The Chiara Kit Pre-Orders we placed a little while ago came in, and they were SO GORGEOUS that I figured I should give everyone another shot while the distributor has the yarn in stock (they sold out right away in August) and we are placing an order with them soon. The yarn, Berroco Dulce, is so soft and fluffy, it’s like baby duck-down! When I assembled the kits yesterday I was both very happy and sad to see them go … it was a beautifully conflicted state, hopefully one you will experience when you finish knitting your Chiara but get to start wearing it!
Chiara PRE-ORDER
Chiara is what the city mouse wore when she went to visit the country. It’s a traditional style colourwork pullover, worked from the top-down, but it’s made with a gorgeous Italian yarn. I like to think of it as “what would happen if Milan and Reykjavik had a baby?”. Rustic meets runway?
When I sampled Berroco’s new fall yarns for 2021 this one, Dulce, was the first I reached for. It’s soft and fuzzy and light and pretty, and I wanted to get my needles into it and see what it could do (see the results below). It has a missoniesque quality that I love, with colours randomly peeping out here and there under a halo of brushed alpaca. I really like that the colours have depth and are a bit mottled (you can see if you take a closer look at the patterns designed in Dulce), but they’ll be consistent, and you DO NOT have to jump though any hoops to avoid colour pooling (my patience for hoops is definitely on the wane).
Anyway, the yarn is lovely, the pattern isn’t too involved (maybe a good foray into stranded colourwork, the yarn will be quite forgiving), and I think you’ll love the finished project, get a lot of compliments on it, and a few requests to make another.
PRE-ORDER NOTE
This yarn is a special PRE-ORDER and we aren’t carrying it or the kits in the store. See below for more details. The yarn mills still aren’t up and running at full capacity, international shipping is still lagging, and it’s going to be another hit-or-miss year in terms of availability from distributors. If you want something in a particular colour I suggest you order early, shipments are already backed up.
These kits are a SPECIAL-ORDER – we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, but you have the option to order them at any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible.
Worsted – A Knitwear Collection Curated by Aimée Gille of La Bien Aimée is a knitwear collection featuring 14 patterns by 10 incredible designers. The designers all have their unique styles and speak to many kinds of knitters. Now they come together to form a beautifully cohesive collection. You can find garments such as sweaters and cardigans and accessories like shawls and hats, with techniques ranging from stripes and stranded colourwork to cables and textured stitch patterns.
This book features designs by the following designers: Nadia Crétin-Léchenne, Stephen West, Sylvia Watts-Cherry, Andrea Mowry, Tif Neilan, Saysha Greene, Norah Gaughan, Maxim Cyr, Nancy Marchant and Thien-Kieu Lam.
Aimée of La Bien Aimée started working on this book almost a year ago. With Worsted, she wanted to create a tangible way to connect with people through knitting and bring joy.
In Aimée’s own words: “I hope that you will welcome the adventure of casting on a new project from this book with perhaps some of that beloved yarn you have curated for your stash or why not go on a yarn escapade and mix Corrie Worsted with other yarns.”
The knit and crochet designs in Issue 39 are inspired by rhythm! Pom Pom Winter 2021 collection is packed with patterns that honour echoes, explore semi-tonal shifts in colour, and include repeating motifs to allow you to get into a stitching groove. We love how the designers have taken the auditory theme and created patterns that highlight the aspects of rhythm, such as written musical scores and the visual representation of soundwaves. No matter at what tempo you craft, there’s a winter project for you here!
Featuring designs by: JUDITH BRAND, ASTRID COLDING SIVERTSEN, ADELLA DUTRA, ANA D, TETYANA VYAZOVSKA, JOHANNA KUNIN, NIDHI KANSAL, KEIKO KIKUNO, CLEO MALONE, VALERIE NG
Artist, maker and stylist Lydia Morrow was the creative director for this issue’s photoshoot! We’ve long admired Lydia’s jazzy sense of style, so we’re honoured to publish her vision on our pages. After you’ve found your crafting cadence, enjoy the two articles in Issue 39.
In ‘Rhythms of Handiwork’, Felicity (Felix) Ford explores the communal and historical relationship between craft and rhythm, while Claudia Khan writes touchingly about the delicate melody of parenthood, partnership, and time in her article, ‘A Family Song’.
Toronto’s Kiyomi and Sachiko Burgin are the authors of this issue’s handmade lip balm tutorial, so you can combat chapped lips brought on by cold weather and even have some non-knitted handmade gifts ready for the festive season.
Designers featured in this issue: Alma Bali, Olga Buraya-Kefelian, Luuanne Chau, Kristin Drysdale, Claudia Eisenkolb, Fabienne Gassmann, Tamy Gore, Dee Hardwicke, Claudia Quintanilla, Jeanette Sloan and Jutta Turunen.
Laine 12, Hav, includes:
148 pages
13 knitting patterns, beautifully photographed and illustrated
an interview with Judit Gummlich
an article about mYak
an article about the Parkano Spinning Mill in Finland
an article about how crafting can increase social well-being by Päivi Kankaro
It’s chilly outside today, which means it is time for me to start reminding about knitting for the holidays. You’ve got about 2 months until Christmas, Kwanzaa and Yule, if you’re Eastern Orthodox you get an extra few weeks, but Hannukah is REALLY early this year (Nov 28th!). I’ll try to keep throwing in the interesting stuff, abut the project suggestions are shifting into small achievable goals. Let the parade of giftable projects roll!
For a few years clients have been telling me they LOVE the soft, airy look and texture of blown yarns like Drops Air, but does it come in something more colourful? Well, this fall one of our distributors introduced something just of the sort, so if you like Drops Air, then Estelle Colour Flow is for you!
Estelle Colour Flow is a super-soft yarn with lots of fun! It’s made with merino wool that is literally blown into a nylon core, making it super light and airy, like knitting with a cloud (without the precipitation). The colour changes all by itself, making it an entertaining and pretty knit. It’s a bulky weight, so it will knit up reasonably quickly on 6mm/US10 needles. Colour Flow is knits really well with other fuzzy yarns (see below for more on this). NOTE: this yarn is feltable, so it must be hand washed.
It gets a bit busy around here in the fall (which is awesome, no complaints), so here’s a pic of our first solo project, a Mobius Cowl. Scarves, cowls and wraps knit LENGTHWISE will look amazing with this yarn, the colour gradation in the yarn will do all the work! The pattern is an oldie – you can’t beat a classic.
Mods
Use 6mm/US10 needles (36″ or longer)
Cast on 174 sts
Reduce each garter section by 1 round for each group (5 rounds becomes 4, 6 rounds becomes 5)
If you are a new knitter and can’t deal with the mobius cast-on, just use a regular cast on and make it without the twist.
Estelle Colour Flow combined with Drops Air: both strands knit together on 9mm/US13 needles
Yarn Combining
Yarn combining has become a ‘thing’, and I’m glad it has, because it makes textiles that much more fun and interesting! I’ve embarked on a little experimentation, and found that Estelle Colour Flow works up beautifully held with other fluffy yarns:
Colour Flow & Drops Air
1 stand of Estelle Colour Flow + 1 strand of Drops Air on 9mm/US13 needles =.12 sts & 16 rows/4″ (10cm). The combination, besides knitting up nice & quick, is deliciously soft and squishy. The fabric is still light, but they have a bit more body than if you worked with them on their own. (colours: Colour Flow 42205 River Rock & Drops Air 05 Brown Mix.
If you’re interested in experimentation I recommend combining it with either Drops Air orDrops Brushed Alpaca & Silkto keep everything super-soft and yummy.
A closeup of Estelle Colour Flow combined with Drops Air: both strands knit together on 9mm/US13 needles
I can’t say I’m in love with the colour combo I chose above (it works, but I find it a little depressing, the brown is sort of stealing the colour’s ‘life’), but I’d like to give it another shot holding the Colour Flow with a light grey, light beige or cream coloured yarn. I’ll try the fun skein below (colour 42204 Pinata) – it became unruly so I threw it on the winder and yowza it looks purty!
Estelle Colour Flowwound up on a machine: colour 42204 PinataBird escaping light-box
I tried getting Gru into the game, but he was having none of it (and I was out of treats). This is what birds look like right before they take-off.
As promised, more inspirations from Amano! If you already caught Part 1 of the Trunk Show Goodies, feel free to ship down to where the pictures begin. If not, you can go back with the magical time-machine that is the link below.
P.S. I am placing an order with the distributor this week, so if you order your kit now it should arrive by the middle of next week.
We received a little trunk show from Amano, and some of the samples are so lovely I thought they merit becoming pre-order kits! A ‘Trunk Show’ is a small selection of samples on loan from a designer for a short period of time. They’re a great opportunity to feel the yarns in action, see how they behave worked up, and actually try on the samples. I often find surprises in trunk-show collections – gems I never would have known about if they hadn’t fallen into my hands – literally.
Amano is Peruvian company and they make gorgeous yarns with the highest quality Alpacas, Pima Cotton, Peruvina Highland Wool, and Silk.
We received A LOT of samples, so I’ll be posting over a few every day or so, and I’ll curate and pick out the best. If you live near the store we are open 7 days a week, from 11 am to 6 pm, and everyone are welcome to come by and check them out! We are only a retail store, so you don’t need to show proof of vaccination, but you have to wear a mask at all times in the store, and we ask that everyone keep their physical distance from each other. The samples will be in store until the 25th of October.
These kits are SPECIAL-ORDERS – we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, but you have the option to order them at any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible.
Rafaella Chullo Hat Kit PRE-ORDER
Details
Designed by Isabel Kraemer, this super-soft, super warm, fun hat is a feast of texture! Except for the earflaps, it is worked in the round (besides the earflaps) in the round with a cute pixie style crown shaping.
When you order your kit you’ll receive a link to download the pattern digitally, as well as a printed copy with the yarn.
Yarn
Amano Eco Puna Black Alpaca is a super soft 100% natural baby alpaca. The colour is the natural colour of the coat from pure black alpacas. Eco Puna black represents Amano’s strong desire to preserve this unique beautiful black color. Amano supports the Andean communities in the breeding of alpacas with pure black fibre in an effort to re-establish this population, called the Yanapaco (black alpaca) program, part of the Pacomarca Sustainable Alpaca network.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size
One size
To fit head circumference 20″ to 22″
From brim to top: 9″ (23cm)
Circumference at brim: 20.5″ (52cm)
Kit Includes:
Amano Eco Puna Black (100% natural baby alpaca): 4 balls
If you want to start making this hat right away and don’t want to wait for your yarn (or you want another colour or a more economical option), you can use any of the following yarns:
I really love the texture and simplicity of these mitts. Designed by Isabel Kraemer, these super-soft, super warm, mittens are all about little luxuries! They are knit from the bottom up in the round, and more length can be added by working more rounds before starting the top shaping. (texture is only on the upper side of hand, the palm side is stocking stitch). Please note, the colour is Pure Black.
When you order your kit you’ll receive a link to download the pattern digitally, as well as a printed copy with the yarn.
Yarn
Amano Eco Puna Black Alpaca is a super soft 100% natural baby alpaca. The colour is the natural colour of the coat from pure black alpacas. Eco Puna black represents Amano’s strong desire to preserve this unique beautiful black color. Amano supports the Andean communities in the breeding of alpacas with pure black fibre in an effort to re-establish this population, called the Yanapaco (black alpaca) program, part of the Pacomarca Sustainable Alpaca network.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
Size
One size
Length: 11″ (28 cm)
Hand Circumference: 8″ (20.5 cm)
Kit Includes:
Amano Eco Puna Black (100% natural baby alpaca): 3 balls
These kits are a SPECIAL-ORDER – we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, but you have the option to order them at any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible.
We received a little trunk show from Amano, and some of the samples are so lovely I thought they merit becoming pre-order kits! A ‘Trunk Show’ is a small selection of samples on loan from a designer for a short period of time. They’re a great opportunity to feel the yarns in action, see how they behave worked up, and actually try on the samples. I often find surprises in trunk-show collections – gems I never would have known about if they hadn’t fallen into my hands – literally.
Amano is Peruvian company and they make gorgeous yarns with the highest quality Alpacas, Pima Cotton, Peruvina Highland Wool, and Silk.
We received A LOT of samples, so I’ll be posting over a few every day or so, and I’ll curate and pick out the best. If you live near the store we are open 7 days a week, from 11 am to 6 pm, and everyone are welcome to come by and check them out! We are only a retail store, so you don’t need to show proof of vaccination, but you have to wear a mask at all times in the store, and we ask that everyone keep their physical distance from each other. The samples will be in store until the 25th of October.
These kits are SPECIAL-ORDERS – we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, but you have the option to order them at any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible.
Margarita Cowl Kit PRE-ORDER
Details
Margarita is a pretty lace cowl is worked seamlessly in the round. The lace pattern is both written and charted. When you order your kit you’ll receive a link to download the pattern digitally, as well as a printed copy with the yarn.
Yarn
Amano Apu is a gift from the Inca gods, it is a fiber like no other. This particular type of alpaca is called Imperial because it is the softest alpaca that exists.
If you want to start making these mitts right away and don’t want to wait for your yarn (or you want another colour or a more economical option), you can use any of the following yarns:
The Ariel Bobble Pullover is an adorable sweater for kids 12 months to 6 years. The body and sleeves are worked separately in the round from the bottom up, then they are joined, and the yoke is worked in the round to the neckline.
When you order your kit you’ll receive a link to download the pattern digitally, as well as a printed copy with the yarn.
Yarn
Amano Sami is a buttery soft, 100% Organic Peruvian Pima Cotton(often called the “silk of the south”.) It’s an extremely soft cotton to knit with and wear, with a matte finish that gives garments a cozy, casual look and feel. Sami also somes in somer eally beautiful colours for babies and kids!
If you want to start making these mitts right away and don’t want to wait for your yarn (or you want another colour or a more economical option), you can use any of the following yarns:
Thanksgiving comes a bit earlier north of the 44th parallel in Canada, it has something to do with our harvest being earlier, therefore we we dine earlier. We are open regular store hours (11 am to 6 pm) on Saturday & Sunday, and closed on Monday. Have a great weekend, wherever you are!
Saturday October 9: 11 am to 6 pm
Sunday October 10: 11 am to 6 pm
Monday October 11: CLOSED
Some Cieslak for the Weekend
Never wanting to leave you without some inspiration, here are a couple of pullovers by designer Jacqueline Cieslak. I love that Jacqueline’s designs are size inclusive, but I love even more that her designs LOOK GREAT on different sized women. Her casual little tops are always just right for people, no matter what shape they may be. Wear them over a dress or a loose shirt, it’s all beautiful! Plus, they aren’t immense projects, so they won’t break the bank, and you’ll actually wear it (an important factor to my mind). they’re pretty, and I think its good to make yourself feel beautiful on the outside, because you are beautiful on the inside.
I think my favourite yarns for these projects would be Fibre Co Road to China Light (’cause I’m indulgent when it comes to nurturing myself), but I’d make at least one size larger because the tension will be smaller. Another idea that gets me going would be two strands of Fibre Co Meadow held together (also indulgent, but I love nice textiles) – ideally this would be in 2 different colours to create a marl.
Bay Pullover
The Bay Pullover is your dream all-weather sweatshirt, whether you’re getting cozy at home or being tousled by a crisp ocean breeze. This relaxed fit pullover features dolman sleeves, uninterrupted stockinette on the front and back panels, and decorative 3-needle bind offs, making for a simple, seamless knit with a clean, modern look. The pattern includes 9 sizes, 6 original video tutorials, technical illustrations for understanding the unique construction, and detailed guidance for choosing your size and adjusting the sleeves.
Size
Because of the dolman sleeves and relaxed fit, BAY works with an extremely wide range of positive ease (anything from 6-20”/15-50cm). If you prefer more drape or a more oversized fit, feel free to size up! In the photos, Jacqui is wearing a size 7 (62”/155cm). Her bust circumference is 54”/135cm, her waist circumference is 49”/122.5cm, and her bicep circumference is 20”/50cm.
Finished Bust Circumference: In inches: (38, 42, 46) [50, 54, 58] {62, 66, 70} inches or (95, 105, 115) [125, 135, 145] {155, 165, 175} cm
To choose your size, measure the circumference of your torso around the fullest part of your bust/chest and add at least 6”/15cm.
To see how BAY looks across the size range with varying amounts of ease, check out the test knitting round up here!
Yarn Options
Because the recommended yarn is a silk/linen blend, both of which are fibres that stretch and have a lot of drape, I recommend using something that also has some stretch. Superwash yarns, blends with cotton, linen, wool, silk, or alpaca tend to be good at this.
The Bay Slipover is your dream all-weather slipover, whether you’re getting cozy at home or being tousled by a crisp ocean breeze. This relaxed fit top features dolman sleeves, uninterrupted stockinette on the front and back panels, and decorative 3-needle bind offs, making for a simple, seamless knit with a clean, modern look. The pattern includes 9 sizes, 6 original video tutorials, technical illustrations for understanding the unique construction, and detailed guidance for choosing your size and adjusting the sleeves.
Size
Because of the dolman sleeves and relaxed fit, BAY works with an extremely wide range of positive ease (anything from 6-20”/15-50cm). If you prefer more drape or a more oversized fit, feel free to size up! In the photos, Jacqui is wearing a size 7 (62”/155cm). Her bust circumference is 54”/135cm, her waist circumference is 49”/122.5cm, and her bicep circumference is 20”/50cm.
Finished Bust Circumference: In inches: (38, 42, 46) [50, 54, 58] {62, 66, 70} inches or (95, 105, 115) [125, 135, 145] {155, 165, 175} cm
To choose your size, measure the circumference of your torso around the fullest part of your bust/chest and add at least 6”/15cm.
To see how BAY looks across the size range with varying amounts of ease, check out the test knitting round up here!
Yarn Options
Because the recommended yarn is a silk/linen blend, both of which are fibres that stretch and have a lot of drape, I recommend using something that also has some stretch. Superwash yarns, blends with cotton, linen, wool, silk, or alpaca tend to be good at this.
The fall inventory is arriving fast & furious, and with it new project ideas spring to life! Quick knits are always fun, especially when they’re made with super soft yarns.
Strathcona
Size
(XXS/XS), S/M, (L/XL), (XXL/XXXL)
Width at bust (lying flat): approx (48.5cm / 19”) 53.5 cm / 21” (61cm / 23.75”) (67.5 cm / 26.5”)
Length (46 cm / 17” ) 48.5 cm / 19” (51cm / 21”) (58.5cm / 23”)
Model is 5’9, wearing S/M size.
Yarn Options
All of the yarn options listed are super soft and utterly delicious against the skin – you can’t go wrong with any of them, the only choice is the aesthetic you prefer.
Malabrigo Rasta is a hand-painted, single ply, 100% merino wool made in Uruguay. It’s very popular and we generally have a hard time keeping sweater quantities in stock, so if you’re in love be sure to put a ring on it and lock it down!
Cascade Spuntaneous is single ply, 100% merino wool made in Peru. It’s machine dyed and comes in solid and heathered colours. If you want a classic look, look no further.
3. SUPER LIGHT ‘N FUZZY: Drops Melody (3 strands together): 7(8, 9, 9) balls
Drops Melody is a super fuzzy blend of alpaca and wool that looks like mohair and feels like the downy feathers on a baby chick (or a puppy, kitten, etc. other baby animals). Hold three strands of this yarn together to get a super thick mohair look without sacrificing softness.
4. FUZZY WITH BODY: Drops Wish (5(5, 6, 6) balls + Drops Melody 3 balls (hold 1 strand of each yarn)
Drops Wish is a blown yarn with super soft alpaca & merino wool blasted into a knitted core of pima cotton. The result is a lofty, airy yarn that’s light with a fuzzy aura. Pair one strand of Wish with one of super soft Drops Melody (see above) to get a sweater with both body and a bit of fuzzy happiness.
Colours that work together:
Light Grey Heather: Wish 03 + Melody 03
Charcoal Grey Heather: Wish 07 & Melody 04
Oatmeal Heather: Wish 05 & Melody 15
Off White: Wish 01 & Melody 01
Curry: Wish 12 & Melody 18
Denim Blue: Wish 09 & Melody 07
Raisin: Wish 10 & Melody 20
Rust: Wish 11 & Melody 19
Needles
We think Interchangeable needles area great way to go when a pattern calls for a bunch of sizes you don’t normally use. The Knitter’s Pride tips can be a great value, while the Addi Interchangeables are the premium option. If getting interchnageables, be sure to get the shorter 3.5″ tips for the 16″ length needles – the 4.5″ tips are too long and will not work with a cord that short.
If you prefer fixed circular needles, Clover and Addi both make wonderful quality circular needles, and if you want a wood 15mm/US19 circular check out the Knitter’s Pride Fixed needles.
9mm/US13 – 16″ circular needles (if buying interchangeables get the shorter 3.5″ tips, the 4.5″ tips are too long for this length cord)
10mm/US15 – 24″ circular needles
15mm/US19 – 24″ circular needles
15mm/US19 – 32″ circular needles (or longer, for optional magic loop, or use double pointed needles)
3. SUPER LIGHT ‘N FUZZY: Drops Melody (3 strands together): 7(8, 10, 12) balls
4. FUZZY WITH BODY: Drops Wish (5(6, 7, 8) balls + Drops Melody 3(3, 4, 4) balls, (hold 1 strand of each yarn)
Needles
Needle sizes aren’t listed, so check the pattern to confirm what you’ll need (although we expect it will be similar to the pattern above). We think Interchangeable needles area great way to go when a pattern calls for a bunch of sizes you don’t normally use. The Knitter’s Pride tips can be a great value, while the Addi Interchangeables are the premium option.
If you prefer fixed circular needles, Clover and Addi both make wonderful quality circular needles, and if you want a wood 15mm/US19 circular check out the Knitter’s Pride Fixed needles.
3. SUPER LIGHT ‘N FUZZY: Drops Melody (3 strands together): 7(8, 9, 9) balls
4. FUZZY WITH BODY: Drops Wish (5(5, 6, 6) balls + Drops Melody 3 balls (hold 1 strand of each yarn)
Needles
We think Interchangeable needles area great way to go when a pattern calls for a bunch of sizes you don’t normally use. The Knitter’s Pride tips can be a great value, while the Addi Interchangeables are the premium option. If getting interchnageables, be sure to get the shorter 3.5″ tips for the 16″ length needles – the 4.5″ tips are too long and will not work with a cord that short.
If you prefer fixed circular needles, Clover and Addi both make wonderful quality circular needles, and if you want a wood 15mm/US19 circular check out the Knitter’s Pride Fixed needles.
8mm/US11 – 16″ circular needles (for interchangeables get the shorter 3.5″ tips)
9mm/US13 – 16″ circular needles (for interchangeables get the shorter 3.5″ tips)
10mm/US15 – 16″ circular needles (for interchangeables get the shorter 3.5″ tips)
3. SUPER LIGHT ‘N FUZZY: Drops Melody (3 strands together): 7(8, 9, 9) balls
4. FUZZY WITH BODY: Drops Wish (5(5, 6, 6) balls + Drops Melody 3 balls (hold 1 strand of each yarn)
Needles
We think Interchangeable needles area great way to go when a pattern calls for a bunch of sizes you don’t normally use. The Knitter’s Pride tips can be a great value, while the Addi Interchangeables are the premium option. If getting interchnageables, be sure to get the shorter 3.5″ tips for the 16″ length needles – the 4.5″ tips are too long and will not work with a cord that short.
If you prefer fixed circular needles, Clover and Addi both make wonderful quality circular needles, and if you want a wood 15mm/US19 circular check out the Knitter’s Pride Fixed needles.
9mm/US13 – 16″ circular needles (for interchangeables get the shorter 3.5″ tips)
