We are thrilled to announce the May installment of the Sleeping Bear Yarn Club: D.H. Day Barn. Dyed exclusively for us by the wonderful Holly & Dan of Blue Barn Fiber in Colorado (we can promise we did not pick them for their name). This colorway is light yet rich with thoughts of spring. The iconic barn is set in the most magical nook of our county where all the colors bounce off its creamy white building.

​​​​​​​* pre-order by May 20th *

May’s delightful little package will include a skein of Blue Barn Fiber Duo Select (80% superwash Merino wool, 20% recycled nylon‑‑399 yds, 100 g), an Amethyst stitch marker and your choice of the Spindrift Shawl, Seed Pod Socks or Baby Crown Tee pattern, as well as the free gifts for NEW 12-month members, Thank You gifts for Year Two members and Leelanau Lifetime Members for those in Years Three through Eleven.*

In a future life
I want to be 
a maker of color –
Inks, paints
dyes for fabric.
I’ll spend my day
like a Goddess
conjuring chroma
Driving the nothing
back to shadow and light
while every imaginable hue
dances on human made objects
blending their existence
into the natural world

‘Chroma’ by Mimi DiFrancesca​​​​​​​

Almost eleven years ago, we launched our Sleeping Bear Yarn Club and there is simply no way we ever could have conceived what it is today. The dyers we’ve met, the colors they’ve created, the relationships that have grown‑‑the impact of this club in our lives‑‑personally and professionally‑‑is beyond our wildest dreams. (And just wait until we tell you about Year Eleven! Next month.) 

Because our club continues to add new members every month, there are many, many customers who’ve only just joined us‑‑and have missed out on some of the previous months. And almost everyone has said that they’d love to get their hands on at least one more skein of one colorway or another. 

So. We’re opening up the opportunity for everyone who has been hoping to get another go at one‑‑or more!‑‑of our exclusive yarns. We reached out to the brilliant dyers who’ve produced colorways for our Sleeping Bear Yarn Club and asked them to dye a limited edition run for the spectacular colors from the first ten years: The Colors of Leelanau.

This year we are bringing The Colors of Leelanau to you in a new way – a curated collection. Every year our list of dyers grows and grows and the options are simply overwhelming. Let’s make it more manageable for choosing what sweaters to make and socks to gift. We want to feature our dyers in a more concentrated light. Each coming year will be a mystery to see what colors come back from the recent and not so recent past. We have to say, it is mighty hard to narrow down these amazing colors. We keep telling ourselves, there is always next year.

Club memberships are available for 3, 6 and 12 months, with the ability to pay monthly, quarterly or in full.

A current membership of any kind will grant you access to the Colors of Leelanau.

Not a current member? Sign up HERE.

Already a member? Click HERE to order the Colors of Leelanau.

We’ll be taking pre-orders for the Colors of Leelanau for a VERY limited time‑‑through March 31st only.

Orders will ship with the May 2024 packages.

We’d like to introduce to you Twinkle Tangle‑‑a sweet delight that sparkles and and feels like Joy. Cradling this gorgeous gift in our hands‑‑and thinking both about the hands that created them and the hands that will hold them after they leave ours‑‑felt like stringing our halls with tiny, blinking twinkle lights. Having those nostalgic memories watching our Dad with a tangled mess of lights for the beautifully crowed tree. Oh how our lives are like that tangled mess of cozy lights. We bet some of you feel that too.

We are taking pre-orders now through Dec 3rd for Twingle Tangle. Each skeins is 200 yds of superwash worsted weight. This yarn will be arriving in January  – a New Years treat!

This is a once-in-a-lifetime edition yarn; ​​once they’re gone, that’s it.

Join us January 1st for our Heritage Sock KAL‑‑a DK slipper sock knit in faux cables. Jill Zielinski of North Bay Fibers is wearing women’s medium in ‘Watershed’. Pre-Order Now through Dec.3rd​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

What if you could begin your knitting new year a little differently? Gentler, kinder, with more grace? Rather than hard corners and tight deadlines, how about soft edges and loose commitments? Why not make your first project of 2024 something small, pleasantly engaging and quick-to-knit, something to boost your sense of accomplishment? We call that an ‘atta boy’ project–and after a long year, we’re more than ready for one. Come–knit with us. Let’s start this next year off on the right foot, shall we?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The prize for finishers? Every single participant who completes their socks during these 2 weeks will receive a Peppermint Tea Tree Keepers Collective Heel & Foot Balm—a $26 value–AND will be entered in a drawing to win the Wool & Honey Life Adjustable Sock Blocker Set–a $40 value.

Small Business Saturday
double punches
+
a FREE gift with every order
(both in-store and online)

We look forward to Small Business Saturday all year‑‑it’s a day entirely devoted to our favorite small-scale Makers. Our shop is bursting with all of our favorite gift items: candles, enamel pins, magazines, gifts‑‑and of course, yarn.

Each dollar is worth two on our punch card: our way of saying thank you for your devoted, loyal support. Our shop would be nothing without our customers‑‑we are so very grateful for you!

​​​​​​​AND, every customer both in-store + online will be receiving a scratch-off lottery ticket with your order (while tickets last). Not just any gas station lottery ticket. Every single ticket has the key to one of these 5 surprises to use now through Dec. 31st.

You’ll either win:
– A set of precious stone stitch markers
– 10% off your next purchase
– 18% off your next purchase
– A three-month subscription to the Sleeping Bear Yarn Club
– 50% off your next purchase

Sitting and creating with you on Saturday mornings…it’s what we DO. We’d like to invite you to our Open Stitch‑‑IN PERSON and ONLINE. Sit and stitch with us ALL DAY‑‑the more, the merrier! Come get cozy with us‑‑we’re excited for a day to hang out with our friends.

L to R: Good Harbor Haze, Port Oneida Schoolhouse, Bee-Loud Glade. Three pervious colors from the Sleeping Bear Yarn Club. We are so fortunate to work with these dyers!

Just ​​​​​​​A Few Small Business Delights:

Bella Filato Studio‑‑Suri, Mohair, Solo, Sock, BFL, Non-Superwash & Merino

previous club exclusives‑‑Good Harbor Haze, Bee-Loud Glaze,
Port Oneida Schoolhouse

a wall full of Northern Dreams Alpaca

Spincycle Dyed in the Wool‑‑new colors!

restock of Malabrigo‑‑Rasta, Rios & Sock​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Lykke Driftwood Needles Sets‑‑interchangeable, crochet & DPN’s

​​​​​​​The Painted Bee Port Pouch and Sleep Masks

​​​​​​​Glen Arbor Artisans Notecards​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​40% off Magazines and Books

Farmhouse Candles

the greatest selection of Enamel Pins in Northern Michigan

a rainbow of Northern Nail Polish colors

Lumos Knitting Light​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Cocoknits Tools​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Tea, Honey and Mugs​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

20% OFF STOREWIDE
ALL DAY

Our bricks-and-mortar storefront will be closed today.

However, we’re having our sale online.

Use coupon code:

plaid2023

from 12 am to 11:59 pm ET

​​​​​​​Not super tech savvy? No problem.
We’re taking phone orders from 10 am to 5 pm, too.
(231) 228-2800​​​​​​​

We’d like to share some of our plans for Thanksgiving weekend, which also include those of you who can’t join us in person. As we’ve done in the past, our bricks-and-mortar storefront will be closed to walk-through traffic on Plaid Friday‑‑and extending our annual sale to a full 24 hours so you can pop in online when it’s convenient for you. Come stitch with us all day on Small Business Saturday and we’ll get cozy together – in person or virtually. Look out for a big reveal in your inbox on Cyber Monday and something extra special for Giving Tuesday!

Friday, November 24th
Plaid Friday
20% ALL DAY online only
***CLOSED to walk-in traffic***
Open for Light Up Cedar Event 4-8 pm

Saturday, November 25th
Small Business Saturday
Come get cozy with us for an all day Open Stitch
9 am to 4 pm
in-store and online
double-punches,
a FREE gift with all orders,
a surprise and more!

Sunday, November 26th
11 am to 4 pm

Monday, November 27th
Cyber Monday
Stay tuned!

Tuesday, November 28th
Giving Tuesday
Exciting new twist this year!

While we anticipate the autumn issues of every creative publication we carry in the shop, this current issue of Pom Pom Magazine is perhaps the best we’ve seen. Ever. From the breathtaking vistas that showcase these knits to the moody, earthy color palette to the essays on Indigenous handwork, every spread is utter delight. This issue was guest edited by Candice English of The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers and we consider it Pom Pom’s crowning glory. Bravo. (And may we also say: what a joy to see our friends’ handwork in this issue. From Melissa Hunter’s brown Bunkhouse pullover sample to Allison Lutes’ Starflight Socks design‑‑gorgeous, every one!)

​​​​​​​The patterns in this issue are a representation of hard and soft duality in the American West. The hard work embedded in the people of Montana is a result of the softness you find in the spirit of Indigenous homelands. You will find classic designs that can be worn in utilitarian ways but also jazzed up a bit for social outings.

For this striking pullover, designer Lena Zharichenko looked to Blackfoot clothing, which was featured on Candice’s mood board for the issue, where every detail held a significant meaning. In honour of the adornments she saw, Bunkhouse was created with a geometric bobble design along the neckline and sleeves. This sweater is not one for beginners, but we think for the adventurous or ambitious maker the reward of wearing it will be more than worth any challenge involved.

The details of the Yearling Hat by Lindsey Fowler are reminiscent of traditional handworked quilts with vertical and horizontal embellishment, while the slip stitch colourwork along with simple intarsia are the perfect way to highlight precious scraps and make them the centrepiece using playful pops of colour on a minimalist canvas.

The endless golden fields of grass, wheat, and barley that can be found in eastern Montana sparked Elena Solier Jansà’s imagination to create Golden Grass Shawl. Referencing time-honored Aran knitwear but incorporating a more organic motif, this versatile shawl features alternating panels of twisted stitches, cables and bobbles.

Find Pom Pom 46 HERE.

Find the Bunkhouse Pullover Kit HERE.

Find the Yearling Hat Kit HERE.

Find the Golden Grass Shawl Kit HERE.

You know how much we love Brooklyn Tweed. Love, actually, doesn’t even begin to describe the way we feel. More like magic. (We talked a bit about that magic on their blog HERE.) Every season that passes, every new yarn they add to their collection, we say: this is it. This one’s our new favorite. Might it be truer than ever with brand-new-to-stockists Imbue? Quite possibly yes.

Imbue hits all the sweet spots: whisper-soft, American-made, worsted weight. The yarn is springy and rounded, buoyant and buttery, saturated and deeply complex in color story. This yarn is what Knitting Season is all about.

Not sure what to knit with Imbue? We put together a few kits–accessories and sweaters–that will keep you cozy all winter long.

Shop all Brooklyn Tweed Imbue yarns and kits HERE.

No matter how many years it’s been since we’ve gone back to school, there’s an electric current in August’s air of what’s to come. While the projects look different for all of us (the knits! the crochet! did someone say weaving?!?), one thing that’s infusing our lives with intention is planning and organizing our stitchery. Is there anything better than lining up your favorite tools in anticipation of the knowledge and the creativity to come? 

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites here in the shop‑‑tools to get you organized, notions to streamline your workflow, accessories to add a bit of shine to your daily and weekly routines.

One of the best parts about these tools is the sheer number of them made by individual artisans, both here in Northern Michigan and worldwide. Using handcrafted tools made by the hands of people you know adds a depth to your creative life, and imbues your heirloom projects with even more love and meaning‑‑while supporting the livelihoods of the artists themselves.

Think, too, of a new Maker that might relish a knitterly treat in their mailbox. Many of these gifts make unexpected surprises for anyone needing an emotional lift. We ship worldwide every single day, and can put together an assortment of sweet delights that might just change someone’s week.

Find our Cocoknits notions HERE.

Find our entire collection of tools and notions HERE.

*****
Seasonless: Patterns for Life

Seasonless: Patterns for Life is a soon-to-be modern classic; a pattern book that contains 5 fundamental knitwear pieces that are all customizable in terms of stitch pattern and shape. Using the same basic gauge in worsted weight yarn, you can make countless versions of the fingerless mitts, hat, vest, sweater and cardigan designs by combining your favorite colors, any of the four stitch variations (stockinette, bold stripes, mosaic, and textured), and different shaping options. All of the patterns are genderless and size-inclusive, so your projects will make great holiday gifts for everyone in the family.

Written by Slow Fashion maven Karen Templer, this book is a result of years of behind-the-scenes knitting while running the beloved Fringe Supply Co. We have missed Karen’s voice in the knitting world over the past three years and are so looking forward to a deep dive into this new, beautiful book.

Pre-order Seasonless HERE.

We’re into the first week of our Summer Sorrel KAL….how are you doing, friends? Getting the hang of those dips?

​​​​​​​Like all good knit-a-longs, this sweater is a delicious challenge. Absolutely doable, but it does take a bit more…gumption…than some of the sweaters in our queue. Michele kept a notepad at her side while she was knitting‑‑a list of helpful hints for fellow stitchers‑‑and we wanted to share it with you, especially during this first week. We wrote this blog post to detail these tips. We think it’ll help.

Need a little more motivation? In addition to the qualifying prizes we’re offering, the Wool & Pine design team is offering one free pattern from their library to three participants, along with a copy of their ‘Minis Collection’ paperback book to another.

Keep knitting, you busy bees‑‑the KAL ends at 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, August 13th‑‑you’ve got pleeeeenty of time. 

*****

In Michele’s words….

1. Definitely do the cast on as directed–but allow a bit of time. (Michele is a highly skilled knitter and it took her 1.5 hours to cast on.)
2. Watch the videos! I watched them while I was swatching and then watched the relevant video again when I got to that section.
3. Weight each skein before starting the top. These are 115 g skeins–if you’re doing a fade, it will help you judge the changes.
4. I started the first fade at the beginning of Chart 2; after starting the body, I knit at 1″, then switched to doing the sleeves (all in Color 2) so I didn’t go too far and run out of Color 2 on the body before completing the sleeves.
5. Body: I did numerous calculations to determine how much yarn it took to do a row so I could use pretty much all of Color 2 and ensure I had enough to complete the fade.
6. Bind off: You have to adjust the 2×2 rib to a 1×1 rib to enable you to do the Kitchener Bind Off. I followed Andrea Mowry’s YouTube for 2×2 Tubular Bind Off for the sleeves. Ran into issues for the body bind off and ran out of time, so I just completed a normal bind off in pattern.

Still riding high after our long weekend with Aimée Gille of La Bien Aimée–there’s just never enough time with our knitting friends. We’ve still got a few skeins of yarn left, plus copies of Worsted AND Neons & Neutrals–some with signed bookplates.

*****

Giveaway Winners

$50 Gift Certificate–Krystine Frisch
Lumos Knitting Light–Aidan Danigelis
3 skeins LBA Kumo–Erin Talbot
Sweet Sparrow Advent–Donna Wiley

Congratulations to our lucky winners from the weekend festivities‑‑we’re so happy for you. We’ll be sending your gifts this week and if you’re local, you’ll be receiving a call tomorrow that your yarn is ready for pickup.

*****
Saturday Zoom

Open Stitch
Saturdays
10 am to 12 pm ET

Sitting and creating with you on Saturday mornings…it’s what we DO.

Join us every Saturday morning as we sit and drink caffeinated beverages and knit (or crochet/spin/stitch/weave!) together.

After almost three full years of in-person stitching on hiatus, we’re so happy to say we are back to hosting our Open Stitch IN PERSON. Come sit and stitch with us‑‑the more, the merrier.

We have our online stitch circle, too‑‑we have no intention of EVER disbanding!‑‑and we’re in the process of figuring out how to combine the two so we can all stitch together.

JOIN US HERE.

Meeting ID: 835 6727 2501

(In the event that the link itself isn’t working, head to Zoom’s home page,
enter meeting ID: 835 6727 2501
and you should be able to get right in.)

Thank you all for your the warm reception you’ve given the Summer Sorrel KAL—we had an amazing response over the weekend. The biggest question by far was: can you show us a few fade options? Can we ever.

We know it’s not always easy to imagine how colors will play with each other, so we put together a few favorites for you. From frothy pinks to verdant greens and romantic blues, we think there are some stunning options for everyone. Not really into fading? Let one spectacular color take center stage and knit your entire sweater with one unforgettable gem. 

Now through June 4th, there’s plenty of time to join us in our Summer Sorrel KAL, win prizes at the end and get 15% off the supplies to do it. Choose your favorite single color of Posh Sock or create a gorgeous summery fade with three colors. Grab your needles, pick out your favorite yarns and let’s knit up something special together.

Thank you to our dearest Michele Greenan, for always always always indulging our wild ideas and knitting this sample with lightning fast needles.

Join us HERE.

Memorial Day marks not only summer’s official start in Northern Michigan, but it’s also our anniversary celebration. 23 years ago, on a quiet little street in a sleepy little town, a happy little storefront opened its doors to the wool-loving public for the first time.​​​​​​​

We’re saving our major in-person celebrating for our weekend with Aimée of La Bien Aimée June 9th-11th (so you can all join us!), but we can’t let Memorial Day weekend itself go by without at least a little fanfare. We’re hosting an online giveaway throughout the weekend (from now through Monday!), a Red Stag Fibre trunk show begins today and we’re so happy to introduce to you our Summer Sorrel KAL. (Keep reading for more details about everything below.)

Memorial Day Weekend is a celebration of the work that so many do and have done to make this life what it is today‑‑and it is an honor to share it with you in every way. Pick up your needles, hop onto our Saturday Zoom, stop into the store, browse the website while you’re sipping your morning coffee. Summer is here and we are so grateful for you, for knitting, for Everything.

xo
Melissa & Liz

*****

​​​​​​​Holiday Weekend Hours

Friday‑‑9 am to 5 pm
​​​​​​​Saturday‑‑9 am to 4 pm
Sunday‑‑11 am to 4 pm
Monday‑‑11 am to 4 pm​​​​​​​​​​​​

*****

Red Stag Fibre:
Croft DK, Cottage Sock + Estate Aran

With hues that are deep and soulful and fibers that are lush and timeless, hosting a Red Stag Fibre trunk show in our shop feels just right. An indie dyer based in Montgomery, Texas, Joshua Graff’s colorways are intensely saturated, nuanced and inspired by European travel. He was our featured dyer for April 2020’s Sleeping Bear Yarn Club (First Morel) and when he asked us if he could send yarn for all of our other customers for the holiday weekend, we couldn’t say yes fast enough. 

Tonal shades, a smooth hand, crisp stitch definition–are there any more specific criteria for a Desert Island Yarn?!? The Red Stag Fibre Croft DK is a sturdy yet superwash breed–specific yarn with depth and nuance. This yarn is perfect for mittens, hats, heavyweight house socks and of course, sweaters. Liz is wearing A Gentle Wind shawl by Lisa Hannes in ‘Isle of Harris’ underneath Justin’s Flannel by Alicia Plummer in ‘Welsh Slate’ on Red Stag Fibre Estate Aran.

Cottage Sock is a smooth sock yarn with crisp stitch definition and nylon for durability. This yarn is lovely for colorwork shawls, lightweight sweaters and of course, socks. It makes a gorgeous base yarn for mohair-infused garments, too.

Red Stag Estate Aran is a buttery soft yarn with a jewel-like sheen. Strong yet soft, this handpainted yarn will knit a quick hat, cozy mittens and of course, a beautiful sweater. Below, Liz is wearing Single Malt by Maxim Cyr in ‘Stone Path’.

*****

Summer Sorrel KAL:
July 15th-August 13th

Introducing Summer Sorrel, the charming short-sleeved tee that’s perfect for effortless everyday wear. A few changes from the original Sorrel design, including a flattering wide-neck with a beautiful I-cord collar, deeper dips, and short rows at the back of the neckline for a comfortable fit. Plus, the tee features a loose, casual drape using just one strand of fingering weight yarn.

Summer Sorrel is knit seamlessly top-down in the round, with the body worked inside out for ease of working in knitted stockinette stitch rather than purling. And with the pattern including both written and charted instructions, as well as video tutorials and written explanations for special stitches, you’ll be able to tackle this project with confidence. And the best part? You can get creative with your color choices. Choose your favorite color of Posh Sock or create a gorgeous summery fade with three colors. So grab your needles, pick out your favorite yarns and let’s knit up something special together.

Thank you to our dearest Michele Greenan, for always always always indulging our wild ideas and knitting this sample with lightning fast needles.

May 26th-June 4th: Order the yarn and needles now through June 4th. Everything will arrive in the store (or straight to your doorstep!) with plenty of time for you to cast on by July 15th. When you’re done, we’ll expect to see finished shots of you and your sweater! Email us at thebuzz@woolandhoney.com with your finished piece, and while you’re knitting, use the #WoolAndHoney hashtag on Instagram or post on our Facebook page.

15% Discount: the needles AND the yarn. We’ll be knitting ours with McMullin Fiber Co. Posh Sock. Need to order needles? Find them HERE.

Prizes: Every single participant who completes their sweater during the time frame will receive a Painted Bee Port Pouch–a $30 value–AND every single participant who completes their sweater will be entered in a drawing to win Aimée’s Striped Bag, plus two skeins of La Bien Aimée yarn (one each in Merino Sport and Mohair Silk) in a limited edition colorway, ‘Automne à Rhinebeck’–a $70 value.

Sign up HERE.

*****

Because you know we love a good giveaway…

For every $10 you spend this weekend, you earn another entry to win one (1) of these four (4) Leelanau-inspired fade sets, three skeins each of fingering weight in former Sleeping Bear Yarn Club colorways‑‑a $100 value. Every purchase from now through Monday at 11:59 pm is eligible–we can’t wait to see who will end up with these beauties after the long holiday weekend.​​​​​​​ Thank you, dears, for helping us become the shop you’ve come to know and love. Without you, we simply wouldn’t be here

*****

Saturday Open Stitch

Open Stitch
Saturdays
10 am to 12 pm ET

Sitting and creating with you on Saturday mornings…it’s what we DO.

Join us every Saturday morning as we sit and drink caffeinated beverages and knit (or crochet/spin/stitch/weave!) together. 

After almost three full years of in-person stitching on hiatus, we’re so happy to say we are back to hosting our Open Stitch IN PERSON. Come sit and stitch with us‑‑the more, the merrier.

We have our online stitch circle, too‑‑we have no intention of EVER disbanding!‑‑and we’re in the process of figuring out how to combine the two so we can all stitch together.

JOIN US HERE.

Meeting ID: 835 6727 2501

(In the event that the link itself isn’t working, head to Zoom’s home page,
enter meeting ID: 835 6727 2501
and you should be able to get right in.)​​​​​​​

This weekend is LYS Day 2023, an online and in-person weekend-long event that celebrates community, yarn…and includes a surprise box with TWO free gifts inside.

While LYS Day began as a way for customers to support their neighborhood bricks-and-mortar store, there are so many of you who consider us your local shop, even though you might be hundreds of miles away‑‑and we can’t thank you enough. We are here because you are here.

​​​​​​​Small, independent companies‑‑often owned and operated by just one brave soul‑‑are the chapters that give every yarn shop’s story its Life, and LYS Day is meant to honor them, too.

This weekend’s featured stories include:

–Coates & Co. Cottage Sock

-the Colosseum Socks by local designer Sophie Sparling, knit with Kelbourne Woolens Perennial and Perennial Minis

–a cozy box that includes yarn, a pattern, wool wash and TWO free gifts (plus multiple add-on options)​​​

AND

double punches all weekend long
(both in-store and online)

The shop will be open from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday, April 28th, 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, April 29th and from 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday, April 30th for local yarn lovers‑‑we hope you’ll stop in to celebrate this community together.

Each dollar is worth two on our frequent customer punch card, both in-store and online: our way of saying thank you for your devoted, loyal support.

Can’t make it to see us in person? We have plenty of love to share with our not-so-local locals‑‑keep reading for more.

While Life swirls in a maelstrom around us, we are looking‑‑always looking‑‑for a steady patch of ground.​​​​​​​ Finding center is a daily (hourly!) goal. Oftentimes tiny moments of reprieve are all we can manage, but we collect those times like precious jewels. The smallest things‑‑done with intention‑‑can infuse an otherwise mundane task with joy. The ritual of striking a match to light a small votive candle. Taking ten minutes to truly breathe. Filling a kettle with fresh water and listening to the water boil. Picking up smooth needles to stitch a few silent rounds before the rest of the world wakes up. We heard recently that ‘happiness is not the absence of problems, it is the ability to deal with them’. How wise. How true. May we learn to take better care of our selves, even in small ways (perhaps especially those!), so that we are better prepared for the waves that eventually tumble over us.​​​​​​​

For LYS Day, we wanted to create a box to send you some of the same little comforts we aim to incorporate into our daily lives. One of the shop’s long-standing patterns, the Bee Cozy, is an old fashioned household tool that we reach for more often than we ever imagined. Portable, practical and incredibly low-tech, slip on a little Aran sweater, fill this vessel with hot water and it becomes the grown-up version of a child’s blankie‑‑you might just want to take it everywhere. Tuck it in between the sheets on cold winter nights, wedge it behind your back after a day of heavy lifting, cradle it to your abdomen to ease your cramps. The mini pods of Eucalan‑‑one each in Jasmine, Eucalyptus, Pink Grapefruit and Unscented‑‑are fortified with lanolin for no fuss, no-rinse fiber washing. Light this honey-scented beeswax candle‑‑a gift from us‑‑as you knit, spin, read or navigate a tough time; please know that you are never, ever alone. The little pink book, a handwritten and illustrated guide to finding happiness‑‑or at least trying to, is another gift. Of course we understand there is no simple path or real treatise to Happiness, but adding tiny moments of Joy into daily ritual is a very good first step.

What’s inside the box? This package includes one skein of Kelbourne Woolens Lucky Tweed, a Bee Cozy pattern, a set of four mini Eucalan wool washes and TWO free gifts‑‑a Midwest-made beeswax votive candle and a ‘zine about Happiness from Michigan artist Kristen Drozdowski. Even better? Shipping is included.

And. You know how we looooove options, yes? The pattern can be knit on its own with just one strand of Lucky Tweed, but you can add a strand of mohair for next-level softness without changing the pattern or gauge. Need the actual hot water bottle rubber insert? You can add either a skein of silk mohair OR the hot water bottle‑‑or BOTH!‑‑to your box.

The colors–for the main yarn and the optional mohair–will be a surprise and almost every single box will be different, but we think that’s a huge part of the fun. Not just for you when your box arrives, but as you start knitting; a few rounds in and the magic begins!

Find the Little Comforts Box HERE.

Emma from Coates & Co. was one of our featured makers during Small Business Saturday in 2022‑‑we loved her mini skein bundles in bright, fun colors. This Spring, we wanted to bring in full skeins of her smooth, tonal sock yarn for larger projects.​​​​​​​

Cottage Sock is a 4-ply sock yarn made from superwash merino wool blended with recycled nylon. Each color is dyed by hand in small batches. The colors are layered during the dyeing process to create bright, saturated colorways.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Find Coates & Co. Yarn HERE.

Question: Is there any project better suited for Spring than socks? Answer: Hardly! These darling socks are knit from the top down, featuring a simple steely gray base which highlights kicky heels and toes, a picot cuff and a gorgeous vertical motif at the ankles‑‑reminiscent of the great columns of the Colosseum.

Sophie Sparling is a local high school senior, dipping her toes into knitwear design in her spare time, and it is an honor to feature her first published design on LYS Day. She knit this sample with one skein of Kelbourne Woolens Perennial in ‘Lead’ + two skeins of Kelbourne Woolens Perennial Minis.

Find the Colosseum Socks HERE.

Open Stitch Saturdays
10 am to 12 pm ET

Sitting and creating with you on Saturday mornings…it’s what we DO.

Join us every Saturday morning as we sit and drink caffeinated beverages and knit (or crochet/spin/stitch/weave!) together.

After almost three full years of in-person stitching on hiatus, we’re so happy to say we are back to hosting our Open Stitch IN PERSON. Come sit and stitch with us‑‑the more, the merrier.

We have our online stitch circle, too‑‑we have no intention of EVER disbanding!‑‑and we’re in the process of figuring out how to combine the two so we can all stitch together.

JOIN US HERE.

Meeting ID: 835 6727 2501

(In the event that the link itself isn’t working, head to Zoom’s home page, enter meeting ID: 835 6727 2501 and you should be able to get right in.)

Almost ten years ago, we launched our Sleeping Bear Yarn Club and there is simply no way we ever could have conceived what it is today. The dyers we’ve met, the colors they’ve created, the relationships that have grown‑‑the impact of this club in our lives‑‑personally and professionally‑‑is beyond our wildest dreams. (And just wait until we tell you about Year Ten! Next month.) 

Because our club continues to add new members every month, there are many, many customers who’ve only just joined us‑‑and have missed out on some of the previous months. And almost everyone has said that they’d love to get their hands on at least one more skein of one colorway or another. 

So. We’re opening up the opportunity for everyone who has been hoping to get another go at one‑‑or more!‑‑of our exclusive yarns. We reached out to the brilliant dyers who’ve produced colorways for our Sleeping Bear Yarn Club and asked them to dye a limited edition run for the spectacular colors from the first nine years: The Colors of Leelanau.

As always, these yarns are available to you at 10% off retail prices. But this year? We’ve got something even better. For a limited time, they’re all discounted juuuuuust a little bit more‑‑an extra special gift to you, a thank you for making our lives so much more colorful.

However. You must be a Sleeping Bear Yarn Club member. 

We’ve said from Day One that these colors are exclusive to our members and we still stand by that. Before you can order any of the colorways pictured here, you first have to join the club.

After that, you can order any of the colors between now and March 27th. 

After that, they may be unavailable forever. 

Club memberships are available for 3, 6 and 12 months, with the ability to pay monthly, quarterly or in full.

A current membership of any kind will grant you access to the Colors of Leelanau.

Not a current member? Sign up HERE.

Already a member? Click HERE to order the Colors of Leelanau.

We’ll be taking pre-orders for the Colors of Leelanau for a VERY limited time‑‑through March 27th only.

Orders will ship with the May 2023 packages.​​​​​​​

Not sure what to knit with a single precious skein? How about a pair of simple socks? Our Constant Companion is a steady Eddie. The free Honeycomb Socks by Emily Bolduan are so appropriate, no? And the Bearly Bonnet by Pure Stitches is just darling.

Into small projects with two colors or more? There are SO many high contrast options within our palette‑‑think about Stephen West’s Woven Checks Socks, Stephanie Lotven’s Morning Sunshine Cowl, or Midori Rose’s Paul Klee Sweater.

Consider combining multiples and fading them‑‑making a gradient color run‑‑like the Snap Hat by Tin Can Knits, Joji’s La Prairie, the North Coast Pullover by Tamy Gore, Stephen West’s Fiery Foliage or the original Find Your Fade Shawl by Andrea Mowry. And of course our Basic Buzz Hat is the old standby.

Love some of the colors so much you want a full sweater’s quantity? Try this Ravelry search HERE for fingering weight sweaters. Some of our favorites include Isabell Kraemer’s Dingley Dell, Rachel Illsley’s The Waves or Dārta by Inese Sang (from the new Neons & Neutrals by Aimée Gille).

And of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that so many of these (okay, all of them!) provide a gorgeous backdrop for mohair sweaters, too. Some favorites are the Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed, Broadleaf by Wool & Pine and of course, The Love Note by Tin Can Knits. (Holding a fingering weight and a laceweight yarn together will yield a DK weight gauge.) Try a Ravelry search for DK weight sweaters HERE. We’ve got several laceweight mohair yarns in the shop, including Along Avec Anna Silk Mohair, La Bien Aimée Mohair Silk (for anything with yellow!), Fangirl Silk Mohair, Moondrake Mohair Lace, Wobble Gobble KidMo, Little Fox Nuages,  Bella Filato Bella Suri and Quince & Co. Piper.

Not sure how to choose your coordinating mohair, or how it will look with the yarn? This blog post from Tin Can Knits is so very helpful‑‑thank you, Michele, for sending this one along! Read the post HERE.

Our Colors of Leelanau display in the background. You’ll notice that not every month from the original lineup is included. That’s because some of the dyers were unavailable to recreate their original colorway. If you have one of those original skeins, hang on to it like your life depends on it.* ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

*Um. We mean knit with it. Who hoards yarn anyway?

An extremely precious yarn, The Woods is a secret project that’s been in the works for more than 3 years. From the flock of Merino-Rambouillet sheep of Fleece Flower Farm in Frankenmuth, this yarn holds the promise and wonder of new life. Spun from the entire flock of Bob & Liz Stearns’ Michigan fleeces, it’s combed together in a small-batch, ring-spun yarn that’s plump, soft and farm-fresh. This is a very limited edition yarn; there is a finite number of skeins available, and once they’re gone, that’s it. Forever.

Zeilinger Wool Company is a fourth-generation wool mill in Frankenmuth, Michigan. We have worked closely with Jon and April for years, and when they got wind that this wool needed a plan, they immediately thought of us. It’s an honor to work with this historic mill to create another custom yarn for our hive.

Handpainted in Colorado by Rachel Lundstrom of Six and Seven Fiber, this gorgeous color palette is something right out of a dream. Soft, muted colors ranging from subtle variegation to gently speckled, this yarn inspires a fresh start.

And of course, a special yarn needs a special plan. We asked Tina Tse, a Michigan-based knitwear designer, to create A Fresh Start Toque, a modern classic and a highly wearable hat. We’re thrilled with this hat pattern–a combination of deep ribbing, clever stitchwork and in multiple sizes for all genders, moods and seasons.

Find The Woods yarn HERE.

What if you could begin your knitting new year a little differently this year? Gentler, kinder, with more grace? Rather than hard corners and tight deadlines, how about soft edges and loose commitments? Why not make your first project of 2023 something small, pleasantly engaging and quick-to-knit, something to boost your sense of accomplishment? We call that an ‘atta boy’ project–and after a long year, we’re more than ready for one. Come–knit with us. We could all use a fresh start.

December 9th-21st: Order the yarn and needles now through December 21st. Everything will arrive in the store (or straight to your doorstep!) with plenty of time for you to cast on by January 1. When you’re done, we’ll expect to see finished shots of you and your hat! Email us at thebuzz@woolandhoney.com with your finished piece, and while you’re knitting, use the #WoolAndHoney hashtag on Instagram or post on our Facebook page.

15% Discount: the needles AND the yarn. This hat is knit with The Woods, a light worsted weight in a dreamy palette of eight magical colors. Need to order needles? Find them HERE.

Prizes: Every single participant who completes their hat during the week will receive a Forest on the Moon Enamel pin by Jess Weymouth –a $13 value–AND every single participant who completes their hat will be entered in a drawing to win an ‘Ivory + Tan’ Dopp kit from Paisley & Gold–a $50 value.

Sign up for A Fresh Start KAL HERE.

Open Stitch
Saturdays
10 am to 12 pm EDT

Sitting and creating with you on Saturday mornings…it’s what we DO.

Join us every Saturday morning as we sit and drink caffeinated beverages and knit (or crochet/spin/stitch/weave!) together. It won’t be exactly the same as being together in person, but it’ll be so very good to see you.

And. If you live locally and you’re ready to sit and knit together, join us in person. We’ve missed you so.

JOIN US HERE.

Meeting ID: 835 6727 2501

(In the event that the link itself isn’t working, head to Zoom’s home page,
enter meeting ID: 835 6727 2501
and you should be able to get right in.)

‘If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.’

-Mary Oliver, ‘Don’t Hesitate’

* * * * * 

​​​​​​​We are learning‑‑slowly learning‑‑that Joy does not exist in a vacuum. We cannot separate nor isolate Joy from daily happenings, that we are allowed to look for, experience, create beauty‑‑despite chaos. That we can be deeply sad and exquisitely joyful at the same time. Operating from the both/and mindset is how we survive‑‑and, when the stars are aligned, it’s how we thrive. You are allowed to wade in the depths and to shore yourself up with small, beautiful things that illuminate the horizon.

We’d like to introduce to you a gentle collection of sweet delights that sparkle and pop‑‑and feel like Joy. We took these photos during a dark week, and cradling these gorgeous gifts in our hands‑‑and thinking both about the hands that created them and the hands that will hold them after they leave ours‑‑felt like stringing our halls with tiny, blinking twinkle lights. You’ll sense a carryover of the weekend’s sock theme, accoutrement for all your sock knitting adventures (including a cooling foot balm!) that are good for giving and for getting. It’s a shadowy season ahead, but it can also be filled with patches of light when we look.

xo,
​​​​​​​Melissa & Liz

‘Pip & Pop’‑‑the yarn and the nail polish!‑‑was created exclusively for Wool & Honey for the Holiday Season 2022, based on the brilliant, joy-filled Meow Wolf Santa Fe exhibit by Australian artist Tanya Shultz of Pip & Pop. This polish is a clear base with multi-color sparkles, so you can wear it on its own, or over a base layer of Northern Nail for extra color pop.​​​​​​​

These Wool & Honey Sock Blockers, etched with iconic Leelanau motifs, are the knitterly accessories we never knew we needed. Sock blockers help with quickly and correctly calculating the size of socks, following a pattern without mistakes, controlling the knitting density and knitting without play-by-play fitting. Made of lightweight plywood, the removable toe allows for sizing socks in American sizes from 5 to 14. The hand-drawn motifs on the blockers were designed for us by our longtime friend, artist Emilie Eklund of Lief Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan and the blockers were made by Vicky in Kharkiv, Ukraine.​​​​​​​

How many times have you seen Kitchener stitch used in a pattern and thought, “Wait, how do I do that again?” We’ve all been there. This enamel pin features a unique hinged, two-layer design. Lift the cover to reveal easy step-by-step directions for the Kitchener Stitch engraved on the interior. With the Kitchener Stitch Pin, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a beautiful piece of art to add to your favorite knitting bag, as well as a handy reference tool for the Kitchener stitch. 

The Keeper’s Collective is an all-natural skincare brand from Snoqualmie, Washington that creates nourishing, pure, handmade products with the help of our friend, the mighty honeybee​​​​​​​. Boasting raw honey, bee propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly to heal dry skin, lighten dark spots and combat acne, the Secret Salve is a must-have for every medicine cabinet, nightstand and knitting bag. The Peppermint Tea Tree Heel & Foot Balm combines lavender, peppermint, and tea tree essential oils, along with beeswax and bee propolis. Together, these natural ingredients work hard to soften and soothe even the driest patches of skin. The Goat Milk & Honey Bath Soak‑‑in either Lavender or Rose Gold‑‑is the day-end luxury you deserve. Goat milk, with its naturally exfoliating and moisturizing properties, pairs perfectly with humectant honey to help cleanse and deeply nourish your skin.

Paisley & Gold Sewing was founded in Macon, GA in 2016 when Erika Green was a full-time college student. In need of a creative outlet, she put her sewing skills to the test and created her burgeoning craft business. Paisley & Gold bags bring together the finest materials and stunning design to create something very special. She believes in quality, care, and creating unique products that everyone can enjoy. Colorful, creative, and inspired by what she sees everyday, each product represents what she loves about the world she lives in. Her mission is to ensure that every item is made with heart and integrity. She believes in reviving the United States fashion industry by ethically producing all of her items in studio in the Slow Fashion way. Her hope is to educate customers on the importance of handcrafted products and small business. Every item is made by Erika in Columbus, Ohio.

Saturday, November 26th
Small Business Saturday
9 am to 4 pm

double punches

+ 

a FREE gift with every order
(both in-store and online)

We look forward to Small Business Saturday all year‑‑it’s a day entirely devoted to our favorite small-scale Makers. Our shop is bursting with all of our favorite gift items: candles, enamel pins, magazines, gifts‑‑and of course, yarn.

​​​​​​​Every customer (both in-store + online) will be receiving a grow-your-own lavender plant‑‑a gift that you can bring to the host at your next holiday gathering‑‑or you can absolutely can keep for yourself.

Every online order placed today (from now until 11:59 p.m. EST!) will receive one, too. 

Each dollar is worth two on our punch card: our way of saying thank you for your devoted, loyal support. Our shop would be nothing without our customers‑‑we are so very grateful for you.

And. We would like to say that today, after almost three full years on hiatus, we’re hosting our Open Stitch IN PERSON. Sit and stitch with us‑‑the more, the merrier. We’ll have our online stitch circle, too‑‑we have no intention of EVER disbanding!‑‑but we hope you’ll join us today from 10 am to 12 noon for the reunion we’ve been waiting for since March 2020. 

Just ​​​​​​​A Few Small Business Delights:

Tea, honey and mugs

Lykke Copper Needles‑‑large and small interchangeable sets

​​​​​​​Lykke Driftwood Needles‑‑large and small interchangeable sets

Tuft Woolens lip balm + knitter’s hand balm

​​​​​​​The Painted Bee totes and sleep masks

​​​​​​​Kristin Hurlin notecards

​​​​​​​Moondrake Moffy (SALE!)

​​​​​​​25-50% off magazines and books

Farmhouse Candles

the greatest selection of enamel pins in Northern Michigan

a rainbow of Northern Nail Polish colors

Along Avec Anna Merino Fingering + Silk Mohair

​​​​​​​Cocoknits Tools​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Soak hand sanitizer (SALE!)

Dyed in upstate New York by Jiayi of Wobble Gobble, her bubbly colorways are pure artistry‑‑these skeins will truly take your breath away. ‘Pip & Pop’was created exclusively for us for the Holiday Season 2022, based on the brilliant, joy-filled Meow Wolf Santa Fe exhibit by Australian artist Tanya Shultz of Pip & Pop. This is one of the most joy-filled yarn collaborations we’ve ever been part of.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Coates & Co. mini sets, from L to R: 02, 04, 03, 01.

With a focus on sustainability, Coates & Co. sources yarns and fibers from regional fiber mills before dyeing each unique colorway by hand in small batches. These sweet little sock sets‑‑5 colors each in striking color pairings‑‑are hand-dyed by Emma in Cincinnati, OH.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Each Cashmere and Coconuts Sock Yarn Set is carefully hand dyed by Stacie in small batches, using high quality, super soft yarns, and acid dyes. Because of this, each skein is truly a unique creation, and a one of a kind colorway. These yarns are wonderful for shawls, sweaters, hats, and of course, socks.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

…and because we couldn’t have just one new Wobble Gobble colorway in the shop, we asked Jiayi if she could dye 10 standard colorways on her bouncy, 2-Ply Merino sock yarn to round out the collection. And of course, she said yes.​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Need a few sock suggestions? Our go-to Constant Companion is pure Netflix knitting, with options for ribbing OR contrasting heels and toes, Prairie Spring by Samantha Myhre has a brilliant spiral pattern and Summer Lee’s Little Checks Socks are so fun we can’t handle it. (These would look fabulous with variegated yarn OR solid stripes.)​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Not a sock knitter? There are SO many patterns for fingering weight yarn, for yoked sweaters, for hats, for beautiful one-skein shawlettes. Shown here is Streets of Barcelona by Joji Locatelli, Paul Klee Sweater by Midori Hirose and the Diamond Brim Hat by AbbyeKnits.

Open Stitch
Saturdays
10 am to 12 pm EDT

Sitting and creating with you on Saturday mornings…it’s what we DO.

Join us every Saturday morning as we sit and drink caffeinated beverages and knit (or crochet/spin/stitch/weave!) together. It won’t be exactly the same as being together in person, but it’ll be so very good to see you.

And. If you live locally and you’re ready to sit and knit together, join us in person. We’ve missed you so.

JOIN US HERE.

Meeting ID: 835 6727 2501

(In the event that the link itself isn’t working, head to Zoom’s home page,
enter meeting ID: 835 6727 2501
and you should be able to get right in.)​​​​​​​

Hello, dear friends. Hoping this email finds you healthy and cozy, tucked in for a long weekend of creating and resting at home. We’ve been busy bees in the shop and behind the scenes, knitting away, filling the store with our favorite things and planning the sweetest surprises for you.

We’d like to share some of our plans for Thanksgiving weekend, which also include those of you who can’t join us in person. In fact, to keep everyone extra safe, our bricks-and-mortar storefront will be closed to walk-through traffic on Plaid Friday‑‑and extending our annual sale to a full 24 hours so you can pop in online when it’s convenient for you.

Friday, November 25th
Plaid Friday
20% ALL DAY online only
CLOSED to walk-in traffic

Saturday, November 26th
Small Business Saturday
9 am to 4 pm
-double-punches
-a FREE gift with all orders,
in-store and online
-surprise announcement

Sunday, November 27th
11 am to 4 pm

Monday, November 28th
Cyber Monday
A HUGE surprise!

Tuesday, November 29th
Giving Tuesday

​​​​​​​* * * * *

….and a top-secret collaboration in December​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

More details to come over the next few weeks, friends. Have a safe and restful weekend surrounded by knitting, tea, books, friends and all the other things that fill your souls.

xo,
Melissa + Liz​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Spun from the finest commercially-available American extra-fine merino wool, Quince & Co. Phoebe is unbelievably soft and luxurious to knit with, creating the most satisfying fabric—silky, bouncy, decadent stuff. Perfect in stockinette stitch, ribbing, twisted stitches, and cables. Phoebe comes in a tonal-dyed palette, each one unique and ranging in variegation from skein to skein. We are completely bonkers for this hot magenta zinger‑‑you have heard that pink is the new black, yes?

Not sure what to knit with this limited edition Aphrodite? One skein will make the Hadfield Hat, a cozy fisherman’s rib hat that’s destined to become a wardrobe staple.

Great knits are like great art because they make us think differently, and the process of making can be even more revelatory! Showing us how we can look to, and beyond, our horizons when it comes to our craft, the 43rd issue of Pom Pom is inspired by the work of women artists Etel Adnan and Hilma af Klint.

This winter collection of 10 patterns features striking colours and innovative techniques, and bold and imaginative knits that play with pattern and perspective. So whether you fancy a colourwork challenge, or just some meditative time as the sun sets in the sky, there’s bound to be something here to expand your crafting horizons!

Featuring designs by Amy Blackwell, Kjerstin Rovetta, Marzena Kołaczek, Avery Erb, Audrey Borrego, Regina Wimmer, Marie Régnier, Mer Steven and Sarah Opie. 

Find Issue 43 HERE.

Find our entire Pom Pom Magazine collection HERE.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Open Stitch
Saturdays
10 am to 12 pm EDT

Sitting and creating with you on Saturday mornings…it’s what we DO.

Join us every Saturday morning as we sit and drink caffeinated beverages and knit (or crochet/spin/stitch/weave!) together. It won’t be exactly the same as being together in person, but it’ll be so very good to see you.

JOIN US HERE.

Meeting ID: 835 6727 2501

(In the event that the link itself isn’t working, head to Zoom’s home page,
enter meeting ID: 835 6727 2501
and you should be able to get right in.)

Brooklyn Tweed’s Shelter is one of our shop’s sweethearts‑‑and one of the most iconic yarns for Makers today. Lightweight yet warm, rugged yet refined, limitless yet dependable, it’s everything we want in a worsted weight yarn. And today, we’re so excited to introduce 12 brand new hues.

A deeply saturated rainbow, this palette fills in lots of gaps, both in terms of color AND supply-chain shortages. A true navy blue stocking cap? Try Deep Dive. An eye-popping chartreuse statement sweater? Pollen’s calling your name. An Aran pullover? Puff is as bright white and clear as a billowy, midsummer cloud.

The new Shelter colors are skein-dyed‑‑slightly different than the original BT Shelter recipe‑‑​​​​​​​which means the colors are deeper and more intense, and they read more as solid colors vs. heathered, tweed or tonal.

Not sure what to knit with the new Shelter shades? Try Tif Neilan’s Color Story (left) or Jared Flood’s First Raglan Sweater. For even more color pairings, remember that Shelter and Brooklyn Tweed Tones are interchangeable in both gauge and yardage, creating a rainbow of endless color options.​​​​​​​

Spring is taking root in Northern Michigan. And before we barrel into full-on Summer, the Universe taps on our shoulder: not quite yet. We’re in Mercury Retrograde season, which is this wobbly, in-between span of time in which so many things (basic communication, daily routines, relationship nuance) feel harder, like we’re moving backward. Everything just seems…off. Because, well, cosmically, it is. For us, we notice that every time Mercury turns retrograde (it’ll be four times total in 2022), we’re not entirely catapulted off center, but instead have an almost physical longing to return to unfinished projects. Yes, absolutely, in relation to knitting, but also in terms of organization, sleep patterns and soul searching. It makes us want to put our house in order.

​​​​​​​And. At the same time, Spring’s familiar, cyclical pull. Aching to see signs of life after a long season hiding beneath a white blanket. Trimming away the tattered, winter-worn bits and breathing a billowy breath into our current surroundings. We want that delicious, Edison bulb yellow to spark something inside. Sometimes it requires a new tool. A pair—or a set!—of shiny, new needles. A well-placed lapel pin on last year’s spring coat. A tiny scrap of beautiful fabric stitched to the cuffs of a moth-bitten sweater. Mending the parts that have worn thin and strengthening the bits we are proud to build on. Old, but new again.

Rather than push against the frenzy, we are chosing instead to use this time of pause to revisit and set intentions for Practice. More daily knitting‑‑to soothe, to comfort, to restore, to energize, to align. More scheduled contemplation‑‑deep breathing, long walks, five minutes of utter quiet. More herbal tea, more sun, more rest, more greens‑‑in our bodies and in our line of vision. Here’s to more of the things that restore your soul, despite the maelstrom swirling around you. You deserve good things, dears‑‑sending you our love.

xo
​​​​​​​Melissa & Liz

Okay, okay, so perhaps all this is a bit woo for you, but maybe just don’t make any really big decisions for the next few weeks? Promise us you’ll at least try to re-commit to taking care of yourself during this time: don’t forget your vitamins, get a little extra sleep..and whatever you do, do NOT text that ex!

It’s been almost eight full years since we launched our Sleeping Bear Yarn Club and it has blossomed into something beyond our wildest dreams. (And just wait until we tell you about Year Nine! Sometime next week, that is.) 

Because our club continues to grow every month, there are many, many customers who’ve only just joined us‑‑and have missed out on some of the previous months. And almost everyone has said that they’d love to get their hands on at least one more skein of one colorway or another. 

So. We’re opening up the opportunity for everyone who has been hoping to get another go at one‑‑or more!‑‑of our exclusive yarns. We reached out to the brilliant dyers who’ve produced colorways for our Sleeping Bear Yarn Club and asked them to dye a limited edition run for the spectacular colors from the first eight years: The Colors of Leelanau.

And, as always, these yarns are available to you at 10% off retail prices.

However. You must be a Sleeping Bear Yarn Club member.

We’ve said from Day One that these colors are exclusive to our members and we still stand by that. Before you can order any of the colorways pictured here, you first have to join the club.

After that, you can order any of the colors between now and April 18th.

After that, they may be unavailable forever. 

Club memberships are available for 3, 6 and 12 months, with the ability to pay monthly, quarterly or in full.

A current membership of any kind will grant you access to the Colors of Leelanau.

Not a current member? Sign up HERE.

Already a member? Click HERE to order the Colors of Leelanau.

We’ll be taking pre-orders for the Colors of Leelanau for a VERY limited time‑‑through April 18th only.

Orders will ship with the June 2022 packages.

Not sure what to knit with a single precious skein? Consider combining multiples and fading them‑‑making a gradient color run‑‑like the So Faded Sweater, What the Fade Shawl or Fluorite Socks by Andrea Mowry, Dip Dye Raglan by Camilla Vad (and hold them with mohair‑‑gasp!) or the original Find Your Fade Shawl. And of course our Basic Buzz Hat would be a knockout.

Love some of the colors so much you want a full sweater’s quantity? Try this Ravelry search HERE for fingering weight sweaters. Some of our favorites include Joji’s Granito, Tif Nielan’s Beachcomb Tee and Mebuki by Ririko.

And of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that so many of these (okay, all of them!) provide a gorgeous backdrop for mohair sweaters, too. Some favorites are the Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed, The Daily Ritual Raglan by Park Williams and of course, The Love Note by Tin Can Knits. (Holding a fingering weight and a laceweight yarn together will yield a DK weight gauge.) Try a Ravelry search for DK weight sweaters HERE. We’ve got several laceweight mohair yarns in the shop, including Fangirl Silk Mohair, Moondrake Mohair Lace, Wobble Gobble KidMo, Little Fox Nuages,  Bella Filato Bella Suri and Quince & Co. Piper.

Not sure how to choose your coordinating mohair, or how it will look with the yarn? This blog post from Tin Can Knits is so very helpful‑‑thank you, Michele, for sending this one along! Read the post HERE.

*Um. We mean knit with it. Who hoards yarn anyway?

The Stonecrop KAL: January 1st-February 14th, 2022. Our first sweater of the New Year.

THIS IS A PRE-ORDER AND WILL SHIP THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 20TH, 2021.

This is one of the most extraordinary projects we’ve created through Wool & Honey–the combined effort of wool aficionados all across the country. The wool–Bluefaced Leicester–was grown in Michigan and processed by our friends Jon and April of Zeilinger Wool Co. in Frankenmuth. The wool was dyed in the fleece by fiber artist Kayanna Nelson of Stitch Together Studio in two custom colorways–Honeybee (created by Kayanna) and The Hive Collective, an off-the-cuff collaborative hue designed by the devoted fans at our virtual 20 year celebration in June 2020 (that’s you!) This was the first virtual event we ever hosted–remember how we were just beginning to navigate the world of Zoom?!?–and it will always be the sweetest memory. The base yarn in this colorwork sweater is US grown, spun and dyed Brooklyn Tweed Loft, yarn that’s only become more dear to us as our relationship with BT has strengthened over the years. The sweater design is the brain child of our dear friend and former Michigander, the one and only Andrea Mowry. The sample was knit by our favorite sample knitter and friend, Melissa Hunter, and several of the display swatches were knit by our biggest fan, our very own Michele Greenan. And the prize for finishers? A custom sock set dyed by local dyer Gwen Perenchio of Bella Filato Studio, designed to coordinate with every shade of Mid-Coast String.

JANUARY 1ST-FEBRUARY 14TH, 2022.

November 27th-December 12th: Order the yarn and needles now through December 12th. Everything will arrive in the store (or straight to your doorstep!) with plenty of time for you to cast on by January 1st. When you’re done, we’ll expect to see finished shots of you and your sweater! Email us at thebuzz@woolandhoney.com, use the #WoolAndHoney hashtag on Instagram or post on our Facebook page.

Help every Saturday: We’ll be dedicating our Saturday morning Open Stitch Zoom gatherings to the Stonecrop KAL January 1st-February 14th. We’ll be here to chat in real time, help you if you get in a rut or offer insights into navigating the pattern–but primarily it’ll be a chance for us to motivate each other.

15% Discount: the pattern, the needles AND the yarn. We’ll be knitting ours with Brooklyn Tweed Loft (a fingering weight wool) and Stitch Together Studio Mid-Coast String (a millspun fingering weight wool) in your choice of two custom colorways: Honeybee and The Hive Collective. Need to order needles? Find them HERE.

Prizes: Every single participant who completes their sweater during the time frame will receive a custom, handdyed sock set from Gwen at Bella Filato Studio–a $35 value–AND every single participant who completes their sweater will be entered in a drawing to win a $100 gift certificate to Wool & Honey.

In the words of the designer, our dear friend and former Michigander Andrea Mowry…

“Knit from the top down and full of texture, with easy to master colorwork motifs, this sweater is hard to put down! Perfect for layering and styling into a plethora of outfits for say – a fun weekend at a fiber festival! Rhinebeck’s NY Sheep & Wool 2022 anyone?”

Size (finished bust circumference):
30 (34, 37.5, 42.5, 46)(50, 53.5, 58.5, 62.5)”
76 (86.5, 95, 108, 117)(127, 136, 148.5, 159) cm
Recommended ease is -2 to +2”/-5 to +5 cm; Liz is wearing the 37.5″ on a 42”/95 cm bust with 4.5″ of negative ease.

Yarn: 4 (5, 5, 6, 7) (7, 8, 9, 9) skeins Brooklyn Tweed Loft (fingering weight) and 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 2, 2, 2) skeins Stitch Together Studio Mid-Coast String (millspun fingering weight). Our sample was knit in ‘Snowbound’ + ‘Honeybee’.

Needles: Main Fabric: US 5/3.75 mm –24”/60 cm to 40”/100 cm circular and preferred needles for small circumference knitting (Magic Loop or DPNs)

Ribbing: US 3/3.25 mm – 16”/40 cm circular for collar, 32”/80 cm for hem and preferred needles for small circumference knitting for cuffs, plus a spare for the Tubular Bind Off.

Bobbles: Crochet Hook Size E/3.5 mm
(Use the needle size you need to achieve gauge. The ribbing needle should be 2 US sizes smaller than the Main Fabric needle.)

Gauge: 27 sts & 36.5 rows = 4”/10 cm on larger needles.
Measured over stitch pattern in the round after blocking.

To order the kit:

-Choose your 4-9 skeins of Brooklyn Tweed Loft HERE.

-Choose your 1-2 skeins of Stitch Together Mid-Coast String HERE (HONEYBEE) or HERE (The Hive Collective).

-Add the Stonecrop Pullover Pattern HERE.

Use coupon code stonecrop15 to receive the 15% discount.

Oh, wondrous winter! Oh, sparkling snow! Oh, cozy quarters! As the light dims and days seep into long, icy stretches before us, our fingers reach for the greatest creature comforts we can cast on: the simple mitten. Uncomplicated stockinette flanked by basic ribbing, they are both understated and elevated; a classic favorite for the champion knitter and a first-tier challenge for the brave, new one. The colors we’ve chosen here are an homage to perhaps the greatest piece of children’s literature, and one that sparks some of our warmest childhood memories: Jan Brett’s The Mitten. A jaw-dropping depiction of the Ukrainian folktale, the book is filled with intricate folkloric drawings, magical forest creatures and centers around knitting: a fluffy pair of mittens made by a Baba for her spirited grandson.

We’ve incorporated one of our favorite methods here–holding a fingering weight yarn together with a fluffy laceweight–and this one feels both rustic AND luxurious, with a tweedy solid to create textural nuance, and silky Suri alpaca taking the place of mohair. Not only do you have the opportunity to play with color, but holding two yarns together adds both warmth and ease–a heavier weight gauge means this project is quicker to knit. And. We thought that in addition to the basic mitten, we’d also offer both a convertible pair and a fingerless pair that would double up on those days when you need even more finger mobility. Choose the fingerless pair for totally unfettered access, or wear the flip-top pair with the lids down when you want full coverage, flip the tops down when you need to change the radio or turn up the heat or fish that perfect Petoskey stone out of the water.

What’s inside the box? This package includes so many treasures, it’ll knock your hand-knit socks off: one full skein each of Brooklyn Tweed Loft and Little Fox Yarn Nuages, one ready-to-brew cup of Great North Chai tea, one forest creature enamel pin from Wildship Studio, one mini Farmhouse Candle, one exclusive (new) mitten pattern, one Kristin Hurlin greeting card, and one Michigan Mitten sticker from Wander & Gather to make things extra festive. Even better? Shipping is included.

Icicle (gray):
-Brooklyn Tweed Loft in ‘Narwhal’
-Little Fox Nuages in ‘Whisker’
–‘Alpen Glow’ notecard
–‘Chickadee’ enamel pin
–‘Treemoss + Cedar’ mini candle
–Great North Chai
–Mitten State sticker

Cranberry (red):
-Brooklyn Tweed Loft in ‘Long Johns’
-Little Fox Nuages in ‘Tomato Tomahto’
–‘Early Winter on the Crystal‘ notecard
–‘Robin’ enamel pin
–‘Cranberry  + Spruce’ mini candle
–Great North Chai
–Mitten State sticker

Deep Freeze (blue):
-Brooklyn Tweed Loft in ‘Flannel’
-Little Fox Nuages in ‘Galway Girl’
-‘Lone Spruce‘ notecard
–‘Moon Bear’ enamel pin
–‘White Fir + Cypress’ mini candle
–Great North Chai
–Mitten State sticker

Tuck this box under your favorite knitter’s tree. Make a pair for someone on your list. Unpack the box and gift different pieces to the people you care for–the enamel pin for your vet tech, the sticker for your daughter’s stocking, the candle as a token for a holiday host. Or save the entire box for yourself for a new project in the New Year–you deserve a wintry treat.

And as if three options weren’t enough, there’s enough Nuages left from your mittens that to knit a Basic Buzz Hat. (Or use the contents to make a hat instead.) The mittens and the hat both work up at the same gauge and require roughly the same yardage. Purchase an additional skein of Loft to hold along with your leftovers and you’ve got an entire coordinating, cozy set. Choose a different fingering weight yarn and you’ll have a matching-but-not-quite-matchy set.

Please note: if the shipping address is different than the billing, please enter address in the order notes at checkout. These boxes will come with the contents pictured seen here–there are no substitutions, exclusions or replacements. The Evergreen Campfire Mug is NOT included in The Mitten Box but can be found for add-on purchase HERE.

Looking for the Evergreen Campfire Mug? Find it HERE.

Introducing Tones, a versatile worsted weight yarn, ideal for sweaters, accessories, and blankets. Woolen spun from Wyoming-grown Columbia wool, with a round and springy 3-ply construction for outstanding stitch definition in textured and cabled knits, Tones is designed, sourced, spun, and dyed entirely within the United States. 

Tones’ unique colorways offer knitters and crocheters countless options for creativity. Light and dark heathered base yarns are overdyed with traditional techniques to create coordinating Tone Pairs. Each Overtone is a light, bright version of a color, paired with a deeper, more subdued Undertone for a total of 12 pairs of harmonious hues, 24 colors in total.

Starting with a light and a dark heathered base yarn, Brooklyn Tweed uses traditional overdye techniques to create Tone Pairs of harmonious shades.​​​​​​​ Make your piece a Crosstone‑‑mixing and matching over/undertones from multiple colorways‑‑or a Duotone, using an Overtone and an Undertone in the same colorway.

In each of the product photos, you will see two skeins pictured side by side. This is a Tone Pair with the same color name; the OVERTONE is on the left, the UNDERTONE is on the right. The Overtone is a brighter, clearer color and the Undertone is a more muted, grayed-down version.

Not sure what to knit with Tones? Try these projects, clockwise from upper left:
1. Habitat by Jared Flood (1 skein)
2. First Raglan by Jared Flood (7-14 skeins)
3. Turn A Square by Jared Flood (1 skein total)
4. Ashby by Leila Raven (6 skeins)
5. Sparkwood by Lis Smith (2 skeins)
6. First Colorwork Cowl by Jared Flood (2 skeins Main Color, 1 skein each of up to 4 additional Contrast Colors)​​​​​​​
…OR any of your favorite patterns that call for Brooklyn Tweed Shelter‑‑the gauge AND the yardage are interchangeable between Tones and Shelter.

Find the full palette of Tones HERE.

This is the first mill run of Brooklyn Tweed Tones, and we have a very limited selection in our shop. The next restock is set to land Late Fall/Early Winter, so if you miss your chance to order Tones today, please don’t fret‑‑we’ll have more as soon as BT Headquarters send out the next batch.

Melissa (she/her/they/them) is a Maker, a mother, a lover and a writer. A knitter for 20 years, she cast on her first project between her sophomore and junior years of college and has since started thousands more. Her current record for late-season swimming in Lake Michigan is November 10^th and she believes that a Caffeine is a way of life. She considers implementing an embargo to all books crossing the threshold, but everyone in her house knows it would never last more than a week—so why even try? She is particularly skilled at the art of Rage Cleaning, makes a baller blueberry cheesecake and prefers pullovers to cardigans. She hates to pick favorites but when pressed, she admits that her desert island yarn is Malabrigo Finito. (Or anything with mohair. Or fingering weight yarn in general.) Her children are Sasha (8) and Sienna (4.5), and they are the loves of her life.

Liz (she/her/they/them) is a Maker, a mother, a twin and a dedicated student of Life. A seer of The Big Picture, she is the official keeper of The List; in knitting and in life, she always looks for the most nuanced approach. A DIYer before it was a thing, there isn’t anything she won’t do. Make your own diaper cream? Yes, please. Learn to strip, varnish and polish a concrete floor? Child’s play. Teach yourself how to knit on double-points to make a (surprise) garland of 100 Habu paper lanterns from written instructions and a solitary sketched diagram? GAME ON. She once knit a Queen-sized Aran afghan as a wedding gift and it only took her 18 months. (She memorized the pattern, of course.) Her children are Cecily (5.5) and Eggy (true name tbd, arriving earthside midsummer) and they love raspberries, the color orange and creating complex, fantastical worlds of wonder, not necessarily in that order.

We are sisters, knitters and best friends. We are graduates of Glen Lake High School (class of ’99 and ’02), routinely break bread with former classmates and swap book recs with our elementary school librarian (who, by the way, is also a knitter). A few of our mutual favorites include Suri alpaca, Six and Seven Alfalfa, celery juice, Buchan’s lavender ice cream, lemon balm tea, Gwen Frostic’s studio, Rogers and Hammerstein musicals, crackling beach bonfires, hunting for Petoskey stones and Post Malone. Some of our core memories were made on the shores of Lake Superior in Ontonagon, and we once held a school record together in the 4 x 800 relay. We’ll never turn down a slice of mud pie (dairy sensitivities be damned), and when we really need to put the hammer down, you can assume we’re listening (and dancing to!) Dave Matthews Band. We met our true loves when we were very young, and while Life has not been easy for any of us, we have both been married to our respective saints for sixteen years. If you want to know even more about us (and congratulations to you, dear Reader, for making it this far!), you can follow us on Instagram or watch our Making Comfort and Joy interviews on YouTube where more quirky details (Melissa’s affinity for Taylor Swift! Liz’s tendency to hate all her own knitting!) spill into our candid conversations with fellow Makers.

And.

We believe in science and research.
We believe that we are all connected in one way or another, and that we are bound by more than our earthly bodies.
We believe in Peace.
We believe that love is love.
We believe in gender fluidity as expression of self, both in practice and in theory.
We believe that Black lives matter. This includes all Black Life, including Black trans, queer, fat and disabled bodies, and their entire range of full, lived experiences.
We fully acknowledge that we live, operate within and benefit from a racist society and we are committed to confronting and dismantling white supremacy in our shop, in our homes and in our hearts.
We live on stolen Odawa and Anishinaabe land.
We are two people who happen to love yarn—we are in the business of Being Human.
We welcome everyone to this safe space, both in-person and online.
We are so glad you are here.
Here’s to the next 21 years.

Photos courtesy of Mae Stier, who took these in front of our shop in January 2021, before one of us turned 40 and the other was less pregnant.

This will be the second year in a row we’re not able to revel in our shop’s anniversary with an in-person event—and 21 years is kind of a big deal. But instead of being sad (we’ll cry if we think about it too hard!), we’re getting very, very excited to celebrate with you from afar. In fact, we’re planning to bring the party to you. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 29th at 1 pm ET—and there’s the ultimate party companion to go with it.

Introducing The Nickel Anniversary Box. Think party favors, but for knitters. From now through May 10th, pre-order one of these boxes to be delivered straight to your doorstep, and while you’re welcome to take a peek, wind the yarn and set up the other extras when the box arrives, it’s meant to be shared together.

What’s inside the box? Valued at twice its listing price, this package includes so many treasures, it’ll knock your hand-knit socks off: one full skein of Hudson + West Weld, one ready-to-brew cup of Bee Happy tea, one full set of semi-precious stone stitch markers (handmade by our favorite jeweler Liz Saile), one exclusive (new) hat pattern, one beeswax votive candle and a handful of sweet (surprise) party favors to make things extra festive. Even better? Shipping is included.

The hat pattern comes from our love of pairing a laceweight mohair silk with a fingering weight to achieve new levels of texture and colorplay in our knitting –and to get DK-weight gauge at the same time. (Which, as you know, means a project that’s quicker to knit!) The box comes with the skein of fingering weight (Hudson + West Weld), and when you add it to your cart, you have the option to stash dive for the mohair, or for an additional charge, allow us to select a coordinating skein of mohair for you.

The colors—for the yarn and the stitch markers–will be a surprise. Almost every box will be different, but we think that that’s a huge part of the fun. Not just for you when your box arrives, but as we all start knitting together during the party, you’ll be able to share your color combinations with the group. A few rounds in and the magic begins!

Tucked inside your box will be a special Zoom link invitation for 1 pm on Saturday, May 29th–let’s see how many of us can get together virtually at the same time! At 2 pm, we’ll have a drawing for not just one but FIVE (5) grand prizes—that each of the party-goers will be entered to win.

The prizes include:​​​​​​

-a Joji & Co. needle wallet in ‘Dusty Pink’, a skein of Must Stash Yarn Self-Striping 2020 Advent Sock + 2 skeins of Playful Day Yarns Worsted ($225)

-eight (8) skeins of AVFKW Dawn in ‘Milk & Honey’ from the original dyelot ($210) 

-ten (10) skeins of Barrett Wool Co. Woolens in ‘Garner’ ($120)

-one full set of ‘Little Women’ collection minis from Six and Seven Fiber ($80)

AND

-one Fringe Supply Co. Field Bag in ‘Waxed Canvas Clay’, an experimental color that never went into production (read: SUPER RARE UNICORN‑‑priceless)

Light the candle, bring your favorite mug, a pair each of US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4 mm) 16” circular needles and let’s sit and enjoy an afternoon cuppa (hot or iced!) and cast on a new project together.

Boxes will be shipping on May 19th, and because we need time to gather enough party supplies for everyone, we’ll be offering pre-orders through May 10th only. Even if you’re not able to join us at the virtual party, this special box is not to be missed; it’s an incredibly good deal, but it’s also simply gorgeous–all the ingredients you need to spend an afternoon treating yourself.

These photos are just a FEW examples of the mystery color pairings we’ll be putting together–the combinations are truly endless. 

Pre-order The Nickel Anniversary Box HERE.

Merino with a capital M. Round and smooth, this yarn rebounds against your hand with a satisfying spring. Ranch 03 Campbell-Hansmire comes in a modern palette of vibrant colorways, showcasing the glowing hues that only Merino can provide.​​​​​​​

This limited edition yarn is both brand new and exceedingly special: from a small flock from one ranch in Eagle County, Colorado, this collection offers a soul-filling burst of inspiration for winter-weary eyes. A smooth-spun sport weight, Ranch 03 is light and soft, warm and lithe, sturdy and bursting with life‑‑synonymous with Spring.

For 30 years, rancher Julie Hansmire has been lovingly tending and thoughtfully breeding her Merino flock, honing the sheep’s high quality fleece into a supple wool with unparalleled softness. Dedicating herself to the hard-bitten life of open range ranching, her commitment to the Merino breed shines through her joyful demeanor and earnest candor.

​​​​​​​Moving with the seasons, the flock is grazed across open grasslands by Julie’s close-knit team of Peruvian shepherds. This environmentally-sustainable ranching method cuts down on flammable brush and controls the spread of noxious weeds. The Campbell-Hansmire Merino sheep are ethically sheared and compassionately raised, producing a soft, downy wool that mirrors the tenderness of their care.

Not sure what to knit with Ranch 03? Liz knit the child’s size of the Hansmire Hat with two skeins of Rosegold Ranch 03 for Cecily. Two or three skeins will make the Dalleray Cowl, and, if you’re feeling like sinking your teeth into a bigger project, go for some gorgeous colorwork–the Spero Sweater.

We invite you to meet Julie Hansmire, and listen to her describe her life’s work‑‑raising responsible, sustainable, beautiful Merino sheep‑‑by watching this video ​​​​​​​HERE.

‘it’s okay if you aren’t okay. not feeling your best. dealing with so
much stress. so much tension in your body. up late and can’t sleep.
it’s okay if you’re not all put together as you normally are. but
nothing is normal during these times. you’re going through a deep
cleansing and keeping it together really means allowing yourself
to fall apart and see yourself in pieces. you’re strong enough to
re-assemble yourself. you are your own missing peace. relax your
mind. you are loved you are loved you are love.’
-Adrian Michael, ‘missing peace’

We are tired. Life is hard. We know you feel it, too. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay.

It’s okay not to have anything to say.
To need to talk.
Not to push on as normal.
To want to get Back To Normal.
To abandon your knitting.
To cast on All The Things.
To rest.
To move.
To sleep.
To binge.
To weep.
To laugh.
To indulge.
To refrain.
To comfort.
To seek pleasure.
To safely gather.
​​​​​​​To retreat.

We are coming up on a sobering anniversary, and with it comes a range of emotions that are wringing us dry. We are grieving, in very public and very personal ways. For what was, was is, what will never be. We are taking time to sit with these feelings‑‑the only way out is through.

Remember‑‑when you can‑‑that you are not alone. You are important. You are necessary. More people love you and need you than you could ever know. If you need someone to talk to, please text HOME to 741741 to connect with a real, life crisis counselor who will listen, at any time, and give you a soft place to land.​​​​​​

xo,
Melissa & Liz

Adrian Michael Green is a human whose work we love and deeply respect. The poem in this newsletter is from Giver II, but every single one of his collections is magical, lyrical and speaks to the Soul.

Open Stitch
Saturdays
10 am to 12 pm EDT

Sitting and creating with you on Saturday mornings…it’s what we DO.

Join us every Saturday morning as we sit and drink caffeinated beverages and knit (or crochet/spin/stitch/weave!) together. It won’t be exactly the same as being together in person, but it’ll be so very good to see you.

JOIN US HERE.

Meeting ID: 835 6727 2501

(In the event that the link itself isn’t working, head to Zoom’s home page,
enter meeting ID: 835 6727 2501
and you should be able to get right in.)​​​​​​​

An extremely precious yarn, The Hills is a secret project that’s been in the works for almost a year: a yarn 100% made in Michigan. From the first shearing of Rambouillet lambs from one farm, this yarn holds the promise and wonder of new life. Created from the entire flock of this Manchester Michigan farm’s 2020 fleeces–chocolate brown–it’s combed together in a small-batch, ring-spun yarn that’s plump, soft and farm-fresh. This is a very limited edition yarn; there is a finite number of skeins available, and once this year’s batch is gone, that’s it.

Zeilinger Wool Company is a fourth-generation-run wool mill in Frankenmuth, Michigan. We have worked closely with Jon and April for years, and when they got wind of the fact that this single-batch lambswool was available, they immediately thought of us. It’s an honor to work with this historic mill to create another custom yarn for our hive.

Jill Zielinski Designs in southern Michigan has our deepest gratitude for creating a gorgeous pattern–a combination of soothing garter stitch and simple, chunky lace–specifically for this yarn, aptly named the Making Comfort Shawl. Thank you, Jill, for your vision!

About the shawl, in the words of the designer…

“The Making Comfort Shawl is a classic top-down, triangular shawl. Rows and rows of garter stitch are broken up with a simple, easy to memorize, chunky textural stitch. The shawl is finished off with an elegant ribbed border. Knit up in an absolutely stunning and buttery soft lamb Rambouillet, this project is just the comfort every knitter needs and loves— a comfort to knit, and a comfort to wear!”

To order the kit:

1. Add four (4) skeins of The Hills HERE.

2. Add the Making Comfort Shawl pattern HERE.

That’s it. Really. Our one resolution. To knit. More. Everything. Anything.

2020. Can we say anything about it that hasn’t already been said, in a more poetic/snarky/neatly-packaged way? The simple truth: the year took us to our knees. And our (collective) knitting mojo completely dried up. Somehow Liz managed to knock out three sample sweaters (her Cedar Pullover, Party of Five and her golden Ginn), but other than that, she hasn’t knit a stitch. I’ve half-heartedly banged out a few rows–finished two Oslo hats and a Sunset Slouch–but for Professional Knitters (okay, Enablers!) three hats and three sweaters between two people isn’t much to show for a year. We’ve talked about this a lot in our Comfort and Joy series, but the year hasn’t left us with a lot of time–or motivation–to knit.

It’s okay. It is. After 20 years (!) in downtown Cedar, the shop has been busier than it ever has been. EVER. And for that, we are supremely, undeniably, unbelievably grateful. We have kept Makers in wool during the times when y’all have needed it most. (Even if you’re still in the stashing stage–don’t feel bad. We are, too.) We’re also part-to-full-time e-learning teachers during the weekdays; turns out being teachers AND business owners during a global pandemic really cuts into your making time.

But it won’t always be like this. One day–when it’s safe–our children will go back to school. We will catch up, we will plan, we will establish new routines. With the bustle of the latest holiday season behind us, we’ve been feeling like we’re seeing what winter is going to look like….and it looks good. There’s room in there for restoration, for quiet, for peace, for reading, for walking, for cooking, for knitting, and really, what else is there?

Hard truth: we don’t subscribe to the notion that 2021 is going to be better. The calendar page isn’t going to flip over tomorrow, and suddenly, we’ll be back on our feet, running toward the light. It’s going to be more of a slow crawl on our knees, making our way toward the mirage in the desert.

We’re still navigating a global pandemic. Black lives still matter. USPS is still in crisis. We’re still lonely. We’re still tired. We’re still reinventing ourselves, every moment of every day. Our friends are depressed and overworked, the systems are racist and broken, neighbors and strangers and family members will get sick and they will die.

But. We know. We know the things we’ve seen. We know there are goals to fight for. We know it’s okay to let go of things we thought we knew, thought we loved, thought were right. We know it will be hard. We know we will be deeply sad. We know we’ll get parts wrong. But we know–without a shadow of a doubt–that we’ll keep going.

We know now, too, how to take better care of ourselves. That a full life means movement and rest. Coffee and tea. Greens and chocolate. Sunshine and rain. Knitting and dreaming. Lucky for us, it looks like we’re moving out of a dreaming stage and into a knitting one.

We’re starting to make pacts with ourselves–all of us, here at the shop–that we’re just going to knit. To knit for knit’s sake. To stop hoarding yarn and to start knitting with it. To stop waiting for The Perfect Project For The Perfect Moment…and just cast on. To knit because we love it. To knit because it soothes us. To knit because it challenges us. To knit because it numbs us. To knit because it invigorates us. To knit because it rights us. To knit because it binds us.

We don’t know what that means (cables? brioche? sweaters? socks?), but it doesn’t matter, really. We just want to knit. Anything. Everything.

Let’s usher in the New Year, dear friends–and make it full of knitting, shall we?

xo
Melissa & Liz

As you may have heard us announce on our Instagram Live chat with Aimée last week, we are so very thrilled to say that Wool & Honey is the newest La Bien Aimée stockist in the United States. (There are currently only two others.) We cannot tell you what an honor it is that Aimée was willing to write a chapter in our shop’s story‑‑and that this has been a very long time coming. It feels like an extremely natural fit‑‑Aimée’s spirit is so warm and gentle and light and comforting‑‑we hope you will find the same deep joy in her yarns that we do as we embark on the next step in our relationship together.

We thought the best way to introduce our first batch of LBA yarns would be during our virtual holiday party‑‑this Sunday, December 13th at 4 pm.​​​​​​​

Not only will we have La Bien Aimée yarn available on Sunday afternoon, but we will have an entire virtual shop stocked full of yarns, gifts and notions that make for wonderful stocking stuffers.

What to expect on Sunday afternoon:

* LBA Yarn Bundles
-the Oslo Hat by Petite Knit (5 colors)
-the Wispy Shawl by Joji Locatelli (3 colors)
-the Satellite Shawl by Andrea Mowry (the original colorway)

* LBA Super Sock (individual skeins in 14 colors)

* Red Stag Dachas Sock in a full rainbow

* Northern Dreams Alpaca in new colors and weights

* Cocoknits notions in all our favorite styles

* Icelandic wool blankets, ready to ship

* NEW notions bags and project notebooks

* Northern Nail Polish bundles

* all the holiday scents fromFarm House Candle Co.

AND. We’ll include a free gift (a $20 value!) with every online purchase between now and December 24th. 

We are SO excited about this sweet little bag. It’s vegan leather, large enough for a small project, and emblazoned with the words ‘I Am Making Comfort and Joy’, it’s your way of sharing with the world that while Life is extremely difficult, as a Maker, you have chosen to infuse yours with a bit of comfort and joy.

We are extremely sad to miss out on our in-person gathering this year, but we know the safest way for everyone to celebrate is virtually. Our hope is that sharing the things we love‑‑and sending you a little gift, too!‑‑will help, at least in small part, to make things merry and bright.​​​​​​​

Stay tuned for an email on Sunday afternoon with live links to all these goodies‑‑we hope you’ll ‘join us’ online!

EDIT: We are THRILLED to tell you that we’ve discovered a way to save and publish these recorded video conversations to a platform outside of Instagram‑‑we’ve now uploaded them to our YouTube channel for those of you who are not Instagram users. Find our previous conversations with Luigi of Brooklyn Tweed, Toni of TL Yarn Crafts, Rachel of Six and Seven Fiber, Meghan + Sloane of Hudson + West,  Aimée of La Bien Aimée, Summer Lee Knits, Stephen West, Jill Zielinski, Andrea Mowry, Melanie of Big Little Yarn, Joji Locatelli, Paola of mYak, Rachelle of Moondrake Co., Gwen of Bella Filato Studio, Amy of June Cashmere, Aimee + Brian of Little Fox Yarn, Lavanya Patricella, Tif Neilan and Jodi and Tracie of the Grocery Girls on our YouTube channel HERE.

As the days become shorter and the weather turns colder in Northern Michigan, we’re seeking as much tenderness and connection as we can find over the next several months. Our desire is to deepen our relationships with others, cocoon ourselves in fibers that feel good and to reignite the spark that illuminated our path to Making in the first place. ​​​​​​​

We’d like to introduce to you a multi-part series that we hope will connect Makers (that’s you!) throughout this community to each other: Making Comfort + Joy. Once weekly throughout the next several months, we will be spotlighting Makers, Designers, Dyers and yarn companies who we deeply respect and gain inspiration from‑‑in work and in life. We will be hosting a FREE virtual space for gathering, for learning, for organic conversation, a way to go deeper with all aspects of Making; American-made or yarn from the mountains on the other side of the globe, heartwork from all genders, Makers from multiple crafts, bodies of all shapes, colors and cultural backgrounds. We’ll be having casual conversations with these Makers about what makes them tick-‑a few of the reasons we love their part in this community’s ongoing, nuanced story. ​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​While we’re not releasing the full schedule yet, we’d like to introduce a few of the Makers who’ll be joining us over the next few weeks. Luigi Boccia on 11/5, co-owner and Operations Manager of Brooklyn Tweed loves running, gardening and spent five years traveling the world as a professional opera singer‑‑in addition to his affinity for yarn. Toni Lipsey on 11/12, indie crochet designer, certified yarnaholic and coffee lover, created TL Yarn Crafts in 2013 out of her desire to build community around her craft and share her excitement and experiences with other creatives. (What can we say, Toni? You had us at caffeine!)  Rachel Lundstrom on 11/19, artist, empath and the indie dyer behind Six and Seven Fiber‑‑we’ve come to think of her pretty much like our fourth sister. Her colorways are sweeping and romantic and utterly unforgettable‑‑just like her personality.

(All three of these Creatives are also major readers‑‑you can bet books will be a common thread throughout this series, too!)

​​​​​​​These conversations will be taking place via Instagram Live, beginning this week, Thursday, November 5th at 7 pm EDT. Look for another email on Thursday morning with more details‑‑and a little surprise, too. (Don’t receive our email newsletter? Drop us a line at thebuzz@woolandhoney.com and we’ll add you to our list.)

Take care, dear friends. We can’t wait to see you on Thursday evening.

xo,
Melissa & Liz