Now we are starting to get down to the wire, but I think that you can pull of making these last few knitted projects in time. They are super quick….and I have faith in you;)

This all in one package by Sirdar includes the pattern and even a pom pom to attach to the top of the hat. It is a super easy pattern that is knitted flat and seamed up the back- no knitting in the round, so suitable for a beginner and even a child…..SUPER FAST KNIT.

Another quick hat pattern uses one ball of Lumio- http://www.urbanyarns.com/search.php?search_query=lumio&x=0&y=0 that is spun with a reflector thread throughout. Perfect for our rainy, dark Vancouver weather or ripping down a mountain, you will always been seen. You can find several free hat patterns using this and other SMC yarn here: http://us.schachenmayr.com/mymountain

Last but not least the ever-useful tea pot cozy. This is a classic and easy to follow pattern brought to you by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas uses any Aran weight yarn. We have copies in store or you can find the pattern on ravelry here:http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ribbed–ruffled-tea-cozies

So that should hopefully keep you busy for the next couple of days, Happy knitting!!

Today I am recommending yet another tool, or rather a set of tools: a Ball Winder and Swift.

Now these two things really go together, as one is not much good without the other. While we are happy to help you wind your yarn in store, we are all familiar with the late-night need to wind a skein of yarn into a ball to continue or start a project. Well, there’s no reason you can’t have these toys at home!

And for today’s pattern is Purl Sohos Big Herringbone Cowl. Because it is soooooo nice knit up in the dreamy Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted.

Todays post idea comes courtesy of Karen- why not learn a new knitting skill with the x days of teaching! Take advantage of this time to book a private with one of our talented instructors- Alison, Deanna, Karen or Julia or sign up for a class starting in the New Year (keep an eye on the website for the new class schedule starting in January for both store locations).

Here are some great technique and lesson ideas:

Provisional Cast On for a seamless cowl
Yarn overs lead to lace
Toasty Cables
Knotty Crochet
Perfect Seaming and Finishing
Blocking what is that?
Family and friends beginner knitting
Kids knitting
Fast and dirty arm knitting (make a cowl in an hour)
Chart reading
Reading and mapping out your pattern
Sock basics and Sock bootcamp
Knitting in the round
Stripes and colour work (think Fair Isle and Intarsia)
Short row shaping
Fixing mistakes-drop stitches aren’t so scary
Knitting with beads
Knitting with DPN’s

You can book for yourself, a group of friends, sign up for a class or give the gift of learning with a gift certificate available in store.

Disclaimer: These instructors are available at the PG location. Contact the NV store or look online for info on their class schedule.

Well, we’re just past the halfway point finally!

Today I want to feature a specific yarn and dyer: Sweetgeorgia

Sweetgeorgia is an incredible local dyer whom we are always just thrilled to be able to work with. Colours are always on point, and they make some of the best possible choices for base yarns.

Case in point, I just finished a quick little hat in in their Trinity Worsted (70% Merino, 20% Cashmere, 10% Silk) and it just might have been the nicest worsted weight yarn I’ve have the privilege to use in a long time. Pattern is Windschief, by Stephen West.

Another great stocking stuffer or gift idea. We just received a large shipment of Woolpets needle felting kits with a whole bunch of new additions- The sock monkey, dinosaur, owls, pig, elephant, sea turtle, frog, penguin, seal pups, spring bunnies and even maneki neko. Each kit comes fully stocked with everything you need to make the little critters.

Great for kids and adults and last minute gifts. You can find them online-http://www.urbanyarns.com/felting/ or in store.

And for a pattern idea, sticking with todays miniature theme you have to check out these Korknisse’s on ravelry-http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/korknisse. They are an adorable and fun way to use up all your ends….and your left over wine corks…….cuz we all know that knitting and wine go well together;)

Today’s gift idea is a bit of a unique bird. While these will work with machine-wound skeins, these yarn bowls really work best with hand-wound balls of yarn. Rather than plop your balls of yarn in a floppy bag, or let them skitter across the floor and get lost under the couch, toss them in one of these beautiful hand made, one of a kind bowls!

These are made by an incredibly talented local artisan Nancy Walker (whose other work just might feature another day), who produces some really lovely ceramic works of functional art. We have a range of bowls with different animals in store, and they look even better in person!

And don’t ask me why, but today I want to feature pixie hats. They’re adorable, that’s all I can say.

1. Troll, by Gabriela-Widmer Hanke

2. Little Heaume, by Solenn Couix-Loarer

3. Sloochie, by Woolly Wormhead

I am not sure if you have seen this beautiful wreath hanging in the shop lately? If you haven’t, you should come and check it out. This project would be a festive way to learn or practise colour work, fair isle knitting, short rows and chart reading. Alison knit this sample up in no time using Cascade 220 heathers-http://www.urbanyarns.com/cascade-220-heathers-20st/

You can find the pattern info on ravelry here:http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/holiday-stranded-wreath
It is designed by Amy Gunderson and published in the book “50 Knitted Gifts for Year-Round Giving”.

Why not knit your own decorative wreath this year?!

You’ve worked hard knitting some great items over the years, and I bet those garments and accessories have worked hard for you as well. Obviously some yarn and some projects are more susceptible to wear and pilling than others, but they could all do with a little gleening.

Gleening? Yes, gleening. I introduce to you, The Gleener! (can you tell I just love that word?)

This is super handy tool. Like super duper handy. On one end there are three different ‘blades’ for large bulky pills, medium-to-large pills, and fine, delicate pills. On the other end, a lint brush. Do yourself and your knits a favour with this device and keep your finished items looking good as new. (no link, sorry, but it is in store, and you could certainly order it for shipping if you emailed or called in)

And as for the pattern of the day, while I was hiding out from the crowds that turned out to our book launch (thank you all, it was fantastic), I found Anina’s sample Aranami shawl. I had forgotten about this, but I just adore everything about the pattern.

That photo is actually Alison’s, not Anina’s, but gosh they always look soooo good. I’d suggest the Harrisville Designs New England Shetland, because it is one of my favourite yarns to work with.

With just one ball of Lova Fan you can whip up a hat in no time and the best part is that you can knit/crochet it in your favourite school colours.

We even have a handy list of all the local school colours and what ball of yarn/s you would use for each:

Warning….the whole team or all of your classmates may want one too;)

Blocking is good for your finished projects. We know this, don’t even bother to argue with me about it. I don’t care if you find it to be a hassle, you should still do it.

Good news, there is a nifty little product that makes it slightly less of a hassle: Knitter’s Pride Knit Blockers!

These little doohickeys come in sets with little blocks that hold a series of 8 or 4 pins which really helps when pinning out a straight edge, be it a shawl, sweater, whatever. Which is great, because evenly blocking straight lines is the absolute woooooorst. Now, no more excuses! Make sure every project gets the finishing treatment it deserves.