How does YOTM decide what yarns to send?

First, we choose four varied & inspiring fibers – usually a couple blends, an eyelash/novelty yarn, a good solid wool or wool blend, and then something pretty and different, like October’s “Pacha” by Bouton D’Or. We look for yarns that are beautiful and fun to knit, seasonal, and perhaps just expensive enough to deter the average knitter from investing in a ball before she has had a chance to decide if she REALLY likes it. After all, Yarn of the Month is here to introduce you to fabulous fibers AND save you money.

How do you decide how large to make the samples?

Even though most of us hardly ever knit a full size swatch, your YOTM samples are carefully measured to produce a traditional 4” by 4” square. We have three separate knitters test each yarn before we decide on the yardage, and then we use a yarn meter to measure out each sample. We wanted to make sure that you have enough to swatch lace, cables, or just plain stockinette!

I love swatching my samples, but now I have a LOT of swatches. What should I do with them?

Well, we’re in the midst of designing a project that uses all your samples from YOTM, but in the meantime, lots of subscribers are sharing their great ideas with us. Beyond the joy of experimenting with scrumptious bits of yarn, try knitting a bookmark, crocheting “flowers” for dress pins, or using your samples to put accents on scarves and hats. One samples’ worth of “Pacha” for example, will make a gorgeous brim accent on a winter hat!

I’d love to submit a pattern for consideration. Can I do that?

We love to help aspiring designers! If you’re interested in submitting a pattern to YOTM, please email us at submissions@yarnofthemonth.com. If selected, your pattern will be sent to hundreds of subscribers all over the country and beyond!

What if I want to buy some of the yarn I’ve tried and liked? Do you sell it?

YOTM does not sell yarn, although we try to work with yarn stores to find you the best deal on samples we’ve sent out. We’re still streamlining this process, so keep checking back for store referrals.

I just signed up and can’t wait to get my first package. When can I expect it?

The cut-off date is the fifteenth of every month. If you’ve signed up before the fifteenth, then you can expect to receive that month’s package some time after the sixteenth, at the latest. If you’ve signed up after the fifteenth, then your subscription will begin on the following month. We send out subscriptions by first class mail on the first of every month, so you can expect it a few days after that!