It's that time of year again - Knitterati is making a triumphant return in 2018! Cascade Yarn's wildly popular Knit-Along is set to begin again on March 9th, and we hope that you'll join us for the fun! Here are the deets: 16 top designers, 16 squares, 20 balls of Cascade 220 Superwash Merino, 1 lapghan, and 1 happy knitter, YOU! The project this year will be a lapghan, with 16 designers contributing to 16 squares, each square measuring 12". The pattern will be a gradient design, using cables and lace. Gradient designs are one of our personal favorites at the moment, so needless to say, our needles are itching to get to work! The pattern for the lapghan is free, when you sign-up to receive Cascade's newsletter. Squares will be released every 3 weeks over the next year,...

addthis_pub = 'laurazander'; addthis_brand = 'Jimmy Beans Wool'; addthis_logo = 'http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/images/headerlogoSmall.gif'; addthis_options = 'favorites, digg, delicious, email, google, myspace, facebook, reddit, newsvine, live, more';  Il Giorno Perfetto: The Perfect Italian Summer Day. There's no greater comfort than waking up from the warm sun on your face. I can hear the faint conversation of the cafe owner and a motorcyclist below my window as they sip their espresso. Stepping out from underneath my sheets, the damp, morning chill from the sea hits my skin and I immediately wrap my shawl around my shoulders. Realizing I have yet to get groceries for the weekend, I gather my belongings and make my way to the market for some fresh fruit...

What is hygge exactly? Originating in Denmark, it's the concept of "creating cozy and convivial atmospheres that promote well-being." As knitters, it's likely we're already familiar with this concept, but didn't even realize it! When you engage in an activity or ritual (like knitting!), no matter if you're alone or with friends, at home or your favorite coffee shop, be present in that moment and simultaneously recognize and appreciate that feeling of being present. Slow down and appreciate that you've cultivated a moment or atmosphere that is cozy and special, no matter how simple the scenario. And when that acknowledgment makes life feel less mundane and lifts your spirits? That, my friends, is "hygge." :) The best part about knitting for me has always been about connecting with...

addthis_pub = 'laurazander'; addthis_brand = 'Jimmy Beans Wool'; addthis_logo = 'http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/images/headerlogoSmall.gif'; addthis_options = 'favorites, digg, delicious, email, google, myspace, facebook, reddit, newsvine, live, more'; I got really lucky growing up. My mom is from the United States and a descendent from a long line of vikings from Denmark and Sweden (My great-great grandfather was Rassmussen). My father was born and raised in Taiwan and moved to the States when he was in his mid-twenties with my grandparents, aunt and uncle. To say I have seen the best of both worlds would be a massive understatement. My parents, my older sisters and me in San Francisco. 1993. There are times during the year where yes, we would celebrate Christmas...

As an employee of a yarn and knitting supply mecca (I've been at JBW for almost 6 years!), I get asked the question, "Do you knit?!", a lot. Like, a lot, a lot. It's a reasonable question, so I don't hold it against anyone, but for years, my answer has been along the lines of, "No, I wish!" or "No, I can't quite get the hang of it." - only slightly embarrassing. And, by slightly, I mean incredibly. I am definitely in the minority at JBW, almost all of our employees are fantastic knitters! I constantly feel like I am surrounded by knitting greatness. I'm only slightly jealous (again, I mean incredibly).  Recently, I decided that I needed to make a change. Knitting was going to happen in my life, and it was going to happen now! 5+ years was too long to be surrounded by beautiful yarn,...

The Boys and Girls Club was founded in 1860 by three women in Hartford, CT - Mary Goodwin, Alice Goodwin and Elizabeth Hammersley. They believed that the youth in their area should have a positive alternative to roaming the streets, and the rest is history! Over the years, the organization has grown from one club to thousands of clubs across the country, but the mission remains the same. The Boys and Girls Club boasts many impressive members in their Alumni Hall of Fame, but we are especially inspired by the athletes - today is the opening day of the 2018 winter games (you can read more on our recent blog post, "The Games That Must Not Be Named"), after all! Without further ado, we'd like to introduce you to 10 athletes who recognize the Boys & Girls Club's contribution...