Ok, linen might not sound like the most desirable fiber to work with, but you haven’t seen (or felt) what has been done with it!

Louet is the most famous for its Euroflax 100% linen. This yarn is machine washable AND dryable and is produced in Louet’s special wet spun method. It is not only double-boiled, but also steamed for maximum softness. The fabric that is produced from Euroflax gets softer and softer with every wash and helps you stay cool on these hot steamy summer days! Euroflax comes in Sport (6 sts per inch), Worsted (4.5-5.5 sts per inch) and Chunky (3.5-4 sts per inch) weights in a wide range of colors that you can view at the links just provided. Here are just a small assortment of available patterns for Euroflax:

If you’re looking for linen with a little warmth for a chilly summer evening, Louet has a “magical” new yarn called Mer-Lin - a blend of 70% merino wool and 30% wet spun linen. Mer-Lin is also machine washable and dryable for easy care! Mer-Lin comes in both Sport and Worsted weight.

We’ve blogged about it before, but another lovely linen yarn is GGH’s Linova. I’ve personally started using this yarn to make the Evening Star Top from the Summer ‘06 Interweave Knits and the fabric being made is drapey without losing its shape and shows cables beautifully! Linova comes in MANY colors, any of which may be ordered if we don’t have your desired shade in stock:

Click the photo above for the enlarged view!

A fairly new yarn from Rowan’s RYC collection, Natural Silk Aran has a secret…it ALSO has linen content! Made from 15% silk, 12% linen and 73% viscose, you will LOVE the soft hand and the silky feel. It comes in beautiful tweedy shades which you just have to see to appreciate the subtleties of!

You’ll find some beautiful patterns for this yarn in RYC Classic Beach and Classic Coach!

Lastly, I’ll mention Jaeger Celeste which is a ribbon yarn that is about a quarter of an inch wide. Being that is it 20% Linen, 50% Viscose and 30% polyamide, it is great for summer knitting. Since this yarn is discontinued, we have limited colors left, so come quickly if you want it!

But that doesn’t mean knitting has to end! Summer is the perfect time for knitting quick projects like socks, tanks & tees, bags and more! Even if you don’t have air conditioning, these knits won’t overheat you if you choose cooler fibers!

We all know about cotton, but have you tried bamboo? Silky soft with a lovely drape, bamboo is perfect for summer knits! Besides being a renewable resource, bamboo is also naturally anti-bacterial and non-allergenic!

One of the newest bamboos is from Rowan - Bamboo Tape! This ribbon yarn is about 4mm wide and comes in some lovely Rowan-esque shades:

You’ll find 12 patterns for this lovely yarn in The Bamboo Tape Collection, also available in-store. Click here for a sneak peek at five of the patterns in this book!

Not so new, but certainly a classic, is Classic Elite’s Bam Boo in both solids and variegated shades!

Patterns for Bam Boo are to be found within CE’s booklets #9072 River and #9062 Farm, available in-store:

NOTE: Oh, we’re such teases…apparently #9062 Farm is out of print! HOWEVER, we do have a few copies left, so if you want it, come and get ‘em before they are gone!

For a luxurious worsted weight bamboo, look no further Plymouth Royal Bamboo!

Royal Bamboo is SO silky soft and comes in a wide array of colors. If you come in to check it out, do ask about the knitted swatch we have on exhibit done in lace! And, of course, Plymouth has many patterns to choose from for this yarn.

If you want something a little snazzier, check out Berroco’s new yarn Bonsai!

Click the photo above for the enlarged view!

Bonsai is a narrow tape yarn with markings inspired by the bamboo plant with a touch of nylon for sheen and comes in 9 beautiful colors!

What, you’re all about the socks? Like finer gauged items for the summer? Try some Regia Bamboo!

Click the photo above for the enlarged view!

45% bamboo, 40% wool, 15% nylon and 220 yards/50g ball - 2 balls is enough for a pair of socks!

Next time we’ll talk linen! And don’t forget that for a limited time, many of your favorite yarns are 10% off - you’ll just have to come on in to see which ones (there’s way too many to tell anyone over the phone!)!!!