For many knitters working with wonderful fibers is the best part of knitting. There is a "feast of feel" waiting for you. Some of the interesting novelty yarns are available right around the corner in hobby chain stores, but an incredible variety of fibers, and handpainted yarns can be found right here on the World Wooly Web. Check out Stitches Market. com where several of Knitter's favorite shops comprise a Knitter's Mall. You'll find everything you need, and many more things you'll want.

The pillow shown is made from Lion Brand Polarspun, with interludes of novelty yarn, and is filled with a pillow form to give it a cylindrical shape. Thank you to knitter Betty Reid for submitting Malory Kate's pillow.

The Skill

Novelty fibers vary so much it is impossible to describe them all, but they each do something interesting or unexpected that makes it worth every stitch. Use this project to try one out. If your novelty yarn is very fine, or thread-like, combine it with something with a little more bulk.

You will need:

• Novelty yarn (and complimentary filler yarn for use with finer novelty yarn)
• Size 13 circular needle, 16"

Cast on 40 stitches. Join ends, being careful not to twist stitches.

Knit about 60 rounds.

Cast off.

Closing the ends

Using some yarn stronger than the novelty yarn, draw up the stitches until the end is closed. Knot yarn. Fill with fiberfill. Close other end in the same way.