Blog - Izzy Knits

Fiber Fans Will Want to Attend this Fiesta!

October 10, 2018

Weavers, Knitters & Crocheters—Mark your calendars now for the 2019 Vista Fiber Arts Fiesta. Izzy Knits will be there, October 5-6th at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista, California. For a run-down on all that happened at the 2018 Fiesta this past weekend, read on...

Customizing the Turicum Shawl for Show Stealer Fingering

October 01, 2018

The great thing about this pattern is that, no matter what yarn you choose, you can knit until it's gone, or stop sooner, as I did, when you reach your desired dimensions. Gauge is not critical here. That makes the Turicum Shawl endlessly customizable!

Choosing Colors for Izzy’s California Fade (Free Knitting Pattern!)

October 01, 2018

Today’s post will talk a little bit about the technique used to create the gradient in Izzy's California Fade shawl. Sign up for our monthly newsletter and you'll receive this knitting pattern free! Read on, not only regarding the gradient technique, but about a bit of color theory as well to help you choose the perfect colors for your project.

Introducing Bellatrista Yarns

September 19, 2018

BELLATRISTA creates luxurious, exotic yarns that are spun from interesting fibers you don’t see every day, such as a 100% milk fiber, a 50/50 blend of milk and bamboo, and a 100% soy fiber yarn. These fibers aren’t just earth-friendly, they’re also silky soft and a treat to work with. Great for knitting and weaving, we're confident you're going to fall in love!

Ruanas, Shawls, Sarapes - They are Different

August 15, 2018

As we know, I am not the expert knitter here at Izzy Knits. Truth be told, I have a hard time remembering exactly what a ‘cast on’ really means. As a fisherman, I immediately think of my rod and reel, a boat, some tasty walleye or lake trout, and how I would like to prepare my catch of the day. So, when I heard Susan proclaim, with much enthusiasm, that she found a blog describing the difference between a Ruana, Shawl, and Sarape, I was immediately intrigued

Solutions to the Challenge of Buying Yarn Online

June 23, 2018

Buying yarn online can be a bit daunting unless you know what you’re looking for…or you trust who you’re buying from. Here at Izzy Knits, we’re committed to your online shopping success. There’s a lot that makes us different from other online yarn retailers!

Izzy Knits’ Take-aways from the 2018 National NeedleArts Trade Show

June 19, 2018

For the past week were the kids in the candy store, browsing the booths of more than 200 yarn-related vendors at TNNA’s 2018 Summer Show. We feasted on luscious skeins of hand-dyed wool, Edward’s Menagerie: Dogs crochet kits, hand-fired clay jewelry, stylish knit and crocheted garments, and so much more…all for you, our customers!

A Brief History Of Yarn

June 18, 2018

The idea of twisting fibers of animal fur, hair or other fibers into yarn is an ancient craft. With the possible exception of fire, this invention stretches further back than just about any other invention we still use, and we have found artifacts made from yarn that date to around 20,000 years old.

What is a Natural Yarn?

June 06, 2018

If you look at the shelves at just about any store, you cannot help but see the words “All Natural” applied to all kinds of products, ranging from breakfast cereal to diapers. You will even see these words at the local yarn shop. Logically, it does not seem that this claim could be true about all of these products. We may not know much about diapers, but we do know yarn. What does 100% natural fiber mean in the world of knitting? We are glad you asked.

Benefits of Shopping at a Small Online Store

June 01, 2018

As of 2014, the United States was home to nearly 30 million small businesses.[i] These businesses account for an incredible 99.9% of companies in the country. Small businesses have a long history in the United States. Many of the founding fathers including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, were small business owners.

Mercerized vs. Unmercerized Cotton

May 31, 2018

When it comes to cotton yarns, there are two flavors you need to be aware of. Mercerized and Unmercerized. Where should you land on the question of mercerized vs. unmercerized cotton? The answer depends on what you want to do with the finished product. Before you can make the right decision on this crucial matter, maybe it would help to actually know what exactly the difference in, and why you should care.

Yay for Yarn! Intern Cali Has Arrived

May 30, 2018

Welcome Cali Watkins, Izzy Knit's new intern, here for the summer from NYC. "I used to know nothing about yarn," says Cali. "But that has certainly changed after helping my mom decide which styles and colors she wants to add to our inventory. I mean seriously, yarn is no joke!"