2020… what a year! Now that it’s New Year’s Eve, we’d like to take a moment to look back on the past 12 months. It was an extraordinary year, in which everything was different from usual. It certainly wasn’t always easy, and everyone faced challenges. Despite that, we want to end the year on a positive note with you. Your trust and love of crafting are what drive us, and in 2020, they led to projects and events that we look back on with great pride.
January & February — the first new projects
COVID-19 was still a long way off when we launched the first two make-alongs of 2020. During the Socks KAL, knitting enthusiasts learned how to knit a perfect pair of socks in 7 weeks. The other KAL/CAL featured the fourth edition of our famous Dream Blanket. It turned out to be a two-color throw blanket with a challenging pattern and surprising stitches. Fun fact: this blanket uses about 3.1 kilometers of yarn!
March, April, and May—crochet and knitting are all the rage!
We welcomed many new craft enthusiasts during the “smart lockdown.” During this uncertain time, we turned en masse to knitting and crocheting for relaxation. At Yarnplaza, we understand that better than anyone. So we worked incredibly hard to get all the balls, needles, and other craft supplies to you as quickly as possible. That was quite a challenge, because we were also moving to a new location during that time.
We also teamed up with Yarn and Colors to join forces with you in lending a helping hand to the Red Cross. And what a success it was! At the end of the campaign, we were proud to donate €10,000 to the Red Cross.
Last but not least, in April we launched the first in a series of special collaborations under the name “Yarnplaza & ….” Jolanda from Naald5 kicked things off with the brightly colored Power Flower Throw and the Power Flower Cushion.
June, July & August - A Summer Full of New News
When you think of trendy crocheted fashion, you think of Liefs van Suus. In June, Suzanne delighted us and all of you with the “Catching Butterflies” Cardigan. Yet another wonderful collaboration as part of the “Yarnplaza & …” series.
Just before the hot summer months, we introduced you to the Summer Dream Blanket 4.0. It features vibrant, summery colors and is made with a slightly lighter yarn. The blanket looked stunning on many a garden set.
On July 1, the big day finally arrived: the opening of our brand-new inspiration center—the largest experiential showroom for wool and yarns in Europe! Stop by to feel the softest yarns, browse the latest books and magazines, and shop to your heart’s content for needles, storage solutions, and other accessories. Unfortunately, we’re temporarily closed again, but once the lockdown is over, we can’t wait to welcome you back! Of course, you can still visit our online store to order all your craft supplies.
September, October & November - Haakster 2020
In “Yarnplaza & …,” it was Eline Ermstrang’s turn in September. Heavily pregnant at the time (and having since given birth to a beautiful baby boy), she designed a stylish baby blanket. In October, we featured knitter Kristin Joél, who designed the Sweet Seventies shawl.
The crochet adventure of the year also kicked off in September. Ten contestants competed for the honorary title “Haakster 2020.” Over the course of twelve episodes, they took us along on their journey—from idea to finished product—through vlogs. In the end, Dorine won the final round against Chloë and Nienke with her showstopper, the 2 Cosy blanket. Are you up for the challenge of joining the adventure in 2021?
November & December - Counting down with the best CALs
Christmas trees made an early appearance this year. Now that we’re spending so much time at home, we’re making our homes extra cozy. The response to our AdventCAL was overwhelming. The kits flew off the (digital) shelves. Where’s your Christmas village display case shining?
Another CAL that was received with open arms was the Chasing Sunset Cardigan CAL, in collaboration with Liefs van Suus. We hope you had just as much fun crocheting it as we did hearing and reading your comments!
Yarnplaza will be there for you in 2021, too
Of course, we’ll continue to inspire you in 2021 with the most beautiful yarns, the best Kits, free Patterns, and everything related to crocheting, knitting, macramé, tatting, and embroidery. If you don’t want to miss a thing—such as the Dream Blanket 5.0, which will be released soon—sign up for our Newsletter.
On behalf of the entire Yarnplaza team, I wish you all a healthy and creative 2021!
