Merry Christmas!

Alison and her staff at Knitting Yarns by Mail would like to wish all our valued customers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. It's been a tough year for many businesses due to the economic crisis, but thanks to all our loyal customers we're still going strong, and look forward to serving you in the year to come.

Thankyou again, and all the best for the Christmas season.

Alison & the staff at Knitting Yarns by Mail

Free Gift Tags

Don't forget: we're providing FREE Christmas gift tags to go with your presents. To receive your gift tags, simply indicate the quantity you need on your 'Nimble Fingers' order form, or tell us how many you would like in the comments box of your online order. You can get as many gift tags as there are products in your order. This offer is available on all orders made between now and December 15th. Spread the Christmas cheer!

Satin Ribbon now available

Double-sided satin ribbon is now available through our Knitting Yarns by Mail website. The ribbon is 7mm in diameter, and can be purchased in a wide range of shades. The ribbon will be sold by the metre. To purchase, select the shade of ribbon you need, then adjust the quantity to indicate how many metres you require. Don't forget to click the "Update" button! The subtotal will adjust to reflect the number of metres you have requested.

Lana Gatto Prestige 100% cashmere: new shades

We are now stocking Lana Gatto's luxurious 100% cashmere in a greater range of shades. These are (from left): Grape, Chartruese and Beige. In these tough economic times we're all cutting back a bit, but let's face it: we still need the occasional treat! You won't be disappointed with the results when you feel for yourself the superb softness and warmth of pure cashmere against your skin. If you'd like to give it a go but aren't sure what to knit, we have designed a Turkish stitch scarf specifically for Lana Gatto's Prestige. This simple pattern produces impressive results, and with only 2 balls of Lana Gatto's 100% cashmere required to complete the project, it won't break the bank either! Visit our Free Knitting Patterns page to view the instructions.

www.knittingyarns.com.au

Extended range of Debbie Bliss products at Knitting Yarns by Mail

Debbie Bliss yarns are synonymous with luxury, style and elegance. As a designer, Debbie Bliss is firmly established as one of the most stylish and accessible designers of childrens knitwear working today.

We have now expanded our range of Debbie Bliss yarns to include Baby Cashmerino and Cashmerino Aran yarns. Both are composed of 55% merino wool, 33% microfibre and 12% cashmere, a blend which is ideal for knitting for newborn and small babies, as it is gentle against sensitive new skin.

These luxurious yarns are accompanied by two beautiful Debbie Bliss pattern books for babies and young children, "The Baby Knits Book" and "Special Knits". These Debbie Bliss pattern books will allow you to create gorgeous gifts that will be treasured by new arrivals and parents alike, or alternatively could be given as gifts themselves to expectant mothers or grandmothers.

Visit our website, http://www.knittingyarns.com.au/ for more information.

Knitting with Children at "Knitting Yarns by Mail"

Pursuing craft activities from a young age is such a valuable experience for children. A craft activity such as knitting allows children to develop confidence in their own abilities, with the results of their efforts unfolding right before their eyes. Knitting promotes creative thinking whilst also developing logic and spatial reasoning skills; children learn to translate a 'plan' (the written pattern or grid design) into a finished piece of work. When we add to this the improvements in fine motor skills and hand strength which are required to master the small hand movements in knitting, we can see that this simple activity has broad-reaching benefits to children of all ages. All of these skills are valuable in other areas of childrens lives and learning; spatial reasoning and logic in mathematics and science; fine motor skills and hand strength in writing, drawing, playing a musical instrument, typing, art and other crafts; creativity in problem-solving and a range of artistic endeavours; and self-confidence, a sense of fulfillment and the ability to see a project through to its conclusion, which are invaluable across the full spectrum of activities they may undertake in their daily lives throughout childhood and beyond.

With early exposure to art and craft, children will learn to enjoy the process of creation and will realise the satisfaction that comes from making something with their own hands. It can open their eyes to the work that goes into making something from scratch, and teaches them to value things made by others all the more.

And, of course, knitting is fun! This is the key ingredient to fostering a passion for craft and working with their hands, which will accompany a child on their journey throughout life.

In recognition of these benefits, Knitting Yarns by Mail are now stocking products designed specifically with children in mind. French Knitters are great for younger children in the development of pre-knitting skills. The French Knitter provides children with rapid results, producing a long tube of knitted fabric which can be put to a range of creative uses. Once children have mastered the French Knitter, they can move on to the childrens pairs of knitting needles, available in 3.25mm and 4mm sizes. These childrens needles assist them in the transition to standard knitting needles, as each needle is a different colour for easier learning.

To see more of these wonderful children products, visit our new "Knitting with Children" section at Knitting Yarns by Mail.

http://www.knittingyarns.com.au/

Introducing Heirloom Bliss

Heirloom Bliss has arrived: Bliss by name, bliss by nature! We believe this exquisite double-twist yarn in 100% fine merino wool will soon become a firm favourite amongst knitters. Furthermore, Heirloom Bliss is proudly Made in Australia, so you can feel comfortable in the knowledge that your purchase is supporting Australian workers and our economy in these tough times.

Heirloom have released an adorable jumper pattern with 3/4 length sleeves and diamond motif trim to accompany Heirloom Bliss. Click here for further details.

Heirloom Jigsaw Special

Right now, selected shades of Heirloom Jigsaw are available at a special price on our Specials and Gift Suggestions page. Choose from 10 different self-striping shades ranging from subtle pastels to vibrant reds and vivid oranges. Can't find the shade you want here? Why not try one of the 10 new shades of Jigsaw just released for Winter 2009, found on our Knitting Yarns page. With such a vast range of options, there's something for everyone (the difficulty is in deciding which ones to leave behind!).

Fabulous New Heirloom Color Works

Have a look at this fabulous new yarn from Heirloom. Heirloom Color Works is a 100% pure fine merino yarn, proudly made in Australia. It is clear that the lively colour palette was designed with children in mind, with 24 bright and toning colours to choose from. Create knits that children will love and cherish, whilst indulging your own passion for working with beautiful shades and soft handling natural fibres.

For further details or to purchase, visit Knitting Yarns by Mail. Don't miss out on our special introductory price: the offer ends 31st July, 2009.

Knitters Hint: when designing your own unique garments, shades selected from the one row in the picture above will work best together. They are organised into Pastels, Mid-Tones, Bright Tones and Deep Tones.

To complement the new Color Works yarn, Heirloom has released a book of childrens patterns for children aged 1-10. Simply titled "Color Works", the 10 designs were created with the preferences and growth of children in mind; the necks are loose, the fit is for growing bodies and many of the jumpers have side vents. The designs include cardigans, hats, vest, jacket, scarves, fingerless gloves and headband. We are also offering the pattern book at a special introductory price for a limited time. Click here to see more.

Shepherd Colour 4 Me: New to our Range

We have broadened our range of brands this month with the addition of Colour 4 Me 8ply, a 100% quality Australian wool yarn from Shepherd. We are particularly excited about the two multi shades (bright-multi and pastel-multi), as they are something quite different from the other 8ply yarns available. Click here for more information.

www.knittingyarns.com.au

Young Fashion Knits for Patons Inca and Jet

Patons Book 1260 "Young Fashion Knits" for Patons Inca and Jet yarns is now available. The book contains 19 designs for sizes XXS to XL, and includes patterns for sweaters, crop jacket and cardigan, coats, wrap, poncho, mini skirt, bags, scarf, hat, fingerless gloves, belt and leggings. This book is great for those who are just starting out in knitting, with most of the patterns either beginner or easy knits. Click here to visit our Knitting Yarns by Mail website for further details.

www.knittingyarns.com.au

New season Jigsaw sock yarn shades now available

Heirloom have released all new shades of Jigsaw sock yarn for Winter 2009! Heirloom Jigsaw has become a much beloved 'intelligent' yarn amongst sock knitters: you knit plain while it knits fairisle. With Jigsaw yarn, you get the fantastic patterning effect (and all the credit!) without the hassle of carrying around several balls of yarn or following complicated pattern instructions. The new shade selection offers something for everyone, with pastel striping on offer alongside vivid reds, oranges, greens and blues.

To view the new shades of Heirloom Jigsaw (which are now in stock) click here.

Heirloom Jigsaw Sock Pattern 296 (pictured above and available by clicking here) is the perfect partner to your Jigsaw yarn. This pattern has been written specifically for Jigsaw yarn, and will show off the fairisle patterning of your socks to best advantage.

www.knittingyarns.com.au

Patons Patonyle has returned!

Patons Patonyle has been a family favourite for many years. Patonyle has now returned for the Winter 2009 season in a range of shades terrific for both men and women. Patonyle is soft yet hardwearing, and its 80% wool 20% nylon composition makes it ideal for socks. Patons Patonyle is warm machine washable, and is knitted at a tension of 28sts and 36 rows to 10cm on 3.25mm needles.

Click here to view Patonyle on our Knitting Yarns by Mail website.

Click here for Patonyle sock pattern 7016, with 7 sock designs for Patonyle including classic, rib, cable and stripes for men, women and children aged 0-9. The perfect accompaniment to your Patonyle yarn.

www.knittingyarns.com.au

Winter Warmer: Mum's Vegetable Soup

This is a slightly modified version of Mum's classic veggie soup. She used to make her own stock using lamb shanks as the base. The soup would need to cook for at least 2 hours on the stove, before the shanks were removed to be served with parsley sauce as a dish in their own right. To save time (and to overcome the difficulties in obtaining lamb shanks these days) this version is made with commercial stock, and the results are still very tasty.

4 litres beef or vegetable stock
1 cup pearl barley, washed and drained
4 large carrots, grated
1 large parsnip, grated
3 large onions, finely chopped
5 stalks celery, washed, strings removed and finely chopped
1 tsp salt if necessary

For extra flavour, leafy tops from the celery may be added to soup while cooking and removed before serving.

Place all ingredients in a large saucepan, cover and bring to the boil.

Simmer gently for 1 hour. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve with crusty bread for a hearty meal on a cold winter's night.

Knitting Yarns by Mail Mothers Day Bonus

Don't miss out on our fantastic offer this month. Make any purchase through our Knitting Yarns by Mail website during the month of May and receive a voucher entitling you to 10% off your next order! Go on - treat yourself!

www.knittingyarns.com.au

Knitting Kits Now Available at KYBM!

Readers of our newsletter 'Nimble Fingers' were recently given the opportunity to purchase our exclusive 'Pagoda' small handbag pattern as part of a yarn kit. We were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response of our readers to the new 'Kit' format. As a result, we have now made our 'Pagoda' bag kits available for purchase through our Knitting Yarns By Mail website. Also available now is our Inverloch Cardigan Kit. The 'Inverloch' is a wonderfully cosy, stylish cardigan with ribbed collar, knitted in beautifully soft, multi-tonal Heirloom Picasso brushed mohair yarn. The kit allows you the flexibility to choose your favourite shade of Heirloom Picasso, and comes with seven buttons to complement the shade of yarn you've selected.

Knitting Kits are perfect for knitters who can't wait to get started; the pattern, yarn and any accessories you will need are all included in your kit. And there's no more running around looking for matching buttons or zips to complete your project (how often do you end up putting your almost-finished work aside for months for want of these final touches?!). It's all delivered right to your door.

We plan to add more knitting kits in the future. To view the kits currently available, visit Knitting Yarns By Mail and select Knitting Kits from the left-hand menu.

('Nimble Fingers' is the knitting and craft newsletter of Knitting Yarns By Mail and Stokesay Mohair Farm. To subscribe, simply place an order via our Knitting Yarns By Mail or Stokesay Mohair Farm websites, and you will receive a 12-month subscription FREE with your order).

New shades of Cleckheaton Country Silk

Although a number of our old favourites are no longer available, three exciting new shades have been added this season to Cleckheaton's Country Silk. Suitable for most 8ply patterns, the flecks of silk throughout this yarn add interest and texture to even the simplest of garments. Cleckheaton has also released two pattern books dedicated to Country Silk, available from our Pattern Books page.

Pictured from left to right: Cleckheaton Country Silk 10 (Deep Blue), 18 (Butternut) and 20 (Sage).

For further details and a full shade card, visit our Knitting Yarns By Mail website.

New shades of Cleckheaton Studio Mohair

Two new multi-shades: 33 - Sea Mist Multi and 31 - Highland Multi are now available in Cleckheaton Studio Mohair 8ply.

If you haven't knitted in mohair before, Studio Mohair is a fantastic place to start. Cleckheaton have produced a wonderful range of pattern books for this yarn, with styles and levels of difficulty to suit all knitters. Visit our Pattern Books page to view some of the patterns available for this impressive yarn.

New shades of Merino Magic

Raspberry (Shade 203) and Mid-Grey (Shade 214) are new additions to our extensive range of Merino Magic pure premium quality 8ply wool shades.

Visit Knitting Yarns By Mail for details and a full shade card.

Expanded range of Lana Gatto Prestige 100% Cashmere

Due to popular demand, we are now stocking this luxury yarn in a broader range of shades. Lana Gatto's Prestige 100% Cashmere is the ultimate in indulgence. If you haven't yet had the opportunity to try it, experience now the unparalleled sensation of super soft, warm and sensual 100% cashmere against your skin.



Please visit our Knitting Yarns By Mail website for further details, or to purchase this magnificent yarn.

New: Heirloom Baby Silk 4ply

4ply knitters will love this latest addition to our range. Heirloom Baby Silk is a blend of 88% wool and 12% silk, making for a smoother, softer handle yet retaining the practicality of being machine washable (a feature which parents and grandparents alike will appreciate). Whilst the palette is ideal for baby knitting, Heirloom Silk Touch is not just for kids! The neutral shades are ideal for adult garments and accessories.

Heirloom Baby Silk is available now from our Knitting Yarns By Mail website.

Now available: Heirloom Silk Touch 8ply

Have a look at this terrific new yarn. Combining 85% fine merino wool with 10% alpaca and 5% silk, Heirloom's Silk Touch is luxury with an affordable price-tag. In a range of refreshingly delectable shades, knitters with an eye for design won't be able to resist.

For further details or to purchase, visit our Knitting Yarns by Mail website.