I know this opinion isn’t too popular but I quite like my double points. They can knit so many interesting things, and once you have tamed the porcupine and found your prefered method of holding the 3 or 4 needles at once, it’s really a breeze. The beauty is that they are so versatile. Depending on the length of your dpn’s you can make a whole hat with no need for circulars all. You can also knit the very smallest possible items with ease on dpn’s, like toys, or socks, or sweater sleaves in the round.  There are those out there, however, who can’t stand double points at all! They hate the porcupine of 3 needles or more and would much rather suffer through the cord tangles of magic loop. To each their own!

The down side to double points is that you can really only knit items that are smaller in circumference. For sweater bodies, for example, you will need larger circulars so double points often duplicate needle sizes you might already have. This isn’t so bad once you have accumulated some needles but it can be a bit of a pain to need 2 sets of needles for a hat.

The benefits of dpn’s are that they are, as I said, versatile in knitting the little things. Aside from magic loop, there is really no way to knit the tippy top of a hat or tiny little toy parts. Dpn’s come in several different materials including, metal, bamboo, and rosewood or ebony. Personally, I love the warmth of the wood and prefer the strong ebony or rosewood, they are more expensive but in the smaller sizes (3mm and under) they are much less likely to bend under the pressure. Bamboo are a nice price vs. material compromise. Metal needles are often the least expensive (Aero’s) and some people would rather the cool feel of metal needles. When I’m in the mood for a treat, I LOVE the Blue Sky Alpaca rosewood double points. Cute tin and all!

This is my first completed project in quite some time! Some friends of mine are having a baby girl in a few months so I thought I would whip up this little bonnet for them. I suppose you can guess which book this pattern is from…..More Last Minute Knitted Gifts! The nice thing about something like a bonnet is that you don’t have to worry too much about washability or pilling. I knit mine up in the super soft Malabrigo Worsted in a variegated red.

This bonnet is knit up on straight needles from one side to the other, no seaming! While I haven’t knit anything on straight needles in quite some time, it was kind of nice, it kind of brought me back to when I first started knitting. I knit almost everything on circulars these days! This bonnet knit up super quick, just an evening and it was done. It also involves one of my favorite knit wear accessories: a fun button. It’s always nice to finish off a project all in one go, then you can focus on picking out the perfect button.

What you’ll need to make a cute little bonnet of your very own:

Needles: 5.5mm

Yarn: 1 skein Malabrigo Worsted will make at least 2 bonnets

Pattern: More Last Minute Knitted Gifts

Extras: 1 charming button

Enjoy!

–Alexa–

When I first started knitting in a really serious way (not just as an amateur?) I aquired a couple of books that really inspired me to create knitted items that were modern and beautiful. The first book I picked up was Debbie Stoller’s Stitch and Bitch. This book is an excellent reference book (I still use it regularly enough to keep it handy at all times). It has some great patterns in it too, and I’ve since knit some cool guy patterns from her Son of Stitch and Bitch. The other book I picked up was Joelle Hoverson’s Last Minute Knitted Gifts. While Stitch and Bitch was excellent as a reference book, Last Minute Knitted Gifts was really all about inspiration.

The photography, colours, textures, and fibres are amazing in this book. It really got me inspired to knit with better yarn (I gave up the acrylics) and to knit some really beautiful things. Knitting is really a combination of art and craft and what draws me to it is that it combines beauty and utility. After reading and knitting from Last Minute Knitted Gifts I began to think about knitting in a more artful way. It also made me want to take better pictures of my lovely knitted things.

Well, now there is a sequel to this inspiring book. More Last Minute Knitted Gifts is on the shelves at UY and we couldn’t be more excited! This book is everything the first book was, but more. There are projects small and large:from some adorable little  drawer sachets to 3 stunning blankets. There are sweaters, baby items, housewares and more. I’m so excited to keep knitting my way through this book! I’ll be happy to share some of the knitting I’ve already started on from this book soon!

It’s back to school for the kiddies, so why not for you too? Time to learn a new skill or brush up the old ones. We have lots of great classes coming up this fall, a lot to get excited about! We have more classes then ever this fall, and more room for them in our new space. It’s a good time to be knitting.

Mondays

Beginner Knitting

(With Deanna Krushinsky)
Have fun learning the basics of knitting.  This is a techniques based class where you learn to cast on and off, knit, purl, increase, decrease and whatever else you have time to do!  Follow this with the Beyond Beginner Class.
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Dates: Sept. 20, 27, Oct. 4 & 18
Cost:   $95.00 + HST

Beginner Crochet

(With Deanna Krushinsky)
Learn the basics of crochet with stitches such as the slip stitch, single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet, and the triple crochet, increasing & decreasing, and crocheting in the round.  You will also learn chaining and working back & forth in rows from a foundation chain.  If time, basic pattern reading skills will be taught.  Most will have time to start some sort of beginner project, or you can make swatches and turn them into a scarf in the end.
Supply Requirements:  Crochet hook (5mm) and DK weight yarn to match.  Wool or acrylic is best as opposed to cotton or novelty yarn.
Time:  6:30-8:30pm
Dates:  Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 15, & 22
Cost:  $95.00 + HST

Tuesdays

Beginner Lace Sampler Scarf Class

(With Alison H)
Alison, an avid lace knitter, will teach you a number of beginner lace stitches, of progressive difficulty in this class.  This is your opportunity to learn how to read charts if you wish, and walk away with a beautiful piece of wearable art, in the form of a Sampler Lace Scarf.
Time: 10-12 noon
Dates: Sept. 14, 21, & 28
Cost:  $75.00 + HST

Socks Soar on 2 Circular Needles

(With Alexa Ludeman)
Double pointed needles just aren’t for everyone! In this class we will learn to knit socks using 2 circular needles, no double points in sight.
Time:  6:30-8:30pm
Dates: Sept. 14, 21, 28
Cost:  $75.00 + HST

Glove Class

(With Amanda Kaffka)
Learn to knit the perfect fingerless texting gloves, with a convertible mitten flap, for extra warmth.  This simple pattern will get you going on double pointed needles, and teaches you basic glove-knitting techniques, using a fun hand dyed yarn , with fantastic colour choices
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Dates: Sept. 14, 21, & 28
Cost:   $75.00 + HST

Toy Workshop (CID designs)

(With Amanda Kaffka)
This whimsical class is going to be a lot of fun, using the ever-so-cute, CiD Hanscom Design kits.  There are a number of sweet creatures to choose from:  Harry Rabbit, Squeak the mouse, Tadeus Crocker, Croco Dehlia to name a few.  Amanda will assist you in working through the pattern, and help you with its final construction.
Supply Requirements:  Suggested yarn is Blue Sky Alpaca Sport or Melange & 2.25 mm needles, and fiber fill.
*Please Note:  Since these toys are fairly small, basic knitting skills are a prerequisite, with a concentration on fine motor skills.
Time:  6:30-8:30pm
Dates:  Oct. 26 & Nov. 2
Cost:    $50.00 + HST

Fiddlehead Mittens

(With Alexa Ludeman)

This popular class is back in action! Learn to knit using Fair Isle techniques (that’s 2 colours at once) and come away with a most beautiful pair of mittens with a sumptious soft lining.

Time:  6:30-8:30pm
Dates:  Oct. 5, 12, & 19
Cost:   $75.00 + HST (Materials Extra)
Supply Requirements:  Fiddlehead Mitten Pattern from www.helloyarn.com plus yarn & needles to match.

Wednesdays

Making Knitting Possible (Level 1)

(With Astor Tsang)
Ever wanted to learn to knit? Thought you had two left thumbs?  Well here is your opportunity to finally learn how.  Astor has been teaching “know nothing” beginners for over 7 years in the lower mainland.   She believes that everyone can knit, even if some unconventional teaching methods are necessary to do so.
Time: 9:30-11:30am
Dates: Sept. 15, 22, 29, & Oct. 6
Cost:  $95.00 + HST (cost of book extra)

King Kong of Sock Monkey’s Class

(Alexa Ludeman)
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Dates: Sept. 15, 22, & 29
Cost:  $75.00 + HST

Thursdays

Knitting is Possible Level II

(Astor Tsang)
You already know how to knit, so what’s next you say?  This Beyond Beginner class covers a new topic and or technique each week.  Students are encouraged to pursue their own knitting projects during the class.  The class is structured so that there is ample time for problem solving and answering specific questions.  Come to the 1st class with an idea of what your want to work on, and Astor can help you pick out materials.
Time:  9:30-11:30am
Dates:  Sept. 16, 23, 30th, & Oct. 7
Cost:  $95.00 + HST

Lunch Hour QnA

(With Amanda Kaffka)
Time:  12-1
Date:   Starting Sept  16
Cost:  $20.00 + HST

Kids Club

(With Amanda Kaffka)
Amanda will instruct the basics of knitting whilst making a simple garter stitch scarf, and other fun interesting projects of your choice.
Time:  3:30-5:00pm
Dates:  Sept. 16, 23, & 30
Cost:   $60.00 + HST

Beyond Beginner Knitting

(Sandra Dunkin)
Now that you’ve learned the basic’s of knitting, and can’t wait to make a project, come join the beyond beginner knitting class.  From learning to read a pattern, to finishing techniques, Sandra will coach you through the obstacle course of your first garment.
Supply Requirements:  Basic pattern of your choice, and the yarn & needles that it specifies.
Time:  6:30-8:30pm
Dates: Sept. 9, 16, 23, & 30
Cost:  $95.00 + HST

Fridays

Advanced Beginner Lace High Line Shawl Class

(Alison H)
Join us for a quick knit lace stole.  This charted pattern is knit up with 10mm needles and bulky yarn.  Take your beginner lace knitting skills to the next level!
Time:  10:00-12:00noon
Dates:  Sept. 17, 24, & Oct. 1
Cost:   $75.00 + HST
Intermediate Lace (Ophidian Lace Shawl)

(Alison H)
The Ophidian Shawl is worked from the top down, in a sock weight yarn.  The pattern begins with garter stitch, then gradually transitions to a textured lace pattern.  Beads are added as a subtle accent to the overall design, which ends with a gently scalloped border.
Time:  10:00-12:00 noon
Dates:  Oct. 8, 15 & 22nd
Cost:    $75.00 + HST (Cost of pattern not included)

QnA Session

(With Alexa Ludeman)
Have you taken any of Alexa’s ever so popular classes, but still had a question or two to ask her?
Well this is the place to do it.  Bring your projects and question’s to this semi-private (Min.2 Max. 3 people), for help with pattern reading, complicated stitches, or just clarification on a knitting technique.  You are welcome to stay for our Stitch n’ Bitch which follows, every Friday night, from 7-9pm.
Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Starting Date:  January 15
Cost:   $20.00 + GST
*Please register by the Wednesday before*

Saturdays

Intermediate Lace Class: The Hemlock Ring Blanket

(With Alison H)
Knit a circular lap blanket!  The Hemlock Ring Blanket is Brooklyn Tweed’s retro modification of a 1942 doily.  Beginning at the centre, a star motif is worked, surrounded by waves of feather and fan stitches, and ending with a lovely loop border.
Time:  10:00-12:00noon
Date:   Sept. 11, 18, &25
Cost:   $75.00 + HST

Sock Bootcamp

(With Jackie Blackmore or Alexa Ludeman)
Learn to knit a sock in just one night!  Basic knitting skills are required.  You will knit a top-down, mini training sock on 4 DP needles, by the end of the 3 hour class.  An educational “Sock Knitting” handout and a free sock pattern will be included.
Supply Requirements:  3.25mm or 3.5mm DP
Needles and a small ball of aran weight yarn
Time:  1:00-4:00pm
Cost:    $30.00 + HST
Dates:  Session A: Sept. 11
Session B:  Oct. 9
Session C:  Nov. 13
Session D:  Dec. 11

Sundays

QnA Session

(With Amanda Kaffka)
Time:  11-12
Cost:  $20.00 + HST
Any of the following Dates:  Sept. 12,
Or 19, or 26

Jewlery Knitting

(With Amanda Kaffka)
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make knitted beaded jewellery?  Well now you can, in this fun and informative class, where you will learn how to make the perfect accessory; a beaded necklace.  Learn basic beading techniques and simple short row shaping, to create a beautiful piece of art you can wear or give away as a special gift, you can give this holiday season.
Time:  1:00-3:00pm
Dates:  Sept. 12, 19, & 26
Cost:   $75.00 + HST

Aran Block of the Month

With Sandra Dunkin
Begin with simple twists and progress to glorious cable work to create blocks for an incredible afghan.  Start a new block during the class session each month, and then finish it at home on your own time.  Please ensure you have ordered your yarn at least 2-3 weeks prior to the starting date of the class, to ensure you get to work in your favourite choice of yarn!
Prerequisite:  Basic knitting skills are required.
Supply Requirements:  2,259 meters of Aran Weight Yarn (Mission Falls 1824 Washable Wool is a great choice.  You will need 30 balls of this yarn.  There is a sample swatch of various different blocks, knit in different yarns, so you can make the best choice for you.
Dates:  4th  Sunday of the Month for 7 Months
(not including December)
Oct. 24, Nov.28, Jan. 23, Feb. 27, March
27, April 17 & May 17
Please Note:  Final sign up date is Nov 28th
Time:  12:00-2:00
Cost:    $140.00 + GST (includes pattern)
This class will have a maximum enrollment # of  6 participants, so be sure to sign up early.

Advanced Knitting Techniques

(With Sandra Dunkin)
Time:    2:30-4:30pm
Cost:   $75.00 + HST
Dates:  Oct. 24,Nov. 14, 28, & Dec. 28th

If your looking to sign up just give us a call!

I have long been a big fan of the beautiful soft Blue Sky Alpacas Brushed Suri. It is almost like knitting with a cloud! I first fell in love with the stuff when I started lining mittens last year. The mittens look pretty on the outside but it’s always nice to hear the exclamations as people try them on and slip their hands into a super soft and warm lining. It’s almost always a nice surprise.

Well, just when I was starting to wonder what else I could do with this lovely stuff, BSA came out with a great new pattern: the Brushed Suri Tunic! Anina knit it up in what felt like 2 minutes (she’s a bit wild though, do not attempt) in the charming Sweet Potato colour.

The pattern is kind of sixties inspired and I just love the shape of it. It’s as soft as it looks to put on too. Just lovely. If orange isn’t your colour I recommend the bright pink. It’s so fun!

Well, the weather is getting cooler and I am back to knitting! Yesterday was a most lovely day for it and I thought I would really make the most of it. I made it my perfect day of knitting.

Everyone has their favorite yarn, a yarn treat if you will! For me, my personal fave of the moment is the Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes. The yarn has a nice twist for some beautiful stitch definition and the  combination of alpaca and wool is super soft. It’s a thickish yarn (16 stitiches per 4″) so it knits up quick too.

The pattern I chose is something that’s been hanging out in my pattern stash for quite some time: Baby Bobbi Bear. There are a load of Blue Sky Alpaca samples in the store right now and I was re-inspired to knit it up. I was also feeling a little left out of the toy knitting crew, so I decided to follow the crowd too.

A perfect day of knitting is nothing without a cup of tea and something sweet. So I settled into my knitting spot on the couch with a cup of Earl Grey and a slice of Key Lime Pie and got to knitting! It was a perfect day.

There seems to be a bit of a toy craze sweeping the ladies at Urban Yarns. As usual, I think Anina may have started it, but others have taken the toy obsession to a whole new level…..

Enter Amanda. Amanda is a spectacular knitter, her attention to detail is awe inspiring and her rate of completed projects boggles the mind! She has a prolific blog, The Knitty Knitty Gritty, in which she expounds on knitting and on life in general. Amanda is not only knitting up a storm (you can’t throw a rock at UY without hitting a sample she has made) she has a few designs as well. Her headbands are my personal favorite, they have a nice touch of class about them, I imagine ladies wearing them in the 20’s and 30’s on the ski hills of the Rockies…but I digress.

The toy phase is nothing short of amazing to me. There are so many techniques and details in a toy, but of course, they are small so they have a lot of instant gratification. These toys pictured here are from some super cute kits we have in the shop. The kit includes all of the eyes and bits and bobs as well as the pattern, all you need is some scrap yarn. I say scrap yarn, but I’m pretty sure Amanda went all out with some luscious Blue Sky Alpaca, a girl after my own heart!

We’ve got lots of kits left and if you are particularly interested in Harriet Rabbit, Amanda even designed an adorable Tutu pattern for her! Join the craze and start knitting a few toys of your own..tune in next week for Sara’s adorable monsters…

Happy knitting!

–Alexa–