Rosebud

It’s KAL time again and this time, it’s me! Well alright, it’s Emily and I, Tin Can Knits. Whether you are whipping up Christmas gifties or casting on something for yourself, TCK has a pattern for your knitting needs. We’ve got everything from accessories to sweaters, baby to adult sizes. Might I suggest a more ambitious undertaking for this KAL? Our sweaters have a wide range of sizes and types, perfect for your first sweater, something classic, something fancy, something for everyone!

Snowflake

The rules? Pick a Tin Can Knits pattern, cast on next Friday night and cast off by February 22nd. It’s a good amount of time for a larger project and there are no rules saying you need knit just one pattern…. This time around Tin Can Knits is putting up some prizes. If you finish your knit and come to the party on the 22nd you will be entered to win!

Antler

It’s been a while since Annie Sue has been at the shop (having moved) but that doesn’t mean she isn’t knitting up a storm! We miss her sunny disposition and her excellent fashion sense at UY, always there to help with a color combination or suggest a great design. Annie Sue’s creative talents have been put to good use in a fabulous design for the latest issue of Twist.

Uji

Annie Sue’s pattern Uji is a bulky weight coat with LOTS of lovely cables. The wonderful photos in Twist give it an earthy farm feel, but I think it would look at home walking around the streets of Vancouver too. With a bulky weight yarn and 6mm needles it’s a faster than most knit.

Kettle Valley

Check out some of Annie Sue’s other great patterns too. Her Brae cowl is a favorite with Kynna and I!

Brae

Well I hate to be a tease but the following patterns are coming shortly! Emily and I (aka Tin Can Knits) have been slaving away and we put together a Christmas collection for your knitting pleasure.

Great White North is  a collection of giftie knits for this holiday season. As usual we have sized all our patterns from Grandson to Grandpa with knits for all. There are mittens, fingerless gloves, a scarf and cowl, shawl or blanket, and hats of course! If you are feeling particularly ambitious (or maybe you need something to wear to the company Christmas party?) there is Snowflake, a gorgeous sweater with a pretty lace yoke.

This year I am so looking forward to more knitting for my wee ones. There is something awesomely satisfying in whipping up a pair of mittens in the time it takes to watch one movie. A cowl in even less time. It’s just such productive knitting! Hunter was reluctant to wear mittens (even when mummy begged her to pose for a photo) until that one day last week when it really turned cold. Hunter turned to me during a rather icy walk with red hands and said ‘mitten?’. It sounded more like ‘meetee’ but luckily I knew what she meant. This season there will be mittens for a newborn, a cowl for a sexy man, a shawl for aunty, and slouchy hats for a couple of teens. There is something for everyone on your list! Patterns will be available individually at Urban Yarns coming soon!

So, I really had no intention of writing the following essay, but after mulling it over for a few days, I figure I may as well keep it, and anyone who just wants photos can just scroll on down.

Today, dear knitters, I would like to talk to you a little bit about gift knitting. Now, this isn’t an early jump on holiday knitting (that is a topic for another time), but rather a discussion of a curious knitting phenomenon known to many simply as ‘The Curse’, ‘The Sweater Curse’, ‘The Boyfriend Sweater Curse’, or as Wikipedia has informed me (yes, academics, you may cringe at my choice of sources, but thankfully this is far from a scholarly article) ‘The Curse of the Love Sweater’.

Now, I am sure many (most?) of you are familiar with The Curse. For those of you who are either new to knitting, or blissfully unaware of the danger that lurks in your stash (no, not Yarn Gnomes), The Sweater Curse is rumored to befall any unsuspecting knitter who decides to make a sweater for her boyfriend (this is the historical version, modern takes do include men knitting for ladies, men knitting for men, and ladies knitting for ladies, of course). It holds that if a knitter gives their partner a hand-knit sweater, the relationship is doomed to end shortly thereafter (in some cases, the end of relationship precedes the completion of the sweater).

Lest you think that all hope is lost for knitting your beau something that shows them just how you feel, I must inform you that there are many theories about how to avert The Curse! One such theory is that since the curse only strikes those who gift boyfriend (or girlfriend) sweaters, you’d better put a ring on it (in fact, there is a book published a few years back about just that ‘Never Knit Your Man a Sweater – Unless You’ve Got the Ring)‘. Another popular solution is deceptively simple: to avoid The Sweater Curse, don’t knit a sweater! Hats, mitts, scarves, pillows, stuffed toys, everything but sweaters (and maybe vests, the jury is out on that) is fair game.

Of course, none of this has been empirically proven, but it is a pervasive belief in the knitting world. But is it just a superstition, or is there possibly some merit to the myth? Many people would argue that there is some truth in the stitches. For example, sweaters take a lot of time to knit, and a relationship may peter out on it’s own, and bad timing can be blamed. Or perhaps the knitter gets carried away and spends more time with needles in hand than their partner would like. Then there’s the emotional side – after all a sweater is an incredibly thoughtful, involved item, and someone may not feel comfortable accepting that level of commitment as a gift (especially if they are not ready to respond with a similar level of commitment). Some people simply don’t like handknit sweaters, and no matter how fantastic this particular one is, they won’t be swayed. Or they may love handknit sweaters, just… not this one. Or… well, the possibilities are endless.

There is much to take into account when deciding to knit a sweater (or anything) as a gift for a significant other, and ultimately, only you can decide if it (the relationship, or the sweater) is worth the risk and the effort. All this being said, for every personal tale you hear of The Curse, I am sure that you will be able to find another story of success and gratitude. So knit on, but perhaps with some caution and forethought.

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With all the prose out of of the way, I would like to showcase a brand new, free pattern for all of you! In the spirit of men’s knitting (and I do have more posts planned, with a bit more content geared towards decision making), here is my personal Basic Men’s Toque pattern. Of course this can be adapted to fit differently, and by no means is it limited to men, but if you have a guy in your life who asks for a plain, unassuming, no-frills hat… this is it.

Worked up in an Aran weight yarn (sample shown is in Debbie Bliss Blue Faced Leicester, 2 balls of colour 3 – charcoal), it’s a quick knit (one or two evenings, a weekend at most) that is sure to please. It would be great worked in two colours, or worked longer to provide a double-fold to keep ears extra warm. Bonus points for a superwash wool – not that your loved ones won’t take care of it, but it provides peace of mind. I’ve been toting this hate everywhere for the last few weeks, and despite some rough handling, it’s barely showing any wear.

I’ll leave it there for now, but if you click on the photo above, or the link below, you can download a free copy of this pattern – so grab a copy, whip one up over the weekend and strut your stuff into the store next time you’re around to show it off (I guarantee compliments).

Click Me!

P.S. This is the first pattern to be officially launched under the Urban Yarns banner. There will be more coming. Get excited.

With holiday knitting on the go there is a problem that inevitably comes up: pairs. There are always pairs of things to be knit for December, pairs of mittens, pairs of socks, and there are always pairs of that favorite gift, a cowl for Aunt D AND Aunt T, scarf for hubby AND your brother. How do you make the perfect pair?

Marshmallow - an upcoming pattern from TCK

1. Dyelot: Make sure you have enough yarn in the same dyelot. You don’t want to have the tip of mitten 2 to be a different color. If you are working in a hand dyed yarn definitely think about alternating rows, to avoid pooling in sock number 2 that didn’t happen in sock number 1.

2. Make notes. I can’t stress this enough. Note how many rows you did in the cuff, how many rounds in the thumb, what needles you used, what cast on method and, of course, any changes you made to the pattern. Anything you will want to be the same, make a note.

3. Measure. Make sure they are the same. If you can count the rows or rounds that is great but measuring keeps you honest. This advise sounds obvious but who doesn’t need a little reminder every once in a while?

4. It’s not that fun to knit the same thing over and over. Instead of knitting the same hat pattern keep it varied. Something similar sure, the same, maybe not. At least vary up your yarn choice to keep the interest going. I realize there are a few knitters out there thinking ‘What?! I love knitting the same thing!’ but you know you are a rare breed of knitter! I always think it will be fun to knit a sweater 5 times (I’m looking at you Antler, sure there were 3 kiddie versions but still…..), but by the end I’m ready to throw a half finished garment into the netherworld of my stash closet never to be seen or heard from again. Variety is the spice of life. It’s just a suggestion. There are a ton of great new patterns and magazines in the shop to check out. Knit something new and different!

Hello everyone!

Hey that's me!

My name’s Michael (that’s me up there), and I am absolutely stoked to have been asked to start contributing to this blog, and I hope that I can provide some complimentary content to the brilliant things that we’re all used to seeing from Alexa.

A little bit about me: I’ve been working and teaching at Urban Yarns for just over a year now, and I’ve been knitting for about 9 years altogether. I also run my personal knitting blog over at Michael Knits. As is to be expected, I quite like knitting. In general, the more intricate the project, the more I enjoy it. If it’s got lace or cables, I am all over it (some of my personal favourites below).

Regency Era Fichu

Cabled Cardi

I have a soft spot for traditional techniques, styles, and yarns. If it’s good and rustic, let me at it. Some current favourites are the Harrisville Designs products, and the new Debbie Bliss Blue Faced Leicester (and if you promise not to tell anyone, you can see a sneak preview of a new pattern for the store right here – look forward to more information about the pattern and a bigger project soon).

Well that’s about it for me this week – a brief post, I know, but I’ve got loads more in mind to write about, so expect lots of chatter about yarn choices, some free patterns, product and book reviews, knitting for and by men, techniques and tutorials, and of course, much more.

Grace by Jane Richmond

It is definitely sweater weather. I, the queen of the flip-flop, even put on socks the other day. It felt wrong. It’s time to pull your knits from years past out of the dusty corner of the closet and wear them in the name of fashion, pride, and practicality!

Campfire by Tin Can Knits

The nice thing about a knitted sweater (to a knitter anyway) is that they are, for the most part, really timeless. I rarely see a hand knit sweater and think ‘those really aren’t this year’s colors’ or ‘cardigans are totally out’. This isn’t to say that out of date knits don’t exist, it’s just that you can’t really go wrong with a simple or classic design.

If you are working on a sweater for this season or your first sweater ever we have a wide range of colors in SweetGeorgia superwash worsted. I love this yarn and have knit both adult sized sweaters and many children’s sweaters in the stuff. The colors are amazing and washability is a great thing in a larger garment. It’s perfect for that classic sweater you will be wearing for years to come!

I know, I have a serious Tosh problem. Who could resist though? Washable yarns (mostly) in stunning subtle hand dyes? As a mum and a bit of a yarn snob is there a combination I could possibly like more?

Enter 2 new weights! We have Tosh Prairie, a 100% merino lace weight yarn with a generous 840 yards per skein. You could whip up a large shawl (or really 2 scarf sized shawls) with just one skein. The single ply is so nice for lace, it plumps (or blooms if you will) with washing and has a luxurious and soft feel.

Next up is Pashmina Worsted. This is perfect for a great hat for that special someone. It has a hint of cashmere and silk to it and of course, it comes in great Tosh colours! We have the sport weight Pashmina as well if you are looking for a thinner version with the same great blend of fibers.

There’s something new from Tiny Owl Knits: The Woodsy Association. In her usual whimsical fashion TOK has created a whole forest of wrist warmers. Their little tails are clearly the best part!

It’s been a while since our Tiny Owl Knits KAL and I bet Amanda already has a couple of pairs of these bad boys on the needles. A little sock yarn will go a long way with these, they are a petite knit and I’m guessing they are pretty addictive. This pattern comes just in time to kick off that knitterly/crafting season that is fall. Knitters have to be on the ball to get a few things accomplished before December. Start now people!

Surprise! I love cashmere. It’s really hard not to love cashmere because it is buttery soft and has that lovely slight halo that only cashmere has. Just as I am starting to consider holiday knitting (that’s right, I didn’t start in August this year so I’m probably in trouble!) what should I spy on the counter? Lace weight cashmere of course!

The colours are deep and beautiful and of course, it’s softer than little Jones’ bum. 400 yards is perfect for a scarf sized shawl or a Simple Pleasures hat. The only problem is you definitely won’t want to give away cashmere!