What to Knit and Crochet With 1 Week Till Christmas

There is only one more week to make some gifts!
Here a few that should get done in a jiffy!

Martha Cowl by Hannah Shin
Knit with Super Bulky yarn like Brown Sheep Burly Spun and 15mm
90 yards needed
One size fits most
An easy and extra thick cowl, made with only 90 yards and 15mm needles. It doesn’t get much quicker to knit then this project!

Crochet Baby Turban from This Mama Makes Stuff
Crocheted with Worsted Weight yarn like Berroco Vintage and 4mm hook.
To fit 0-3 months
Every newborn needs a turban! Yes?

30 Minute Crochet Beanie by Persialou
Crocheted with Super Bulky Yarn and 20mm hook
64 yards needed
One size to fit most adults
There are step by step instructions to make this really quick hat.

Last Minute Hat by Kirsten Hipsky
Knit with Bulky yarn like Peruvia Quick doubled up and a 9mm needle. You could also use a Super Bulky used single stranded.
216 yards (198 m) needed
Finished Dimensions in two sizes:18”-20” (20”-22”) around and 10” tall
If you use two different colours you with get this sweet marled effect, or use just one colour for a simple ribbed toque. Either way it will be done in no time.

Teddy Ornaments by Stephanie Jessica Lau
Crocheted with Sport Weight yarn and 2mm needles
These crocheted ornaments couldn’t be simpler and would make great host gifts.

Catnip Bunny by Selena Kyle
Knit with DK weight yarn and 3.25mm
Stuff them with catnip for your furry friends or string them into a garland for a baby pram.

Good luck with all your gift knitting everybody!
Craftily yours
Kristin

 

What to Knit and Crochet with 3 weeks till Christmas

There is still time to craft some wonderful handmade gifts before Christmas.
You have 3 weeks!

Starry Night Toque by The Knit Café
Knit with Light Worsted or DK  4-4.5mm. Shown here knit in Riverside Studio Worsted or try Lichen and Lace Worsted. Both are Canadian made!
49 – 153 yards needed
To fit newborn, baby, toddler, child-adult small, adult medium, adult large.
It’s The Knit Cafe’s latest pattern! Because it’s a hat you will have it done in no time, especially if you are making the adorable baby size!

Knit Hedgehog Mittens by Andie Huber
Knit with Worsted Weight yarn like Brooklyn Tweed Shelter and 5mm needles
aprox 200 yards needed
The finished mittens measure 7½ in (19cm) from the base of the wrist to the tip and should fit an average size child of 7–10 years.
I am smitten with these mittens!

Oversized Sweater Knitting Pattern by Aleksandra
Knit with Bulky Weight yarn like Peruvia Quick or Brooklyn Tweed Quarry and 9mm needles
900 metres needed
Fits in one size only: Width 52 cm, Length 55 cm, Sleeves 42 cm
You might think I’m crazy to suggest knitting a sweater so late in the game, but look how thick and chunky this one is! It’s a very basic, easy peasy and free pattern too.

Parker Cable Socks by Lakeside Loops
Crocheted with DK yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash and 3.5mm hook
265 – 827 yards needed
To fit 11 different sizes ranging from baby all the way through to adult
These thick socks are more like slippers and could be made shorter if you fear you will run out of time. The pattern claims to include pictures and videos to keep you on track.

Lennon Cable Leg Warmers by Lakeside Loops
Crocheted with Worsted Weight yarn like Berroco Vintage and 5mm hook
Fits 10 sizes: – Baby (6-12 months) – Toddler (1-2 years) – Pre-K (2-4 years) – Child (4-7 years) – Child (7-11 years) – Teen – Small Adult – Medium Adult – Large Adult – XL Adult
You can make these legwarmers or the even quicker boot cuff version of this pattern in any size. Like the previous recommendation this pattern is by Lakeside Loops who have terrific deals on their patterns like buy 2 patterns get one free. Check them out!

Halus by Brooklyn Tweed
Knit with Bulky Yarn and 4.5mm -5.5mm needles. Designed and shown in Brooklyn Tweed Quarry
165 yards needed
To comfortably fit average adult head sizes 20–24″); 8¾” long
This stunner of a hat will take no time at all!

Urban Jungle Crocheted Slouchy Beanie by Vickie Howell
Crocheted with Worsted Weight yarn like Lichen and Lace Worsted and 5mm
To fit small, med, large adult
A pretty, bobbled stitch and a good deal of slouch are some of the features in this crocheted hat.

Pocket Ted by Frankie Brown
Knit with Fingering Weight yarn and 2-2.5mm needles. Use your sock scraps and throw in a few Koigu Mini Skeins for just the right colour combination for this project.
Only “small amounts of yarn” needed
Finished dimensions: 8 cm / 3” tall
This little bear fits in an Altoids tin. Once you knit the bear, instructions describe how to knit his bead cloths and tin decorations.

Boogie Earbuds by Bonnie Pruitt
Knit with Fingering Weight yarn and 2.25mm needles. Try Lichen and Lace 80/20 sock or Turtlepurl Self Striping Turtletoes.
0 – 50 yards needed
The designer says she was so sick and tired of the rubbery cords for her earbuds getting tangled, so she designed this cover which “completely solved the problem”. Throw in a new set of earbuds too for one terrific gift!

I highly recommend Turtlepurl yarn for all your self-striping needs. We just received a new batch of this Canadian made, hand dyed yarn. It is perfect for socks; bundled in twos for a matching pair and with a little nylon mixed with the merino for sock-strength. This would make a wonderful gift for any sock knitters on your Holiday shopping list.

Chain Reaction Shawlette by Nicki Hirsch
Crocheted with Fingering Weight like Julie Asselin Picollo and 3mm hook
350 – 400 yards needed
Mostly made of chains and single crochets this shawl can be made to any size from a quick kerchief to a blanket size wrap.

Maya Shawl by Justyna Lorkowska
Knit with Chunky yarn like Misti Alpaca Chunky and 6.5mm needle
328 yards needed
One size: approx. 150 cm/60” wide and 75 cm/30” long at center spine.

We just got in some dreamy, soft Misti Alpaca Chunky which would be terrific for this shawl project but also any hat or scarf project. Alpaca is one of the warmest fibres. Use it for friends and family who are perpetually cold.

Noro Woven Stitch Shawl by Z apasi
Knit with Worsted Weight yarn and 5.5-6.5mm needles. Especially suited for Noro yarns like Noro’s  Kureopatora.
330 yards needed
Finished dimensions: 70” x 22”
The slip knit pattern in this shawl gives it a pretty woven look. It looks stunning when knit in a colour changing, textured yarn like Noro’s Kureopatora which has a softer feel then many Noro blends and is comfortable to wear around the neck.

Next time, with 2 weeks to go I will be focusing my recommendations on projects that take big and bulky yarn like the Malabrigo Rasta we received this week. Look at these ↑ beauties! Expect to see more and more super bulky yarns arrive at The Knit Café in the weeks to come for all your last minute gift ideas.
Till next time
Craftily yours
Kristin

What to Knit and Crochet with 4 weeks till Christmas

Four weeks people!  If you have a long list of gifts to make or just one big idea for someone really special it is time to get those needles clicking. Here are some knit and crochet projects for those of you who are still searching for just the right thing.

High Pines Cowl by Brooklyn Tweed
Knit with DK yarn designed for Brooklyn Tweed Arbor and 4mm needles.
390 yards needed
Finished dimensions: 28½” [72.5 cm] circumference at bottom; 25¼” [64 cm] circumference at top; 11½” [29 cm] height
If you are as curious as I am to knit up some of Brooklyn Tweed’s brand new product; the worsted spun, DK weight Arbor, then look no further for a project then this classic cowl or perhaps a hat like the Brooklyn Tweed’s Burnaby Hat.

Bobbly Hat by Justyna Lorkowska
Knit with Worsted Weight like Lichen and Lace hand dyed, worsted, merino and 5mm needles
To fit 2-4y (6-10y)
This hat has lots of lovely textures and would be a real special gift for a little someone. Especially if knit in their favourite colour.

Fair Isle Friday by Almost Saturday by Anna Maltz
Knit with DK weight, Brooklyn Tweed Arbor would suit it to a tee, and 3.75mm 246 – 328 yards needed
one size fits most
These charming hats are ripe with opportunity for colour combining fun. There are two different fair isle designs to choose from.

Winter Honey by Andrea Mowry
Knit with Worsted Weight yarn and 5.5mm needles. Sample shown in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter
605 – 1050 yards needed
Can be made in two sizes with wingspan – 61 in/155 cm (84 in/213 cm), Center Depth – 26.5 in/67 cm (31 in/79 cm)
A nice textured shawl in a cozy medium weight yarn!

Ingeborg Slippers by Kristin Drysdale
Knit with DK weight yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash and  3mm needles
153 – 164 yards needed
Size is women’s medium
Another pattern for showing off your Fair Isle chops! These slippers and pretty and cozy.

Winter Wanderer Super Scarf by Jess Coppom
Crocheted with Chunky Weight Yarn like Berroco Vintage Chunky and 5.5mm
1000 – 1200 yards needed
One size: approximately 102 x 10.5”
A super cool, extra large, snowflake shawl. Follow the chart to create the snowflake design. The designer suggests you weave in your ends as you go, I concur.

Cat Baby Cocoon, Hat and Bootie Set by Chi Krneta
Crocheted with DK weight yarn such as Cascade 220 Superwash and 3.5mm
575 – 650 yards needed for booties, hat and sleep sack
To fit 0-3 months, or  3-6 months
Make this sleep sack, bootie and hat set to match your favourite kitty cat.

Little Fox Socks by North Star Knits
Knit with DK weight yarn like Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light and 3.5mm
284 – 568 yards needed
To fit Baby, toddler, kid, adult
Adorable slipper socks to make the ache of a cold winter floor a veritable picnic. So cute!

Forager’s Scarf by Nicola Hodges
Knit in Aran weight yarn like Madelinetosh Chunky and 5.5mm needles
383 – 416 yards needed
Finished measurements: 107” (272cm) along longest edge and 16” (41cm) at widest point
A lovely shawl! Knit long with lots of drape thanks to the bias shaping and the eyelets. It would look nice on a man or a lady and it is knit with a chunky yarn for faster knitting.

Cara by Kate Burge and Rachel Price
Knit with Aran or Worsted weight yarn such as Noro Kureopatora and 6mm needles
380 – 400 yards needed
Finished dimensions: Height: 11”, Circumference: 36”
This is a job for Noro! – the lovely Japanese company that makes the beautiful, all-the-colours-of-the-rainbow yarn. Grab two of your favourites and combine them for a similar effect to the sample pictured here. This looks like it would be a really fun knit!
For something with an equal amount of Noro yarn fun check out this Magical Striped Scarf Pattern. It is a good pattern for beginner knitters.

Fiery Dragon Scarf by Brook L Hanna
Knit with Worsted Weight Yarn like Berroco Vintage and 5mm needles.
197 yards needed
What little boy or girl would not go crazy for this? It’s a scarf! It’s a dragon! It’s both!

That’s it for this week!
Craftily yours
Kristin

What To Knit With 1 Week Till Christmas

With only one week left till Christmas the time has come for last minute gift ideas. Without further ado – here they are!

Split Brim Toddler Hat by Sheepy Shenanigans

A quick knit hat made with Super Bulky yarn. This toddler hat attern says it measures 16.5 inches in circumference but stretches to fit up to 20 inches so it should fit a variety of children’s head sizes. It is free to try!
You will need: 50 – 55 yards (46 – 50 m) of Super Bulky yarn like Brown Sheep Burly Spun or Malabrigo Rasta.  9mm needles.

Rainbow Twist by Thao Nguyen

This sweet and stylish cowl would do for a lady or a gentleman and will be fast to knit with Super Bulky yarn. They used Malabrigo Rasta and it looks terrific. Rasta is a merino wool that is super soft. This hand dyed yarn is so pretty too. We just received a new shipment of Rasta, it’s ready to be made into cowls like this one. This pattern is a free!
You will need: 80 – 90 yards (73 – 82 m) of Super Bulky yarn. That’s only one skein of Malabrigo Rasta. 12mm needles.

Forest Folk Cup Cozies by  Alexandra Davidoff

These guys are so cute and a nice gift for the coffee-lover.  The pattern is a free one too, so you can choose to tinker with it and try out any or all of the animal motifs. The raccoon, fox and owl faces are added on after the knitting with a technique called duplicate stitch which is easy to do. You can check out a tutorial for this technique right here on this blog!
You will need: aprox 50yds [46 m] of worsted weight yarn for each cozy. Use something washable like Rowan Pure Wool so cleaning up the coffee drips won’t be a trial. Scraps of contrast colours for the animals faces and 4mm needles are needed too.

Christmas Toadstools by Merrin Curley

I may or maynot have used this pattern before for a Christmas knitting project suggestion but I think it bares repeating. So cute! These will look terrific on a tree. The knitter behind these examples called norskiknits on ravelry, really mixed it up with the yarn choices and I think they came out so much the better. This is also a free pattern
You will need: A small amount of DK weight yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash or Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light. 3-3.25mm needles.

Soap Socks by Olivia Rainsford

 

You could really crank out a bunch of these and hand them out as host gifts or for those hard to buy folks. Soap wrapped in wool means you will get a great washing mitten. You can have lots of fun buying great soaps too. This pattern is free.
You will need: A feltable wool (no superwash) like Brown Sheep Burly Spun. A double strand of Brooklyn Tweed Shelter would be wonderful! The designer says a 50g skein will make about 4 or 5 socks.  5mm needles.

Dawson City Toque by The Knit Café

A brand new pattern from Iwona just in time for last minute gift-giving. This is fast and this is easy!  We have it in the shop as a learn to knit kit!   You take two pieces of Super Bulky yarn and hold them together to make a Super Super Bulky yarn and get out your broomstick sized needles. Then knit back and forth in good old garter stitch, no purls needed. The hat is seamed to finish.  The pom pom making instructions are also included in the pattern.  The pattern is sized to fit children 4-8 years old, S/M adult head, L/XL adult head sizes.
You will need: 90 – 120 yards (82 – 110 m) of Super Bulky yarn like Brown Sheep Burly Spun which is shown here and 15mm needles.

Bon chance with the gift knitting everyone!
Craftily yours
Kristin

What to knit with 2 weeks till Christmas

Oh My! There is only two weeks before Christmas. If you plan to avoid the malls and make all your gifts, there is still time to get a few done. Here are some suggestions for some gifts that will be fast to complete.

Rasta Velvet Cowl by Szilvia Linczmaier 

An extra bulky cowl is just the thing when knitting time gets short. This one is made with decadently soft Rasta from Malabrigo. We have a great colour selection of Rasta right now and more is on the way for those last minute projects that require big, big yarn and fat needles like this one.  This cowl can also be made into a poncho for toddlers or kiddies.
You will need:  90 yards (82 m) of Super Bulky yarn like Malabrigo Rasta and 15mm needles.

 

Tiny Roar Lion Bonnet by Mimi Codd

This one is extra cute. This bonnet that will clearly keep the ears warm. The pattern has sizing from newborn to 2 years old.
You will need:  105 – 210 yards (96 – 192 m) of DK yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash and 3.5mm needles.

Simple House Slippers by Simone A

These look like really cozy slippers. It is a free pattern that indicates that it is easily adjustable to fit different sized feet.
You will need: A DK or worsted weight yarn like Rowan Pure Wool Superwash and 4mm and 4.5mm needles.

Marled Hat by The Plucky Knitter

This hat pattern employs one of my favourite tricks. Take two yarns that you like and hold them together to create a thicker and even more interesting super-yarn. In this case it is two strands of worsted weight yarn. This hat should knit up fairly quickly with a 6mm needle. The pattern is free to try.
You will need: two different colours of worsted weight yarn like Madelinetosh Vintage and 4.5mm and 6mm needles.

Crocheted Fox Finger Puppet by Jo from hubpages.com

This one is for the crocheters. Not a stuffy but a finger puppet, this one would be really fun for babies and tots for some animated play time. The pattern is free.
You will need: 25 grams of worsted or DK yarn like Rowan Pure Wool Superwash or Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine and a 4mm-4.5mm hook.

You will also need some felt. The Knit Café just received a great big bundle of 100% wool felt sheets. This stuff is hard to find but you can find it here.

Gull Lace Fingerless Mittens by Elizabeth Murphy

 This fingerless mitten pattern boasts that it is easy to knit thanks to it’s lack of gusset. They look super charming so they don’t need any old gusset.
You will need: 150 – 200 yards (137 – 183 m) of worsted weight yarn like Brooklyn Tweed Shelter yarn and 4mm and 5mm needles

Tree by Nim Teasdale

This is an interesting one. It’s a cowl, but it looks like a tree, but it’s a cowl!  How festive, and a free pattern too. You can find it in Knitty Magazine the terrific Canadian web-magazine.
You will need: 137 – 157 yards (125 – 144 m) DK or worsted weight yarn like Brooklyn Tweed Shelter and 3.75mm and 4.5mm needles

Craftily yours
Kristin

What to Knit with 3 Weeks Till Christmas

When I began this blog post I named it 4 weeks till Christmas. I am clearly in denial. It is 3 weeks- 3 weeks till Christmas now! It’s time to get serious with the Christmas knitting.  Hear are some projects that are easily accomplished in a short time.

Rye by Saranac Hale Spencer

A hand knitted tie I think would make an awesome gift. I like the diagonal shaping on this one. The pattern is absolutely free from Pom Pom Quarterly.

You will need: 3.75mm needles and 100 – 105 yards (91 – 96 m) of a light worsted or DK yarn.  I think this tie would be quite nice in Shelter from Brooklyn Tweed, which coincidentally we just got a shipment of yesterday. Hooray!

Knit Golf Club Covers by Purl Soho

Do you know any golfers? They actually use these, they love these, and they would love some lovingly made, by hand, by you, no doubt. This pattern is free too.

You will need: 456 yards (417 m) for all three of a DK weight yarn . A superwash variety I think would be the best here like Cascade 220 superwash. The pattern calls for 3.75mm, 4mm and 5mm needles

Pont Neuf Toque by Alexandra Tavel

This crocheted hat has a great shape!
You will need: 120 yards (110 m) of bulky yarn. Why not try our brand new Brooklyn Tweed Quarry for this one. Wow! You will need a 6.5mm hook.

 A Simple Sweater- 3 Ways by Julie Williams

These are mini sweaters! Sweaters for dolls!  I think some small kiddo who loves their dolls or stuffies would really appreciate these.  It is designed to fit the designers knitted animal patterns which are 9 inches/ 23cms tall. You can see and purchase her doll patterns HERE

You will need: Fingering weight yarn in tiny amounts, scraps might do the trick or Koigu Mini Skeins might come in handy too.  2.75mm needles.

Hello Gnome Mittens by Tamara Kelly

This crochet mitten pattern is sweet and colourful. It’s knit with bulky yarn so a pair will be off the hook and on the hands in a jiffy. Sizing is from child to adult.  It is free to try.

You will need: several colours of bulky weight yarn like Peruvia Quick (110 – 225 yards (101 – 206 m) in total) and a 6.5mm hook.

Little Lamb Crochet Baby Bib by My Hobby is Crochet

Another one for the crocheters. There are so many cute crochet projects for kids and babies, but lets face it – this one is really for the Mom’s and Dad’s. This pattern is free.

You will need: The pattern specifies one skein of DK cotton but does not specify the exact amount . I think Blue Sky Skinny Cotton or Blue Sky Wosrted Cotton would both work here. The hook size is 4mm.

Thrum Mittens by The Knit Café

A NEW PATTERN FROM THE KNIT CAFE!
We have been toiling to make really comprehensive instructions for thrum mitten making and here they are!
Thrum mittens were first developed in Newfoundland to prevent chill and wind burn on hands. They are mighty warm mittens with bits of unspun wool knit right into them making a wool fleece lined mitten.
This pattern contains picture tutorials on how to thrum your mittens and it has 5 different sizes from 5 years old to extra big adult.
Thrum Mittens would make great gifts. This is definitely the kind of thing that does not come from a store.

You will need: 150 – 250 yards (137 – 229 m) of worsted weight yarn like Cascade 220 or Brooklyn Tweed Shelter and 50 grams of wool fleece.  3.5mm double pointed needles.
The Knit Café has Thrum Mitten Kits at the ready for you in the shop!

Knit Critter by The Knit Café

ANOTHER NEW PATTERN FROM THE KNIT CAFE!
With the Knit Critter pattern you can stretch your imagination muscles to make any type of animal or “critter” (as we call them) that you would like. The instructions are written for new knitters. The shapes and techniques are basic. The critters are knit flat and then seamed. How you embellish them makes all the difference.

You will need: Several colours of worsted weight yarn like Rowan Pure Wool Superwash, and 4mm needles.

We have Critter Kits at the shop too!

This months window display features the critters. It is an advent calendar. We have one shopping bag for each day up to Christmas. Each bag contains a critter. Every day one more critter will be revealed.

You can see each critter as they come if you follow us on Instagram

This is how the count down is going so far↓

Craftily yours
Kristin

What to knit with 6 weeks till Christmas

Yes, if you begin today you will have 6 weeks of knit (or crochet) time before Christmas. I always like to have one or two hand made gifts under the tree. They are the most fun to give and pretty great to receive too.
This year, as always, I have prepared some suggestions for knit and crochet gifts. Unlike other years I’ve decided to be more laisez faire with how I meter them out. Often I organize my offerings by yarn weight or yardage, this year it’s more loosey-goosey. You will still see more large scale projects to begin with and quick knits as we get closer to the big day, but expect a few quick knits to be thrown in throughout so that you can get your projects done well before Christmas if you so wish. Here we go!

Farmhouse by cabinfour

I chose to feature this pretty shawl pattern first as it  showcases the latest addition to the Knit Café yarn menu, it’s Brooklyn Tweed Shelter. This worsted weight yarn  is a rustic tweedy yarn that is used to perfect effect in this simple shawl.
You will need: Worsted weight yarn like Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, about 840yds, 5.5mm needle.

Tunisian Crochet Mitten with Cross Stitch Pattern by  Jolanta Gustafsson

You will really show off your craftiness if you make these mittens. Two diciplines combine in this mitten pattern. You will need to know how to crochet Tunisian style and also how to cross stitch. If you do you will have some kick-ass mits. The pattern is a free one and comes with a chart for the cross stitch pattern.
You will need: a 6mm hook and yarn to get gauge 17 sts/4″ in Tunisian crochet, I believe that will be a worsted weight. You will also need embroidery floss or tapestry wool like Koigu kppm mini skeins for the roses.

Miri by Anna Sudo

 

This is quite the fancy neck warmer. Suspect some oohs and ahs if this gets revealed on Christmas morning. It is knit in a brioche stitch which makes for cushy stitches and the pretty colour pattern. The pattern is charted and written both.
You will need: 800m fingering weight yarn in two colours. Madelinetosh Merino Light would be nice for this project. 4.5 and 3.5mm circular needles

Gale and Mini Gale by Alicia Plummer

When I was small I had a  poncho that matched my Mom’s. I loved it! If you have the chops for a mother daughter poncho set, this one would be such a fun gift. Gale is a much more refined poncho then my 70’s version, so much the better! You will need to purchase each pattern separately.
You will need: 8mm needles and 900-1000yds of bulky wool like Peruvia Quick for Gale and for Mini Gale you will need 350-600yds of thick aran weight like Cascade128 and 6mm needles.

Check Meowt – cat, owl, panda knee socks by Lauren Riker

Adorable socks that you can knit to fit a 5 year old all the way to large adult sizes. The hard part will be picking which version – panda, cat or owl.
You will need: 330-540yds of fingering weight yarn like Indigodragonfly sock yarn which has a smidge of nylon in the merino for hard wearing socks, and 2.25, 2.75mm needles.

Spicy Diamond Blanket by HaakmaarRaak

A hand made blanket is a really stellar gift. Start now – if you have this ambition. I like the geometric motif in this crochet blanket. The pattern has lots of pictures that will help you along the way and it is free too.
You will need: a DK weight yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash and a 3.5mm hook.

Colour Block Shawl by A la Sascha

This looks like a great project for folks who like to mix and match their colours. The designer says the pattern is easy to memorize and that it is fast to complete.
You will need: 612 – 766 yards of worsted weight yarn like Rowan Pure Wool, and a 6mm hook.

Hungry Caterpillar Baby Cocoon and Hat by Angie Hartley

How sweet it this one? The pattern comes with the sleep sack and the hat.
It is knit with two strands of worsted held together or a chunky yarn so it should be a fast knit too.
You will need: worsted (held double) or chunky weight yarn for a gauge of 14 sts/10cm. Soft and washable Cascade 128 would be a great choice. 9mm needles.

Deep Woods Toque by Kiyomi Burgin

I couldn’t resist recommending this hat because I just love the simple tree scape patterning. It is however one of those patterns you need to purchase the whole magazine to knit this one pattern. It is in the Winter 2015 Knitscene. Good news is that you can get a digital copy of this magazine through ravelry for only $7.99USD.
You will need: 567 yards total of fingering weight yarn in three colours like Koigu KPPM, and 3.35, and 2.75mm needles.

Trip to the Island by The Knit Café

This is The Knit Cafe’s most recent pattern. Both versions in the pic are included in the pattern (two scarves for the price of one). Choose to make the open and easy lace pattern or the delicate and more challenging floral lace pattern. Either way this crescent shape shawlette hangs so nicely.
You will need: 700 yds total, 3 colours of fingering weight yarn. We used Koigu KPPM. 2 full 50 gram skeins of each of the main colours and 2 mini skeinettes for the accent colour. 4mm needles.

Craftily yours
Kristin

1 week till Christmas

One more week!  Are you all done your gift knitting yet?  If you need one more thing to stuff a stocking or for under the tree, then check out these ideas for projects that use Super Bulky yarn.  You might notice that most of these projects are hats and other small accessories.  That is no accident! All of these should be quick knits.

The Gathering by Kalurah

I have had a few folks come into the shop lately with this pattern on their mind. The designer was inspired by the cowl worn by Claire Randall on the series Outlander. It is knit with two strands of extra bulky yarn held together on a 25 mm needle, so it is extra, extra, extra big. Two full twists in the cowl makes it hang just so, and so big it can be pulled over you head as a hood or over your shoulders as a capelet. This pattern features a provisional cast on and kitchener stitch to seam it together, but you could omit these details if you are an inexperienced knitter.  The Gathering cowl is a free pattern found HERE

For a similar pattern that takes only one skein of Burly Spun by Brown Sheep, have a look at The Knit Cafe’s Mondo Neck Cozy Pattern right HERE

Childrens Quick Knitted Cable Cowl by A Crafty House

The name says it all! It’s quick to knit, it’s cabled and it’s for kids to wear.  There is also a version for adults which can be found HERE. The designer says you can easily finish the kids version in an hour.  It takes only 46 – 50 m of yarn, so one skein of Madelinetosh ASAP will do the trick.  This merino wool will not cause the ichies and it’s machine washable too! Find this free pattern HERE

Bonnie Beret by Rachel Oglesby

This pattern is only 9 rounds long.  Imagine how quick that must be to make.  You’ll need a sizable hook and an extra chunky yarn like Brown Sheep Burly Spun or Malabrigo Rasta and maybe an hour of your time to make this fashionable crocheted beret. The pattern is free and you can find it HERE

Bohemian by Eva Stone

Extra chunky yarn shows off the different textures in this hat. Hats are just the ticket for fast knitting.  This pattern is a free one and you can find it HERE

Acorn Hat by Susan B. Anderson

This is a nice thick hat that resembles an acorn.  Knit it in two tones like the picture shows to accentuate the acorn effect, or all in one colour. The hat fits newborn, baby, toddler/young child, or older child/teen/adult.  The original hat was knit in Spud and Chloe Outer, but Madelinetosh ASAP would also be splendid. Find this pattern for sale HERE

 Meathead Hat by Larissa Brown

I love the pocket in this hat! The pointy shape is adorable too, and of course it is knit in chunky yarn! You can find the pattern HERE

Knit 101 Headband and Knit 101 Headband Too! by The Knit Cafe

If you are really short on time try the Knit Cafe’s chunky headband pattern. Both are free patterns on our blog.  HERE and HERE.

That is all the knit suggestions for this year.  I’m sure you have all come up with your own great ideas.  We would love to know about them.  Do share!

Craftily yours
Kristin

2 weeks till Christmas

There are 2 weeks till Christmas, but don’t panic! There is still time to get some wonderful knit projects done before the big day.  Big yarn and big needles will make the work go faster.  Below you will find ideas for knittables that use Bulky weight yarn.  You will also find some projects that use Super Bulky yarn.  There are so many wonderful projects that use the biggest of yarns that I couldn’t resist putting a few in this post.  There will be even more Super Bulky projects next week.

Yeti and Sasquatch by Barabara Prime

These guys top my list of things I would most like to knit.  Adorable! Just look at those feet! The pattern comes with instructions for the knitted backpack and beret too.  I will say it again -Adorable! You can purchase this pattern right HERE

Sentiment by Andrea Rangel Knits

The extra bulky yarn makes the lace stitching in this shawl even more obvious so all your hard work will get the attention it deserves.  The sample in the picture is knit with soft Malabrigo Rasta yarn.  We just received a small shipment of this super bulky hand dyed merino.  It would be a great choice for this cuddly shawl as would Brown Sheep Burly Spun which is also back in stock in an abundance of colours.  You can purchase this pattern HERE

Willy the Wiley Fox by Kasia Smolak

This foxy coat will turn any wee one into an adorable wild child.  It fits toddlers 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years old.  Thick yarn will make this project a fast one and also keep the recipient snuggly warm. The instructions include photos and diagrams to help you out.  You can purchase it HERE

 Woodland Fox Baby by Kristen Cooper

What! Two fox projects!  It is the animal of the moment after all, everyone seems crazy about this woodland beastie.  This hat will be faster to knit then the full sweater version and an easier project for newer knitters.  The pattern also comes with instructions for making the fox tail.  Think Halloween costume for next year already covered! The hat is only available in one size, 3-12 months.  It is a free pattern right HERE

Whipped Blankets by Leslie Scanion

You might be shaking your head and wondering why I am suggesting you make a blanket with only two weeks to do so.  I firmly believe that this is not a pie in the sky suggestion.  This blanket can be knit at a fast and furious pace with the aid of bulky or even extra bulky yarn.  The pattern includes instructions for blankets in both weights and also three possible knit textures.  The edges of this lovely, chunky throw are whipped stitched (hence the name). This is where you can add a splash of colour to your blanket and make it extra darn special.  This blanket pattern takes 475 – 594 m which is a pretty small amount of yardage for a blanket and amounts to about 4 skeins of Brown Sheep Burly Spun. You can purchase this pattern right HERE

Slipper Boots by Bernat Design Studio

This free crochet pattern makes really sturdy looking slip on boots. The kind that would go on easy when your eyes are still blurred in the morning and keep your tootsies cozy as you shuffle about in your morning routine.  There are sizes for all ages – shoe sizes 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12.  If you are a crocheter have a look at this free pattern HERE

Chickadee Cowl by Kirsten Kapur

A linen-stitch cowl! Linen stitch is a very beautiful stitch pattern that looks almost like weaving. It is particularly lovely in multicoloured yarns but looks tailored and trim in plain colours.  This cowl pattern uses thicker yarn which makes up for the time that is usually required to make this dense stitch.  It is also a close fitting cowl, shorter than your average scarf and thus faster to knit. Good for a gal or a gent, if you make this cowl, please have fun with your colour selection.  It is a free one! Find it HERE

Baylie Bear Cowl by Heidi May

Last year I showcased this adorable cowl, but now there is a crochet version too.  The original knit pattern can be found HERE.  Crocheters can now make this cute, bear-eared hood and neck warmer for little ones 3/6 months, 6/12 months, 12/18 month, toddler, and older child sizes.  In fact  the sizing goes into adult sizes. Brown Sheep Burly Spun comes in so many bear friendly shades, browns and greys and black, so that would be my first choice for yarn.  You can purchase the crochet pattern HERE

Twinkle Hat by The Knit Cafe

This hat is knit with a 8mm needle and 2 strands of soft Berroco Flicker held together to make it a chunky and fast knit hat.  You may also notice that the hat is knit side to side (not bottom to top).  It is knit flat and shaped with “short rows”.  This is a great project for knitters who are intimidated by double pointed needles but are itching to make a hat.  Flicker is an incredibly soft alpaca yarn with a small bit of  festive sparkly.  We just got some of this yarn on the shelves and to celebrate it’s arrival we thought we would offer the Twinkle Hat pattern free with purchase.  Sorry this offer is only for in-store purchases.  You can purchase the pattern that includes a picture tutorial on the short row shaping right HERE

Have fun with your gift knitting! Stay tuned for next week and more quick, Super Bulky knit and crochet projects.
Craftily yours
Kristin

3 Weeks till Christmas

We’ve got three weeks to knit gifts for Christmas! Below are some suggestions of knittables that take Aran Weight yarns.

Clouds by The Knit Cafe

It is a brand new pattern from The Knit Cafe.  We have been teasing you with this pattern for a while but now it is available to one and all, near and far. True, this project is knit with a lace weight yarn , but the 6mm needles that are used to knit it puts this project squarely within the parameters of an aran weight project. Silk and mohair conspire to make this dreamy, light shawl.  It is knit loosely making it a faster knit and a transparent fabric.
Start dreaming about your favourite colour combos of  Shibui Silk Cloud, and find the pattern HERE

Tremblant Blanket by The Knit Cafe

This baby blanket was introduced just a few months ago as part of The Knit Cafe’s Wee Collection Fall 2014.  The body of the blanket is knit with a reversible knit and purl stitch pattern.  The colourful border is knit on after by picking up the stitches along each side.  Oh what fun to choose 4 contrasting colours! We used Cascade 128 which is a plush superwash merino, so blankie will go in the washer too. You can purchase this pattern HERE

Cadeautje by Ysolda Teagues

I love thrumming! I have made a few thrummed mittens in my time, even designed a Thrum Mitten pattern which you can purchase HERE, and many a thrummed slipper has been created through my efforts.  This thrummed slipper looks so awesome I think it will be one of my next projects.  Thrumming happens when strips of unspun fleece are knit into a project leaving tuffs of fluffy wool lining the inside.  This makes a cushion of warmth that can’t be beat! Currently you must purchase this pattern as part of a booklet called Knitworthy which you can find HERE.  The designer says the pattern will be available to purchase solo on December 15.  Read all about it HERE

The knit cafe has a sweet selection of hand dyed fleece from Sweet Georgia that would be perfect for this project.

Lunatic Fringe by Jennifer Dassau

This is a sweet, rustic looking wrap.  The fringe is knit right on to the shawl by casting on and off. Best of all the pattern can be found in Knitty magazine and is therefore free to try.  You can find it HERE

Dot Craze Cowl by Pickles

The designer describes this cowl as “a quite easy cowl filled with dots”, and so it is!  Bobbley type dots decorate this cowl which is knit bigger on the bottom for a nice fit on the shoulders.  This pattern is free and you can find it HERE

Robin Cowl by Caroline Weins

This button up cowl is extra wide so that it ca be worn over the shoulders or up around your ears like a hood. It is knit flat, so if you are not experienced working with circular needles but would still like to make a circular scarf this might be attractive to you. Have fun picking the buttons, I can picture it with all different colours! The pattern is free and you can find it HERE

Cocoon Hat by La Maison Rililie

Looking for the perfect slouchy toque?  This one looks like a new classic with it’s chunky ribbed pattern.  Even better the pattern is free and you can find it HERE

Magnolia by Maria Socha

If you are looking for a hat pattern with some more details in the stitching how about Magnolia?  It has a rib brim and a lace stitched top with lots of dimension. You can purchase this pattern HERE

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Nicoles Nerdy Knots

It is just a wonderful thing that this exists – a crochet pattern for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!  Perhaps you know someone who has more than a passing acquaintance with Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, and Leonardo, if so, I think I found your gift for them.  The crochet pattern  for these guys can be found right HERE.  It’s free!

Snail Twist Headband by Laura Irwin on Etsy

This is quite a fancy head wrap, appropriate for any fashionable types on your list. You can buy the pattern from the designer on Etsy HERE

That is it for this week.  Next week I share some suggestions for bulky and extra bulky yarns too.

Craftily yours
Kristin