Category Archives: BABY

NEW SPRING Vintage Baby Collection

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Berroco Vintage Baby Collection

Berroco just launched an adorable new capsule collection of vintage & retro-inspired designs, the Vintage Baby Collection. The collection features 6 sweet designs made with the poplar Berroco Vintage Baby, a soft hand, washable, and affordable yarn. If you like the other yarns in Berroco’s Vintage family, then Vintage Baby will please.

Berroco Vintage Baby

Berroco Vintage Baby features an even softer blend of machine washable fibers than the other yarns in the Vintage line, in a DK weight. The two-ply yarn has a slight sheen and is perfect for all your projects that need a gentle touch. It comes in a smaller, 50g ball and lots of baby-happy colours.  It’s great for just about everything: babies, kids, men, blankets, hats, afghans, socks, etc. It’s soft, easy to work with and comes in a spectrum of great colours – great for colourwork! It’s a blend of wool and high-end synthetic fibres, but it isn’t shiny (or squeaky), and doesn’t feel acrylicy. This yarn is also available in a DK weight, Berroco Vintage DK , a worsted weight, Berroco Vintage, and a chunky/bulky weight Berroco Vintage Chunky. 

SEE OUR FAVOURITE PROJECTS WITH BERROCO VINTAGE BABY

  • 40% Wool, 52% Acrylic, 8% Nylon
  • 50g/132m (145yds)
  • DK weight
  • 4mm/US6 needles, 4mm/G hook
  • Knitting Gauge: 22 sts & 28 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Crochet Gauge: 18sc & 24 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Machine wash inside out in cold water on gentle cycle, tumble dry on low.
  • Made in Peru
  • Pattern ideas from Ravelry

Harper the Elephant

Harper the Elephant – the newest member of the stuffy family! Harper is a darling elephant ready to take on the days events! Pattern includes sweater for Harper.

Size

  • Approximately 12″ / 30.5 cm long x 9″ / 23 cm around body

Materials

  • Berroco Vintage Baby (50 grs):  2 balls #10023 Orange (C1) for elephant and 1 ball #10006 Ballet Pink (C2) for sweater
  • 3.5 mm/US4 double pointed needles (for elephant)
  • 4 mm/US6 double pointed needles (for sweater)
  • Fiber fill stuffing
  • Black yarn for eyes
  • Waste yarn
  • Stitch markers
  • Tapestry needle
  • Pattern

Kirby

Kirby is a sweet top-down cardigan featuring a simple lace motif on the yoke. Pattern includes both charted and written instructions

Size

  • (3, 6, 9) [12, 18, 24] mos. Shown in size 3 mos.
  • Chest (closed): (17¼, 18, 19¾) [20¾, 21¾, 22½]” / (44, 45.5, 50) [52.5, 55, 57] cm
  • Length: (9½, 10, 11) [11½, 12, 12½]” / 24, 25.5, 28) [29, 30.5, 32] cm

Materials

  • Berroco Vintage Baby (50 grs):  (2, 2, 3) [3, 3, 3) balls #10020 Sunflower
  • 3.5 mm/US4 needles (straight or circular)
  • 4 mm/US6 needles (straight or circular)
  • 3.5 mm/US4 double pointed needles
  • 4 mm/US6 double pointed needles
  • 2 Stitch Markers
  • Three ½” buttons
  • Pattern

Ray Bonnet & Socks

Ray Bonnet is a simple and darling striped bonnet with contrasting pom-pom. Ray Socks are a simple and quick baby socks pattern worked from cuff to toe, with two cuff options. You won’t be able to make just one pair!

Size

  • Bonnet: Approximately 8″ / 20.5 cm around neck edge x 12″ / 30.5 cm across (measured from one neck edge, across head, to the other neck edge).
  • Socks: Approximately 4″ / 10 cm around leg and foot x 4″ / 10 cm long (foot)
  • Sized to fit approximately 3–6 months.

Materials

  • BONNET – Berroco Vintage Baby (50 grs):  1 ball each #10071 Pepper (C1), #10002 Pearl (C2), and #10020 Sunflower (C3)
  • SOCKS – Berroco Vintage Baby (50 grs): 1 ball (Version 1 shown in #10002 Pearl, Version 2 shown in #10006 Ballet Pink, #10021 Turquoise, and #10023 Orange)
  • 4 mm/US6 – 16″ circular needles (for bonnet)
  • 2″ / 5 cm pompom maker (for bonnet)
  • 4 mm/US6 double pointed needles (for bonnet and socks)
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Pattern

Frankie Crochet Blanket

Frankie is a blanket made with simple crocheted squares, using six colors of Berroco Vintage Baby.

Size

  • Approximately 37” / 94 cm wide x 44” / 112 cm long
  • 1 square = 7” x 7” / 18 cm x 18 cm

Materials

  • Berroco Vintage Baby (50 grs):  1 ball each #10020 Sunflower (C1) and #10023 Orange (C2), 3 balls #10005 Haze (C3), 2 balls each #10002 Pearl (C4) and #10021 Turquoise (C5), and 4 balls #10035 Navy (C6)
  • 4.5mm/7 crochet hook
  • Pattern

FREE Pattern Billie

Cute and cozy, Billie are the perfect pants for that little one in your life. Keep their baby legs toasty warm with this simple-to-make pair.

Size

  • Infant sizes (3, 6, 9) [12, 18, 24] mos
  • Waist Circumference (measured unstretched): (13, 13¼, 13½) [13¾, 14¼, 14½]” / (33, 33.5, 34.5) [35, 36, 37] cm
  • Length (with cuff and waistband unfolded): (16½, 17, 18) [19, 20½, 22]” / (42, 43, 45.5) [48.5, 52, 56] cm
  • Shown in size 3 mos / 33 cm.
  • Recommended ease: 5″ / 12.5 cm of negative ease at waist.

Materials

  • Berroco Vintage Baby (50 grs):  (2, 2, 3) [3, 3, 3] balls #10072 Toast
  • 3.25 mm/US3 – 16″ circular needles
  • 4 mm/US6 – 16″ circular needles
  • 3.25 mm/US3 double pointed needles
  • 4 mm/US6 double pointed needles
  • Stitch marker
  • Waste yarn to hold stitches
  • FREE Pattern

FREE Baby Fern Lake

Colors flow from stripe to stripe in this ombré mosaic stitch blanket. Made in crib size for perfect snuggle. For throw size, see the Fern Lake blanket.

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETALS & COLOUR SUGGESTIONS

Size

Approximately 32″ / 81 cm wide x 44″ / 112 cm long

Materials

FREE Baby Eden

I love how a simple one row chevron lace repeat can look in a fun stripe pattern in Baby Eden. Made in a crib size. For throw size see the Eden Blanket.

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DESTAILS & COLOUR SUGGESTIONS

Size

Approximately 31″ / 79 cm wide x 46″ / 117 cm long

Materials

NEW Pumpkin Beanie Kit

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Pumpkin Beanie Kits

Our local knitting guild, The Needlework Guild of Canada, very graciously invited me to attend their first Knit in the Park, so I whipped up a little kit for them, a Pumpkin Beanie. I figured it’s timely, what with harvest season approaching. Plus, there is no child ever who isn’t ADORABLE in a pumpkin hat. Since our guild knits for charity I wanted it to be something that was gender neutral, and makes a great gift for anyone. I sized the hat from preemie to kids of all ages, and you should be able to get 2 pumpkin hats out of one kit (and probably a third green hat too). The yarn is the ever soft and Berroco Vintage, but if you want to upgrade go for the combo I assembled with Malabrigo Rios.

You can purchase the pattern separately HERE.

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

We wanted the skill level to be accessible to knitters in the beginner spectrum, so there isn’t any colourwork or charts, you just need the following skills:

  • Read a knitting pattern
  • Cast on & Bind off
  • Knit & Purl in the same row
  • Work in the round on circular & double pointed needles
  • Weave in ends

See our curated list of knitting skills for tutorials

Not sure how to make the fancy knot at the top? No problemo, there’s a link in the pattern to a little video that shows how it’s done!

Size

  • preemie (0-6 mos, 6-18mos, 18mos-4yrs, 4yrs-adult S)
  • To fit head circumference: 14.5(16.75, 18, 20.5, 21.5)” or 36(42, 45, 51, 54) cm
  • Note: Fabric is stretchy. If you want a tighter fit go down a needle size
  • Photo is size 0-6mos: after blocking it measures 7.75″ wide

Gauge

  • 20 sts & 26 rounds = 4”/10cm with 4.5mm/US7 circular needles after blocking

Kit Includes

  • Berroco Vintage (or Malabrigo Rios): 1 skein in each of 2 colours. Our sample is made with Vintage (MC) 5176 Pumpkin & (CC) 51174 Spruce.
  • Pattern (PDF & printed)
  • one kit is enough yarn to make at least 2 pumpkin hats, with lots of green leftover to make another hat. 

Kit Does Not Include

PROJECTS New Baby Blankets Freebies

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Baby Fern Lake

Baby Fern Lake

Colors flow from stripe to stripe in this ombré mosaic stitch blanket. Baby Fern Lake is designed as a crib size for perfect snuggle, but if you’d like a throw size, see the Fern Lake blanket (see pictures below).

Skill Level

Intermediate-Beginner (once you are comfortable knitting and purling in the same row you’ll be good to go).

Skills

Cast on, knit, purl, slip stitch with yarn in front or back, bind-off, weaving in ends, reading a pattern. 

SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS & TUTORIALS

Size

Approximately 32″ / 81 cm wide x 44″ / 112 cm long

The Yarn

Berroco Vintage Baby features an even softer blend of machine washable fibers in a DK weight. The two-ply yarn has a slight sheen and is perfect for all your projects that need a gentle touch. It also comes in a smaller, 50g ball (great for a baby hat or a pair of booties) and lots of baby-happy colours.  

Materials

Colour Combo Suggestions

Substitute Yarns
You can also substitute the following yarns:

Fern Lake
Baby Eden

Baby Eden (Crochet)

I love how a simple a one row chevron lace repeat can look in a fun stripe pattern! This version of Eden is written as a crib size, but if you want to make it as a throw see the Eden Blanket (see pictures below), designed with Berroco Remix Light.

Skill Level

Intermediate-Beginner (ie. not your first project, but possibly your second,  third, or fourth).

Skills

chain, double crochet, DC3tog, weaving in ends, reading a crochet pattern. 

SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF CROCHET SKILLS & TUTORIALS

Size

Approximately 31″ / 79 cm wide x 46″ / 117 cm long

The Yarn

Berroco Vintage Baby features an even softer blend of machine washable fibers in a DK weight. The two-ply yarn has a slight sheen and is perfect for all your projects that need a gentle touch. It comes in a smaller, 50g ball and lots of baby-happy colours.  

Materials

Colours

To maintain the balance in the chevron, you’ll need a dark colour (MC), a medium-bright colour (C1), and a light colour (C2).

Substitute Yarns
You can also substitute the following yarns:

Eden

RESTOCK Malabrigo Rios

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Malabrigo Rios

We just received a big restock or Malabrigo Rios (and are expecting more to come in in a couple of weeks). There have been so many constraints over the last year, finally being able to get a decent re-stock feels so good!

Should not already be familiar with this wonderful yarn, Malabrigo Rios is a super-duper soft, machine washable yarn made from 100% merino wool. It’s hand dyed for subtle variations, and is great for anyone and any project except felting (it will not felt). Rios is specially suitable for babies, kids (it makes great hats, sweaters, blankets, etc). The dyeing tends to have a watercolour effect and it always seems to knit up even more beautiful than in the skein. The base yarn is silky soft and springy with lots of body. Whenever I can I like to use it for projects I make for my niece and nephew (sometimes the colours don’t fit their very specific requests).

  • 100% Machine Washable Merino Wool (superwash)
  • 100g/192m (200 yds)
  • Aran weight
  • 18 sts & 24 rows = 4″/10cm
  • 5mm/US8 needles
  • Made in Uruguay
  • Pattern Ideas

A Note on Working with Hand-Dyes

Because this yarn is hand-dyed no two skeins are alike (for the multi-colours different skeins within the same bag can look different). We always try to match the skeins as closely as possible when we send them out. To get the most consistent colour distribution possible, it is always suggested with hand-dyed yarns that you work with two balls and alternate them every couple of rows. Here’s a Video to help you with this.

Photo: Angeldogknitter on Ravelry.com

Flax

Make. All. The Sweaters. Malabrigo Rios has been used 889 times on Ravelry to make Tin Can Knit’s FREE pattern, Flax. Flax is an all-size design (but it’s limited exclusively to humans; canine, feline, avian, and reptilian sizes are note included) and will fit babies to the largest primate (you may need to make modifications if you’re knitting for one of our cousins on the evolutionary tree … and good luck getting a sweater on a gorilla outside of Photoshop).

Your needle sizes and yardage amount will vary based on the size you’re making, so I won’t list them here, but they’re basically:

Photo: annypurls on Ravelry.com

Rye

Malabrigo Rios has been use 539 times to make this particular pair of socks, Rye. Rye is a great pattern for new sock knitters, it includes how-to instructions, and a full size range from baby to Adult L. Whether you’ve retreats the the cottage, your back-yard or the public park, socks are a great small project that travels extremely well and makes for a very impressive holiday gift.

BTW – getting your winter gifts done over the summer is the absolutely most satisfying feeling you’ll ever experience. It involves a little delayed satisfaction, but come October you’ll be extremely pleased with yourself, especially when you get the itch to make something nice for yourself and you find that you can!

Size

  • Baby (Toddler, Child, Adult S, M, L)
  • Finished Cuff (unstretched): 5 (5.75, 6.5, 7.25, 8, 8.75)” around
  • Finished Leg (adjustable): 2.5 (4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8)”
  • Finished Foot (adjustable): 4 (6, 7.5, 9, 10, 11.25)

Materials

Photo: Sweet Birch Designs

Moss on the Old Oak

Moss on the Old Oak is the kind of warp I yearn for on cool says and nights from the spring to fall. It’ll knit up beautifully in either the multicoloured or semi-solid colourways of Malabrigo Rios, and the pattern is offered in three sizes. It’s an advanced-beginner skill level, which is a nice niche for the spring.

Size

  • Small, Medium, Large

Materials

KITS Classic Baby (DK)

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Today’s adorables are brought to you courtesy of two DK weight yarns great for baby things, Berroco Vintage DK and the brand new Berroco Vintage Baby. Vintage DK is my favourite yarn in the vintage, of all 4 it looks and feels the most like a yarn made from all natural fibres (it handles fair-isle and socks really beautifully). Vintage Baby has a slightly silkier texture, comes in a palette perfect for babies and kids. It also comes in affordable 50g pull-skeins, so the yarn doesn’t need to be wound up, and you don’t have to buy a ton of yarn to make a small project … which is also great if you want to get into colourwork.

BTW, thank you for the kind letters and comments, they really make my day! Whenever I can I pass on the love and forward them to our colleagues who help us make our magic happen.

Pre-Order

These kits are a special-order and we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, but you have the option to order them any time (they will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). That said, we keep  Berroco Vintage in stock all year and are always reordering, so if the yarn is in stock your kit will be available very quickly. Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible.  

Leslie

Seamless and knit from the bottom up, Leslie is a simple, unisex, grandfather cardigan that’s perfect to layer over any outfit. The body is worked in one piece from the bottom up to the underarms. The sleeves are worked in the round to the underarm, then joined to the body. The yoke is worked in one piece. 

Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced-beginner

Skills: reading a pattern, decreasing (K2tog & SSK),  knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, picking up and knitting stitches, weaving in ends, seaming (mattress stitch), 

Size

  • 3(6, 9, 12, 18) mos.
  • To Fit Chest Size:  17(18, 19, 20, 21)˝
  • Finished Chest (closed): 20(21, 22, 23, 24)˝
  • Finished Length:  10(10½, 11, 11½, 12½)˝
  • This garment was designed with approximately 3” of ease.  Please take this into consideration when selecting your size.

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT include

Riley

Riley is a precious romper for a boy or girl with snaps at the bottom and a little bib in the front. The lower back and front are worked separately and then joined. The body is then worked in the round to the waist.  

Skill Level: advanced-beginner

Size

  • 3(6, 9, 12, 18) months
  • To Fit Chest Size:  18(19, 20, 21, 22)”
  • Finished Chest: 19(20, 21, 22, 23)˝
  • Finished Length: 16½(17½, 18½, 19½, 20½)˝
  • This garment was designed with approximately 1” of ease.  Please take this into consideration when selecting your size.

Skills:  reading a pattern, using circular needles, picking up and knitting stitches, increasing (M1L & M1R), increasing (M1P), yarn-over (between knit & purl), using stitch markers, bind-off (in middle of row), i-cord, weaving in ends, seaming (mattress stitch).

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT include

Fayerye

With floral buds and a little green i-cord on top, this whimsical hat (pronounced “fairy”) is sure to be a fall and winter favorite for your little one. 

Skill Level: advanced beginner to intermediate

Skills: reading a pattern, decreasing (K2tog),   knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, i-cord, joining in the round, increasing (M1L & M1R),  weaving in ends,  make a bobble.

Size

  • one size
  • 16″ around and 6.5″ high

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT include

Rerun

Inspired by the shape of Emily’s Maine winter boots, Rerun is a pair of booties for your little one’s first winter.

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

Skills: reading a pattern, decreasing (K2tog & SSK),   knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, i-cord, picking up and knitting stitches,  seaming (mattress stitch), weaving in ends.

Size

  • one size
  • Approximately 2½” high x 4″ long (foot) 

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT include

KITS Classic Baby Knits (worsted)

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I personally have an eye for the wild, weird & whimsical, but I also appreciate the balance and calm of the classics. The following are some worsted weight baby projects for the most discriminating eye (unless you make them in hellacious colours, in which case all bets are off). The suggested yarn, Berroco Vintage , is soft, washable, affordable, and comes in a broad selection of classic and adventurous colours. As always, we can substitute any of our baby-friendly worsted weight yarns. If you’re looking for some projects made with thinner yarn those will be up at bat next, but you can browse HERE.

Pre-Order

These kits are a special-order and we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, but you have the option to order them any time (they will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). That said, we keep  Berroco Vintage in stock all year and are always reordering, so if the yarn is in stock your kit will be available very quickly. Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible.  

Ivy

Simple and sweet, Ivy is a rectangular lace blanket that’s just the right size to become your little one’s favorite. The stitch pattern is both charted and written out, and is only 4 rows, making it a great choice for knitters who are new to lace.

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Skills: Cast on, cast off, knit, purl, reading a pattern, basic lace knitting, joining a new ball of yarn, weaving in ends, reading a chart (optional), using lifelines (optional).

Size

  • Approx 28½” wide x 30” long
  • For 33″ x 34″: add 20 sts to cast-on and 1 extra skein of yarn 
  • For 35″ x 37″: add 30 sts and 2 extra skeins of yarn
  • For 37.5″ x 38″: add 40 sts and 2 extra skeins of yarn 
  • For 40″ x 42″: add 50 sts and 3 extra skeins of yarn

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Notes

  • The pattern repeat is 10 sts, so to make your blanket narrower or wider you would add or remove stitches in denominations of 10. 
  • Each pattern repeat measures approximately 2.25″

Luca

Luca is a miniature gansey pullover with buttons at the neck for easy dressing. This pattern is knit in pieces and seamed together.

Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced-beginner

Skills: Cast on, cast off, knit, purl, reading a pattern, joining a new ball of yarn, weaving in ends, seaming (mattress stitch)

Size

  • 3(6, 9, 12, 18) months
  • To Fit Chest Size:  17(18-19-20-21)˝
  • Finished Chest – 20(21-22-23-24)˝
  • Finished Length – 9½(10-10½-11-11½)˝
  • This garment was designed with approximately 3” of ease.  Please take this into consideration when selecting your size.

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Battenberg Blanket

The Battenberg Baby Blanket is a classicly styled blanket, with a simple, elegant aesthetic. The stitch used has the appearance of complicated waves,  but it’s really just an easy ribbing that starts one stitch to the right every few rows. For an unusual touch, the edging is worked along the sides but doesn’t meet in the corners.

Skill Level: advanced-beginner 

Size: 35” wide x 42” long

Skills: following a pattern, pick-up & knit stitches, weaving in ends

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

Rabbit

With extra-long ears and a large pom-pom for a tail, Rabbit will fit right in with the rest of your little one’s menagerie of toys. This toy is knit in the round, mostly in one piece. Ears are sewn on, as is the pom-pom tail. 

Skill Level: advanced-beginner to intermediate

Skills:  knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, seaming (mattress stitch), picking up and knitting stitches, increasing (M1L & M1R), decreasing (K2tog & SSK), cable cast-on.

Size: approximately 10” around body x 11½” high (not including ears)

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Notes

Carrot

Whether your little one is a future gardener, chef or nature lover, he or she is sure to love this soft toy carrot. 

Skill Level: advanced-beginner to intermediate

Skills:  knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, cast-on (provisional), seaming (mattress stitch), increasing (M1L & M1R), decreasing (K2tog & SSK), grafting (kitchener stitch).

Size: approximately 8” around (at widest point) x 12” long (including leaves)

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Notes

BABY BLANKETS Round is the New Square

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The more I look at these round blankets, the more I love them! It’s amazing how changing the shape can shake up a concept as simple as a blanket. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just refine the shape a bit!

The Yarn

Berroco Vintage Chunky is a bulky weight yarn that’s great for just about everything: babies, kids, men, blankets, afghans, etc. It is machine washable, soft, easy to work with and come in a spectrum of great colours, both solid and heathered. It’s a blend of wool and high-end synthetic fibres, but it isn’t shiny (or squeaky), and doesn’t feel acrylicy. 40% Wool, 52% Acrylic, 8% Nylon, 100g/125m (136yds). Made in Peru, machine wash, lay flat to dry. 

Pre-Order

Please note, while these kits are a special order, we stock the yarn all year round, and generally the chances are good that we will have your colour in stock and your kit will be ready quickly. 

These kits as a special-order and we aren’t stocking them 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 kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible. 

Knit from the centre out, Cecelia is a botanical blanket that’s perfect for cuddling a baby, wearing as a shawl or simply decorating the home. Stitch pattern is charted. The finished projects on Ravelry for this pattern are beautiful, and people seem to make it over and over again!

Skill Level: Intermediate

Skills: knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, reading a chart, weaving in ends, centre double decrease, cast-on (provisional), yarn-over (double), lifelines, K2tog & SSK, stitch markers (in lace)

Prerequisites: You should already have tried some basic lace knitting and knitting in the round on double-pointed needles.

Size: Approximately 48” across (piece is circular)

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT include

Solaria Baby Blanket

To make this cheerful circular blanket, one cable pattern is repeated sixteen times, resulting in a profusion of texture. Diamonds and cables intertwine, forming negative spaces that are as interesting as the raised design. Cable pattern is charted, blanket is worked from the outer circumference and decreases into the centre. The finished projects for this pattern on Ravelry are absolutely GORGEOUS!

Skill Level: Intermediate

Skills: cables, knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, reading a chart, weaving in ends.

Prerequisites: You should already have tried basic cables and knitting in the round on double-pointed needles.

Size: Approximately 36″ across (the piece is circular)

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT include

Key Lime Baby Blanket

This simple, fresh baby blanket is created by combining two-by-two rib and garter stitch in concentric circles. Worked from the centre outward, all the increases occur on knit rounds, which makes the counting easy to manage. The off-white centre and border mimic the look of a sliced lime. This blanket would also be adorable as a lemon (colour 6122) or a watermelon (colour 6123 for the interior, 6101 and 6135 for the rind, and 6125 if you want to throw in some seeds).

Skill Level: Advanced-Beginner to Intermediate

Skills: cables, knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, reading a chart, weaving in ends.

Prerequisites: You should already have tried knitting in the round on double-pointed needles.

Size: Approximately 36″ across (the piece is circular)

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT include

PROJECT First Blanket

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I’m sorry I haven’t written a proper post in a bit, I’ve been tied up with helping you guys in the store, humidity and life. Luckily, life works for us, and gives us little breaks where we can breathe, and contemplate, and write inspiring things!

I wanted to thank those of you who write, call, and stop by to tell me how appreciative you are – it means the world to me, and I’m very grateful for your feedback, it keeps me going! It’s the most rewarding thing in the word to know that I’m helping and inspiring you. It also helps me know that I’m on the right track, and when it’s time to make a change – both of which are incredibly valuable.

Thank you for connecting with me, it helps me connect with you. ~ Haley

First Winter Blanket

This pattern popped up on Ravelry last week and I think it’s absolutely brilliant in its simplicity. It’s a baby blanket that turns into a bunting – genius! It uses 3 skeins of one of my favourite yarns, Malabrigo Rios, an incredibly soft, hand dyed machine washable merino wool from Uruguay. The knitting is pretty basic, just garter stitch and seed stitch, so it’s accessible to knitters of all skill levels. The pattern is FREE, so Yay!

Plus, the manufacturer, Malabrigo Yarns, is committed to employing women who lack job opportunities, ecological sustainability and ethical animal husbandry. These things are important, and while it may sound kooky, I increasingly think that all the parts of the manufacturing process end up *in* the product. Trendy isn’t enough for me – I want more, I want JOY.

Materials

  • Malabrigo Rios: 3 skeins (1 in each of 3 colours)
  • 5mm needles (straight or circular)
  • stitch markers
  • row counter
  • tapestry needle
  • 11 buttons (15mm to 25mm)
  • FREE Pattern

CANADA DAY & FREEBIE Long Weekend Store Hours

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Canada Day Long Weekend Store Hours

Friday June 28: 11 am to 6pm

Saturday June 29: 11 am to 6pm

Sunday June 30: CLOSED

Monday July 1: CLOSED

Photo: purlsoho

Hudson Bay Inspired Baby Blanket

Does anything say Canada to Canadians more than the iconic Hudson Bay Blanket? It’s simple design is timeless and a hand-knit version would make for a super-special baby gift. The pattern is beginner friendly (it’s just straight knitting), and makes a great low-brain activity, summer project. And it’s FREE, so that’s a bonus too!

Yarn Options

The Hudson Bay Inspired Baby Blanket is made with worsted weight yarn, so you’ve got several great options to choose from! I’ve colour combined and art-directed the colours, so you don’t have to worry about which shades match and balance together – I’ve got you covered! Working with the palates available from each yarn line, I tired to create as many combinations that looked good as possible. I also tried to go for different aesthetics, the classics are closest to the iconic blankets sold by the Hudson Bay Company, and feature clearer, brighter colours. The subdued combos are a more modern, grown-up take on the hues, and are darker.

Cascade 220 Superwash

Cascade 220 Superwash is an affordably priced, machine washable Peruvian wool yarn. It’s soft enough for baby garments and blankets, knits easily, and has been a staple around here for a LONG time. If you aren’t into synthetics this is a great choice!

  • classic colours: six skeins of 817 Aran, and one skein each of 251 Evergreen, 809 Really Red, 877 Golden, 1924 Midnight Heather
  • slightly darker colours: six skeins of 817 Aran, and one skein each of 1950 Hunter Green, 893 Ruby, 877 Golden, 854 Navy.

Berroco Vintage

Berroco Vintage is a super soft, machine washable blend of wool, acrylic and nylon. It’s easy on the hands and the pocketbook, and is another very popular choice for babies and kids. This yarn is also a longstanding resident around here.

  • classic colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi, and one skein each of 5152 Mistletoe, 5151 Cardinal, 5121 Sunny, 51182 Indigo Heather.
  • somewhat subdued colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi, and one skein each of 5193 Yukon Green, 51181 Ruby Heather, 5127 Butternut, 51182 Indigo Heather.
  • grown-up heathered colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi, and one skein each of 5177 Douglas Fir Heather, 5181 Black Currant Heather, 5192 Chana Dal Heather, 51182 Indigo Heather.

Malabrigo Rios

Malabrigo Rios is one of my favourite yarns. It’s a hand dyed, machine washable, 100% merino wool that’s made in Uruguay. The colours are darker than the classic blanket combo, but no less beautiful.

  • subdued colours: six skeins of 063 Natural, and one skein each of 138 Ivy, 33 Cereza, 35 Frank Ochre, 150 Azul Profundo.

Other Materials

  • 4.5mm/US7 – 29″ circular needles (or longer)
  • tapestry needle
  • FREE Pattern

FINISHED Chevron Baby Blanket

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Chevron Baby Blanket

Mallory finished our Chevron Baby Blanket made with Urth Uneek Worsted and it’s just a beautiful as I thought it would be. Our turned out a bit smaller than expected, but we only used 2 skeins of yarn. I’ve done the math and adjusted the number for larger sizes for you, including suggestions for the yarn required. Urth Uneek Worsted is a really special yarn – it’s a gorgeous, hand-painted, self-striping, machine washable super-soft merino wool, and their colourways absolutely GLOW with life.

Notes

  • The pattern is straightforward (and free), and the yarn is soft and stunning, so I don’t think you can go wrong with this project.
  • If you are looking for a similar look but can’t handle the price-tag, try using Berroco Comfort Print. It’s soft, machine washable, self-striping, costs a third of the price, and the yardage is the same as the Urth Uneek Worsted. If you go with this option be sure to choose the colours that are labelled ‘stripes’ – it also comes in variegated colours.
  • I highly suggest you use stitch markers to demark the pattern repeats, it will make so much easier and hep you keep track of where you are in the row.
  • I also suggest putting in a life-line every now and again, just in case you make a mistake and have to rip a few rows back.
  • We blocked out blanket using the Knitter’s Pride Knit Blockers and I AM IN LOVE with them! They made blocking a million times easier and faster!
  • As noted above, our project came out small, so I’ve laid-out the numbers for larger sizes. I also thought it would make a gorgeous and easy wrap, so I included the numbers for that, as well as for a larger throw blanket.

Size

Our blanket came out 24”(61cm) wide by 28.5″(72cm) long after blocking. The pattern is written for one size, but based on our tension I’ve drafted some suggestions for larger sizes, a wrap and a throw blanket.

  • Baby Blanket – 24”(61cm) wide by 28.5″(72cm) long: cast on 121 sts
  • Baby Blanket – 28.5”(72cm) wide x 34”(86cm) long: cast on 145 sts
  • Baby Blanket – 33”(84cm) wide x 39”(99cm) long: cast on 169 sts
  • Baby Blanket – 37.5”(95cm) wide x 45”(114cm) long: cast on 193 sts
  • Wrap/Shawl – 19.5”(49.5cm) wide x 60”(152cm) long (or longer): cast on 97 sts
  • Throw Blanket – 51″(129cm) wide x 60″(152cm) long: cast on 265 sts

Materials