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 .
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
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.
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 .
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
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).
Medium: 10.5″ x 14″
Large: 16″ x 21″ (fits a large sweater or a blanket project)
Machine wash in cold water, flip it inside out and hang it up to line dry overnight.
I’m so in love with the spring weather, it’s clearing out so many winter dulldrums! Outdoor dinning has opened up in the city, and infectious disease specialists are totally down with dinning al fresco, so I thought some projects to help support our new local lifestyle (and the restauranteurs in our communities) would be great. After a much needed socially distanced back-yard burger experience with my family last night, I got a feel for the types of garments required. Layering accessories that don’t get in the way (ie. in your food), go on and come off easily, and can be stashed in a tote are my key points. I’m also looking for pieces that work up relatively quickly on larger needles, so you can wear and enjoy them now!
FYI: Store Still Not Open
Just a quick heads up, the store is NOT open for in-store shopping, I don’t feel it is safe for our clients, our staff, and all the people we are connected with. We’re totally here to discuss your project needs so you can get the right products. If you give us a call ahead of time we can gather together whatever you want to look at and bring stuff to the door for you to see in person. You can pick up your order, have it shipped, or if you live close enough to us you can have it delivered on the same day or next day (depending on the cut-off time). If you’ve had both of your vaccination shots (and 2 weeks have passed since your second) you should have as much protection as you’re going to get (and I’ll likely not inadvertently kill you), so I’m open to making an appointment for you to come in. Right now I know 2 people in this position, and only one knits, but with time the numbers will grow.
Last night, while catching up in the back-yard, my sister-in-law told me that the kids’ school had had a mild COVID scare when 3 children had received ambiguous COVID test results. It affected over 150 other kids who were connected with them and their siblings, all had to stay home and get tested. Luckily, in this case the second tests came back negative, but it illustrates to me how many people are so easily affected (the total number of people didn’t even include the adults potentially involved). One carrier can spread out into thousands, like a ripple on a pond, and that person probably won’t even know that they’re sick until well after they’ve spread the virus. Doctors are expecting the new COVID variants to spread much faster, for case counts to tripleby April, and for patients to be younger and sicker than they were with the original stain of COVID. It isn’t the same game as it was before, last stores reopened it was much less risky. The human mind is really good at lying to itself and convincing itself what it wants to believe, especially when it sees other people doing it. So look out for yourself, look out for the welfare of others. The two aren’t separate; what you do for yourself you do for others, and what you do for others you do for yourself.
Mountain Capelet
This capelet is simple, minimal, and effective. It works up FAST on 15mm/US19 needles, although you can go down to 12mm/US17 needles if you want yours smaller.
Size
circumference around bottom: approx. 45″
circumference around cowl: approx. 24″
height from bottom edge to bottom of cowl: 12″
height from bottom edge to top of cowl: 20″
Materials
FYI: when venturing into projects with unusually large needles interchangeable needlesare an economical way to expand your large sized needles – you can buy one set of tips and different length cords as you need them.
This is project is a thinner version of the one above, but it comes in multiple sizes. You can work it with 1 strand of a Super Bulky Weight yarn like Drops Andes, or 2 strands held together of a soft fuzzy yarn like Drops Melody (this is my kind of thing; light, fuzzy & cozy), or you could combine a bulky weight yarn with one strand of fuzzy Drops Melody.
Yarn Options
You’ll need 275(330, 385, 440)m of yarn if you’re working with a single strand or a total of 550(660, 770, 880)m if you’re holding two strands together.
FYI: when venturing into projects with unusually large needles interchangeable needlesare an economical way to expand your large sized needles – you can buy one set of tips and different length cords as you need them.
height from bottom edge to bottom of cowl: 15 ½ (16, 17, 17 ¾)”
height from bottom edge to top of cowl: 22 (22 ½, 24 ¼, 25)”
Getting Warmer
For something a little lighter, try Getting Warmer. You can make it in a variety of different yarns, and if you want to make. it bigger, just use a thicker yarn on a bigger needle. Since this is a garment that’s right next to your neck I’m only recommending yarns that are soft and comfortable. For a look like in our picture above try using Diamond Luxury Baby Alpaca SportSALE(3 skeins). For something light, airy and a bit springy, go for Illimani AmelieSALE (2 skeins).
Yarns: For a Looser Look & Feel
For a looser look, use light-weight yarns or yarns that are a bit thiner than one ones recommended, but stick with the 6mm/US10 needles recommended by the pattern.
If you are a new knitter and don’t really want to spend your life savings on knitting needles, you can get away with buying 1 set of 3.5″ needle tips, and a pair of 16″ cords and 24″ cords. Be sure to get the shorter 3.5″ tips! The regular length 4.5″ tip will not work with 16″ cords. If you’re in the market for a full set of interchangeable needles Chiaogoo makes set with 4″ tips, which are a nice compromise.
We just received a new order form Kelbourne Woolens and in addition to carrying their beautiful Mojave cotton/linen blend for spring and summer (it deserves it’s own post) we got some really cool accessories and kits too!
Year of Gifts Preorder
Better late than never … last year Kelbourne Woolens had their Year of Hats, and this year they have come out with a super cute series of monthly kits for gift projects you can either keep or give away (see January & February below)! Each kit comes with yarn, a pattern, it’s own cotton project bag (or gift bag), notions, and some other fun stuff. Each month will be a completely different project by a different designer and with a different yarn. Needles are not included. The patterns are all available for $5 and downloaded on Ravelry. Each month’s kit is an absolute surprise, we won’t know what it is until the first of each month.
Preorder your kits and we’ll ship it to you as soon as it arrives, or you can pick it up in store. If you want to send one as a gift to a friend we can do that too!
The Primrose Mittens are worked in the round from the cuff to top of hand. The cuff is worked in a broken ribbing, and the hand is worked from a chart. The thumb is worked using the afterthought (peasant) method.
KIT FEATURES:
• 1 skein of Scout in Mint Heather • Stitch marker set • Darning needle • KW tape measure • You Better Swatch sticker • Postcard with code to download the pattern for free • Screen-printed project bag
The Snowdrop Hat by Kate Gagnon Osborn begins with a provisional cast on, then a folded brim is worked in a K2, P2 Ribbing. Once the ribbing is complete, the provisional cast on is unpicked and placed on a spare circular needle and the stitches are joined to created a folded brim.
After the brim is complete, the body of the hat is worked in a graphic stranded colorwork pattern from a chart. The chart is worked 5 times around. Decreases shape the crown, and a pom pom and a cute custom KW tag completes the look.
KIT FEATURES: • 1 skein of Andorra in Snow White • 1 skein of Andorra in Ink Black • 1 custom KW leather tag • 2 Perennial butterflies in Natural and Black • KW Year of Gifts sticker • Postcard with code to download the pattern for free • Screenprinted project bag
Because let’s face it, we always need a bigger bag; so Kelbourne Woolens brought back their popular craftin’ Kraken on an extra-large tote [19″ (48.25 cm) width x 16″ (40.5 cm) height x 4″ (10 cm) gusset]. These bags are made in USA with 15 oz. black canvas, hand screen-printed design in sparkly gold ink 28″ (71 cm) with black woven handles. You may not have enough arms to carry all your stuff, but this guy does and he’s happy to help!
Frost Flowers: Designed by Kate Gagnon Osborn, this project bag features a hand-drawn repeat of the iconic Frost Flowers lace pattern on the front, and the full Kelbourne Woolens logo on the back. The intricate details pair beautifully with the practical form and function of the bag.Use Your Hands: Designed by Courtney Kelley, this project bag features the American Sign Language spelling of the words “Knit” and “Crochet.”
Kelbourne Project Bags
These cute & useful project bags are great for stashing and carting around your projects! They’re a great middle size, big enough for a sweater or baby blanket: [12.25″ (31.25 cm) width x 9.25″ (23.5 cm) height x 3.25″ (8.25 cm) gusset]. Made in the USA with 15 oz. black canvas, they feature a black zipper closure with sewn-in woven cotton strap and with a hand screen-printed design.
Kelbourne Needle Check Keychain
The Kelbourne Needle Check keychain is a handy took you can take on the go! It measures 2″ square and sizes needles ranging from US size 0 (2 mm) to Us 13 9 mm. It’s made in the USA out of 1/8″ birch wood and is easily attached to your keys, project bag, or circular needle with a small carabiner.
If you knit or crochet you’ll love these yarn bowls! They are handmade ceramic created in the artist’s New Jersey studio from stoneware clay and kiln-fired to over 1900 degrees. This large yarn bowl measures 6.25 inches wide and 3.5 inches high and features a wool release hook. Each bowl comes in a pretty box, ready for gifting to your most beloved yarnie.
The 16″ Wrist Rulers were SUPER popular and we sold out FAST! We’re really happy you fell in love with them as quickly as we did, so we are going to try something special and take pre-orders for them and then we will reorder them next week. We will ship them as soon as they arrive, which shouldn’t take too long, since the people who make them have been super kind and quick so far. Since it’s a preorder, we’re adding a few more colours to the selection too!
Wrist Rulers
If you find yourself always needing to measure things when you’re on the go, this is the perfect product for you! Wrist Rulers are stylish leather wristbands with engraved measurements, both in inches and centimetre measurements. Wrist Ruler is made in the US
Leather Wrist Rulers
Leather Wrist Rulers come in natural leather, as well as colours, and are sized. Sizes are based on wrapping around your wrist twice. Give it extra length depending on how loosely you want to wear it. They recommend allowing an extra 1/2 inch for the stud closure. My wrist is 16cm/6.25″ (measured around the knobby part that sticks out), and the 16″/40cm Wrist ruler fits comfortably – it’s loose enough to move up and down, but it isn’t loose enough to fall off my wrist. The 17″/43cm size is loose enough to easily slip off over my wrist.
Yup, it’s May, and you can officially put all your woollens 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 gently nudge you to read our CARE AND MAINTENANCE INFO. A quick summary of the salient points:
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).
Medium: 10.5″ x 14″
Large: 16″ x 21″ (fits a large sweater or a blanket project)
Machine wash in cold water, flip it inside out and hang it up to line dry overnight.
Gleener (Full Size)
While you are cleaning your knits, you might as well de-pill them and get them ready for the fall with a Gleener® Ultimate Fuzz Remover™. This award winning fabric de-piller and lint brush combo safely removes fuzz balls, lint and pet hair from even the finest of fabrics. Yes, it really works, I have one at the ready in my closet. Plus, it’s a Canadian company! READ MORE HERE!
Gleener (Travel Size)
Gleeners are also available in a compact travel size, which is super handy if your carry-on luggage is frequently in use (Gleeners work on all fabrics, not just knitwear, so it;s great for cleaning up suits & such).
Better late than never, look what just showed up I the mail – the prettiest yarn bow on the block! Yarn bowls are a great way to hold your yarn while you’re working on a project. These yarn bowls are made of mango wood, so they’re sturdier and lighter than their ceramic cousins. They won’t snag or imprison your yarn in the carved swirl, so you can access your project at any time. They’re heavy enough to stay in place while you’re working but light enough that you can bring it with you to knit night.
We sold out of these sweet bags in a single day, so we restocked them right away! And because you liked them so much, we also ordered both the medium and the larger size in the pretty aqua “Brainy Yak”. The medium makes for a perfect regular sized project bag, and the large size is great for larger projects like sweaters and blankets (or a couple of kids’ worth of wet swimming stuff). We also ordered some of the simple “Black Chaos” style in size medium, for those of you who are like me and want something a little more circumspect.
The new Gleener Swet Bags are adorable, and they 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!
Medium: 10.5″ x 14″
Large: 16″ x 21″
Machine wash in cold water, flip it inside out and hang it up to line dry overnight.
The new Gleener Swet Bags are adorable, and they 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!
Size: 10.5″ x 14″
Machine wash in cold water, flip it inside out and hang it up to line dry overnight.
NEW Gleener On the Go
The new season has brought the pretty new coloured Gleener on the Go, the perfect travel lint remover and sweater de-piller. TheGleener On The Go is just as handy as it’s big sister, the original Gleener, but it’s pint sized (smaller than a glasses case) to fit in your purse, luggage, or desk drawer, and make great stocking stuffers and Secret Santa gifts. Read more about the Gleener On The Go HERE.
