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Archive for 2007

What’s New

Saturday, November 3rd, 2007

It’s always fun when a big bunch of boxes arrive.

Two of these boxes were stuffed full of Noro, one of our favourites. We received tons of Silk Garden, plus some Cash Iroha, Cashmere Island, Iro, Kochoron, Kureyon and Silk Garden Lite.

We’re knitting some Silk Garden hats for Christmas. Last year I knit a few of these:

One ball of Silk Garden is all you’ll need. We have a free store pattern.

Or try Christa Giles’ popular design:

You’ll need part of a second ball to knit this one.

Kathleen recently knit a gorgeous Booga Bag out of Noro Kureyon. It’s an easy, quick knit. Another perfect Christmas present.

And one of our customers walked away yesterday with 20 balls of Silk Garden for the Lizard Ridge Blanket. It will be stunning. Please send us a photo!

I pulled a few balls from the boxes and started a Silk Garden scarf:

It’s Jared’s pattern. I’m using 2 balls of each of colours 252 and 268 on 4.5mm needles. Cast on 39 stitches, 1×1 ribbing throughout, working two-row stripes. Slip (purlwise) the first and last stitch on the second row of every stripe for nice, straight edges. Thanks Jared!

There’s never a dull moment when knitting with Noro. The intriguing colour combinations are absolutely captivating. At least they are to me. My handsome groom doesn’t seem to be quite so intrigued, no matter how hard I try to get a spark of interest from him.

We also received loads of Garnstudio Eskimo, a popular felting yarn. Check out the beautiful patterns for hats, bags, scarves, mitts, slippers, sweaters and many more. We have over 20 colours in stock.

Happy Knitting on this rainy November weekend!

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Son of Stitch and Bitch

Thursday, November 1st, 2007

We’re excited to announce yet another very special event! We’re hosting the Canadian launch for Debbie Stoller’s new book, “Son of Stitch and Bitch” in Point Grey on Sunday, December 2, from 6-9 p.m. This is Debbie’s new book:

Debbie will be talking about her experiences as a designer and writer, showing samples and signing books. Apparently she’s a very lively speaker so it should be a fun evening. There will also be snacks, beverages and door prizes.

You know Debbie as the bestselling author of the Stitch and Bitch series of knitting and crochet books. You may not know that she has a Ph.D from Yale in the psychology of women and that she’s the editor-in-chief of Bust magazine. She also has a closet full of yarn at her home in Brooklyn, New York.

Son of Stitch and Bitch has 45 edgy projects to knit and crochet for men. It offers fresh takes on the usual staples like hats, scarves, socks, vests, sweaters and cardigans. There’s the Night and Day double-sided Brooklyn Bridge scarf. And the Biker Boy sweater, Skull Isle cap and mitts and Hackie Sack hoodie. You get the idea, these are cool, edgy, hipster designs. The book also provides some great knitting tips, like how to get the right sweater measurement and other such important tidbits.

To register for this event, please send us an email, phone us at 604-228-1122 or drop by one of the stores. Space is limited so sign up early to avoid disappointment! There’s no charge for this event if you purchase the book. If you don’t buy the book, admission is $5.

We hope you can join us!

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Happy Halloween

Wednesday, October 31st, 2007

We’re just two little pumpkins in a pumpkin patch…..

Have a happy Halloween!!!

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Jolliet Special

Tuesday, October 30th, 2007

Today’s featured yarn is Filati FF Jolliet Multi, on sale at 40% off. This is a gorgeous multicolour, shimmery ribbon yarn.

I knit this Jolliet scarf for Donna, my mother-in-law, and it’s now her favourite scarf. At least that’s what she tells me…

Mitzi is modelling today:

Here’s a close-up:

The finished size is about 4″ wide and 44″ long. I used 2 balls of Jolliet no. 207, with 7mm needles. If you’d like a wider, longer scarf, use 3 balls and cast on a few more stitches. Here’s the pattern:

Cast on 14 stitches. Repeat the following 4 rows throughout:

Rows 1 & 2: Slip 1st stitch, knit to end.
Row 3: *Knit 1, YO*, to end of row. You’ll have 28 stitches on your needle.
Row 4: Knit to end of row, dropping off all YO’s. You’re back to 14 stitches.

Cast off when yarn is almost all used up.

Talk about easy, this is a one movie scarf. Just fling it around your neck to liven up your drab winter coat. It’s a lively, colourful accessory.

Be sure to check out the specials page on our website for all of our current and upcoming specials.

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Fiber Trends

Monday, October 29th, 2007

We received a box of the popular Fiber Trends patterns today. There’s a great variety of well-written patterns for both knitting and crochet.

There are a couple of festive Christmas patterns. The felted Christmas stockings:

And the felted Christmas ornaments. There’s a mini stocking, mitten, bell and santa boot. You could knit these in an evening:

For all you sock lovers and Sock Boot Camp grads, there’s the Railroad Rib Socks pattern, knit in a garter rib. This versatile pattern can be used for different yarn weights, from fingering to sport to worsted.

There’s also the beautiful Leaf Lace Sock pattern:

If you like to knit lace shawls, you’ll love the Peace Shawl. It depicts men and women joining hands outside an evergreen forest on a starry night to celebrate the message of peace.

And the stunning Pacific Northwest Shawl. If you’re from this area it will make you feel right at home with it’s depictions of seagulls, evergreen trees, sand dollars, water, fish and shells:

For something completely different, knit and felt a pink flamingo:

Be sure to send us a photo if you do!

We have lots of other great Fiber Trends patterns in stock. We also have the Fiber Trends pattern catalogue in our stores. There are numerous patterns for babies, kids and adults and we’re happy to place a special order for you.

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Domiknitrix

Saturday, October 27th, 2007

“Badass knitting for badass knitters. Want to be a whip-smart knitter? Let the Domiknitrix show you how it’s done.” Jennifer Stafford is the Domiknitrix and author of this fantastic book.

We score the book 11 out of 10 for the excellent and succinct method descriptions and photos. It’s a no-nonsense guide to essential knitting techniques, including step-by-step instructions for all the basic stitches used in the patterns. You’ll learn an easy technique for “hiding the join” when knitting with circular needles. You’ll see why certain methods of increasing and decreasing should be used for different purposes. And there are perfect descriptions of a myriad of other techniques including picking up stitches, short rows, lace knitting basics, joining new yarn, colourwork and many more. Our friend, Jen, who often works Saturdays in Point Grey, credits this book for greatly improving some of her knitting techniques. Anina and I both have this book in our home reference libraries.

Did I mention the edgy projects? There are over 20 great designs for skill levels from novice to apprentice to domiknitrix. Anina and I knit the mohawk hats for our little dudes. We used Mission Falls 1824 wool for the hat and Garnstudios Eskimo for the hair:

That’s Luc on the left and Brodie on the right. Here’s a close-up:

Anina knit the gorgeous Sweetheart pullover that Ursula is modelling in Point Grey. She used Filature di Crosa Zara for this one:

This sweater is so beautifully knit, you’ll swear it was secretly done on a machine. Trust me, we saw this sweater in various stages on Anina’s circular needles. It’s a perfect example of her masterful knitting. Wait until you see one of her exquisite Norwegian sweaters. You will be awestruck.

You should really check out this book, you’ll be glad you did!

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Handmaiden Yarn Tasting

Thursday, October 25th, 2007

We had so much fun launching “Crochet Me” that we’ve already planned another event. On Tuesday, November 20, 6-9 p.m., in Point Grey, we’ll host the Main Maiden, Jana Dempsey. Jana runs Handmaiden Fine Yarn, the Fleece Artist line for sumptious fibres, here in Vancouver. She creates gorgeous skeins of luscious cashmere, silk, camel and sea silk, all lovingly hand-dyed in small batches.

Jana will bring some sample skeins for swatching, she’ll talk about the heavenly Handmaiden yarns and show off a few garments. Then we’ll have a little sample sale of some of her discontinued yarns and other bits and bobbles from the Handmaiden studio. Yes, you heard me right, a Handmaiden sample sale. Only in Vancouver, folks. There will also be snacks, beverages and door prizes. Be sure to bring your needles (2.5 – 4.5mm) so you can taste the yarn.

We’re charging a $5. admission fee for this event. To register, please send us an email, phone us at 604-228-1122 or drop by one of the stores. We hope you can join us!

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Crochet Me

Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

The house was packed last night for the launch of Kim Werker’s new book, “Crochet Me: Designs to Fuel the Crochet Revolution”. Kim gave a fascinating talk about her passion for crochet, the startup of crochetme.com and her involvement with Interweave Crochet. She showed us some beautiful samples from her book and past issues of Interweave Crochet. Julie Holetz talked about her design process and showed off the striking plaid scarf and edgy messenger bag she designed for “Crochet Me”.

Kim’s presentation was so engaging that we almost forgot to take photos. We finally got around to snapping a few shots. Kim showed us the Larger-than-Life Bag, designed by Cecily Kein, from the Spring 2007 issue of Interweave Crochet.

And the stunning Babette Blanket, designed by Kathy Merrick, from the Spring 2006 issue of Interweave Crochet:

There were also many fantastic knitted and crocheted garments in the crowd. Sadly, we have photos of only a small sampling of the many beautiful creations we saw last night as I have the attention span of a gnat and was constantly distracted.

Valerie wore a lovely crocheted sweater of her own design:

Jill wore a great crocheted vest, accessorized with a cute little crocheted flower:

Stacey wore a gorgeous cardigan, knit with Rowan Felted Tweed and Kid Silk Haze:

Stacey’s cardigan is NOT lopsided. It just looks that way because of my terrible lack of attention to detail. Sorry about that, Stacey. I clearly need photography lessons.

We were mesmerized by the Babette Blanket:

Kim says it’s an easy project that’s suitable for a beginner. Anyone up for Crochet Boot Camp?

This is the Circle Rug, designed by Donna Hulka, from Crochet Me:

Jackie modelled the “I’m a Crochet Sweater”, designed by Missa Hills, from Crochet Me:

There were many more fantastic samples that we fondled and modelled and lusted after. It’s definitely a new generation of crochet and we love it!

Kim sent us a sweet thank-you note: “I cannot thank you enough for the amazing launch event you put on last night! With so much of my work focused on travelling and far-off places, I was all a-tingle to be here in my hometown, at my LYS, doing my crochet schpiel and meeting people, with friends and family in attendance to boot. It was a very special, and terribly fun night for me. Thank you.”

Thanks Kim. We had tons of fun and were honoured to host such a special event. We’ll do it again sometime soon.

P.S. Check out Kim’s, Julie’s and Carol’s reviews of the event. And Kalin’s fantastic review of the book…

Posted in Babette Blanket, Crochet Me, Kim Werker | 2 Comments »

Candy FX Special

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007

Today’s featured yarn is Berroco Candy FX, on sale at 40% off. This is a beautiful shimmery yarn with little bobbly bits on a string. It’s best used to glam up a second yarn that has more substance but less glitz.

I knit a scarf combining Candy FX and Rowan Kid Soft:

Max modelled because there were no humans nearby. Here’s a close-up:

The scarf is cozy, lightweight and has a lovely shimmer. The finished size is about 4.5″ wide and 64″ long. Only $15.50 for the yarn and it’s a very quick knit. I used 1 ball of Kid Soft no. 756 and 2 balls of Candy FX no. 8757, with 7mm needles. Here’s the pattern:

Cast on 16 stitches, holding one strand of each yarn together. Repeat the following 4 rows throughout:

Rows 1 & 2: Slip 1st stitch, knit to end.
Row 3: *Knit 1, YO*, to end of row. You’ll have 32 stitches on your needle.
Row 4: Knit to end of row, dropping off all YO’s. You’re back to 16 stitches.

Cast off when the yarn is almost all used up.

Couldn’t be simpler. I think I’ll knit this scarf for last minute Christmas gifts. Only 62 knitting days left….

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Baby Bamboo

Monday, October 22nd, 2007

This is a beautiful new yarn from Sirdar that’s 80% bamboo, 20% wool. Baby Bamboo is incredibly soft so it’s perfect for wearing next to a baby or toddler’s delicate skin. We re-stocked our supply last week and have all ten colours, plus some great patterns.

The Baby Bamboo Knits book has 13 designs for babies, girls and boys from birth to 6 years:

We also have a few Baby Bamboo leaflet patterns.

We received some new Sirdar books and leaflets that we think you’ll like. The books are well-priced at $14.95 and the leaflets are only $4.95.

There’s a great Baby Blanket book:

There are 10 diverse blanket patterns from a classic cable patterned blanket to a cute one with a pocket for a knitted teddy and a beautiful keepsake blanket with the baby’s name and birthdate on it.

If you like to knit with DK-weight yarns, there are two new books for you. Lazy Days and Holidays has a collection of contemporary designs for babies and children to 10 years:

And Vintage Snuggly DK Knits has a beautiful collection of designs for sizes new born to 8 years:

If you prefer aran-weight yarns, Secret Garden has a collection of 14 updated classics. The patterns are designed for children aged 2 to 13 years:

We also have the Sirdar Design Collection catalogue 2007 – 2008 in our stores. If you have a design in mind but can’t find a pattern, this catalogue might help you out. There are hundreds of patterns for babies, kids and adults and we’re happy to place a special order for you.