April HerStory: Zahidi Kazmi
Our April colorway, Paxi, is inspired by the story of the first female taxi driver in Pakistan and the legacy that her courage has left. In 1992, as a newly-widowed mother of 6, Zahida Kazmi took advantage of a government assistance program to purchase a yellow cab, and began ferrying people from the airport to their homes all over Islamabad. Although Pakistan was more moderate then than it is now, jobs like driving taxis were reserved for men and men alone. She fought against not only the societal misogyny that surely followed her throughout her career, but the ingrained misogyny carried by her family members.
At first, she covered up as much as possible, wearing first burkas and then hijabs, but as her business and her presence became more established, she stopped covering her head. Over the years, Kazmi gained the respect of her fellow taxi drivers, as well as her customers, and eventually became the chairperson of Pakistan's Yellow Cab Association. In 2017, as a response to a study published by the International Labor Organization which identified the lack of safe transportation as a major contributor to the low number of Pakistani women participating in the workforce, Paxi was formed. Paxi is a fleet of pink taxis whose purpose is to provide a safe route to work for women. Public transportation in Pakistan can be unsafe for women, many of whom face sexual harassment or worse while just trying to get to work. Paxi offers transportation specifically for women, aiming to create a safe environment and remove the transportation barrier to women's ability to work. It's not perfect (it's much more expensive than even regular taxi service, which means many lower-income women are totally priced out of it), but it's a definite step forward in safety and an attempt to support women who want to/need to work. So, as you cast on your Paxi socks, spend some time and send some good energy to those women who break barriers out of necessity and pave the way for more equity in our world. Thank you, Zahida Kazmi, for doing what you needed to do for your family, and thus helping other women to have a bit more autonomy and safety
March HerStory: Libby Riddles
2020 is the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in the U.S. So we joined this awesome campaign! HIghlighting one amazing woman each month with a custom color yarn in each woman's honor! Indie yarn dyer, KnittedWit, wanted to highlight women who were the first in some endeavor, both for the very real spearheading they did, but also, (and maybe even more importantly), for the opportunities they uncovered for others by being the first and serving as a shining example. Every year in early March, teams of people and dogs race across the Alaskan landscape for upwards of 1,000 miles, each trying to best the other in the annual Iditarod Dog Sled Race. It beganin 1967 as a short race, and was a commemoration of the emergency dog sledding treks to Nome to help battle a diptheria outbreak in 1925. In 1973, the race that has evolved into the current-day Iditarod was first run. Teams consist of a musher (driver) and 12-16 dogs, and, depending on weather and other factors, the Iditarod can take 10-20 days to complete. In 1985, Libby Riddles, a 28-year old Alaskan originally from Wisconsin, became the first woman to win the Iditarod, pushing herself and her dogs to drive through absolutely awful conditions to triumph. While many of her fellow mushers hunkered down at a checkpoint to wait out the worst of a massive storm, Libby set out on her trail to victory, and kept up her lead throughout the rest of the race. Her win was so inspiring, not only because she was the first woman to do so, but because she came out on top by being the most courageous musher on the field. Her win catapulted dog sled racing into the mainstream, and inspired countless young women to pursue dreams in the once typically-male domain. Shop now for a wonderful sock yarn dyed in honored of Libby Riddles and her canine companions who perservered and won!
2020 is the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in the U.S. So we joined this awesome campaign! HIghlighting one amazing woman each month with a custom color yarn in each woman's honor! Indie yarn dyer, KnittedWit, wanted to highlight women who were the first in some endeavor, both for the very real spearheading they did, but also, (and maybe even more importantly), for the opportunities they uncovered for others by being the first and serving as a shining example. Every year in early March, teams of people and dogs race across the Alaskan landscape for upwards of 1,000 miles, each trying to best the other in the annual Iditarod Dog Sled Race. It beganin 1967 as a short race, and was a commemoration of the emergency dog sledding treks to Nome to help battle a diptheria outbreak in 1925. In 1973, the race that has evolved into the current-day Iditarod was first run. Teams consist of a musher (driver) and 12-16 dogs, and, depending on weather and other factors, the Iditarod can take 10-20 days to complete. In 1985, Libby Riddles, a 28-year old Alaskan originally from Wisconsin, became the first woman to win the Iditarod, pushing herself and her dogs to drive through absolutely awful conditions to triumph. While many of her fellow mushers hunkered down at a checkpoint to wait out the worst of a massive storm, Libby set out on her trail to victory, and kept up her lead throughout the rest of the race. Her win was so inspiring, not only because she was the first woman to do so, but because she came out on top by being the most courageous musher on the field. Her win catapulted dog sled racing into the mainstream, and inspired countless young women to pursue dreams in the once typically-male domain. Shop now for a wonderful sock yarn dyed in honored of Libby Riddles and her canine companions who perservered and won!
#HatNotHate 2020
We're an Official Drop-Off Location
A blue wave of love continues to sweep across the country after last year's amazing October campaign rallying knitters and crocheters to create blue hats for children in every state. #HatNotHate Mission: To rally communities to raise awareness and stand up to bullying. Lion Brand Yarns' amazing intitiative brought over 25,000 blue hats to children and adults across the country. in 2020, the goal is 100,000 hats! And you can help. Patterns are available online and denim-colored yarn in any fiber works for making your donations.
In fact The Artful Yarn is an official #HatNotHate Drop-Off location. Hats are now being collected and we will ship them directly to Lion Brand as we get closer to the August deadline. NEW! Special blue yarn in-stock now! $6.99/skein.
Click Here for the #HatNotHate Official Lookbook
photo credit to Flavi Makes
We're an Official Drop-Off Location
A blue wave of love continues to sweep across the country after last year's amazing October campaign rallying knitters and crocheters to create blue hats for children in every state. #HatNotHate Mission: To rally communities to raise awareness and stand up to bullying. Lion Brand Yarns' amazing intitiative brought over 25,000 blue hats to children and adults across the country. in 2020, the goal is 100,000 hats! And you can help. Patterns are available online and denim-colored yarn in any fiber works for making your donations.
In fact The Artful Yarn is an official #HatNotHate Drop-Off location. Hats are now being collected and we will ship them directly to Lion Brand as we get closer to the August deadline. NEW! Special blue yarn in-stock now! $6.99/skein.
Click Here for the #HatNotHate Official Lookbook
photo credit to Flavi Makes
HerStory: A 12-Month Story of
Women's Firsts Dedicated in Custom-Dyed Yarn
2020 is the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in the U.S. So we joined this awesome campaign! HIghlighting one amazing woman each month with a custom color yarn in each woman's honor! Indie yarn dyer, KnittedWit, wanted to highlight women who were the first in some endeavor, both for the very real spearheading they did, but also, (and maybe even more importantly), for the opportunities they uncovered for others by being the first and serving as a shining example. To that end, the first HerStory recipient is Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Mount Everest and complete the Seven Summits. Her family didn't have the money to support her burgeoning hobby as a child, so it wasn't until she was in college that she was able to fully pursue her mountaineering dreams. She founded the Ladies Climbing Club in 1969, whose slogan was "Let's go on an overseas expedition by ourselves." It was revolutionary, to create a woman-only club focused on a male past-time such as mountain climbing; many men thought Tabei's interest was feigned, solely to secure a husband. Read more about her efforts to climb Mount Everest and the many obstacles she and her climbing friends encountered and overcame by clicking this link.
Women's Firsts Dedicated in Custom-Dyed Yarn
2020 is the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in the U.S. So we joined this awesome campaign! HIghlighting one amazing woman each month with a custom color yarn in each woman's honor! Indie yarn dyer, KnittedWit, wanted to highlight women who were the first in some endeavor, both for the very real spearheading they did, but also, (and maybe even more importantly), for the opportunities they uncovered for others by being the first and serving as a shining example. To that end, the first HerStory recipient is Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Mount Everest and complete the Seven Summits. Her family didn't have the money to support her burgeoning hobby as a child, so it wasn't until she was in college that she was able to fully pursue her mountaineering dreams. She founded the Ladies Climbing Club in 1969, whose slogan was "Let's go on an overseas expedition by ourselves." It was revolutionary, to create a woman-only club focused on a male past-time such as mountain climbing; many men thought Tabei's interest was feigned, solely to secure a husband. Read more about her efforts to climb Mount Everest and the many obstacles she and her climbing friends encountered and overcame by clicking this link.
WIN THE HOLIDAYS
With exclusive gifts and new yarn, we've got what knitters and crocheters hope for under the tree! Shop online or in the store for special gift certificate offers. Enjoy our annual Hot Chocolate Bar and all the treasured fun that is Chagrin Falls at the holidays!
Visit the shop now for great gifts and stocking stuffers! Freia Yarns mini yarn cakes, needles organizers, 5" European faux fur pompoms, the ultimate Gleener, SOAK duo sets and Eco wash bags, hand-decorated tape measures, Jelby needle protectors, all-natural lotion sticks, books and so much more!
Join us this season for fun classes and don't miss our Spun Right Round Yarns Holiday Trunk Show starting Saturday, December. Tickets on sale now for our kick-off Holiday Brunch too!
BC GARN'S SEMILLA GROSSO
We've been looking for a new, great bulky yarn to bring into the shop for some time now. Something with amazingly beautiful colors, soft to the touch and exceptional knit and crochet capabilities. And we found it! Semilla Grosso by BC Garn, is a 100% organic wool yarn grown, spun and dyed in an environmentally sustainable way. Awesome, right?! Our friends at PomPom brought this yarn to our attention and we're in love actually! Sourced in Argentina from guaranteed mulesing-free farms, the raw material is certified under the
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the leading textile processing standard for organic fibers. Carefully spun and dyed, the yarn maintains its eco-cred by using only dye stuffs produced according to GOTS standards - meaning they are free from harmful substances such as toxic heavy metals and are biodegradable. With its soft, squishy feel and luxurious next-to-skin softness, this yarn is perfect for quick winter accessories and cozy wardrobe staples.
We've been looking for a new, great bulky yarn to bring into the shop for some time now. Something with amazingly beautiful colors, soft to the touch and exceptional knit and crochet capabilities. And we found it! Semilla Grosso by BC Garn, is a 100% organic wool yarn grown, spun and dyed in an environmentally sustainable way. Awesome, right?! Our friends at PomPom brought this yarn to our attention and we're in love actually! Sourced in Argentina from guaranteed mulesing-free farms, the raw material is certified under the
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the leading textile processing standard for organic fibers. Carefully spun and dyed, the yarn maintains its eco-cred by using only dye stuffs produced according to GOTS standards - meaning they are free from harmful substances such as toxic heavy metals and are biodegradable. With its soft, squishy feel and luxurious next-to-skin softness, this yarn is perfect for quick winter accessories and cozy wardrobe staples.
PERENNIAL FROM KELBOURNE WOOLENS
WE'VE JUST RE-STOCKED!
Perennial is a soft, drapey Merino & alpaca blend that is a wonderful accompaniment to variegated & speckled hand-dye yarns in a shawl or wrap. Easy to care for, Perennial is ideal for garments, socks, as well as fun baby & kid knits. Have fun mixing more subdued shades with punchy pops of color! This yarn just arrived and we've already reordered as it has been so popular!
60% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Suri Alpaca, 15% Nylon
Weight: Fingering
497 amazing yards
SPUN RIGHT ROUND SQUISH DK
OCTOBER UPDATE: NEW COLORS JUST ARRIVED
Sometimes the name says it all. Squish DK feels like a cloud and knits like a dream!
The colors clear and delightful. Squish DK is 100% superfine merino superwash and packs 250 yards in a 115 gram skein. This dyer is based out of Rochester, NY, and specializes in indie-dyed speckled yarn, amazing colors as well as rich tonals.
Check out 14 new colors!
Spun Right Round yarns are ethically sourced from South America and are mulesing-free. Yay! Happy, healthy yarn! Only at The Artful Yarn!
CINEMA
A soft, bulky weight, Cinema is a vibrant single ply dyed in vibrant speckled colors. This yarn has an ever-so-slight thick and thin texture with brilliant color changes. A whisper of cashmere makes this yarn extra touchable and soft. Cinema has a hint of cashmere for softness and works up quickly on large needles or hooks, making it perfect for last minute projects! Cinema is 109-yards of 70% wool, 25% nylon and 5% cashmere. The holidays are coming and Cinema is a great, go-to choice for quick gifts that look like lovely, feel lovely, and make your friends and family feel loved! Stop by the shop soon and check it out!
BELLA CASH
Soft and light, Bella Cash is a delicate dream - a mix of cashmere and fine merino with enough nylon to keep heirloom knits lasting for a long time. Universal Yarn just introduced an entire Wee Ones Collection for babies and children using this lovely little yarn. We brought in every color! And what's even better, all the hard-copy patterns in the Wee Ones Collection are free with purchase of the yarn . . . . and we have those too! It's also great for more grown-up knits and crochet. A scan of Ravelry shows amazing things made with Bella Cash including hats, cowls, sweaters, mittens and, of course, socks! Bella Cash (230 yards fingering) is fine blend of 60% merino wool, 30% nylon and 10% cashmere AND it's machine wash. As with most fine yarns, pieces knitted with Bella Cash should dry flat. Come into the shop soon and check it out!
STYLECRAFT SPECIAL DK
Stylecraft Special DK is in the house! Known throughout Europe as one of the best acrylic yarns, Stylecraft Special DK comes in vibrant colors, generous 325-yard skeins and is soooooo soft - and we mean it! So soft - and at $4.99/ball, you can make larger projects without spending a fortune. This original colorpack was created with Lucy Attic24, the UK's most beloved crochet creator. She has legions of fans around the world including us! We're selling it for blankets, sweaters and well, everything you can knit or crochet - this is a beautiful yarn!
MAJOR BY UNIVERSAL YARN
New baby on the way? New college freshman needs a little reminder of home? Where ever and whoever you want to make a quick project, Major delivers in a major way! Fun, vibrant colors with 328 yards of bulky, wash & dry soft acrylic yarn. Perfect for a quick summer project ready now or for holiday gift-giving. Tons of colors in-stock now! Under $12
Malabrigo Washted
A superwash version of the classic Malabrigo worsted merino base. While remaining true to the original softness of worsted, they ‘washed it’ so you can too, allowing more freedom and ease of care. Having the same weight as worsted, it can be used interchangeably for any projects you may have planned for worsted. Like all of Malabrigo's yarns, it is kettle-dyed in small batches by their artisan dyers and is full of subtle variation and beauty. 210 yards. Machine washable, gentle cycle, cold water. Dry flat.
We love the colors! You will too!
Rareform Totes
Once a billboard's time in the sky is done, it's taken down and sent to Rareform to become awesome totes, purses, pouches and more! Billboard vinyl is durable, waterproof, unique, lightweight and eco-friendly now that it transforms into something else way awesome! Rareform is an LA company re-purposing over 20,000 lbs of billboard vinyl a month! We think that is totally amazing and they're psyched to be a part of The Artful Yarn - yay!
These one-of-a-kind totes in-stock right now! Great for projects, travel and
just about anything! Hooray for a happy, healthy planet!
Sirdar's Newest Yarns:
Cashmere Merino DK & 100% Cotton DK
We've revamped our baby and children's yarn selection with new additions from Sirdar, Appalachian Baby Designs and Mrs. Moon Yarns. Sirdar brings us two great new DK weight yarns, Snuggly Cashmere Merino and Snuggly 100% Cotton. Both of these yarns are available in sweet baby colors and fun looks for toddlers! Plus we have great, inexpensive little patterns available for both. Machine wash on delicate and lay flat to dry - easy for new moms!
Receive a free LookBook of the entire Snuggly line with your first purchase while supplies last. We can order anything you love quickly too!