Issue 18–October 2008

All the News That’s Fit to Knit

On the 30th anniversary of YMN’s first issue, the editors past and present take a look back. By Cheryl Krementz

“Talk about memories.…” Kate Mathews tosses out the statement as a wistful aside. But listening to her talk about memories was the reason for my call. Thirty years ago, in October 1978, Mathews helmed the first edition of what she calls “a small newsletter” founded to cater to the concerns of independent weaving and yarn-supply retailers. YMN’s story is told here, primarily in the words of the three women who’ve sat atop its masthead: Mathews, Jeane Hutchins and Karin Strom.

Read the full article and much more in the October 2008 issue of Yarn Market News.

Counter Culture

A roundup of products to keep the cash register ka-chinging. By Laurie Kimmelstiel

Never underestimate consumer impulse. There’s a reason all those chips, candy bars, batteries and tabloids clutter supermarket checkout lines—shoppers see them, want them, toss them on the conveyor belt. LYS register counters should be more attractive and less chaotic (if they’re not, clean things up, pronto), but they too should be outfitted with small, enticing point-of-purchase items customers will feel compelled to snag at any price point.

Read the full article and much more in the October 2008 issue of Yarn Market News.

Crochet Exposé

Has crochet finally come into its own? By Leslie Petrovski

The crochet scene is a paradox. Industry estimates put the number of crocheters higher than the number of knitters. Crocheters tend to make more projects than knitters—projects that can require up to three times more yarn than their knitted counterparts. However (and here's the paradox): Though crocheters surpass knitters in terms of numbers, yarn yardage utilized and productivity, they aren't as indulged by the industry. Type the word “knitting” into Amazon.com and 66,109 results pop up. Key in “crochet” and only 20,951 listings emerge. When will crochet finally be the next big thing?

Read the full article and much more in the October 2008 issue of Yarn Market News.

Coming From America

Daryl Brower profiles companies sourcing yarn and fibers close to home.

Walking the aisles of TNNA last June, YMN editors noticed something curious. Rather than looking across the pond or south of the border for yarn and fiber, an increasing number of shop owners and yarn distributors were seeking out yarns made in the U.S. and Canada. “Our sales are up significantly in an industry that’s trending down,” says Paul Nichols of CNS, which distributes the Canadian-made Mission Falls line. “And part of the reason has to do with where our yarns are made. Retailers are telling us our yarns are selling be­cause they’re made in North America.”

Read the full article and much more in the October 2008 issue of Yarn Market News.