We've MOVED! Check out our new blog space and our Wool Sale

Hello! 
Pardon us for being absent on this blog!
We have moved it, please visit our new blog space here: http://nordicmart.com/blog/

We're also having a HUGE wool sale right now! Seriously crazy low prices! So head to our webstore to take advantage of that :)

A Knitter's (or Crocheter's) Right to Choose-A NM Tutorial on How to Substitute Yarn

Here at Nordic Mart we answer lots of questions about yarn. How many yards? How much is it? Is it machine washable? Does it come in a more yellow-orange, instead of a gold-orange? You get the idea. :) One of our most common questions is "How much do I need?" This question happens a lot, sometimes it is a simple answer and sometimes it is a little more involved.  So to take away some of the mystery here's a handy how-to!

Lush by tincanknits

To get started lets choose a pattern. We thought we would go with this cute cardigan called Lush by tincanknits. This pattern calls for a DK weight yarn. Two great options to choose from would be DROPS Karisma Superwash or Cascade 220 Superwash.

DROPS Karisma Superwash- 109 yds / 50g

Cascade 220 Superwash- 220 yds / 100g

So lets say we are going to make a size Medium using DROPS Karisma which calls for 1100 yards of yarn. For this calculation you would take the yardage required (1100) and divide this by the yards per skein (109), the answer be the number of skeins needed. It's that simple! :)

1100 yards ÷ 109 yards = 10.09 skeins

For this number we would not round up. Most patterns count skeins not actual yardage, we would round up a skein if the decimal place was over 3. 10 skeins should be plenty for this project as long as the gauge is correct.

Chevron Stripes 3 Season Sweater by Esther Chandler

Let's do an example with Cascade 220 Superwash. Here's a pattern for you crocheters from Ravelry! This Chevron Stripes 3 Season Sweater by Esther Chandler is made using Debbie Bliss Rialto DK. What would we do if we wanted to make it in Cascade 220 Superwash instead? 

If we make a size 36 we need 4 skeins of cream, 2 skeins of purple and 2 skeins of Navy. 

Step 1:

Find the yards per gram of Debbie Bliss Rialto

Debbie Bliss Rialto- 115 yds / 50g

Step 2:

Multiply the skeins required by the yardage of Rialto

Cream: 4 x 115 yds. = 460 yds.
Purple: 2 x 115 yds. = 230 yds.
Navy: 2 x 115 yds. = 230 yds.

Step 3:

Find the yards per gram of Cascade 220 Superwash

Cascade 220 Superwash: 220 yds /100 grams

Step 4:

Divide the total amount of yards required by the yardage of Cascade 220

Cream: 460 yards ÷ 220 yards= 2.09 skeins
Purple: 1 skein
Navy: 1 skein
The purple and the navy require 230 yards, but the designer states that she had plenty of leftover yarn. This means that we only need one skein of purple and one skein of navy. We love an even exchange!

 It's not rocket science, but we know that calculations can be a challenge. Now you are ready to choose a color, which is the best part! We hope this tutorial helps more of you branch out and feel free to pick the yarn you want to work in! :)

Spring Inspiration

Happy Friday all! Spring is officially in the air and it is a great time to be inspired. We found some beautiful inspiration from a knit blog sharing photos of some knit and crochet floral creations. These photos are from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for their "Knit, Purl, Sow" exhibition. We were mesmerized by the intricate and complex work that has gone into creating this large flora and fauna!

We searched out our own floral inspiration on the web and we found some great patterns to share with you! We found patterns from Ravelry which is a great free pattern resource for knitters and crocheters alike!

Ravelry: Flower Power Shawl by Ekin Deniz

Ravelry: Flower Pie Shawl by Megan Ellinger

Both of these beautiful patterns can be knit in DROPS Lace, a lovely 70% Alpaca, 30% Mulberry Silk blend.

If it is still a little cold where you are at, but you want to bring some spring flowers into your life you could knit this blanket or jacket from Garnstudio.

Try this super soft knit blanket with big floral motifs made from DROPS Alpaca and DROPS Vivaldi

This sweater is one of our most popular patterns! It is originally knit in DROPS Nepal, but you can use any worsted weight yarn. Why not try your own unique spring version in Good Earth Solids, it is a great cotton/linen blend perfect for warmer weather!

If you have some spare time this weekend be sure and check out the podcast from The Knitmore Girls and listen for a Nordic Mart shout out! <3

Fun Yarn with Free Patterns

You may not have heard but about the Schachenmayr brand yarns, but they're some of our favorites here at Nordic Mart.

Boston, Boston Style, Lova, and Wash Filz-It! are all bulky yarns with great potential for colorful patterns.

Here we'll give you some adorable free patterns to use with these yarns for some inspiration! Why not give them a try?

First, let's meet the yarns:

Boston
Boston is Super Bulky
Wool/Acrylic Blend
Machine Washable
Just $4.95 per 50 grams
Find tons of pattern ideas for this yarn on Ravelry » 
Purchase Boston here »

Boston Style
Boston Style is Super Bulky
Wool/Acrylic/Polyester Blend
Machine Washable
Just $5.39 per 50 grams 
Find tons of pattern ideas for this yarn on Ravelry » 
Purchase Boston Style here »

Lova
Lova is Super Bulky
Wool/Acrylic Blend
Machine Washable
Just $5.95 per 50 grams
Find tons of patterns using this yarn on Ravelry » 
Purchase Lova here »

Wash Filz-It! (Now 25% Off for the month of March)
Wash Filz-It is Super Bulky
100% Virgin Wool
Will Felt easily in your Washing Machine
Starts at only $3.39 per 50 grams
Find tons of patterns using this yarn on Ravelry » 
Purchase Wash Filz It here »

What can I make with these yarns?

We're glad you asked! The possibilities are endless, but here are a few basic free patterns we picked out.

Two great hats for guys, one knit, one crochet, both stylish and easy to care for. 

Knit the hat on the left with this pattern »

Crochet the hat on the right with this pattern »

Order Boston for these hats»

These two jumpers are cozy, washable, and have fun pops of neon color for just the right amount of funk.

Knit the pattern on the left with this pattern »

Knit the pattern on the right with this pattern »

Order Lova to make these tops » 

Two great basic hats, one ribbed in Boston, one convertible in Lova.

The hat on the right can be cinched on the top to be a hat, or loosened and pulled around your neck as a cowl 

Make the hat on the right with this pattern »

Knit the hat on the left with this pattern »

Scarves for guys or girls, Boston makes some eye-catching accessories for everyone. 

Knit the pattern on the left with this pattern »

Crochet the pattern on the right with this pattern »

Order Boston »

Make this cute crop jacket in Lova or Boston using this pattern »

Have fun with these yarns and create funky and fashionable garments that will make you stand out! 

Find all these yarns at the best prices at www.nordicmart.com 

Happy Crafting! 

**Alpaca Party!**

It's that super special time of year again....

It's time for a SALE!

All 8 of our Alpaca or Alpaca blend yarns are now 25% off until the end of 2013!

We have some ideas of our own for great Alpaca Party Projects, and we can't wait to see what you all come up with using these great Drops yarns!

There is a whole page of awesome knit and crochet hat patterns perfect for the cooling weather, and all made with Alpaca yarns! Find all the hats here >> 

You can also join the Facebook group for the Alpaca Party Knit Along to get tons of ideas and share your projects with other Alpaca yarn lovers.

Let's look at the yarns:


Drops Alpaca
Content: 100% Alpaca
Yarn Group: A (23 - 26 stitches)
Weight/yardage: 1.8 oz (50 g) = approx 183 yds (167 m)
Recommended needle size: US 1,5 - US 4 / 2,5 - 3,5 mm
Gauge: 4" x 4" / 10 x 10 cm = 23 sts x 30 rows
Hand Wash, cold max 30°C / 86F. Dry Flat / Feltable


Browse all free patterns using Alpaca









Drops Alpaca Boucle
Content: 80% Alpaca, 15% Wool, 5% Polyamide
Yarn Group: C (16 - 19 stitches)
Weight/yardage: 1.8 oz (50 g) = approx 153 yds (140 m)
Recommended needle size: US 8 / 5 mm
Gauge: 4" x 4" / 10 x 10 cm = 17 sts x 22 rows
Hand Wash, cold max 30°C / 86F. Dry Flat / Feltable


Browse all free patterns using Alpaca Boucle








 Drops Alpaca Silk
Content: 77% Alpaca, 23% Silk                                                   
Yarn Group: C (16 - 19 stitches)
Weight/yardage: 0.9 oz (25 g) = approx 153 yds (140 m)
Recommended needle size: US 8 / 5 mm
Gauge: 4" x 4" / 10 x 10 cm = 17 sts x 24 rows
Hand Wash, cold max 30°C / 86F. Dry Flat 

Browse free patterns where Alpaca Silk can be used

DROPS Andes

Content: 65% Wool, 35% Alpaca
Yarn Group: E (9 - 11 stitches)
Weight/yardage: 3.5 oz (100 g) = approx 105 yds (96 m)
Recommended needle size: US 13 / 9 mm
Gauge: 4" x 4" / 10 x 10 cm = 10 sts x 14 rows
Hand Wash, cold max 30°C / 86F. Dry Flat / Feltable


Browse all free patterns using Andes









Drops BabyAlpaca Silk                                                         
Content: 70% Alpaca, 30% Silk
Yarn Group: A (23 - 26 stitches)
Weight/yardage: 1.8 oz (50 g) = approx 183 yds (167 m)
Recommended needle size: US 4 / 3,5 mm
Gauge: 4" x 4" / 10 x 10 cm = 23 sts x 30 rows
Hand Wash, cold max 30°C / 86F. Dry Flat / Feltable


Browse all free patterns using BabyAlpaca Silk



   

 Drops Lace
Content: 70% Alpaca, 30% Silk
Yarn Group: A (23 - 26 stitches)
Weight/yardage: 3.5 oz (100 g) = approx 875 yds (800 m)
Recommended needle size: US 2,5 / 3 mm
Gauge: 4" x 4" / 10 x 10 cm = 28 sts x 34 rows
Hand Wash, cold max 30°C / 86F. Stretch to right measurements and Dry Flat / Feltable


Browse all free patterns using Lace








 Drops Lima
Content: 65% Wool, 35% Alpaca
Yarn Group: B (20 - 22 stitches)
Weight/yardage: 1.8 oz (50 g) = approx 101 yds (92 m)
Recommended needle size: US 6 / 4 mm
Gauge: 4" x 4" / 10 x 10 cm = 21 sts x 28 rows
Hand Wash, cold max 30°C / 86F. Dry Flat / Feltable

Browse all free patterns using Lima





 



 Drops Nepal

Content: 65% Wool, 35% Alpaca
Yarn Group: C (16 - 19 stitches)
Weight/yardage: 1.8 oz (50 g) = approx 82 yds (75 m)
Recommended needle size: US 8 / 5 mm
Gauge: 4" x 4" / 10 x 10 cm = 17 sts x 22 rows
Hand Wash, cold max 30°C / 86F. Dry Flat / Feltable


 Browse all free patterns using Nepal




So many great choices! It's so hard to pick just one color or type of yarn, good thing this sale can allow you to try lots of yarns with super low prices.

Happy Yarn Hunting and Happy Crafting!
XO,

What's New?

We have some new awesome products that we want to introduce to you! 

These are just a few things we have added to our selection lately that we think think you should see.

First off are some of our NEW Chic-a bags. We will slowly be adding new stock of these bags, but one of our favorite new bags is the Market Tote.

We have a few different patterns, and these bags are perfect not only for your knitting or crochet projects, but also as a grocery tote, a bag to take to the beach, or to carry work or school supplies!

We have 4 adorable patterns in the Market Tote, but just one of each in stock! Grab yours before its sold out!

Purchase these Market Totes plus all of our other awesome Chic-a Bags in our Webstore!

The interior has two pockets, a magnetic closure, and two snaps to extend the bag from smaller to larger .

 You don't want to miss this next item!

We have a new, very unique item you won't find anywhere else.

It's called a Yarn Susan, and its meant to keep your skeins of yarn or cones of thread from rolling away while you're working with them! It spins smoothly, much like a lazy susan on a table and is very easy to travel with since it features a removable spindle!
These would make a great gift for yarn lovers, and each one is one-of-a-kind and handmade in the USA. We met the creator, Jack, when we bought these yarn susans, and we selected a few of his most gorgeous Cherry wood susans!

As you pull your working yarn, the yarn susan smoothly spins on its base to dispense your yarn easily and keep your skein from rolling away.

A bottom view of the well crafted spinning mechanism on the Yarn Susan

It comes with its own cloth bag to store it away or travel in. The spindle is easily removable.

You can wind your yarn right onto the Susan by spinning it, or by using the spindle as a Nostepinne.
 

Purchase a beautiful Yarn Susan in our Webstore

 

 Have you ever tried Tunisian Crochet? 

It's a different method of crochet which creates a denser stitch, and can look more like knitting that traditional crochet. The hooks are attached to a cord, since this techniques has all the stitches you are working on the hook at one time.

If you've never tried this technique before, grab one of our Tunisian Hooks and give it a try.
You can buy all of our hooks by themselves in our Webstore. And if you love Tunisian Crochet, we have a whole set of Tunisian Crochet Hooks.

To learn Tunisian Crochet watch these videos:
Tunisian Crochet Afghan Stitch
Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch

To make this easy pattern, follow these basic instructions:

Ipad cover in Tunisian crochet
Measure from side to side: 7½ x 10 inches (19x25cm)
2 skeins DROPS Nepal #8783 forget-me-not (or whichever worsted weight yarn you like best)
Work tunisian crochet following tutorial videos

With hook 5mm/H ch 29. Insert the hook back into the 2nd ch from hook, pull yarn through, then insert hook in next ch, pull yarn through and so on until end of chain row. All 28 new sts remain on the hook. At the end of row do not turn work, but now start binding off each stitch by first pulling yarn through 1 st, then yarn trough 2 sts at the same time until end of row. Pick up sts again and continue back and forth.
When piece measure 21 inch (54cm) work a row with sc along upper edge, making 3 button hole loops evenly by chaining 6-8 sts before continuing with sc in each st.
Fasten off. Fold piece double so top flap with loops overlaps. Sew tog sides. Sew on buttons to match the loops.
Voila! 

There are a lot of fun Tunisian Crochet patterns available on Ravelry if you need more of this fun stitch.  

Awesome Andes!

When Garnstudio released the new colors in our favorite bulky weight yarn, Andes, we couldn't wait to get our hands on them.
It took us a little while, but we finally have new Andes colors in stock, and they are GORGEOUS!

We couldn't resist making some awesome quick items with our favorite colors, and we're sharing them with you.

Purchase all of these New Andes colors in our Webstore

 

Nordic Mart staffer Theresa loved Autumn Orange and crafted a gorgeous headband from a free Ravelry Pattern!

The pattern is called Blue Leaf Headband designed by Adrienne Krey.

Its a quick knit, so its a perfect gift. 

Check out Theresa's version in Drops Andes, it only takes about half a skein!

There are so many great Andes patterns, and with its Bulky weight, its great for beginners and for warm winter wear. 

Pick your favorite new color and create this wonderful throw with this free pattern.

You can keep your feet toasty warm with these adorable slippers in Andes

And this super cozy jacket with lace pattern detail will look great for the holidays in our newest green shades of Andes. Here's the free pattern. 

Check out all the patterns for Bulky weight yarns where Andes can be used. They're all FREE!

 

Leave us a comment and let us know what you think of these new colors! There are a few more colors we haven't received yet, so be on the lookout for those coming soon, as well as new yarns like our Cotton Merino. We'll keep you updated on those arrivals via our Facebook page, so make sure you "Like" us! :)

Happy Crafting,