The weather is FINALLY gorgeous, so it’s time to shift to our summer store hours … starting THIS WEEKEND we will be closed on Sundays:
May 14 to Sept 12:
Monday to Saturday: 12 pm to 6pm
Have a beautiful weekend!
Yup, the weather is warm, the windows and doors are open, and the bugs are breeding again. My calendar just reminded me to change my moth traps, so I thought I’d send a gentle nudge that you need to make sure you have put all your woollens SAFELY away for the season. I’ve written a lot about this in the past, so instead of reinventing the wheel, I’m just going to refer you to read our past care and mainenance info .
A quick summary of the salient points:
Soak is a super easy, eco-friendly, no-rinse wash for hand or machine washing delicates, from lingerie to cashmere. Soak products are manufactured in Toronto Canada and are available in an assortment of fresh fragrances plus Scentless (for your sensitive side).
Eucalan is is a wonderful no-rinse delicate wash that you can use for your hand knits, lingerie, or anything you want to keep looking like new.
Last week at the Knitter’s Frolic (a local show hosted by the Toronto Knitting Guild) we sold out of all of our adorable project bags from Gleener, and they have graciously and quickly restocked them!
Gleener Swet Bags make perfect project bags, but they’re so much more. They’re designed to keep odours, wetness and messed contained. The zipper and lining are both waterproof, so they also make a great travel companion to the gym, swimming or beyond. Keep your projects safe, clean and dry anywhere you go! They come in two sizes, the medium is great for regular projects, and the larger is perfect for large sweaters and blankets (I also use it for my swimming gear, as do my niece and nephew).
Since single-use plastic bags are being phased out in Canada, I thought it might be a good time to revisit the good old-fashioned string bag. I could be wrong, but I feel like we were doing well reducing our plastic before COVID, but the pandemic seems to kind of disrupt that progress. Setbacks happen, we’ll just get back on the horse and forge forward! The following are some of my favourite patterns … both knit and crochet. I prefer crochet because the nature of the crochet stitch strengthens the structure of the bag, but in the end, it’s really all good, as long as we’re cutting back on plastic.
Qualities I look for in a yarn for making string bags:
Why Bother?
Some philosophies believe that we are connected to everyone and everything on this planet. Since there is now garbage in orbit around the planet, I’ll just extend it a little further and say that you’re connected to everything in creation. You are tethered to everything, and this connection is centred in love. You are important, what you say is important, and what you do is especially important. In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz says we should be impeccable with our words, but I think it’s time we learn to be impeccable with our actions (as an aside, the audiobook narrator Peter Coyote is EXCELLENT).
During the early COVID shut-downs I noticed a LOT of plastic bags leaving the store, and it made me kind of queasy, so I started switching over to paper bags and biodegradable shipping bags. But paper isn’t the answer – it decomposes and recycles, but it’s substantially more expensive than plastic, it’s resource-heavy, and its manufacture and distribution generate lots of greenhouse gases. The solution is to not use resources that you don’t need to. We have to make new habits, but when you do, try to do it from a different context, try it from a place of love. Most of us live from a centre of fear, but I’ll be honest, I don’t think it’s working for us. When you approach things from a foundation of fear everything seems to be slow, jerky, resistant, and hard. When you come at it from a paradigm of love, things just seem to flow, they’re easy, and they move naturally. We have a lot of changes ahead of us, so if you can find a way to lean into it gracefully you’ll be leagues ahead of the game.
For more on the subject of living from love …
P.S. (Video Tutorials)
I tried to find you a suitable pattern with a video tutorial on Youtube, but while I was previewing them I started feeling really angry and frustrated, so I passed. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t follow one if you find one you like, it just means that I didn’t find anything that met my standards for referral (a combination of accessible skill level, clear instructions and happy energy).
P.P.S. (COVID Related Supply-Chain Disruptions)
Distribution disruptions due to COVID are still in the works, and I received a note from the distributor last week that the price of Cascade Ultra Pima is going up to $14.97/skein. Our inventory is still at the old price, $11.97/skein, so if you were thinking of picking some up best to do it before we have to raise the price.
Here’s a great one for the people who aren’t afraid of the hook – a gorgeous french market bag crocheted with cotton! I’ s a substantial bag that will hold a lot of whatever you’re carrying. We made our store sample with Cascade Ultra Pima and we used about 320m of yarn. I’d like to try it with a linen, like Quince & Co Sparrow, I love the sturdiness and resilience of linen. If you want an even bigger bag, level up to a 4.5mm or 5mm hook and use Lion Brand Pima Cotton.
Ilene is a great free bag pattern that’s been around a long time. It holds a lot, but if you want it bigger just make the body longer, and you can make the handle longer or shorter to suit your carrying needs.
Yarns
Other Materials
I designed this little bag many, many moons ago and it’s still one of my favourites. My favourite version were the ones I made a few years ago with some Quince & Co Sparrow Linen – they’re sturdy, light, and put away up nicely! This bag also makes a great little gift.
I’ve always liked the Monteagle bag because it’s just really groovy looking and reminds me of macrame. It’s like on larger needles to play up the stringiness of the string bag.
Yarns
Other Materials
Materials
This mesh bag set is the ultimate duo in accessories! A roomy tote for market scores, beach day essentials, or picnic must-haves in addition to a chic bottle bag to ensure you are always hydrated make the perfect pair this season. These quick projects are stylish, quick, and functional – the best combo!
The Cumulus Tee from Petite Knit is a super simple and elegant top that’s great for summer knitting & wearing. It’s worked in stockinette stitch and has a rounded V-neck in the front. The sleeves are elbow length, and all edges are finished in i-cord. The Cumulus Tee is made in one piece from the top-down and requires no finishing work at the end, so chances are you’ll actually finish it THIS summer. It’s worked at a tight enough tension that you won’t need to wear a cami underneath – another summer bonus. Since it’s made from the top, you can make it as long or cropped as you like, and modify the length of the sleeves to suit your taste.
NOTE: technique tutorials for this project are available from the designer’s website HERE
I suggest using Quince & Co Sparrow for this project – a high-quality 100% organic linen from Italy. Sparrow is the nicest linen I’ve ever come across, and since I found it I’ve never been able (or inclined) to back. It knits up beautifully, wears beautifully, and washes beautifully and easily – it’s the base for my summer uniform (Gillespie).
Size
The Cumulus Tee is designed to have approx. 3-9 cm [1¼-3½ inches] of positive ease. Before beginning your project, measure yourself to determine which size will fit you the best.
Materials
This will be the last project with Berroco Summer Sesame, I PROMISE! I just finished a new iteration of our Beach Wrap, this time made with some COLOUR to brighten things up. I was playing around with combining two multi-coloured yarns to see if I could take it to a greater depth, make it even more interesting, and of course knit the project up faster on larger needles. I held two strands of complementary colourways together, and just let them do their thing. You can also try holding two strands of the same colour but starting at different parts of the colourway.
Please see the notes below for a bit of strategy to help keep your colours consistent. When I started I was in a rush and I didn’t pay attention to where the yarn was in the colourway … when it was time to start the second balls of yarn my project evolved from a shawl into an exercise in letting go of expectations/the outcome/control and surrendering to the flow. Can you see in the picture above where things kind of shift? I like to think of it as a shawl of multiple possibilities, different paths and choices. When things just don’t want to go the way you wanted, the best thing you can do is let go and lean into the faith that life is working for your highest good (and maybe find the humility to accept that you may not know what that is).
The Beach Wrap has been a super popular project since its debut, and it makes a great canvas to paint on. It was created with accessibility in mind – I wanted it to be simple to knit, and incredibly wearable. The simple welted texture is random, completely reversible, and creates a classic, timeless look. The pattern is knitted on the bias, increasing in width as you go, so you can make it any size you like and you never have to worry about running out of yarn. We’ve written the pattern with a line-by-line chart, to help you keep track of your rows (a beneficial thing for everyone, but especially helpful for people with learning disabilities, brain fog, mommy brain, COVID brain, messy brain, etc). And the final bonus – it’s a FAST knit on 6.5mm/US10 (think quick gift)!
Notes
Berroco has sent us a Trunk show – a handful of their summer samples to explore, and they are here in store until June 13th! Its a great way to check out different yarns, see how they knit, and explore patterns you might not have considered otherwise.
It takes a loooong time to load a project up to our online store, so I’ve only put the projects that I think are really special. If you want to make one of the others just contact us and we’ll make that happen the older fashioned way.
Sapphire was my favourite new pattern for Spring/Summer this year from Berroco. It’s such a sweet and wearable little top that looks good on all types of bodies. It looks sweet over a summer dress, or you can wear it with pants, a skirt – it goes with everything. The pattern was designed with Berroco Vivo, but thre are lots of yarn options you can go for (see below for options). To make the arms longer pick-up the sleeves and knit down in pattern stitch to your desired length.
Construction
Sapphire is a classic dolman sleeve V-neck cardigan in an all-over textured stitch. Back, Right Front, and Left Front are each worked separately, with increases forming the dolman sleeves. Pieces are sewn together, then sleeve cuffs and button band are picked up and knit.
Size
Note: Since this garment has a dolman sleeve, the bust measurement is very forgiving. Go by the waist measurement when selecting your size.
The Yarn
Berroco Vivo is a bright and cheerful cotton yarn that features a delightful color flow. Tropical colors in a cottony soft fiber make it perfect for summer tops and accessories. Plus, it’s machine washable, making a great choice for summer tops!
Gauge
Kit DOES NOT Include
Yarn Substitutions
Want to make this sweater, but in a different yarn? We recommend the following:
Riveria is one of those simple summer knits you love making AND wearing. It’s made in one piece from the top-down with Berroco Pima Soft, a super-soft cloud cotton. To make longer sleeves just keep knitting down instead of making the ribbing.
Construction
Riveria is a cheerful, simple cotton tee with a lace yoke. It’s worked from the top-down, in the round, to underarms, then divided for body and sleeves. The body is worked in the round to lower edge (the lace yoke pattern is charted).
The Yarn
Berroco Pima Soft is a new, CRAZY SOFT, 2-ply yarn made with 100% pima cotton. It’s slightly textured, making it much more forgiving to knit with than a smooth cotton (which also makes weaving in ends and finishing easier). It’s perfect for anything you want to make, from tees, tanks, sweaters, chemo-hats, babies, blankets, cushions – you name it. It’s a DK weight (21 to 22 sts/4″ on a 3.75mm/US5 to 4mm/US6 needle) so it isn’t too heavy for warm weather or if your internal thermostat runs warm. It’s lovely for crochet and knitting, and is just right for all climates! It’s great for knitting and crochet, and I think it would also make a nice texture in a punch needle project.
Size
Kit DOES NOT Include
Goshen is one of my favroutie samples that came with the trunk-show. It’s a strudly little purse-sized bag you can wear over your shoulder or across your body. The pattern is designed with Berroco Medina, but you can also use Berroco Summer Sesame (3 balls), which might be easier to work with because it has some texture. Additional yarn alternative are included below (should you want to make it a solid colour, or marled, etc). I would 100%, no question make this for myself and/or as a gift.
Construction
Goshen is worked with 2 strands held together throughout. It is worked flat and seamed.
Size
The Yarn
Warm colors ebb and flow in this long-color repeating yarn that is ideal for summer accessories and garments. Berroco Medina blends cotton, acrylic, and viscose in a DK-weight yarn with gorgeous colors.
Gauge
Other Yarn Options
In case you don’t want to wait for a kit (since the pattern is free online), here are some other yarn options that are in stock in store:
Enjoy sampling a few textured stitch patterns in this flattering spring tee. Vincas features a boxy shape and slight drop shoulders.
Size
Materials
Keshi is a luxurious lace shawl that’s *surprise* worked in the round and cut open at the end! The cut stitches are then dropped and knotted to form fringe. Lace pattern is charted. Kit is $83.97 + tax and includes yarn & pattern.
CONTACT US TO SPECIAL ORDER A KIT
Size: Approximately 84″ / 213 cm long x 15½” / 39 cm wide
Materials
CONTACT US TO SPECIAL ORDER A KIT
A casual tee with a diamond lace motif and split hem. Back and Front hems are worked separately, then joined and the body is worked in the round to the underarms. Piece is then divided for back and front which are worked flat. Stitch patterns are charted.
Size
Materials
CONTACT US TO SPECIAL ORDER A KIT
Auden is an all-over lace cardigan. Worked from the bottom up, fronts and back are separated and stitches are cast on for the sleeves. The fit is a relaxed and flattering kind of piece. Stitch pattern is both charted and has written instructions.
Size
Materials
CONTACT US TO SPECIAL ORDER A KIT
Have fun mixing stripes and textures in this simple and polished pullover. The sweater is made in pieces and seamed for a classic fit.
Size
Materials
Grab this shawl for the next time you need a touch of warmth! Worked in garter stitch with a lace edging it’s a simple and satisfying shawl.
Size: Approximately 54″ / 137 cm across top x 14″ / 35.5 cm wide (at widest point)
Materials
The classic tee, updated: knit flat from sleeve to sleeve with a shaped hemline and relaxed fit. Just the kind of modern take on a traditional garment to carry you through the warm days of summer. Try substituting Berroco Summer Sesame for a fun, colourful effect!
CONTACT US TO SPECIAL ORDER A KIT
Size
Materials
The Technicolor Tote Bag is worked from the bottom up in a slipped stitch pattern. The bag is worked in three strands of yarn held together throughout, and the gradual transitions between colors are achieved by continuously changing between the different colors held together (don’t worry, the color changes are thoroughly described in the pattern and the pattern is supported with youtube videos). Work the bag in your favorite colors and either meticulously change colors as the pattern dictates or use the description in the pattern as a guide and inspiration and create your own interpretation of the Technicolor Tote Bag.
This project also makes a GORGEOUS cushion …. see below for a beautiful picture.
STASHBUSTING?
This project is of course ideal for stash-busting, but the designer hasn’t given actual yardage amounts in the pattern, just suggestions for the number of balls required. I explored the finished projects and found a few people who had generously entered their accurate yarn totals, and it looks like you’ll need a total of 700 to 750m (900m on the outside) of DK weight yarn. A few projects say they used about 400g of yarn.
SIZE
COLOUR
How do the colours work? You’ve got a few different shades working together to create a harmonious composition:
C1: A medium colour that attracts the eye (royal blue was used in the original)
C2: A dark colour (dark brown was used in the original)
C3: A light neutral (ecru/light beige was used in the original)
C4: A medium-light neutral (camel was used in the original)
C5: A bright colour that POPS! (bright orange was used in the original)
YARN
Sandnes Garn Double Sunday (total of 11 skeins)
You can also use a summer yarn, like the following….
Cascade Ultra Pima (total of 6 skeins – approx $72)
Lion Brand Pima Cotton (total of 6+ skeins, $48+, this yarn is a worsted to aran weight, you can use larger needles with it.)
Berroco Remix Light (total of 5 skeins, approx $85)
Berroco Pima Soft (total of 11 skeins, approx $121)
Or if you want to take a more affordable route, try a blend of wool & synthetic:
Berroco Vintage Baby (total of 11 skeins, approx $61)
Berroco Vintage DK (total of 6 skeins, approx $63)
Want to go a little out of the box? Try something FUZZY!
Drops Air (a total of 7+ balls, this yarn is a worsted to aran weight, you can use larger needles with it)
OTHER MATERIALS
This project is a great opportunity to explore interchangeable needles!
ADAPTATIONS
I absolutely LURV Anmarkar’s Technicolor cushions!!!! What a brilliant and simple statement piece …. any sofa or chair would be lucky to be home to something like this.
Looking for a larger bag? Look no further than the Petite Knit Technicolor Shopper! (I think this post is already long enough, just click on the picture or the link above to find all the details for the project.)
This iteration of Sapphire was whipped up by Åsa Buchta, the garment designer. It was originally envisioned in Berroco’s new multicoloured summer yarn, Vivo, but a great design should be able to grow beyond its yarn. Åsa made a version of this wardrobe staple for herself using one of our summer staples, the very wearable and very affordable Berroco Remix Light (see below for more info on the yarn) – you can read more about her version on Berroco’s Blog. I think her sweater looks amazing over a summer dress, and I love that it looks great on bodies of all shapes and sizes (the pattern is VERY size-inclusive and goes up to a 76.5″ waist). For more yarn recommendations see below; the options aren’t endless, but they are definitely abundant!
FYI a real-world, physical sample of the original version of Sapphire will be visiting the store next week with Berroco’s Spring/Summer Trunk Show!
SPECIAL ORDER A KIT FOR THIS PATTERN IN THE ORIGINAL YARN
PATTERN
Sapphire is a classic dolman sleeve V-neck cardigan in an all-over textured stitch. The back, right front, and left front are each worked separately, with increases forming the dolman sleeves. The pieces are sewn together, then the sleeve cuffs and button band are picked up and knit. See Details on Ravelry
THE YARN
Berroco Remix Light is a multi-seasonal yarn that’s so comfortable you’ll find the garments made with it become some of your favourites (you know, the one you wear over and over and over again, until you get tired of the colour so you make another in a new colour … etc). It’s super soft, light, breathable, machine washable, and it’s made in France from an eco-friendly blend of 100% recycled fibres.
It’s great for people who are allergic to wool, and light enough for perfect for people whose bodies run warm and wearing a knit is more about dressing and less about warmth. Its popularity also stems from its INCREDIBLE yardage – it’s a DK weight yarn that comes in a 100g/400m skein (for those of you who don’t live in a yarn store, that’s like a bonus 150m to 200m). Remix Light is great for sweaters, tanks, tees, blankets, socks, scarves, shawls, bags, etc. It’s great for everyone: babies, kids, adults. It also works beautifully for colourwork, especially stranded/fair isle.
SEE OUR FAVROURITE PROJECTS WITH BERROCO REMIX LIGHT
SIZE
Note: Since this garment has a dolman sleeve, the bust measurement is very forgiving. Go by the waist measurement when selecting your size.
GAUGE
MATERIALS
YARN SUBSTITUTIONS
Want to make this sweater, but in a different yarn? We recommend the following:
Coloree is a fantastic blend of bold color blocks and sweet little details. Knit with fingering weight Quince & Co Sparrow, knitters of all levels will enjoy the luxurious drape and softness of this summer-ready tank. We envision a multitude of color combinations for Coloree—from bold and energetic to soft and soothing, and everything in between!
Tank is worked in one piece, flat, from top-down. Yoke is shaped with side increases. Lower body is worked flat and buttons down the left side. I-cord edges worked at the armholes and neckline create delicate finishing. Shoulders are cast on using a provisional cast on and then front and back necklines are shaped by increasing sts with the cable cast on.
Invisible provisional cast on, knitted on cast on, i-cord, intarsia techniques (links provided); increasing, decreasing.
23 sts and 32 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in St st with larger needles, after blocking.
Fresia is a classic summer staple that’s sure to fly off your needles! Fresia’s understated silhouette gives way to intricate side panels, for the perfect everyday tank you’ll be reaching for to layer with outfits. Knit in handkerchief-soft Quince & Co Sparrow, we can’t wait to see which color you choose for your Fresia!
The hem of the tank is worked flat in two pieces from the bottom up and then joined to work the body in the round to the armholes. The body is then split and the front and back are worked flat, shaping the armholes and the neck, and then the shoulders are seamed using kitchener stitch.
German twisted cast on, knitted and cable cast on, wrap-and-turn short rows, picking up sts, Kitchener stitch, sewn bind off (links provided); increasing, decreasing, working in the round. Charts and line-by-line instructions included.
27 sts and 37 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch knit flat, after blocking.
Delicate and flowing, this camisole balances meditative stockinette with compelling stitchwork. Knit in Quince & Co Kestrel , we love how this design leans into this linen yarn’s best qualities: its incredible drape, soothing sheen, and unique texture. Looking for a pattern that knits up quickly and is perfect for layering? Kama has you covered!
Quince & Co Kestrel is a new take on a simple linen yarn. Quince and Co. took the same Belgium-grown organic linen that they use in their little Sparrow and spun it this time in a ribbon structure (actually its a ‘chainette’ – a small knitted tube). Its flat surface adds a slight texture to simple knit and purl stitches. But we think the best thing about it is its incredible drape. Like all things linen, woven or knitted, Kestrel only gets better as you wash and wear it.
This camisole is worked in one piece from the bottom-up. Body is shaped first by changing needle sizes, then with side decreases. I-cord edges worked at the armholes and neckline create delicate straps.
German twisted cast on, i-cord, kitchener stitch (links provided); increasing, decreasing, working in the round. Charts and line-by-line instructions included.
16 sts and 26 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch with needles sized for main body, after blocking.
I don’t know why the formatting on this post went crazy … sometimes technology just doesn’t read our minds and things go sideways. I guess the way we choose to deal with the belly-flops is as important (if not more) than our successes? Anyway, that’s the story I’m telling myself today! So here is a re-run of our Playful Wrap, hopefully, the pictures will play nice this time. Have a great long weekend!
Playful is a great little project for travel or any other time when you want something portable and simple on your needles. It’s a little scarfy-shawly thing that works up quickly, making it very giftable and equally wearable. We used two contrasting colours of Berroco Summer Sesame (5238 Orchid, 5250 Sand) and took advantage of its natural self-striping abilities. The yarn’s texture also adds a little depth to the garter stitch, giving it a quasi-earthy richness (I love garter worked with textured yarns, they look so artisanal).
The Pattern is a freebie, and the project only requires one set of needles and two balls of yarn, so overall I think this project is an accessible little spring/summer treat.
Size
Materials
Combining Colours
The striping works best when your yarns have a decent amount of contrast. In our case, the purple yarn is a reasonable amount darker than the beige. Any of the colours available in BERROCO SUMMER SESAME will work well with 5250 Sand as a contrast – you can’t go wrong with a neutral!
If you use two colours that are too close in value (the amount of lightness or darkness) or colour then you won’t see your stripes. For example, 5249 Alloy (black), 5242 Ocean (dark blue), and 5238 Orchid are all very dark, and you won’t see much contrast if you combine any of them.
Neutral colours, like natural, beige, grey, and black are often ideal contrast colours. Dark blues like Navy can also make a very clever contrast colour.
Your reward for making it to the end… gratuitous bird photos! Never one to miss his 15 minutes of fame, Gru hopped up on the mannequin towards the end of the photography and made cute faces.
Friday May 20: 12 to 6 pm
Saturday May 21: 12 to 6pm
Sunday May 22: CLOSED
Monday May 23: CLOSED
Normally I post a little pattern for you, but I feel like a national celebration of the birthday of a long-dead Monarch (Queen Victoria) deserves something a little more …. today I share the digitized collection of Victorian Knitting Manuals, gratis the Univerity of Southampton’s Knitting Reference Library & JStor. There are 67 books in the collection, so it should keep you busy.
I like the Silkworm Series: Myra’s Knitting Lessons no.1, it has lots of stitch patterns you can swatch & experiment with. You can also find free old-timey (and more recent) knitting books on the Internet Archive. The Art of Knitting from 1892 (brought to you by the Smithsonian), has a bunch of patterns worth exploring.
It just goes to show, you can take the girl out of the library and put her in a store full of yarn, but apparently, you can’t take the library out of the girl!
Knit-o-Matic Yarns 