Posted on Posted in Yarns

Here at Loop, we can’t get enough of hand-dyed yarns. It’s not uncommon for us to open a box from one of the lovely hand-dyers whose yarns we stock and gasp in awe of the deep, rich colours they manage to produce. Part of the beauty of their work is that each skein is ever-so-slightly unique, making it that much more fun to choose which ones should go home with you. But it’s not just hand-dyed yarns that we lust after – it’s ribbons, buttons and trims too! The buttons above, for example, come from Barcelona, where the velvet is …

Hand-dyed Loveliness at Loop! Read more »

Posted on Posted in Techniques

I was recently reminded how confusing the issues around blocking finished knits can be. To wet block or steam? Use blocking wires or not? Iron, steam or leave to dry? Many people I come across also believe that the stated needles and gauge on a pattern are set in stone. They understand they can substitute a similar weight yarn but don’t feel they have permission to experiment with the needles and gauge. This isn’t true. It may be more complicated to do this when knitting a fitted garment but it is a pleasure to do when knitting shawls, scarves and …

Top Tips for Blocking Your Knits! Read more »

Posted on Posted in Free Patterns, Patterns, Yarns

This week we have a special treat for you! If you’re a regular Ravelry user, you will probably have seen that one of our favourite designers, Stephen West, has been hosting a ‘knit-along’ and releasing stunning patterns as part of his Westy’s Besties KAL recently. This week, the pattern being released is the shawl he originally designed for Loop – the Westloop Shawl! Stephen has very kindly agreed to offer the pattern for free to Loop customers who purchase the yarn for the pattern in either Brooklyn Tweed LOFT or or the Isager yarns required for the pattern. Hooray!