A decade ago, when surveying the grand and exotic realm of luxury fibers, bison down wasn't on the map. Not anymore! Buffalo down has become a fiber of interest, largely due to the efforts of one family in Texas - the owners of Buffalo Gold. For 20 years Buffalo Gold has been breeding American Bison as part of an effort to save the species from extinction.

Just 5 years ago, the ranch expanded their product line to include exotic yarns spun from the downy undercoat shed by their herd. Extremely fine, bison down averages a 15 micron count, making it the same diameter as cashmere! Super-soft and crimpy, yarn spun from bison down has a lot of bounce and crisp stitch definition.

Available in two lace weight yarns, Heaven and Lux, this magnificent fiber is something every knitter should try at least once. Of course, we claim no responsibility for any ensuing obsession with this lofty treat!

	Heaven 100% pure bison down, this lace weight yarn is a heady experience. Undyed, the yarn is naturally a rich brown the color of molten chocolate. With 400 yards (360m) per skein, Heaven is the ideal yarn for a sweet one-skein indulgence. Even better, during our Month of Lace, it's 10% off!
Lux Of the opinion that 'Heaven can wait'? Try this sinful blend of bison, cashmere, and silk instead. A wickedly tempting lace yarn, the different fibers in Lux make it softly heathered after being dyed. Moreover, the addition of cashmere and silk to the bison down give the finished yarn more drape and a soft sheen.

Want to know more about American Bison? Be sure to visit Buffalo Gold's fan page and drop by the store when their trunk show arrives next week!

As we explained last week when we announced the beginning of our annual Month of Lace, there are many reasons to knit lace.

What we forgot to mention, though, is how affordable lace is in comparison to other knitting techniques, such as colorwork or Aran cables. It's undeniable - a lace shawl can be knit from a single skein of yarn, instead of the dozen or so skeins it might take to make an adult sweater.

Admittedly, it's hard to choose a yarn for a project that will account for hours upon hours of devoted stitching, especially when you've never knit with it or felt it after blocking. Which is why we've put together a limited number of Lace Sampler Kits for knitters to experiment with before taking the plunge into a full-scale project!

Hand-selected by two lace enthusiasts, each kit will include a mini skein of six fabulous (and favorite) lace yarns:

• Buffalo Gold Heaven
• Buffalo Gold Lux
• ArtYarns Cashmere 1
• ArtYarns Silk Mohair Glitter
• Abstract Fiber Hepburn
• Kathee Nelson Art Yarn Ritz Lace

Local dyer Kathee Nelson certainly made a splash with the arrival of her popular Art Yarns. Inspired by nature, Kathee creates soft watercolor semi-solids that are ideal for complex stitch patterns.

Her latest stroke of brilliance is a new yarn, Ritz Lace, that will make knitters salivate. A sumptuous blend of alpaca, silk, and cashmere, touching it is (quite literally) like petting a kitten.

Hand-painted in a collection of delicate tones that will add depth to lace patterns, without distracting or overwhelming the eye, it's what lace knitter clamor for in hand-dyed yarn. And, with 1300 yards per skein, it's quite possible that there's no end to what can be made with a single skein!

Scottish designer Ysolda Teague is a force unto herself, taking the world by storm with her whimsical pattern line. New in our library from the intrepid blogger are three quirky and quaint designs for your inner princess.

Briar Rose, shown left, is a shrug with glamour to spare. Iconic of the 1940s with puffed 3/4-length sleeves and a curved hem, this bolero will flatter curves while keeping shoulders warm. Knit with an Aran/ worsted weight yarn, it's quick and comfortable as well as stylish.

Also new, Ysolda's Scroll Lace Scarf is a fascinating take on scarf construction. The lace edging is knit first, then the stockinette section is picked up and gently shaped into a slight curve - for more 'staying' power. Lastly, Ripley is the ultimate customizable accessory. Choose your slouchiness and edging and create a cloche or hipster hat. Knit with bulky yarn, it's fast, it's easy, and it's fun to wear!

Want more Ysolda? Check out her complete line of patterns.

Sometimes you need a little sparkle. Something to cast away the doldrums and make you smile. In recognition of this fact, we'd found the perfect yarn to raise spirits... and turn heads!

Art Yarns has taken their lush silk mohair yarn and given it glitz. Superfine kid mohair and silk have been spun with metallic threads, creating a yarn that looks like it's been coated in diamond dust.

A hefty lace weight, Silk Mohair Glitter comes in 50g skeins with over 300 yards to enjoy. Ideal for eye-catching accessories, trim, or knitters in need of a pick-me-up, it's our firm belief that there's no slump this yarn can't cure.

Just as European history is of fascination to us, so apparently is American history to the English. Never was this more apparent than in the most recent issue of The Knitter.

Inspired by life on the prairie and the expansion West, Issue 20 is full of patterns that call upon a period of American history not necessarily famous for knitting. Taken from period pieces like samplers, the designs range from gossamer-like lace (left) to colorful Fair Isle socks.

Also included in this issue is a look at the history of recycled yarns (and current trends), as well as an in-depth tutorial on knitting "perfect lace". A timely arrival during our Month of Lace, we think knitters will particularly enjoy this issue.