it on your coffee table or set it out at a craft night. It holds your ball of yarn for you and spins smoothly on it's base. Works just like a yarn bowl but is smaller, lighter and travels much more easily.
9. Amour Crochet Hooks: cushioned for your comfort, these hook handles help a great deal with hand pain and strain.
10. cocoknits has so many adorable notions, you could choose any of them! We're highlighting the measuring tapes which come in a sweet little bag.

12/19/2021

We are fully restocked on the charming tins and stitch markers from Firefly Notes! Just in time for all your gift giving and stocking stuffing needs 🙂

These tins are made with a hand-poured resin and feature vintage designs and graphics. Each one slides open to hold darning needles, stitch markers, snips, cable needles, bobby pins, medication, and other treasures!
https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/products/firefly-notes-notion-tins

The stitch markers come in a variety of charming shapes, the most popular of which are the cats, kittens, and kitties: cat-shaped markers in three different sizes. And now a combo set of "Mixed Meows" is available which includes a few of each size. https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/products/firefly-notes-stitch-markers

12/12/2021

YU Presents: Fearless Finishing, Part One with Kate Atherley
7pm, Thursday December 16th

https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/products/kate-atherley-online-classes-at-yarns-untangled

Many knitters avoid a lot of garment patterns because of the finishing work required, and even the most experienced knitters often have holes in their finishing knowledge – or simply lack confidence about them. The reason is simple: information in books and patterns is often very weak in this area, leaving knitters to try to figure it out themselves. This workshop demonstrates some practical, useful and sensible finishing skills. Our objective is to dispel a lot of common myths, break down some common sources of confusion, and take the fear out of it.

In Part One, we’ll cover the three key seaming methods – reviewing how to do them and where to use them, blocking and weaving in ends; we’ll also touch on joining yarn and picking up stitches.

Register via the link above for either both parts of this class! And remember that we record all of our Zoom classes, so if you can't make it at 7pm on Thursday, you can still register and receive access to the recording for seven days after the class ends.

YU Presents: Fearless Finishing, Part One with Kate Atherley
7pm, Thursday December 16th

https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/products/kate-atherley-online-classes-at-yarns-untangled

Many knitters avoid a lot of garment patterns because of the finishing work required, and even the most experienced knitters often have holes in their finishing knowledge – or simply lack confidence about them. The reason is simple: information in books and patterns is often very weak in this area, leaving knitters to try to figure it out themselves. This workshop demonstrates some practical, useful and sensible finishing skills. Our objective is to dispel a lot of common myths, break down some common sources of confusion, and take the fear out of it.

In Part One, we’ll cover the three key seaming methods – reviewing how to do them and where to use them, blocking and weaving in ends; we’ll also touch on joining yarn and picking up stitches.

Register via the link above for either both parts of this class! And remember that we record all of our Zoom classes, so if you can't make it at 7pm on Thursday, you can still register and receive access to the recording for seven days after the class ends.

12/09/2021

We just got a new batch of colourways in Lang's Super Soxx line, a durable, machine-washable, nylon-reinforced sock wool that stripes or patterns on it's own.

https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/products/lang-supersoxx

Lang always does such a good job with interesting colour choices and designs for their sock yarn, so it's always fun to see what's coming in that's new! These four new colourways are all made up of tiny micro-stripes so it'll keep your attention through the whole project.

We recommend pairing a ball of sock yarn with any sock pattern from Kate Atherley. The Basic Ribbed sock is a great pattern for first-time sock knitters, and the Montclair socks for something with a bit more interest. Both are available on her website, kateatherley.com.

Super Soxx have a whole bunch of fabulous colourways from previous months, so check them all out via the link above!

12/08/2021

Our classes with Kate Atherley (@katatherleyknits) are back!

This coming Tuesday, December 14th at 7pm:
Toe Up Socks

Once you’ve tackled top down socks, take the next step: working the other way. This class teaches you everything you need to know about making toe-up socks, by working through a mini sock. We’ll demo the special cast-on for the toe, to turning the heel to the specialized cast offs required. Once you’ve mastered the mini, we make sure you’re equipped to get started on your first full-size sock.

(Please note: this class is specifically designed for knitters who have already made a few pairs of socks top-down. If you are a first time sock knitter, it is likely this class is not a good fit for you.)

#yarnsuntangled #classesatYU #toeupsocks #kateatherley #classeswithKate #kateatherleyknits #sockknitter #sockknitting #sockknittersofinstagram

Our classes with Kate Atherley (@katatherleyknits) are back!

This coming Tuesday, December 14th at 7pm:
Toe Up Socks

Once you’ve tackled top down socks, take the next step: working the other way. This class teaches you everything you need to know about making toe-up socks, by working through a mini sock. We’ll demo the special cast-on for the toe, to turning the heel to the specialized cast offs required. Once you’ve mastered the mini, we make sure you’re equipped to get started on your first full-size sock.

(Please note: this class is specifically designed for knitters who have already made a few pairs of socks top-down. If you are a first time sock knitter, it is likely this class is not a good fit for you.)

#yarnsuntangled #classesatYU #toeupsocks #kateatherley #classeswithKate #kateatherleyknits #sockknitter #sockknitting #sockknittersofinstagram

11/30/2021

Our sample sale is live! Only one of each item is available. They have full descriptions with sizing, materials, and care instructions, but don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

See the whole thing here: https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/collections/2021-sample-sale

And for the first time, in addition to the lightly used samples, we have brand new handmade socks for sale as well! They also have all the necessary info in their listings in terms of sizing recommendations and materials.

Happy gifting!!!

Our sample sale is live! Only one of each item is available. They have full descriptions with sizing, materials, and care instructions, but don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

See the whole thing here: https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/collections/2021-sample-sale

And for the first time, in addition to the lightly used samples, we have brand new handmade socks for sale as well! They also have all the necessary info in their listings in terms of sizing recommendations and materials.

Happy gifting!!!

11/28/2021

December is here next week and that means our sample sale is back!!!

*11am, November 30th, sale goes live on our online shop*

This is our third year running the sample sale, and it has rapidly become a very favourite time of year. We have some really fabulous stuff in the sale this time including several beloved sweaters that finished their service to Yarns Untangled and ready to start their next lives. And because they aren’t quite new, they are priced much lower than any handmade item really should be! If you’re in town, please feel free to come on down and try things on in person!

This is our answer to all the folks who try and buy our samples from us all year long. You can't have them, we're using them! But sometimes yarn colourways get discontinued, sometimes whole yarn lines get discontinued, sometimes we make another sample and don't have space to hold both. Whatever the reason, these items are all still in great shape and still have many years left before retirement.

The sale includes sweaters, it includes scarves, cowls, it's got hats, shawls, wraps, summer tees, and more! We've got just a few shown in this post, check out the link in our bio to see the rest of them and plan ahead for the launch of the sale. It will run the length of the month or until we run out, and there is of course only one of each item. Read the descriptions carefully for sizing, condition, and care info.

#yarnsuntangled #YUsamplesale #samplesale #knitwear #crochetwear #knittersoftoronto #knittersofcanada #knitstagram #knittersofinstagram #knittersofontario #crochetersoftoronto #crochetersofcanada #crochetersofinstagram #crochetstagram

11/21/2021

We have had so much fun hosting online classes with Kate Atherley, we are glad to announce a new set of courses for this winter! We heard from so many of you on what you wanted to learn, so we've got several brand new options as well as some repeats of favourites.

Sign up here: https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/products/kate-atherley-online-classes-at-yarns-untangled

December 14th: Toe Up Socks
You've done a few pairs of socks, now it's time to try them the other way round. Use up every last inch of that yarn!

Finishing Bootcamp
December 16th: Fearless Finishing Part 1
January 13th: Fearless Finishing Part 2
Sign up for either or both, whichever best suits your needs. By the end of Part 2, you'll be all set to graft, sew curved seams, and assemble the garment of your dreams.

January 18th: Two at a Time Socks
Make an exact pair and finish your socks only once, avoiding that sneaky second sock syndrome.

January 25th: The Perfect Mittens
A sequel to Kate's custom hat, this class shares how to make a mitten to perfectly fit every hand.

February 1st: Lace 101
Lace can be intimidating, but after this class you'll have all the skills needed to tackle the technique.

February 10th: Stripes & Intarsia
By popular demand, a class that teaches you tips and tricks to manage yarn, avoid gaps and holes, treating your ends, well and more.

February 22nd: Intro to Brioche Knitting
Back because Kate enjoyed it so much for the first time! So many amazing new patterns feature this technique.

Register via the link in our bio!

All classes take place on Zoom at 7pm Toronto time and are $45 for two hours. They are all recorded and made available to all registrants for five days after the class ends, so they fit any schedule!

We have had so much fun hosting online classes with Kate Atherley, we are glad to announce a new set of courses for this winter! We heard from so many of you on what you wanted to learn, so we've got several brand new options as well as some repeats of favourites.

Sign up here: https://yarns-untangled.myshopify.com/products/kate-atherley-online-classes-at-yarns-untangled

December 14th: Toe Up Socks
You've done a few pairs of socks, now it's time to try them the other way round. Use up every last inch of that yarn!

Finishing Bootcamp
December 16th: Fearless Finishing Part 1
January 13th: Fearless Finishing Part 2
Sign up for either or both, whichever best suits your needs. By the end of Part 2, you'll be all set to graft, sew curved seams, and assemble the garment of your dreams.

January 18th: Two at a Time Socks
Make an exact pair and finish your socks only once, avoiding that sneaky second sock syndrome.

January 25th: The Perfect Mittens
A sequel to Kate's custom hat, this class shares how to make a mitten to perfectly fit every hand.

February 1st: Lace 101
Lace can be intimidating, but after this class you'll have all the skills needed to tackle the technique.

February 10th: Stripes & Intarsia
By popular demand, a class that teaches you tips and tricks to manage yarn, avoid gaps and holes, treating your ends, well and more.

February 22nd: Intro to Brioche Knitting
Back because Kate enjoyed it so much for the first time! So many amazing new patterns feature this technique.

Register via the link in our bio!

All classes take place on Zoom at 7pm Toronto time and are $45 for two hours. They are all recorded and made available to all registrants for five days after the class ends, so they fit any schedule!