Zandy's Yarn Etc.

quality hand knitting yarns and needlework

welcome

what's new

knitting classes

stitching delights

needlepoint news

customer showcase

stitch and pitch

special events

Knitting News

Yarn + Zfriends Pattern= FREE Grab and Go project tote!

Look what's happening at the shop from June 29 thru July 11th   

 

It?s our "Grab N Go" project bags!  They're the cutest bags sized for one or two skein projects with an easy drawstring closure.  To get one of these all you need to do is purchase one of our NEW Zfriends patterns and yarn and the bag is yours FREE! Choose a new project from "Super Duper Mittens", "Pom, Pom Sock", "Dot, Dot Hat", "Flap, Flap Earflap", or "Softy, Lofty Bootie".  We're adding more everyday so who knows what else we'll come up with.  As everyone knows our patterns are usually pretty simple and creative at the same time.  Now is the time to try one out!  Also, don't forget the ever popular  "One Skein" and "Luxury One Skein" books.  These are packed full of small projects to take along in our "Grab N Go" bags.

  Bags are limited to stock on hand so hurry to get one!


Next project for Felters...
Knitting patterns for fun and fancy flip flops that are felted.  Wear them after your pedicure or just around the house.
 

 Perfect for a Quick Knit Summer Topper-
You'll love this shrug in our new Cotton/Llama Bulky yarn.  Just knit and purl and presto it's done! 

 


Lorna Laces Shepherds Worsted...
Here's a photo of some of the new tantalizing colors of this super soft, super washable wool that just arrived last week.  They are just outstanding and perfect for easy knitting.  Just let the yarn do the work to show off its luster and color!  Our pick for this is an easy neck down pullover that we can just knit in the car on our travels "up north"!



WOW ...every one is loving this great new scarf!
It's referred to "Inside/Outside Scarf" and Mary just finished our model!  It's done with the technique of knit one below.  You've got to learn to do this; so on Saturday May 30 join the workshop.  It's at 1pm so set that time aside to join fellow knitters. 

*** sorry class is full.  Next class is Saturday June 20 at 10am


Knitting the Threads of Time" Casting back to the Heart of Our Craft by Nora Murphy
A heartwarming story about a mom knitting a sweater for her child--which reveals a very powerful story of women around the world and across time who share in the powerful connection between women, textiles, and creator. 
  Meet the author-Nora Murphy- of this heart warming book on Saturday May 30 from 11am-1pm.  Nora will be happy to autograph your copy of her book and find out all your fascinating knitting stories!




We couldn't resist...it's Minnesota, it's Fishing Opener..and here's our catch!
Right from the patterns of
www.knitty.com comes these "Fish Head Hats"!!  You could really out fish any one in your boat with these.  Simply use up your stash yarns, maybe buy a few colors at your local knit store, do a few short rows, and look what you've caught!!  Here's the link for the pattern http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter08/PATTfishy.php
Skacel Addi Turbo Circular Needle Set
Mothers Day is Fast Approaching..
And we can make it easy for you!
Look at some of these great ideas

For the Sock Knitter
Jitterbug sock yarn
Brittany Double Point Needles
Point Protectors

For the Quick Knitter
Blue Sky Organic Cotton
Knitters Tote Bag

Organizer bag
New "Panda Cotton"


For the All Knitters
Silk needle case
Soak laundry soap
funky magnifiers

For the lace knitter
Ambrosia- silk, alpaca, & cashmere
Lace Style book

Hey Teach
It may be snowing but spring/summer yarns are arriving!
Things are sprucing up here at the store with great new colors of "Love It".  It's the yarn we used on Mr. Greenjeans cardigan.  Everyone loves it cotton/acrylic blend that leaves it looking like cotton but with a little softness and spring to it.
"Recycled Cotton" is sure to be on your knit list!  It really is recycled and lends itself to some great cotton sweaters.  Try our "Hey Teach" with it.
 

Back in Stock...
Debbie Bliss Magazine has arrived again in the store.  It's a must have for beautiful spring inspirations.   Email us to save a copy for you

Just in time for Spring!
Knit these whimsical "Chicks" in Organic Cotton from Blue Sky Alpaca!  Adorn them with I-cords, embroidery or whatever.  Susan Anderson of "Itty Bitty Hat" fame has designed these for Blue Sky Alpaca.  Pattern and yarn available at the store! Visit this link for other views of these chubby chicks. 
susanbanderson.blogspot.com/2009/01/queen-of-chicken-strikes-again.html
The "Bunnies" have arrived!
These sweet little bunnies are so quick to knit and felt up! They seem to multiply like all little bunnies do.  You'll soon be gifting bunnies to everyone you know!  Join our upcoming class to knit, felt, and needle felt these cuties!  

"LET IT ROLL" Berets..
Oh my gosh, are these addictive or what!  We just couldn't stop doing them so we printed them all in one pattern and left the choices up to you!  You've got TO DO at least one!  They're quick, in the round, and warm...what more could you ask for.  Pattern is now available.


LOOK WHAT'S NEW FOR BABY!
Just arrived yesterday is a new yarn: Cashmere merino silk dk. from Sublime!  Plus some of the cutest baby designs ever.  And better yet, they're easy knits!  Not just for baby but also for toddlers and the adult designs are outstanding.  Stop in to feel this incredibly soft yarn!

New colors of Silk Garden have arrived...don't miss them!
Check out this new book from Noro...lots of designs for everyone.

Happy New Year....Happy Knitting
The weather is right, the season is right, the yarns are perfect!
Enjoy some of our newest arrivals!
Dream in Colors: Classy is back in stock with colors so desirable that you'll want all of them.
Lambs Pride Bulky: We couldn't resist these tone on tone jewels!  Perfect for quick knitting!
Blue Sky Alpaca:  This is the most scrumptious sport weight yarn around.  We've doubled it for a quick knitting vest or a short cardy!


We've waited and waited-
now it's here!
Our newest yarn to arrive is "River Twist" from Mountain Colors
 This super soft merino wool is perfect to wear next to yarn skin.  See our "Huckleberry" scarf knit from this as well as several other patterns that are available. 

You'll love these mittens...
Look what happens when you use Noro self striping sock yarn and a strand of Knit one Crochet too lace mohair.  The result is a luxurious soft mitten!  Try our newest pattern!

It's a "Pumpkin" Hat..
Perfect for fall, this darling hat will fit any toddler.  We used a great soft washable wool. 


"Finger Puppets"
By Meg Leach from Burnsville!
Stop in to see this darling "Finger Puppet" book designed by a local knitter!  Meg loves knitting and designing these puppets was a great adventure!  She presented her designs to Martingale Press last spring and before she knew it her designs were published! 

New! Woolly Acorn & Oak Leaf

Create a whimsical centerpiece for your next holiday table. The acorns come in three sizes: small, medium and large. The hairy-edge acorn uses Crystal Palace Yarns Fizz to create an acorn similar to the Bur Oak. The oak leaf measures 19-inches long from top to bottom. It makes a great trivet.

The leaf veins were created using wisps of rolled wool roving in a couple of colors, then needle felted to the leaf.

 

" . . . from little acorns come mighty oaks."

                                    - a German saying


"Linus" is for everyone
This wool/acrylic blend makes this yarn perfect for menswear and kids.  Rich heather tones with just a touch of color that runs "here and there" within the yarn lends itself to some very interesting results.    There are several great "guy" patterns to knit this yarn with as well a the perfect "fish" pullover for the younger generations.  Come in and check it out.
  
Everyone will be doing it---the Addi "Click"
Your needle dilemmas will be over come this October when Skacel introduces their wonderful NEW "Addi Click" interchangeable circular knitting needles.  That's right, you can now have all kinds of sizes and lengths with one handy set.  We've waited for a long time to have a quality interchangeable circular needle and Skacel pulls through again!  Reserve yours today by emailing or calling.  The "ADDI CLICK" will be in our store soon!  
"Big Bags"
Look what we've done to some of the classic "Two Old Bags" patterns!  First, we've increased the size of the "Kitchen Sink" bag and now it really does hold that much!  Then we've taken "Color Block Bag" and created a more dramatic color scheme by outlining each block with black!  Both bags are wonderful "project" bags.  Our adaptation will be available with the pattern.
   

More Additions to our sock yarns!
We've recently receive several NEW sock yarns.  Check out "Happy Feet" a nicely twisted yarn that if you're tired of socks try this hat!  It's knit in the round with a 3 by 3 rib and the pattern is FREE with purchase!  Also, the new colors of Noro sock yarn has arrived, and a nice assortment of solid colors called "Heritage" from Cascade.

yipes strips
Yipes Stripes!
What a great car/vacation project this is!  We used 2 different colors of our new "Silk Garden" and just alternate two knit rows with one color and then change to the other color and knit two rows of that.  It's going to be a perfect scarf for the cool weather that's coming!  The results are stunning and catchy too....
Oh My...
The new book "Retro Knits" arrived the other day and as Lynn was paging through it she almost fainted!  Low and behold there was the pattern for the very first sweater she knit when she was just a teenager!  Now, we're not commenting on our ages but it is rather shocking to see your first sweater you knit as "retro"... Stop in a take a peek at this gem and see if you can recognize any of the sweater patterns!

Arriving soon...
The cutest new patterns from CID designs.  You'll know her from the "sock" change purse.  These new little boxes will use your fingering or sock yarns and each comes with it's own box.
  

See what arrived!
 Beautiful hand dyed wool called "Jewels".  This is a thick and thin yarn with wonderful tones of color running throughout each skein.  It's a great value, 145yds, and uses a size 8-10 needle.  We think it will be great on some of the Pure and Simple "Neck Down" patterns. 
   


undulating waves scarf
Hey...We've got "Undulating Waves Scarf" from Schaefer Yarn! 
This has become quite popular on line in some chat rooms and it's really beautiful.  We've got a sample of it in "Heather"- a beautiful merino/silk blend dyed it Schaefers beautiful colors!  It's an enticing pattern with beads -Stop in to see it!

New from Marie Mayhew Designs
Woolly Gnome & Mushroom
Knit and felt a whimsical gnome for that garden enthusiast!  According to German folklore, the garden gnome symbolizes good luck, and that the forces of nature are on your side!
  Add that soft and cozy beard with some of our wool roving!


Check out our next "Girls Knite Out" click special events to see the details
WOW!!  Just what we've always wanted.. An electronic ROW COUNTER
 With this handy gadget you can maintain 3 separate counts at the same time for: rows, repeats, decreases, and increases.  It adds and subtracts, has a 4 digit LCD, and a 1 year battery.  Tuck this in your knitting bag and keep track of several projects!
  Back in stock are "Needle Inventory Cards".  You'll want one in your purse and in your knitting bag.  It's easy to keep track of all your needles whether they're straight, double points, or circulars.  Try one..you'll like them. 
  Be sure to check out the other NEW gadgets that have arrived, especially the NEW pom-pom maker! 

FLAT FEET HAVE ARRIVED!
Try this a hot, new concept in yarn.  Flat Feet is a great NEW sock yarn that comes in a "flat," instead of a ball or a skein. Knit it simply from the "flat"; as it unwinds easily. It is 80% superwash Merino, 20% nylon.  This means not only is it durable , but it can be machine washed.
Each "Flat Feet" yarn consists of two flats which equals 1 pair of socks.  The flat is the only one of its kind, so you will not be able to purchase further yarn in that dye lot, nor will you ever see your yarn on some else. 
Although it is designed for socks, think about using it for mittens, hats, or scarves!  Plus, the yarn is a product of the US!

cotton kisses baby sweater

NEW for baby-Cotton Kisses
Get the pattern FREE with the purchase of just one ball of "Cotton Kisses"!  That's all it will take to knit this cute baby pullover in sizes up to 12 months.  An added surprise..the cute buttons are included with the skein.  Choose from 8 different colors!


Check out
"Girls Knight Out" on the
special event page
We found it!
The perfect excuse to knit just on sock!

You'll love having to knit just on sock for these absolutely adorable "Sock Coin Purses".  Designed by Cid Hanscom of CiD Designs, the pattern includes the frame closure and complete instructions on finishing.  Knit these with worsted weight yarns and it will be a "snap" to finish!

woolly robin
Woolly Birds have just migrated to Minnesota!
It's HERE!..
Marie Mayhew's newest addition to her "Woolly Something" patterns. 
You'll create a robin, a cardinal or a chickadee all from the same pattern. The bird is knit is one piece using double point needles. The wings and tail are attached by picking up stitches. The special details are added, after machine felting, using all-purpose felting needle and wool roving. Don't forget your nests & eggs! The birds fit perfectly within a home-made nest! 

It's a HIT..
The "Clapotis" wrap was a huge success at the recent "Yarn Over" in Hopkins.  You might have seen Pat wearing it in our booth!  This is an easy diagonally knit wrap that features dropping stitches!  There's nothing better than HAVING to drop stitches!  Our model is knit from "Touche" which gives it a soft, lustrous drape.  You can get the pattern here-
http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html
upcoming class-summer hours
We KNOW it's SPRING.....
But,,,,here in Minnesota it doesn't feel like it.  However, you MUST stop by and get going on your "warm weather" knitting!  We've just receive BOXES of yarn from Berroco, Nashua, Dream in Colors, Knit One Crochet Too, Blue Sky Alpaca.....The excitement is unbelievable and our needles are clicking!
Here's what's on our needles: Maureen started the new Chris Bylsma Pattern "Summer Hours" for a upcoming class, Lynn is doing the "Tank Top" from Blue Sky Alpaca for her niece, Pat is starting a Dream in Colors vest, and Mary is whipping up the new Collinette baby sweater.  Zandy just finished the Brighton bag using Euroflax linen and is starting two new projects! 

second time around cotton
Keep the recycling going....with 2nd Time Around Cotton
This cotton yarn made from the "ends" left by the cotton mills and then twisted with a bit of acrylic.  It's a firmer cotton yarn that knits at 4-4.25 stitches to the inch.  It's the perfect yarn to do this open stitch cardigan.  Love the ruffle!
   Class to start beginning of June....

Rowan Purelife
Organic Cotton Naturally Dyed

Officially launched on 1st February 2008, Rowan's brand new offering uses sustainable Organic Cotton which can be traced right back to the farming community it came from.

With the purelife range, Rowan strives to make the least possible impact on the environment. They have taken the concept right through to making sure that the plastic bag they put the yarn in is UV-degradable as well as producing an accompanying brochure which has recycled paper and uses vegetable inks.
 The range comes in eight colors and it was quite easy to choose the shades due to the nature of natural dyes; that's the beauty of the purelife yarn because it really lives with you and changes shade to become a really unique product.  "Summer Delights" book features this yarn in a collection of simple knits for cool spring and summer wear.
 


YUMMY, YUMMY....
 Colors of worsted weight, organically grown, Dyed Cotton from Blue Sky Alpaca!  Stop in to see a few of their models now through April 17.
   
We knit this yarn into a quick knit Tank Top in just a few days!  It's GREAT
Just Scheduled
A FINISH-UP Scandinavian Sweater Class.  We're helping with your spring cleaning by scheduling a class for you to finish that sweater that's been waiting in your basket to complete.  See
knitting classes for dates and time 
guy knits
Finding the perfect knit for a guy can be a challenge.
Not to worry, here are 25 of the best from Knitter’s Magazine. With the wide range of sizes and a special knit-to-fit section, these knits work for men in all walks of life.
From hats, mittens, and gauntlets to sweaters and vests, these fun-to-make projects will be worn and look good—just what men want.  Pick up your copy today!

WE'RE A "SOCK HOT SPOT"
We've teamed up with few of our favorite sock supplies to bring you a GREAT selection of sock yarns!  Did you know that you can enter a design contest sponsored by Knitters magazine and win lots of $$$$$$!  Click on over to their website to read all about it. 
www. 
http://thinkoutsidethesox.com    Some new sock yarn to try is "Jitterbug" from Colinette yarns.  It's a wonderfully soft merino wool and in delicious colors that only Colinette can do.   Others are of course the limited edition colors of Tofutsie, new colors of Fortisima Mexico, and undyed Trekking yarn that is perfect for dying your own color way.  Stop in soon!


The Great American Afghan Club


Zandy's Announces

The Great American Afghan Club

 

 Journey with us while we knit the "Great American Afghan".  Choose from the three "Great" designs and plan on tackling one or two squares on month!  Within a year you'll have your squares done and ready to put into one fantastic afghan! 

 Join "The Great American Afghan Club" and get these great perks:

   * Class on every third Saturday of the month from 10am-noon.  Starts in March, ends in February of 2009.

   * Get an official "Great American Afghan Club" tote bag.  This will hold all the skeins!

   * Receive 10% off of the supplies for the afghan.

All this for $80!    offer ends March 8


Just Arrived and unpacked!
From the Schaefer Yarn Company comes "Heather".  A beautiful merino/silk blend that perfect for socks and scarves.  Six luscious colors!

woolly eggs

Just right for Easter- Woolly Eggs

Join Marie Mayhew on Saturday March 8 for a morning of embellishing felted eggs!! Marie is the master on felting fun, whimsical holiday adornments.  You’ll not only love her eggs but the chicks will be to dye for!   Please come to class with felted and stuffed eggs.  Bring your supplies for embellishing

Saturday  March 8  10am-noon

Class Fee-$12


stitches market limited edition

NEW.. "Stitches Market" limited edition colors of Tofutsie!  A racey red, a lavender blue, a teal/black, a olive/blue, are grouped together to allow you this limited production. 

Don?t forget to sign up for the next Tofutsie Limited edition sock club.  It?s a great way to get those limited colors and a pattern every other month.  Starts in June
Look what's arrived this week!
Loads of yarns have arrived from our basic stock of Encore (including 4 new fabulous Colorspun colors).  You'll love the new "8-Hour Afghan" now on display.  Then get toasty with new colors in Handpaints and Gusto.   
You can't miss the 7 great colors of "Big Ball"!  Huge balls of soft slightly shaded yarns that are perfect for super chunky sweaters and our brand new lacy afghan that Mary is knitting as we write. 
 How about a new self striping yarn, machine washable, and DK weight.  "Knitcol" is perfect for a darling baby sweater or a simple pair of socks! 
  Seven NEW colors of Opal 6-fach yarn.  It's a heavier weight yarn than their regular sock yarn with the same great striping detail.  Again it would be great in sweaters!
 
 

Coming to Zandys- Starting in June 2008 a brand new
“Tofutsies” Sock of the Month Club!

South West Trading will be producing 6 limited edition Tofutsies colors starting in June 2008. Join our sock club and you will receive your new color automatically every other month along with an exclusive Club Only sock pattern. These Tofutsies colors will be specially labeled and not available to the general public. Haven't signed up yet?  This is going to be FUN...we've just increased our order so more can join! 

Haven’t used Tofutsies yet? Well, it’s the coolest 50% Superwash Wool
25% SOYSILK Brand FIber
22.5% Cotton
2.5% Chitin (made from shrimp and crab shells!)


spiral tube socks

Warm, easy knit “Tube Socks” knit in our Arabesque or Pure Merino.  Choose from two different textural patterns, no heel shaping, and minimal toe shaping.  Great for the outdoors!


his/hers slippers

It’s that time again and what’s better than some quick and easy, hand made gifts!  You’ll enjoy our brand new patterns to celebrate the holiday!


“His and Her Slippers” couldn’t be toastier & knit from our NEW Snowbird yarns!  So, so, easy to knit that you’ll do pairs for everyone!


Soxx Appeal...
Give your socks alittle kick with our new Soxx Appeal yarn from Knit One Crochet Too!  This great merino wool has a bit of elastic in it to make your socks stay in shape!

simply shetland 4
Simply knit, Simply Shetland.
Beautiful yarns and new pattern book, "Simply Shetland 4" has arrived!  They've blended silk with lambswool and the result is a beautifully rich and unexpected "hand".  This knits into finely knit aran garments or double strand it for the "ella jacket" featured on the cover of the book.  Prudence Makepeace designs this simple Fisher Rib pattern that starts at the cuff of the jacket!  Twenty patterns that knit into clothes with a modern, casual look are perfect for fall knitting.