Hunter absolutely LOVES the aquarium. She runs around like a crazy person trying to say any names she knows (she’s pretty sure the Caymans are ‘croc-oh-die-ahls’ all 4 syllables, and no arguments to the contrary would suffice), pointing at things to show Jones, while I and my stroller just try to keep up. She also enjoys a day of changing the fishtank water with daddy. They change the water, feed the fish, watch them swim. It’s a bonding activity. So you can see, fish are important to Hunter! I had to knit her a fair isle yoked sweater to commemorate this fish-filled time of her life.

Goldfish is knit from the top down, sleeves and button bands are knit last. It has a cute little bubble detail at the bottom. I decided to throw caution to the wind and put a LOT of buttons on it because they are so darn cute! I just leave them buttoned and pull it over her head, she doesn’t mind much. For Goldfish you will need 2 colors of sport or dk weight yarn, something bright and vibrant for Spring!

If you haven’t tried fair isle knitting yet, it’s time to learn! There are so many multi-colored wonderful patterns out there and so many great color combinations to choose from! If you are intimidated just give us a call and Amanda will set you straight, she’s a whiz with colorwork!

OK. So. Charts. You might like them, you might hate them, you might be downright terrified of them. Me, I love them. In fact, you have asked me for pattern advice, or taken a lesson with me, I may have waxed downright poetic about them (um, sorry? Actually, no, definitely not sorry). In short, I think that being comfortable with reading and working from charts will greatly speed up a new knitter’s ability to ‘read’ their knitting, and is a far more elegant and effective method of following and writing patterns than line-by-line written directions (in general – there are always exceptions). Since it’s been a while since I offered an introduction to charts class, I’m going to give a very brief rundown today – if you’re interested in learning more, you know where to come!

First, this is a chart.

And so is this.

Charts can be used for colourwork, lace, cables, even knit and purl patterns (and presumably any other types of patterns I have overlooked).

When it comes to reading charts, it varies between working flat and working in the round. When working flat, the right side rows will be read from right to left, and the wrong side rows will be read from left to right, and should be numbered appropriately. (Please note, that as in all things, not every design or pattern is created equal – I am generally referring to best practices, you will of course come across some that are… not as clear)

And for charts worked in the round, each row is read from right to left, and again, should be numbered properly.

Now, there is all sorts of other notation on these charts. Some include indications about where to repeat motifs (usually lines in bold outlining part of the chart), some include stitch counts (usually along the bottom), but all well-designed charts should, without exception, include a legend.

Now, here’s the thing that does irk me about charts. There is an almost worrying lack of consistency and standardization amongst designers as to what each symbol represents. That is why legends are essential. Most designers or design houses do have a reasonable degree of internal consistency, but without exception, you should always, ALWAYS read the legend.

Want to learn what some of the symbols mean and how to get the most out of charts? Well… sorry, but you’re going to have to take my class! Or at least just get yourself a pattern and dive in – there’s really nothing to be afraid of!

Just a few small odds and ends tonight.

1) I finished (finally, after like…. 6 months) the China Blue 2 crewel kit that I’ve been working on. I use finished in the most generous sense of the word, as I still need to press and mount it. But the embroidery is done, and it was a lot of fun! We’ve still got a number of assorted Wool & Hoop kits in store.

2) This really cool triangular shawl/scarf! The pattern is Metalouse, by the ever-captivating Stephen West. This particular sample was knit with 2 balls of Noro Aya, and 2 balls of Schoppel-Wolle Cashmere Queen. It is just indulgently soft and luxurious.

3) Finally, we have a few Babette’s Blanket kits left. At $299.95, the kits include all the yarn, and the pattern (everything needed except the hook), more than enough to recreate this fun and colourful blanket for yourself. (And on a side note, I would highly recommend both the story and film, if you haven’t seen them already.)

The latest issue of Twist Collective is out and it is fabulous! I love a good inspiring magazine and Twist never fails to deliver. This issue has a few items I’m excited about, they all make me want to take a romantic stroll in the rain.

Pont Neuf by Emily Wessel

First up is Pont Neuf, designed by Emily Wessel, my better half at Tin Can Knits. This cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down with the lace panel picked up and knit last. Pont Neuf is feminine while still utilitarian, and it has a bit of romance to it. The rosebud lace pattern makes me want to wear this sweater while taking a walk on the Sea Wall or through the woods. Probably holding hands, you get the picture!

Galliera by Iris Wildsmith

Galliera is a pretty slouchy beret. I love this design, it has a soft and cozy look with a vintage feel. A bit of lace and a bit of texture makes for a beautiful hat that will look good through the ages.

Wavelettes by Janine Le Cras

Wavelettes is a great big swath of textured lace pattern to wrap yourself up in. As the weather turns cool in the spring evenings this item is a great wardrobe addition. It can be worn as a large scarf or a shoulder wrap depending on your mood. Something like this also makes for good vacation knitting if you have a road trip or plane ride in your future!

You can peruse all of the patterns in the latest issue as well as articles on swatching and fixing your mistakes here.

Well this is actually kind of fitting timing. After the gorgeous weather we had last week, we are back to some cloudy and cool days here in Vancouver.

I was in the shop a few weeks back and my eye was immediately drawn to this quiet, unassuming skein of grey yarn.

Now, I know that shades upon shades of grey may not be to everyone’s taste, but I saw a certain elegance in the yarn and the possibly for some good, satisfying texture.

And that’s how most of my projects get started. A vague idea (I want a soft, subtle all-over textured something) turns into some mostly illegible chicken scratch in my notebook, and I’m off to the races. I chose to work a hat because I only had the one skein of yarn, and hats are basically grown-up swatches, which makes them way less intimidating than an entire project.

A little bit of twisted rib, and then a nice swath of what I’m calling a twisted seed stitch. Gosh this has such a fantastic texture. It almost looks a bit sloppy at first, and then if you look closer and see that it’s not just straight stockinette, the colours and tones in the yarn really start to pop.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to knit a grey hat on a grey day. It also kind of makes me think of a very grey wintery beach day. I love it.

Yarn is Madelinetosh Tosh Dk in Whiskers. Pattern is… probably forthcoming, but currently just being designed as I go.

I mainly find knitting inspiration from a pattern. It’s usually the lines, textures, cables, lace, construction, simplicity (the list is endless), that makes me pick up the needles, poke through the stash, and eventually get some new yarn and get knitting. While I love to create patterns myself, I DO knit from other designers and I so love to peruse the books, binders, and Ravelry of course, to gather some inspiration.

Every once in a while though I come across a color or yarn that is so fabulous I have to have it, pattern or no pattern! The color itself is the inspiration. This color in particular is CRAZY. It’s Torchere, a new color from Madelinetosh. When I first saw it at knit night I had to discuss it with others. They did not all agree that it was somehow charming and awesome at the same time. It was bright and flashy and will be hard to photograph, and I have been thinking about it ever since. That’s two weeks of Torchere obsession! I will be heading our to Urban Yarns for our KAL party next Friday (the 5th in case you forgot) and I will be coming home with some Torchere. Definitely.

Which brings me to my question: what colors inspire you? Are you a rainbow loving gal like Kynna? More of a subtle earthy palette? Perhaps you are smitten with Torchere as well?

As you may or may not know, most of us at the shop are somewhat avid fans of Stephen West’s work. His designs have such a sense of whimsy, and yet are entirely wearable (and many of them, thankfully unisex!) It was no surprise to find Anina knitting up one of his latest designs, Kvosin, which is from the ever so poignantly named ‘Westy’s Besties‘ KAl collection he’s put out on Ravelry.

Anina substituted the Harrisville Designs New England Shetland, and I think her colour choice was fantastic.

And there’s the slightly more masculine version, sampled from the pattern library on Ravelry.

In other news, we are now offering a tough to name, colour control system. A picture will help.

Each cake of yarn sits on a spinning base, allowing you to knit stranded colourwork while helping to keep your yarns from getting tangled and snarled together. These are made custom by a local artist, and the last time I checked we only had the one available for display, but you can custom-order them from the shop (call, e-mail, come by and visit if you would like more information). This is a really simple, elegant device – I know I’ll be thinking about it when I start planning my next colourwork project!

That’s right, Easter is on it’s way! Last year I knit up a bunch of little eggs with some pastel scraps and put them in a wee knitted nest, based on this pattern:

Sparrow's Nest from the Purlbee

They were a great hit, with stripes and patterns and beautiful solids. I used Blue Sky Alpacas Silk, which has a wonderful array of spring-y shades. It’s safe to hide them in lieu of chocolate if you have dogs around.

This year I am thinking about bunnies. I am thinking about a Peter Rabbit-esque bunny in particular. Maybe with a blue sweater…..and little shoes…..and a carrot….this is spiraling out of control already!  I grew up with those adorable little Beatrix Potter books, fearing Mr. McGregor’s garden and rooting for that rascal, Peter. I can’t wait to read them to Hunter and Jones too!

Baylin Bunny by Allison Cleaver

Once I finish a bunny for Hunter (who would probably much rather have chocolate, but will undoubtedly appreciate my efforts later in  life), it will have to be an Easter sweater for wee Jones. Perhaps a blue sweater….with brass buttons…..

So I’m probably they worst scheduler of all time. It turns out that March 29th is actually Good Friday, so we shall have to get together to show off finished Tin Can Knits items on April 5th. Last move, promise!

As some of you may know, my design partner Emily has been diligently working on a new lace collection: Handmade in the UK. Emily got her start in designing with the Photosynthesis shawl and has been thinking lace ever since. Handmade in the UK will have 9 patterns including 3 garments, all with a dose of lace, it will be released in early May. By popular demand she has decided to release her Lush cardigan pattern early!

Since I am Emily’s biggest fan I knit up a little Lush cardi for Hunter and we took a walk on the beach so I could snap some photos. Lush is knit in a DK- light worsted weight yarn (I used SweetGeorgia superwash dk) and has an interesting (but not too difficult) construction. Hunter’s wee sweater knit up nice and quick. You can find the single patterns at Urban Yarns, it’s just the yarn you will have to decide on!