new from knitbot

Who says you can’t knit in the summer?
If I didn’t already have a million reasons to spend a summer’s day with busy needles, now I have a few more.

A new book by Hannah Fettig!
This one is devoted to knitting patterns that feature linen.  That suits me fine, since I love the stuff.  The ebook containing 5 pretty and versatile pieces is available for preorders from Quince and Co. You can get individual patterns from Hannah’s Ravelry Page

The patterns were knit with 100% linen in a gauge that matches exactly to Euroflax linen.

These are the colours currently in stock.
Top row: natural, crabapple, aqua
Next row: steel, cream, island moss
Next row: charcoal, red, navy
Bottom: pewter
246 m (270yds) is $26

Craftily yours
Kristin

steek and ye shall find

Coming up soon is our first ever steeking class!
You may well wonder why you would ever, EVER, want to cut into your knitting.  It may be that my words were not so persuasive on the subject.  So perhaps a few pictures might illustrate the point.  All of these beautiful projects (to follow) were steeked!

Idunn
A traditional Icelandic sweater, with a few contemporary updates.  It was cut right down the middle.

Blaithin
The Scots like to cut it up too.  For example this wonderful offering by Kate Davies.

Sleepy Monkey Blanket
Steeking need not be only for sweaters! How about this adorable blanket with two fantastic colour patterns – one per side!

Pod of Cetaceans Cardigan
It might be hard for some of you to resist this little cardigan.  Why resist though?

Latvian Garden Baby Blanket
Have a look on ravelry at all the versions of this blanket.  Some folks have added there own flavor.  Additions of foxes, and elephants, and other critters make appearances too.

Roseling
You don’t have to be an expert at colour work to try your hand at steeking. This technique is a great way of making a striped cardigan too

Saddle Shoulder Cardigan
It is also totally suited to cable work.  This classic by Meg Swansen (daughter of Elizabeth Zimmerman) is definitely worth steeking for. Find the pattern on Spun Out. Look for pattern #49.

Steeking Workshop
Thursday May 2, 6:30-9pm
$30, materials  not included
See Homework and Supplies here
Call to register 416 533 5648

Craftily your
Kristin

you sure can pick ‘em!

Sometimes folks come into the Knit Cafe with a pattern in hand, looking for the exact-same yarn the pattern sample was knit from.  No substitutions are allowed for these folks.  Including when it comes to colour.
People are often confessing to me that they are afraid of colour.  They have no confidence when it comes to picking them.  Even less so when more then one colour needs to be picked. “What if they don’t go together ?” they ask.  What indeed!

This has come up a few times when it comes to this Chevron Blanket Pattern from the Purl Bee.

As you can see, right now we do have all the colours in stock for an exact replica of this adorable blanket.  However, if you wish to go out on a limb…

How about this combo: lemonade, lemongrass, flamingo, dandelion, bone, pumpkin, rasberry.

Or this one: graphite, hyacinth, thistle, drift, wasabi, jasper, sleet

Or this one even: mediterranean, drift, pumpkin, bone, flamingo, drift, lemongrass.

Or come up with just the right mix for you.  No right, nor wrong (even if it is sticking with the original).
All of the above are colours of Blue Sky Organic Cotton, and there are even more colours to choose from.  Come and see!
Craftily yours
Kristin

1 skein – 2 days – 4 baby hats

Knitting hats for a new born can be challenging. I always make them too big, it’s hard to imagine that their heads are literally  a size of an orange. This is why I made 4, one of them is bound to fit.

4 hats from 1 skein of luxurious yarn -  Handmaiden 4ply cashmere , made in Canada!

 

My first attempt was Tegan (first photo from the top), it turned out great, but I think it might be too big.

Second attempt was Swirl Hat (second photo from the top). It came as a recommendation from a friend, who made it for her newborn daughter. The hat is really stretchy, which means it will probably be worn for at least 4, if not 6 months, but it is definitely too big.

Third attempt was Super Stretchy Hat (last 2 photos). This simple pattern comes in 3 preemie sizes, but it’s pretty stretchy and I think it will be just the right size. I made the medium size and was so happy with it – I knit a second. One can never have enough hats! Even Goldilocks would be happy with this selection.

Now to wait for juniors arrival.

Happy Knitting!!!

Iwona

I heart hearts and groundhogs!

There’s still time to make your sweetheart one of these guys for Valentines day.

It’s an oldie, but a goodie.  A pattern of mine that was published in the wonderful online knit magazine Knitty.  You can find the pattern there for free too. If you are down with the double pointed knitting needles then this pattern is a breeze and fun to make too.  I have made plenty over the years.
The heart on the left is the only heart I kept from all the plenty. The heart on the right is a mini version of the heart (great for pinning on your sleeve or lapel). The mini heart pattern is found here.  The left heart is improvised.

I kept this heart partly for the very special yarn it was made from.  Leftovers from socks I made for my Dad, my last bit of fuzzy, neon, orange, angora, and hand dyed cashmere from Handmaiden yarns. Using bits and pieces from projects-past made this heart even more special to me.  The cable is a nice touch too.
Lots of other folks have made their own versions of the heart.  See them on Ravelry.  There are currently 710 to peruse.

If you decide to make your own heart here’s a tip!

Beginning the heart is the hardest part.  You must cast on 6 stitches and join in the round and immediately increase stitches.  Over the years many have cursed my name trying to accomplish this.  Over these same years I have learned some tricks to make lighter work of this tricky maneuver. This is how I do it.

1. Cast on your 6 stitches onto a double pointed needle

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2. The next instruction is to increase the stitches with a (Kf&b, K1) repeated, but first you must join the round to start knitting in a circle. Instead of dividing the stitches onto the double pointed needles try joining the round like you would if you were making an I-cord. First move the stitches down to the other point on your double pointed needle.  Let the yarn drape over the back of your work as you insert your needle into the first stitch closest to the tip (the first stitch you cast on). Work your Kf&b into that first stitch making sure you give some tension to the stitch to close the circle.  Continue working the stitches on the needle making your increases as you go.

3. You will now have 9 stitches on your double pointed needle

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4. Reorganize your stitches on the double pointed needles, 3 stitches on each needle and join in a round.
If 9 stitches still seems too puny to start using all  your double pointed needles on, then use the I-cord technique to do your next row. This will increase your stitches to 12.  Now get out the rest of the needles and put 4 stitches on each.

Apply this I-cord technique to anything that requires you to cast on only a few stitches and then knit in rounds, like the Knit Cafe’s Tedster pattern or the Wee Owlie too.

Happy Groundhog Day, 2 out of 3 groundhogs say spring is coming early!
Craftily yours
Kristin

more wool-people!

Fans of Jared Flood and his brand Brooklyn Tweed might want to have a look at this

Design Sponge presents a very nice Q&A with the man himself, with insight into how he keeps organized and inspired.
Brooklyn Tweed has also just released a new batch of patterns under the handle Wool People 4. Have a look-see.  If you see things to your liking don’t be shy about telling me all about it.  I will try to include them when I next order patterns.

Craftily yours
Kristin

favourite things

If you’re looking for something to knit that will stir up the creative juices, then have a look at My Favourite Things Infinity Scarf.  It has been garnering a lot of well deserved attention on good-ol’ ravelry.com.  The pattern was brought to my attention by lovely Carol who is busy choosing colours to make her own version.
This project won’t be for everyone but some folks will love it to pieces.  If you are the type of knitter who likes to mix things up and go your own way then I suggest you give this project the once over.

This infinity scarf is knit using fairisle and intarsia colour-work techniques.  It includes a few charts for decorative touches such as garlands of flowers, swirls and snowflakes and the elephant chain too. The rest of the design work is up to you.  Go on a treasure hunt to find knitting charts for your own favourite things to add to the scarf, or for the very gung ho – create your own charts.  If just the idea of this makes you furrow your brow and scowl a bit then this is not the pattern for you.  Alternatively if your brain starts to tick like a well wound clock at the thought of this knit-adventure then you better get to it.

The plentiful Cascade 220, and 220 Superwash colours will give you ample choice for this project.  The auteur suggests at least 10 colours, so if you have bits and pieces of worsted weights left behind from other projects then throw that in too.
I will leave you to mull over your favourite things, and if you have the urge to sing like Julie Andrews now, I say don’t hold back!

Craftily yours
Kristin

1 week till Christmas

More accurately Christmas is still 9 days away . 9 whole days to finish extra bulky projects!  That is more then you need.  Here are a few ideas.

The Burton Bear Cowl by Heidi May

Choose your favorite bear-colour from the Brown Sheep Burly Spun and the little wild-thing on your list will be very happy, and warm too.

The Dogwood Set by Jane Richmond

Both the mittens and the easy ribbed cowl can be found (for free) here.
Made with Spud and Chloe Outer, a chunky blend of cotton and wool that comes in many lovely colours, including this candy pink called “rocket”.

The Rime Frost Cowl by Ida Thue Nielsen

This is a free cowl pattern.  Made in Denmark! Need I say more?

Autumn and Autumn Leftovers by Jane Richmond

At the Knit Cafe you can get this pattern as a “two for one”. Both the gorgeous lady size and the wee baby size come together.  They are knit in giant yarn for fast knitting and fashionable results.

Leaf Blanket by Susan B. Anderson

This will be a much coveted blanket for a new Mom or Dad. Made with Spud and Chloe Outer it will feel nice and soft for the little babe, and it can be thrown in the washer too.

Martin Scarf by The Knit Cafe

A giant sized triangular scarf with a tie-up embellishment!  So easy to make and fast to knit too.  Takes 2 skeins of Brown Sheep Burly Spun.  Find the pattern here.

Big Snowy Owl from the Purl Bee

I like this shot of the Snowy Owl beside the cat.  Firstly- because I just like cats.  Secondly- because it really gives you a sense of the scale of the owl.  He is either quite big or that is a very small cat.  This pattern is free!

Anthropologie Inspired Braided Headwrap by Jen Geigley

Who hasn’t gone into the Anthropolgie Store and thought about knitting up a tribute to one of their offering?  Good ideas are meant to be copied.  Here is one that will be done practically before you begin.

Happy knitting folks – hope you all make it through your knitting projects with time to spare.
Craftily yours
Kristin

2 weeks till Christmas

Time to get serious.  With just two weeks of knitting time grab a bulky yarn, some big ol’ needles, a fast knitting pattern, and a strong cup of coffee and get to it.

Twinkle Hat by The Knit Cafe

This is a brand new pattern from the Knit Cafe.  You can find it on Ravelry and purchase it there.  It is made with two strands of Berroco Flicker held together to make a bulky weight yarn.  It is easy to do.  You don’t even need to know how to knit in the round to make this pattern.  Heck – you don’t even need to know how to purl.  The shaping is done with a trick called “short row shaping” and there is a pictorial tutorial included in the pattern.
The Flicker yarn is a perfect choice.  The baby alpaca makes this hat super soft with the perfect amount of slouch.

Your First Cable by The Knit Cafe

Also available on Ravelry. This simple cable project looks the same on both sides.  The chunky yarn will make for quick work.  Try it with Berroco Peruvia Quick.

Wonky  by Brittany Wilson

A smaller cowl project for those especially short on time.  The different textures make it an interesting knit.  This is a free pattern from Knitty.com where you’ll find plenty of nice patterns!

Jumbo Gnome by Anna Hrachovec

Hello Handsome! Fun to make – amazing to receive! Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Bulky will give you the colours and the heft that you want for this little man.

Dilih Wrap by Alexandra Tinsley

This pretty little number is easy-peasy.  The open work details are thanks to dropped stitches.

Bitty Boy Bump by Gina Bonomo

Only available in preemie to 1 year old sizes, so if you have a very new certain someone in your life that needs something cuddly for caroling in then look no further.

Padma by Dawn Toussaint

This cutie-pie is for all you crocheters. It is a free one!

Dolores Park Cowl  by Parikha Mehta

Also free for the taking is the Dolores Park Cowl pattern.  Simple and fast to knit – you can find it here.

Phenomenon by Carine Ancel

A very warm mitten! Cables, a textured palm and a bulky yarn like Lamb’s Pride Bulky will make it extra cozy.  This pattern is free!

Loved by Talitha Kuomi

Whether this crown is strictly for dress-up or a head warmer for everyday what little prince or princess wouldn’t appreciate it?

Craftily yours
Kristin

let it snow!

It’s happening!  I’ve seen a flurry or two today!
A good day to share this fun project by knitter Bonnie Donaghy.  She took the sweet snowman pattern from MochiMochiLand and turned it into a wonderful wreath!

These teeny-tinies were knit with fine yarn and needles but why not needle felt them? Please knit the scarves though cause they look so good that way, and they will make quick work of  your scraps.  If you have no scraps that need using then maybe a mini skeins or two will do.

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Ho Ho Ho
Craftily yours
Kristin