We’re kicking off the most gifting month of the year with a brand new trunk show. Yarns, kits and patterns from Swans Island Company will be on display in our Manhattan Studio for the next couple months, so stop by and pick something out for the crafter on your list. This Maine-based company has been producing mostly locally-sourced fibers from family-owned farms throughout New England since the 1990s. When you visit us, you can check out their unique yarns, and fabulous kits and patterns, all of which would make dreamy holiday presents.
Swans Island Trunk Show
Sterling Fingering in Amethyst
This 3-ply fingering-weight yarn is a blend of certified organic merino and alpaca fibers, which Swans Island then hand-dyes in a palette inspired by rich, smokey gemstones. Sterling Fingering fiber has a soft hand and incredible stitch definition.
- 100g & 525yd per skein
- 7 stitches per inch with Size 4 knitting needles
- 85% Certified Organic Merino Wool / 15% Black Alpaca
- Care: hand wash, lay flat to dry
Colors: Pyrite, Jasper, Amethyst, and Bluestone
All-American Sport in Hibiscus
This rustic, 2-ply yarn is Swans Island’s American interpretation of traditional Shetland yarns. So, these skeins are spun with 100% domestic Rambouillet fibers from Erk Ranch in South Dakota. Since hand-dyed lots will vary, you’ll want to make sure to purchase enough for your project at one time. All-American Sport is a rustic yarn produced in a fun palette, so it’s perfect for colorwork pieces.
- 40g & 185yd per skein
- 6 stitches per inch with Size 4 knitting needles
- 100% Rambouillet wool from domestic US farms, hand-dyed in Maine
- Care: hand wash cool, lay flat to dry
Colors: Ecru, Quarry, Stone, Blackberry, Hibiscus, Ochre, Marine, and Moss
All-American Worsted in Atlantic
The cozy worsted-weight yarn is a favorite for sweaters and garments. All-American Worsted is a heathered blend of American alpaca fibers & Rambouillet wool from wester ranches, which are spun and hand-dyed in Maine.
- 80g & 210yd per skein
- 4.25 stitches per inch with Size 7 knitting needles
- 75% American Rambouillet & 25% American Alpaca
- Care: hand wash cool, lay flat to dry
Colors: Flagstone, Macintosh, Atlantic, Lichen, and Sugar Maple
Swans Island Kits
Either of these kits would make a fabulous gift for the crafter on your list. Or, enlist a friend to help you hint to your loved ones that you’d like to unwrap one of these this year! We have ample supplies of both, so stop by to check them out in person. The Phoebe Hat & Mitts Kit ($65) comes in three fun colors, and it’s pre-wrapped in an eco-conscious tote (which can be used again, or as a project bag!). It’s an intermediate-level project using the 100% American Rambouillet yarn, and the color palettes are divine. Don’t hesitate to ask us for a second opinion if you’re stuck between two choices. The Edelweiss Cowl Kit ($55) is a delicate colorwork pattern of flowers popping against a sea-blue background. It’s another intermediate pattern, but would make a lovely introduction to colorwork if you know a crafter interested in taking their technique to the next level.
-
- Phoebe Hat & Mitts Kit
-
- Edelweiss Cowl Kit
Swans Island Patterns
We’ll also have some very lovely patterns for purchase, and of course we’ll have samples for inspiration. These two pullovers, the Angelica Pullover ($10) and the Bristol Pullover ($10) are lovely garments that won’t present too much difficulty for the crafter. The Angelica Pullover is an Easy pattern, so it would make a great first garment for someone who is used to stitching in 2-D. You could definitely use the Sterling Fingering Yarn for this project, and stash up at the trunk show. The Bristol Pullover is an Intermediate project, given all the delicate cabling throughout the body. You’ll want to choose a worsted weight yarn for this project, which will be cozy and soft.
-
- Angelica Pullover Pattern
-
- Bristol Pullover Pattern
In addition to these two lovely garments, we have 4 patterns for delightful winter accessories from Swans Island. The Zara Hat & Mitts Pattern ($8) is a very chic color-blocking design, which will work up into a cute & cozy set. The Spindrift Cowl Pattern ($8) features a lovely and surprisingly easy texture, which will work up very quickly. Plus, since it calls for a worsted weight yarn, you’ll have some fun options from the trunk show to choose from. The Newbury Scarf Pattern ($8) is another fun color-block project, but because it’s an Easy level pattern, even a beginner crafter will have some fun with this one. Since it’s generously sized and crafter in a tubular shape, it’ll also be very cozy to wear. Lastly, the Anna Cowl Pattern ($8) features some really interesting graphic designs and open-work texture.
-
- Zara Hat & Mitts
-
- Spindrift Cowl Pattern
-
- Newbury Scarf Pattern
-
- Anna Cowl Pattern
Shop the Trunk Show
All these lovely Swans Island items will be featured in our trunk show through the holiday season, so stop by soon to browse. If you have a particular project or crafter in mind, we’re happy to help with any decision-making about colors, kits, and yarn recommendations. A trunk show is always a lovely opportunity to get to know a new producer in the crafting world, and purchase a completely unique item.
We’ll see you for the Swans Island Trunk Show soon!
Discover 6,000+ free patterns, explore how-to tutorials & videos, and order Lion Brand yarns and products online…
[…] kit, and we happen to have a beautiful one in our Manhattan Studio right now. As part of our Swans Island Company trunk show, we’re featuring two of their project kits, which include a bag, all the necessary yarn (in […]