Have you taken advantage of our Black Friday Sale? The sale ends TONIGHT at 11:59pm! You can Save up to 20% Off select regular-priced items (up to 50% Off Clearance items). You’ll also receive free shipping in Canada & the US if your order is over $150 (after discount and not including taxes).
We also just received a restock of a bunch of Needle and Hook Sets from Knitter’s Pride & Chiaogoo …. the perfect holiday gift!
Things are HOPPING in the store at this time of year! If you’re coming to shop in-person for a project we recommend a few things you can do before leaving the house that will help us elevate your experience:
Think about what you might like to make …. the best place to browse is an advanced search on Ravelry.com (you can refine your search as you narrow down what you like). You can also browse our Blog – we always list the materials required for our project recommended. If you need support with your skills try a Project that comes with an online video Tutorial. On our website we also have a link for Project Ideas.
Think about your yarn preferences …. What thickness of yarn do you prefer/require? What type of fibre do you prefer? Is machine washability important?
If you have settled on a project, please bring your pattern printed out (or at the minimum download the file to your phone or tablet). What size do you want to make? What is the yarn your pattern is calling for? How much yarn does your pattern require (in meters or yards)?
Laine Magazine Issue 16 brings you to the streets of our beloved Helsinki, the capital of Finland. We will visit a charming bookstore and an edgy record store, and sit down to have a warming cup of coffee. In short, a perfect, slow Saturday.
Designers featured in this issue: Fiona Alice, Rachel Brockman, Dee Hardwicke, Thien-Kieu Lam, Lotta H Löthgren, Rosa Pomar, Yan Qian, Eri Shimizu, Anna Strandberg and Orlane Sucche.
Issue 16, Winter 2023, includes:
148 pages
11 knitting patterns
5 sweaters, 2 cardigans, 2 shawls, 1 waistcoat, and 1 pair of socks.
an interview with Elaine Tom – learn how she became the trusted test knitter for many designers, knitting around 40 sweaters a year!
an article on how the Craft Museum of Finland preserves cultural heritage and inspires the crafters of today.
seasonal recipes to inspire your winter cooking
book reviews
Printed in Estonia
Print only
NEW – Jeanette Sloan Talks Fibre – a regular article on Jeanette chatting with interesting people. In this issue, she meets Lorraine Amagove Mugere, a Kenyan knitwear and crochet designer.
– Five Ways by our regular writer Päivi Kankaro. In this issue, Päivi explores how you can keep your favourite knits around for longer by taking care of them the right way.
– Where I Knit – a regular piece that pictures people knitting in their favourite spot, and talking about crafting in their everyday lives. In this issue, we meet a knitter in Indonesia.
Laine Magazine loved and cherished 52 Weeks book series is getting a sequel: 52 Weeks of Easy Knits! Laine has put together a collection that is unlike anything you’ve seen before.
If you have read Laine’s 52 Weeks books, you will find many familiar things, but also something new.
Just like before, there is an abundance of knitwear and makers: the book’s 52 patterns come from 40 talented designers from all over the world. The beautiful visuals and clear instructions are also something Laine is known and loved for.
In this book, you will find patterns for many types of knitwear: from sweaters to socks, beanies to mittens and scarves to cardigans. They are fun, modern and wearable, but above all, they are enjoyable to knit – for knitters of all levels.
52 Weeks of Easy Knits includes 52 uncomplicated knitting patterns, ranging from beanies, mittens and scarves to sweaters, socks and cardigans. The designs are fun, cosy and modern, but above all, they are a pleasure to knit.
In this clear and colourful book, there are many super-easy, quick-to-finish patterns that are perfect for beginners. The more challenging ones offer meditative projects for those with a bit more experience.
All the patterns are created using basic knitting techniques, and each step of the process is explained thoroughly. The book also includes useful information about choosing the right materials and finishing your garment.
52 Weeks of Easy Knits offers you knitting inspiration for years to come – the only difficult thing is deciding what to knit first.
A collection of 11 versatile knitting and crochet patterns for kids aged 0-10, Mini Pom reimagines classic grown-up patterns from the archives of Pom Pom for our tiny friends, as well as some new just-for-kids designs, all in the fun and modern style Pom Pom is known for.
Each of these patterns has been chosen and designed with growing bodies and the way they move in mind.
From Mini Woodwardia, Pom Pom’s classic and versatile raglan pullover, to Mini Battenberg, a granny square cardigan inspired by the most fanciful of desserts, and Mini Skipworth, the perfect little mittens for colder days, these are patterns we know you’ll want to return to again and again!
Featuring designs by: LYDIA GLUCK // MEGHAN FERNANDES // SOPHIE HEATHSCOTT // FIONA ALICE // RACHEL COOPEY // GINA FAMA RÖCKENWAGNER // TOSHIYUKI SHIMADA // KIYOMI + SACHIKO BURGIN
Pom Pom also provided colouring pages for all the designs in the book, for kids (and adults!) to experiment with and make their own.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
You can also access a digital copy via Ravelry using the download code printed on the inside back cover of the book from the same day.
What does knitted folk poetry look like? How can a sweater be both a garment and a story?
Knitted Kalevala by Jenna Kostet includes 18 knitting patterns – sweaters, cardigans and accessories – inspired by Kalevala.
Considered a national epic in Finland, Kalevala contains old poems full of Baltic-Finnic mythology, ancient symbols, mythical creatures and nature.
These as well as other Finnish, Scandinavian and Baltic influences can be seen in the decorative colorwork patterns of the designs. They are also a wonderful alternative to the popular Icelandic sweaters.
All of the designs are knitted in one piece and the colorwork only uses two colours at the same time, making them accessible to all levels of knitters. The patterns use a variety of lighter and heavier yarns and include several options for suitable yarns.
Jenna Kostet is a writer and a knitwear designer known for enchanting patterns, such as the Suolaulu Sweater which has been made by thousands of knitters around the world.
She has studied ethnology and folkloristics and has published numerous historical novels and children’s books in Finland. In her knitwear designs, Jenna places importance on the stories, the continuation of traditions and the joy of creativity.
Brimming with artistic inspiration and filled with patterns for gorgeous knitwear and joyful pieces for the home, this creative and original book invites you to step inside Dee Hardwicke‘s world.
Illustrated throughout with beautiful watercolours and painterly photography, The Knitted Fabric brings the pages of Dee’s sketchbooks to life.
As Dee explains, “I find the process of knitting very similar to painting, with each stitch being a brushstroke of colour. As stitches loop together, they create a knitted fabric, a kind of narrative of art, making and the people and landscapes that inspire me”. Just like the designs within it, this unique book is something to treasure.
Dee Hardwicke is an artist, designer and knitter whose work is inspired by her passion for colour and by her love of the British landscape.
Dee’s designs have been used in exclusive collaborations with partners including the National Trust and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Her previous knitting books include A Story in Yarn: How to Design and Knit an Intarsia Heirloom Quilt (Quail Publishing, 2016) and several titles with leading British yarn producers and designers Rowan. Each design begins life in her sketchbooks.
192 pages
20 colourwork knitting patterns (9 cushions, 3 wraps, 3 quilts, 2 sweaters, 1 vest, 1 hat, 1 pair of gloves)
Hardback
Weight: Approx. 700 g / 1.6 lb
191 x 246 x 21 mm
ISBN: 978-952-7468-34-0
Printed in Latvia
Print only, no digital download code available
Note: A separate ebook will be available through Laine’s online shop on November 25
For Cosmology DARUMA Collection 2022, amirisu collaborated with two of their favorite designers, Kiyomi and Sachiko Burgin.
With their unique individual perspectives on the theme “Heavenly Bodies,” they created pieces with inspiration from the Milky Way, aliens, fluffy weightless textures, and more.
The eight cosmic knitwear designs in this collection are playful, heavenly, and super cozy.
8 patterns: 2 sweaters, 2 cardigans, 1 hoodie, 1 cowl, 1 hat, 1 pair of socks
Designers: Kiyomi Burgin & Sachiko Burgin
Featured yarns: GENMOU, GEEK, Wool Mohair, Falkland Wool, and Silk Mohair, all from DARUMA
Format: Hardcover, B5 size, approximately 90 pages
This issue features twelve knitwear designs created with special attention to silhouette and pattern in subdued shades.
Photographs were taken on location at the recently renovated Kyoto City KYOCERA Art Museum. Paired with the magnificent architecture of the museum, each design is truly a work of art.
Feature: Special Interviews on Fashion & Knitting We talk to designers and business owners who have combined their passion for handknitting, fashion, and creativity to create successful businesses.
Plus, a project from Lori Ann Graham, a machine-quilted cushion cover project, an introduction to kintsugi, and more!
Download Code: A Ravelry download code of the entire magazine is printed on an inserted card.
Format: Softcover / 130 pages / A4 size / Printed in Japan
The holidays are coming … the calendar says so, the weather says so, and the Santa Claus Parade is today, so it must be so! The thermometer keeps dipping, so curl up with your favourite streaming service (the new season of The Crown is on Netflix, the episode about the Fayeds was fascinating) and make someone beautiful for someone you love ….
Sophie Scarf
Sophie is a great little gift. I say make it in a gorgeous textile like Fibre Co Road To China Light – you’ll only need 1 skein, and when you give something this sexy, nobody questions the size!
For a slightly firmer textile check out Fibre Co Acadia – it’s got more bounce and body. For a less spendy scarf try Drops Alpaca, 1 skein should do the entire project.
If you’ve got a bit more time, consider a Sophie Shawl (it comes in 3 sizes, so the smallest size should be like a scarf). Use super soft and airy Drops Air for a satisfying, smooshy feel.
The Oslo Hat is a great gift for a cold winter! The pattern was written holding two strands of yarn together, but I don’t believe in making my life more difficult than it has to be, so all of my recommendations are yarns you can use single-stranded. The obvious suggestion is Sandnes Garn Double Sunday, the yarn was designed to replace the thinner vision for DK weight patterns (and it comes in colours hand-picked by Petite Knit herself).
For a tweedy version try Drops Soft Tweed: 2(2, 3, 3) balls. For something funky & colourful (my kind of hat) consider Schoppel Edition 3: 2 balls. For a less spendy version, try Berroco Vintage DK {1(2, 2, 2) skeins}, or Berroco Vintage Baby 2(2, 3, 3) balls. And if your head can’t touch any kind of wool, Berroco Pima Soft is very head friendly and ON SALE: 2(3, 3, 3) balls.
Size
XS (S) M (L)
approx. baby (junior/woman) woman (man)
Fits head circumference 47-50 (50-55) 55-59 (59-62) cm [18½-19¾ (19¾-21¾) 21¾-23¼ (23¼-24½) inches]
As the cold weather closes in on us faster than we’s like, a little balaclava like November is looking like a gift that would go over EXTREMLY well! It’s knit holding a strand of worsted weight yarn and a laceweight kid-mohair.
Infinitude is a really easy cowl great for knitters both experienced and less-so. A few years ago we made it in a solid colour of Drops Air, and it’s been so popular that I figured it was worth punching up with some colour. We made the smaller size of this cowl with one ball of Berroco Wizard (see our Ravelry notes for dimensions, etc), and while we used the recommended 5.5mm/US9 needles, I think you could go up to a 6mm/US10 with Berroco Wizard. The fabric is light and airy, incredibly soft, slightly textured, and above all else dazzling to the eye (and don’t your eyes deserve something resplendent to rest on?)
After we made our Bente Throw we had some leftovers, and I hate seeing leftovers going to waste (not that yarn goes bad), so we played yarn chicken to see how far our Berroco Wizard bits would go …. it turns out FAR! Our hat weighs just 42g, which means you should be able to make TWO hats with one ball (as long as you buy a pom-pom or go without) or one hat and on pair of mitts (see below).
I used a natural raccoon fur Pom-pom, but you can also opt for synthetic if you like (for this hat I’d go any size natural raccoon pom-pom or a MEDIUM-sized synthetic pom-pom, since the fabric is light and won’t hold the weight of a large or extra large synthetic pom-pom).
The pattern is one size, but the fabric is very stretchy and comfortable fit a 24″ head (including ponytail) – I love magic yarns!!!
Materials
Berroco Wizard: 1 ball (we used 42 g for our hat, colour 2933 Apatite)
I was doing some teaching last week and cast-on for a sock using more of the leftovers (although I’m really running low now) and the free Rye pattern from Tin Can Knits (I have left out the garter stitch detail). If you’ve never made socks before this is an excellent pattern!
Malabrigo came out stunning with two new yarns this fall, a true sock yarn and a lace-weight mohair-silk blend …. just in time for your holiday knits! Either yarn can be used alone, or held together with another, and the Malabrigo Ultimate Sock contains nylon, so it is of course amazing for socks.
As promised, here’s Malou, the sweater I mentioned last week when I wrote about the Bente Throw …. I made Malou for myself, and I’m so happy I did, I LURV it so much I’ve started a second in another colourway! The yarn, Berroco Wizard, is super soft, light, airy, colourful, and easy to work with. It’s machine-washable merino wool in a chainette form (that means it’s already knitted in a tube, like an i-cord). There is also a little bit of nylon in the yarn that’s used to carry and bind the ultra fluffy & light merino and keep it in place (all you’ll feel is the merino, the two fibres aren’t blended together).
Construction
Malou is a simple pullover knit in the round from the bottom up, making it a great first (or fiftieth) sweater. The body and sleeves are knitted separately in the round, up to the underarms. The pieces are then joined and the yoke is worked in the round to the neck. There are some short-rows at the neck to bring the back of the neck higher, but if you find this intimidating you can skip this. There is no seaming, no picking up stitches – the only finishing is weaving in the ends and whatever type of blocking you prefer (I steam blocked)
Choose at least two skeins of yarn that start at around the same place in the colorway – these will be for the sleeves.
Start your project with the sleeves. You can use them to check your tension, and you’ll be able to match their colour before you start into the body.
I got a different gauge than in the pattern (my sweater came out smaller than the size in the instructions) so be sure to check yours! That said, I still had lots of yarn left over (I used 2.6 balls for my sweater in the second size), and the sweater size is perfect for me, so it’s a win-win in my books! As always, check your tension ….
The colourways in this yarn seem to be more of a suggestion than an exact duplication in each ball. When you do your sleeves they probably aren’t going to be *exactly* the same, even if you try to meticulously match the skeins. If you try to get them to be you’ll probably drive yourself crazy, but treat it as an exercise in surrender and you’ll be smiling!
Berroco Wizard is a super soft, light & happy bulky weight yarn. It stripes by itself, with bold colors flowing. It has a chainette construction which makes it feel deliciously airy and weightless. The construction is also responsible for it’s very generous 240m yardage – the same amount of a typical bulky weight yarn would normally be about 100m to 125m. Wizard is also machine washable, so it’s great for all kinds of projects including blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves, mitts – even a cozy pair of -slipper-socks!
We’ve finished up a bunch of samples made with Berroco Wizard, which I’ll be sharing in the next few days …. they’re turning out soooooo beautifully, it’s definitely my favourite new yarn of the year! Wizard is super soft, light, airy, colourful, and slightly textured – perfect for the process and the product knitter in us all! Plus it;s machine washable, so it’s open season for kids & baby knits, sockies & etc. I just finished Malou in it, and I’m already planning to cast on for a second in a different colour. Nuff said?
Bente is a super soft & squishy mosaic stitch blanket made using one color of Wizard. It also works up relatively quickly on 8mm/US11 needles. The painterly colour effects come from working from two balls simultaneously (don’t worry, it’s easy). Our kits are available in both a throw size and a baby blanket size (see modifications below), since the yarn is machine washable.
Skill Level: Intermediate-Beginner (after scarves). (Mosaic stitch is an extremely easy form of colour knitting and only involves slipping stitches from the left needle to the right.
Skills: Knit, slipping stitches, following a pattern, alternating balls of yarn (carrying yarn up the side/stripes)
Berroco Wizard is a super soft, light & happy bulky weight yarn. It stripes by itself, with bold colors flowing. It has a chainette construction which makes it feel deliciously airy and weightless. The consruction is also respinsible for it’s very generous 240m yardage – the same amount of a typical bulky weight yarn would normally be about 100m to 125m. Wizard is also machine washable, so it’s great for all kinds of projects including blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves, mitts – even a cozy pair of -slipper-socks!
Galatee is simple and classic, let the color change of the yarn do all the work. I really like this sweater, the yarn is thick and knits up quickly, but it’s allso light and full of air, so it doesn’t FEEL like a thick, heavy yarn. I don’t normally wear bulky yarns, they’re a bit too warm and feel a little ungainly for my taste, but this one I’m into, and this sweater I LOVE (thanks to Adrienne for making up our sample).
Our sample (above) is knit in colour 3825 Catskill, Berroco’s sample is made with 3811 Appalachian.
Construction
Galatee is knit in the round from the bottom-up. The body and sleeves are worked in the round to underarms, then joined to work the yoke in the round. The neck is shaped using short rows.
Note
This sweater is designed cropped. Check the length to see if it is right for you, and if you are in the size 46″, 50″, 62″, 66″ range consider ordering an extra ball of yarn if you want to make your sweater longer.
We went up a needle size to get gauge (we used 7mm/US10.75 & 9mm/US13). If your dashes aren’t looking right then you may also need to change needle sizes too.
Recommended ease: approximately 2–6″ / 5–15 cm positive ease.
Gauge: 12 sts and 16 rnds = 4″ / 10 cm in St st on larger needle
Yarn
Berroco Dash is a fluffy chainette yarn that’s super soft and light. Painted with random but uniform “dashes” of color throughout, this bulky weight yarn is all squishy, soft fun.
92% Superwash Merino Wool, 8% Nylon
Super Bulky Weight
9mm to 10mm/US13 to 15 needles
Made in Italy
Hand wash in cold water. Lay flat to dry.
Kit Includes
Berroco Dash: (3, 4, 4) [4, 4, 5, 5] {5, 5, 6} (our sample is knit in colour 3825 Catskill, Berroco’s sample is 3811 Appalachian)
This yarn is a special-order product and we aren’t stocking it in the store on a regular basis – you have the option to order it any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your order will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your yarn for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible.
It was Thanksgiving here in Canada this last weekend, I hope you enjoyed the extra day off … I just wanted to remind everyone that there is still time to sign up for the upcoming fall Knitsama Mindfulness workshops. Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist and author Thich Nhat Hanh believed mindfulness was the secret not just to happiness but to being authentically alive. If you want more from your life, the place you have to look is inward, and practicing mindfulness is an essential skill for clearing out the clutter and making space in there. In our Knitsana workshops we adopt knitting as a point of entry into learning and nurturing a mindfulness practice, in addition to the essentials of self-acceptance, self-love, and letting go of perfectionism (or what I call life’s biggest fallacy). We’d love it if you can join us, every group is different and your experience is what makes it special. Give yourself the gift of positive change – I promise you that you are worth it!
Mindfulness is the basic ability to be fully present and aware. The practice can help us when we feel overwhelmed, and help us manage how we react to stress. Luckily, mindfulness is a quality that every person already possesses, you don’t need to conjure it up, you just have to learn how to access it and practice using it. In this workshop, we will use knitting as an entry into the practice of mindfulness, with the intention to help you learn how to both improve and maintain your well-being. The craft of knitting with its repetitive and rhythmic motions is well known for its calming and healing properties. Mindfulness practice has been used for years to help people focus themselves in the present moment. Together, we hope to provide you with the needed tools to decrease stress and support your daily well-being.
The only prerequisite is that you already know how to cast on, knit and purl. You do not need any prior experience with mindfulness or meditation, you just need to show up and be present.
When
Every Sunday morning for one hour from 10:30 am to 11:30 am for SIX WEEKS (Oct. 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20)
Welcome to Knitsana 2 – if you are looking for a way to expand your mindfulness skills then this is the group for you! We will continue to use knitting in your practice with mindfulness. Knitting with its repetitive motion, illuminating colours and textures offers so much in the way of healing properties. This group will ‘go deeper’ into concepts explored in the first Knitsana group and will help bridge into your daily living.
When
Every Monday evening for one hour from 7:00-8:00 pm for SIX weeks. (Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 21)
Details that Apply to Both Workshops
Important Notes
These groups DO NOT include any knitting instruction
Groups are presently only held online
Space is limited to 20 participants per group, so please don’t wait to register
Who
This group is facilitated by Michelle Bloom, a registered Social Worker who has a love for knitting and a passion for healing. Haley Waxberg, owner of Knit-O-Matic will be co-hosting.
Where
These online groups and will be held over a secure zoom channel.
Skills Required
You must already know how to cast on, knit and purl. For knitting tutorials please see our Knitting Skills Page.
Cost
The cost of the group is $200.00 for all six sessions (yarn is included, see the yarn options below for details) . Payment and registration will NOT be going through us at the store – because Michelle is a Registered Social Worker it is more cost-effective to offer this workshop directly through her.
Registration
Register by e-mailing Michelle. Payment will be made directly to Michelle Bloom (by ETF), who will issue an official receipt upon completion of all 6 sessions.
Insurance Benefits
Because this group is considered to be ‘therapeutic’, any participant residing in Ontario that has insurance coverage for social work can apply for benefits. You may otherwise be able to write off the cost of this group on your taxes (talk to your accountant to see).
Materials
We will all be using the same, specially selected yarn for our mindful journey. You have two options, both are enough to make a scarf or cowl. If you are a new knitter we recommend 10” straight bamboo or birch needles.
This is not a knitting skills course, so we won’t be taking on a specific project, but here’s a list of simple project options that are well suited to mindfulness knitting with either of our selecetd yarns (choose something that is simple for you):
Thanksgiving comes a bit earlier north of the 44th parallel in Canada, it has something to do with our harvest being earlier, therefore we dine earlier. We are open regular store hours (112 pm to 6 pm) on Saturday & Sunday, and closed on Monday. We wish you a great weekend, wherever you are!
Saturday, Oct 8: 12pm to 6 pm
Sunday, Oct 9: 12 pm to 6 pm
Monday, Oct 10: CLOSED
Yom Kippur
We are also closing an hour early on Wednesday for Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement …..
Wednesday, Oct 5: 12 pm to 5 PM
I haven’t been abe to find ay patterns for a Shofar, so this year I wish you a happy Yom Kippur Hawaiian style with the Ho’oponopono prayer for forgiveness:
I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you
Knit-o-Matic Yarns 