The Sweet Ladder Scarf

Here's a free pattern that I developed specifically for Araucania's 'Ruca', their new yarn made from 100% sugar cane.

Materials: one hank (263 yds) Araucania 'Ruca' (colorway shown in picture is Color #1)

Size 6 needles

Finished Dimensions: approx. 4" by 72"

Gauge is not critical, about 7.75 st/inch in pattern.

Directions: Cast on 31 stitches loosely.

Row 1: slip 1, knit 1, knit 2 tog, knit 3, *yo twice, knit 3, knit 3 tog, knit 3, repeat from * once, knit 3, yo twice, knit 3, ssk, knit 2.

Row 2: slip 1, purl 6, knit 1, (purl 8, knit 1) twice, purl 6.

Repeat these two rows until desired length, bind off knitwise, loosely.

Please use this pattern for your own personal use, but do not copy it without permission.

New Spring Stuff!

New spring yarns are beginning to arrive--Here are some of them:

Katia's 'Linen' (53% cotton, 47% linen), 122 yds., $8.50/ball. Knits at 5.5 st/in on a size 5-6 needle. Beautiful sheen, would make a beautiful summer scarf or shawl. Available in white, silver, and ivory.

Ella Rae's 'Amity' (70% acrylic, 30% wool), 200 yds., $5.50 solids, $6.00 heathers. Those of you who love Encore will love this yarn as well, in a completely different palette. Knits at 5 st/in on a size 8 needle. But don't worry, Encore's not going anywhere!

Sirdar's 'Big Softie' (51% wool, 49% acrylic), 49 yds, $5. Machine washable. Great pattern book for this yard, geared toward the beginner. Makes wonderful hats, sweaters, vests, and bags. Knits at 2.5 st/in on a size 15 needle.

Araucania's 'Ruca' (100% sugarcane) 263 yds, $14. Yes, you read that right, sugarcane!!! Silky, shimmery, sensual, soft drape. I've knitted a scarf in this yarn, but I can imagine a cap-sleeved top for the summer. Knits at 5.5 st/in on a size 4-5 needle.

Noro's 'Taiyo' (40% cotton, 30% silk, 15% wool, 15% nylon), 220 yds, $18. Noro's yarns just keep getting better and better. Self-striping in the Noro tradition. New patterns available, too! Knits at 4.5 st/in on a size 7-8 needle.

There's new colors in Elsebeth Lavold's 'Silky Wool', Sublime's 'Cashmere Merino Silk Aran', Sirdar's 'Baby Bamboo', Debbie Bliss' 'Cashmerino Baby', and Araucania's 'Ranco'. Lots of new patterns, as well.

And we finally have our supply of the new Addi Cliks, the interchangeable knitting needle set.

Mary Helen, who was featured in our last blog entry, has fallen and fractured her hip. Please send your cards and notes to the shop, and I'll be sure that she gets them: c/o the Yarn Market, P. O. Box 406, Beulah, MI 49617-0406.

Thanks to all of you who voted for us as the best of the A-list. The contest continues until May 1. Right now, we're in 2nd place (following Nawbin Beads), so if you haven't voted yet, and if you think we deserve it, please cast your vote at www.wpbn.cityvoter.com.

Looking forward to seeing you again after our long, long, long, long winter!

Elsebeth Lavold's 'Bambool' ( 80% bamboo, 20% merino), 92 yds, $7. This is a perfect yarn for all kinds of garments worn year 'round in Michigan. Beautiful colors for mix and match. Knits at 4.5-5 st/in on a size 4-8 needle.