Shop Hop prize: Serena

Today we're spotlighting the second of the three prizes we'll be giving away for Shop Hop. (Did you miss the first one? Here it is.)

That's SIX skeins of Manos del Uruguay's luxurious Serena. This kettle-dyed colorway is called Blackberry Ice. Serena is a dreamy 60/40 blend of baby alpaca and pima cotton--which, in our climate, makes it pretty much an all-season yarn.

The fiber content gives Serena a fabulous drape that has made it a very popular choice for scarves, shawls, and light cardigans (Featherweight, anyone?). Although Ravelry lists this yarn as a DK-weight, we like it even better when it's knit at a sport- or even fingering-weight gauge. These six skeins give you a total of 1020 yards, so you'll have lots of project options...

...if you win. But remember, you can't win if you don't play, so don't forget to buy your Shop Hop passport! They're only $1.

The retail value of the Serena prize package is $87.

On The Needles: Crabapple Petals in Serena

This week's work in progress is a lacy little confection Carrie is test knitting for Ravelry designer Lesbian Housewyfe.

The pattern is called Crabapple Petals. It's a luxurious, drapey cowl that features a simple lace pattern and some beads to add a touch of shimmer. The yarn is Manos del Uruguay's Serena, a dreamy blend of baby alpaca and pima cotton, in color 2318 Glacier. We're expecting our spring shipment from Manos--including many gorgeous colors of Serena--any day now!

Carrie says, "I thought this pattern would be a great way to show off how soft and squishy Serena is. Stay tuned: Crabapple Petals will be available for purchase soon!"

By the way, these beautiful silver-lined beads came from our friends at The Bead Shoppe in Avondale Estates (in the same complex with Our Way Cafe). The Bead Shoppe is a magical wonderland of color and sparkle, so if you're a jewelry maker or just a bead lover, be sure to visit them for your bead needs.