Archive for February, 2013

I’m in Love

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

You know that feeling when a project just comes together… When the yarn and pattern just merge perfectly? Yeah, I’ve got some of that going on right now.

I’d been itching to cast on for the Guernsey Wrap and was hemming and hawing about yarn choice. I had very nearly decided to use up some skins of Shelter that were hidden away in the back of my closet, when I had a moment of clarity: Harrisville Designs. You see, over winter we restocked and now have more than twenty jaw-dropping colours of the New England Highland.

Harrisville Designs New England Highland

See? Jaw-dropping. Don’t even try to tell me that there isn’t one colour there that makes you swoon. In fact, I knew as soon as I saw it that it had to be Woodsmoke. Nothing else would do. (I may have got a wee bit obsessed)

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I decided to work it over slightly larger needles because this thing is going to get massive after blocking, and I figure the bigger and wrappier, the better in this case. And the best part is that it’s pretty mindless! Nothing but knits and purls and a consistent stitch count for miles.

Guernsey Wrap

Postponed (and a new pattern)

Friday, February 22nd, 2013

Well there was quite a bit of griping at the last knit night about finishing up the Tin Can Knits KAL. It seems that a postponement is in order so the party and show off date has been moved to April 5th.What do you need to do to join in the fun? Just choose a pattern from the myriad of Tin Can Knits patterns, cast on, finish by April 5th, and come to knit night to show off your FO!

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So now that you have a bit of time, why not try our latest pattern, Stovetop? This cabled beauty is sized from baby to adult, so you can knit one for everyone. All you need is a little worsted weight yarn and a pompom maker (ok the pompom is optional but why not?!). It would look beautiful in anything from Cascade to SweetGeorgia, Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran to Madelinetosh Vintage, whatever your heart desires. If you’ve never tried cables before it might be a good time to start. One 1/2 hour private lesson is usually all it takes to have you criss crossing your stitches! The Stovetop pattern will be available at UY next week.

Dull Roar

Monday, February 18th, 2013

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I first heard about Dull Roar when Jan’s mum knit up the Howlcat pattern for the shop. She worked it in Malabrigo worsted and lace, just as the pattern calls for. It was so cute and combined 2 different weights of yarn, something I find rather intriguing. Yet it’s so simple, just a little twist and the whole things changes from hat to cowl! It’s like two knits in one.

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Well this past week I was re-introduced when the new Fooler Faker pattern came up on Ravelry. The photo makes it an instantly irresistible knit and I just happen to have a bit of a Malabrigo worsted stashed away! I am knitting my first FF hat for Hunter who is currently torn on the color of pompom she would like. Next up a matching one for Jones? Malabrigo worsted is buttery soft and is really perfect for this pattern, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Rowan Refresher

Sunday, February 17th, 2013

We just in a nice little top-up of some Rowan lines, as well as some new goodies.

First, books!

New Rowan Books

Some really classic lines as usual, and some neat new designs as well.

We now have Kidsilk Haze Glamour (but we’re sold out of the books, more are coming). Your favourite mohair, now with sequins!

Kidsilk Glamour

Also in is All Season’s Chunky – The cotton/acrylic blend is perfect for heavier weight spring/summer garments.

All Season's Chunky

February Classes

Wednesday, February 13th, 2013

I would like to take this moment to pass on a reminder that we have lots of great classes going on, and waiting to start!

*UPDATE* The entrelac workshop is running February 24th!

Beginning next Tuesday (the 19th) and running for 4 weeks, Alison is teaching the Rosebud Lace Shawl, designed by our very favourite Emily Wessel! Sadly we are out of hard copies of the pattern, but you can buy it on Ravelry (just follow that link). This sample was knit in Madelintosh Sock in Tart, but wouldn’t it be just great in a spring green, or a nice wintry off-white?

Rosebud

Rosebud

And running for one session on Sunday February 24th, Alison is also teaching the Entrelac Scarf Worskshop. A whole lot of fun with Noro Kureyon!

Entrelac

I am offering the Guernsey Wrap class again. We currently don’t have dates, but it would be held on Wednesday evenings, as soon as enough people sign up (We only need three!)

OnSaturday afternoons, Alison is teaching a beyond beginner class for 4 weeks that will also be running as soon as enough students register.

And finally, on Monday nights, I offer a 4-week beginner class on Monday nights, and a new session will start just as soon as we get three (or more) students.

If in doubt, check our website, or better yet, call us at the store and we can give you the most up to date information.

Last Minute

Sunday, February 10th, 2013

Well it’s down to the wire if you were hoping to whip up a knitted Valentines treat for someone, but here is a quick knit that can still be pulled off in time!

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The Dogwood Set by Jane Richmond is a lovely free pattern using Spud and Chloe Outer, a nice thick yarn, perfect for the frosty weather we have been having. I am loving the look of reverse stockinette lately (that’s when the ‘smooth’ stockinette part is on the inside) and these mittens have just the look I like.

3 hanks will make mittens and the matching cowl, the perfect gift for that special someone.

Valentines

Sunday, February 3rd, 2013

The following is an actual comment I have received from my husband:

“Those are nice socks you are knitting. BUT I DON’T WANT ANY. But if I did wear hand-knit socks I would like those ones. BUT DON’T KNIT ME ANY”

Wait….was that a compliment? Now that I see it in print I’m not so sure. Despite my husbands lack of enthusiasm for hand knit items I still love to gift my knits. I love knitting and thinking about the person I’m knitting for. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s like I’m knitting my love into every loop. So this Valentines knit up something for someone you love! Since hubby has sworn off hand knits (with the exception of 1 cashmere hat, but who wouldn’t like cashmere?!) I am knitting up a storm for Hunter and wee Jones. This year I just finished a sweater for Jones so I think a sweater for Hunter is in order. I am planning on knitting this:

rubble by Alison Brookbanks

rubble by Alison Brookbanks

I’m going to throw caution to the wind and use Debbie Bliss Luxury Tweed. It’s not machine washable but I just don’t care! I hand wash knits all the time so what’s one more? The only lingering question is what colour? I love the greens, the red, the grey, the oatmeal….which one is just right for this sweater?!