Bedazzled!  Bejeweled!  That was the vibe inside the Diamond Yarn Showroom this past weekend as the Fall/Winter Collections took centre stage, viewed by yarn shop owners from coast to coast.  It was a flurry of activity from one stunning display to the next as a visual feast of kaleidoscopic colour in cheerful hues contrasted against a rich palette mirroring Fall’s changing foliage, while the flash of metallic and glitter in opulent textured embellishments stood out like eye candy.

Here is a look at some of the highlights-

Sirdar Montana, Folksong, and Faroe

She’s a little bit country!  Sirdar embraces the rustic charm of the great outdoors with three exciting new qualities for the coming season.  Montana, a double knitting wool blend gets down-to-earth in a stratum of bucolic colouring, while Folksong, a chunky wool mix meanders like a winding river in variegated hues, and Faroe, complements the group with a peppery mix of playful tweeds in a super chunky weight.  Keep your eyes peeled for the new Softspun Chunky in ten misted shades.

Ella Rae Pompe

Pom Pom Pizazz!  Colour your world in jelly bean brights with Pompe, a whimsical treat infused with energy and designed for capturing children’s smiles.  A fun novelty yarn for scarves, hats and cosy blankets for tiny folk.  From the Ella Rae Fall Collection.

Noro Kirara

Chasing rainbows!  Noro presents two new selections- Kirara (shown above) a smooth-as-butter transitional yarn mixing cotton and angora together, and Haniwa, a nubby silken wool blend in a vividly alluring spectrum.  Be on the lookout for new colourways in Odori, Hitsuji, and Kogarashi.  Blossom comes out of hiding, revamped, and re-spun into a more conventional 50g ball, replacing the original 40g size.

Katia Storyboard

All the trimmings!  Katia mesmerizes us once again with a stunning array of innovative tape and ribbon yarns that fringe, fluff, ruffle, and loop their way across the needles.  Grace and Greta are two metallic dazzlers that look more like decorative trim from the shelves of a Parisian fashion studio while Funny causes a sensation with an intricate contrast of woven bars and swirls that make this a must-have embellishment yarn.  Two familiar favorites, Rocio and Ronda add more multi-hues to the shade range while Triana and Ondas bid farewell to their sisterly Lux line.

Katia Fancy Line

Hey there rodeo girl!  Pushing the envelope once again, Katia will be enticing knitters to pull on their cowboy boots and ride into the sunset with this unique yarn called Fancy Line, a woolly boucle with built-in fringes.

Debbie Bliss

Debbie Bliss displays her trademark selection of classic knits for Fall, and continues to build on the success of her kid mohair/silk line with the addition of Angel Prints, a lovely mirage of self-striping colours.

Diamond Luxury Collection

A painter’s dream palette!  Diamond Luxury Collection loosens the reins and injects jolts of vivid colour into all our current faves, Galway, Fine Merino Superwash Merino Aran, Baby Alpaca Glimmer, along with a multitude of new surefire hits to let those needles fly again for Fall.  Sneak an early peek at Merino Lux, Highland Lux, and Colour Cascade Chunky and start the ball rolling.

DLC Lima Tinto

True Colours!  Take a different approach to Autumn tweeds, with these bold strips of self-striping colours.  Lima Tinto from Diamond Luxury Collection has the whispery soft twist of Peruvian highland wool, ideal for sporty looks and long cosy scarfs for Fall with eight shades to choose from.

Ruffle Yarns

More!  More!  More!  It may come as no surprise, ruffle yarns are multiplying quicker than rabbits with even more styles primped and fluffed for Fall knitting.  This ‘easy peasy’ type of knitting has taken Canada by storm with no signs of letting up, and who would want it to.  Have a look at what’s on the horizon from Diamond Luxury Collection- Magic Nights, in eight glittery choices, Reggae, a boucle-look in ombre shades, Chrysalis, Carousel, and Folie, a printed mesh with wildly exotic designs, polka dots, leopard spots, alligator and zebra stripes.

Lotus Yarns Sunset

Striking a balance!  The newest darling in the Diamond line-up is Lotus Yarns, a swanky selection of natural fibres on the menu for Fall, including Sunset (shown above), a softly brushed mix of merino and soybean oil in lovely hazy tones.  Leaning towards something a little more unusual?  How about Tibetan Yak 4, in subdued natural tones or Bamyak, which blends yak fibre with bamboo for added lustor.  Autumn Wind is a sultry merge of cotton and cashmere, while Miya shyly sits in the wings waiting to be discovered, a surprising combination of mink hair, merino and silk.

Knitters Pride Karbonz and Bamboo

Great expectations!  Knitters Pride is in the express lane to gaining rock star status.  They just keep wowing us with impressive tools to make knitting as relaxing as possible.  Coming soon, look for the Karbonz line of needles, meticulously crafted from real carbon fibre, which is used in Formula One race cars, the aircraft and the space industry.  Ultra light and extremely durable, this new angled needle will be available in straights, double points, and interchangeable tips.  The malleable feel of the new Bamboo line will appeal to anyone with hand sensitivities, featuring straights, double points and interchangeable tips to cover all knitting styles.

Shawls have been causing a stir in the knitting world for a few years, taking over in leaps and bounds from scarves and socks, edging out conventional cardigans and pullovers, while inspiring a parade of KALs on Ravelry, with scores of books being published on all their contours and angles.  But do we really wear shawls in warmer weather or are they just fun to knit and give as gifts?

According to knitters-in-the-know, a shawl tops the list for adaptability and climate changes, it doesn’t add bulk to the wearer but sits lightly on top of any garment with just the right layer of warmth.  Far more versatile than just a dressy cover-up for weddings and special occasions, shawls are being worn in movie theatres, restaurants, and at the office where air conditioning is often too chilly.  An essential travel item, it packs away in a large purse and multitasks nicely as a blanket, pillow, and light jacket.

Still not convinced??……….Take a look at fashion icon- Kate Middleton in her stylish ruffle wrap at the supermarket-

The Duchess of Cambridge Out Shopping

Join us on FACEBOOK for a chance to win one of three gorgeous wooden shawl pins!!  Contest closes Monday May 14th at midnight. 

CONGRATULATIONS to June Richards, Sandy Tutsch and Kim Finley who each won a shawl pin!

Here are the Top Ten Shawls For Spring 2012- 

Hempathy by Elsebeth Lavold

Along the Garden Path!  A lightweight rectangle shawl knit in Hempathy by Elsebeth Lavold, an organic composition of hemp, cotton and modal with a full-blooming palette of thirty-five tempting shades.  From The Sugar and Spice Collection.  ‘Sap Green’ (shown above). 

Twin Lattice Shawl

Pastel Perfection!  The palest shade of blush is just one of thirty hues on hand in this popular velvety-soft cotton yarn.  Knit in Cotton Supreme by Universal Yarn.  The above lattice and cable design is featured in the Spring Forward Collection.

Isabel Wrap

BBQ Sizzler!  Looking for a special evening wrap for the next backyard gathering?  Louisa Harding has received miles of smiles for re-introducing Sari Ribbon to the masses.  The perfect party ribbon yarn is merged with Nerissa, a cotton chenille guaranteed to make you swoon.  Both featured in the Dahlia Collection with a dozen dazzling colour combos.

Syros Fringed Shawl

Nice Day For A Wedding!  Swish to and fro in this shimmery fringed sensation crocheted in Syros from Katia Book #70.  If you are handy with a hook, take your pick from one of twelve classic neutrals.

Syros Pineapple Shawl

Pineapple Passion!  Crocheters have always adored the pineapple motif, universally known as a symbol of friendship, and rolling all the way back to the discovery days of Christopher Columbus.  This swingy shawl will tell a story and inspire many compliments.  Shown in ‘silver’ Syros from Katia Book #70.

Bluebell in Rialto Lace

Out Of The Blue!  Looking for a bona fide stunner to wear this season?  This may be the one.  Debbie Bliss took the plunge and launched her newest quality, Rialto Lace, an extrafine merino wool superwash in a lovely spectrum of her signature shades.  Its an ideal laceweight yarn and ready to spring into action.

Asikita Wrap

Strawberry Fields Forever!   Designed by Jane Ellison, this is a relatively simple shoulder wrap to knit, for first-timers dabbling in lace.  Mirasol welcomes newcomer- Asikita to the family, a chainette-style yarn in pima cotton, with the whispery softness of baby alpaca, and (no surprise) its gaining lots of applause.  Take a peek at the lively array of shades here.

English Garden Wrap

A garden delight!  Whether its an afternoon get-together or an evening at the theatre, this design is ready for a sudden change in temperature.  Knit with just three balls of Garden 10 Metallic, a new and unique quality from Universal Yarn, spinning a fine cotton thread with a sliver of glitz.  For this and other pretty wraps, have a look at Lacy Knits.

Greige Shawl in Rialto Lace

What Shawl We Wear?  For early risers, this flowy shawl might help ward off the morning chill while sipping coffee on the front porch.  Knit in Rialto Lace by Debbie Bliss.  In twenty shades of Bliss!

Moonlight Shawl

Over The Moon!  Sing your own praises after mastering this intricate arrowhead lace design.  Knit in the delightful Garden 10 Metallic from Universal Yarn boasting thirty-six shades to choose from.

Tucked away under a canopy of oak and juniper trees in the tropical forests of China and India, nature’s little spinners are blissfully munching away on leaves as they begin their incredulous cycle from shy caterpillar to silk moth, creating some of the most lustrous fibres for knitters.  Tussah Silk is uncultivated, known as ‘wild silk’ which is harvested naturally after the moth emerges from the cocoon.  The fibre is a creamy beige colour due to the tannin in the oak and juniper leaves and is difficult to bleach but does dye beautifully with shades muted by the natural honeyed undertone.  This fibre is very resilient with a slubby texture, not slippery like mulberry silk and blends well with viscose or wool to maintain elasticity.

A beautiful silk moth emerges from its cocoon…..

Chinese Silk Moth

and leaves behind silken strands…..

Tussah Silk Slivers

A fresh collection of designs with a style that is just right for all fashion types is at your LYS this Spring featuring Tussah Silk DK from Sublime, a 50/50 blend of Tussah silk and viscose in twelve muted hues-

Tussah Silk col #308

The Sophisticate!  Understated in a creamy shade of Soba yellow, this vest has an elegant look, combining subtle texture and exceptional stitch detail.  Twelve shades are yours for the picking.  Tussah Silk col #308 (shown above).  

Tussah Silk col #309

The Fashion Diva!  Get two stylish looks with one unique design.  A lattice yoke at the front draws the eye upwards and creates a modest neckline, while the back features a deep V which can be reversed for a change of pace.  Tussah Silk Col #309 (shown above). 

Tussah Silk col #311

The Modernist!   A trendy tie-front design to liven up the classics and add pizazz to this season’s collection of flowy skirts, and palazzo pants.  Tussah Silk col #311 (shown above). 

Soba in Tussah Silk

The Sportster!  For active cool-girl style, try this airy waistcoat on for size, its a practical wear-anywhere piece with timeless appeal.  Tussah Silk col #308 (shown above).

Habotai in Tussah Silk

The Bohemian!  Top off long flouncy skirts this season with the latest interpretation of the twin set.  This lacy shrug adds a little shoulder coverage when necessary, and stays perfectly in position over a sleeveless shell.  Tussah Silk Col #309 (shown above). 

Pomegranate in Tussah Silk

The Minimalist!  When in doubt, keep it simple with this quiet silhouette, a raglan sleeve cardigan lets the quality of the yarn speak volumes and partners well over a sleek outfit for a special occasion just as easily as making the switch to jeans and a white T.  Tussah Silk Col #311 (shown above). 

Some days a pop of colour might be all it takes to go from feeling irritable and out of sorts to bursting at the seams with energy.  Scientists have found that colours can have a psychological effect on us, vibrant reds increase self-confidence and boost spirits, while bright blues evoke a sense of calmness.  Researchers at the University of Essex in Britain, have found colours not only affect our mood but our memory, mental agility, reaction times and level of strength.  Test participants who were shown bright colours scored up to twenty-five percent higher in tests of mental agility over those who were shown only grey and beige shades.  Hand-eye coordination also increased when viewing cheerful colour.  “This shows that prescribing yourself a dose of colour could not only prove the perfect antidote to seasonal blues, it could also make you smarter and better able to remember things,” said lead researcher, Duncan Smith.

 The Psychology of Colour and How It Makes Us Feel

Blue:  calm, serene, cool, focused, satisfied 

Red:  warm, excited, energetic, romantic, intense

Green:  natural, calm, cool, harmonious, tranquil

Purple:  sophisticated, exotic, wise, spiritual, mysterious

Yellow:  happy, warm, hungry, optimistic, cheerful

Orange:  energetic, excited, enthused, stimulated

From the latest NORO Collection, here is a technicolor prescription for cloudy days-

Noro Now by Jenny Watson

From Noro NOW! by Jenny Watson, a sweeping spectrum of vibrant hues adds gusto to this cable detail waistcoat.  Knit in Odori, a bulky weight combo of silk, angora, and wool in six knock-your-socks-off colourways.  Col #9 (shown above).

Noro Cabled Bag

Show off your true colours with this trendy shoulder bag knit in Taiyo, a dreamy mishmash of cotton, silk, and wool in an aran weight.  Check out eight new colourways that will rival any box of crayons.  Col #37 (shown above).

Noro Taiyo Waistcoat

From the Noro Collection, Volume 31, a riot of colour in a summery vest, and surprisingly quick to knit in a simple basketweave stitch.  An ideal topper over a crisp white shirt.  Knit in Taiyo by Noro.  Col #17 (shown above).

Rainbow Cardigan

Catch the Noro fever with this ‘wear me anywhere’ raglan cardigan knit in Taiyo, a comfy cotton mix packed full of exuberance in thirty splashy paintbox colourways.  Col #34 (shown above).

Karuta Cabled Top

Calm and serene, and ready to relax in this cabled top knit in Karuta by Noro.  A fairweather cotton, silk and wool blend available in eight ombre shadings.  Col #3 (shown above).

Silk Garden Socks

Looking for a nifty gift idea?  Knit a pair of cottage slipper socks from Jenny Watson’s Mini Knits Three, in Noro’s ever-popular Silk Garden Sock, a blend of kid mohair, silk, and lambswool in eight zesty choices.  Col #304 (shown above).

Taiyo Polo Inset

A cheery capelet to cover the shoulders is knit in Taiyo’s sherbet shading from Jenny Watson.  If you haven’t viewed her entire collection of designs in Mini Knits Three, its chock full of inspiration for fun weekend knitting projects.  Col #11 (shown above).

It is transition time once again from bulky coats to airy lightweight cardigans.  With an endless parade of fabulous seasonal styles to choose from, knitted cardigans can take you from cool-to-comfortable, day-to-evening, or sporty-to-dressy with just a quick switch of accessories.

Glance at some of the newest designs and pick your favorite from the Top Ten Spring Cardigans 2012-

Brisa Cardigan by Katia

Shimmer in Silver!  Katia adds a touch of daytime glamour with this sleek and stylish cardigan banded in openwork stitch detail.  Knit in Brisa, a fingering weight yarn combining mercerised cotton and viscose, in twenty-nine seductive shades.

Hilda Cardigan by Louisa Harding

Trendy Two-Tone!  Ombre shading creates the wow factor in this cropped cardigan from the Delphine Collection by Louisa Harding.  Knit in Spring’s newest cotton tape yarn-Delphine, and available now in ten tempting hues.

Sirdar Leaflet #9523

Classic Crew!  Lace panels dress up this traditional cardigan, the perfect topper for lunch out on the patio with the girls.  Knit in Sirdar Click DK, a lightweight wool blend that goes with the flow from cool weather into warm sunny days.  Check out all thirty-five shades, including ‘duck egg blue’ (shown above).

Hydra Cardigan by Katia

Cotton Candy!  Looking for a little extra pizazz in a cardigan??  Take a look at Katia’s Spring Collection.  This colourful design is knit in Hydra, a blend of cotton in a chainette style yarn and accented with silk ribbon woven though rows of eyelet.

Sirdar Leaflet #9562

Go For Neutrals!  When in doubt, pick a style that gives you the most mileage and compliments your wardrobe.  Sirdar introduces Raffaella, a crimped cotton yarn with lots of luster.  Opt for three-quarter or cap sleeves.  Ten shades in stores now.

Daralis by Louisa Harding

The Cherry On Top!  Frill seekers will adore the contrasting yarns in this sweet bolero style cardigan from Louisa Harding, the rich allure of Nerissa, a cotton chenille trimmed with Sari Ribbon, a metallic ribbon bursting with jewel-like colour.

Revive Cardigan by Katia

Lovely Lace!  Smoky hues are the key ingredients in this flattering style from Katia, with two distinctive lace patterns designed to intersect subtly tone-on-tone.  Knit in Revive, a mix of recycled cotton and polyester in eight opaque hues.

Sirdar Leaflet #9509

Denim Divine!  For casual outings around town and a quick throw on style, Sirdar’s design team is on the right track.  This drape front cardigan is knit in Simple Recycled, a machine washable cotton blend in eleven colour options.

Sublime Book #661

Back In The Spotlight!  This season, the focus is on the flipside, and this design from Sublime lets loose with lavish diagonal lacework.  Knit in Egyptian Cotton DK, the finest quality sheen in a dozen irresistible shades, including ‘frothy’ (shown above).

Evie by Louisa Harding

Aquatic Hues!  Express your love of the ocean with this wave-edged beauty from the Margeurite Collection by Louisa Harding.  Knit in Ianthe, a cosy merino/cotton combo with a knitter’s pick of twenty shades.

When the streetlights come on and the moon casts its glow on this side of the pond, somewhere along the sun-drenched Spanish coastline, Katia’s yarn development team is diligently working away, continuing to stay one hop, skip and a jump ahead in the industry.  Ondas and Triana started the proverbial ruffle ball rolling, two incredibly enigmatic yarns that caused an astonishing ripple effect worldwide.  Building on the success of these yarns, Katia introduces the next innovator to their Spring/Summer collection- Azahar. 

Categorized as a self-ruffling yarn, Azahar differs slightly, fine cotton threads are woven in a zigzag fashion through two lateral bands creating an airy open effect.  Four neutral shades are available in shops now, white, silver/white, cream, and beige/white.

Azahar col no. 53

Add your own ripple effect to knitwear and follow the link here to watch the instructional video on knitting/embellishing with Azahar as shown below in these sensational designs from Katia-

Katia Book 70

Flat-out fabulous!  This cover shot is an eye-catching shrug, that looks incredibly intricate in stitch detail, but don’t be bamboozled.  One skein of Azahar in col #53, is simply cut into long strips and laid side-by-side to join with a crochet hook and a chain stitch.

Katia Azahar and Brisa

Vertical Lines!  Another stunner from the latest Katia Elegance Collection, a lightweight tunic knit in Brisa, with a lovely scalloped border crocheted as the P.S.  Create a long lean look with one skein of Azahar in col #50, gently gathered and sewn on top in perpendicular fashion.

Katia Azahar and Isis

 On The Horizon!  Azahar col #50 adorns this breezy summer top, knitted in softly textured Isis.  Knitted strips are stitched on as the finishing details.   

Katia Book 61

Swing Sensation!  A swirly girly style for ages four to twelve in Book no 61.  Knit in Katia Mississippi 3, with subtle stripes of grey and white, and trimmed in rippling layers of Azahar col #50.   

Katia Azahar and Mississippi 3

Flower Power!  A frilly skirt from Katia Book no. 61. for ages four to twelve.   Azahar col #52 makes a gradual transition from a knitted edge into rows of crochet using Mississippi 3.  The final touch is a flower created from Azahar, with just a quick gathering and a few stitches to keep it firmly in place.

Katia Azahar

Accessorize With Azahar!  One skein of Azahar col #52 will knit up effortlessly into this gorgeous rumpled scarf, a great way to add texture and contrast to all your linen and cotton outfits.

If you are pondering a fresh overhaul of your knitting tools, look no further than Knitter’s Pride Spring Collection.  Exclusive to Diamond Yarn in Canada, Knitter’s Pride took the cast-on community by storm last year, introducing a product line so intuitively in sync with what we wanted, it was as if the company brass might also be seasoned knitters.  This India-based company made its foray into the wholesale market by manufacturing  paintbrushes which as we know require a smooth handle for a comfortable grip, durable wood construction, as well as a snag-free transition to a metal covering.  Isn’t this just the ideal recipe for knitting tools??

Interchangeable circular sets are the bee’s knees, currently rising in popularity faster than straights and double pointed sets.  They come in a well-organized compact case with a variety of cord lengths to switch easily from one project to the next, and that makes a whole lot of sense when it comes to a budget.   The most often asked-for features in circulars are sharper points to make a swift swoop of inserting the needle into the stitch that much easier, tangle-free cords that relax when in use, and a smooth join from the shaft of the needle to the cord in order to eliminate the dreaded ‘stitch jam’.

NEW for Spring, have a peek at these convenient travel-size interchangeable sets from Knitter’s Pride which come in fabric cases with a clear vinyl cover and some of the comments from fellow knitters-

Nova Special IC Set

The Pitch:  Slick and shiny! For the diligent knitter, who wants to pick up the pace and knit at a supersonic speed, the NOVA line is made from hollowed brass piping, with superior nickel plating.   This set contains seven pairs with four inch tips complete with two cords measuring out to a full sixteen inches.  In 3.50 mm to 6.00 mm sizes.

The Buzz:  “I prefer metal vs. wood in my circular needles, I know I must be old school, but for my projects it suits me best, and I have tried this brand already a few times.  I really like the points and the changeover from the needle to the cord is smooth and doesn’t catch on my yarn.”    Rena E.   

Dreamz Special IC Set

The Pitch:  Soft and natural!  The DREAMZ line is a candy-coloured assortment of birch needles ideally suited for knitters who work at a quieter pace and prefer a warmer touch.  Birch is almost twice as strong as bamboo and very close to teak in denseness.  This set consists of seven four inch tips sized from 3.50 mm to 6.00 mm and two cords stretching out to a sixteen inch length.

The Buzz:  “At first I was skeptical…….. oh not another type of circular needle, but I was impressed, these have the best points on the market and the colour-coded system is very helpful for poor eyesight like mine.”   Josie H.

Cubics Special IC Set

The Pitch:  Innovative and ergonomic!  Solid rosewood construction in a cuboid design, makes the CUBICS line comfortable to grip and generates a more even tension.  This set incorporates five pairs of four inch tips sized from 4.00 mm to 6.00 mm with two cords measuring out to a full sixteen inches.

The Buzz:   “My mom has arthritic hands and my LYS owner suggested I give her a pair of the Cubic straight needles to try.  I did……… at Christmas, and she loves them!!  The difference she says it has made to her knitting is pretty amazing.”  Sandy M.

Cubics Deluxe IC Set

Comby IC Sampler Set

Say farewell to the sombre shades of winter and get acquainted with Spring’s current ‘ombre’ hues.  Dipped, dyed, and dripping with colour graduating from light to dark tones, just like an oversized paint strip.  Ombre-essence is creating quite a buzz in fashion and home decor, showing up in everything from shower curtains, nail polish, celebrity locks, to flowing frocks.  The trend that reportedly started it all………. wedding cakes, thats right, those tall tiers of rolled fondant and buttery whipped frosting are now enhanced artistically with monochromatic colouring and in high demand for brides-to-be.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this Spring’s selection of edible and wearable ombres-

Purple Ombre Wedding Cake

From Maggie Austin Cake, freshly picked lilacs add texture and fragrance to the crowning layer of this exquisite design.

Katia Book no 61

Welcome the arrival of Spring with this stylish wide-collar vest knit in Katia Degrade.  Pattern available in Katia Book no 61.  ‘Mauve’ (shown above).

Peach Ombre Wedding Cake

Katia Book no 53

Peachy keen, and all geared up for afternoon play dates!  Glam up a plain white T with a frill trimmed bolero, knit in Katia Degrade , sizes ranging from two to ten years.  Pattern available in Katia Book no 53.  ‘Pumpkin’ (shown above).

Pink Ombre Cake

Surprise!  Did you know ombre cakes have graduated stripes on the inside too?  A rosette swirl design from Gloria’s Treats, baked with five layers of deliciousness.

Katia Book no 69

Bring on the breezy days of summer, in a softly gathered tank knit in Katia Degrade and edged with a border in pure white linen.  Pattern available in Katia Book no. 69. ‘Rose’ (shown above).

Yellow Ombre Wedding Cake

A yummy tower of sunshine yellow sweetness from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Katia Children's Book no 53

Zesty citrus shading makes this bell-shaped suntop look especially cool and comfortable, knit in Katia Degrade.  Pattern available in Katia Book no 53, sized for tykes from two to ten.  ‘Lime’ (shown above).