Category Archives: gifts

NEW & RESTOCKED Kits from Fleece Artist & Handmaiden

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RESTOCKED Gradient Wrap Kits

Soft and luxurious, Cashbah 5 Ply is a wonderful DK weight yarn made with cashmere and merino! These gradient sets transition from one skein to another naturally, and have an amazing depth to their colours. These kits make a great little travel project or a gift. See finished projects on Ravelry. Each kit comes with 2 patterns, one is great for beginner knitters and the other for intermediate knitters. 

NOTE: Each kit is individually dyed and unique. No two kits will be the same.

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

  • Each skein is 82m(87 yards)/50g (80% merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon).
  • Made in Canada.
  • Each kit is individually dyed, no two are exactly alike, images may vary a bit.
  • The project requires 5mm/U8-29″ circular needles (or longer, not included in kit).

Kit Contains

NEW Fleece Artist Bluenoser Mitten Kits

Welcome to an authentic East-coast mitten experience! The Fleece Artist Bluenoser Mitten Kit is designed with Fleece Artist Wonder Woolen, a 100% regionally sourced wool (25 Micron, Woolen Spun) a hearty and sturdy yarn that will wear harder, last longer, and keep you warmer. Made in Nova Scotia, Canada. The main colour is the background colour (the first colour listed/larger skein), the contrast colour is the flecks & stripes (the second colour listed/smaller skein).

NOTE: Each kit is individually dyed and unique. No two kits will be the same.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Kit Includes:

  • Fleece Artist Wonder Woolen yarn in 2 colours: MC – 113g, CC 56g
  • Pattern

Kit DOES NOT Include:

  • 4.5mm/US7 double pointed needles
  • Tapestry needle

NEW Fleece Artist Flouf Headband Kits

This one-skein wonder is our new favourite! A single cable headband knit using Fleece Artist Flouf (a new super soft and lofty 100% merino wool) on an 8mm needle. It can be knit in a day (or evening) and makes for great gifts knit up or as a kit! This kit is very friendly for newer knitters.

NOTE: Each kit is individually dyed and unique. No two kits will be the same.

Skill Level: Intermediate-Beginner


Kit Includes

  • Pattern  
  • 1 skein of Fleece Artist Flouf (bulky weight, 100% super soft, merino wool)

Kit DOES NOT Include

  • 8mm/US11 needles (straight or circular)
  • tapestry needle

RESTOCKED Fleece Artist Merino Thrum Mitten Kit

These mitten kits are super popular around here and always fly off the shelf! Thrumming is a very old technique that is seriously fun and functional. Small tufts of roving (wool that hasn’t been spun into yarn yet) are knit into the garment creating a fuzzy warm layer on the inside and irresistible dots of colour the outside. As you wear them, the thrummed roving felts down, keeping your hands warm and cozy (take note dog owners, these are ideal winter dog walking mitts). The mittens will be the colour of the yarn and the thrums (roving) will peek through. This kit can also be used to make Thrummed Socks (great as house-socks or slippers)! Each kit is individually hand dyed, no two will be exactly alike. 

NOTE: Each kit is individually dyed and unique. No two kits will be the same.

Skill Level: Advanced-Beginner (after a regular pair of mitts)

Kit Includes:

  • Pattern & instructions  (or you can download them free HERE)
  • Yarn: Fleece Artist Fleece Artist Chinook, 125g (super soft, 100% superwash merino wool)
  • Roving: 60g (100% super soft merino wool) 
  • Sizes included: Adult S, M, L, XL

Kit DOES NOT Include: 

  • 3.5mm/US4 double pointed needles
  • 4mm/US6 double pointed needles

RESTOCKED Handmaiden Maiden Hair

Handmaiden Maiden Hair is one of my all-time favourite yarns, and we just received some new stock, so it’s time for it to shine! I personally like the semi-solid colours, but the multis are super popular around the store. Two skeins make the Cottage Wrap (above), one makes a Quaker Yarn Stretcher (below).

The Cottage Wrap combines two fundamentals of knitting to create a reversible, welted texture: stocking stitch and reverse stocking. It is knitted on the bias, increasing in width as you go, so you can make it any size you like and use any tension of yarn you like – it’s a great stash-buster! The pattern may look long and complicated, but it isn’t, it’s just written with detail for inexperienced knitters and people with short attention spans. The pattern repeat is long, so a chart is included to guide you and help you keep track of where you are in the pattern. You can use any yarn you like, which makes it a great stash buster (see amounts below).

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced-Beginner

Red Wrap

Blue Wrap

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced-Beginner

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

SPECIAL PRE-ORDER Lopi Blankets 2021

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Lopi Blankets

Lopi’s ready-made blankets are back! These blankets are gorgeous heirloom pieces, prefect for your home or cottage, ideal in the living room or at the end of the bed, and they also make beautiful gifts. Made of Icelandic wool, they are extremely durable, lightweight, breathable and warm. The fabric is additionally combed after weaving to make it soft. The blankets come in a wide variety of patterns and all are reversible. The offerings are extensive this year with twenty-seven styles available, so there’s something for everyone (I’m partial to the ones with the colour blocks, the monochrome textures and the graphic polka-dots). To see larger images check out the Lopi 2021 Blanket Catalog HERE. We also have a sample in store for you to see and feel. 

Please note, these are ready-made blankets, they are not a knitting kit and unfortunately do not come with a stunning landscape as a back-drop.

  • Sizes vary, see images for dimensions
  • 27 styles are available for 2021
  • Fully reversible
  • Made in Iceland
  • Hand Wash (or machine wash on delicate alone) in cold water with delicate wash (Eucalan or Soak), lay flat or hang to dry. 

Pre-Orders

All pre-orders must be received by September 16th and will ship/be available for pick-up in early November. We will only be ordering these blankets once this year, and will only be filling pre-orders, so be sure to place your order if you want one! 

USE code LOPI21 at checkout to take $20 off your Lopi blanket purchase!

The Wool

Icelandic wool has historically been crucial to the survival of the nation as it provided both warmth and protection throughout centuries of harsh weather. It is also quite unique compared to the wool of other sheep breeds. The inner fibres are fine, soft and highly insulating while the outer fibres are long, glossy and water repellent. Therefore products made of Icelandic wool are extremely durable, lightweight and breathable

The Manufacturer
Ístex Ltd. is the main wool manufacturer in Iceland, with over a century of wool tradition behind their products. They create wool blankets, with narrative threads that weave together a modern sensibility of style, the artistic inspiration of a dramatic landscape and the unique quality of Icelandic yarn.

OVERSTOCK Oops! Extra Lopi Blankets

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So it seems I had a bit of a COVID brain-fart when I was ordering the Lopi Blankets and I seem to have a few extra – so, if any of you missed out, you’ve got a choice of a few styles, and they’re in the store right now, ready to ship or be picked up! Please Note: we only have the styles that are available on our website, we only have one of each style, and we won’t be ordering more until next summer.

USE code LOPI20 at checkout to take $20 off your Lopi blanket purchase!

Lopi Blankets

Lopi’s ready-made blankets are back! These blankets are gorgeous heirloom pieces, prefect for your home or cottage, ideal in the living room or at the end of the bed, and they also make beautiful gifts. Made of Icelandic wool, they are extremely durable, lightweight, breathable and warm. The fabric is additionally combed after weaving to make it soft. The blankets come in a wide variety of patterns and all are reversible. The offerings are extensive this year with twenty-seven styles available, so there’s something for everyone (I’m partial to the ones with the colour blocks, the monochrome textures and the graphic polka-dots). To see larger images check out the Lopi 2020 Blanket Catalog HERE.

Please note, these are ready-made blankets, they are not a knitting kit and unfortunately do not come with a stunning landscape as a back-drop.

  • Sizes vary, see images for dimensions
  • 27 styles are available for 2020
  • Fully reversible
  • Made in Iceland
  • Hand Wash (or machine wash on delicate alone) in cold water with delicate wash (Eucalan or Soak), lay flat or hang to dry. 
  • View the Lopi 2020 Blanket Catalog HERE (includes larger images)

Pre-Orders

All pre-orders must be received by September 15th and will ship/be available for pick-up in October 2020 (exact date will depend on when we receive our order). We will only be ordering these blankets once this year, and will only be filling pre-orders, so be sure to place your order if you want one! 

USE code LOPI20 at checkout to take $20 off your Lopi blanket purchase!

The Wool

Icelandic wool has historically been crucial to the survival of the nation as it provided both warmth and protection throughout centuries of harsh weather. It is also quite unique compared to the wool of other sheep breeds. The inner fibres are fine, soft and highly insulating while the outer fibres are long, glossy and water repellent. Therefore products made of Icelandic wool are extremely durable, lightweight and breathable

The Manufacturer
Ístex Ltd. is the main wool manufacturer in Iceland, with over a century of wool tradition behind their products. They create wool blankets, with narrative threads that weave together a modern sensibility of style, the artistic inspiration of a dramatic landscape and the unique quality of Icelandic yarn.

LAST CALL! Lopi Blankets extended to Sept 17

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This is just a gentle reminder that our annual deadline for ordering Lopi Blankets is coming up soon! Please place your order by September 17th to reserve yourself a gorgeous blanket (they make great holiday gifts too). I know I said the September 15th before, but I’m a bit forgetful so I pad my deadlines in case of sieve-brain.

USE code LOPI20 at checkout to take $20 off your Lopi blanket purchase!

Lopi Blankets

Lopi’s ready-made blankets are back! These blankets are gorgeous heirloom pieces, prefect for your home or cottage, ideal in the living room or at the end of the bed, and they also make beautiful gifts. Made of Icelandic wool, they are extremely durable, lightweight, breathable and warm. The fabric is additionally combed after weaving to make it soft. The blankets come in a wide variety of patterns and all are reversible. The offerings are extensive this year with twenty-seven styles available, so there’s something for everyone (I’m partial to the ones with the colour blocks, the monochrome textures and the graphic polka-dots). To see larger images check out the Lopi 2020 Blanket Catalog HERE.

Please note, these are ready-made blankets, they are not a knitting kit and unfortunately do not come with a stunning landscape as a back-drop.

  • Sizes vary, see images for dimensions
  • 27 styles are available for 2020
  • Fully reversible
  • Made in Iceland
  • Hand Wash (or machine wash on delicate alone) in cold water with delicate wash (Eucalan or Soak), lay flat or hang to dry. 
  • View the Lopi 2020 Blanket Catalog HERE (includes larger images)

Pre-Orders

All pre-orders must be received by September 17th and will ship/be available for pick-up in October 2020 (exact date will depend on when we receive our order). We will only be ordering these blankets once this year, and will only be filling pre-orders, so be sure to place your order if you want one! 

USE code LOPI20 at checkout to take $20 off your Lopi blanket purchase!

The Wool

Icelandic wool has historically been crucial to the survival of the nation as it provided both warmth and protection throughout centuries of harsh weather. It is also quite unique compared to the wool of other sheep breeds. The inner fibres are fine, soft and highly insulating while the outer fibres are long, glossy and water repellent. Therefore products made of Icelandic wool are extremely durable, lightweight and breathable

The Manufacturer
Ístex Ltd. is the main wool manufacturer in Iceland, with over a century of wool tradition behind their products. They create wool blankets, with narrative threads that weave together a modern sensibility of style, the artistic inspiration of a dramatic landscape and the unique quality of Icelandic yarn.

Most Popular Blankets for 2020

It seems everyone is excited to snuggle up this winter and we’ve sold enough for me to extract the trends! Colour is popular this year, as are colour blocks. If you’re feeling like you want to make your own colourblock, the yarns with the best colour range and durability for a throw are Cascade 220 Superwash and Berroco Vintage. Both are soft, comfortable, easy to work with, affordable, and MACHINE WASHABLE! To make an average throw blanket you’ll need approximately 12 to 15 skeins of yarn.

REMINDER Lopi Blankets Special Order

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This is just a gentle reminder that our annual deadline for ordering Lopi Blankets is coming up soon! Please place your order by September 15th to reserve yourself a gorgeous blanket (they make great holiday gifts too).

USE code LOPI20 at checkout to take $20 off your Lopi blanket purchase!

Lopi Blankets

Lopi’s ready-made blankets are back! These blankets are gorgeous heirloom pieces, prefect for your home or cottage, ideal in the living room or at the end of the bed, and they also make beautiful gifts. Made of Icelandic wool, they are extremely durable, lightweight, breathable and warm. The fabric is additionally combed after weaving to make it soft. The blankets come in a wide variety of patterns and all are reversible. The offerings are extensive this year with twenty-seven styles available, so there’s something for everyone (I’m partial to the ones with the colour blocks, the monochrome textures and the graphic polka-dots). To see larger images check out the Lopi 2020 Blanket Catalog HERE.

Please note, these are ready-made blankets, they are not a knitting kit and unfortunately do not come with a stunning landscape as a back-drop.

  • Sizes vary, see images for dimensions
  • 27 styles are available for 2020
  • Fully reversible
  • Made in Iceland
  • Hand Wash (or machine wash on delicate alone) in cold water with delicate wash (Eucalan or Soak), lay flat or hang to dry. 
  • View the Lopi 2020 Blanket Catalog HERE (includes larger images)

Pre-Orders

All pre-orders must be received by September 15th and will ship/be available for pick-up in October 2020 (exact date will depend on when we receive our order). We will only be ordering these blankets once this year, and will only be filling pre-orders, so be sure to place your order if you want one! 

USE code LOPI20 at checkout to take $20 off your Lopi blanket purchase!

The Wool

Icelandic wool has historically been crucial to the survival of the nation as it provided both warmth and protection throughout centuries of harsh weather. It is also quite unique compared to the wool of other sheep breeds. The inner fibres are fine, soft and highly insulating while the outer fibres are long, glossy and water repellent. Therefore products made of Icelandic wool are extremely durable, lightweight and breathable

The Manufacturer
Ístex Ltd. is the main wool manufacturer in Iceland, with over a century of wool tradition behind their products. They create wool blankets, with narrative threads that weave together a modern sensibility of style, the artistic inspiration of a dramatic landscape and the unique quality of Icelandic yarn.

SPECIAL PRE-ORDER Lopi Blankets

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Lopi Blankets

Lopi’s ready-made blankets are back! These blankets are gorgeous heirloom pieces, prefect for your home or cottage, ideal in the living room or at the end of the bed, and they also make beautiful gifts. Made of Icelandic wool, they are extremely durable, lightweight, breathable and warm. The fabric is additionally combed after weaving to make it soft. The blankets come in a wide variety of patterns and all are reversible. The offerings are extensive this year with twenty-seven styles available, so there’s something for everyone (I’m partial to the ones with the colour blocks, the monochrome textures and the graphic polka-dots). To see larger images check out the Lopi 2020 Blanket Catalog HERE.

Please note, these are ready-made blankets, they are not a knitting kit and unfortunately do not come with a stunning landscape as a back-drop.

  • Sizes vary, see images for dimensions
  • 27 styles are available for 2020
  • Fully reversible
  • Made in Iceland
  • Hand Wash (or machine wash on delicate alone) in cold water with delicate wash (Eucalan or Soak), lay flat or hang to dry. 
  • View the Lopi 2020 Blanket Catalog HERE (includes larger images)

Pre-Orders

All pre-orders must be received by September 15th and will ship/be available for pick-up in October 2020 (exact date will depend on when we receive our order). We will only be ordering these blankets once this year, and will only be filling pre-orders, so be sure to place your order if you want one! 

USE code LOPI20 at checkout to take $20 off your Lopi blanket purchase!

The Wool

Icelandic wool has historically been crucial to the survival of the nation as it provided both warmth and protection throughout centuries of harsh weather. It is also quite unique compared to the wool of other sheep breeds. The inner fibres are fine, soft and highly insulating while the outer fibres are long, glossy and water repellent. Therefore products made of Icelandic wool are extremely durable, lightweight and breathable

The Manufacturer
Ístex Ltd. is the main wool manufacturer in Iceland, with over a century of wool tradition behind their products. They create wool blankets, with narrative threads that weave together a modern sensibility of style, the artistic inspiration of a dramatic landscape and the unique quality of Icelandic yarn.

NEW Ceramic Yarn Bowls from Lenny Mud

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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.

  • 6.25″ (16.5cm) wide x 3.5″ high (9cm) high
  • Hand Made
  • Natural Materials
  • Artisanal Made
  • Made in the USA

Lopi Blankets Pre-Order

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I know it’s a bit warm to start thinking about wool blankets, holiday gifts, and etc, but we have to place our our by the end of August … just think of a beautiful, chilly holiday season, curling up and sharing down-time with the people you love.

Lopi Blankets

Lopi blankets are gorgeous, ready-made heirloom pieces for your home, chalet or cottage. Comparable to the Canadian HBC blanket, Lopi Blankets are true statement pieces. They’re perfect in the living room, or at the end of the bed, and also make beautiful gifts. Made of Icelandic wool, they are extremely durable, lightweight, breathable and warm. The fabric is additionally combed after weaving to make it soft. The blankets come in various patterns and all are reversible. Please note, these are ready-made blankets, they are not a knitting kit.

  • Size ranges from 51″ x 71″ to 51″ x 79″
  • Five different styles available
  • Reversible
  • Machine wash gentle/cold with delicate wash, air dry
  • Made in Iceland

Pre-Orders

We are accepting pre-orders until the end of August and will ship in in October 2019 (exact date will depend on when we receive our order). We will only be ordering these blankets once this year, and will only be filling pre-orders, so be sure to place your order if you want one! Since this is a pre-order we’ll throw in a discount too!

The Wool
Icelandic wool has historically been crucial to the survival of the nation as it provided both warmth and protection throughout centuries of harsh weather. It is also quite unique compared to the wool of other sheep breeds. The inner fibres are fine, soft and highly insulating while the outer fibres are long, glossy and water repellent. Therefore products made of Icelandic wool are extremely durable, lightweight and breathable.

The Manufacturer
Ístex Ltd. is the main wool manufacturer in Iceland, with over a century of wool tradition behind their products. They create wool blankets, with narrative threads that weave together a modern sensibility of style, the artistic inspiration of a dramatic landscape and the unique quality of Icelandic yarn.

Spring Storage + Cute Bags, Gleeners

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It’s Time to Store Your Woollens!

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:

SWET Bags from Gleener

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).