[SCOOP] What you crave

Grab a cuppa.

Take a slow cleansing breath.

Caravan from Crave Yarn is a yarn that can't be rushed: an extraordinarily soft, lustrous blend of merino, cashmere, camel, and silk. With a firm twist and subtle, sophisticated palette, Caravan is destined to become your go-to, "everyday luxury" choice when a pattern calls for a sport weight yarn.

Melanie Berg's "Caress My Soul" shawl is an elongated semi-circular shawl with a garter stitch body and a bold lace edging. Pick three skeins of Crave Caravan and indulge in this soothing shawl.

Explore Crave Caravan here.

P.S. - Through the end of January, we are hosting a Crave Caravan trunk show featuring five garments from this extraordinary yarn. Pop by to see them in person, if you can!

Get the book and join in the fun!

Shelley’s new book is now available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

Pick up your copy today – and show us your #bookselfie by posting on your own social and including @loopslove and #TheNeedleBook in your post!

“After finishing Move the Needle: Yarns from an Unlikely Entrepreneur by Shelley Brander, I feel empowered. Never has an author captured with such authenticity the challenges, tips and tools for moving from ‘hobby to jobby’ and turning ‘can’t into can.’ A must read for every woman who’s been told her dream or idea is impossible.” – Susan H.

“I felt like I had spent hours with a friend listening to her life story and struggles. It helped me put my life into perspective. I woke up with the realization that I was that needle that needed moving. I felt empowered, inspired and creative. I haven’t felt that way in a long time.” – Dina B.

“I have to admit that through the many stressors of 2020, I have been surviving and not thriving. Move the Needle gave me a much needed nudge forward. Rather than a hard-hitting make-your-life-better-now approach, through heartfelt storytelling, Brander encourages readers to identify their own “zone of genius” and keep moving. The book arrived at the perfect time to remind me that being physically distant from friends, family and mentors doesn’t need to result in a shutdown of creativity, motivation or goals. I feel inspired to reconnect with my stagnating sense of purpose!” – Jennifer M.

Alexandra The Art of Yarn, nestled in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is an independent yarn company taking pleasure in creating the most unique, luxuriously custom-made yarns.

This truly is the ultimate luxury yarn - hand-spun, hand-dyed, 50% cashmere/50% silk yarn - featuring a color (Caribbean) created just for Loops!

Each hand-spun skein has a medley of hues swirling through every inch. Choose the Caribbean colorway or Sunset (pinks and purples).

You'll want to savor every inch of this singular yarn.

Designer Hunter Hammersen knows there's something magical about a good cowl in an unforgettable fiber...

They're easy to wear and easy to knit (especially this one, it's mostly just stockinette in the round with a tiny bit of lace thrown in to keep things interesting).

Knit the smaller version of Hunter Hammersen's "Consilience" cowl with one skein of Alexandra Handspun and create a piece to treasure.

Treat yourself to a skein of Alexandra Art of Yarn Cashmere/Silk here.

Many of us are still learning the joys of the Instant Pot - maybe you just got one for Christmas and you're looking to take it for a spin!

Instant Pot Chicken Marinara from The Modern Proper is a super easy meal to try; just plug in that Instant Pot and carve out 20 minutes—dinner’s almost ready.

For us, serving the juicy, shredded marinara chicken thighs over a comforting bed of polenta is the end-all-be-all. Major, soul-soothing payoff for very little effort.

Grab a tube of polenta from the refrigerated produce section for a creamy and simple meal. If polenta isn’t your thing, try tossing the chicken marinara with your favorite pasta, or serve with an array of roasted vegetables for a low-carb, easy dinner.

Ingredients:
Chicken thighs
A jar of marinara
A little salt- to taste
Polenta

Directions:
1. Dump the salted chicken thighs and tomato sauce into your Instant Pot.

2. Cook on high for 5 minutes.

3. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.

4. While the chicken is cooking, warm and mash the polenta in a medium sauce pan.

5. Shred the chicken thighs in the sauce, and serve!