What's New at Crystal Palace Yarns & STRAW.COM - index to free knitting patterns

What's New at STRAW.COM & Crystal Palace Yarns
Free Knitting Patterns, Yarn News and More

This started as a "scratch pad" for me to keep track of what I was working on, but I realized that return visitors to STRAW.COM would find a list of changes and additions helpful in finding what was new. The earliest entry in 'What's New?' is from Dec. 1995 when this web site first opened. This web site is maintained by Susan Druding. [ last addition made to page: 28 February, 2011 ]

December 23, 2005 - We re-knit our popular Asymmetrical Deco-Ribbon Jacket in a new color combination that really came out beautifully. See the new photo of the Deco-Ribbon Jacket here.

December 20, 2005 - Our new Blippity yarn makes a wonderful, interesting texture when knit alone in simple stockinette stitch. Treat yourself or a loved one to a cute Blippity Tank Top - you won't see another like it!

December 15, 2005 - Do you know a "Red Hat" Society member?
Here's a red and purple scarf knit with Splash and Fling
in just the right colors to go with her hat! Easy to knit on 15s
and a retail cost of under $20. (You can make lots of other color combinations, too!)

December 7, 2005 - Knit this cozy sweater for a little girl in your life!
It combines Blippity and Kiddo. In our model sweater the Kiddo is striped as background in 2 alternating colors, but you can do it all in one color if you wish.
This Girl's Cowl Pullover pattern is free here and sized from a size 4 through 12.

November 25, 2005 - I recently got a Nikon D50 SLR digital and am having a fine time taking photos. I had some questions about where and how we store our yarns and so I've put 4 photos up for you to see HERE of the CPY Warehouse. (You'll see that we keep a big inventory of yarns to keep our shops supplied.)

November 21, 2005 - Here's an easy Cameo Aran Unisex Cable Sweater,
sized for both women and men. If you are new to knitting cables
and want to knit your first Aran-styled sweater, here's a perfect place to start.
It's knit with our new Cameo merino blend yarn (80% merino + 20% nylon).
The tubular structure of Cameo means that it shows stitch patterns beautifully.

November 14, 2005 - the new Popcorn yarn is SO much fun! Here's a very simple scarf knit with Popcorn combined with Deco-Ribbon for a great textured look. Just one ball of each yarn (approx. retail cost $13) will make this long scarf. Click the photo at the right to see more detailed photos and the easy-to-knit pattern.

November 13, 2005 - DAISY Circular Needles have arrived at our warehouse and will begin shipping this coming week to shops. See a sample pack here. Daisy Circular sizes range from 9 to 35 and lengths are: 16", 29", 40" and 55" (not all sizes in all lengths). Prices range for $4.90 to $13.50 retail.

November 12, 2005 - I finished my second Scribble Lace scarf - this one in Kid Merino and Labrador on 17s - the free pattern is here. This is addictive! I'm starting a shawl with Kid M. and Iceland next.

November 10, 2005 - Everyone is talking about making "scribble lace" thanks to Debbie New's Unexpected Knitting book. I had to give it a try and chose to use size 15 needles for a little finer lace look than the size 17s used in the book. The result is this fun scribble lace scarf using Kid Merino and Deco-Stardust. Six feet of fun and with one ball of each yarn you have enough to make TWO scarves - get together with a friend and 2 different color ideas and you can each make one - you'll be able to make 2 scarves for under $20! I'm working on another one now with Kid Merino and Labrador, I'll get it posted soon.

October 31, 2005 - Another look in a BeBop + Party
combination is this "Fur Look Corkscrew Scarf".
I've had a lot of comments on this one that I knit already - it's a show stopper!
The free pattern is here for the corkscrew scarf
- and you can make it for approximately $18.

October 30, 2006 - BeBop + Party in "roses" color makes a great looking "Victorian Christmas Colors" scarf. There are several other great combinations of colors between Party and Bebop. The Victorian Christmas Scarf pattern is here. You can make this scarf for approximately $12.

October 28, 2005 - Our new-for-spring BeBop yarn will be here in December. Here is a free pattern for a toque style hat combining it with Iceland. You can actually knit 2 hats from one ball of each yarn for under $20 for a pair of hats!

Merino Stripes
Rosette Trimmed
Tam

Merino Stripes
Ribbon Trimmed
Tam

October 27, 2006 - Three new patterns using Merino Stripes -
A Bell Sleeve ribbed Pullover uses only 5 balls in the small size up to 8 balls in the 2XX size.
A Tam with ribbon trim knit with an eyelet swirling stitch using less than one ball of Merino Stripes. (see photos to the right)
A knit Tam with a crocheted Rosette trim in an eyelet swirl purl stitch the same size, but with more surface texture.

October 22, 2006 - NEW YARNS for Spring '06 are starting to arrive and sample cards are being posted. See the Yarn Card page for more information. New yarns include both novelty and classic styles: BeBop, Blippity, Popcorn, Fjord (100% wool, a smaller version of Iceland in 33 colors), Cameo (an 80% merino yarn in a structure that shows stitches off beautifully for pattern knits) and of course we are adding new colors to many popular CPY yarns, too. See swatches of Blippity knit with other yarns and also felted with Iceland HERE.

October 16, 2005 - Here is a lovely, soft pullover decorated with 2 knit leaves in Merino Stripes. Merino Stripes is so light that the sweater can be knit with 5-8 balls (and it is sized up to an XXLg) and is 85% merino wool. The yarn has arrived at our warehouse and shipping to shops began last week.

September 28, 2005 - Metallic Deco-Stardust makes a great dressy retro-tunic.
Tunics were a fashion image in the 70s and they are back again.
This one has a fun slip-stitch mosaic design as trim which is not as complicated as it looks.
You only knit with one color in each row and the slip stitches form the pattern.

September 26, 2005 - Choose from one of the many colors of Party ribbon -
either solid or printed to make this stylish Capelet. The free pattern is here.

Fizz Stardust
Corkscrew Scarf

September 26, 2005 - Knit a Fizz-Stardust Corkscrew scarf -
the little twinkles of metallic fiber in
Fizz-Stardust make the twirly curls show up even more.
It takes only 2 balls of Fizz-Stardust.

Entire oufit: Vest,
sleeveless fringed top,
fringed skirt and bag.

September 19, 2005 - Dawn Leeseman has created an outfit
any teen or young woman would love!
A Rave vest with matching Rave fringed Party ribbon sleeveless crop top and skirt.
Plus, a cute little club bag to match.
Make it in these feminine colors, or choose black Party
and neon colors of Rave to make it a traffic stopping combination!
All patterns are free here. With the reasonable price of
Party and Rave you can make this outfit without spending too much, too!

Merino Stripes
Wide Scarf

September 13, 2005 - We have one more new yarn on the way for Fall-Winter '05, Merino Stripes,
a brushed ultra soft 85% merino wool yarn that has 3 self-striping colors in each ball.
Here is an extra-wide scarf knit from just 2 balls of Merino Stripes
at a retail of under $20. If you have tried Merino Frappe,
you'll love Merino Stripes which is a slightly bulkier version which knits at a looser gauge.
We have several more Merino Stripes patterns in the works, so stay tuned!

Clydesdale Legwarmers
and Hat in Nubbles

September 10, 2005 - Have some fun making a pair of fun "Clydesdale" Legwarmers and a matching hat with Nubbles. (Party is used for the tops of the legwarmers,
but you could use Deco-Ribbon as well.)
The Hat is very easy - just a tube with a seamed top
and can be made with 2 or 3 balls of Nubbles. A great gift item.
Cathy made this set as a gift for her sister who loves them!

Kiddo + Fizz Stardust
Christmas Scarf

September 7, 2005 - Get an early start on Christmas projects by knitting a red and green holiday scarf.
This one is in ultra soft Kiddo + Fizz-Stardust to add green and metallic highlights.
The free Christmas Scarf pattern is here.

Deco-Ribbon
+ Fling Ruffle
Skirt & Top

September 3, 2005 - Have you ever knit a skirt? They are easier than you would think. Here's a Deco-Ribbon Skirt and Sleeveless Top, both trimmed with a Fling ruffle. The free pattern for the skirt and top is here. [Or, use Splash or Squiggle for the Ruffle Trim.]

Iceland + Nubbles
Hat + Mittens

September 2, 2005 - Get started on winter early with this matched set of Iceland + Nubbles Hat and Mittens. You can make this pair with just one ball each of Iceland and Nubbles and there are many combinations possible in all kinds of colors (see ideas for color combinations here.)

August 31, 2005 - MERINO STRIPES, a new yarn arriving in mid-October. We thought we had finished finding new yarns for Fall 2005, but a few months ago we were offered a luscious self-striping yarn of 85% merino wool and we could not resist. Photos are available of both Close-ups of each ball of Merino Stripes and of Opened Bags of Merino Stripes. We have one scarf pattern ready and several sweater patterns being knit now and we'll publish them as soon as they are ready. [CPY Dealer Shops: we are taking orders now for delivery as soon as Merino Stripes arrives in mid-October.]

Rave + Party
Purse

August 27, 2005 - Knit one of these cool bag patterns using RAVE and Party ribbons.
1 - a cute Club Bag: see our examples in a taxi-stopping yellow and black or in soft pastel picnic and lilac colors - free Club Bag pattern is HERE.
2 - a larger Purse size version knit in black and neon with a wonderful braided, fuzzy strap technique added. Click HERE for the purse photos and free pattern.

Deco-Stardust
Tunic - long version

August 25, 2005 - the photos of the Deco-Stardust tunic in the long version are now published. This tunic can be worn as a see-through dress or as a tunic over other garments. See the long version HERE.

Felted Bag
Iceland +
Dragonfly

August 22, 2005 - Begin making your holiday gifts early -
here's a fast Kid Merino + Party Ribbon Scarf knit on 17s with a drop stitch.
Lots of color combinations are possible.

Merino Frappe
Asymmetrical Cable
Pullover

August 21, 2005 - Knit a super soft and light pullover in Merino Frappe.
This Asymmetrical Cable pullover has a cable with only 4 twists in it
and maximum effect. The free Merino Frappe pattern is here.

August 20, 2005 - the final bag in our set of 5 felted bags: this one is a great looking blend of Iceland and Little Flowers. Simple shaped bag with a wonderful surface texture and color from the combination with Iceland and Little Flowers. It almost looks like a modern tweed fabric - and the little metallic highlights in L. Flowers give it an added touch of glitz.

August 19, 2005 - A RAVE vest trimmed with Party Ribbon.
Soft and plush and cozy feeling texture from the Rave fringed ribbon.
Rave and Party are both made from the same ultra soft, super lustrous nylon fiber.
We'll be adding a tank top and skirt to go with this vest in the near future, too.

Splash Collar Royale

August 18, 2005 - Remember the Vegan Fox?
Now we have a "Vegan Ermine" wrap knit with Splash.
The designer calls it 'Collar Royale' as a play on the Casino Royale movie with Peter Sellers.
The free pattern for the Collar Royale in Splash is here.

Deco-Stardust
Tunic

August 18, 2005 - We've knit two more of our wonderful Kid Merino + Little Flowers Shawl in new color combinations. This pattern has been very popular and we thought it would be fun to try some new color combinations. See the new shawl colorways HERE. (The original 'strawberry soda' color combo is still up here.)

August 16, 2005 - We've just received a great new project in Deco-Stardust, the metallic version of our Deco-Ribbon. This free pattern is a Sleeveless Tunic in 2 lengths - the version shown at the right here in the photo is the short version. We'll have the photos of the longer version up soon. This lightweight tunic can be worn over skirt or tights and has an openwork dropped stitch pattern that is fun to do and quick on size 10-3/4 needles.

Shrug in Party + Rave

August 13, 2005 - A new version of our popular capelet/shrug pattern - this one in Party Ribbon and Splash using the scuba dive colors that are coordinated through many CPY yarns. The free Shrug pattern is here.

August 13, 2005 - I haven't added a new scarf in awhile - here is one I just finished in our new RAVE fringed, lustrous ribbon combined with 2 colors in Cotton Chenille. This scarf is easy to knit lengthwise with 1 ball of each of the 3 yarns. The free scarf pattern is here.

Deco-Ribbon
Tank Top Tee

August 7, 2005 - Deco-Ribbon Tank Top Tee sizes from 41" to 52" - knit several in different colors and sizes! We show it in this pattern in 2 different colors to inspire you. The eyelet trim details and shaped bottom edge give this tank a special look.

August 6, 2005 - Wear this Nicky Epstein Deco-Ribbon Coat Dress either as a light weight coat or as a dress on its own. With the reasonable price of Deco-Ribbon you'll be able to make this project without spending a fortune on the yarn, too. [Approximate retail cost $155-$165.]

Rave Bolero Jacket

August 5, 2005 - Our Rave shipment arrived this week - here's a quick knitting (on 15s in garter st)Rave Bolero Jacket shown in the photo at the right in one of the traffic-stopping neon combinations. We have more RAVE patterns in the works and coming soon.

August 4, 2005 - Knit shrugs are making a big comeback and here is a beautiful one in Kid Merino.
This airy, lacy Kid Merino shrug drifts softly over shoulders and the ruffled edge gives it
an elegant edging. Knit on large needles with only 5 balls of Kid Merino
(a mix of print and solid colors) you will think of making several in different color combinations.
It would look lovely in a mix of 2 solids as well. The approximate retail cost of this shrug is about $30!

August 3, 2005 - A cropped, striped jacket in our new PUNK yarn.
Use 3 colors as stripes with Party ribbon between.
This jacket is knit all in one piece, from the left sleeve across to the right sleeve on size 13s.
Here's the free Punk Jacket Pattern. Note that you could also knit the stripes
with our ultra soft POOF yarn instead of Punk at the same gauge.

Kid Merino
Fingerless Gloves

July 31, 2005 - If you liked Cathy Campbell's Rainbow Kid Merino Striped Socks (see free pattern here), you'll love the new Kid Merino Fingerless Gloves pattern. It will use up the yarn you have left from making the socks, or you will be able to make several pairs from one set of 5 balls of Kid Merino (approx. retail cost under $30)

July 27, 2005 - You can crochet a bag and felt it as well as knit. Here is an Iceland + Little Flowers bag that is crocheted and then felted.

July 26, 2005 - Have you tried felting with our Musique yarn yet? It makes a wonderful textured, multicolor felt. Here are two different felted bags using Musique:
1. with Musique and Iceland in soft colors: a felted bag made with Musique and Iceland
2. with Musique and Fizz in vibrant colors: a felted bag made with Musique and Fizz
There are many color combinations possible combining Musique with these two yarns.

July 25, 2005 - We just received our shipment of DAISY Double Point needles, including size 35! I've never knit with DP 35s, so I had to experiment. I decided to knit a hat to felt. I knit with 2 ends of Labrador and 1 end of Fizz and cast on only 30 sts. It made a very loosely knit hat. I felted it for 5 minute cycle in my Maytag. The resulting hat is a fun one - see the photos and pattern for the hat HERE.

July 22, 2005 - Musique (an intriguing blend of wool-acrylic and cotton) is here in a Coat with a

Nubbles - Iceland
Tweedy Jacket

July 21, 2005 - Nubbles and Iceland combine again into a stylish tweedy jacket. Knit this jacket in either a waist length or a hip length (the free pattern includes both lengths) and the 6 sizes run all the way from a Small to a 2X size. The single pair of buttons and loop closure mean no button holes to make! The free knit jacket pattern is here.

July 20, 2005 - Knit a cute POOF baby hat
with pom-pom "ears" for your favorite baby.
Shown here are two different color versions on a pair of one-year old twins.

Party Girl's
Tank Top

July 10, 2005 - An amazingly lovely cropped 'transparent' jacket knit with Kid Merino
- it's so soft and light and so many color combinations are possible.
It's sized sm, med, lg, Xlg and 1X.
The medium size uses only 8 - 25 gr balls of Kid Merino (under $50 retail).
The 1X only uses 13 - 25 gr balls.
The free pattern for this Kid Merino jacket is HERE.
For more ideas of color combinations with Kid Merino see the color shade card for Kid Merino.

July 6, 2005 - Had a bit of a disaster in mid-June: my hard disk crashed with this web site and my software and everything. If you wrote us an email and did not receive an answer between June 10 and June30, try again, please. We lost all email. I'm now a little behind in updating patterns and information here on the site, so bear with us as we get things back on track. [and... Back Up... I was 3 months behind on mine! And be sure you have all the passwords and registration information for your programs stored somewhere besides on the same hard drive with all your programs, too!]

June 5, 2005 - I was playing with knitting our new KIDDO yarn into a ruffled edge and to see how far 2 balls of Kiddo would go (the yarn is so light and frothy) and I wound up with something that I decided had to have some purpose. So, I put it on a mannekin and draped it in different ways - you can see more experiments HERE and the Pattern is also here. I'm calling it a "What's It?" Have some fun knitting this What's It for about $16.

June 3, 2005 - Have a peek at the new Musique COAT with "Fur" trim made with Splash and Fizz-Stardust. The pattern is being edited now and will be posted later in June.

June 3, 2005 - A Shrug knit with soft, cozy Merino Frappe and trimmed with Tingle (or you can use Fling or Squiggle equally successfully). An easy pattern and fun to make in more than one color combination. [Remember to click the links at the yarn names in our patterns on this site as they will take you to the color card and information for each yarn.] Make this Shrug for about $30 for a small and a little more for the large size.

May 29, 2005 - Here's a really cute Vest pattern in Nubbles + Iceland.
Nubbles is a new yarn, due in mid-June.
This vest pattern is sized from Small through 1X.
It has a wonderful soft feel to the finished knitting, too.

May 20, 2005 - Check out RAVE our new-for-Fall '05 highly lustrous fringed nylon ribbon - it is made from the same wonderful nylon fiber as PARTY ribbon and can stand alone or be used in combinations. We've added, besides the type of prints we have in Party, a range of traffic stopping NEON colors in solids and prints. How about a Handknit Safety Vest for bicycling? 18 printed colors and 9 solids colors.

May 6, 2005 - Crochet Poncho with Poof - Here's a new pattern to crochet a cozy, soft poncho with microfiber Poof. Made on a big hook (L-11) to work up quickly.

May 3, 2005 - The new yarn, KIDDO, sample card has been updated and a detail of a baby sweater shown at the bottom of the sample card page. This new, super soft microfiber yarn is fun to knit and fun to touch.

May 2, 2005 - Here's a Preview of one of our new yarns for Fall '05: PUNK - in wild neon colors and with long 2-tone hair. Around the office, we are calling this one "Poof's Hairy Cousin".

April 28, 2005 - Combine Party Ribbon and Squiggle to make this quick to knit, attention getting scarf - able to be worn year-around. It knits up lengthwise very quickly and with the wide numbers of colors available for both Party and Squiggle you can make several and each will look completely different.

April 27, 2005 - The Lace Cuff Kid Merino Sock Pattern by Cathy Campbell has been posted. Using doubled Kid Merino makes a perfect sock weight - and the resulting socks are cozy and soft.

April 26, 2005 - Added photos of new Fall yarn KIDDO - balls and knit swatch photos are here. And the Kiddo sample card is here. KIDDO is not just for babies! A super soft microfiber nylon in 8 prints and 14 solid colors. We'll be posting patterns for baby and kid projects, but this is a great "adult" yarn, too. At 3 sts/inch you can make your favorite baby or toddler a gift quickly.

April 23, 2005 - An airy Party Ribbon Criss Cross Jacket for all seasons - change the look by putting it over a contrasting color. Sized Sm, Med, Lg, 1X and 2X. The beautiful openwork lacy pattern is a one row repeat! Thanks to Dawn Leeseman for another wonderful Party Ribbon pattern! The model is knit in 'ultra blues' color for subtle variations in color. (See photo at left)

April 23, 2005 - Revised pattern for the Summer Net Sleeveless Shell now includes two larger sizes: 48" and 52". We are sizing our patterns for "ample knitters" now as often as possible.

April 5, 2005 - the NUBBLES wool sample card is now up - this is a new yarn for Fall '05 with wonderful chunky nubs in 13 printed and 3 solid colors.

April 4, 2005 - A new sample card is posted for WAIKIKI - including 7 new printed colors. Waikiki is now going to be available in 50 gram balls. After more than 20 years, Waikiki continues to be one of our most popular yarns and comes in colors that coordinate with many other Crystal Palace yarn colors.

March 26, 2005 - The pattern is up for Striped Kid Merino Socks -
Kid Merino is held double and knit with size 2 DPNs.

March 17, 2005 - 8 New Prints being added to PARTY ribbon are now added to the online PARTY sample card here. These will arrive in May.

March 16, 2005 - Do you love our Iceland wool yarn? You'll love the 4 new solids and 8 new printed colors - see them on the new Iceland sample card here.

March 13, 2005 - A preview of one of our new Crystal Palace Yarns for Fall '05:
NUBBLES Wool - a chunky weight yarn with wonderful nubs of texture.
There will be 13 printed colors, plus ecru, white and jet black. This will be a fun yarn for accessories, trim, hats, vests and more.
See Preview Photos of NUBBLES here.

March 4, 2005 - Do you have a friend who has had a mastectomy or are you a breast cancer survivor?
Here's a cozy and comfortable to wear 'Cotton Chenille Boob' to knit, designed and knit by Beryl Tsang.
Thank you Beryl for sharing this wonderful idea.

February 18, 2005 - Two pairs of socks knit with Kid Merino doubled. A Lace Cuff sock and a Rainbow Striped sock. Photos are up, patterns to follow.

January 15, 2005 - A lusciously soft tulips pink shawl knit with
Kid Merino held double (only 3 - 25 gram balls for the whole shawl!)
and one ball of Little Flowers. The free pattern is here.

January 10, 2005 - Kid Merino Lace Scarf in blush pink, an easy lace pattern, good for new lace knitters. Uses only 2 balls of Kid Merino.

January 9, 2005 - Long vest in new PARTY ribbon - lustrous and soft. Knit in a slip stitch basket stitch to show off the luster of the yarn.

January 5, 2004 - We are adding 7 new colors to Waikiki - see 5 of the new colors here and we'll add the other 2 new colors as soon as samples arrive. Waikiki will be changed over to 50 gram balls instead of the older style 50 gram skeins beginning with these new colors.