279 - Mary Maxim’s Surprise Pack From Canada - What did I get?

#yarnshopping #marymaxim #mysterybox
Hello Yarn Lovers,
This is a fun unboxing of Mary Maxim’s Surprise Pack that I purchased from their Canadian site. Have you used this yarn? If so, what did you think of it and what did you make?
I saw other KZbin content creators open their Surprise Packs that they purchased from the US Mary Maxim website and I wondered what the Canadian site would have in theirs.
I used a discount Code “25PERCENT” to get 25% OFF my order. I’m not sure if this is still running, but worth a try. I forgot to mention the Shipping cost $18.99 CAD.
If you want to take a look-see at the video where many commented on how they pair and record yarn with patterns, here is that video: • 277 - Let’s Chat About...
Thank you to all that watch the videos! This is such an amazing community.
www.marymaxim.ca (Canada)
www.marymaxim.com (USA)
Apologies for a few misread items: Mellowspun (which I called Homespun) and the colour of the Lion Brands Skein yarn is Ginger Root (which I called Root Beer).
What Hank and I are wearing (gift makes from Edith):
Scarf and Hat | Faux brioche in rounds KZbin tutorial with English subtitles.
• falsches Patentmuster ...
Made with Malabrigo Rios - colour Diana
Patterns and Tutorials Mentioned (in no particular order):
Li’l Dress Dishcloth | (crochet tutorial and pattern) by Bag-O-Day
• How To Crochet An Easy...
Twists and Bobbles Throw | (knit pattern) by Mary Maxim
www.marymaxim....
KZbinrs Mentioned (in no particular order):
Neasa ‪@infinitelyzero‬
Crystal ‪@BAGODAYCROCHET‬
Affiliate Links:
If you feel the shopping urge please consider using these affiliate links below:
‪@Hobbiicom‬ affiliate link: www.jdoqocy.co...
‪@knitpicksOfficial‬ affiliate link: shareasale.com...
‪@WeCrochetOfficial‬ affiliate link: shareasale.com...
‪@jimmybeanswool‬ affiliate link shareasale.com...
‪@Yarnspirations‬ affiliate link www.kqzyfj.com...
Special Thank You:
Edith for the wonderful Hat and Scarf worn in this video
Filmed on 20250129 | Publishing on 20250201
Email - [e-mail]
Instagram - UrbanYarnGary
Tee-Spring Store link - teespring.com/...

[@RoselikescrochetB]

Gary that was a great selection of yarns in the bag! 🧶💜

[@suerussell700]

The hat and scarf set are really great. The colors are fantastic . Wonderful yarns. Really like the peach yarn. Then you pull out rhe beautiful purple yarn.

[@ninasknotscrochet]

Hi Gary thanks for sharing all the yarny goodness

[@infinitelyzero]

Thank you so much Gary for the shout out it is very nice and sweet of you. 🥰💖 They included some nice yarns in your surprise/mystery bags. I'm sorry they didn't include any of the colorama cakes. I did hear that some content creators who ordered the Mary Maxim surprise bags only got a few cakes and another person told me they didn't get any of those cakes. I think they may have put different yarns in the Dec and Jan surprise bags. The two bags I ordered in early Nov had 8 colorama cakes each and the late Nov order those two bags had 4 colorama cakes each I believe and they included the Rikka yarns. I know the Mary Maxim December crochet club kit came with 2 colorama cakes so maybe they were trying to lower their stock and they had fewer of those cakes by January (that's my guess). It looks like they have that Caron colorama cakes under their clearance yarn in the US site and only available in one color. I have used the MM Mellowspun yarn and the BonBon Ince and BonBon Classic yarns before they were nice acrylic yarns to work with. I think I showed some beanies and a shawl that I made with them recently. I'm using that Mellowspun taupe yarn for a mosaic shawl I am using. That is a very good idea about only working on projects that bring you joy. The yarns and gifts you received are very nice and it was nice of them to include one of their paid knit patterns as well as Crystal's pattern. I'm currently working on some patterns I am pattern testing those have deadlines and sometimes if I get stuck or they take too long I can get a bit bored but the rest of my crochet projects I enjoy . I keep the electronic copies on my google drive or Ravelry if I bought them and I also have a 3 ring binder where I place a few patterns (in plastic sleeves in the binder). I also use the Row Counter app on my tablet and/or phone to work on some patterns and when I remember I try to add my project to Ravelry and I add relevant notes there (or in a notebook I keep close to me). Thanks for sharing your Mary Maxim purchase.

[@joannezednik2445]

I used the Hometown in neutral colors, cream, tan, light brown. I knitted a Blanket with panels and viking/Celtics type cables. It turned out wonderful. I spent 3 years on it. This was for my son at his request.❤

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

The Skein Tones and the Fav Socks were my favourites. I wish that they had sent at least 2 of the Fav Socks. Thanks for sharing. 💜

[@katbona]

I got the 29.99 mystery box from Mary Maxim US. I did get the 4 cakes of Caron colorama halo. So much more too. I was pleasantly surprised by how lovely all the yarn was. Definitely worth the money. First time I ever ordered a surprise box. 👍🏻

[@jeannieteaallaboutyarnknit3564]

Hi Gary. I been watching your podcast for years from NB Canada. Love them! Love your hat n scarf from Eda. I have some super old MM patterns n books from the 60’s. Happy yarning. 😊❤

[@julieann5196]

Hi Gary, love all the beautiful yarns! Can't wait to see what you make with them. The BeBe Luv Baby yarn reminds me of Caron Simply Soft.

[@urbanyarn]

I can see that connection - it's shiny like Caron Simply Soft - but a little thinner.

[@pattigolden1]

That's a LOT of yarn for the price!! I don't get surprise packs/grab bags anymore because I never know what to do with the yarns and it just sits. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I'm happy to see you have plans for most of them!

[@LoriParsons]

What an awesome mystery bag Gary…love all the yarn! The ‘Hudson bay’ colorway is so pretty..I think it would make a lovely scarf or cowl in stockinette stitch😊

[@nerfatari4289]

Hi Gary, that's beautiful yarn, the olive colour is lovely. The chunky hometown yarn i'd use it to make a chunky jumper, have to buy some more balls though but i bet that will knit up lovely. 😊

[@losingmyknit]

One of my LYS does something similar, much smaller because the yarn starts at a higher price point but it’s how they clear out inventory.

[@ShellyWest-d8x]

Stopped the video to order a mystery box from MM, now resuming. The last thing I need is more yarn, but this inspired me beyond my temptation resistance point! Was able to use a 25% off code, a good deal!

[@vickicoleman2474]

Love to crochet along with your posts! Again, working on your MAL. Nice haul. Love Hank's scarf. With JoAnn's most likely closing and the fact that I live in the "boonies," I think Mary Maxim will be where I get a lot of my yarn (Herrschner's too). Nice haul.

[@calitrishb]

I just ordered from the USA site and I used the code for 25% off. I got the surprise box and some clearance priced sock yarns too! Thanks bunches for inspiring me to buy more yarn (which I really don’t need 😂😂😂😂😂)

[@dismith3888]

What a great mystery bag - a really good price indeed. Your scarf & hat set are awesome - love the colour ☺️🧣👌

[@KevinMontreal]

That was a nice haul. I once was given some Hometown and I made a basket with it. My sister liked it so much, she left with it…

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

Hello, Gary! While you opened your box, I opened my order from Joann’s. So much fun! You got really lucky with your surprise package. 🧶

[@bunnygaffney2765]

You inspire everyone in or out of the yarny community Gary. I hope you get to see our hero Crystal again this spring she's been my biggest inspiration. You and Crystal are the sole reason I can do yarny things today .God bless you .

[@urbanyarn]

Thank you so kindly for that amazing message. You don’t realize how inspiring you are to us when we read these types of messages.

[@dsburd8944]

I ordered this too and got many of the same yarns and colours as your mystery pack contained.

[@urbanyarn]

Good to know that this wasn't just a one off surprise pack!

[@dsburd8944]

@urbanyarn no i got 2 the very same

[@roxannapurcell7305]

Hi Gary,nice surprise bag of yarns!Have a great weekend.😊🧶❤️

[@iloveloopycrochetandtreasu1994]

You got a very nice looking Suprise pack from Mary Maxium. I haven't order from them but a couple of times. Love your hat and Hanks scarf , so pretty. Hope you have a very blessed weekend ❤🤗🧶

[@urbanyarn]

Hello Traci! I'm very blessed to have been gifted these wonderful makes. The Mary Maxim surprise boxes were a nice variety of yarns and I'm very happy with what I received!

[@valeriea.gladstone6440]

Thanks for a great video. One thing, softness factor can’t really be judged until the yarn has been washed, so many yarns really soften up.

[@urbanyarn]

I agree completely. My softness factor is just to give a sense of the first touch like when we shop and squish in the store.

[@JuliaDownham]

Hello from the UK. Crystal suggested I popped over. I will have a wander through your work.

[@wandapolley8431]

I have used the homespun yarn to make a blanket. I knitted the blanket using a basket weave pattern.

[@SusanRoberts-uk6gi]

Hi Gary, the purple sock yarn would be worked on a 2.25 to 2.75 mm needle for knitting and 2.5 to 3mm crochet hook. Nice variety in your box of yarns .

[@urbanyarn]

Hi Susan - I am very happy that there was a nice variety of yarns (size weights and colours).

[@JOanneAnnese]

Working with some menagerie yarn from big twist and it's so very nice, I'd recommend it if you can get your hands on some😊

[@cynthiacornell1718]

Hi, Gary! This was another nice program to crochet along to ~ thanks!

[@urbanyarn]

Thanks for letting me know - I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@debbiecarroll5672]

Hi Gary nice to see you

[@PamelasCrochetKnitCorner1]

Hey Gary, i love everything ❤

[@urbanyarn]

Hello Pamela! Have been missing not seeing your videos lately. Sending good vibes your way!

[@CP-qj9ck]

Love the yarn wall Gary

[@manfasmakes-sam]

That was a lot of yarn for the money 🎉 enjoy it all ❤

[@urbanyarn]

Hello Sam! Yes indeed there's a lot of yarn for the price point. I do like that it's more of an assortment than just one style of yarn.

[@EmmePhillips-HookinEmme]

Cool surprise bag!

[@MsDogLover]

Aberdeen yarns has a fun mystery box, too.

[@JOanneAnnese]

Always nice to see you Gary

[@teresasundin589]

Love love the yarn you are showing us 🇸🇪🌷

[@CharleneDulmage]

Baby Luv can be found at Walmart. It makes wonderful baby blankets.

[@leahray5127]

I ordered 2 bags after seeing the others on youtube as well, I'm in Canada received my oder last week and received the same items as yours. Only some in different colours. I was really hoping for the colorama halo as well, oh well still nice yarn for a good price.

[@Luvnheartdesign65]

Great haul 🎉

[@urbanyarn]

Hello Luvnheart! Great name!

[@Luvnheartdesign65]

@urbanyarn Thanks Gary! Have a great evening.

[@donnawoepke8861]

You really did receive very nice yarns.

[@judithsmith5392]

Mary Maxim mystery bags are always a great value and fun to see what is inside. I recently grabbed one when they were on sale for $29.99 - an even greater bargain

[@urbanyarn]

It’s great to get a good deal! You scored!

[@JOanneAnnese]

Hi Gary😊,,, hope you're staying warm. We are in a deep freeze hete🥶❄️

[@AnaNicole1225]

Nice yarns. I'm 💯% certain you'll #crochet or #knit something wonderful with all of those yarns...❣️🧶❣️🧶❣️

[@urbanyarn]

I hope you're right, I have some ideas! Thanks for the positive vibes!

[@sharakirkby2744]

Gary if you wish to get cakes I suggest you purchase from the US as our Canadian store isn’t as generous.

[@mnmarsch]

I used Hometown to make scarves. I used the herringbone stitch.

[@MadMimisCrochetandFarming]

Nice yarns. I use my 6 weight yarn for hats when Crystal has a tutorial for them.

[@urbanyarn]

Good idea Laura. I can search under "6 weight yarns" in Crystal's playlists!

[@andrealouis-visser4973]

Nice yarn haul! I love Mary Maxims surprise boxes!!!

[@urbanyarn]

They have such a great selection of yarns!

[@katyae6160]

Oooh I've been eyeing the Fav Socks because it's so sproingy, and so much cheaper than Paton's Kroy. And softer too, I think? I'm thinking of using it to make gloves. It's actually made by Easy Knit (the same company that makes the Baby Luv); "laine" is just French for "yarn". :)

[@mommamimaashouse]

I love Mary Maxim mystery bags. I’ve used all the yarns that you’ve shown. I received the Hometown in blacks and greys in my recent bags, and used it to make a beautiful warm sweater. I used the moss stitch and it worked up so nice. 🥰 I’ve noticed the difference with the Canadian and US bags too. I’m in Ontario. The Mary Maxim warehouse is located about an hour away from me. I plan to make a trip there this Summer. 😊

[@urbanyarn]

Hello Mommaminaashouse - You're so lucky to be close to the Mary Maxim store. I watched Jayda in stitches video her visit to the store many years ago and ever since that I've wanted to get there - some day!

[@mommamimaashouse]

@ Well, if you ever do plan to come this way, I’d be thrilled to meet you there. The Koigu farm is located about 45 minutes away from me as well. They have a great little shop and all their yarn is made on site…from shearing to the final product. 😍

[@leewright390]

Amazing talent for as long as you have been hooking. Love our color sense.

[@urbanyarn]

I've been learning a lot from all the crocheters I have been meeting through KZbin.

[@valeriehowden471]

Hi Gary. Good to see you have great colours in your mystery box purchase. I purchased the mystery sock box a few years back - very good deal. I've used the LB Homespun for my first knitting project - a garter scarf however I used more than 3 skeins. Interestingly, yours was called Hudson Bay as I remember their colourway names were based on a city within each of the US states.

[@urbanyarn]

Hi Valerie - your garter scarf sounds wonderful. Good point on the colourway names on Hometown yarns - not too sure how Hudson Bay got into the mix. Perhaps there's a Hudson Bay town in the US as well.

[@JOanneAnnese]

A holiday coat for pixel with the hometown yarn😊

[@joannezednik2445]

I love Lion Brand Hometown. It's wonderful.

[@craftycrafter1960]

Hi Gary! I just placed another order with MM myself. Taking advantage of their clearance sales.

[@urbanyarn]

Nice one! It always feels great when there's a sale on.

[@ceciliatallent5779]

I have made beanies and scarves with the hometown yarn with a double crochet stitch.

[@urbanyarn]

Hi Cecillia - Beanies are a great suggestion on what to use the Hometown yarn on. Thank you!

[@nablakey17]

Hi Gary❤❤

[@CharmedGrammyCrochet]

Hello Gary!

[@urbanyarn]

Hello Lynette!

[@bunnygaffney2765]

Basic knit stich to make a hat for the hometown yarn

[@urbanyarn]

That's a great suggestion for a make using the Hometown yarn!

[@meandmymacaw2735]

Make a crocheted basket out of the bulky 6 weight yarn would look nice and be sturdy.

[@urbanyarn]

Nice suggestion!

[@christenaeriksen]

Mary Maxim is definitely a proud Canadian company located in Ontario, Canada ❤!

[@urbanyarn]

It makes it that much more inviting to shop there knowing there's no boarder crossing needed when they ship!

[@tinarlowe2251]

I also ordered 2 surprise pkgs from MM. I was really shocked w the 4 colorama cakes in 1 bag. That alone pd for the one bag. My discount code paid for my shipping.

[@urbanyarn]

Wow! That was perfect in so many ways!

[@janecornell4890]

Naughty Hank! He stole your scarf. How are you going to get it back? That hometown looks like Christmas colors but it might be my device. For Christmas maybe a mat for your hot dishes to brighten up your Christmas dinner scape. That purple yarn will make a great pair of Halloween socks! Money is too tight to purchase something you don't want. I'll forgo the surprise. Surprise goes both ways!!! Plus you may get something nice but not enough to make what you really like. Don't you get snow? I'm willing to send you some if you'd like. It's going below zero this evening. I can send you some of that too! Thanks for warming my evening, your yarn lover!

[@ceilstrakna6780]

Hi, Gary - I'm here because of Crystal on Bag-O-Day. She speaks very highly of you, and I value her opinion!

[@vickymontreuil3745]

I recently (January order) received my order for mystery bags by Mary Maxim in Canada and I received basically exactly the same stuff as you but in different colors. I was disappointed not to get the Collorama Halo from Caron but....

[@urbanyarn]

Hi Vicky - there are still so many wonderful things that you can make with all the yarn you got in your surprise pack.

[@DianEnglish56]

Hi Gary, Cool haul from Mary Maxim! Have never gotten a mystery box/bag from them. May have to give it a go. How long have you been knitting and crocheting?

[@urbanyarn]

Hi Dian - thanks for the question. I've been knitting and crocheting since 2019 (so that's 6 years).

[@ceeceel.3098]

I love the scarf you have hanging behind you. I would love to know the specifics. Yarn, pattern and needle size if possible. Love it. Thanks in advance.

[@urbanyarn]

Hi Ceeceel - I recently found out what video tutorial my friend Edith used to make that wonderful scarf and I've linked it into the description box of this video. Here is the link here: Scarf and Hat | Faux brioche in rounds KZbin tutorial with English subtitles. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpzCiYaiiJiamKM

[@oldmomma56]

Project bags are currently holding my yarns by yarn weight or ingredient (cotton, acrylic, etc.)

[@ebonypoynter7643]

I just got my surprise packs from MM and I didnt get the colorama halo cakes either so I am not sure if they are out of those I got 3 packs of bernet blanket color poolingin each pack along ith some other really cool yarns. I am thinking about getting another one or maybe two if I can figure out here to put it/them. LOL

[@urbanyarn]

LOL - I have the same dilemma with space too. There's a rule that I can fill my crafting/working room however I like, but I cannot spill outside or store in other parts of the house. (shhh, I did put some yarn in the linen closet).

[@maggiecritchley7282]

Beginning was Souris MB. Who knew.

[@LindaMarie6224]

To be honest I don't care for yarn made in China. I find it very splitty and cheap. Although that purple is gorgeous!! I don't use bulky yarn it hurts my hands. However maybe a moss stitch would work?

[@gioiacasterline4835]

Awesome yarn, but I don't use dk much.

[@urbanyarn]

Gioiacasterline - I'm learning more each time about your crafting and I like that. Thanks for sharing.

[@KYERRN]

Look at this old interview with Heather from Aberdeen's Wool about Tariffs!! "Trump's trade crackdown blocks Canadian yarn seller" I have a big order pending, and want to get another advent this year. I don't think I will be able to if US Customs charges me a 25% tariff.

[@aidasoto8443]

❤❤❤

[@GASophie]

I've purchased 3 surprise packs and have been incredibly dusappointed every time. Hope you doing better!!!

[@dianestiebel]

I am overwhelmed by all,, the yarn being posted.Do all the yarn companies purge their inventories this time of year? I just cant get motivated to do a project but doing a shawl using some old boucle yarn wirh silver.its basically all trc with. floral motifs on the ends i have biught mystery bags when i started crocheting again because i only was faniliar with whar Jaun calls vintage yarnsx like RH and now it seems they are putting out new yarns almost daily

[@CharlieCharles1225]

Crystal #bagodaycrochet mystery box was the BEST. 👍🏻

[@urbanyarn]

Agreed - I love watching the videos that content creators put out when they get their yarn mystery boxes from Crystal.

[@beckeydupras2572]

Hometown.....make slippers

[@kathyw141]

Basket

[@teresasundin589]

Has anyone tried the new tea time yarn colors ?

[@urbanyarn]

I've got some Hobbii tea time cakes - if those are the yarns you are referring too. I've used them in last years #NoShadesOfGrey Hobbii challenge. You might like to go back and take a look-see.

[@teresasundin589]

@ Hobbii has come out with 7 new colors 🧶🌻

[@lisegoddard9263]

Hey Gary!! I love listening to your videos and always always always am agog of your knitted and crocheted projects…not to mention your artisan take on colour choices! I have recently purchased several colours and many balls of Mary Maxim Mellowspun in order to complete a temperature blanket project. Actually, I have some of the same colours that you last purchased from them. I just wanted to caution you that in my batch of purchases, I found some significant variations in the weight of some of the yarns. In particular, the « Toasted Almond » and the « Denim » colourways were significantly heavier weight than the rest. In a blanket, it made little difference to my project, but if you were to use these in a garment where variations in weight would be a definite factor, you may want to swatch before using. As a fellow Canadian BC-er, I feel terrible denigrating such an iconic Canadian supplier, but I’d hate to see anyone’s project fail if I’d kept silent about my experience. I purchased from the US site, as I winter in Arizona, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that your purchases from the Canadian site might be different than mine. I always look forward to your new videos and thank you so very much for the wisdom and inspiration that you share so generously with all of us!

[@urbanyarn]

Hi Lise - thanks for the tip on Mellowspun and the inconsistent weights. I've noticed that happening with other value yarn brands as well. I'll be in the same boat as you were - as the yarn is destined for a blanket too.

[@zinnialoveci6634]

❤❤❤