Yarn Corner: Stories
Earlier this month we launched a brand new collection from Sirdar, possibly one of the biggest ranges we’ve ever stocked. Stories is colourful, cute, and designed with modern makers in mind. With 40 fabulous shades to choose from, and 26 knit/crochet designs, Stories takes handmade clothing to the next level. We love to see yarn brands innovating and really striving to be different as they pave the way to sustainable fashion. The Festival Collection caught our eye because of its unique designs and fantastic use of colour, and we knew straight away that Stories would be a hit in our wool shop. Let’s take a closer look!
From Granny Square Tops to Tassel Bags, Yorkshire brand Sirdar’s newest yarn Stories is one to watch in 2022. Don’t forget - you can save 10% on Stories on our website using your Edition #42 Yarn Corner discount. Sirdar have even released a free pattern for a Stories bucket hat that you can make for less than £6!
Scroll down to learn more about the freshest double knit on the market and get a feel for festival season.
The Yarn
As well as coming in a whopping 40 shades, all with festival themed names, Stories is designed for long lasting and easy to care for garments. At £3 a ball (£2.70 for premium subscribers), your next project can be quick, colourful and a staple in your wardrobe for years to come. The yarn comes in convenient 50g balls and is made of 60% cotton / 40% acrylic. This means it will be perfect for breathable garments in the warmer months, as well as lightweight sweaters than can be layered later in the year.
One of Sirdar’s main goals with Stories: The Festival Collection was to create something modern that could be made for Instagram. This will help launch slow fashion into the mainstream and allow knitted and crocheted creations to compete with fast fashion brands online. Making your own clothing is becoming more and more popular, and Sirdar have anticipated the needs of makers everywhere with Stories.
Check out some of the gorgeous colours available below!🤩
Stories is now the centerpiece of our Newland Avenue shop and we’ve put together a vibrant window display to showcase its finest qualities.
We’ve already sold out of a few colours, but there’s tonnes in stock on our website, which has been set up so you can see an up-close view of all 40 shades. These two screenshots show how you can browse babesinthewool.co.uk to easily make use of your 10% off Yarn Corner discount:
Babes in the Wool offers Free In-Store Pickup and £2.99 UK shipping (with free shipping if you spend £30 or more).
The Patterns: Festival Season
This yarn is as easy to make with as it is pretty to look at. A basic, user-friendly DK, you can pick up your 4mm hook and start knocking out granny squares in no time! One of my favourite things about this collection is that it’s size inclusive and Sirdar have used models with varying body types to show that Stories is for everyone.
Sirdar patterns are reader-friendly and made with virality in mind. The Festival Collection is the companion piece to Stories DK, with 13 knit and 14 crochet patterns in easy to intermediate skill levels. Check out #sirdarstories to see some of the eye-popping makes from the first month of launch.
Here’s what Sirdar has to say about its new launch:
A collection of strappy dresses and lacy cover-ups with boho fringes and swishy tassels, not forgetting colourful on-trend granny squares, to take our makers from dance tent to sundowner sessions. The look is a little bit sassy, a little bit sexy, a lot of fun.
All 26 patterns are available on babesinthewool.co.uk for £3.50 each. Browsing patterns is always tricky, so we made sure to show the entire Festival collection on our Sirdar Stories product page in a handy grid:
The Patterns themselves are amazing. I want to try so many of them and can’t wait to get stuck in with my first Stories project. Sirdar sent us a sample garment which we have on display in the shop and it really shows what Stories is all about: vibrant colours, unique designs and enjoyable projects for makers.
Check out the full collection below!
Here are my three favourite patterns from Sirdar’s Festival Collection:
1: Second Stage Sweater
From Sirdar:
We designed this strappy scalloped hem vest for those casual days in the sun. To create the lace effect at the bottom of the garment you will knit chevron eyelet stitch for a pretty, breathable piece perfect for the hot weather.
This is the pattern currently modeled in Babes in the Wool’s window display, and I absolutely love it!
2: Fringe Benefits Vest
From Sirdar:
Fancy crocheting a waistcoat? Long or short? The shorter pattern involves crocheting tassels at the hem, and you will crochet two half granny squares to create the neckline. The longer one is exactly the same, but minus the tassels. Both versions are a great beginner piece!
I like this pattern because it gives off that summery vibe. With the option for tassels or no tassels, I think this basic design would go with any outfit. Plus, I have 40 colours to choose from and they all look like they’d be perfect for a vest like this.
3: Access All Areas Bag
From Sirdar:
To create this round cross body bag, you will crochet in cluster stitch and treble crochet in different ways to create the circular pattern. It’s an exciting accessory to add to your wardrobe, especially with the bohemian tassels which will give any outfit festival flavour.
I just love the look of this bag! The bullseye effect and the hanging tassels have such a striking look. Plus, it seems big enough to hold everything you need for a day trip in the sun!
Browse the Whole Festival Collection!
And don’t forget, you get 10% off every ball of Stories DK only if you’re an In the Wool premium subscriber.