Monthly Archives: October 2022

FINISHED Malou

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Malou

As promised, here’s Malou, the sweater I mentioned last week when I wrote about the Bente Throw …. I made Malou for myself, and I’m so happy I did, I LURV it so much I’ve started a second in another colourway! The yarn, Berroco Wizard, is super soft, light, airy, colourful, and easy to work with. It’s machine-washable merino wool in a chainette form (that means it’s already knitted in a tube, like an i-cord). There is also a little bit of nylon in the yarn that’s used to carry and bind the ultra fluffy & light merino and keep it in place (all you’ll feel is the merino, the two fibres aren’t blended together).

Construction

Malou is a simple pullover knit in the round from the bottom up, making it a great first (or fiftieth) sweater. The body and sleeves are knitted separately in the round, up to the underarms. The pieces are then joined and the yoke is worked in the round to the neck. There are some short-rows at the neck to bring the back of the neck higher, but if you find this intimidating you can skip this. There is no seaming, no picking up stitches – the only finishing is weaving in the ends and whatever type of blocking you prefer (I steam blocked)

Skill Level: advanced beginner to intermediate.

Skills: knitting in the round, W & T short rows.

SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS 

Project Notes & Insights

  • Choose at least two skeins of yarn that start at around the same place in the colorway – these will be for the sleeves.
  • Start your project with the sleeves. You can use them to check your tension, and you’ll be able to match their colour before you start into the body.
  • I got a different gauge than in the pattern (my sweater came out smaller than the size in the instructions) so be sure to check yours! That said, I still had lots of yarn left over (I used 2.6 balls for my sweater in the second size), and the sweater size is perfect for me, so it’s a win-win in my books! As always, check your tension ….
  • The colourways in this yarn seem to be more of a suggestion than an exact duplication in each ball. When you do your sleeves they probably aren’t going to be *exactly* the same, even if you try to meticulously match the skeins. If you try to get them to be you’ll probably drive yourself crazy, but treat it as an exercise in surrender and you’ll be smiling!
  • I used colour 2954 Unakite.

Size

  • Finished Bust: (34, 38½ , 42½) [47, 51¼ , 55½] {59¾, 64, 68¼}” / (86.5, 98, 108) [119.5, 130, 141] {152, 162.5, 173.5} cm
  • Length: (21, 22, 23½) [23½, 24, 24¾] {26, 26½, 27}” / (53.5, 56, 59.5) [59.5, 61, 63] {66, 67.5, 68.5} cm
  • Shown in size 38½” / 98 cm.
  • Suggested ease: Approximately 2–4″ / 5–10 cm positive ease.

Gauge

When checking your tension do so after blocking to get the most accurate stitch gauge:

15 sts and 22 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in St st on larger needle (I got 16 sts to 17 sts ….

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

Berroco Wizard is a super soft, light & happy bulky weight yarn. It stripes by itself, with bold colors flowing. It has a chainette construction which makes it feel deliciously airy and weightless. The construction is also responsible for it’s very generous 240m yardage – the same amount of a typical bulky weight yarn would normally be about 100m to 125m. Wizard is also machine washable, so it’s great for all kinds of projects including blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves, mitts – even a cozy pair of -slipper-socks!

  • 85% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Nylon
  • 100g/240m (264 yds)
  • Bulky Weight
  • 6mm to 6.5mm/US 10 to 10.5 needles
  • 6.5mm/K crochet hook
  • Knitting Gauge: 14-16 sts & 20-23 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Crochet Gauge: 13 sc & 16 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry.Made in Italy
  • When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

Projects & Patterns

FINISHED PROJECT Bente Throw

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We’ve finished up a bunch of samples made with Berroco Wizard, which I’ll be sharing in the next few days …. they’re turning out soooooo beautifully, it’s definitely my favourite new yarn of the year! Wizard is super soft, light, airy, colourful, and slightly textured – perfect for the process and the product knitter in us all! Plus it;s machine washable, so it’s open season for kids & baby knits, sockies & etc. I just finished Malou in it, and I’m already planning to cast on for a second in a different colour. Nuff said?

See Favourite Kits & Projects 

Bente

Bente is a super soft & squishy mosaic stitch blanket made using one color of Wizard. It also works up relatively quickly on 8mm/US11 needles. The painterly colour effects come from working from two balls simultaneously (don’t worry, it’s easy). Our kits are available in both a throw size and a baby blanket size (see modifications below), since the yarn is machine washable.

Skill Level: Intermediate-Beginner (after scarves). (Mosaic stitch is an extremely easy form of colour knitting and only involves slipping stitches from the left needle to the right. 

Skills: Knit, slipping stitches, following a pattern, alternating balls of yarn (carrying yarn up the side/stripes)

SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS 

Size

  • Approximately 52″ / 132 cm wide x 62″ / 157.5 cm long
  • To make a baby blanket size (approx 36″ x 40″) cast on 115 sts. 

Gauge

When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

  • 13 sts and 24 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in pattern stitch

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

Berroco Wizard is a super soft, light & happy bulky weight yarn. It stripes by itself, with bold colors flowing. It has a chainette construction which makes it feel deliciously airy and weightless. The consruction is also respinsible for it’s very generous 240m yardage – the same amount of a typical bulky weight yarn would normally be about 100m to 125m. Wizard is also machine washable, so it’s great for all kinds of projects including blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves, mitts – even a cozy pair of -slipper-socks!

  • 85% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Nylon
  • 100g/240m (264 yds)
  • Bulky Weight
  • 6mm to 6.5mm/US 10 to 10.5 needles
  • 6.5mm/K crochet hook
  • Knitting Gauge: 14-16 sts & 20-23 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Crochet Gauge: 13 sc & 16 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry.Made in Italy
  • When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

Projects & Patterns

FINISHED Galatee Kit

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Galatee

Galatee is simple and classic, let the color change of the yarn do all the work. I really like this sweater, the yarn is thick and knits up quickly, but it’s allso light and full of air, so it doesn’t FEEL like a thick, heavy yarn. I don’t normally wear bulky yarns, they’re a bit too warm and feel a little ungainly for my taste, but this one I’m into, and this sweater I LOVE (thanks to Adrienne for making up our sample).

Our sample (above) is knit in colour 3825 Catskill, Berroco’s sample is made with 3811 Appalachian.

Construction

Galatee is knit in the round from the bottom-up. The body and sleeves are worked in the round to underarms, then joined to work the yoke in the round. The neck is shaped using short rows. 

Note

  • This sweater is designed cropped. Check the length to see if it is right for you, and if you are in the size 46″, 50″, 62″, 66″ range consider ordering an extra ball of yarn if you want to make your sweater longer. 
  • We went up a needle size to get gauge (we used 7mm/US10.75 & 9mm/US13). If your dashes aren’t looking right then you may also need to change needle sizes too.

Skill Level: Advanced beginner to intermediate (see our curated list of knitting skills for support).

Size

  • Finished Bust: (34, 38, 42) [46, 50, 54, 58] {62, 66, 70}” / (86.5, 96.5, 106.5) [117, 127, 137, 147.5] {157.5, 167.5, 178} cm
  • Length: (20½, 21, 21) [21½, 21½, 22, 22] {22½, 23½, 23½}” / (52, 53, 53) [54.5, 54.5, 56, 56] {57, 59.5, 59.5} cm
  • Shown in size 38″ / 96.5 cm.
  • Recommended ease: approximately 2–6″ / 5–15 cm positive ease.

Gauge: 12 sts and 16 rnds = 4″ / 10 cm in St st on larger needle

Yarn

Berroco Dash is a fluffy chainette yarn that’s super soft and light. Painted with random but uniform “dashes” of color throughout, this bulky weight yarn is all squishy, soft fun.

  • 92% Superwash Merino Wool, 8% Nylon
  • Super Bulky Weight
  • 9mm to 10mm/US13 to 15 needles
  • Made in Italy
  • Hand wash in cold water. Lay flat to dry.

Kit Includes

  • Berroco Dash: (3, 4, 4) [4, 4, 5, 5] {5, 5, 6}  (our sample is knit in colour 3825 Catskill, Berroco’s sample is 3811 Appalachian)
  • Pattern

Materials NOT Included

If you don’t already have the right needles in your we recommend interchangeable needles, like the Knitter’s Pride, or invest in an interchangeable needle set.

  • 6mm/US10 – 16″ circular needles (we used 7mm/US10.75 to get gauge)
  • 6mm/US10 – 32″ circular needles (we used 7mm/US10.75 to get gauge)
  • 8mm/US11 – 16″ circular needles (we used 9mm/US13 to get gauge)
  • 8mm/US11 – 32″ circular needles (we used 9mm/US13 to get gauge)
  • 6mm/US10 double pointed needles (we used 7mm/US10.75  to get gauge)
  • 8mm/US11 double pointed needles  (we used 9mm/US13 to get gauge)
  • 4 stitch markers, 1 a different color for beginning of round (BOR)
  • Tapestry needle
  • Waste yarn

Pre-Order

This yarn is a special-order product and we aren’t stocking it in the store on a regular basis – 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 order will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your yarn for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible. 

LAST CHANCE Knitsana Fall Session Starting Soon!

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It was Thanksgiving here in Canada this last weekend, I hope you enjoyed the extra day off … I just wanted to remind everyone that there is still time to sign up for the upcoming fall Knitsama Mindfulness workshops. Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist and author Thich Nhat Hanh believed mindfulness was the secret not just to happiness but to being authentically alive. If you want more from your life, the place you have to look is inward, and practicing mindfulness is an essential skill for clearing out the clutter and making space in there. In our Knitsana workshops we adopt knitting as a point of entry into learning and nurturing a mindfulness practice, in addition to the essentials of self-acceptance, self-love, and letting go of perfectionism (or what I call life’s biggest fallacy). We’d love it if you can join us, every group is different and your experience is what makes it special. Give yourself the gift of positive change – I promise you that you are worth it!

With much love,

Haley

KNITSANA 1: Introduction to Mindfulness Through Knitting

NEXT SESSION STARTS OCT 16, 2022 

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. 

When

Every Sunday morning for one hour from 10:30 am  to 11:30 am for SIX WEEKS
(Oct. 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20)

KNITSANA 2: Expanded Mindfulness Through Knitting

NEXT SESSION STARTS OCT 17, 2022 

Welcome to Knitsana 2 – if you are looking for a way to expand your mindfulness skills then this is the group for you! We will continue to use knitting in your practice with mindfulness. Knitting with its repetitive motion, illuminating colours and textures offers so much in the way of healing properties. This group will ‘go deeper’ into concepts explored in the first Knitsana group and will help bridge into your daily living. 

When

Every Monday evening for one hour from 7:00-8:00 pm for SIX weeks. (Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 21)

Details that Apply to Both Workshops

Important Notes

  • These groups DO NOT include any knitting instruction
  • Groups are presently only held online
  • Space is limited to 20 participants per group, 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. 

Where

These online groups and will be held over a secure zoom 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 for all six sessions (yarn is included, see the yarn options below for details) . 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 upon completion of all 6 sessions. 

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). 

Materials

We will all be using the same, specially selected yarn for our mindful journey. You have two options, both are enough to make a scarf or cowl. If you are a new knitter we recommend 10” straight bamboo or birch needles.

Option A. (no extra cost)

Option B. (costs an extra $10)

Project Ideas

This is not a knitting skills course, so we won’t be taking on a specific project, but here’s a list of simple project options that are well suited to mindfulness knitting with either of our selecetd yarns (choose something that is simple for you):

HOURS Yom Kippur & Canadian Thanksgiving

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Pumpkin Beanie … by Knit-O-Matic!

Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving comes a bit earlier north of the 44th parallel in Canada, it has something to do with our harvest being earlier, therefore we dine earlier. We are open regular store hours (112 pm to 6 pm) on Saturday & Sunday, and closed on Monday. We wish you a great weekend, wherever you are!

Saturday, Oct 8: 12pm to 6 pm

Sunday, Oct 9: 12 pm to 6 pm

Monday, Oct 10: CLOSED

Yom Kippur

We are also closing an hour early on Wednesday for Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement …..

Wednesday, Oct 5: 12 pm to 5 PM

I haven’t been abe to find ay patterns for a Shofar, so this year I wish you a happy Yom Kippur Hawaiian style with the Ho’oponopono prayer for forgiveness:

I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you

xoxo Haley

PROJECT Nanaimo

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Nanaimo Cardigan

Nanaimo is a super cute, super-bulky weight cardie that will knit up in a FLASH!!!!! It’s perfect for fall weather, both knitting & wearing. Canadian designer Tara-Lynn Morrison of Good Night, Day makes marvelous, simple sweaters with super thick yarn. We used super soft, 100% merino Malabrigo Rasta for our sample (we used colour 809 Solis), her designs always make the yarn shine. If hand-painted yarn isn’t your thing and you want a more demure look try using Cascade Spuntaneous – it’s also a single-ply, 100% merino wool.

Size

  • XS/S, (M/L), (XL/XXL), (XXXL)
  • Width at bust (lying flat): approx 49.5 cm / 19.5” (56 cm / 22”), (62. 25cm / 24.5”) ( 68.5 cm / 27”) (75 cm /29.5”)
  • Body length: approx 42 cm / 16.5” (46 cm / 18.5) or desired

Yarn

Malabrigo Rasta: 4(5, 6, 7) skeins (we used colour 809 Solis)

SEE FINISHED PROJECTS MADE WITH MALABRIGO RASTA

or alternately …

Cascade Spuntaneous: 4(4, 5,6) skeins

SEE FINISHED PROJECTS MADE WITH CASCADE SPUNTANEOUS

Needles

Needle sizes aren’t listed, so check the pattern to confirm what you’ll need (although we expect it will be similar to the pattern above). We think Interchangeable needles area great way to go when a pattern calls for a bunch of sizes you don’t normally use. The Knitter’s Pride tips can be a great value, while the Addi Interchangeables are the premium option.

If you prefer fixed circular needles, Clover and Addi both make wonderful quality circular needles, and if you want a wood 15mm/US19 circular check out the Knitter’s Pride Fixed needles.

Other Materials

Looking for something to hold your cardie or shawl closed? Try one of our Oversized Safety Pins Brooches – the simple design makes them ideal for knits because there’s nothing for the yarn to get caught in.