Newsletter 910
Monthly Make: January... and eleven more months after that!
Rather than introduce you to a dozen separate projects for 2026's Monthly Makes, we're working on one BIG project with a different component each month: the Haus of Yarn Block-a-Month Afghan!
Designed by Haus founder Carolyn Smith, the HoY Afghan consists of twelve different worsted-weight yarn patterns and is knit in three long strips (four months per strip!); it requires just two seams for finishing. We're recommending Plymouth Superwash Merino (one skein per block); knit the whole thing in a single color, or mix it up and grab a handful of different ones! You can see each month's block on the Monthly Make page. Finished Afghan will be approximately 42" x 56".
The twelve patterns for the blocks already exist in the Haus of Yarn Block-a-Month Afghan Book (which contains 48 patterns total; if you already have this, we'll be working on the first dozen - the "easy" set of patterns) but we'll also have a smaller booklet version available that contains only the dozen we've selected for 2026. This'll be in-store shortly (thanks for nothing, UPS!); in the meantime, we'll slip you a free printed copy of January's pattern until that box o'booklets shows up from the printer.
Join us in-store at 11am on Monday, January 5 to get started on Month 1, Block 1: Triangles in Relief!
You can find the full-size book of patterns RIGHT HERE. Plymouth Superwash is RIGHT HERE. You'll need one skein (approx. 200 yds) for each block and a US8 needle.
Meg's Alpaca Sparkle Cowl
We recently brought in sweet little balls of Rowan's new Alpaca Sparkle, an Aran weight yarn made up of poly, alpaca, wool and cotton. Each of the five shades features (quite difficult to photograph) identically-colored sequins dispersed throughout, which lends a subtle sparkle to almost any project. This yarn is great for shawls and scarves - and with that in mind, Meg worked up a quick in-Haus cowl pattern for it. Grab a single ball of Alpaca Sparkle (just one? Yes!) and we'll include a printed copy of her Alpaca Sparkle Cowl pattern gratis.
The Alpaca Sparkle Cowl is a quick triangle that achieves its ultimate size quickly thanks to twinned increases on every other row; you'll be done before you know it! Meg added a little button rather than seam it; simply slip the button through the fairly loose fabric to secure the cowl and you're all set,
Find Alpaca Sparkle RIGHT HERE. You'll need just one ball - plus some US10s. We've got eight billion needle options.
New Yarn: Take 2! Mongolia 3!
Alpaca Sparkle isn't the only new kid on our block! We're completely smitten with Fonty's Mongolia 3, a delicate sport weight (yay, sport weight!) blend of fleece from Merino sheep and yak down. The yak down originates exclusively from the Khangai Mountains Breeders Cooperative, an eco-responsible fair trade organization set up in Mongolia by Fonty, with the technical support of AVSF (def click that link; it's a terrific organization). This 3-ply yarn has a marled and mottled appearance and is particularly warm and soft thanks to that 85/15 Merino/yak blend.
We lucked into a couple of patterns for this terrific new yarn. Go grab both of them and follow the yarn quantity guidance below. You can find Mongolia 3 in all its glory (and a dozen colors) RIGHT HERE.
Hermia Mitts
Everyday Autumn accessories don’t need to be bland. Take a gorgeous yarn, throw in a textured stitch pattern, and you have something you’ll love wearing on chilly days. The Hermia Mitts (above left) are a sophisticated pair of mitts that are incredibly easy to wear dressed up or down. The pattern is HERE. You'll only need one ball of Mongolia 3.
Mara Cowl
Adorn your neck with eye-catching texture. Mara (above right) consists of straightforward stitches, yet the final result is anything but simple. Mongolia 3’s blend of merino and baby yak makes this a treat to knit and wear! The pattern is HERE. You'll need three balls of Mongolia 3.
Firefly Notions Tins: Back at Last!
After being wiped out by early-bird Christmas shoppers (you know who you are) a few weeks ago, perennially-in-demand Firefly Notions Tins are back in stock in generous numbers! Our friends at Firefly Notes are batting a thousand when it comes to choosing just the right artwork for their ongoing series of notions tins. We've got over a dozen designs that feature everything from bumblebees to hoot owls to jellyfish.
Sized perfectly (roughly 4" x 3") for just tossing in a bag, small batch design and hand poured resin make these beautiful and practical notions tins a lovely gift and keepsake for knitters and fiber enthusiasts alike.
Find them all RIGHT HERE.
Ply's New Issue, Now In Stock
ALSO NEW (so many new things in the shop right now!): Ply Magazine's "Long Draw" issue.
The December issue of Ply is all about warm and lofty woolen yarns and covers spinning long draw on wheels, e-spinners, spindles, and charkhas. You’ll find experiments testing woolen yarns for warmth and durability as well as their suitability for knitting lace or cabled stitch patterns and for making socks. Want to know how to finish your woolen yarns to maintain the loft? There's an experiment running through a series of finishing options and how they affect the yarn.
Do you wonder how to control the diameter of the yarn when spinning long draw? This issue looks at the range of diameters from thin to bulky and explains how to spin the thickness you want on both wheel and spindle. Finally, there are three gorgeous patterns: an extra warm bulky cowl designed by Jessie McKitrick, a luxurious wrap designed by James Perry, and a squishy brioche hat designed by Lesley Anne Robinson.
Grab Ply: Long Draw RIGHT HERE.