Monthly Archives: May 2022

PROJECT Technicolor Tote from Petite Knit

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TECHNICOLOR TOTE BAG

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.

SEE FINISHED PROJECTS

#TechnicolorToteBag

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

  • Size: One size
  • Width: 34 cm [13½ inches]
  • Height: approx. 38 cm [15 inches]

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)

  • C1: 4 skeins Electric Blue (6046)
  • C2: 2 skeins Coffee Bean (4081)
  • C3: 2 skeins Almond (2511)
  • C4: 2 skeins Camel (2542)
  • C5: 1 skein That Orange Feeling (3819)

You can also use a summer yarn, like the following….

Cascade Ultra Pima (total of 6 skeins – approx $72)

  • C1: 2 skeins
  • C2: 1 skein
  • C3: 1 skein
  • C4: 1 skein
  • C5: 1 skein 

Lion Brand Pima Cotton (total of 6+ skeins, $48+, this yarn is a worsted to aran weight, you can use larger needles with it.)

  • C1:  2 to 3 skeins 
  • C2:  1 to 2 skeins 
  • C3:  1 to 2 skeins 
  • C4:  1 to 2 skeins 
  • C5:  1 skein 

Berroco Remix Light (total of 5 skeins, approx $85)

  • C1: 1 skein
  • C2: 1 skein
  • C3: 1 skein
  • C4: 1 skein
  • C5: 1 skein

Berroco Pima Soft (total of 11 skeins, approx $121)

  • C1: 4 skeins 
  • C2: 2 skeins 
  • C3: 2 skeins 
  • C4:  2 skeins 
  • C5: 1 skein 

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)

  1. C1: 4 skeins 
  2. C2: 2 skeins 
  3. C3: 2 skeins 
  4. C4:  2 skeins 
  5. C5: 1 skein 

Berroco Vintage DK (total of 6 skeins, approx $63)

  • C1: 2 skeins
  • C2: 1  skein
  • C3:  1 skein
  • C4: 1 skein
  • C5: 1 skein 

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)

  • C1: 3 balls
  • C2: 1 to 2 balls
  • C3: 1 to 2 balls
  • C4: 1 to 2 balls
  • C5: 1 ball 

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.

#TechnicolorPillow

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.)

PROJECT Sapphire in Berroco Remix Light

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SAPPHIRE IN REMIX LIGHT

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!

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

  • 10% silk, 9% linen, 27% cotton, 30% nylon, 24% acrylic
  • 100g/400m (432 yds)
  • 3.75mm/US5 needles
  • Knitting gauge: 22 sts & 32 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Crochet gauge: 20 sc x 22 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Machine Wash in cold water, delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry.
  • Read more about how Berroco Remix and Remix Light are made HERE. 

SIZE

Note:  Since this garment has a dolman sleeve, the bust measurement is very forgiving.  Go by the waist measurement when selecting your size.

  • Waist: (32½, 36, 40½, 44½) [48½, 52½, 56½, 60½] {64½, 68½, 72½, 76½}” / (82.5, 91.5, 103, 113) [123, 133.5, 143.5, 153.5] {164, 174, 184, 194.5} cm
  • Length: (17½, 18, 18¾, 19¼) [20, 20¾, 21¼, 22] {22¾, 23¼, 24, 24½}” / (44.5, 45.5, 47.5, 49) [51, 52.5, 54, 56] {58, 59, 61, 62} cm
  • Shown in size 36″ / 91.5 cm. Recommended ease:  Approximately 2–4″ / 5–10 cm positive ease.

GAUGE

  • 22 sts and 32 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in Moss stitch, on larger needle

MATERIALS 

YARN SUBSTITUTIONS 

Want to make this sweater, but in a different yarn? We recommend the following:

Berroco Pima Soft

  • 100% super soft pima cotton with a bit of texture. (50g/113m)
  • (8,  8, 8, 11) [11, 11, 13, 16] {16, 18, 18, 21} 

Berroco Summer Sesame

  • A machine-washable blend of cotton & acrylic that’s light, comfortable and colourful. (100g/270m)
  • (4, 4, 4, 5) [5, 5, 6, 7] {7, 8, 8, 9} balls

Berroco Vintage DK

  • A soft, machine-washable blend of wool & synthetic thats’ also affordable – great for lighter sweaters in cooler weather. (100g/266m)
  • (4, 4, 4, 5) [5, 5, 6, 7] {7, 8, 8, 9} skeins

NEW Quince & Co Coloree, Fresia & Kama

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Coloree

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!

SEE OUR FAVOURITE PROJECTS FOR SPARROW

Construction

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.

Size

  • Bust circumference: 36 (39½, 44, 47½, 51¾) (56, 59½, 63¾, 68)” [91.5 (100.5, 112, 120.5, 131.5) (142, 151, 162, 172.5) cm]
  • Sample is shown in size 39½” [100.5 cm] on a 34″ [86.5 cm], 5’9″ [175.5 cm] tall model (5½” [14 cm] positive ease) 
  • Suggested ease: positive 0–5½” [0–14 cm]

Materials

Skills

Invisible provisional cast on, knitted on cast on, i-cord, intarsia techniques (links provided); increasing, decreasing.

SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS 

Gauge

23 sts and 32 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in St st with larger needles, after blocking.

SHOP ONLINE

Fresia

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!

SEE OUR FAVOURITE PROJECTS FOR SPARROW

Construction

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.

Size

  • Bust circumference: 36¾ (39¾, 43¼, 46¼, 49¼, 52¼) (55, 58, 61, 64, 67)” [93.5 (101, 110, 117.5, 125, 132.5) (139.5, 147.5, 155, 162.5, 170) cm]
  • Sample shown in size 36¾” [93.5 cm] on a 34″ [86.5 cm], 5’9″ [175.5 cm] tall model (2¾” [7 cm] positive ease)
  • Suggested ease: positive 2–3″ [5–8 cm]

Materials

Skills

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.

SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS 

Gauge

27 sts and 37 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch knit flat, after blocking.

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Kama

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!

Yarn

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.

SEE OUR FAVOURITE PROJECTS WITH KESTREL

Construction

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.

Size

  • Finished Bust: 34 (38, 42, 45, 49) (53, 57, 61, 65, 69)” [86.5 (96.5, 106.5, 114.5, 124.5) (134.5, 145, 155, 165, 175.5) cm]
  • Shown in size 38″ [96.5 cm] on a 34″ [86.5 cm], 5’9″ [175.5 cm] tall model (4″ [10 cm] positive ease)
  • Suggested ease: positive 0–4″ [0–10 cm]

Materials

Skills

German twisted cast on, i-cord, kitchener stitch (links provided); increasing, decreasing, working in the round. Charts and line-by-line instructions included.

SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS 

Gauge

16 sts and 26 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch with needles sized for main body, after blocking.

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NEW Playful (re-run)

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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

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

  • length: 14″/37cm high at widest point
  • width: 70″/175cm tip to tip

Materials

SHOP ONLINE

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.

SHOP ONLINE

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.

STORE HOURS Victoria Day Weekend

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Victoria Day Weekend Store Hours

Friday May 20: 12 to 6 pm

Saturday May 21: 12 to 6pm

Sunday May 22: CLOSED

Monday May 23: CLOSED

Victorian Knitting Manuals

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!

PROJECT Quince & Co Cloverdale

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Hankering for a project that’s a bit more challenging? The  Cloverdale tee features a classic A-line silhouette brought to life by easy slip-stitches, cap-sleeves, and a lovely Latvian braid at the neckline. The result? A bold, graphic hand-knit tee that’s warm weather-ready. All you have to do is choose your two favorite contrasting colorways and you’re good to go!

Cloverdale is designed with Quince & Co Sparrow, my go-to summer yarn – my summer “store uniform” is made with Sparrow. Sparrow is the best linen I’ve ever come across – its machine washable (I put it in the dryer on low heat), soft, comfortable durable, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sweaters I’ve made with it. This top is worked on small needles, so the tension is tight enough that you won’t have to wear a cami under it.

Construction

Tee is worked flat from the bottom up. A-line shaping decreases are worked up to the underarm, and then increases are worked for the sleeve caps. Front and back are seamed at the sides and shoulders. Sleeve openings feature a built-in i-cord edge. Neckline is finished with a Latvian braid.

Size

  • Bust circumference: 39 (43½, 47, 51½, 55) (59½, 63¾, 67½, 71)” / 99
  • Sample shown in size 51½“ / 131 cm on a 39” / 99 cm, 5’7” / 170 cm tall model (12½” / 32 cm positive ease).
  • Suggested ease: positive 8–12½“ / 20.5–32 cm

Materials

Skills

German twisted cast on, mattress stitch (links provided); increasing, decreasing.

SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS 

Gauge

26 sts and 40 rows = 4” / 10 cm in slip stitch pattern, after blocking.
26 sts and 34 rows = 4” / 10 cm in 1×1 ribbing pattern, after blocking.

KITS Blanket of Joy in Worsted or Chunky

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MDK Blanket of Joy

As per your request, I’ve reshuffled the Blanket of Joy kit to include both a worsted weight (4.5mm/US7 needle) and a chunky/bulky weight (6mm/US10 needle) option. I had to play around a bit with the colours for the Chunky weight, but getting the project done faster may have more value to you than having the colours ‘just-so’. Additionally, a few people found the pattern unclear in some places (myself included) so I made revisions to clarify everything and even drew up a chart for you to keep track row by row.

The Blanket of Joy is a simple knit, which is also important right now … Keep It Simple, am I right? Simple bands of colour are knit in offset segments of stocking and reverse stocking stitch to create an easy, graphic combination of colour and texture. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most brilliant! Need some help with weaving in the ends? Check out our Skills Page!

Size

  • approx 50″ x 76″ (125cm x 190cm)

Kit Includes

Kit Does NOT Include

  • 4.5mm/US7 or 6mm/US10 – 36″ (or longer) circular needles
  • Tapestry/darning needle

Colour & Change

In the book Joyful, Ingrid Fetel Lee talks about the revitalization of the run-down, crime-ridden city of Tirana, Albania … which was initiated with the very easy and affordable approach of painting buildings bright colours. I’ll leave the details for you to read up on (the book was really good), but if painting a run-down building bright orange can initiate the transformation of a city, maybe it’s not too far a stretch to posit that a joyfully coloured blanket can initiate positive change in a life?

PROJECT Fountaingrove

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Fountaingrove

Fountaingrove is the perfect cast-on to get you ready for the warm season to come. The pretty lace panel is simple and effective. It’s made with Quince & Co Kestrel, an aran weight 100% organic linen yarn that’s been a summer staple here for years! The linen provised gorgeous stitch definition, unparalleled drape, and cool comfort perfect for warm weather.

SEE OUR FAVOURITE PROJECTS WITH QUINCE & CO KESTREL

Construction

Fountaingrove is worked in the round from the bottom up to the underarms. Front and back yokes are worked flat.

Size

  • Bust Circumference: 33½ (36¼, 39, 42) (44¾, 47½, 50¼, 53¼) (56, 58¾, 61¾, 64½)” [85 (92, 99, 106.5) (113.5, 120.5, 127.5, 135.5) (142, 149, 157, 164) cm] 
  • Shown in size 42″ [106.5 cm] on a 39″ [99 cm], 5’7″ [170 cm] tall model (3″ [7.5 cm] positive ease) 
  • Suggested ease: positive 0–3″ [0–7.5 cm]

Materials

Skills

Long tail cast-on, three-needle bind off (links provided); increasing, decreasing, working in the round. Charts and line-by-line instructions included.

SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS 

Gauge

17 sts and 25 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch, after blocking

PRE-ORDER Knitter’s Pride Row Counter Rings

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PRE-ORDER Knitters Pride Row Counter Rings

I bought one of these row-counter rings from Knitter’s Pride to check them out, see what they’re about, and I’m happy to say they meet with my approval! I’m not usually into ‘knitting’ jewellery, but I like this little guy – especially now that they are available in a pretty colour. They aren’t a necessary tool for keeping track of your rows, but they are definitely a nifty gadget, and sometimes I wear mine just cause I think it’s pretty. I haven’t had any allergic reactions, which is impressive because my body is fairly sensitive (and I am very allergic to nickel and cobalt).

  • Made with hypoallergenic stainless steel.
  • Available in either rainbow-coloured metallic finish or black.
  • Row counters rings are intended to be worn on your index finger or thumb. 
  • Rings come packed in a gift box with a clear window.
  • Available in standard ring sizes 7 (17.3mm diameter) to 12 (21.4mm diameter).

NOTE

  • the rainbow-coloured rings seem to photograph a bit on the blue/purple side in the company product-shots, but they are multi-coloured (see picture above – that’s my ring)
  • some reviews recommend buying a size larger than you would normally wear (for a wedding band or engagement ring)

DOWNLOAD A RING SIZE CHART

WATCH A PRODUCT REVIEW

Special-Order

Because this is something with so many size options and two colour options, they’re. bit hard to keep in stock in store, so we are going to start by selling them as a Pre-Order and play it by ear. Your order will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need it for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible. 

PRE-ORDER Amirisu no. 24 Spring/Summer 2022

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PRE-ORDER Amirisu no. 24: Spring/Summer 2022

Release Date: June 10, 2022

Pre-Orders will be available to pick-up/will ship on June 10, 2022

Harmonized by a soft palette of pastel and neutral hues, the twelve knitwear designs in this issue are inspired by the customs, family traditions, and special places that have contributed to each designer’s heritage.

Participating designers: Rosemary (Romi) Hill / Leeni Hoimela / Rastus Hsu / Sari Nordlund / Inese Sang / Megumi Sawada / Susanne Sommer / yamagara / Yucca / Dianna Walla / amirisu

Feature: Craft Guide to Toronto
Three locals, Laura Chau and Kiyomi & Sachiko Burgin, share some of their favorite spots in the city.

Plus, a project from Lori Ann Graham, a machine-quilted tote bag project, a look at Retrosaria Rosa Pomar’s new shop, and more!

Format: A4 size/ 130 pages/ Printed in Japan

Download Code: A Ravelry download code of the entire magazine is printed on an inserted card.