It has been a phenomenal year in the knitting universe.  Like a snowball rolling downhill gaining momentum and swelling in size, yarns have reached an all-time pinnacle, creating a new wave of popularity for the craft, and astounding knitters with an eye-popping assortment of colours and unusual textures, richer and more appealing than ever.

As we unwind from all the excitement of 2011, and eagerly anticipate the year to come, lets take a few minutes to reflect back on the Top Ten Trends Of 2011 and predict which ones will carry on-

Let the countdown begin!!!

*TEN*

Sirdar Bohemia

MEGA-SIZED YARNS! Somehow the yarns just kept growing in thickness, yet surprisingly lighter and loftier, thanks to innovative hollow core construction.  Knitting shops were stocking up on 20 mm needles in an attempt to keep up with the demand for these larger than life yarns.  Sirdar Bohemia

*NINE*

Knit Your Own Royal Family

KNITTED ROYALTY! It was comical and sweet, and caught on like wildfire.  In the Spring of 2011, knitting groups were busily creating their own royal ensemble complete with corgis just in time for the televised event.  Tea parties took place inside knitting shops and royal displays were set up in the front window.  ‘Knit Your Own Royal Wedding’ was the brainchild of British author, Fiona Goble.

*EIGHT*

Noro Yarn

I LOVE YARN DAY! October 14, 2011 marked the official launch date.  Finally a day of celebration, for knitters to unite worldwide and bring their treasured yarns out of the closet.  Festivities were planned well in advance at local yarn shops, in the workplace and public venues.  I Love Yarn Day

*SEVEN*

Knitters Pride Cubics

CUBIC NEEDLES! Canada welcomed Knitters Pride with such a surge of enthusiasm causing shipments to sell out well in advance.  Once these inventive square shaped needles were in hand, the love affair began.  Knitters marvelled at the easy flat grip and arthritic hands were happily flying again at full speed.

*SIX*

Sublime Book #655

FAIRISLE RETURNS! Hot off the European runways earlier this year, and straight onto our knitting needles.  Fairisle recaptured the ski lodge vibe from the sixties and brought the fashion back to the masses.  For most knitters it felt like it had never left.  Sublime Chunky Merino Tweed Book #655

*FIVE*

Diamond Luxury Collection #1473

NEW ANGLES! The wrap cardies and vests became trendier than ever as knitters hunted for patterns designed in a simple one piece construction.  Suddenly new angles took shape.  Diamond Luxury Collection #1473

*FOUR*

Sublime Book #656

TUNICS! No more bulky sleeves!  These hybrids emerged into mainstream knitting combining the warmth of a vest and the look of a sweater.  Favored by all ages, as a relaxed slipover style to wear with tights and leggings.  Sublime Lustrous Extra Fine Merino Dk Book #656

*THREE*

Murano Lace

COSY COWLS! a.k.a. ‘circle scarves’ to the University kids, became the replacement to the traditional fringed scarf.  An ideal project for beginner knitters, and with so many variations in style, it was ultra chic to toss on a different cowl every day of the week.  Murano Lace Free Pattern download

*TWO*

Midnight Sun Wrap from Universal Yarn

SUBTLE SPARKLE! It took knitters only a second or two to adapt to the unexpected appearance of shimmer in all their favorite yarns, from alpaca to cotton and everything in between.  Knitters went ga-ga for glitter, happily wearing it day and night.  Universal Yarn Garden Metallic

*ONE*

Papillon Ruffle Scarf

RUFFLE YARN! Perhaps the greatest knitting trend to date, shaking up the yarn industry and creating a festive frenzy when shops were sold out just mere weeks before Christmas.  Thank you to the makers of ruffle yarns for bringing new and former knitters back to the circle!  Nova Papillon Free Pattern Download

Wishing you health and happiness in 2012

Now that the hustle and bustle has settled down to the pitter patter of little feet scampering through the house on Christmas Day, the quietness of the season can fully be enjoyed.  Take time to set your knitting needles down for a moment and truly treasure the wide eyed looks of surprise and toothy grins of gratitude from the recipients of your hard work. 

Knitting is a creative outlet for many of us but it is also a gift from the heart.  Those who have never picked up a pair of needles and cast on stitches can only begin to appreciate the sharing of time and thoughtfulness.  A pair of woolly socks with one foot slightly shorter than the other, fuzzy mittens sporting a few extra loops picked up along the way, or a cosy cabled scarf with stitches that wander and change directions now and then, these are the gifts that money just cannot buy.   

Fleece On Earth and Good Wool To All!

Wishing you joy and peace this holiday season

from all of us at

Diamond Yarn

This week we touch down in Halifax, the Gateway to the Atlantic, for a splash of East Coast ambiance and knitting fervor as Debbie Bliss arrived here for the last stop on her Canadian visit.  It was a whirlwind tour to commemorate the tenth anniversary of her designer line of exquisite yarns and patterns.  With gorgeous weather in the forecast and a crowd of very enthusiastic knitters, the stage was all set for a fabulous event.

Debbie Bliss Arrives in Halifax

Debbie and her daughter Nell (first visit to Canada) landed at the Halifax airport on Sunday September 11th and are warmly welcomed by Patricia from Baadeck Yarns.

Patricia Fields, Nell, Debbie, and Louise King

It was a table set for four at the Inn On The Lake, a charming boutique hotel right on the edge of Halifax, where the event took place.  Louise from LK Yarns joined the ladies for a gourmet dinner followed by dessert.  A real treat for Nell, who sampled one of the Inn’s specialities and loved it, a deep fried ice cream sundae.  

Inn On The Lake

Yes, Debbie Does Knit!!

Relaxing in the Maritimes, when there was a quiet moment, Debbie pulled out her knitting needles, and just as she has mentioned from time to time, moss stitch is her all-time fave. 

Registration Table

Mid-afternoon on Monday, after an enjoyable lunch and a leisurely stroll through the gardens, it was time to file in and register for the event.  Everyone was delighted to receive a gift bag filled with surprises and a bright pink ‘I Knit With Bliss’ button.      

Showing Debbie- "I Already Knit This One"

A blissful admirer proudly shows Debbie her knitted version of the Angel Capelet from the front cover of the Spring/Summer magazine.   

Checking Out The Mags

So many beautiful pattern books to choose from made it a tough decision to pick just one for the book signing. 

The Big Moment- Meeting Debbie!

Debbie meets the East Coast knitters one by one and finds out what projects they have been working on.

..And The Fun Begins

Once the audience was settled in, Debbie and Nell set up for the feature presentation.

Debbie Makes A Point!

Expressing her views on designing knitwear and styling the collections, Debbie captivated her audience.   

Riva Lace Edged Dress

Then it was on to the much anticipated fashion show and everyone played an important part in modelling the garments.  Fresh from the Bliss design studio in Britain to the runways of Halifax!  This Riva design was an instant hit.  

Riva Country Jacket

All smiles for Riva in a cosy weekend jacket…. 

Paloma Wrap

A fascinating design in Paloma, Debbie demonstrates just how to transform it from a cardigan to a shawl with just a flip over the shoulder. 

Party Angel Shrug

Making its grand debut in Halifax, Party Angel drew oohs and aahs from the crowd especially with the vibrant fuchsia colour shrug.  

Riva Capelet

This radiant smile says it all……….. we adore Debbie Bliss!  Thanks so much for taking the time to visit us in Halifax!

The weather could not have been more idyllic for knitters who travelled to scenic cottage country from as far south as Texas, and as far north as Timmins, to meet renowned knitwear designer, Debbie Bliss.  On the shores of Lake Muskoka, this special two-day event took place to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Debbie’s signature line of luxury yarns.   

Debbie Bliss arrives in Muskoka

Debbie arrived on Friday afternoon, and the first order of business was to relax in a Muskoka chair and soak in the gorgeous view from the hotel balcony.  A balmy summer’s day with blue skies greeted her, while just across the bay the RMS Segwun was docked and preparing for the blissful sunset dinner cruise that evening. 

Debbie and Nell ready to board RMS Segwun

Its time to board the steamship and surprise the knitters as they arrive.  Debbie was in good company with her daughter Nell joining in for the fun festivities.  This was Nell’s first visit to Canada, and what did she love most?? “The shopping!”  She also caught sight of her first loon, and asked, “whats up with these chairs, everywhere?”  Yes, Muskoka chairs were seen in every colour of the rainbow all along the lake.

Ready to embark on a Sunset Dinner Cruise

Debbie kicks up her heels and does her happy dance while Nell waits to meet the knitters as they come onboard.

Terry the Stilt Walker

Bon Voyage!  In a fiery blaze of colour, Terry the Stilt Walker waved the boat off on a three hour cruise of Lake Muskoka.

A meet 'n' greet with Debbie on the top deck

Cocktails on the upper deck!  Debbie gets a chance to meet her adoring fans and check out their knitwear before choosing a winner for The Wear Your Bliss Event.   

Book signing on the freight deck

The book signing gets underway on the freight deck.  In the background is the original red postal box from the days when the royal mail ship carried and delivered mail between the lakes.  Postcards can still be stamped and mailed today from the ship.     

Checking out the gift bags

Okay ladies…….. its time to open up those gift bags and see what goodies are inside.  Everyone had one of Debbie’s newest books for signing. 

The 'Ginger Girls'

Debbie dubbed these sisters, ‘The Ginger Girls’ and shared a funny moment with each of them during her book signing.

The magical moon

A postcard perfect view as twilight descended on the lake.  Who ordered this amazing summer weather??  The moon cast a magical spell and as darkness fell, became the ship’s guiding light, leading the captain back to the wharf.

Dining aboard the RMS Segwun

Right on cue!  Just as the first course ended, an incredible tangerine glow washed across the horizon for everyone to enjoy from the dining lounge. 

Doorprize Winner

After a delicious dinner and decadent chocolate cake for dessert, the doorprize was awarded to one very exuberant winner.  Congratulations again to Donna!

Setting up the Bliss Marketplace

Its an early morning set-up the next day inside Grace & Speed.  The Bliss Marketplace showcased all of Debbie’s latest yarns and books and drew quite a crowd of eager knitters by early afternoon.  Paloma, Riva, and Andes were three of the biggest hits, and all eyes were upon the just released Fall/Winter magazine.  Debbie brought along two of her brand new designs in Party Angel for a sneak peek, patterns are just being published and will show up soon in stores. 

Interactive Fashion Show

After lunch, Debbie wowed the audience with an inspiring presentation, focusing on her history and philosophy of design.  Her career began with knitted plants (Elton John was one of her first customers), and using odd materials like cling wrap for children’s garments.  She then led the audience over to the fashion stage for an interactive show with personal fittings. 

Debbie and Nell on the fashion stage

Debbie and Nell say goodbye to everyone, their time in Muskoka may have been short but it was a wonderful experience for all, interacting with fellow knitters and sharing in memories that will last a lifetime.

Next week its on to Halifax for highlights from the final stop on Debbie’s Canadian tour.

See more pics at:  facebook.com/diamondyarn/

Here is a heads up for all yarn retailers, knitwear designers, and teachers.  Canada’s own knitting trade show is on again for the second year in a row, and its being held just one hour north of Toronto in Stroud, Ontario, on Sunday September 18th.  Diamond Yarn will be participating this year and showing their support. 

This is an event open strictly to the trade only.  The day starts off with a presentation by Julia Grunau from Patternfish, focusing on the global shift in marketing knitting patterns, and how to introduce digital downloading to your business.  Well-known author, Sheryl Thies, will make a special appearance to sign copies of her current book- Get Hooked On Tunisian Crochet. 

Treat your staff to a day away, and preview the newest in knitting products, sample some of the finest yarns, browse through pattern books and check out Diamond Yarn’s designs on display.  Its a cash & carry event, a one-day extravaganza with lots of great deals, just remember to empty your vehicle before you come, for the trunkload of incredible savings.

Sunday September 18th

11- 5 pm

Stroud Curling Rink

7883 Yonge Street Unit A

Stroud, Ontario

www.knittrade.com

Diamond Yarn is now on Facebook with all the latest updates in yarn arrivals, pattern postings, and hot knit picks!  Join our tightly-knit community and let us know what projects you are currently working on from our extensive range of designs.  Share your inspiration, comment on your favorite yarns, upload a photo and show off your FO’s.  This is the place to pick up some helpful knitting tips, free patterns, and technical support for any of your Diamond patterns.  Two of our in-house designers are right at your fingertips, ready to answer your questions 24-7. 

With more than forty exclusive brands all under one roof, Diamond Yarn remains Canada’s leading importer of premium knitting yarns for almost half a century.  

Take part in our first Facebook contest!  Simply ‘LIKE’ our page, leave us a comment about why you love to knit with Diamond yarns, and we will pick three winners at random who will each win a surprise gift pack with five of the newest Diamond Luxury Collection pattern leaflets just released for the Fall/Winter season. 

(Contest closes Friday August 26th at midnight).

Here is a sampling of some of the gorgeous new designs from Diamond Luxury Collection-

Diamond Luxury Collection #1460

The true definition of a classic is in the simplicity of the details.  This form-fitting design is enhanced with a lace panel yoke that stretches across the sleeves.  Fine Merino Superwash DK steps out of the shadows with every shade under the sun, including eight new additions- lagoon, light rose, light lime, spearmint, corn, loden, dark rose, and mallard (shown above). 

Diamond Luxury Collection #1463

Our favorite tweed chunky, Llama Silk revamps itself in time for frosty days, with another six hues included in the collection.  This ultramodern tunic looks stunning in purple.

Diamond Luxury Collection #1469

A sampler of sensational stitches is ready to delight knitters in this polo neck tunic knit in Inca Touch.  Veridian (shown above).   

Diamond Luxury Collection #1473

From a wrap to a vest, and its knit all in one piece, this design will keep you toasty warm in Lima, a chunky weight yarn in Peruvian highland wool.  Take a gander at the updated shade card, and see which one catches your eye.  Cranberry flare (shown above).

Diamond Luxury Collection #1467

Get ready for the trendy ombre shades coming our way this Fall.  Knit up an openwork shawl with a touch of glimmer for day or evening.  Knit in the all-new Stellabella, an incredible soft and lightweight baby alpaca sprinkled with stellina, a worsted weight quality out now in ten fashionable shades.

Diamond Luxury Collection #1474

Cosy up to Baby Alpaca Glimmer in this simple to knit shoulder wrap, shown above in forest.  Six more wintry shades are ready for knitting.

Diamond Luxury Collection #1458

If you feel like splurging on a delicious treat for yourself, Baby Alpaca Sport doesn’t melt in your hands.  Its the ultimate in silky soft fibre.  Ten new shades are out in stores now, a jamboree of brights and heathers, including rosemary heather (shown above).  Stay snug and warm all winter in this split cowl neck design with bell sleeves.   

Diamond Luxury Collection #1466

Luxury at its best in a fabulous new ruffle yarn, Starry Nights, available in a dozen opulent colours.  Mesmerize your friends with a scarf or a shawl, and ssshh! only you will know the stitches are built into the yarn!  Golden cream (shown above).   

Under the cover of darkness, slipping quietly through city streets, targeting lamp posts, fire hydrants, and tree trunks, yarn bombers are out in full force this week showing off their latest tags, as an underground movement finally gets its day in the sun.  June 11th has been declared International Yarn Bombing Day, by Alberta-based knitter, Joann Matvichuk who came up with the idea last year.

“I started yarn bombing about a year ago now,” said Joann, “it was right up my alley, adventurous, quirky, and artsy all at the same time.”  During a bout of insomnia she surfed the blogosphere for yarn bombing ideas, and found this decorative form of knit graffiti was growing rapidly.  Her idea took shape from there, as she thought of a way to bring knitters and crocheters together for one day of the year, to create random beauty in their own urban landscape.     

99 Trees

A Yarn Bombing Road Trip

Street Colour in California

A Knitted Heart

A whimsical art form, part of the thrill for bombers is not knowing how long a knitted piece will stay where it is placed.  

Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver

Cherry blossoms were created to decorate a tree during a community knit-in to raise awareness for the Joy Kogawa House in Vancouver this past Spring.  Canadian authors, Leanne Prain and Mandy Moore organized the event on the heels of their book release- Yarn Bombing:  The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti.

A Helping Hand

Knitters received a little extra help from a ladder truck to attach the last of the cherry blossoms to the tallest branches.  

Vancouver Parking Meter

The Canadian division of yarn bombing has its roots firmly planted in the West Coast.  Here a curbside parking meter is decorated in rainbow brights. 

Look for an article on the current yarn bombing revolution coming in the next issue of TIME magazine!

The secret is out, Debbie Bliss is coming to Canada this September!  As a continuation of last week’s big announcement, here are the exciting details of the second stop on her 10th Anniversary Celebration Tour- at the picturesque Inn On The Lake in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  

Its an exclusive event, one that you won’t want to miss out on.  Read along and find out how you and your friends can take part in this special occasion- 

Get ready to mark your calendar and text your knitting friends, DEBBIE BLISS is coming this September!! To the delight of her devoted fans, the highly adored British designer and bestselling author will be making two Canadian appearances on a North American tour to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of her mega popular yarn brand.  A luminary presence in the knitting world, Debbie Bliss’s star began to soar when she transformed bland, boring baby knits into more contemporary styles with her no-fuss approach to design, inspiring an entirely new generation of knitters.

Read along this week and next for all the details on each exciting venue-

Debbie Bliss

It will be a warm and fuzzy gathering like never before as enthusiastic knitters meet and greet the superstar at these two exclusive events:

September 9th-10th in Muskoka

September 12th in Halifax

Grace & Speed

The second part of the Muskoka event takes place on Saturday, September 10th, at the opposite end of the bay, inside Grace & Speed, a heritage centre that pays homage to a century of boating, with the largest in-water display of antique wooden boats.  Reserve your seat for Debbie’s feature presentation and fashion show, browse through the Bliss marketplace highlighting the Fall/Winter Collection 2011 amidst the rich ambiance and history of a bygone era.

Marriott Residence Inn at Muskoka Wharf

Make it a weekend getaway in Muskoka, bring some friends, pack a few essentials (knitting projects), and get comfortable with the full package deal including Friday and Saturday events, and two nights at the Marriott Residence Inn, situated right at the shore of Lake Muskoka and just steps away from both venues.  Watch the sunset from a private balcony, enjoy a complimentary breakfast, wifi, indoor pool and fitness facilities.  Pets are welcome too!  Fine dining, golfing, shopping, galleries, are all within a short distance.  Come and enjoy the Real Muskoka Experience!

For further information and reservations please contact:

debbieblissatthewharf@vianet.ca

or toll-free:

1-800-894-1430

Just as barbecue season starts to sizzle, and the annual migration to the cottage gets underway, it was a fast forward sneak peek last weekend as the Fall/Winter Collections were revealed.  Inside the Diamond and Nova Showroom, yarn retailers from across Canada eagerly gathered to scout out the next wave of fashionable fibres in irresistible colours and tangible textures.

The mood for Fall/Winter 2011 is a return to glamour, with whispery soft yarns tinged with glitter and shine.  Not overpowering, just subtle enough to create a spark and a hint of allure.  Novelty yarns branch out in bold new directions, highly textured, whimsical, and inventive.  Its a smorgasbord for the imagination, with luxury fibres encased in nylon netting, wools and silks embellished with beads and decorative ornaments, fascinating tubular style merinos and blends that seem to emerge from a child’s corking set, eclectic ribbons that cascade magically into frilly layers.  Retro yarns are making an unexpected comeback, refreshed and inviting in chenille, brushed wool, and velour.

Get ready to be amazed by the newest variety of knitting yarns!  Here is an insider’s look at some of the highlights-

Manos Florcitas

A wildly exotic new line emerges from Argentina with lots of impact.

Manos Artesanas will enchant knitters of all ages with quirky handspun novelty yarns.  To make a knitted cowl, scarf, or hat really pop, be on the lookout for these four ‘gotta have’ qualities-

Dancing- a mohair and wool combination in a fiesta of colour.

Dancing Queen- going one step further, sprinkled with a parade of floaty little flowers.

Florcitas- thick and thin textured wool with squiggly tufts for added pizazz.

Versatile- pure wool in a polar weight, intermingled with distinct nodules for a pom pom effect.

Sirdar Softspun Luxury Soft DK

Sirdar perseveres year after year as the leader in sensible and affordable fashion yarns with a tried and true recipe for success.  Keep an eye on your LYS shelves for Softspun Luxury Soft DK, a gentle haze of wool and acrylic wrapped in a thin netting for enhanced sheen.

Sirdar Big Bamboo

Big Bamboo, another fresh quality arriving soon from Sirdar is a polar weight blend of bamboo, wool, and acrylic in a supersized lofty spin.  The secret to this feathery light texture is a hollow core, one of the ground-breaking corked style yarns grabbing the spotlight.  Babouska (another lightweight and retro style winner is a brushed wool blend in a chunky weight), and Shaggy (one skein of this thick and spikey textured yarn knits a funky scarf) are also slated to make an appearance very soon on store shelves.

Sirdar Firefly

Firefly takes flight, capturing the glittery side of Fall fashion in simple to knit evening styles.  Remember Eros, the original railroad track yarn?  Well, fans will approve of this newer version, boasting a jewel box array of colours and two versions to choose from in standard or metallic.

Louisa Harding Collection

Louisa Harding is a brand that exemplifies exquisiteness in design and product line.  Simonetta shines demurely with a sliver of metallic thread running through a cloudlike blur of kid mohair.  Nerissa aims for plushness and velveteen allure in a cotton based chenille.  Grace Hand Dyed with Beads adds a splurge of opulence to a current favorite by adding glass beads.

Noro Collection

From the other side of the globe, Noro keeps our senses fully stirred with a fiery blaze of colour, introducing three additions to their ultra popular line-up.  Hitsuji (extra bulky pure wool in cheery colourways), Wodaiko (an Autumn inspired rustic boucle), and Odori (a bulky blend of silk, angora, wool, and kid mohair).

Katia Mood Board

Dynamic and innovative, Katia continually explores new frontiers to push the boundaries of the industry.  Novelty scarves are floating swiftly into next season- Park Avenue, a sumptuous kid mohair blend cosies up to the current ruffle yarns with extra softness and drape.  Aloha tempts knitters in a whole different direction with a built in loop system that instantly creates a plush scarf or accent trim.  Kimbo, a tubular yarn with hollow core construction is one of the futuristic cork styled yarns that we are just beginning to see more of.  A blast from the past brings Velvet out of hiding, one of the touchy-feely yarns resembling furry little caterpillars.

Katia Triana Lux

Continuing with the phenomenal ruffle craze, Katia introduces Triana Lux, in fourteen shades deliciously sprinkled with a hint of glitter.

Sublime Pattern Book Collection

From Sublime, the focus is on rich colour, and quality fibres, with merino standing out from the crowd in pleasing styles for all ages.  Extra Fine Merino DK, Cashmere Merino Silk DK, and Chunky Merino Tweed are all featured prominently in the Fall/Winter design selection, plus a new kid on the block, Lustrous Extra Fine Merino, an all-natural fibre in a sheer nylon netting casting an aura of shine.

Diamond Luxury Collection

Diamond Luxury Collection hits a high note with fibre connoisseurs as the brand continues to expand in exciting new ways.  The spotlight shines on Stellabella (buttery smooth baby alpaca in a shoelace type yarn threaded with stellina), Baby Alpaca Glimmer (chunky weight baby alpaca infused with stellina), Starry Nights (a self-ruffling glitter yarn), Bambu Boa (an airy bamboo based self-layering yarn), and Tapiz (a marled and textured mix of fine alpaca). 

Starry Nights and StellaBella

Knitted accessories continue to be key players in this design collection, shawls, wraps, funky hats, and cowls reigning supreme.  Is it just our Canadian climate or does everyone love these continual loops that cosily drape around our neck?  Keep an eye out for a soon-to-be released Autumn inspired collection of designer hat patterns, handknit in the best of the Diamond Luxury Collection.

Baby Alpaca Glimmer and Starry Nights