Monthly Archives: December 2021

Holiday Freebies & Discounts

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FREE Travertine Scarf

This pretty scarf from Kelbourne Woolens should keep your hands busy, your mind calm and your body cozy! Knitting cables is actually really easy, substantially easier than it appears, so if you’ve been putting it off don’t be afraid to dive in.

We’ve listed a whole bunch of yarns that would work beautifully, all are soft and many are ON SALE to JAN 2. My favourite would be light, airy, and super soft Illimani Amelie. Malabrigo Mecha is a great option if you want a yarn with a depth of colour or multicolours. Estelle Colour Flow knits up in stripes, Fibre Co Tundra will make a classic, luxurious scarf. If you like brown Diamond Luxury Baby Alpaca Sport is a steal at only $12/skein. And if you just want a straight-up, basic yarn you can always rely on Berroco Vintage Chunky for a durable, machine washable knit.

Size

10” (25.5 cm) width, 66” (167.5 cm) length, after blocking.

Skills

Working cables from charts

Yarn Options

This pattern requires a bulky weight yarn, something that would normally knit on a 6mm/US10 needle. We recommend the following options:

Other Materials

Fibre Co Patterns 50% Off to January 9th

This year The Fibre Co is treating knitters to 50% off all of their patterns to January 9th, 2022 with the coupon code ‘NEWYEAR50‘ 

SHOP ALL PATTERNS

Fibre Co Yarns on Sale to Jan 2

Fibre Co Patterns For ….

Rathbone

This v-neck sweater has a flattering a-line shape and subtle texture on the sleeves. It is worked from the bottom up in pieces and seamed. 

Size

  • 1 [2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9]
  • To fit a chest circumference of: 76-81 [86-91: 97-102: 107-112: 117-122: 127-132: 137-142: 147-152: 157-162] cm OR (30-32 [34-36: 38-40: 42-44: 46-48: 50-52: 54-56: 58-60: 62-64] in)
  • Garment’s chest circumference (at underarm): 80 [90: 100: 110: 120: 130: 140: 150: 160] cm OR (32 [36: 40: 44: 48: 52: 56: 60: 64] in)

Materials

  • Fibre Co Acadia: 9 [9: 12: 12: 12: 14: 14: 16: 16] hanks. SALE $15.98 (from $19.97)
  • 4mm/US6 needles (circular or straight)
  • 3.25mm/US3 needles (circular or straight)
  • Pattern (use code code ‘NEWYEAR50‘ to Jan 9, 2022)

Moen

Moen can be worked as a close fitting neck warmer or a longer infinity cowl, and both sizes are perfect for cold and wintry weather. With a soft chunky yarn, this seemingly intricate cowl knits up quickly at either size – perfect for last minute gifts.

Size

  • small (large)
  • approximately 22 (49.5)“/56 (125.5) cm in circumference and 10”/25.5 cm high

Materials

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 threecoloured 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.

Size

178 cm (70 in) diameter across top edge and 71 cm (28 in) neck to bottom edge

Materials

  • Fibre Co Road to China Light: 1 skein colour A (light blue), 2 skeins colour B (medium blue), 1 skein colour C (mauve). SALE $21.58 (from $26.97)
  • 4.5mm/US7 – 32″ (or longer) circular needles
  • Pattern (use code code ‘NEWYEAR50‘ to Jan 9, 2022)

HOLIDAY HOURS

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It was so busy and crazy this week that I completely forgot to post our holiday store hours and wish you a happy holiday!

BOXING WEEK SALE ON NOW!

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From Friday Dec 24 (8pm) to January 2 (11:59pm) take 20% OFF a whack of yummy yarns (some already on sale), accessories, needle sets, kits, bags, notions and more! Sale is online and in-store. Discount is automatically applied at check-out, and can not be combined with any other offers or discount codes. All exchanges during the sale will be honored at the current sale price (not the original purchase price).

SHOP SALE NOW

Yarns

Clearance Yarns

Knitting Kits

Needle & Hook Sets

Other Crafts

Notions

Accessories

Curbside Pick-up, shipping & same-day/next-day delivery available!

SHOP SALE NOW

NEW WORKSHOP Knitsana Mindfulness

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This course is very dear to my heart, it’s a collaboration between myself and a friend, Michelle Bloom. Michelle and I both have an interest in knitting and mindfulness, and it’s finally the right time for us to join forces and try something a little different. I own a knitting store, but meditation, mindfulness, and generally finding different roads to connection are what I do for fun. Michelle is a Registered Social Worker with a love for knitting and a passion for healing. Michelle will be running the show, and I’ll be there, hosting and learning along with the group.

Personally, I can’t think of a better thing you can do for yourself right now. The new year is the perfect time to learn something new, and with another wave of COVID upon us, learning new skills to help manage stress and the fear of uncertainty seems like a no-brainer. If you are interested please don’t wait to register, as space is limited.

Cheers,

Haley

KNITSANA Mindfulness Group Workshop

Mindfulness is the basic ability to be fully present and aware. The practice can help us  when we feel overwhelmed, and help us manage how we react to stress. Luckily, mindfulness is a quality that every person already possesses, you don’t need to conjure it up, you just have to learn how to access it and practice using it. In this workshop, we will use knitting as an entry into the practice of mindfulness, with the intention to help you learn how to both improve and maintain your well-being. The craft of knitting with its repetitive and rhythmic motions is well known for its calming and healing properties. Mindfulness practice has been used for years to help people focus themselves in the present moment. Together, we hope to provide you with the needed tools to decrease stress and support your daily well-being. 

The only prerequisite is that you already know how to cast on, knit and purl. You do not need any prior experience with mindfulness or meditation, you just need to show up and be present. 

Space is limited, so please don’t wait to register.

Who: This group is facilitated by Michelle Bloom, a registered Social Worker who has a love for knitting and a passion for healing.  Haley Waxberg, owner of Knit-O-Matic will be co-hosting. 

When: Every Sunday morning for one hour from 10:30 am  to 11:30 am for SIX WEEKS starting January 16th, 2022:  (Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20)

Where: This is an online workshop and will be held over a secure channel. 

Skills Required: You must already know how to cast on, knit and purl. For knitting tutorials please see our Knitting Skills Page.

Cost: The cost of the group is $200.00 (yarn is included, see below for details) for all six sessions. Payment and registration will NOT be going through us at the store – because Michelle is a Registered Social Worker it is more cost-effective to offer this workshop directly through her.

Registration: Register by e-mailing Michelle. Payment will be made directly to Michelle Bloom (by ETF), who will issue an official receipt. 

Materials: We will all be using the same, specially selected yarn for our mindful journey – 2 skeins of the very delicious Artfil Sweater are included in the cost of registration (you save approx. 35% off the cost of the yarn, you choose your preferred colour). 4.5mm/US7 or 5mm/US8 knitting needles are not included, but if you do not already have some you can get them at Knit-O-Matic (if you are a new knitter we recommend 10” straight bamboo or birch needles. If you are a crocheter that is also fine, you will need a 4.5mm or 5mm crochet hook.)

Insurance Benefits: Because this group is considered to be ‘therapeutic’, any participant residing in Ontario that has insurance coverage for social work can apply for benefits. You may otherwise be able to write off the cost of this group on your taxes (talk to your accountant to see). 

REGISTER HERE

LAST MINUTE GIFT Brisk Day Cowl

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Brisk Day

We made the Brisk Day cowl a little while ago, but I didn’t want to formally introduce you until the yarns were restocked (I felt like it would be cruel, and the stock was very low, we had been waiting a LONG time). My friend Jo brought this one to my attention and I’m really grateful she did, it’s such a clever little accessory! It keeps you warm at the neck, but you can pull it up over your head when the wind kicks up and it won’t mess up your hair. The neck is split to give you more coverage where your coat closes. We made the smaller size, but I have a small head and feel that if you really want decent head coverage go for the larger size.

Our sample is made with Drops Wish (colour 12), which is light, airy, and thick so it knits up fast! You can also use Drops Air, holding two strands together. Wish is a new yarn this year and comes in a muted palette, whereas Drops Air has been around for a little while and offers a broader colour selection and many brighter, more saturated hues. Either way, the pattern knits up quickly on 8mm/US11 needles.

What are your go-to last-minute knits? Are you a knit-ahead person or are you like me and find yourself weaving in the ends on the 24th?

Yarn Options

You can use either of the following yarns:

Other Materials

Bird beauty shot

By the way, Gru say Hi!

RESTOCK Drops!

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Our fall Drops stock has FINALLY dropped! An unfortunate victim of COVID supply chain fatigue, our order was expected in August, then October, but got stuck in all kinds of international shipping snafus. Regardless, it’s here now and we are GRATEFUL for the bounty! There are bunch new colours in Drops Air and Drops Kid-Silk (including those marvellously neutral blush pinks and beiges). We also received some much sought after and back-ordered CHRISTMAS COLOURS in Drops Nepal.

Drops Air

New Fall 2021 Colours

Drops Air is a deliciously soft and airy yarn. It knits up beautifully into hats, scarves, cowls, sweaters, blankets, toys – you name it! It is a ‘blown’ yarn, which means it has a core (polyamide) that is a knitting tube, and then the fibre is literally blown into it, creating a light, fluffy, fuzzy haze of alpaca floating around it. It knits up easily, and you can even knit with 2 strands held together to bulk it up to a bulky weight (try a 6.5mm/US10.5). the yardage is also generous, coming in at 150m for a 50g ball. One of the extra bonuses with this yarn is that it’s been used a zillion times on Ravelry, so there’s lots of pattern inspiration out there and you know that its not going to let you down.

SEE OUR FAVOURITE PROJECT IDEAS

  • 70% alpaca, 5% wool, 23% polymide (core strand)
  • 50g/150m (164 yds)
  • Heavy Worsted to Aran weight
  • 5mm/US8 needles or hook 
  • 17 sts & 22 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Hand wash, lay flat to dry
  • Made in Peru
  • See Project Ideas on Ravelry

The wrap above is Hamburg Calling, a free pattern from Verena Bahls. Use 6 skeins of Drops Air (if you have a hard time finding the PDF on the website it is HERE).

Drops Kid-Silk

New Fall 2021 Colours

Drops Kid-Silk is a luxurious, feather-light brushed mix of super kid mohair and mulberry silk. It gives garments a sophisticated look, whether used alone or held together with other yarns (see projects by PetiteKnit). 

  • 75% Mohair, 25% Silk
  • 25g/210 m (230yds)
  • Lace Weight
  • 3.5mm/US 4 needles
  • 23 sts & 30 rows = 4″/10cm
  • Hand Wash, max 30°C, lay flat to dry
  • Made in the EU
  • See Project ideas on Ravelry

The sweater pattern above is the No Frills Sweater by PetiteKnit. It knits up with 1 strand of Drops Kid-Silk and one of a fingering weight yarn – like Cascade Heritage.

Drops Nepal

New Colours

Drops Nepal is a great staple yarn made with superfine alpaca and Peruvian highland wool. Both fibers are untreated, which means that they are only washed and not exposed to any chemical treatment prior to the dyeing. This highlights the fibers’ natural properties, making it a lofty, bouncy yarn that’s great for garments. It’s hand-washable and felts beautifully. Drops Nepal is great for sweaters, hats, scarves, mitts, blankets – you name it. It also comes in 50g balls, making it an amazing choice for fair-isle projects. 

The sweaters above are different iterations of Riddari, a pattern from Istex Lopi that works up beautifully in Drops Nepal. (If can’t tolerate the itch but love the look of Icelandic knits try substituting Drops Air – it won’t be as dense or itchy as a proper wool sweater, but on the upside, it’ll be light as air and soft as a baby’s butt.)

Drops Wish

Restocked

Drops Wish is a dreamy, super bulky weight, blown yarn made from baby alpaca blown into a core of merino wool and pima cotton. Wish is cosy, light, airy, soft, fluffy and absolutely itch-free. Wish is a great choice for sweaters, accessories (hats, wraps, scarves, cowls, shawls, etc), blankets – you name it. To make for a REALLY thick knit, you can hold 2 strands of this yarn together and use 15mm/US19 needles. 

The sweater pattern above is Harvest Queen, a free pattern from Drops that works up beautifully in either Drops Wish or Drops Air (holding 2 strands together). We made one and it worked up beautifully (blog post forthcoming).

SEE OUR FAVOURITE PROJECT IDEAS

Drops Melody

Restocked

Drops Melody is a super soft, super delicious alternative to Mohair it looks like mohair, but it has NONE of the itch! It’s super soft, light and airy. Drops Melody is a great choice for oversize garments and accessories, although it would also make a stunning and very cozy blanket. It knits up quickly on big needles without the piece becoming heavy and it can be held together with another yarn to create a fuzzy effect, or to give garments extra volume and softness.

The sweater pattern above is Caja, a free pattern from Ravelry. It knits up with 1 strand of Melody and one of a fingering weight yarn – like Cascade Heritage.

Drops Brushed Alpaca and Silk

Restocked

Drops Brushed Alpaca and Silk is a luxurious alpaca and silk yarn that looks like beautiful (but itchy) kid mohair but feels like super soft alpaca.  It’s light and fluffy, with plenty of halo. You can work with it as a single strand or hold two or three strands together to bulk it up for larger needles. It is very affordably priced and makes a great substitute for other kid mohair yarns. 

The sweater above is Sunday Sweater, a pattern from PetiteKnit (Photo StyledBySabine). It knits up with 1 strand of Drops Brushed Alpaca Silk and one of Drops Air.

Drops Andes

Restocked

Drops Andes is a soft, chunky blend of superfine alpaca and Peruvian Highland wool. The mixture brings out the alpaca silky surface, while the wool gives the yarn better shape and stability. It’s super easy to work with and works up quickly on large needles. It’s also great for felting and is ideal for felted slippers, mitts and bags. Andes is also ideal for beginner knitters, two balls are all you need to make a scarf!

The yarn fibres are untreated, which means that it is only washed and not exposed to any chemical treatment prior to dying. This highlights the fibre’s natural properties, while it also provides a better shape and texture quality.

  • 65% Wool, 35% Alpaca
  • Super Bulky (14 ply)
  • 100g/90m (98yds)
  • 9mm/US13 needles
  • 10 sts & 14 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Hand Wash, cold max 30°C / 86F. Dry Flat
  • Feltable
  • Made in Peru
  • Free Patterns

The wrap above Decemberist by Melanie Berg (you can find the whole gaggle of them HERE). It knits up with 3 skeins of Drops Andes (or 4 skeins of Drops Wish).

PRE-ORDER Laine 13 Winter 2021

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https://knitomatic.com/products/laine

Laine 13: Usnea (Winter 2021/2022)

In issue 13, Laine showcases gender-neutral designs that work as the foundation for any wardrobe. The 11 designs featured in the winter collection are classic and long-lasting; ones that could be borrowed from your spouse’s, friend’s or parent’s closet.

Pattern previews will go live on the Laine website and on Ravelry on December 3.

Magazine is available on Dec 10, 2021 (pending delivery)

Laine 13, Usnea, includes:

  • 148 pages
  • 10 knitting patterns & 1 crochet pattern, beautifully photographed and illustrated
  • an interview with Danish knitwear designer Lærke Bagger
  • an article about June Cashmere
  • an article about ChiaoGoo
  • an article about the importance of crafting and creativity by our regular writer Päivi Kankaro
  • seasonal recipes
  • book reviews
  • Laine Favourites section.
  • Print only. No digital download code available.

Designers featured in this issue:

  • Susan Chin
  • Susan Crawford
  • Sidsel Grau Petersen
  • Midori Hirose
  • Susanna Kaartinen
  • Inyoung Kim
  • Hanna Maciejewska
  • Mariya Matveeva
  • Paula Pereira
  • Maiju Räsänen
  • Griselda Zárate