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Helene Rush |
Although Helene Rush has been a knitting pattern designer for many years, her yarn company — Knit One, Crochet Too — is relatively new to the industry. Founded in 1996 by Susan Levin and Gloria Tracy, the company initially offered kits, accessories, patterns and yarns. In 2003, Helene bought the yarn and pattern division from its owners in California and relocated the company to the east coast in Windham, Maine where the company continues to thrive. While Helene spearheads the organization called Knit One, Crochet Too, Inc. the original California company continues to operate as a completely separate entity under the name, K1C2, LLC.
Today the company offers a wide variety of quality-made yarns that are pleasing knitters throughout the world. They feature yarns in luxurious wool, alpaca, silk and cashmere blends as well as down-to-earth fibers like easily sustainable bamboo, soy, and cotton. For their eco-conscious knitters and crocheters they offer 2nd Time Cotton, which uses recycled cotton from the leftover fabric cuttings of the garment industry.
Knit One, Crochet Too yarns have been featured in the popular North American knitting magazines such as Knit 'n Style and Knitter's magazine. One of their yarns even made the cover of one of the European powerhouses — Vogue Knitting Europe edition. Not bad for a small yarn company that employs only five people!
With Helene wearing many hats — from pattern design to marketing — she leads the small company to continued growth. Joyce Rodriguez, the general manager and Helene's right hand, has been with the company since day one. Deb Thomas, the customer service manager, is a key contact person for customers throughout the world, ensuring that all the processes are flowing smoothly. Helene's two sons, Jonathan and Benjamin, have been with the company almost since its inception, working in shipping, receiving and inventory control.
Together, this small team selects fibers from mills around the globe, distributes their ever-growing variety of yarns to shops throughout the world, and creates patterns that best utilize the features of the yarns they market. Twice each year, spring and fall, the company launches two to three new yarns, accompanied by a collection of supporting patterns, kits and accessories. To introduce their newest products to the market, they proudly present them to enthusiastic yarn shops attending industry trade shows in Columbus, OH and Long Beach, CA.
Knit One, Crochet Too is a lovely little success story: one talented, hard-working woman in a small New England town has grown a tiny company to become a successful producer of yarns recognized by knitters and crocheters throughout the world.
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Win a Knit One, Crochet Too Gift Package Worth Over $125
See details below »
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You'll love this eco-friendly fiber of 75% recycled cotton and 25% acrylic. Spun from never-used, recycled fabric directly from the cutting floor, this variegated cotton blend has a tweedy effect and draping that you'll love for cardigans, pullovers, bags and shawls. 30 tweedy tones.
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This heavenly creation is made of soft, sumptuous fibers. It's created in Peru using 70% baby alpaca, 20% silk and 10% cashmere, making it a luxurious choice for shawls, soft sweaters and even lacy socks! It's a light-weight yarn that will keep you warm without the weight. 19 solid colors.
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Babyboo is so silky smooth that it's perfect for delicate baby skin. Don't let the name fool you, though! It's also perfect for intarsia and colorwork for adult garments, too. 45% eco-friendly bamboo and 55% nylon durability. Babyboo is available at Yarnmarket in 22 pretty colors.
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Fashion magazines are raving about classic tweeds. Brae Tweed has traditional flecks of natural, tan and black set admidst a solid background. This soft 60% Peruvian merino wool, 20% baby llama, 10% bamboo and 10% Donegal wool combination comes in 10 colors. You'll want the look and love the feel!
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Here's a soft combination of 65% superwash wool, 20% nylon and 15% silk that will keep you comfortably warm in wintry weather. We have 12 tone-on-tone color combinations created using the kettle dyeing technique. Use this fingering weight yarn for socks and scarves!
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"Douceur" means "softness" and "soie" means "silk." 70% mohair and 30% silk make this yarn soft and light as a cloud. But it's also warm and cozy for cold weather garments and accessories. This delicate Italian-made yarn comes in 21 colors.
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If you haven't yet worked with a self-striping yarn, here's the one you'll want to try first! Geologee is a softspun blend of 55% wool and 45% acrylic that's made in Italy. This worsted weight yarn is available in 9 color combinations that work up into thin stripes.
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Knit One, Crochet Too took their Ambrosia yarn and made it even more heavenly in a variegated version! This alpaca, silk and cashmere blend is hand-painted in 8 colorways. It has nice drape for stoles, tops...and is great for socks.
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Paint Box yarn comes in 22 interesting colorways that feature long, subtle color transitions and blends that stripe automatically. Best of all, these wool yarns felt beautifully (except shades #15 and #18) to create wonderful, warm winterwear.
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Here's a terrific spin on sock yarns! Soxx Appeal yarn is crafted of 96% superwash merino wool, 3% nylon and 1% elastic to give a snug, cozy fit. Choose from 11 solid colors or 8 pretty prints. Use it for socks or for any item calling for a springy fingering weight yarn.
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This ribbon yarn is fantastic by itself or when combined with another of Knit One, Crochet Too's fabulous choices. The worsted weight yarn is a blend of 50% cotton, 40% Tactel nylon and 10% nylon yarn. We love it for shimmering tops, scarves, and vests . 22 pretty colors.
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Go retro! We have Ty-Dy in 17 beautiful self-striping colorways — from rustic earthtones to brilliant brights. This 100% cotton yarn from Italy has a fabulous retro appeal that's so popular. The yarn comes in 100-gram balls of 196 yards so you have fewer ends to weave in.
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Sock yarn isn't just for socks anymore! It's perfect for a tremendous variety of knitted and crocheted items. Ty-Dy Sock yarn is 436 yards of laceweight yarn in 80% superwashed wool and 20% nylon for durability. Choose from 15 fantastic self-striping color combinations.
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This new worsted weight yarn is a thick 'n thin yarn made from two different strands of yarn. One strand of matte-finish yarn is wrapped around another strand that has a bit of sheen. It's made from 70% superwash wool and 30% acrylic. Choose from 7 colors.
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This is not your typical eyelash yarn! Jam is a soft, airy confection of delicate sparkle and shine. It features felt-like tufts of thick fringe every inch or so for added textural intrigue. We have 6 color combinations that will brighten up the grayest winter days.
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This yarn is called PJ's because its softness is reminiscent of cozy flannel pajamas. Made from 100% polyester, PJ's yarn is machine washable and dryable on low, so you can use it for a wide variety of knitting and crochet projects. Available in 6 solids and 6 prints.
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Almost all the patterns developed for Knit One, Crochet Too are the artistic creations of Helene Rush, the company's talented owner and designer. Helene grew up surrounded by fashion and fiber in her French Canadian home. Her mother, a seamstress in Montreal, worked out of their small apartment. Sewing patterns were scattered everywhere, so by the time Helene was a teenager she knew the basics of clothing construction and was able to create her first non-professional sweater designs.
When Helene moved to the United State in the 1970s, she discovered that her passion for knitting could be transformed into a career: selling designs to magazines like Woman's Day and Better Homes and Gardens. After researching the names and contact information for the appropriate editors — long before the Internet delivered that information to our desktops — Helene began submitting ideas to all the magazines that featured knitting and crochet patterns. She wrote letters, sketched concepts, and mailed swatches to the editors. At first she received only rejection letters, but her tenacity finally paid off when she sold her first two designs at once to Woman's Circle magazine in 1979. That encouragement was all she needed to pursue her career.
Thirty-one years later, this gifted designer has written over 1000 patterns and five knitting books. The most popular, "Maine Woods Woolies," (a collection of 30 patterns for children with a Maine influence) was the first and sold over 35,000 copies. Back then, before the Internet provided instant publicity, this was considered a tremendous success and Helene is still today approached by knitters who tell her how their children wore those sweaters. Today, Helene creates 30 to 40 new styles each year for the yarns she sells through Knit One, Crochet Too.
What are her favorite patterns? Helene insists, "That's like asking me which of my three children is my favorite!"
It's an unanswerable question for any mother or creator.
Helene sums up her design style in a single, simple word: wearable. She goes on to explain, "My personal taste is for classic shapes and style. I start there and then incorporate the yarn's personality and colors into the concept. I like clever assembly — without being too complicated — and innovative stitch details. I like studying how a stitch is done, and then figuring a way to morph it into another. I always keep in mind how complicated it will get to write the pattern. I want the knitter to enjoy the process."
Helene realizes that her patterns should be interesting, but they should not be overly complicated. "There is a fine line between being challenged and being frustrated."
For inspiration before she even begins to develop a pattern, Helene looks to books and magazines for her stitch collection, and then to woven fabric for color inspiration.
"I am visual," she says, "and can assemble designs in my head and see the finished product before even doing a sketch or swatch."
She becomes immersed in her work as she conjures up images of what she's about to create.
"I can easily get lost in my own thoughts," she confesses. "And that has caused me to wonder if I've already washed my hair in the shower!"
From ambitious daughter of a seamstress to a knitting design icon known throughout North America, Helene has evolved over the years to become one of the most successful women in the knitting industry. With her extraordinary talent, eclectic taste, and French-Canadian charm she continues to develop new styles that are enthusiastically accepted by an appreciative audience of knitters.
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This roomy bag is cleverly crafted from 2nd Time Cotton yarn with interesting stitches, pleats and hardware. It's richly detailed and is not only pretty enough to use everyday, it's strong, too! Finished size is 13" x 11". You'll need to buy canvas, lining, button and hardware separately.
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You've seen them in the fashion magazines. Now make them for your own! These extra-long fingerless gloves, created with Ambrosia yarn, feature rich colors and textures, and delicate flowers. They were designed by the fabulous Nicky Epstein.
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What a wonderful way to say, "I love you." This darling sweater has a heart motif on the chest and fancy ribbing on the cuffs and hem. Buttons at the shoulder make it easy-on, easy-off for the little one you love. It's made in soft Babyboo bamboo yarn. Great for holiday gifting!
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This top-down piece is perfect for layering throughout the year. It features a seed stitch yoke and cap sleeves that really pop against the stockinette body and seed stitch edging. Knit in Brae Tweed yarn, it will look classically chic worn loose or cinched at the waist with a complementary belt.
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Soft and luscious, this scarf has an interesting stitch pattern that shows off the gorgeous colors of Ty-Dy Socks combined with Douceur et Soie. The pretty glow of mohair creates a soft halo that looks and feels wonderful. Whether you create this as a gift or for yourself, this ntriguing pattern is one you'll truly enjoy. Finished size is 5" x 42."
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Chillin'? Warm up with layers! This classic drop shoulder vest is a modern way to keep cozy and comfortable this winter. The comtemporary styling with a diamond stitch pattern is enhanced by the striated Geologee yarn that comes in so many classic earthy colors. You'll want to knit more than one.
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Keep your toes snuggly warm in the softest socks in your drawer! Crafted with ultrasoft Ambrosia yarn, these socks feature a lovely zigzag lace pattern. Knit them in a solid color or treat your feet with Handpainted Ambrosia yarn. These would make a terrific holiday gift.
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Yes, your man would love this vest! It's created with Linus yarn, a soft and warm combination of wool, acrylic and alpaca. Two colorways are used, so choose his favs and knit him up a special gift. Both yarns feature subtle color changes that add interest and texture to a simple rib pattern.
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You'll wear this jacket everywhere! Shopping, winter events, or just lazing at home. The bulky alpaca and wool blend Temptation yarn is quick to knit and provides sensational warmth and softness. Choose from a variety of flattering soft pastels and rich jewel tones.
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Who says you've got to use sock yarn for socks? We love these playfully colorful gloves created with Ty-Dy Sock yarn. The pretty lace pattern adds a feminine touch. If you're looking for something for a special someone, these would be a much appreciated gift.
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Ty-Dy Wool is another popular yarn from the Knit One, Crochet Too Ty-Dy collection. Here it's used for an A-line pullover that features a high-ribbed collar and ribbed cuffs and bottom on a simple stockinette body. The looser fit is flattering to every figure.
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Crocheters rejoice! Here's a project that can be either knit or crochet! With just one click you can buy the patterns plus all the yarn you need to complete the project. It's a fashionable hat of a soft Wrapunzel yarn with a complementary shade of Tartelette ribbon yarn.
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Who wouldn't love to receive a handsome handbag with cables, bobbles, braids and fabulous stitch detail? If you're looking for a great gift for a loved one — or for yourself! — consider this bag in Wick yarn. The finished size is 12.75" x 7" so it's nice and roomy. Circular handles sold separately.
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This gorgeous piece is created with Wrapunzel, the worsted weight, thick 'n thin yarn that's machine washable. The colors do most of the work in this pattern that features cables around the cuffs and hem. Add some colorful buttons and you've got a great cardi.
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Flatter yourself with this luxurious scarf in shimmering Tartelette ribbon yarn. Available in a wide variety of pretty colors, you'll find the perfect shade to make the most of your complexion. This pattern was specially created to show off the colors and sheen of the yarn.
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You could win a Knit One, Crochet Too Gift Package worth over $125 by entering our Spotlight contest. The package includes the pattern for the Douceur Magic Mobius, 2 balls of Douceur et Soie Yarn, one Culinary Colors Dye Kit and three skeins of white yarn to use with it.
To qualify, you must answer this skill-testing question: "How many projects has Helene Rush created?"
Send an email with your answer to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Make sure the subject is: Knit One Yarnmarket.
All entries must be received by midnight, December 31, 2010. We'll announce the winner of the contest in the next issue of Spotlight!
Congratulations to Jann Bauder of Florida who won our Spotlight on Artyarns contest in November.
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