Monthly Archives: November 2012

Headband Heaven
















Parisian Twist Headband












Really Big Cowls


A knitterly friend was recently in Paris and said that while waiting in line at an art show she noticed that all the women were swaddled in huge, double wrapped cowls. 



Fluted Cowl




I love the texture on this cowl, it’s so simple yet so effective. I just made it for the store, check out oout front window! I used 15mm-32″ circular needles (but it’s big, you can go longer) and 2 skeins of Cascade Magnum (I used every inch, see my notes on Ravelry). 



I love this pattern, it is simple enough for beginners, and stylish enough for Martha Stewart. You only need to knit with 1 strand using this yarn, so ignore the pattern’s directions to triple it. 



This pattern calls for a 9mm needles, but I think it would be nice knit a bit looser on a 10mm needle, with a natural fibre that creates a bit of a halo. 



This pattern is not a true mobius, but it’s easy and a good pattern for beginners. 



It’s hard to see in the picture, but this cowl is knit on the diagonal. I think it would look super cool using a self striping yarn, like a Noro.


Free Pattern: Quick Socks

Quick Socks
Pattern by Haley Waxberg

Notes
This is a quick, bulky weight sock that works up fast. I used a basic short row toe and heel, which I learned years ago from Wendy’s Generic Toe Up Sock pattern. To make a child size cast on 12 sts and make 2 less W&T rows, to make a men’s size cast on 16 sts and make 2 more W&T rows.  This pattern is written with the expectation your you are already familiar with working short-rows (W&T), Otherwise links to good tutorials are offered below in Techniques. we also offer classes in store at Knit-O-Matic.

Size
Women

Materials
100m/109yds Bulky Yarn, ie. 1 skein of Dream in Color Groovy (we used collour Punky Fuchsia), Sweet Georgia Yarns Superwash Chunky, or Berroco Vintage Chunky (with 5.5mm needles)
6mm/US10 double pointed needles
scrap yarn
5mm/H crochet hook (for provisional cast on)
2 locking stitch markers

Gauge
3.5 sts & 5 rows = 1″ in stocking stitch knitting in the round

Techniques
Provisional Cast On – Chained Cast On
This is the easiest provisional cast-on I’ve ever come across, it goes on fast and pops out like a zipper!  Be sure to leave the tail longer on the end you finish with so you know which end to start unraveling.  www.stitchdiva.com/tutorials/knitting/provisional-cast-on

Short Rows
I really like this particular tutorial because it shows you how to make the stitches pretty:
www.cosmicpluto.com/blog/as-promised-a-short-row-heel-tutorial/
Otherwise, check out this article about the fundamentals of Short Rows on Knitty:
www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer03/FEATbonnetric.html

Abbreviations
K         Knit
P         Purl
PM      Place marker on right needle
R         Row or Round
Rem    Remains
Sl        Slip stitch from Left to Right needle purlwise
SLM Slip Marker
St/s Stitch/esW&T   Wrap and turn (see Short Rows in Techniques)

Directions
Toe
With scrap yarn and crochet hook provisionally cast on (see techniques above) 14 sts.
R1: Purl.
R2: Sl1, K until 1 st rem, W&T.
R3: P until 1 st rem, W&T.
R4: K until 2 sts rem, W&T.
R5: P until 2 sts rem, W&T.
R6: K until 3 sts rem, W&T.
R7: P until 3 sts rem, W&T.
R8: K until 4 sts rem, W&T.
R9: P until 4 sts rem, W&T.
R10: K until 4sts rem, pick up wrap & knit it with the stitch (see techniques above), W&T.
R11: P until 4 sts rem, pick up wrap & purl it with the stitch (see techniques above), W&T.
R12: K until 3 sts rem, pick up wraps & knit them with the stitch, W&T.
R13: P until 3 sts rem, pick up wraps & purl them with the stitch, W&T.
R14: K until 2 sts rem, pick up wraps & knit them with the stitch, W&T.
R15: P until 2 sts rem, pick up wraps & purl them with the stitch, W&T.
R16: K until 1 sts rem, pick up wraps & knit them with the stitch, turn, slip 1 st stitch.
R17: P until 1sts rem, pick up wraps & purl them with the stitch, turn.

Next Round: Sl1, K to end of row. (If you are going to have a gap or hole where the 2 sides meet, pick up 1 stitch and decrease it out on the next round). One stitch at a time, remove the scrap yarn and pick up the provisional stitches. Knit these stitches. (Again, if you are going to have a gap or hole pick up 1 stitch and decrease it out on the next round). (28 sts)

Foot
Knit in the round until piece measures 6” from toe (You can make them longer, but the superwash yarn seems to have a lot of stretch and may still fit longer feet).

Heel
Slip 14 sts onto one needle, and 14 on another. You will be working on the second set of sts.
Repeat rows 2 to 17.

Instep
Redistribute sts on 4 needles
R1: Sl1, knit to end of needle, PM, pick up & knit 2 sts in gap, K sts that were on hold, PM, pick up & knit 2 sts in gap, knit 7 sts. Place marker, this is now the beginning of the round.
R2, 4: knit.
R3, 5: K to 1st marker,  SLM, k2tog, k to next marker, SLM, ssk, k to end. At end of R5, Leave 1 marker in the last st.

Leg
Knit until piece measures 5” from stitch marker.
Next 2 rounds: *K1, P1; rep from * to end of round.
Cast off loosely in k1p1 rib.
Weave in ends.

© 2012 Haley Waxberg and Knit-o-Matic, all rights reserved. No pattern or other material may be reproduced or distributed – mechanically, electronically, or by other means, including photocopying – without written permission of Knit-O-Matic. Pattern is for personal use only and not to be used to create items for commercial sale. 


Quick Two Skein Holiday Gifts





Thorpe
You can’t beat a classic hat with clean, sporty styling. 






Comfy Socks
House socks made with a bulky yarn are a very fast gift.








Parade of Pompoms


I’m making a prediction, I think the Pompom Toque is the new slouchy hat. Especially with cables! 

You may ask, how do you make those luscious, fluffy confections? Why with a Clover Pompom maker! See the end of this post for details. 





I Heart Cables




Wouldn’t this hat look awesome wearing your hair in braids?!  If you really want to rock it, make it in one of the Neon colours of Manos del Uruguay Maxima Semi-solids. 









I know few of you will agree, but I really want to see this hat in a base of Neon Pink Manos del Uruguay Maxima and flecks of light grey (also Manos). 



Hay Fever Hat




I made this hat for the store a year or so ago, and it definitely qualifies as a quick gift! The hat fits large, so petite cranuims should start decreases after the second section of ribs. I love the 4 colour version by White Elephant!









Clover Easy Pompom Makers
And how will you be crafting these luscious, perfect pompoms?  Why with a set of  Medium & Large size Clover Pompom makers ($9.97). The ingenious Clover tool design produces perfect pompoms every time. Quick and easy, too!  Watch a video HERE to see how easy it is to use the Clover Pom-pom maker. 




Quick One Skein Holiday Gifts



It’s time for gift knitting! This year feels like getting down to basics, simple, fast little knits that friends and family treasure because you made them. 




















New Eucalan Wrapture!



If you aren’t already acquainted with Eucalan, it is an excellent, high quality, no-rinse delicate wash, perfect for sweaters, lingerie, and everything worn between the two. Eucalan recently added a new scent to their stellar line-up, Wraptureby designer Kristin Omdahl, which is infused with the beneficial essential oil of Night Bloom Jasmine.

Jasmine oil is a natural antiseptic making it perfectly suited for your most delicate fibres. Like all Eucalan scents, Wrapture contains a touch of lanolin to naturally condition fibres and keep static to a minimum.

Wrap your delicates in the romantic and intoxicating scent of Jasmine.
  • Small 100ml size (perfect for travelling and gifts): $4.97
  • Large 500ml size: $12.97

We also carry all the other Scents from Eucalan (unscented, eucalypus, lavender & grapefruit) in both the 100ml and 500ml sizes (prices same as above), and we also offer refills ($9.97/500ml). If you like, we can also special order for you a 4L jug ($69.97, not yet available in Wrapture) and a pump for it ($7.97). 




New Sweet Georgia Yarns!


Sweet Georgia Yarns has just arrived from Vangroovy!  We’re starting out with their Superwash Chunky and Superwash Sock – sometimes you want to knit fast, and sometimes you want to knit slow. Both are soft and possess the luminous colour Sweet Georgia is known for.



Sweet Georgia Yarns Superwash Sock  $23.97
Sweet Georgia Superwash Sock is a soft yarn with luminous colour and a delicate sheen. It is perfect for making shawls & wraps, as is especially delectable for patterns that use a few colours, like Stephen West (ie. Daybreak, Chadwick, or Barndom).

  • 100% superwash merino wool
  • 115g/400yds
  • 2.25mm needles
  • 7 to 8 sts = 1″
  • Hand dyed in Canada
  • Machine wash gentle, dry flat

Sweet Georgia Yarns Superwash Chunky  $19.97
Sweet Georgia Superwash Chunky is soft, lofty, and macine washable!  One skein is enough to make a hat or pair of mitts, 2 to 3 skeins makes a Gaptastic Cowl, 4 are enough for  a quick baby blanket.

  • 100% superwash merino wool
  • 110g/120yds
  • 5.5 to 8mm needles
  • 3 to 3.5 sts = 1″
  • Hand dyed in Canada
  • Machine wash gentle, dry flat




Keep the Kids Busy!


Boye Assorted Loom Set $22.97
Series includes: 1 flower 12-peg loom, 1 large orange 36-peg round loom, 1 green 24-peg round loom,1 blue 26-peg long loom, 1 hook,1 needle, instructions.


  

Boye Long Loom Set  $22.97
This Boye Long Loom Set makes bags, baby blankets, scarves and more. Three easy ways to knit: flat, double and circular. Set includes 7 pieces:  4 looms, 1 hook, 1 needle and easy to follow instructions. Pegs are removable, or can be glued in place to make them permanent.  




Extra Loom Hook $1.97
It’s always good to have an extra around – hooks get lost, sat on, and you’ll need one if you’ve got more than one kid. This hook is designed for use with Boye knitting looms.  




Needle Felting Starter Kit $19.97
Everything needed to start needle felting. Kit comes with project instructions, 2 Blue Point Felting Needles, a reusable 6″X6″ foam pad and enough dyed wool to complete a project.  We also sell small packets of wool roving in an assortment of colours for $2.50 to $2.97 each. 




FELTastic Fun Needle Felting DIY Kit $15.97
Perfect as an ornament, bag charm, key charm, fashion accessory, door knob decor, baby mobile, rear-view mirror car charm & table centrepiece. Kit includes: felting needle, elastic cord, and wool roving in all colours necessary. All you need is a felting mat/dense sponge to work on and you’re set! Suggested for ages 8 and up. 



Clover Easy Pompom Makers
Using the Clover Pom Pom Maker and yarns, ribbons or fibers you can create a wide variety of decorative pompoms to embellish wearables, home decor items and accessories of all kinds. The ingenious Clover tool design produces perfect pompoms every time. Quick and easy, too!  Watch a video HERE to see how easy it is to use the Clover Pom-pom maker.

  • Extra Small, set of 2, 3/4″ + 1″: $7.97
  • Small, set of 2, 1 3/8″ + 1 5/8″: $8.97
  • Medium/Large, set of 2, 2-1/2″ + 3-3/8″: $9.97
  • Extra Large, 4 1/2″: $13.97




Lionbrand Bonbons $8.97
Set contains 8 mini-skeins, each a different colour. Great for pom-poms, friendship bracelets, trims, accessories, and all crafts. 



Alex Loop ‘N Loom Kit $24.97

Loom weaving is a great activity for kids who are too little or have not yet developed the dexterity to knit. Use a rainbow of colours to create bold designs that can be made into purses, headbands, belts, bracelets, pillows, pot-holders and more! Includes enough loops to make many projects. Ages 5 & up.  Bag of extra loops available for  $12.97. 


Alex Cool Spool Knitting Kit $14.97
Spool knitting is also a great predecessor to knitting which keeps kids busy and also helps them develop fine motor skills. Make bracelets, pins and other fabulous hair and fashion accessories with yarn. Kit includes yarn in 5 colors, a wooden French knitting tool, wooden buttons, and pony beads. For ages 5 and up.  



Bernat Softee Chunky  $3.97

Bernat Softee Chunky is an affordable yarn that is great for kids to knit with, cork, make pompoms, and use for just about any craft (except felting – it will not felt). Bulky weight, 8mm needles, 100% acrylic, machine wash and dry, 100g/100m. Made in Canada. Available in solid and multi-colours. 



Lionbrand Knitting Needles for Kids

These needles have been designed (with happy faces) and coloured (each needle is a different colour) to facilitate learning and use by children age 6 and up.  They are easy to handle, and just the right size for little hands. 
  • 10mm-10″:  $7.47
  • 6mm-7″:      $5.97



Lionbrand Jiffy Thick & Quick  $9.97
Brightly coloured, thick and easy to knit with, this yarn is a favourite for kids. We like to pair it with a set of 10mm Lionbrand Knitting Needles for Kids (see above). 100% acrylic, machine wash and dry, 140g/84 yards. 




Clover Wonder Knitter Spool Knitting Loom $11.97

A first class knitting knobby/french knitter. Top head spins separately so there is no need to turn the tool in your hand…just rotate with thumb as stitches are completed. Unique tool has a curved tip to help grab and loop yarns efficiently. Tool self-stores on shaft. Wonder knitter includes two heads: a three knob and a six knob. Have fun experimenting with a variety of yarns, fibers and wires for jewelry, crafts, trim and more.  


Clover French Knitter Bead Jewelery Maker $16.97

Make dazzling jewelry with beads and jewels by using nylon, yarns, and embroidery threads. It is fun and easy to use. It comes with three interchangeable heads for maximum style and options.  



Lion Brand Knitting Spool/French Knitter  $9.97
This charming lacquered wood spool knitter is a delightful and entertaining craft tool for children.  




Little Gifts for Knitters & Stocking Stuffers



Lantern Moon Crochet Sock Monkey Measuring Tape  $11.97
Toooo cute! This 60″ tape measure is covered in a hand crocheted sock-monkey style cover. Metric and English measurements on opposite sides, roughly 2 1/4″ in diameter. Lantern Moon uses naturally sourced materilas and provides continuity of training and employment for women and families.

Lantern Moon Crochet Star Stitch Markers  $11.97
Hand crocheted stars to mark your stitch. Set of six different colors. 5/16″ (8mm) inner ring diameter. Suitable for needles up to US Size 10 7/8 (7.5mm). Lantern Moon uses naturally sourced materilas and provides continuity of training and employment for women and families.



Metro Zoo Tape Measures $3.97 each
An adorable 40″ retractable tape measure that comes
in four different styles: cat, dog, bear and pig. 




Boye Garment Labels $4.97
Add your name to these cute labels and personalize 
your handcrafted items with style.