COMING IN JUNE: Sheep(ish)–A Stitch.Rock.Love Yarn!

February 7, 2011 by Vickie Howell

I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of my new yarn line with Caron International, Stitch.Rock.Love! The first yarn in the line, Sheep(ish)–a wool blend–will hit Jo-Ann Stores and Buy.Caron.com in June. I’m so excited!

I’ve spent the last 8 months, working on fiber content, hand-picking each of the 21 colors, and designing garments for the launch (stay tuned in upcoming months for loads of free patterns). It’s been such a blast, and I couldn’t be happier to be able to bring you a roving-style yarn that’s rich-looking, but affordable in price.

Here’s a peek at the palette:

21 Flavors of Sheep(ish)

Note: I took these shots myself, so colors may appear different on your screen.

Knit Swatch: in colors Espresso(ish) & Lime(ish)

Crochet Swatch: in color Turquoise(ish)

Knit Swatch: in color Magenta(ish)

I’ll be updating you with scoop as I have it over the next few months. What I can tell you now is that so far, Jo-Ann has picked the line to be on end-caps of 250+ stores, and it’ll be available on Buy.Caron.com (as of this summer). Independent retailers will be able to order it through Notions Marketing so if you’ve got a favorite, local store–please, ask ‘em to order it!

Keep in mind, since Sheep(ish) isn’t available to the public until June, we don’t have a dedicated web page for it, yet. It’s all coming though, I promise! I just couldn’t wait any longer, to share the news.

Publications, please send all press inquiries to Lynn Carlisle: ljc@carlislecommunications.com

As always, thanks for the support!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie & The Caron Crew

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Posted in Vickie Howell, Yarn | 38 Comments

38 Responses

on February 9, 2011 at 1:44 pm | Reply Sheila

Wow! Sheep(ish) looks amazing. I love the stitch definition and the colors are awesome. Thanks for sharing, Vickie, and congratulations.
on February 10, 2011 at 2:13 pm | Reply Kelly

Love the look and the color selection! So many great yarns are lacking in color selection and it’s so exciting to see such a variety of great hues. THANKS!!
- on February 10, 2011 at 2:30 pm | Reply Vickie Howell
  
  Thanks, so much, ladies! I’m thrilled you like the colors!
on February 10, 2011 at 9:41 pm | Reply Carolee

Hello Vickie, I love the sweetheart ripple you shared. is the pattern only availble from
Annies Attic?? Maybe for V-day next year? Thanks
- on February 20, 2011 at 5:07 am | Reply crochetkim
  
  The Sweetheart Ripple pattern is available in two publications:
  
  PDF download of February 2009 Crochet World magazine
  http://www.e-patternscentral.com/detail.html?prod_id=4883&cat_id=466&criteria=
  
  and
  
  Reversible Ripple Afghans (available in PDF download and hard copy)
  http://www.anniesattic.com/detail.html?prod_id=82779
  
  Hope that helps!
on February 14, 2011 at 2:56 pm | Reply Vickie Howell

Yes, I believe it’s just from them. Kim Guzman is the designer, though–try googling her blog for more scoop.

Thanks!
on February 18, 2011 at 3:32 pm | Reply NinaPaula

The colors are so beautiful!! Can’t wait to “see” with my hands!!!!
Very excitingnews! Thanks for share!!
on February 18, 2011 at 3:42 pm | Reply mtnmoma

What’s the blend? How much wool?

Love the colors!
- on February 18, 2011 at 4:37 pm | Reply Vickie Howell
  
  It’s 30% wool/70% Acrylic. Washable & soft.
on February 18, 2011 at 3:49 pm | Reply Sarah

I love the colors!! I can see I will be adding to my stash (again) soon!
on February 18, 2011 at 3:53 pm | Reply joanne

Vickie,
I am so glad I have put this site on my favs. Am loving all I see.

Can’t wait for the new line. I work in a large craft store, that carries the Caron Softe, the one pounders and just put in line the Caron chucky.

Jo Ann Fabric stores are near by so will be looking for them. Thank you for the inside news.
on February 18, 2011 at 4:02 pm | Reply barbara johnson

WOW these are wonderful… and i love the “ish”..it defines the colors as being “not stark”,, but strikeing(sp)..

Just a thought.. i had a back and forth with one of the yarn Co’s.. not sure which Caron or LB.. but it was regarding a purchase of “same dye lot”(I am in need of larger quantities when making my DD something)…..the answer was that they could not gaurantee it..(and in the LYS it’s impossible to get more than 4 of a dye lot)…. this surprised me..i worked in a yarn shop for years in younger days and it’s importance is huge to a successful knit.. sorry i do not believe in “no dye lot” have been burned several time… so at least from the same “run” is important…i was hoping that commenting to you might help the co. listen to this important fact… so…. anywhoooo thanks for such wonderful free patterns.. and super blogs… bj
- on February 18, 2011 at 4:44 pm | Reply Vickie Howell
  
  Thanks so much–I’m thrilled that you like the colors, as I spent a lot of time selecting them.
  
  I’ll pass your comment about quantities, to the sales team. We appreciate your feedback!
on February 18, 2011 at 4:03 pm | Reply Lynn

What is the fiber content of the Sheepish yarn?
That is a nice stitch in lime and espresso , is it tuck or?
Yes Carolee is right , the heart crochet wave and designers instructions were inspiring!
Thanks

Lynn D
on February 18, 2011 at 4:09 pm | Reply Donna

I love the Sheepish wool; they look like fun colors! I just recently subscribed to your email and wanted to ask if in the past or maybe in near future if you have any crochet patterns for dresses. I’ve been searching the web and they are few and far between. Thanks in advance!
- on February 21, 2011 at 5:24 pm | Reply Cari
  
  Donna, we don’t have much in the dress area, but there are lots of tunics that could easily be extended – and skirts that can have cami’s added to them – to create dresses. Most popular is Spa. Here are links to a tunic and a skirt you might be able to use.
  - on February 21, 2011 at 5:28 pm Donna
    
    Thank you so much Cari! These look like fun patterns.
    Have a great day!
on February 18, 2011 at 4:48 pm | Reply Debi Stoll

Looks terrific, good job. Is the line in various weights?
- on February 18, 2011 at 5:18 pm | Reply Vickie Howell
  
  The first yarn in the Stitch.Rock.Love line, Sheep(ish), is worsted-weight. There’ll be additional yarns in the future, though that will vary in weight.
on February 18, 2011 at 9:04 pm | Reply Margaret

That is so cruel to tease us this way! I want this yarn and I have to wait until June. The colors are lovely. I am looking forward to being able to touch the yarn.
- on February 18, 2011 at 9:09 pm | Reply Vickie Howell
  
  I’m not teasing; I’m sharing a secret. Big difference. Hee hee.
on February 18, 2011 at 9:33 pm | Reply Ohna

HI VICKIE, DO YOU KNOW OF ANY STOCKIST IN SOUTH AFRICA? THIS WOOL BLEND IS GONNA FLY OFF THE SHELVES!! AND THE COLOURS ARE BEAUTIFUL.
- on February 18, 2011 at 9:40 pm | Reply Vickie Howell
  
  Oh man, unfortunately I dont think it’ll be available in Sout Africa– but you will be able to get it online at buy.caron.com.
on February 18, 2011 at 9:34 pm | Reply Ohna

AND THANKS FOR YOUR WEBSITE, IT’S SUCH AN INSPIRATION.
on February 18, 2011 at 9:55 pm | Reply Ohna

well…….let it be. Will put in order shotly…or open my own shop and stock ALL your yarns.
on February 28, 2011 at 8:01 am | Reply Sheri Adams

I loved the picture of your yarn bookshelf. I haven’t got a lot of space but purchased a pine wood 5-shelf open concept bookshelf from JYSK and purchased 10 clear shoe-boxes from one of the local dollar stores. In the boxes I put yarn according to colour so I don’t have to go looking for it when I need it. I also purchased, all on sale, beautiful baskets to put other craft items in such as crochet hooks, scrap booking supplies, beading supplies, etc. I am looking forward to getting it done. But the clear shoe-boxes will help keep my yarn from becoming full of dust or bugs as well as keep it tidier and give me more room. Nice looking shelf.
on July 17, 2011 at 9:00 pm | Reply InStitches

Am using Sheep(ish) for the first time. It is LOVELY! The texture, the sheen– absolutely LOVE it. Made a baby blanket for a friend’s new baby. It is soft, drapes nicely, and it’s warm!
- on July 17, 2011 at 9:09 pm | Reply Vickie Howell
  
  Well, that comment made my day. I’m so glad you like Sheep(ish)! xx, VH
on July 28, 2011 at 3:52 pm | Reply Liza Starr Lilly

Are you ever going to come up with a yarn that has NO acrylic in it at all? I’d really love to support you guys since I’ve found so many amazing patterns on your website, but I just will not ever buy a yarn with petroleum products in it. Maybe come up with a wool/cotton blend, bamboo/wool, bamboo/cotton. Why not just cotton or just bamboo? I don’t understand why there has to be acrylic in everything you make???
- on August 1, 2011 at 12:31 pm | Reply Cari
  
  Thanks for your kind words about our patterns. While I’d personally love to see us do a 100% natural fiber yarn, the retail price on that yarn would be just too high for most of Caron’s customers. We believe in making quality yarns that are affordable for all knitters and crocheters and this can only happen with an acrylic component – plus, there are so many companies that already make 100% natural fiber yarns, we feel the market for those yarns already has enough suppliers. The last reason is the surge in prices for cotton and wool – plus a reduction in the supply (which has contributed to those escalating prices: cotton is more than doubled in price over the past year or so, for example). Also, petroleum use when driving to a vacation spot far outweighs the amount used in a few skeins of yarn.
on August 2, 2011 at 3:37 pm | Reply Lynda

Where can I see patterns for Sheep(ish)?
- on August 2, 2011 at 9:18 pm | Reply Cari
  
  Here.. And in each issue of Caron Connections e-newsletter. You can sign up at caron.com.
on September 20, 2011 at 3:33 pm | Reply Not so Sheep(ish) | Jordana Paige Blog

[...] Howell contacted me a couple weeks ago and asked if I would design a sweater for her new yarn, Sheep(ish) by Caron. You [...]
on October 20, 2011 at 10:52 pm | Reply Eleanor Sears

Where might I find the child’s cardigan pattern (yellow) that is on the back side of the cover page of Creative Knitting, issue of November, 2011?
- on October 21, 2011 at 3:37 pm | Reply Vickie Howell
  
  Here you go: http://www.caron.com/vickiehowell/patterns/swiss_miss/swiss_miss.html
on December 7, 2011 at 3:28 pm | Reply Ann Jewell

Is Sheepish yarn a dk weight yarn? I have only looked at it on the internet and can’t seem to find out its weight.
Colors a beautiful.
- on December 7, 2011 at 6:32 pm | Reply Cari
  
  Sheep(ish) is a medium, worsted weight yarn.
on May 4, 2012 at 10:45 am | Reply carol

Are there any stockists of Caron Yarns in South Africa?