RESTOCKED BC Garn Bio Balance

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BC Garn Bio Balance is a deliciously soft blend of organic cotton and organic wool, an all-season yarn that’s especially great for people who run warm. It’s definitely an ideal yarn for wraps, blankets, sweaters, baby and child garments, etc. We knitted a wrap with it and the fabric turned out soft, light, cozy, and pretty. The best way to describe it is that it feels the way you want and think a cotton yarn *should* feel. It also knits well single and double stranded, so you can make thicker fabrics with it (see the Origami sweaters below). Bio Balance is also a nice all-season option for knitting stranded colourwork.

FYI, Bio Balance is GOTS certified, which means it’s super legit organic and everyone in the manufacturing and the warehousing end of the distribution process was treated well. The company is Danish, the yarn is milled in Turkey, and the fibres are from Argentina.

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Kalaloch

 I love the combination of texture and oversized ease in this sweater. It’ll be extremely comfortable and breathable, perfect for slouching around the cottage, the house and the city. The finished projects on Ravelry look great, you can them HERE.

Size 

  • 42 (48, 54, 60, 66)“ circumference at underarm.
  • Pullover shown measures 48”; modeled with 15” of positive ease.

Materials

  • BC Garn Bio Balance: 6 (7, 8, 8, 9) skeins.
  • 2.75 mm/US2 – 40″ circular needles
  • 2.75 mm/US2 double pointed needles
  • 3.5 mm/US4- 40” circular needles
  • 3.5 mm/US4 double pointed needles
  • 3.5 mm/US4 – 16” and 24” circular needles
  • stitch markers
  • Pattern
Photo: mtheseeker on ravelry
Photo: mtheseeker on ravelry

Wool & Honey

Size

  • 1 (2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7)
  • 39 (43, 47, 51)(55, 59, 63)”
  • 99 (109, 119.5, 129.5)(140, 150, 160) cm
  • Recommended ease is 4-9”/10-23 cm

Materials

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Origami Jr

How much do I love this little sweater? It is made with two strands of BC Garn Bio Balance held together, so it will be warm and cozy, and you’ll finish it before the kid outgrows it. Origami Jr is worked in rounds, from the bottom and up. The upper part of body is worked back and forth, and the shoulders are shaped using short rows, and knitted together from the right side of fabric, so you have visible seams. The sleeves are worked top down, and you can regulate the length, if needed. The decreases are placed in the top of the sleeve, instead of under, as is normally done.

Size

  • 2(4, 6, 8, 10, 12) years

Materials

Origami

Why should kids have all the fun, adults can have an Origami too! Like the Origami JR, you’ll want to work with two strands of BC Garn Bio Balance held together.

Size

  • Bust circumference : 41” (104 cm)/ 43” (109 cm)/ 44.75” (114 cm) 46.75” (119 cm)/ 48.75” (124 cm)/ 50.75” (129 cm)
  • Length: 25.5”(65 cm) / 25.75” (66 cm)/ 26.25” (67 cm)/ 26.75” (68 cm)/ 27” (69 cm)/27.5” (70 cm)
  • Sleeves: 17” (43 cm)/ 17” (43 cm)/ 17” (43 cm)/ 17” (43 cm)/ 17” (43 cm)/ 17” (43 cm)

Materials

Please see pattern to confirm needle sizes!

SALE Spring Cleaning

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I’ve been doing some spring cleaning in. the store and have added a few things to the SALE section of our website. Here are a few highlights for things not to be missed … the is just to thin out some winter stock, so get it while you can!

Fibre Company Road to China Light  – 15% Off

Fibre Co Road to China Light is the sexiest yarn I’ve ever come across. Seriously, it’s ambrosia! Some clever person thought to combine cashmere, silk, camel and baby alpaca and it feels like … joy and gratitude and unconditional love. This yarn is seriously stashable! Two skeins makes a Pashmina Cowl.

Free Patterns Included

When you purchase a skein of Fibre Company Road to China Light you’ll automatically receive an email with a link to download a free copy of Fibre Company’s Foundations Road to China Light Collection: two hat patterns, one cowl and one pair of wristwarmers (see pictures below … this collection normally costs $17 CAD). Many thanks to the Fibre Company for making this available to our customers!

  • 10% cashmere, 15% silk, 10% camel, 65% baby alpaca
  • 50g/145m (159yds)
  • 3.25mm/US3 to 3.5mm/US4 needles
  • 24 to 26 sts = 4″/10cm
  • ​Sport weight
  • Hand wash, lay flat to dry
  • Made in the UK
  • See other peoples Projects
  • See pattern ideas

Pashmina Cowl & On the C Train

Falls of Foyers

Armdale

Kelbourne Woolens Scout

Kelbourne Scout is a classic yarn for the sake of yarn. It’s an unfussy, strong, versatile, heathered wool. Scout is a Dk weight, woolen-spun yarn, so it’s light, airy and springy – perfect for fair isle, cables, or any other technique that requires a bit of definition. Made with 100% Peruvian wool, it’s comfortable to work with and wear (it passes my yarn-o-meter, meaning it’s not as buttery soft as a merino wool, but it isn’t remotely in the itchy or uncomfortable range of fibres).

  • 100% wool
  • 100g/250m (274 yds)
  • 20 to 22 sts = 4″(10cm) 
  • DK to light worsted weight
  • 3.75mm/US5 to 4.5mm/US7 needles
  • Feltable
  • Hand wash, lay flat to dry
  • Made in Peru

Amarelle Cardigan …. for the first time ever I want to postpone spring!

Mano Del Uruguay Serpentina – 20% OFF

Manos Del Uruguay Serpentina is a stunning artisanal experience! It’s both hand-dyed and handspun, which automatically makes it scrumptious. Gorgeous colours run throughout the yarn at random which enhance its tactile quality. The result is fabric that is soft and squishy to the touch with plush stitch definition.

  • 100% Merino Wool
  • 100g/120m (131 yds) 
  • Aran to Bulky Weight
  • 15 to 16 sts = 4″/10cm
  • 4.5mm/US7 to 5.5mm/US9 needles
  • Hand wash, lay flat to dry
  • Made in Uruguay
  • Pattern Ideas
  • Finished Projects

Pretty Projects

Fleece Artist/Handmaiden Halo Bundle – SALE 15% OFF

Fleece Artist-Handmaiden Halo Bundles are combo of two yarns hand-dyed together. Fleece Artist Merino Slim fingering weight merino and Handmaiden Angel Hair fingering weight mohair join forces to create gorgeous textural combos scarf, wrap, shawl and sweater patterns. You can hold the two strands together at the same time (like Love Note by Tin Can Knits), or alternate yarns (like Birds of a Feather by Andrea Mowry). Because they are dyed together the colours always match – no guess work! Halo Bundles also make great projects that involve two different yarns, like Mrs Watson – the mohair creates a stained glass effect.

  • Yarn A: Handmaiden Angel Hair: 70% Mohair, 30% Nylon, 50g/400m
  • Yarn B: Fleece Artist Merino Slim: 100% Superwash Merino, 120g/400m
  • Fingering Weight
  • 26sts = 4″/10cm
  • 4mm/US6 needles
  • Hand wash, lay flat to dry
  • Made in Canada

Urth Uneek Worsted – 10% Off

Urth Uneek Worsted is a stunner! It’s hand-painted and self-striping, and workes up in narrow alternating stripes. It’s made with super soft 100% Merino Wool and is machine washable. Urth Uneek Worsted is perfect for accessories, sweaters, blankets, babies, kids, men – just about anything you can think of (except it will not felt. We’ve made hats, cowls, neckwarmers, and baby blankets with it! This yarn is also great for making Nightshift.

  • 100% Extrafine Superwash Merino Wool
  • 100g/200m (219yds)
  • worsted weight
  • 4mm to 5mm (US 6 to 8) needles
  • 18 sts & 24 rows = 4″/10cm on 4.5mm/US6 needles
  • Made in Turkey (by a Women’s collective)
  • Self-Striping
  • FREE Patterns
  • Finished Projects

Chevron Baby Blanket & Meadow Lane Baby Blanket

Hillbrook Shawl

Diamond Luxury Baby Alpaca Sport – 10% OFF

Diamond Luxury Baby Alpaca Sport is ridiculously soft and lofty bulky weight yarn. Made from Baby Alpaca (the soft undercoat of the alpaca), it’s great for hats, mitts, scarves, cowls, and sweaters – anything that touches skin. Alpaca is also an excellent insulator and will keep you toasty warm all winter. 

  • 100g/100m (109 yds)
  • Bulky Weight
  • 6mm/US10 needles (up to 8mm/US11)
  • Approx 15 sts = 4″/10cm
  • Made in Peru
  • Pattern ideas

LAST CALL Beaubourg & Koza Kit Pre-Orders

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This is a last call for Urth kits! Our distributor will no longer be carrying this brand of yarn starting May 1st, so if you’ve had you eye on one it’s definitely time to do something nice for yourself and indulge in this lovely yarn. If you have a second choice of colours please leave us a note at check-out (just in case they are already out of stock).

PRE-ORDER

We’re selling these kits as a special-order and aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis. Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. That said, the vendor is very fast, reliable, and close-by, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible. Please also let us know in advance if you’d like the yarn wound (you can leave a note when you are checking out online).

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Beaubourg Wrap Kits

I saw this kit and immediately thought it would made a great project to keep busy hands occupied … and since it’ll be about a year and a half until a vaccine is available for COVID, we might be at this a while. Beaubourg is a large rectangular wrap that features two-colour brioche and slipped stitches against a background of garter stitch to represent the colourful pipes that run up the façade of the Beaubourg museum. Because this pattern uses the brioche technique, I don’t feel like its for the beginner knitter, but if you wanted to make something similar you can make a project Meadow Lane and alternate the two colours every-other-row. If you love it, but don’t wear really big wraps, you might also enjoy it as a STUNNING throw for your home.

Kit

Each kit comes with 8 skeins of Urth’s gorgeous hand-dyed, 100% superwash merino wool. It features 4 skeins of Urth Uneek Worsted, a hand-painted self-striping yarngasm (the main colour), and 4 skeins Urth Monokrom, a hand-dyed semi-solid (the contrast colour).

The colourway in the photographs is #01 (it’s a pretty bright rainbow colourway). The other colours that I think will look gorgeous include 05 (the red is sensational as a contrast colour, not for the faint of heart), 02 (I love, love, love the autumnal neutrals with the yellow), 03 (this combo will come out looking like pinks and reds), and 06 (inky!!). Or, If you’re like me and you have your own creative vision and just can’t stick to the items on the menu, you can contact us and we can talk about combining another shade of Urth Uneek Worsted with a dark or medium grey .

Materials

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Koza: Cuffed Version (colourway 07)

Koza

Koza means cocoon in Turkish, a great description of both the Silk Road inspiration for this colorful wrap garment and the cozy warmth you’ll experience wearing it. A stunning hand-painted self-striping yarn, Urth Uneek Worsted, is combined with it;s equally lovely cousin, Urth Monokrom Worsted, a mono-chromatic hand-dyed ombre in a textured herringbone stitch. Koza offers 2 versions in the same pattern: a Cuffed Rib (made with 6 skeins) and an Uncuffed version (4 skeins).

Pattern Notes

The Body for both versions of this open-front garment is worked flat on straight or circular needles. The Body is then folded lengthwise and seamed along the shorter cast on and cast off edges, leaving an opening for the arms on the folded end. If you want to make yours larger just increase the width of the body by adding skein(s) of MC  Urth Uneek Worsted on both sides of the two-colour section, adding the same yardage to each side. Alternatively, additional skeins of CC and MC may be added to make the two-colour center section wider. To increase or decrease the length of the body, cast on more or fewer stitches. (If you would like to order extra yarn to make your shrug larger we’ve added that option for you when you check-out).

Skill Level: Intrepid intermediate

Koza: Uncuffed Version (colourway 01)

Size

  • One size: fits 32″/81cm to 44″/112cm bust.
  • Length: approximately 35″/89cm from collar to hem length will vary based upon size of wearer unless adjustments are made to width and length of bodice (see Pattern Notes).
  • Laid Flat: Body 38″/96.5cm wide by 28”/71cm deep, excluding arm ribbing 37.5”/95cm long including 4.75”/12cm body ribbing 76”/193cm
  • Body circumference, excluding body ribbing: 4”/10cm x 9.75”/25cm circumference arm ribbing

Kit Includes

Yarn amounts are for Uncuffed (Cuffed) version:

Needles (not included with kit)

Interchangeable needles are a great option for projects like this one. A set of interchangeable needles is always a worthwhile investment for any knitter, but if you are buying individual sizes try the Knitter’s Pride Interchangeables, which are also sold separately.

HOUSEKKEEPING Spring Lockdown & A New Store Bird

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Lockdown: Open for Pick-up, Shipping & Delivery

A new lockdown order goes into effect tomorrow, but since we never reopened for in-store shopping nothing is really changing for us. Still, new lock-down orders are always a great opportunity for us to get in touch and connect. You can find ALL the details at the bottom of the main page of our website knitomatic.com.

Shop Online or by Phone

You can place your order online on our secure e-commerce website knitomatic.com, or by phone Monday to Sunday from 11am to 5 pm: 416-653-7849.  If you need help choosing a project or materials please feel free to email or call us!

Open for Pick-up, Delivery & Shipping 

  • During COVID LOCKDOWN we are currently offering shipping, curb-side pick-up, and same-day delivery.
  • We are not open for in-store shopping, knitting help, classes or sit ‘n knit. 
  • We are open Monday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm for curb-side pick-up and anything you need to do over the phone.
  • The fastest way to get your order is to purchase online and choose pick-up at check-out (during store hours our turnaround is usually between 15 minutes to an hour). You can also call us to place your order.
  • At this time we are not offering instruction online. We refer our clients to excellent resources like KnittingHelp.com, VeryPink.com and Craftsy.com.
Gruau on his first day at the store, getting used to his new surroundings with the help of some bird-treats.

New Store Bird

Since the issuing of a new lockdown feels oh so blah, I thought maybe I’d cheer you up by sharing some family pictures. If you’ve been one of our clients for a while you may know that for many years we had a store bird who passed away in August 2019. Well, at the start of the winter I was fortunate and was able to welcome a new family member, Gruau (it’s french, pronounced Grew-OH). Now that the weather is getting warmer I’ve started bringing him to the store, and last week was his first visit. I’m thrilled to report that he’s a NATURAL, he’s sliding right into the role!

Gruau is a natural manager, as you can see him supervising the packing of an order.

Bird FAQs

  • Gruau is a Peach-Faced or Rosy-Faced lovebird with an Aqua or Dutch Blue mutation.
  • Gruau’s previous owners are Quebecois, and he is Franco-Ontarian. His name is french and means groats, or oatmeal. He is fairly bilingual and understands both French and English.
  • If you see him at the store and have a hard time pronouncing his name you can also call him Bo, or Bo-Bird. I frequently tell him in franglais/fringlish he’s a “beau bird” (pretty bird), so he’s very familiar with the term.
  • His wings are currently clipped, which keeps him safe and out of trouble. He can still fly, he just doesn’t get as far or as high.
  • He has a cage at home and at the store. He’s a pretty sensitive soul, so right now he’s going to be commuting with me to work and back.
  • I carry him in a ‘bird-bag’; a carrying bag I knit and felted. It’s a safe, soft, warm place with holes on both sides to peek out.
  • He’s about three years old, I’ve known him since he came home from the pet-store and used to babysit him when his dads went out of town, or just needed a break.
  • His favourite foods tend to be beige and include pasta and rice. He also likes dried mango and whatever dried fruit is in his favourite treat mix.
  • He likes to weave, does not like it when I knit, and usually joins me in meditation in the mornings.
  • He prefers jazz to classical music, but also chills out to plink-plunky spa-type Solfegio music.
  • I don’t think he talks … sometimes he mumbles but I think he is copying the sound of the television. His first family says he has a few words in french, but if he does his accent is too heavy for me to make it out.

Gruau exploring the mannequin … thankfully he’s a mamma’s bird and isn’t getting into things. So far his favourite place is on my shoulder, followed by Noel’s shoulder, and under invoices. He’s very personable, but a little shy with strangers and isn’t used to being around a lot of people. Lockdown is proving to be the the ideal time to get him used to travelling, being in a new space, and meeting new people.

Gru’s favourite new game is playing in invoices! Will he become the internet’s next big social media darling? Doubtful, but maybe he can have his own Youtube Channel … how does “Yarn Store Bird” sound? I’m open to suggestions.

The only part Gru isn’t in-love with is getting in his bird-bag, but he’s learning that the bag comes with visiting the store. He also doesn’t like his store cage, but I furnished it with some fun, familiar toys (and truth be told, parrots rarely like new things, I’m impressed with his tolerance thusfar).

KITS Turmeric + Rooibos Pre-Order

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The following two projects were so beautiful that I wanted to share them, despite their being slightly out of season. Even if you don’t pick one up now, it’ll be in the back of your head – the sweater you want to wear next fall …. the sweater that almost makes you wish winter was a little bit longer. Almost. And of course, some of you live in places where winter is a bit longer and summer is a little shorter … the sweater belt.

These easy projects feature a simple, top-down construction in the round for minimal finishing. They have a lovely depth of colour and texture, created by working with 2 strands of yarn held together (don’t worry, its easy). One is a hand-painted Peruvian wool, the other a light, lace-weight blend of kid-mohair & silk. The combination is stunning, the two yarns blend together so gracefully that they look like they were made for each other. The thicker yarn provides the main colour palette and the mohair delicately colours in the back-ground. I sat down with the shade cards, comparing colours to figure out which colours work best together, so you don’t have to worry about what goes with what. I put together a bunch of options, but my favourite colour combinations are the ones where the mohair picks up the most dominant colour in the hand-painted yarn.

The Yarns

Berroco Ultra Wool Handpaint is a classic worsted weight, 100% Superwash Peruvian wool. Ultra Wool Handpaint is hand-dyed using a watercolor brush technique. The result is the machine-washable wool you love with speckled colors throughout. We recommend alternating skeins to get a cohesive overall look as each skein is unique. Use it along with our Ultra Wool for unlimited combinations. 100% Superwash Wool, 100g/200m (219 yds), made in Peru.

Berroco Aerial is an airy and light blend of mohair and silk. It’s a perfect yarn to carry along with any one of our work-horse yarns to give a soft halo to any project. 65% Superkid Mohair, 35% Silk, 25g/260m (284 yds). Hand-wash in cold water, lay flat to dry.

PRE-ORDER

These kits as a special-order and we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, although 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 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. It may take two to three weeks to get your kit, or less time, depending on when our next order is shipping.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a classic oversized, simple circular yoke pullover combining  Berroco Ultra Wool Handpaint and Berroco Aerial for an allover dreamy look. This easy project creates depth of colour and texture by working with 2 strands of yarn held together (don’t worry, it’s not hard). Turmeric is worked in one piece in the round, from the top-down.

Size

  • Finished Bust: (36, 41½, 45) [49, 53, 56½] {60, 64, 68}” / (91.5, 105.5, 114.5) [124.5, 134.5, 143.5] {152.5, 162.5, 172.5} cm
  • Length: (22, 22¼, 22¼) [22½, 22½, 23] {23, 23, 24}” / (56, 56.5, 56.5) [57, 57, 58.5] {58.5, 58.5, 61} cm (down center back)
  • Shown in size 41½” / 105.5 cm.
  • Recommended ease: approximately 8″ / 20 cm of positive ease.

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Gauge: 17 sts and 26 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch on larger needles with C1 and C2 held together

Rooibos

Rooibos is a classic and easy-to-wear raglan using Berroco Ultra Wool Handpaint and Berroco Aerial. This easy project creates depth of colour and texture by working with 2 strands of yarn held together (don’t worry, it’s not hard). Rooibos is worked in one piece in the round, from the top-down.

Size

  • Chest/Bust: (36, 40, 45) [49, 53, 57] {62, 66, 70}” / (91.5, 102, 114) [124.5, 137, 145] {158, 168, 178} cm
  • Length: (20, 21, 21½) [22, 22½, 23] {24, 24½, 25½}” / (51, 53, 54.5) [56, 57, 58.5] {61, 62, 65} cm
  • Shown in size 45″ / 114 cm.
  • Recommended ease: approximately 8–10″ / 20–25.5 cm positive ease.

Gauge: 16 sts and 22 rows/rnds = 4″ / 10 cm in St st on larger needles with MC and CC held together

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

SHAWLPIRATION in Road to China Light (+15% OFF)

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I’ve been doing some spring cleaning in the store and have added a few things to the SALE section of our website, including Fibre Co Road to China Light … this is just to thin out some winter stock, so get it while you can!

Fibre Company Road to China Light 

SALE 15% Off

Fibre Co Road to China Light is the sexiest yarn I’ve ever come across. Seriously, it’s ambrosia! Some clever person thought to combine cashmere, silk, camel and baby alpaca and it feels like … joy and gratitude and unconditional love. This yarn is seriously stashable! Two skeins makes a Pashmina Cowl.

Free Patterns Included

When you purchase a skein of Fibre Company Road to China Light you’ll automatically receive an email with a link to download a free copy of Fibre Company’s Foundations Road to China Light Collection: two hat patterns, one cowl and one pair of wristwarmers (see pictures below … this collection normally costs $17 CAD). Many thanks to the Fibre Company for making this available to our customers!

  • 10% cashmere, 15% silk, 10% camel, 65% baby alpaca
  • 50g/145m (159yds)
  • 3.25mm/US3 to 3.5mm/US4 needles
  • 24 to 26 sts = 4″/10cm
  • ​Sport weight
  • Hand wash, lay flat to dry
  • Made in the UK
  • See other peoples Projects
  • See pattern ideas

Falls of Foyers

This shawl is named after a waterfall called Falls of Foyers that feeds into the famous deep freshwater Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland. It is worked down and out from the centre of the top edge. There is an option to make a nice stretchy upper neck edge by adding a yarn over after the very first stitch of every row (RS and WS) and then drop it again on the following row.

Armdale

Armadale is named after a small village called Armadale on Scotland’s Isle of Skye. It is worked from the centre of the top edge down and out. There is an option to make a nice stretchy upper neck edge by adding a yarn over after the very first stitch of every row (RS and WS) and then drop it again on the following row.

  • Fibre Co Road to China Light: 2 skeins in MC (grey pearl), 1 skein in CC1 (carnelian), 1 skein in CC2 (smokey quartz), 1 skein in CC3 (moonstone)
  • 3.5mm/US4 to 3.75mm/US5 – 36″ (or longer) circular needles
  • Pattern

Kelso

The Kelso shawl takes its name from a charming Scottish border town which lies nestled in the confluence of the Tweed and Teviot rivers. Known for the romance of its ruined abbey, graceful bridges, and cobblestone streets, it is a place to lose yourself in time as you wander along the riverbanks. Kelso captures the different textures of river and town, with wonderful three-coloured stripes, flickering eyelets and simple lace. The pattern was designed to feature the distinct beauty of the Road to China Light yarn, bringing its complex saturated tones and gentle lustre centre stage. This elongated triangle shawl is knit from the top down with increases made at the edges.

  • Fibre Co Road to China Light: 2 skeins colour B (lapis), 2 skeins colour C (ameritrine) 1 skein colour A (blue tourmaline)
  • 4.5mm/US7 – 36″ (or longer) circular needles
  • Pattern

Tobermory

The Tobermory shawl is named after an impossibly beautiful seaside town on the Isle of Mull in Scotland, where brightly painted buildings sparkle against the dark blue bay. Legend has it that a Spanish galleon laden with gold lies at the bottom of that bay, lost in the 16th Century and never recovered. The stripes of the crescent shaped Tobermory shawl hint at the promise of riches beneath the waves. Its easy lace and eyelets were planned to thoughtfully showcase two colours of the gorgeous Road to China Light yarn: lustrous, subtly tonal, and always treasured.

STORE HOURS Easter Weekend

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Photo & Free Pattern: fuzzymiten

Easter Weekend Store Hours

Friday April 2:  Closed

Saturday April 3:  11 am to 5 pm (pick-up & delivery)

Sunday April 4:  Closed

Monday April 5: 11 am to 5 pm (pick-up & delivery)

Last Minute Adorable Easter Creatures

New from the Crafty Kit Company, these needle felting kits contain everything you need to create adorable baby animals. You’ll learn how to make the basic shapes, then build them up with felting wool, and finally, add the details that will really bring your creation to life. Each kit comes with all the felting wool you need, a tube with felting needles, a mat to work on, wire pipe cleaner, nesting materials and clear step by step instructions.

Skill Level: Beginner/Easy Peasy, Age 10+

PROJECTS Hikari Collection Fibre Co Meadow

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While trolling for inspiration I found this really need little capsule collection for Fibre Co. Meadow by Japanese designer michiyo. I was really impressed, the designer clearly understands the fabric and makes the most of it’s natural lightness and drape. Meadow is a gorgeous yarn, a heavy lace-weight made with a very yummy blend of baby llama, silk, linen and merino wool. It’s great for layering pieces, light sweaters, and shaws and wraps.

Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in colour Fennel

Tsumuzikaze

Besides that fact that it’s a great combination of interesting, different and beautiful, I that this top looks really good on lots of people (see the finished projects HERE)! Tsumuzikaze is a Japanese word that means whirlwind, the design inspiration for this lovely pattern with an asymmetrical ‘whirling’ hem. This pullover is worked from the top down in the round. An eyelet pattern on the shoulders are worked as increases. The sleeves are worked separately, then in the round from the armhole. The lower edge is shaped with short rows.

Photos by michiyo, shown in colour Indigo

Size

  • To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to: S 83(32¾), M 92(36¼), L 103(40½), XL 113(44½)
  • Finished bust: 102 (110, 120, 146) cm 40 (43¼, 47¼, 57¼) in
  • Finished Length: 62 (65.5, 70.5, 74) cm 24½ (25¾, 27¾, 29¼) in
  • Finished Hem circumference: 76 (80, 88, 99) cm 30 (31½, 34¾, 39)in
Photos by CozySunny Day, shown in colour Bellflower

Materials

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Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in colour Gentian Violet
Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in colour Gentian Violet

Kagerou

When I first saw this project I didn’t realize that it was a vest! It’s like a cross between a tank and a vest … a Vank Top? A Test Top? Is it a waistcoat? Feel free to throw in your two cents! Whatever it’s called, it is worked from the bottom up; the fronts and back are worked together back and forth up to the armhole, then the yokes are worked separately.  Short rows are then worked to make the back longer than the front. The back, left front and right front of the upper body are worked separately on smaller needles in a rib pattern. Finally the shoulders are joined and the piece is finished by adding buttons and blocking gently.

Photos by Handknitlife, shown in colour Pokeweed

Size

  • To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to : S 83cm(32¾), M 92cm(36¼), L 103cm(40½), XL 113cm(44½)
  • Finished Bust: 90 (92, 102, 113) cm or 35½ (36¼, 40, 44) in
  • Finished Length (back): 70 (71, 73.5, 77) cm or 27½ (28, 29, 30¼) in
  • Finished Shoulder width: 32 (33, 36, 38) cm or 12½ (13, 14¼, 15) in
  • Finished Hem circumference: 142 (146, 162.5, 178.5) cm or 56 (57½, 64, 70¼) in

Materials

Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in Larkspur for MC and Pennyroyal for CC

Kinomi

Kinomi is a light top designed with minimal shaping and lots of flow. The pattern is written for two lengths; the shorter version is illustrated, whilst the longer version is designed to cover the hip.  Kinomi is worked in pieces separately from the bottom up. The neck band is made in two pieces in a contrasting colour with the ends grafted and then sewn onto the body. Ribbing is added to the armholes and the piece is finishing with light steaming. 

Photos by roko, show in Bedstraw for MC and Queen Annes Lace for CC

Size

  • To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to: S 83(32¾), M 92(36¼), L 103(40½), XL 113(44½)
  • Finished bust: 115 (124, 133, 142.5) cm 45¼ (48¾, 52¼, 56) in
  • Short length: 53.5 (54.5, 56, 57.5) cm 21 (21½, 22, 22½) in
  • Long length: 71.5 (72, 76.5, 78) cm 28 (28¼, 30, 30¾) in
  • Centre back neck to cuff: 35 (37, 39, 41.5) cm 13¾ (14½, 15¼, 16¼) in
  • Hem circumference: 152.5 (163.5, 174.5, 185) cm 60 (64¼, 68¾, 72¾) in

Materials

Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in colour Alfalfa

Mori

Light and romantic, this cardigan is the perfect topper for sunny spring days and cool summer nights. It can be worn as a cardigan or a cape/shawl. This pattern is worked from the top down seamlessly and the lace is charted.

Photos by LilyLilyLily, shown in colour Prairie

Size

  • To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to: S 83(32¾), M 92(36¼), L 103(40½), XL 113(44½)
  • Finished bust: 99 (105, 116, 128) cm 39 (41¼, 45¾, 50½) in
  • Finished Length: 44.5 (45.5, 47.5, 50) cm 17½ (18, 18¾, 19¾) in
  • Finished Centre back neck to cuff: 70 (72, 74.5, 77) cm 27½ (28¼, 29¼, 30¼) in
  • Finished Hem circumference: 155.5 (166, 182.5, 204) cm 61¼ (65¼, 71¾, 80¼) in

Materials

Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in colour Ladyslipper

Rourou

Rourou is a Japanese word that means hazy light, the kind that filters through the leaves of trees on a sunny summer day. The front and back of Rourou are worked in pieces separately from the bottom up creating the sleeves at the same time with side increases.

Photo by cosysunnyday, show in colour Queen Anne’s Lace

Size

  • To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to: S 83(32¾), M 92(36¼), L 103(40½), XL 113(44½)
  • Finished bust: 110 (120, 130, 140) cm 43¼ (47¼, 51¼, 55) in
  • Length: 58.5 (60, 61.5, 62.5) cm 23 (23¾, 24¼, 24½) in
  • Centre back neck to cuff: 38.5 (41, 43, 46) cm 15¼ (16¼, 17, 18¼) in

Materials

CAPELETS for Dinning Al Fresco

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I’m so in love with the spring weather, it’s clearing out so many winter dulldrums! Outdoor dinning has opened up in the city, and infectious disease specialists are totally down with dinning al fresco, so I thought some projects to help support our new local lifestyle (and the restauranteurs in our communities) would be great. After a much needed socially distanced back-yard burger experience with my family last night, I got a feel for the types of garments required. Layering accessories that don’t get in the way (ie. in your food), go on and come off easily, and can be stashed in a tote are my key points. I’m also looking for pieces that work up relatively quickly on larger needles, so you can wear and enjoy them now!

FYI: Store Still Not Open

Just a quick heads up, the store is NOT open for in-store shopping, I don’t feel it is safe for our clients, our staff, and all the people we are connected with. We’re totally here to discuss your project needs so you can get the right products. If you give us a call ahead of time we can gather together whatever you want to look at and bring stuff to the door for you to see in person. You can pick up your order, have it shipped, or if you live close enough to us you can have it delivered on the same day or next day (depending on the cut-off time). If you’ve had both of your vaccination shots (and 2 weeks have passed since your second) you should have as much protection as you’re going to get (and I’ll likely not inadvertently kill you), so I’m open to making an appointment for you to come in. Right now I know 2 people in this position, and only one knits, but with time the numbers will grow.

Last night, while catching up in the back-yard, my sister-in-law told me that the kids’ school had had a mild COVID scare when 3 children had received ambiguous COVID test results. It affected over 150 other kids who were connected with them and their siblings, all had to stay home and get tested. Luckily, in this case the second tests came back negative, but it illustrates to me how many people are so easily affected (the total number of people didn’t even include the adults potentially involved). One carrier can spread out into thousands, like a ripple on a pond, and that person probably won’t even know that they’re sick until well after they’ve spread the virus. Doctors are expecting the new COVID variants to spread much faster, for case counts to triple by April, and for patients to be younger and sicker than they were with the original stain of COVID. It isn’t the same game as it was before, last stores reopened it was much less risky. The human mind is really good at lying to itself and convincing itself what it wants to believe, especially when it sees other people doing it. So look out for yourself, look out for the welfare of others. The two aren’t separate; what you do for yourself you do for others, and what you do for others you do for yourself.

Mountain Capelet

This capelet is simple, minimal, and effective. It works up FAST on 15mm/US19 needles, although you can go down to 12mm/US17 needles if you want yours smaller.

Size

  • circumference around bottom: approx. 45″
  • circumference around cowl: approx. 24″
  • height from bottom edge to bottom of cowl: 12″
  • height from bottom edge to top of cowl: 20″

Materials

FYI: when venturing into projects with unusually large needles interchangeable needles are an economical way to expand your large sized needles – you can buy one set of tips and different length cords as you need them.

Mountain Capelet (Shepherdess)

This is project is a thinner version of the one above, but it comes in multiple sizes. You can work it with 1 strand of a Super Bulky Weight yarn like Drops Andes, or 2 strands held together of a soft fuzzy yarn like Drops Melody (this is my kind of thing; light, fuzzy & cozy), or you could combine a bulky weight yarn with one strand of fuzzy Drops Melody.

Yarn Options

You’ll need 275(330, 385, 440)m of yarn if you’re working with a single strand or a total of 550(660, 770, 880)m if you’re holding two strands together.

Other Materials

FYI: when venturing into projects with unusually large needles interchangeable needles are an economical way to expand your large sized needles – you can buy one set of tips and different length cords as you need them.

Size

  • 40 (44, 48, 52)”
  • The sample pictured is size 40, modeled on a 35″ chest.
  • To fit approx. chest circumference of 32–36 (38–42, 44–48, 50–54)” and shoulder girth of 38–42 (42–46, 46–50, 50–54)”
  • circumference around bottom edge: approx. 40 (44 ¾, 49 ½, 54 ½)”
  • circumference around cowl: approx. 19 ¼ (21 ½, 22 ½, 24 ¾)”
  • height from bottom edge to bottom of cowl: 15 ½ (16, 17, 17 ¾)”
  • height from bottom edge to top of cowl: 22 (22 ½, 24 ¼, 25)”

Getting Warmer

For something a little lighter, try Getting Warmer. You can make it in a variety of different yarns, and if you want to make. it bigger, just use a thicker yarn on a bigger needle. Since this is a garment that’s right next to your neck I’m only recommending yarns that are soft and comfortable. For a look like in our picture above try using Diamond Luxury Baby Alpaca Sport SALE(3 skeins). For something light, airy and a bit springy, go for Illimani Amelie SALE (2 skeins).

Yarns: For a Looser Look & Feel

For a looser look, use light-weight yarns or yarns that are a bit thiner than one ones recommended, but stick with the 6mm/US10 needles recommended by the pattern.

Yarns: Right at Gauge

Yarns: A Bit Thicker for a Larger Size

Materials

If you are a new knitter and don’t really want to spend your life savings on knitting needles, you can get away with buying 1 set of 3.5″ needle tips, and a pair of 16″ cords and 24″ cords. Be sure to get the shorter 3.5″ tips! The regular length 4.5″ tip will not work with 16″ cords. If you’re in the market for a full set of interchangeable needles Chiaogoo makes set with 4″ tips, which are a nice compromise.

PROJECT Lapponia

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Lapponia by Veera Välimäki

I saw this sweater and felt a jolt of “Yes PLEASE!” Lapponia is a simple round yoke sweater, with easy colourwork from collar to hem. The sweater has a short cropped length and easy, relaxed fit. It’s knit in a fingering weight yarn, which is a nice transitional-season thickness and offers you lots of yarn choices. (If you’re planning on buying this pattern get it now, it’s on sale for the next couple of days.)

Size

  • 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
  • Finished chest circumference: 40 (44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72)” / 100 (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) cm.
  • Choose a size with approx. 4-8” 10-20 cm of positive ease.

Yarn Options

Lapponia is designed with fingering weight yarn, so you’ve got lots of different options to choose from. All of the yarns below are soft, comfortable, easy to work with, and will look beautiful. Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s the right choice for you, so I’ve tried to break them down:

The Budget Friendliest Option: Cascade Heritage is a staple fingering weight yarn. It’s incredibly soft and easy to work with, and comes in lots of colours (and if we don’t have one we can look into ordering it for you). It mostly comes in solid colours, but also some heathers. 75% superwash merino wool, 25% nylon; 100g/400m (437 yds), machine washable, made in India. $16.97/skein.

You’ll need: 1 skein of CC1 (pink in the sample), 1 skein of CC2 (yellow in the sample), and 2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) skeins of MC (turquoise/teal in the sample) of Cascade Heritage.

The Artsiest Option: Artfil Belle is a gorgeous hand-painted yarn from Quebec (it’s both milled and dyed there). It’s super soft and has a lot of body and squish. The dyeing is very painterly; sometimes subtle and other times very vivid. 80% superwash merino wool & 20% nylon; 100g/354m (387 yds), machine washable, made in Canada. $28.97/skein.

You’ll need: You’ll need: 1 skein of CC1, 1 skein of CC2, and 2 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins of MC of Artfil Belle.

The Knitterly/Eco Option: Fibre Co Amble is a gorgeous fingering weight yarn made with sustainable materials. It’s super soft, squishy, and gorgeous to work with and wear. If you’re a knitterly kind of knitter (some use the term ‘yarn snob’, but I prefer ‘afficiando’), or if you just have an appreciation for gorgeous textiles (previously known as a ‘clothes horse’, I prefer ‘connoisseur’) this yarn will make you very happy. Incidentally, the heathered colours are the result of combining the natural colours of merino wool and alpaca. 70% Easy-wash Merino wool, 20% Easy-wash alpaca, 10% recycled nylon; 100g/325m (355 yds), machine washable, made in Peru. $29.97/skein.

You’ll need: You’ll need: 1 skein of CC1, 1 skein of CC2, and 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4) skeins of MC of Fibre Co Amble.

The 100% Natural Option (Budget Friendy): Amano Chaski is a great, all natural fingering weight sock yarn with ZERO synthetic fibres. It’s a soft and extremely comfortable blend of superwash merino, pima cotton and linen. The fibre blend also makes it a great yarn for transitional seasons. Chaskis comes in a selection of soft colours, and is also a budget friendly choice. We’re expecting our first shipment of Chaski this week, but you can place your order now! 60% uperwash merino, 30% pima cotton, 10% linen; 100g/350m (383 yds), machine washable, made in Peru. $20.97/skein.

You’ll need: You’ll need: 1 skein of CC1, 1 skein of CC2, and 2 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins of MC of Amano Chaski.

The Light as a Feather Option: Fibre Co. Meadow is a super yummy blend of wool, llama, silk and linen, making it a great yarn for shifting seasons. It’s super soft and luxurious, but also has a bit of texture and depth of colour because of the fibre blend (and sometimes the dyeing is fancy too). Meadow technically a heavy lace-weight yarn, which is a bit thinner than what the pattern pattern calls for, so you’ll want to go down to a 3.25mm/US3 needle and possibly make a size larger in the pattern (keep an eye on your tension). The extra yardage on the thinner yarn may also pay off for sizes in the 44″ to 60″ range because you’ll need less of the main colour. The 40% wool, 25% llama, 20% silk, 15% linen; 100g/498m (545 yds), hand wash, made in Peru. $34.97/skein.

You’ll need: 1 skein of CC1, 1 skein of CC2, and 2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins of MC of Fibre Co. Meadow.

The Kitchen Sink Option (budget friendly, all Season, no-wool, eco friendly): Berroco Remix Light is a very light blend of recycled fibres that’s easy and comfortable to wear all year and work with. It has a slightly tweedy texture, which makes it a great wool-free alternative for stranded knitting (the finished projects on Ravelry are AMAZING). Customers are constantly pleasantly surprised by this yarn’s incredible performance – this is a ‘listen to me now, believe me later’ moment. My suggestion is to let go of what you think you believe about synthetic fibres (beliefs aren’t real anyway, they’re just constructs our minds come up with because our pre-frontal cortex likes to concoct narratives and then host story-time over and over and over). Take a leap, close your eyes and knit. I promise it does not look or feel like plastic; those who know me know I can’t stand squeaky yarns (except for making pompoms, squeaky yarns make amazing pompoms) and I would never recommend one without a warning and a good reason. Remix Light is technically a DK weight, so you should go down a size in the pattern and go up to a 3.75mm/US5 needle. 10% silk, 9% linen, 27% cotton, 30% nylon, 24% acrylic; 100g/400m (432 yds), machine washable, made in France. $15.97/skein.

You’ll need: 1 skein of CC1 (pink in the sample), 1 skein of CC2 (yellow in the sample), and 2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) skeins of MC (turquoise/teal in the sample) of Berroco Remix Light.

P.S. Streaming Pic Of the Week

My current streaming pic is the The Great British Baking Show on the CBC Gem app. I’ve been watching seasons 8 & 9, and the finale of season 9 is amazing … I won’t spoil it, but I want to! If you find yourself falling down this particular rabbit-hole I heartily suggest upgrading for your free month of premium service, otherwise the commercials will drive you up the wall (you’ll never be able to look at an avocado again).