Behind the Yarn Line: Yarn Citizen

by : Jimmy Beans Wool

We're so excited to finally introduce our newest creation, Yarn Citizen, to the world! It all started on a trip to Peru. Laura (aka Jimmy!) was touring fair trade mills and there, she found out that these mills have thousands of pounds of leftover yarn bits every year. She decided to make a commitment. She requested to give these bits a second life, save them from the landfill, and close the gap between high-end yarn and affordability! 

We're so proud of the team we've assembled to bring this collection to life! Meet our designers below and dive into their captivating creations as we (finally!) unveil this eagerly awaited collection! With an incredible starting price of $10 per skein, we believe in making quality yarn accessible to all makers. 




Meet On the Left Path Sweater and Windowcross Beret by Amy Gunderson


"I was thrilled at the opportunity to work with Yarn Citizen for a number of reasons! First, I love Laura and Jimmy Beans, and am always happy to work with the team. They're a great bunch of people! Also, as a designer, I really value working with folks who just generally let me do my thing and don't micromanage the creative process. Being allowed to imagine projects in this lovely new yarn and let them be what they're going to be is so great. I feel like it lets me be the best version of my creative self without being weighed down with expectations. 

Second, I'm passionate about sustainability and reuse! When I first started knitting around 2008, I began mostly by unraveling thrift store sweaters and reknitting them into new things. Using yarn made partly from what would otherwise be waste sent to landfills feels very close to this and takes me back to my roots. I hate throwing away perfectly good and usable materials. And you'd never know this yarn was made from waste! It's drapey and lovely and amazing. 

Which takes me to my other reason - I love a good yarn blend! Wool is groovy, alpaca is amazing, but together - they're magic. The halo and drape of the alpaca mixed with the sturdiness and warmth of wool makes for a wonderful winter staple. I was delighted to design two projects in Yarn Citizen - a beret and a sweater - and both fit the yarn perfectly. I can't wait to make a second sweater so I can wear it around all winter long!" - Amy Gunderson


Meet Luberon Toque by Seth Richardson


"The color of the yarn was big part of the inspiration for the Luberon Toque design. When I first started collaborating with Yarn Citizen on this pattern, I knew that it would incorporate something earthy and organic to reflect Yarn Citizen’s focus on sustainability, but once we selected the Lavender colorway, it became clear that the lavender plant itself would inspire the shape of the motif.

The pattern is named after the Luberon Valley in France’s Provence region, an area that is famous for its lavender. Of course, the plant is well known for its signature scent, flowers, and color, but the Luberon Toque puts a little more focus specifically on the green section of the plant where the shrubby part ends and the stems for the flowers begin. The motif uses intersecting lines to create a sense of order out of natural disarray, and the stems gently spiral to the top of the crown. Yes, it’s lavender-inspired, but that doesn’t mean you have to be limited with your color choices; it would look great in any hue!" - Seth Richardson


Meet Lost Horse by Kacey Herlihy


"Named for a hiking trail in Joshua Tree National Park, Lost Horse is a lightweight, airy, asymmetrical triangle shawl featuring a simple, soothing lace pattern knit with very special wool yarn. Easier to knit than it looks, this pattern is great for knitting on the go, on the road, or while exploring your favorite national park. Ideal for transitioning seasons, this classic, wearable design looks great in the city or in the mountains! I was drawn to this collaboration because I care about sustainability and accessibility, and respect the mission of Yarn Citizen to make high-quality, affordable yarn. This pattern only requires one skein of Unity, keeping cost down, and shows off the soft color beautifully." -Kacey Herlihy


Gansey Bay Cowl By Lena Skvagerson


I have always been inspired by the timeless beauty of traditional Gansey knitting patterns, and I wanted this crochet design to bring a touch of rustic elegance to modern fashion. The inspiration for the Gansey Bay Crochet Cowl came from a love of heritage craftsmanship and a desire to create a cute wearable piece that exudes warmth and comfort. I envisioned wearers strolling along the shores of Gansey Bay, feeling a sense of connectedness to the past through their handmade accessories.

I used a natural color, as it has a timeless and classic appeal that transcends trends and fads. Also, natural colors exude inherent elegance and sophistication, elevating the overall look of the crochet design, and making the finished piece suitable for various occasions and outfits.

Working with Yarn Citizen yarn on this project was super exciting! These amazing sustainable yarns are like magic threads spun from eco-friendly dreams! It was a perfect match for the vision I had for the Gansey Bay Crochet Cowl.” - Lena Skvagerson


Meet Olosa Shawl by Knot Bad Britt 







The Yarn Citizen Yarn is a stunning blend of wool and alpaca, which when combined, creates a gorgeous halo effect and subtle heathering that adds depth to the fabric. For my sample, I opted for the cool tones of the collection, which are not only calming but also lightly heathered, thereby giving the fabric an added dimension. The shawl is christened after the Yoruba spirit of the lagoon, Olosa, creating a perfect blend of culture and beauty. 

I was attracted to Yarn Citizen’s focus on intentional making, which led me to choose Tunisian crochet for my design. The methodical movement of the Tunisian knit stitch, paired with the return pass, creates a meditative project that flies off the hook. -Brittany Garber


Mankind Beanie by Lena Skvagerson



“Designing the Mankind Beanie, I was inspired by the ever-evolving world of fashion and a passion for cozy accessories. The idea was to create a beanie to wear whether you're strolling through city streets or hiking in the great outdoors. A beanie not only to keep your head warm during chilly days but also to elevate any outfit with a touch of sophistication. The ribbed texture adds a trendy twist, making it a must-have accessory for fashion-forward individuals who adore handmade charm. When it came to choosing the color, the deep hue of navy blue emerged as the obvious choice. I feel it brings an air of elegance and timelessness to the design. Navy blue complements various skin tones and outfit choices, ensuring the beanie becomes a beloved staple in any wardrobe. Designing this beanie with a Yarn Citizen's sustainable yarn was an absolute delight! It's not just any yarn, these yarns are planet-friendly superheroes! They're made with love and care for Mother Earth, using gentle dyeing methods that leave a tiny carbon footprint. Crafting with them feels like giving the Earth a warm, fuzzy hug!” -Lena Skvagerson


Peruvian Knit Shawl by Lena Skvagerson

"The inspiration for my Peruvian Shawl comes from the captivating landscapes of Peru and 

my love for all things cozy. I wanted the patterns to be reminiscent of ancient Incan art. My choice of using graphite, natural, and driftwood colors was an ode to the raw beauty of nature. Graphite represents the dark, mysterious mountain peaks, while Natural symbolizes the warm embrace of Peruvian textiles. Driftwood captures the essence of the sandy shores, where land and sea intertwine in perfect harmony. Together, these colors create a harmonious blend that celebrates the diverse landscapes of Peru. Using a yarn from Yarn Citizen was a natural choice for the Peruvian Knit Shawl. Yarn Citizen's commitment to sustainability resonated deeply with the project's ethos. The yarn's premium quality and luxurious feel were the perfect match for bringing my shawl to life.” -Lena Skvagerson

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Meet the Designer Behind The Noxolis Scarf

by : Jimmy Beans Wool


How did you learn how to knit & how long have you been a knitter?

I learned the very basics from my mom and aunt when I was a child, then after a long pause, I started to knit again when I was in Highschool and completed my first knitting projects without following a pattern. I didn't know about patterns at that time. I mostly self-taught for more advanced techniques and sometimes asked for guidance from my mom and aunt. I have been knitting properly since I was around 16 years old, approximately 15 years.




Can you tell us a bit about your journey of becoming a designer?

I have always been a creative person, I studied fine arts in Highschool, then textile design in University. My school projects always included something related to knitting. Knitting was my passion, still is but I've never thought about becoming a knitwear designer and writing knit patterns because I didn't know they existed. I learned about knitting patterns after I did an internship about hand knitting in Berlin. I gravitated to this world because I didn't want to work a full time job for fast fashion in the textile industry. Then I started to write patterns for my designs and submitting my ideas to magazines and yarn companies. I learn more and more in each design I make.
  

What inspired the Noxolis design? 

Noxolis is inspired by the midnight sun giving to the sky beautiful soft gradient colours. When the sun decides not to leave us, it gifts to the sky all shades of pastel colours. From the warmest orange to the coolest blues. The sky never fades and the stars blink at us in the light coloured sky.


Are there any tips, tricks, or things knitters should know about the Noxolis for the knit-a-long?

My only suggestion is to weigh the remaining C5 yarn when half of the scarf is finished. Due to gauge differences, there may not be enough C5 yarn. If more than half of C5 is used, omit a couple repeats in the middle section.




What are some ways you like to unwind after a long day?


If I have enough energy I like to go out and meet with my friends for a couple of drinks. if I don't, I usually watch some of my favourite TV shows or movies. Sometimes I play video games.



If you'd like to check out some more of  Yiğitcan's amazing work click here to visit their Ravelry!


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A Fiber Breakdown with Berroco Yarns!

by : Jimmy Beans Wool

As we prepare for the summer season, we have eagerly been searching for fresh yarns to replace our cozy winter knits. To gain insights into the fibers available and discover the perfect match for you, we reached out to our friends at Berroco Yarns. Here's what they had to say: 


Here at Berroco we’re proud to distribute over 50 qualities of yarns to our wonderful retail partners. We choose from hundreds of yarns each season to bring you the best of the best.
 
We are conscious of the kinds of fibers that work well for creating successful knitting and crochet projects and wanted to share what we know to help you make the best decisions for your next WIP!
 
Let’s explore the fibers in some of our more popular yarns:

 

Ultra Alpaca


A “best of both worlds” kind of yarn that blends the best qualities of wool and alpaca. The wool fiber gives Ultra Alpaca its spring and bounces back whereas the alpaca gives it its softness, halo, and drape. The result is a yarn that is versatile and warm. This is a great yarn for garments that will wear beautifully for years to come, plus it’s a fan favorite our customers keep coming back for. We are proud to offer Ultra Alpaca in a DK and Chunky weight as well!

 



Lanas

Lanas is our 100% wool, made with a special blend of South American  wool. This yarn is soft, has a beautiful sheen and opens up when washed. When looking for a 100% wool yarn this one is hard to beat. We love this classic yarn in all types of garments and accessories. Lanas is available in a DK and Chunky weight, too.




Pima Soft

Cotton has so many great uses in knitting and crochet. Often it can be stiff and tough to work with but our Pima Soft yarn features a buttery soft feel in a 2-ply construction. Its long silky fibers are what create next-to-skin softness.  

 


                                            Splash


Our summer yarn Splash features a blend of viscose and cotton. Viscose is a biodegradable fiber made from wood pulp that is breathable and light. When knitted up it has a beautiful drape. Splash is spun with a  chainette construction which gives the garments great structure. When working with viscose it’s important to wash your swash as it tends to shrink at first. The swatch will open up when you block it out. 

 


Meraki

A perfect summer yarn, our hemp and cotton blend yarn features fibers that are both strong and durable but also incredibly soft when washed. Hemp creates a beautiful drape and has a lovely feel. Hemp is one of the oldest known fiber used in textiles. It will create garments that will last for many seasons.



 

As always, read the label when you’re buying yarn to see the fiber content and make sure to always WASH your swatch!


Happy Crafting!

 

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Jimmy Bean's Newest Creative Yarn Director: Lena Skvagerson

by : Jimmy Beans Wool

  


We have some big news that we just couldn’t wait to share with everyone! We're welcoming a new addition to the Team Beans, the amazing Lena Skvagerson! Lena is a knit and crochet designer, a video content creator, and now the Creative Director here at Jimmy Beans Wool. 

With our family of brands, including Jimmy Beans, Madelinetosh, and della Q, growing bigger and bigger every day, we knew we needed someone with extensive experience and a keen eye for the market to help take our brands to the next level. And that's where Lena comes in. 

We couldn't be more excited to have her on board and we know she's going to do amazing things for our company, We recently had a chance to speak with Lena to talk about all things yarn-related (because let's face it, that's our favorite topic!) and we got a glimpse into her journey leading up to her arrival at Jimmy Beans Wool. 

How long have you been knitting and crocheting and how did you learn?




I've been knitting and crocheting pretty much my whole life! I started stitching in kindergarten back in Sweden, many decades ago. :) My teachers taught me, as my mom and grandmother weren't crafty at all. In Sweden all kids from elementary school have craft classes 2 hours per week, and that’s where I really picked up the skills and started making Barbie outfits and then more. In the 1980’s there was a huge mohair sweater trend, and I began making full size garments. My best friend and I made a sweater collection in high school, took pictures, and took orders from people in our school. 





Can you tell us about your journey to get to Jimmy Beans Wool?

I worked for Garnstudio and Drops design for many many years. When I moved to the US in 2007, I worked remotely overseeing their translators, tech editing, and developing their very first 300+ online tutorial videos. In 2014 I was offered a job with Annie’s, working as their in-house lead designer as well as co-producer, host, and expert on their TV-show, Knit and Crochet Now. For the last couple of years I have also been designing several of their Kit Clubs afghans and making instructional videos for those as well.    

When did you know you wanted to be part of JBW?

I have been thinking for quite a while that if I ever was to work for another company, then I really would like to work for Jimmy Beans Wool. Ever since I came to the US I have known about JBW, and I have followed the company’s journey and growth and heard many positive things about the company culture, product mix, and more over the years. I come from a background working with high quality yarns, and I have also worked close to yarn retail as well as online yarn sales in previous years before Annie’s. For the last 9 years I have been working mainly with design, and as much as I absolutely love it, I have also missed many other aspects of my background. Once I learned that Jimmy Beans was planning to add in-house designs, tutorial content, and their own line of yarn, I felt that we would be a perfect match haha!  

How did you meet Laura Zander?

I have known about Laura and been impressed with what she has accomplished with JBW over the years but we never had the chance to meet. Earlier this year, I made a visit to Reno and when I met Laura it was so interesting. I felt like I was there meeting with a friend that I had known for years! We have so much in common and share many of the same views. I had such a great time with her!

What are you hoping to accomplish as Creative Yarn Director at JBW?


I look forward to building an in house design department, with our very own unique knit and crochet patterns that will show what Jimmy Beans stands for. I really want to establish our identity and show our company culture and the values that are important to us. I’m also excited to build a video library, and create tutorials for the patterns we create. I want to help and support our customers grow their skills and dare to take on new challenges. I also look forward to being part of the launch and growth of our own yarn brand, which I’m extremely excited about!




Why do you love the fiber industry/community?

 I love everything to do with craft and community! I also love to be a part of the community, being able to actively teach and share my skills to help people is a pure joy. I feel our industry and community is so creative and it is filled with nice, kind, friendly and sweet people.


What are some ways you like to unwind after a long day? ( pun intended!)

Would you believe me if I said knit or crochet haha I’m a bit nuts that way! I work with yarn and patterns all day, and in the evening I like to sit down and peacefully try out new textures, patterns, or continue a project I’m working on. It's the best but I can never seem to get enough! I feel like a child on Christmas day any time I start a new project… even after all these years! But ok, if you want to know what else I might do… I love to hangout at the beach, and we have plenty where I live! I also like to hike the hills with my girl friends, go out for dinner, hang with my kids and grandkids, do yard work, and more!

What is your favorite project you’ve designed?

I’ve done some very intricate and immensely popular afghan designs for Annie’s Kit Clubs, some including close to 100 different textures. Each one is like one of my babies, as I have poured my heart into these designs. I plan and hope I will soon get to make some amazing afghans for JBW too!


What’s your creative process?

I browse the internet and pin things I see that catch my eyes. I mainly follow fashion and home decor pages. When designing, I think about what a majority of people would like, what’s fun to make, and I also always try to make things that look more complicated than what they actually are. It has worked well so far :) I mix my days writing patterns, swatching and stitching, answering emails etc. If a new design is complicated or small and quick, then I usually stitch it myself, if things are large and easy I usually have help from some local ladies. 


What do you find most fulfilling about your work?

When I get positive feedback from customers and colleagues. When I see pictures of things people have made following my designs. When people tell me I have been part of their crafting journey, and sometimes even the one who taught them to knit or crochet. That makes me feel that all my hard work and devotion is totally worth it.



If you'd like to check out some of Lena's amazing work you can find her on Ravelry or her website, LenaSkvagerson.com!

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Our New Bean on The Team is Here to Help!

by : Jimmy Beans Wool
 

As we make our way through Jimmy's 2023 Clubs, we are so excited to introduce you to the newest Bean on our team: Aimée Hansen! Aimée is our new Community Clubs Manager and she is here to help with all your maker needs!

Our new Bean is most active in the Jimmy's 2023 Club Member Facebook Group and our Clubs Groups on Ravelry where she is assisting our community of crafters with everything from gauge questions to pattern support. Aimée has experience designing and writing patterns so her goal is to make your experience in Jimmy's Clubs as smooth as possible!

We got to know our newest member of Team Beans a little more!


How long have you been knitting and crocheting?

Crochet has been my primary stitch language for 23 years and then I picked up knitting about 10 years ago (because the urge to knit socks was strong!!). I love fiddling with stitches to see what they can do, which led me to designing my own patterns over the last 9 years. After working with a few design friends, they encouraged me to start tech editing. To date, I’ve edited a few hundred patterns, both crochet and knit, which has led to a VERY deep ‘to stitch’ queue!!


Why do you love the fiber industry/community?
Inspiration abounds through the fiber industry and that gets me excited to learn different techniques and make new projects. But the members of the fiber community are who spark that drive in me to make ALL the things!! I am always in such awe of everyone’s beautiful projects and how, along the way, people are eager to help one another to get a project from cast on to bind off.


What's a maker tip you've heard that's been a lifesaver for you?
One of my FAVORITE tips came from Louis Boria who a while back talked about using jumbo knitting needles when blocking cowls. When laying out the cowl, slip the needles through the center and move to each side so there will be no creases once it dries. NO CREASES!! It’s amazing!!


Which Just At Jimmy's Clubs have you participated in?
Last year, I participated in the Accessory Club and LOVED everything from the quick projects that were included with fabulous yarns to the fun notions, many that have become regulars in my notions pouch. This year, I’ve been working the knit pattern in the Shawl Club because I could not pass up the La Bien Aimée. I’ve also gotten Fright Club the past 2 years but I still need to work up last year’s project (I’m saving it for a weekend where I don’t have much to do except knit and chill!!).


What are your go-to hooks and needles?

I am head over heels for Clover Amour hooks. The grip is great and the head of the hook is my preferred shape for speedy, comfortable stitching.
For knitting, I have two favorites. My go-to circs are ChiaGoo TWIST Red Lace Interchangeables, and I will fully admit that for some sizes, I have multiple tips!! For DPN’s, Addi FlexiFlips are my BFF. I’m not sure how but for socks, my tension is much more consistent on DPN’s, and the FlexiFlips have my stitches working up lickety split!


Who are some of your favorite designers?

Some of my favorite knit designers include Taiga Hilliard, Safiyyah Talley, and Rebecca McKenzie. For crochet, some of my faves are Clarisabeth Lopez Rodríguez, Natalie @Detroit Knots, and Natalia McHayle. A few of my favorite designers who BOTH knit and crochet are Vincent Williams, Cairo Romaguera, and Carolina Damonte.


If you could be any skein of yarn, which one would you be?
I think that I would be a skein of worsted weight. Perfect for a squishy quick hat or scarf, but fabulously elegant in lace designs, too!!

What do you do to unwind? ( Pun intended!)
That’s when I’m not playing with yarn, right?! I love to unwind with math and word puzzles, reading, watching old movies, and falling down the rabbit hole of researching my family history. My hubby and I are also HUGE foodies so when we can, we sneak out to fun restaurants or we (ahem…he) cooks awesome meals.


What makes you most excited to join the Jimmy Beans Team?

Where do I start?! Everything from Jimmy Beans - from clubs to tools and everything in between - exudes pure yarnie joy!! I hope to be a useful resource to club members and can’t wait to cheer everyone on as they stitch away. I’m thrilled and honored to be a part of Team Beans!!



If you'd like to check out some of Aimée's amazing work you can find her on Ravelry or her website, Yarngerie! You can also email her at aimee@jimmybeanswool.com for direct support! 


Join Jimmy's Clubs Today!

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6 Knitting and Crochet Gifts Your Valentine Will Love!

by : Jimmy Beans Wool


Love is in the air, heart-shaped candies fill the grocery store, and roses are blooming, which means one thing: Valentine’s Day is inching its way closer! Does your Valentine love to knit and crochet? Do you have no idea how to shower them with affection this year? The Team Beans are here to help! We’ve rounded up all the items we would be dye-ing to receive from our special someone to make your holiday shopping a little easier! (Psst… there is no shame in sending this blog to someone who may need a hint!!)


Beautiful Bouquets 

Each year our Fiber Florists whip up the most spectacular yarn bouquets and we are extra in love with this year’s fresh picks! The best part? These flowers won’t wilt! Instead, they turn into beautiful projects that stand the test of time! 










Darling della Q

We all know that maker, who no matter how hard they try to organize their projects, just simply keep on outgrowing their space! If this sounds like your Valentine, Team Beans is here to help them get their maker’s supplies in order with della Q!




Project Inspiration

Is your love equal parts bookworm and fiber fanatic?! This year you can give them a gift that they can curl up and read that turns into all the project inspiration they need for the year!




All You Need(le) Is Love

Want your maker to fall in love with knitting all over again?! Treat them to a gorgeous needle set that they won’t want to put down! We even have options for crocheters looking to complete their hook collection!







A Fluffy And Fuzzy Friend

Last year we introduced you to our Long Tail Alpacas and we’ve had a hard time keeping them on the shelf since! A new herd has finally made its way up from Peru and if your Valentine loves all things fuzzy and cute, this is EXACTLY what they are looking for! 




Can’t Go Wrong With A Gift Card

Need help determining what size needle your knitter needs? Or if they prefer worsted or DK yarn?? Give a gift you KNOW they’ll love with a Jimmy Beans Gift Card! All you have to do is choose your amount, check out, and then the gift card will be delivered straight to your inbox!




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