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.
Since single-use plastic bags are being phased out in Canada, I thought it might be a good time to revisit the good old-fashioned string bag. I could be wrong, but I feel like we were doing well reducing our plastic before COVID, but the pandemic seems to kind of disrupt that progress. Setbacks happen, we’ll just get back on the horse and forge forward! The following are some of my favourite patterns … both knit and crochet. I prefer crochet because the nature of the crochet stitch strengthens the structure of the bag, but in the end, it’s really all good, as long as we’re cutting back on plastic.
Qualities I look for in a yarn for making string bags:
Washability: I want to be able to throw it in the washing machine.
Strength: it needs to be strong enough to carry stuff and not break.
Resilience: it needs to wear well, I want it to last.
Why Bother?
Some philosophies believe that we are connected to everyone and everything on this planet. Since there is now garbage in orbit around the planet, I’ll just extend it a little further and say that you’re connected to everything in creation. You are tethered to everything, and this connection is centred in love. You are important, what you say is important, and what you do is especially important. In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz says we should be impeccable with our words, but I think it’s time we learn to be impeccable with our actions (as an aside, the audiobook narrator Peter Coyote is EXCELLENT).
During the early COVID shut-downs I noticed a LOT of plastic bags leaving the store, and it made me kind of queasy, so I started switching over to paper bags and biodegradable shipping bags. But paper isn’t the answer – it decomposes and recycles, but it’s substantially more expensive than plastic, it’s resource-heavy, and its manufacture and distribution generate lots of greenhouse gases. The solution is to not use resources that you don’t need to. We have to make new habits, but when you do, try to do it from a different context, try it from a place of love. Most of us live from a centre of fear, but I’ll be honest, I don’t think it’s working for us. When you approach things from a foundation of fear everything seems to be slow, jerky, resistant, and hard. When you come at it from a paradigm of love, things just seem to flow, they’re easy, and they move naturally. We have a lot of changes ahead of us, so if you can find a way to lean into it gracefully you’ll be leagues ahead of the game.
I tried to find you a suitable pattern with a video tutorial on Youtube, but while I was previewing them I started feeling really angry and frustrated, so I passed. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t follow one if you find one you like, it just means that I didn’t find anything that met my standards for referral (a combination of accessible skill level, clear instructions and happy energy).
P.P.S.(COVID Related Supply-Chain Disruptions)
Distribution disruptions due to COVID are still in the works, and I received a note from the distributor last week that the price of Cascade Ultra Pima is going up to $14.97/skein. Our inventory is still at the old price, $11.97/skein, so if you were thinking of picking some up best to do it before we have to raise the price.
Here’s a great one for the people who aren’t afraid of the hook – a gorgeous french market bag crocheted with cotton! I’ s a substantial bag that will hold a lot of whatever you’re carrying. We made our store sample with Cascade Ultra Pima and we used about 320m of yarn. I’d like to try it with a linen, like Quince & Co Sparrow, I love the sturdiness and resilience of linen. If you want an even bigger bag, level up to a 4.5mm or 5mm hook and use Lion Brand Pima Cotton.
Ilene is a great free bag pattern that’s been around a long time. It holds a lot, but if you want it bigger just make the body longer, and you can make the handle longer or shorter to suit your carrying needs.
I designed this little bag many, many moons ago and it’s still one of my favourites. My favourite version were the ones I made a few years ago with some Quince & Co Sparrow Linen– they’re sturdy, light, and put away up nicely! This bag also makes a great little gift.
I’ve always liked the Monteagle bag because it’s just really groovy looking and reminds me of macrame. It’s like on larger needles to play up the stringiness of the string bag.
This mesh bag set is the ultimate duo in accessories! A roomy tote for market scores, beach day essentials, or picnic must-haves in addition to a chic bottle bag to ensure you are always hydrated make the perfect pair this season. These quick projects are stylish, quick, and functional – the best combo!
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.
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)
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.
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.)
Last time was crochet, so today I’m looking at knitted bags that make me happy. Knitted bags can be simple and elegant, and make great totes and carryalls. They’re also a nice, smallish summer project – great for taking up to the cottage, your back-yard or the local park. They benefit from working with plant based fibres, which are perfect for the summer because they don’t hold humidity like most animal fibres do (wool, alpaca, camel, mohair, cashmere … basically everything except silk).
I kind of love the simple spiral design on this bag, it’s elegant but has some interest, it’s a great design feature! Instructions are included for three sizes. It’s worked in the round, cast on using Judy’s Magic Cast-On and worked from the bottom up. Straps are then worked back and forth and grafted together at the top.
Simplicity is also key wit this tote! You make this bag by first knitting the base flat, then picking up around the Base and knitting the Body of the bag in the round.
Graphic stripes and simple designs make me extremely happy! This bag is knit flat in one piece in garter stitch to form a rectangle that is then folded and sewn on two sides to create the bag shape. If preferred, you can carry the yarns up the edge of the piece when working the “Thin and Thick Stripe Pattern” sections.
Sizes
Sizes: 1 (2, 3)
Finished width at base: 28 (35, 42) cm / 11 (13¾, 16½)”
Finished height: 28 (35, 42) cm / 11 (13¾, 16½)”
Before sewing, flat piece measures 20 (25, 30) cm / 8 (10, 12)” x 60 (75, 90) cm / 24 (30, 35½)”
People have been asking a lot about market bags this summer, so I’ve put together a little bit of inspiration for you. I prefer crochet for market bags, the stitch reinforces the strength. Plus crochet is fun in the summer, it’s an extremely comfortable way to work with plant fibres. A basic crochet bag (like the second below) is also a great next level project for new or inexperienced crocheters.
I designed this little bag many, many moons ago and it’s still one of my favourites. My favourite version were the ones I made a few years ago with some Quince & Co Sparrow Linen – they’re sturdy, light, and put away up nicely!
Both of these Bags are made with Berroco Estiva, a super soft, 100% cotton tape yarn that’s perfect for Spring & Summer knits and crochets. It’s comfortable, easy to knit with, and it comes in gorgeous gradient colours that fade from light to dark. It’s bulky weight yarn so it works up fast!
Saba Island
This crochet bag is substantial! Seriously, it looks big enough to carry EVERYTHING. Measuring in at 58″ around top edge and 19″ deep (not including straps) the only thing that won’t fit inside is the kitchen sink. It’s a dense crochet, so it’s going to be sturdy … nothing’s falling out the bottom of this baby.
I really like this pattern … the medallions in the upper third are really pretty, they’re a very crochet aesthetic. But I also like the stitch pattern that’s been used for the middle part of the bag. It creates a really subtle feature that adds extra interest and visually breaks up the bag. Many crochet bags are designed in the single crochet stitch because it is dense and sturdy, but it’s also a bit bland. I’m going to give this one a try and see how the stitch turns out, maybe I’ll be able to add something to my repertoire!
Quince & Co Sparrow Linen is finally restocked just in time for the good weather! And it’s a good thing, because I seem to have reached maximum pandemic and my brain doesn’t seem to want to work good. If you are in the same boat, Popham is a nice little crochet bag (I know the crocheters are always jonesing for pretty projects), ready for you to go hit the outside and stand in a line (but it’s outside, so that’s a nice change, right?). If you are not a crocheter you can take the knitted version, Rue Mouffetard, for a drive. And another cool thing, this pattern is written for two sizes of yarn (a nice touch), the thinner Quince & Co Sparrow (the brown bag) and the thicker Quince & Co Kestrel (ecru bag) (also restocked).
Popham in Quince & Co Kestrel
Materials: Longer, Narrower Bag (thinner yarn)
The brown bag in the pictures. Size is 4½” [37 cm] wide and 27½” [70 cm] total length (including strap).
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.
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).
