Beans have been spilled 😜

posts / Beans have been spilled 😜

Beans have been spilled 😜

July 31, 2023

The beans have been spilled. And it took everything I had not to spill a few tears, too…

After a very full year of dreaming, signing on lots of dotted lines, and taking leap after leap of faith…it’s here.

The Knit Stars Flagship Store is finally open. The magical stardust is still floating in the air…and I have a feeling that the magic is just beginning.

Tuesday, we held our biggest Virtual event to date, with a tour of the store, the new LolaBean Hot Loops Wall, plus another wall-full of our own Loops Luxe yarns.

(Did you miss it? You can still access the recording and get a $25 shopping credit here. )

Joining the live Zoom were Adella of LolaBean Yarn Co, Gaye “GG” Glasspie and Francoise Danoy. Adella shared transparently about the “many meltdowns” she had on her journey to deliver our biggest Hot Loops Wall project ever. Along the way she had to deal with a family member in the hospital with COVID and the unexpected homeschooling of Lola.

But knitters – especially Adella Colvin – find a way!

The result is a very, very special project wall, with two brand new yarn lines and 12+ projects featuring designs from a diverse blend of designers – some names you know, and other rising stars that might be new to you, like Fatimah Hinds of @disturbingthefleece whose casual-chic pullover design, “Sunrise Over Blue Skies,” was knit for the Wall by Carolyne and featured in “Dream Bean” yarn.

“Dream Bean” is a brand-new dream blend of superwash merino, cashmere and silk. It was created exclusively for this collaboration based on the fiber blend Adella most dreamed of dyeing. It just might be the perfect fingering weight… with the bounce of merino, the smooth softness of cashmere and the extra luxe touch of silk.

We asked Fatimah, what led you to pursue your passion for fiber?

“I learned to knit just out of college. Once I was married with kids I started making things for them, of course. My husband encouraged me to start the business because people would stop him on the street to ask about his knitwear, in particular his hats. He told me that I ‘had to’ start selling them. So I did!”

Her inspiration for this two-tone sweater? “I wanted something casual that you could just throw on with no fuss. A sweater that could be worn anywhere and you look put together and comfortable.

Our other two projects showcasing “Dream Bean” are “Misurina,” an eye-catching sweater by Caitlin Hunter in a unique combo of grey and Island Blue… and “Paint the Town” by Annie Baker Designs. Annie said, “I wanted a large, lightweight scarf that could double as a wrap. I also wanted to knit something that could be coordinated with many different outfits.” Problem solved, Annie!

Both designs had the chat flying with comments during the Virtual Event!

“If I were a shawl, that’s what I would be,” Adella raved about “Paint the Town.”

To browse and shop the full LolaBean Hot Loops collection, go here. And be sure to follow all of the designers on Ravelry and Instagram – they’ll appreciate the love. ❤️

xoxo,

A half hour before the Virtual event, Beth joined Adella and Francoise (and Jimmy and Lola!) to talk about their most recent collaboration for the latest Knit Stars Club Kit.

This intimate Q&A session was part of the special access that Club members receive through their membership. Club members have access to exclusive interviews, video tutorials, weekly zoom “yarn alongs,” free event admission, and a members only discount. Click here to join the waitlist to join Knit Stars Club!

There’s something magical about surprises… especially when that surprise is a little gift that you get to indulge in every day. We want you to put your joy on the list as we approach this upcoming season and, in true Knit Stars style, do a little something that makes each day sparkle. We’ve collaborated with Birdie Parker Designs to create a next-level luxe holiday countdown box that we are lovingly calling the Birdie Parker Countdown Bling Box.

The box will include 25 days’ worth of little luxuries, including unique hand-dyed mini-skeins Mitchell’s Creations Lagniappe Sock, and lots of little beauties from Birdie Parker. Click here to pre-order your Birdie Parker Countdown Bling Box, and watch for it to ship in November!

From a young age, Beth knew that she would need to approach things differently, and through the connections she’s made while learning from the Knit Stars, she feels confident that she can tackle new projects and stitches.

Watch Beth’s story here and imagine how you might approach your next creative challenge.

For the first time ever, we will be releasing mini-documentaries of each of the season 6 Knit Stars starting on October 14th. Click here to join the waitlist for Season 6!

It’s that time of year. Cool and crisp weather, fall and winter knits on the needles, and anticipation for the next season as the leaves start falling. This classic pumpkin bread recipe from Butternut Bakery Blog will make the house smell amazing while you work on your latest project!

Ingredients:

1 15oz can pure pumpkin puree
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
1/2 cup (100ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (110ml) milk
1 3/4 cups (230g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp salt

Pumpkin Bread:

Preheat your oven to 325F* and butter the sides of a 9×5 loaf pan and line with parchment paper. Make sure the paper comes up and over the two longest sides of the pan so it’s easy to lift out.
In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt) and set aside.
Using an electric mixer or a whisk, mix together the sugars, pumpkin, and oil until fully combined. Then mix in the eggs and vanilla.
Mix in half of the dry ingredients, then the milk, and then the rest of the dry ingredients until you get a smooth batter.
Pour it into the prepared pan and spread it even.
Bake for 1 hr and 15 minutes or until a toothpick in the middle comes out clean. If it needs more time, keep adding 5 minutes until it’s ready.