Have you had to forgo a vacation this year, thanks to world events?

You’re not alone. We feel you. 💗

But there just might be an upside to that lost vacation – a little extra cash sitting in the vacation fund.

Might we suggest turning that missed trip into your own personal Cashmere Vacation? 🏝

Longtime Loopers will remember Tanglewood Trish, the purveyor of Tanglewood yarns – hand-spun, hand-dyed masterpieces spun from Mongolian cashmere blends.

Shelley may have squealed just a bit (okay, a LOT) when she learned that the Tanglewood magic had found a new home – in Alexandra the Art of Yarn. The new company is run by Alexandra, and Trish is still doing the spinning!

So Shelley immediately ordered up special batch of her favorite blend – 50% Cashmere, 50% Silk. And Alexandra created a special colorway, “Caribbean,” just for Loops.

Of course, Shelley couldn’t resist casting on IMMEDIATELY! She designed “Cashmere Vacation” to use a single skein of cashmere/silk. If your vacation fund is really flush, you can get a contrasting skein of “Sunset” and add mini-fringe – or dive into your stash for another fringe option.

This yarn is so indulgent, every stitch feels like a vacation for your fingers! And the resulting cowl is pure butter around your neck.

Your “Cashmere Vacation” pattern pdf is complimentary with your purchase of 1 or more skeins of Alexandra’s yarn.

Shop the yarn here.

“No matter where you are in the world, you can find people that knit. It has opened my world.”
-Kim Malone, Knit Stars owner

Fall is a special time at Loops – we are all anticipating the release of Knit Stars 5.0: Knit the World Together.

Through Knit Stars, we’ve learned from more than 50 leaders in the knitting world over the years and expanded our skills from the comfort of our own homes.

But the biggest reward that we get from Knit Stars is connecting with like-minded, lifelong learners – like Kim Malone.

Kim shared her Knit Stars experience with us: learning brioche from Stephen West, learning to knit pain free with Carson Demers, and learning to knit with two colors at a time from Mary Jane Mucklestone…

She sees the importance of gaining perspectives from around the world – and staying connected with the Stars and lifelong learners that make up our international community.

Watch Kim’s story – and see her incredible knits! – here.

Knitting is an exercise in mindfulness; the rhythm of the movement keeps you centered so your mind is free to focus on the moment and get rid of distractions.

To reflect this special aspect of our craft, Knitter’s Pride has just introduced the Mindful Collection – a new line of needles and tools that will help you enjoy your knitting even more.

And they even made it in “Loops blue” – it’s like they read our minds! 😎

The Collection includes Lace tip Stainless Steel interchangeable needles that deliver superior performance while inspiring the knitter with soulful and soothing words.

Add to that a whole series of accessories and tools to complement those extraordinary needles that please the knitter.

The Mindful Collection includes: Four interchangeable sets, fixed circular needles, needle gauge, knit blockers, blocking mats, rainbow folding scissors, row counter, wooden darning needles, stitch markers, and bags!

The Mindful Collection has just opened up for pre-order and we will ship these tools and needles in early October.

Shop the collection here.

What project on our new Hot Loops Wall™ are the Troops all fighting over?

Find out at our ALL-VIRTUAL Hot Loops Party on Friday, September 25th starting at 7pm Central!

The Hot Loops Wall has this season’s hottest sweaters, hats, scarves, shawls, and tops to knit or crochet- all in one place.

Click here to join us online as we reveal our new Hot Loops Wall on Friday, September 25 at 7pm Central. Tickets to the virtual reveal and online party are $25, which gets you:

• $25 in credit to use on our LoopsLove shopping site that night,
• A chance at amazing “door prizes,”
• A party favor in your shipped package, and best of all…
• First pick of all the fabulous new projects!

Bruschetta Chicken Stuffed Avocados…will have you feasting and filling up in no-time…

Then back to your knitting!

It’s a great way to use up some chicken leftovers, too! This recipe from Delish.com is quick, filling, and full of *yum.*

Ingredients:
3 avocados, halved and pits removed
1/2 Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 c. cooked and shredded chicken
2 large tomatoes, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Balsamic glaze, for garnish
Thinly sliced basil, for garnish

Directions:
1. Remove skin from avocados then squeeze lemon juice all over to prevent browning.

2. In a large bowl mix together chicken, tomatoes, red onion, oil, and red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper

3. Spoon mixture into avocados then drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with basil to serve.