Monday, September 10, 2007

Mirasol Yarn Collection at Village Yarns

Introducing the Mirasol line of hand knitting yarns from Peru.

The brainchild of knitwear designer Jane Ellison and Peter Mulley of Canadian yarn distributor Diamond Yarns, Mirasol is produced by Michell & Company; the largest Alpaca textile group in Peru.

This is a Fair Trade project in which proceeds of the sale of this yarn will go to the Mirasol Association, which is focused on infant and child care programs for children of the Shepherds who tend the Alpaca herds in this impoverished area of Peru. Please click on the following link to read more about The Mirasol Project: www.mirasolperu.com/

Read more about this project and Jane's motivation on her website using this link: Jane Ellison: The Mirasol Collection

Jane developed the colours for the yarns including
Miski - a 100% Baby Llama yarn available in 10 colours...



and
Sulka - a blend of Merino Wool, Alpaca and Silk available in 12 colouways at Village Yarns in Toronto...



Accompanying these yarns is a beautiful collection of garments desinged by Jane Ellison for the Mirasol Yarn Collection. Jane also designed the fabulous Mirasol logo.



We hope you enjoy this preview of the garment patterns included...








Please contact us for more information regarding Mirasol Yarns & Patterns or to order at villageyarns@sympatico.ca or toll free 888-343-8885 or Toronto local (416)232-2361. We ship worldwide.

Enjoy your passion!
Village Yarns
Toronto, Ontario CANADA
www.villageyarns.com

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Nora Gaughan Vol. 1 at Village Yarns: Part 2 of 2 - Urban Layers



Nora Gaughan Vol.1 presents two distinct themes and approaches to dressing. Published as a "flipbook", Volume 1 has two stories featuring 22 great designs. Eleanor's Search, which we previewed in our last post, is about unique shapes and structures with punches of colour. Today we focus on Urban Layers: muted colour palettes, simple, wearable pieces and fantastic accessories.


As our weather changes dressing becomes all about layering and mixing pieces. You know how it is. Choose your knitting projects wisely and invest your time and effort in great accessories that will compliment your wardrobe.




A long vest with simple construction and gentle ribbing knit with a soft Peruvian Wool-Alpaca blend. In classic colours like Camel or Grey, solids or heathered tones, this will take you through the coming Fall and Winter. Wear it over skirts, over pants, around the house, at work, this is a great investment piece that you will wear and wear.


A few evenings a week and look at the pretty accessories you can make. Time to knit? Yes, there is always time to knit. Plan now, knit now, wear it later. And look fabulous!




Nora Gaughan brings a fresh alternative to classic knitting patterns. The proportions of the pieces, the simple construction and interesting stitch details makes this collection for Berroco a welcome change. As many of our customers have responded - "She Get's Us!"


Simple, understated, refined. When worked in a muted shade like Fennel (Ultra Alpaca #6249) this duster coat will become your favourite to throw on when heading downtown on the subway, picking the kids up at school or on your way to lunch.


Worked in a light worsted weight yarn, these pieces will not stretch out of shape nor be hot and bulky. Smart choices for the seasons to come.


The A line shaping of this skirt with it's generous design ease and a soft, stocking stich waist band with side buttons allows you to wear this as both a skirt and a dress. Pair it with a shirt or fine gauge knits.




Great accessories work up quickly in Worsted and Aran weight hand knitting yarns.


This vest combines assymetry and easy elegance with the creative addition of a brass ring to draw the tails through creating a pretty draped front.




Ultra Alpaca is a great yarn choice for felting projects such as "Jatta" - 2 skeins of Ultra Alpaca to make this pretty handbag.




"Kaari" features a generous proportion with raglan sleeve shaping and these fun workman's pockets around the perimeter. Optional of course. A great sweater style for layering worked in an Aran weight Merino Wool.


Nora's "Kirsti" felted bag takes 3 skeins of Ultra Alpaca to knit and felt. This model shown in Blue Berry Mix #6288, one of our more popular colours of Ultra Alpaca.



Village Yarns stocks the complete colour range for Berroco Ultra Alpaca. Available in 61 solid and heather tones.



To view images of the "flipside" patterns from Nora Gaughan Vol.1 - click on this link for Eleanor's Search.



We hope you enjoy this preview and invite you to Village Yarns in Toronto to see the patterns for yourself and look for store samples coming soon.

Please contact us for more information or to order at villageyarns@sympatico.ca or toll free 888-343-8885 or Toronto local (416)232-2361. We ship worldwide.

Enjoy your passion!
Village Yarns
Toronto, Ontario CANADA
www.villageyarns.com