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Vogue Knitting live chats are online conversations between VK
staff members and YOU, our online community. The conversation appears in a chat
box much like instant messaging, and it’s super easy to participate (see the
instructions below). Our live chats generally last about one hour. Join the
next conversation—we’re waiting to hear from you!
ABOUT TANIS Careful keeper of the Vogue Knitting yarn closet, wrangler of designers and knitter/crocheter extraordinaire, Yarn Editor Tanis Gray is our resident expert in all things fiber. Part of the VK family since 2005, Tanis never met a yarn she didn't like. |
PAST
CHAT:[Tanis]: Greetings everyone, see you in 30 minutes!
[shorty68]: Hello Tanis
[Tanis]: Greetings knitter and crocheters!
[Tanis]: Ok, let's dive right in!
[Janet C]: good morning.
[painty]: goodmorning
[Tanis]: I thought we'd start with subbing yarn questions, since that's what I get asked the most
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: this is a cool idea; great for lunch time
[Tanis]: Suzanne asked…“I've long been wondering why the ball band on one worsted-weight yarn willsuggest a gauge of, say, 4.5 stitches per inch on a size 8 needle, whileanother similar yarn lists a gauge of 5 stitches per inch on a size 7needle. How do yarn companies arrive at each yarn's suggested gauge?”
[Tanis]: I spoke to Stacy at Tahki Stacy Charles and he said that all companies do their own swatching.
[Tanis]: They get a gauge that is right for their yarn on their knitters
[painty]: i've wondered that too, because different knitters get different gauges, even with the same yarn/needles
[shorty68]: How much does tension contribute?
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: even amongst lace yarns they are all different ; every yarn has a personality !
[Tanis]: yes, it's all different since they all have different knitters, and maybe they're using bamboo needles or metal needles
[Tanis]: well, that leads me into our next question, P_B!
[Tanis]: Judith asked…“If a pattern says 4 stitches to the inch on size 8 needles, but you findsomething that's let's say 4 stitches to the inch on size 5 needles, isthat okay? I'm assuming it should be okay if you're still getting 4stitches to the inch but sometimes the difference in yarn weight andneedles seems very very different and I hesitate.”
[Tanis]: gauge is similiar to penmanship-it's a little different for everyone
[Tanis]: some people hold their yarn very taunt, some people hod it loose like me
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: also if you use cobweb yarn say on size ll needles for effect!
[Tanis]: you can also adjust your gauge with needle size, rather than pulling your yarn and stretching it out or not pulling it enough top get it loose
[Tanis]: remember, what's on the ball band is a SUGGESTED gauge, you can adjust as needed
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: that is why naming the yarns more exactly in diameter is the answer I think
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: then it would be easier to buy on line
[Tanis]: and I cannot stress the importance of a gauge swatch enough!!!! they don’t take much time but it’ll save you hours of ripping out if your finished project comes out too small or too large. Futz around with your needle size until you get your gauge on a smaller swatch and you’ll thank yourself later on.
[Tanis]: I learned that one the hard way many a time
[painty]: P_B-- how would you do that? WPI?
[Tanis]: well, you're good, PB! That leads us into my next question....
[Tanis]: Lori asked…“What are the most important aspects or factors of a yarn (OTHER thangauge) when trying to decide what yarns to substitute in a particularpattern? What are the "stats" (e.g., weight, bulk) that you need toconsider?”
[Tanis]: anyone use the CYCA chart?
[painty]: fiber content is important, obviously-- i work at a LYS and customers often want to make a sweater that is written for a wool yarn out of cotton
[painty]: but cotton and wool act so differently that its hard to make that substitution
[Tanis]: The keys to substituting yarns are stitch count and yarn weight. There is an amazing chart done by the Craft Yarn Council of America (CYCA) available here: http://www.vogueknitting.com/node/220#yarn
[Trudi]: I use the CYCA chart, but it seems there is pretty wide variation amongst yarns in a given category (4-worsted, for example)
[Tanis]: I use that all the time and have it taped here to my wall at Vogue Knitting
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: I have to say ---- your mag does a great idea with EXACT photo dimension--
[painty]: hmm, only half of my comments are going through
[Tanis]: we try hard to represent the yarns to their true size and color-that's really important for the knitter
[Tanis]: we're getting the tech person on it Painty....
[Tanis]: I use that chart all the time when not only choosing yarns for Vogue Knitting and our other publications, but subbing yarn as well for my personal projects. The way to use it is to look at your pattern and see their gauge (for example, let’s say the gauge for a project is 22 stitches) then you go to the chart, find where 22 stitches is and it’s under a light-weight yarn, or a “3” yarn. Many ball bands now have a little icon of a ball of yarn with a number in the middle of it. The numbers go from 0-6, 0 being something very fine like a lace weight and 6 being very thick and bulky. Sometimes I’ll ask people what weight yarn they want and they don’t know what that means. The numbers 0-6 (0 = lace, 1 = super fine, 2 = sport, 3 = DK, 4 = worsted, 5 = chunky, 6 = super bulky) are all on that chart. Everything is determined by stitch count and needle range. For more info try this link as well: http://www.vogueknitting.com/node/348.
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: I think the CYCA is worthless;
[Janet C]: Why?
[imalulu]: Hi....I was wondering about knitting a pattern ON PURPOSE with a slightly looser gauge to get a bigger size...like old books don't have todays larger sizes like over a size 38....so knitting the pattern out of yarn with a different gauge to get a bigger sweater.
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: I talked with a bunch of business folks in this this past weekend and exact photo with diameter dimension is the key we all think
[Horse Diva]: Okay - how does a "newbie" to knitting get this info on an understandable level for them? This is like a foreign language for me. But I need to learn if it I am going to knit.
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: within lace weight yarn on that chart there is so much difference that one could never sub
[Tanis]: try the link!
[Tanis]: the chart is on our site and it's pretty self-explanatort
[Janet C]: OK, PB, I see what you mean.
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: I knew your people running Vogue were knitters because of the photo shots of the yarn in your mag
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: impressive
[Tanis]: we are extreme knitters! We knit every day at the lunch table!
[Janet C]: I would think though that if you do your gauge swatch at least the chart is a starting point.
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: oh yes; it is great for step one
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: that is true true true
[Tanis]: the chart and a gauge swatch do go hand in hand
[Tanis]: any more questions about subbing yarn?
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: worsted weight is more like itself
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: lace weights are hilarious
[Tanis]: keep in mind, those links are always up, so bookmark them and try them out!
[Tanis]: imalulu: try a bigger yarn to make a pattern bigger, just use the correct needle size
[Tanis]: that's an easy way to make a pattern larger without having to rewrite it
[Tanis]: I'm really excited to talk about 'green' yarns now! Let's move on to that.
[Tanis]: Karin asked…“I'm from France and would like to know what you think about thebig enthusiasm for organic yarns and the lack of information about thechemical treatments these yarns get. Don't you think yarn producers areabusing the awakening consciousness that we need to be more aware aboutecology by not giving full information?”and Dee asked…“I have heard that bamboo is renewable and so green, but what about theprocessing that takes it from a woody stem to fibers ready for knitting. Don't we need to take into account everything that makes up a fiber--including chemical treatments that give us green fiber?”
[imalulu]: so you mean if it calls for sport or DK weight, use worsted, but the same needle size called for in the pattern?
[painty]: i've wondered about those things myself
[painty]: I have heard that the processing of bamboo is really bad
[Tanis]: I was really excited to see green yarns hit the market, and now, more and more, there's soe incredible stuff out there to knit with. But Karin brings up a great point...
[painty]: and, as a hand dyer, I know that "natural dyes" are often a lot worse for the dyer and the environment than chemical dyes
[Tanis]: Lorna’s Laces ran into the problem with dying up organic wool and natural dyes. They found that in small batches the process worked like a charm, but with large batches needed for yarn shops it actually used MORE energy and water to make the yarn and they made the necessary changes to make sure they had the earth’s best interests in mind. Manufacturers need to be very earth conscious when deciding to make an eco-friendly yarn. Just like when we recycle empty shampoo bottles or old newspapers, that’s not the end of the product
[Tanis]: we used Lorna's Laces new green yarn on the cover of knit.1 Spring/Summer
[painty]: but LL has said that their experiment with natural dyeing was unsuccessful
[Tanis]: the wool is organic
[Tanis]: and I thought it was great that they stepped forward and told the knitting community about their process
[painty]: i agree
[Tanis]: Energy and resources are needed to turn those things into something new. Same with yarn. Taking the wool from sheep to needle, adding in dye and other fibers also uses energy.
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: easy agreement there
[painty]: if the cotton is grown with chemical pesticides and things like that, then its not organic- right?
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: i want more hemp in this country
[imalulu]: and wool...how is that not organic?
[Tanis]: no, it isn't all organic. The process they take the yarn through and add in synthetics or dyes will change that
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: but natural dying is dangerous so..............
[Zanne]: When a wool is labeled organic, does that refer only to the fiber-treatment and dying processes, or to also to the way the sheep are treated?
[Tanis]: it starts organic (it is coming off the back of a sheep) but it's the process it goes through
[imalulu]: oh...so the processing is WHAT makes it organic or not????
[Tanis]: it effects what they can put on the label
[Tanis]: you can't call cosomething organic that has nylon in it
[alex]: So, would the term organic be somewhat subjective, in that the amount of processing, dyes, etc., really can't be measured acurately. I mean, how organic is "organic" ?
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: is Euroflax organic?
[Tanis]: it's not the amount of processesing, it's the kind of processesing
[painty]: but the Lornas Laces green line is still considered organic, right? Even though its dyed using chemical dyes (which aren't bad for the environment by the way, just not really "organic")
[Tanis]: we all need to do our part as kitters and comsumers to protect the earth
[Tanis]: yes, Lorna's is still organic wool
[Tanis]: Euroflax is 100% flax, but I'm not familiar with the process that goes through
[Tanis]: Alexandra asked…“We were introduced to blends like wool/cotton long ago. Now, we see thingslike seacell/cotton, possum/silk, or cornsilk/ramie. Are the new blendstrending toward organic, or will we see less of these and will moretraditional blends dominate?”
[imalulu]: Is there a list anywhere of current organic yarns??
[Tanis]: traditonal wool will never go out of style I think! But it's really cool to see all the new stuff out there coming into the yarn world
[Janet C]: I have a question about bamboo. Hope I didn't miss it. I have heard that alpaca doesn't have memory so we should not use it for things that need shaping. Is that true?
[Tanis]: there's no list, but you can Google organic yarns, or go to your LYS.
[Zanne]: So I take it that, like many products, yarn can be labelled organic but still have negative impact on the environment because of the "natural" chemicals used and the amount of energy used?
[Tanis]: We also used a TON of organic yarn in the new knit.1 issue
[Tanis]: yes, Zanne, that's true with anything I think
[imalulu]: I'm not familiar with Knit1, what is that?
[Janet C]: It could have less of an impact though than non-organic.
[Tanis]: read the label and if you want to know more, email the yarn companies. They are all very receptive to their consumers and would love to hear from you.
[Tanis]: knit.1 is one of our other publications. The Spring/Summer 2008 issue was our second 'green issue'
[imalulu]: knit.1 ????
[Tanis]: knit.1 is a knitting mag geared towards the trendy knitter
[imalulu]: wasn't that the Vogue issue that was just "GREEN"?
[Janet C]: It's quite mice.
[Janet C]: ok, nice not mice
[Tanis]: VK wasn't all green (but it was a great issue!). We did a green story in Spring/Summer
[Tildy S]: I'm wondering about long term life of these new fibers. ( Some old yarns became more and more harsh as they were used and washed)
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: is there a website? It is not listed under my vogue page here
[Tanis]: I think just ike scientific studies, only time will tell on that, Tildy.
[Tanis]: a lot of these fiber contents are brand new, we'll just have to wait and see
[Tanis]: I made a bag from organic cotton and it wears like iron
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: http://www.knit1mag.com
[imalulu]: what is Ramie, anyway?
[Tildy S]: Sad, isn't it. I'm a new yarn shop owner and I really feel hesitant to get behind this stuff 100%, does anyone else?
[Tanis]: Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is a flowering plant in the nettle family Urticaceae, native to eastern Asia.
[painty]: why are you hesitant Tildy?
[painty]: concerned about the quality? or the lasting populatiry?
[Tanis]: well, Tildy, I figure that most of it will wear well. If it gets more people to knit and crochet, it's a great thing
[imalulu]: thanks on the ramie...i was unsure if it was natural or synthetic
[Tildy S]: Because I can't say for sure about the durability,etc. like Tanis pointed out.
[Janet C]: How long is long enough though?
[painty]: lots of "traditional" fibers aren't durable, but we love them anywhere
[Janet C]: I f you buy a sweater, do don't expect to wear forever.
[Tanis]: 'green' is so trendy right now with everyone and everything and so many things are moving in that direction
[Janet C]: Especially young people
[painty]: for example- cashmere. It pills like crazy if its used in a place the rubs or gets a lot of stress, but its still a dream to knit with and wear
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: I agree with janet; I do not knit in old materials any more; I live in the hot climate and wool is out
[Tanis]: I think we'll continue to see a green yarn around for a while
[Tanis]: bamboo or soy is a great alternative
[painty]: even if the "green" trend goes away, these new fibers have other benefits
[birch]: would wool-silk or wool-cotton work
[painty]: my favorite is Tencel
[Janet C]: For most of us now, at least for me, it is the process of knitting that is especially charming.
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: but I will still to cashmere...................
[Tildy S]: I'm talking heirloom....In another line...is there any ultra fine new stuff you'd recomment for socks in a weight similiar to purchased pant sock?
[Tanis]: yes, we'll get to that!
[Tanis]: Bonni asked…“I love to dye my own yarn to create my own color ways. Are there "green"(eco friendly -not the color green) dyes available on the market to use athome (or in the studio) and are there products that I already have on myshelf (food dyes for example) that are environmentally friendly and safe touse -especially if I include the kids in the project?”
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: I have only used tencel with a merino wool blend ( lace) if it is knit up is it hot like rayon?
[Tanis]: Yes! In knit.1 Spring/Summer 2008 in our new products section we featured “Culinary Colors” from Knit One, Crochet Too. You can see it here:https://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=CLC-Collection1/703.0.56.0.0.0.0.
[Tanis]: custom dye yarn is so much fun
[Tanis]: it's a great gift. You can tailor it to someone's personality.
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: yes making a christening shawl right now of it
[Tanis]: )or keep it for yourself!)
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: isn't it going to be pretty up there with the church lights?
[marsha]: I made some gauntlets with bamboo. The fibers pulled away from the main cord and continued to slough off with wear. I have to be careful with them. They feel and lok great though.
[painty]: oh yes-- it looks like silk :)
[Tanis]: I love knitting with bamboo
[painty]: Marsha-- that sounds like a side effect of that particular yarn, not bamboo in general
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: making Fiddlesticks Tina if you want to look later
[Tanis]: I made some gauntlets too but I threw in a strand of wool to keep it's shape-maybe try that for another pair
[Janet C]: Did you answer my comment about bamboo having memory?
[Zanne]: Thanks for the link to Culinary Colors. I've never dyed before -- are these new dyes really color-fast?
[painty]: bamboo has NO memory
[painty]: on its own
[painty]: but its often blended with wool or other fibers
[marsha]: Thanks for the tips.
[Janet C]: Thanks painty.
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: talking about colorfast; I am headed to Maryland Sheep and Wool festival in a day and many of those are not
[Tanis]: which leads us into...
[Tanis]: Kathy asked…“I have been eyeing some bamboo yarn, and I really want to try it. I'mwondering if it has the elasticity that wool has? If I make a sweater,will it bounce back like wool, or will it stretch a bit like cotton? Whatthe best way to keep these yarns stretchy? Pattern? Stitch? or maybe buysome natural fibers that have a small bit of non-natural fiber in them…?”
[painty]: P_B-- lucky!! I wish I could go this year
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: I can't sleep already painty
[Tanis]: bamboo is very akin to silk in that it is drapet and lacks the elascticity of wool
[Tanis]: use a dense st like a cable or go down a few needle sizes to keep it tight and drape less
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: are there any cottons out there not dense and icky and hang to your knees by the end of the day?
[Tanis]: Remember, all yarns are not the same, so try a few different types or blends until you find exactly what you’re looking for!
[Tanis]: Alchemy Yarns has some amazing handdyed bamboo
[birch]: try a dk weight cotton-wool blend
[painty]: P_B does it have to be 100% cotton? a small amount of wool helps a lot
[marsha]: How do they make bamboo for floors and knitting?
[Tanis]: it's all about the process
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: I have given up knitting for summer here; in VA and 90+ degrees with more than that humidity
[Tanis]: just like making paper from trees, it's similar
[birch]: it's certainly labor and energy intensive to produce
[birch]: anyone triied the yarn made from beech trees?
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: I want cotton for fall and spring and most of the winter here; tried several times and the cotton stretches so badly
[Tanis]: I would try a cotton blend and go down a few needle sizes maybe
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: ok; been using euroflax and only thing so far that works
[birch]: English school children wear uniforms of silk in tropical countries.
[Tanis]: but it is washable, so wash it and dry it and it might bounce back to it's original shape
[Janet C]: I just knit a little top for my daughter out of Rowan cotton rope. Loved the look hope it doesn't stretch out like you are talking about.
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: it does bounce back but several hours of wearing and wow
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: yes I wear silk all summer here
[Tanis]: Rhoda asked…“I've heard that milk protein is used in yarn. have you ever seen or used ayarn with milk protein? Are there any other unusual yarns apart from bamboo, seacell, chitin (made with crustacean shells), cornsilk, soy, hemp?”
[Tanis]: I have knit with milk yarn! Which is funny, since I'm lactose intolerant.
[birch]: 100% cotton knit into intricate cables doesn't sag.
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: oh good janet; i have some of that that I have not tried yet; hoped rowan would be good
[Tanis]: There's some really intersting yarns out there....Tilli Tomas has "Exotica" which has bits of stone in it
[Tanis]: Tahki has their new "Sky" collection, hich has biofil cotton in it
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: buying that this weekend!!!!
[birch]: Maybe cotton knit into a flat stockinette pattern sags more t or f?
[Tanis]: which is cotton grown without pesticides, chemical fertilizers or defoliants, it’s spun, then colored with low-impact dyes that are environmentally-friendly
[Tanis]: Material Whirled uses scraps of other yarns to create a new yarn-instant recycling!
[Tanis]: Unusual yarns are not always just about fiber content. Sometimes the way it’s made is equally unusual as something like milk protein. Hope Spinnery in Maine is a yarn mill where 65% of their power is generated by wind turbines. If there’s ever extra power they run it back to the town.
[Tanis]: some companies that are by the ocean air-dry thir dyed yarns with wind from the ocean
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: Is that Green Mountain Spinnery in Maine?
[Tildy S]: Tanis: have you shared your favorite ever organic project with us yet?
[Tanis]: putney, Vermont
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: oh ; is it Hope Spinnery then?
[Tanis]: I LOVE Sublime's Soya Cotton DK
[Tanis]: ablend of soy and cotton-super smooth, knits up like a dream
[Tanis]: Green Mountain is enviormentally sound, but not windspun
[Tanis]: Hope Spinnery (in Maine) is wind spun
[rhodas]: Where have you found milk protein? Which company(ies) sell it?
[Tanis]: South West Trading Company has it
[birch]: do you order direct from hope spinnery?
[Tanis]: Tilli Tomas does too
[Tanis]: http://www.hopespinnery.com
[Tanis]: you can email them-they are incredibly nice people
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: and have a color card
[yarndog]: Kollage has a milk yarn called Creamy.
[imalulu]: Tanis...what is the yarn that is a blend of soy and cotton?
[Tanis]: they do a lot of corn yarn too, which is interesting
[Tanis]: if you ever need a snack, you can eat your yarn
[Tildy S]: SoySilk, right?
[birch]: imalulu, wouldn't you need a little wool for memory to mix with the soy and cotton
[marsha]: The soy & cotton yarn, does it stretch ? Is it good for baby things?
[Tanis]: it does stretch a bit and it's great for baby knits
[Tanis]: I never make baby knits from wool-I've been really into the bamboo and soy for that type of knitting lately
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: yes euroflax is organic---- just got the email back
[painty]: There is a yarn called Baby Bamboo that I love for baby things
[imalulu]: Tanis...which yarn are you talking about that is soy/cotton??
[painty]: i think it has some wool in it, though
[Tanis]: Sublime's Soya Cotton DK
[imalulu]: thanks
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: that Knit1 looks great !!!!
[Tanis]: http://www.knittingfever.com/c/yarn/sublime-soya-cotton/
[Tanis]: thanks, PB! We're so proud of that issue
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: my yarn shop does not have this so bringing them the info
[birch]: do all of you purchase enough yarn that you can launder your swatch?
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: do B&N carry it and the rest
[Tanis]: if you can't find that issue in stores, it's available on our online bookstore www.sixthandspring.com
[Tanis]: sixthandspringbooks.com, sorry
[Tanis]: I always over-buy by 1 skein for swatching
[Tanis]: then you can throw it in the washer/dryer and see how it works. Better than ruining an entire garment you worked so hard on!
[marsha]: I launder a swatch if it is new yarn to me.
[Tanis]: Val asked…“Do you know of a SOFT organic substitute for sock yarn?”
[Tanis]: Rowan has an amazing new line called "purelife"
[rhodas]: Birch, I purchase enough yarn to do several swatches with different size needles, but I usually don't wash them if 've used them before.
[Tanis]: I cannot sing its praises enough! LYS owners are telling me they can't keep it in stock!
[birch]: I just bought some soy silk and tad nylon sock yarn
[Tanis]: Trekking has a new wool/bamboo blend called ProNatura
[Tanis]: Tilli Tomas has Soie de la Mer which is silk and seaweed
[birch]: don't your love to knit socks!
[Tanis]: it would also be perfect for a lace shawl
[imalulu]: birch....what brand is that sock yarn...soy silk and nylon
[Tildy S]: speaking of pre-washing....does anyone still pre-wash yarns?
[Tanis]: who doesn't love to knit socks?! :o)
[imalulu]: love sock knitting
[Tanis]: we have a great sock book "The Ultimate Sock Book"
[birch]: Have you knit the cover sock yet?
[Tanis]: the cover sock was my favorite pair in the book
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: can you believ e I have never made socks?
[Tildy S]: Go for it! You'll love it! Pre wash ???
[imalulu]: birch....soy silk and nylon sock yarn??? what company and name is this yarn?
[Tanis]: Blue Sky Alpacas has new Skinny Organic Cotton….so many yarns, so little time! If you want something soft, look out for blends with soy or bamboo in them. It’ll give nice drape and is super soft.
[Tanis]: I never prewash yarn
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: I never prewash yarn
[Tanis]: speaking of washers/dryers and yarn-if you have't tried felting...TRY IT!
[birch]: The puppy took a ball of sock yarn and draped it around the bushes; now, I'm contemplating a laundered yarn.
[Tanis]: ah yes, I too have a rambunctious dog who likes yarn
[Tanis]: I would soak it in your sink with some Eucalan
[Tanis]: unwound
[Tanis]: ok, crafters! We have about 5 minutes left!
[rhodas]: what can i use other than Eucalan - I'm allergic to lanolin?
[Tanis]: Woolite, Soak
[P_B_Sievert@cox.net]: I have a new front loader ---new Duet with the steam feature; and it was sensational with yarn items all winter
[birch]: Be sure to try all types of felting: wet, fulling and needle
[Tanis]: LaKetta asked…“…When will the organic fibers be in stores or availableonline for purchase?”
[Tanis]: hold on painty, checking on that
[Tanis]: Soak does have lanolin in it
[Tanis]: Ivory Snow is what my mom uses
[Tanis]: that has no lanolin in it
[rhodas]: Thanks
[Tanis]: They are available now! Some yarns are organic and you’d never know just by looking at it. Go to your LYS or peruse yarn companies websites and read the fiber content. New yarns are coming out all the time, so check often.
[Tanis]: any final questions?
[lynn lisiewski]: my question
[birch]: Has anyone else tried the alternative-laundry.com vacuum dryer and pressure washer for their fine woolens
[imalulu]: thanks for all the new yarn company names for an old....er.I mean long time knitter
[lynn lisiewski]: was about interlacements yarn and pattern suggestions
[lynn lisiewski]: my question will not show up is saw you asked about it
[Tanis]: can you type in your questions again?
[Tanis]: Press send with your mouse, not 'enter'
[lynn lisiewski]: 3 times
[lynn lisiewski]: interlacement yarn alabama 118 I am asking for a patter suggestion for a top with short sleeves
[lynn lisiewski]: finally boy am I a blond
[Tanis]: Sorry, Lynn we're not taking questions like that for a live chat sice they require researce!
[Tanis]: email the webmaster and I'll be happy to help you out!
[birch]: vk is a wonderful source of patterns
[Tanis]: Thanks so much everyone! It was great chatting with you and I hope you like the new issue as much as we loved working on it!
[Tanis]: Happy knitting and try those new fibers! Visit your LYS!
[Tanis]: :o)