Category Archives: pullover

PROJECTS 6 Scrumptious Knits with Fibre Co Acadia

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Fibre Company Acadia

I received an email from the Fibre Co this week announcing that their Yarn for March is one of my favourites, Fibre Co. Acadia (which is also on SALE right now)! When I get some more details I’ll post about their new pattern, Star Anise, which is set to be released on March 3rd. In the meantime, it got me thinking about all the other beautiful things that Acadia can become … so I assembled them.

Fibre Co. Acadia is a luscious, and slightly rustic looking blend of silk-noil, baby alpaca and fine merino wool. It’s Ideal for creating a handmade wardrobe that can be worn almost all year round, Acadia comes in a range of colours that sit well together to offer makers ample choice for projects. Most of the shades in Acadia have a heathered appearance created from layers of beautiful raw fibres of natural brown baby alpaca, ecru merino tops and silk-noil, which is then kettle dyed creating subtle duotones. Shades such as Egret, Sand and Mountain Ash use other natural shades of alpaca including white, light fawn and grey.

Patterns Designed with Fibre Co. Acadia

Pattern Ideas for Fibre Co. Acadia

  • 60% Merino wool, 20% baby alpaca, 20% silk
  • 50g/133m (145 yds)
  • DK weight
  • 21 to 23 sts = 10 cm/4″
  • 3.75/US5 to 4 mm/US6 needles
  • Gently hand wash colours separately in cool water.
  • We recommend alternating hanks as you work to give an overall blended appearance.
  • Made in Peru

Quantities

We currently have larger sweater quantities (12 or more) in the following colours: Cormorant, Driftwood, Granite, Mountain Ash, Plume, and Sand.

We have smaller sweater quantities (8 to 11) in the following colours: Blueberry, Blueleaf Birch, Butterfly Bush, Egret, Sea Lavender, and Thistle.

In The Flow

In The Flow is a generously sized cowl designed by Becky Baker to be an excellent project for the beginner knitter, or for any knitter who enjoys a simple, meditative project with beautiful yarn.

Size

  • One size
  • Total Circumference: 74 cm (29 in)
  • Height: 29.5 cm (11.75 in)

Materials

  • Fibre Co. Acadia: 1 skein in each of 4 colours
  • 4mm/US6 – 24″ circular needles
  • 3.75mm/US5 – 24″ circular needles
  • 1 stitch marker
  • darning needle
  • Pattern

Crop Top

This simple, cropped sweater is easily knit from the top-down, using short rows to shape the shoulders. It’s simple lines go well with any outfit and can be easily paired with a dress or a T-shirt.

Note

The silk content in Acadia makes it slippery, especially when wet. It is very important to check gauge AFTER blocking and to be careful not to stretch the fabric when laying it out to dry.

Size

  • (XS, S, M) (L, 1XL, 2XL) (3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
  • Finished Chest Measurements: (41 1⁄2”, 43 3⁄4”, 45 3⁄4”) (49 1⁄2”, 53 3⁄4”, 57 1⁄2”) (61 3⁄4”, 65 1⁄2”, 69 3⁄4”)/ (105.5, 111, 116) (125.5, 136.5, 146) (157, 166.5, 177)cm

Materials

Boiseau Wrap

Boiseau is a luxurious wrap worked in DK weight yarn on large needles. Subtle textures and easy lace give Boiseau just the right amount of detail, without being overwhelming. Broad panels of herringbone lace are set off by gently branching columns of lace rib and garter stitch. Drape Boiseau across your shoulders and show off the open lace, or wrap it around your neck as a sumptuous scarf to highlight the textures of the stitch patterns.

Skill Level: Advanced-beginner to intermediate

Size:  Approximately 18 x 70” after blocking

Materials

One Sweater DK

The Fibre Co has put out a series of One Sweater patterns that run from baby to adult sizes. The company owner & founder, Daphne, is wearing their One Sweater DK in
Fibre Co Acadia colour Royal Tern. I think the colour is absolutely smashing!

Size

  • To Fit Chest: 48-51 [53-58: 58-63: 63-68: 68-71: 71-76: 78-81: 86-91: 97-102: 107-112: 117-122: 127-132: 137-142: 147-152: 157-162] cm (19-20 [21-23: 23-25: 25-27: 27-28: 28-30: 30-32: 34-36: 38-40: 42-44: 46-48: 50-52: 54-56: 58-60: 62-64] in)
  • Chest Circ: 57 (65: 68.5: 72: 76: 80: 84: 95: 106.5: 118: 126: 133 145: 156: 167.5) cm (22.75 (26: 27.5: 29: 30.5: 32: 33.5: 38: 42.75: 47.25: 50.25: 53.25: 58: 61.5: 66) in)
  • Total Length (Shorter): 33 (40.5: 43: 46: 49: 55: 61: 61: 61: 62.5: 62.5: 65: 65: 66.5: 67.5) cm (13 (16: 17: 18: 19.5: 21.5: 24: 24: 24: 24.5: 24.5: 25.5: 25.5: 26: 26.5) in)
  • Total Length – Longer (at shoulder): – ( -: -: -: -: -: 66: 67: 68: 70.5: 70.5: 76: 77: 78.5: 80.5) cm (- -(: -: -: -: -: 26: 26.5: 26.5: 27.5: 27.5: 30: 30.5: 30.5: 31.5) in)
  • Upper Arm Circ: 24.5 (28.5: 29.5: 31.5: 32: 34: 36: 38: 39: 44: 47.5: 49.5: 52: 54: 56) cm (10 (11.5: 11.75: 12.5: 13: 13.75: 14.5: 15.25: 15.5: 17.5: 19: 19.75: 21: 21.75: 22.5) in)

Materials

Lucinda

Lucinda is a great basic pullover made for comfort and ease. It’s means to be a roomy, casual that looks great on everyone. Lucinda is worked in one piece in the round from the bottom-up until the underarms, then the fronts and the back are worked separately, joining the shoulders with a three-needle-bind-off. There are instructions for two sleeve lengths (shown in the shorter sleeve). The sweater was designed with Fibre Co. Acadia, and it’s actually been knit up 76 times with it on Ravelry (there are lots of great looking Acadia Lucinda’s to be seen).

Skill Level

Lucinda should be good for anyone at the advanced-beginner to intermediate skill level.

Size

  • Finished Bust: 37¼ (40¼, 44, 47¾, 51¼, 54¼, 58, 61¾, 64¾, 68½)“
  • Shown in size 44” with shorter sleeves and 10” positive ease

Yarn

Fibre Co. Acadia:

  • For shorter sleeves: 8 (9, 9, 11, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) skeins
  • For longer sleeves: 9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16, 17) skeins

Other Materials

  • 3.5mm/US4 & 3.75mm/US5 needles (see pattern for details)
  • Pattern

Brown Eyed Susan

Brown-Eyed Susan is a crescent-shaped shawl with petal pleats at the bottom edge. It can be buttoned at the front, wrapped and tied at the back or draped around your neck. Brown-Eyed Susan can be made in as many or few colours as you choose. It can be knit in one solid colour, striped with a matching or contrast petal pleat border, or given a ‘brown eye’ by knitting the first twenty-three rows in a solid colour. Try working one of the stripes in a semi-solid and using leftover sock yarns for the alternating stripes.

The sample in the photo above is size small, made with Colour A: Blue Heron x 1, Colour B: Bog x 1, Colour C: Asparagus x 3)

Size

  • Small – Finished measurements: width – 107cm/42in, depth – 42cm/16.5in
  • Large – Finished measurements: width – 185cm/73in, depth – 55cm/22in

Materials

NEW Sandness Garn Double Sunday

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We recently received a shipment of a new staple yarn, Sandnes Garn Double Sunday. Double Sunday is a favourite of PetiteKnit, to the extent where she’s collaborated with the yarn company and added her own palette of colours. Double Sunday is a soft, 100% merino wool, non-superwash double knit weight yarn (3.5mm to 4mm needles). It works up beautifully on its own, or try holding it with a kid-mohair like Drops Kid Silk or a brushed alpaca like Drops Brushed Alpaca & Silk to give it a halo St. Peter would envy. While the ball band says to hand wash, the word on the street is that you can machine wash this yarn (I’ll whip up a swatch and throw it in my next load). No matter what, always wash your hand knits in a delicate bag on delicate so they don’t abrade!

All Double Sunday Patterns

The Hipster Hat

The Hipster Hat is worked bottom-up in a 2×2 rib stitch. The bottom has a folded edge of about 6 (6) 8 (8) cm [2¼ (2¼) 3¼ (3¼) inches] (you can do a double folded edge if you knit the hat extra-long, but bear in mind that this will require more yarn than suggested). The decreases at the top of the head are done by working 2 sts together on each side of two knit sts a total of 4 times across the round. The Hipster Hat can be knit a bit long for it to get a little “hipster top” or to a length where it fits your head snuggly. The Hipster Hat is for both men and women.

Size

  • baby (child) woman (man)
  • head circumference of approximately: 45-48 (48-53) 53-57 (57-60) cm [17¾-19 (19-20¾) 20¾-22½ (22½-23½) inches]

Materials

  • Sandnes Garn Double Sunday: 2(2, 2, 3) skeins (knit with 1 strand only)
  • 3.5 mm/US4 – 16″ circular needle
  • 3.5 mm/US4 double pointed needles to shape the crown (or a longer circular needle if you prefer to do it using the magic loop method)
  • Pattern

Oslo Hat

The Oslo Hat is worked in two strands of yarn held together from the bottom up in stockinette stitch. The first part of the hat is worked on a 40 cm 16 inches circular needle, while the top of the hat is worked either on double-pointed needles or on a circular needle using the Magic Loop technique.

Size

  • XS (S) M (L) the approx. equivalent to baby (junior/woman) woman (man)
  • head circumference of approximately: 47-50 (50-55) 55-59 (59-62) cm [18½-19¾ (19¾-21¾) 21¾-23¼ (23¼-24½) inches]

Materials

  • Sandnes Garn Double Sunday: 2(3, 3, 3) skeins (knit with 1 strand only)
  • 3.5 mm/US4 – 16″ circular needle
  • 3.5 mm/US4 double pointed needles to shape the crown (or a longer circular needle if you prefer to do it using the magic loop method)
  • Pattern

Champagne Cardigan

Construction

The Champagne Cardigan is worked from the top down with raglan increases on the yoke and a deep V-neck. The neckline of the cardigan is shaped with short rows by raising the back of the neck. The button plackets are worked in double knitting with buttonholes along the right side.

Size

The Champagne Cardigan has an oversize fit and is designed to have approx. 28 cm [11 inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be 28 cm [11 inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement. The sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL are designed to fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 cm (130-140) 140-150 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39½) 39½-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ (51¼-55) 55-59 inches].

Before beginning your project, measure yourself to determine which size to knit. For example, if you measure 106 cm [41¾ inches] around your bust (or around the widest part of your upper body) you should knit a size XL. A size XL sweater has a bust circumference of 134 cm [52¾ inches] which in the given example would give you 28 cm [11 inches] of positive ease.

  • XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL
  • Finished Bust circumference: 113 (117) 121 (128) 134 (146) 157 (167) 173 cm [44½ (46) 47¾ (50½) 52¾ (57½) 61¾ (65¾) 68 inches]
  • Length: 61 (62) 65 (66) 68 (68) 70 (71) 72 cm [24 (24½) 25½ (26) 26¾ (26¾) 27½ (28) 28½ inches] (measured mid back excl. neck edge)
  • The model in the picture has a bust circumference of 82 cm 32¼ inches. She is 164 cm 5’5” tall and is wearing Champagne Cardigan in a size XS.

Materials

  • Sandnes Garn Double Sunday: 11(11, 12, 12, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) skeins
  • Drops Kid Silk: 5(5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8) skeins
  • Circular needles: 4.5 mm [US7] / 40, 60 and 80 or 100 cm 16, 24 and 32 or 40 inches and 3 mm [US2½] / 100 cm [40 inches]
  • Double-pointed needles: 4.5 mm [US7] (unless the Magic Loop technique is used) as well as a single 3 mm [US2½] double-pointed needle
  • 4 buttons (22-24 mm)
  • Find videos on the techniques used in this pattern here.
  • Pattern

Hanko

Hanko has a boxy and relaxed fit that is effortless to wear and style in many different ways. It is my take on the classic Breton stripe style, but with a few little twists such as the two-colour stripes, dropped shoulder line and wide sleeves. Did you also notice the two-colour tubular bind off at the hem and the cuffs?

Hanko is knitted seamlessly top-down. The neckline is folded double, and the top of the back is shaped with German short rows to improve the fit around the neck. The shoulders are sloped and worked by increasing stitches along the shoulder line. After finishing the increases the front and back are separated and knitted separately to create the sleeve openings. After that, the pieces are joined again in the round and worked seamlessly down to the hem. Lastly, stitches are picked up around the sleeve openings and worked in the round. You can easily try the Hanko pullover on as you knit it and adjust the measurements to your own body measurements.

Hanko got its name after the small seaside town in Finland. The town of Hanko is a popular summer destination with beautiful beaches, marinas and old wooden villas dating back to the 19th century.

Size

This garment is supposed to be an oversized fit and features a positive ease of 25 cm / 10 inches.

  • 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
  • Finished bust circumference: 100 (111, 120, 131, 140, 151, 160, 171, 180) cm / 39.25 (43.75, 47.25, 51.5, 55, 59, 63, 67.25, 70.75) inches
  • Length from hem to underarm (adjustable): 24 cm / 9.5 inches

Materials

  • Sandnes Garn Double Sunday: Main Colour: 6 (7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) skeins, Contast Colour 1: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2), Contrast Colour 2:  1 (1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins.
  • 3mm/US2.5 & 3.5mm/US4 DPNs
  • 3mm/US2.5 – 16″ circular needles
  • 3mm/US2.5 & 3.5mm/US4 – 32″ (40″) circular needles
  • Pattern

Marseille Sweater: Adult, Junior & Young

Construction

The Marseille Sweater is worked from the top down. First, the back yoke is worked back and forth, while the shoulder slope is created by working short rows for a good fit. After this, each shoulder is worked back and forth separately with short row shaping. Then, the shoulders are joined to form the front. The front and back are worked separately and joined at the bottom of the armholes, and then the body is worked in the round on a circular needle. The sleeves are worked from stitches that are picked up and knitted along the armholes and are shaped using short rows. The sleeves are worked in the round on a circular needle and double-pointed needles or using the Magic Loop technique. The neck edge is worked from stitches that are picked up and knitted along the neckline, it is then folded double and knitted together. The Marseille Sweater is worked with stripes, the placements of which are described in the pattern.

Size

The Marseille Sweater is designed to have approx. 25 cm [9¾ inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be 25 cm [9¾ inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement. Before beginning your project, measure yourself to determine which size to knit. For example, if you measure 90 cm [35½ inches] around your bust (or around the widest part of your upper body) you should knit a size S. A size S sweater has a bust circumference of 115 cm [45¼ inches], which in the given example would give you 25 cm [9¾ inches] of positive ease.

ADULT

  • XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL
  • Designed to fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 cm (130-140) 140-150 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39½) 39½-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ (51¼-55) 55-59 inches].
  • Finished Bust circumference: 110 (115) 120 (125) 135 (145) 155 (165) 175 cm [43¼ (45¼) 47¼ (49¼) 53¼ (57) 61 (65) 69 inches]
  • Length: 62 (64) 66 (67) 68 (70) 72 (72) 74 cm [24½ (25¼) 26 (26½) 26¾ (27½) 28¼ (28¼) 29¼ inches] (measured mid back excl. neck edge)
  • The model in the photos is wearing a size XS and has a bust circumference of 82 cm [32¼ inches] and is 164 cm [approx. 5 feet 4 inches] tall.

JUNIOR (age 1 to 9)

  • 1-2 (2-3) 3-4 (4-5) 5-6 (6-7) 7-8 (8-9) years
  • Finished Bust circumference: 64 (70) 74 (76) 78 (80) 84 (90) cm [25¼ (27½) 29¼ (30) 30¾ (31½) 33 (35½) inches]
  • Length: 36 (37) 39 (40) 41 (43) 44 (46) cm [14¼ (14½) 15¼ (15¾) 16¼ (17) 17¼ (18) inches] (measured mid back excl. neck edge)

YOUNG (age 9 to 15)

  • 9-10 (10-12) 12-14 (14-15) years
  • Bust circumference: 97 (100) 105 (108) cm [38¼ (39 ¼) 41¼ (42½) inches]
  • Length: 50 (52) 54 (57) cm [19¾ (20½) 21¼ (22½) inches] (measured mid back excl. neck edge)

Materials

ADULT

  • Sandnes Garn Double Sunday: Main Colour 11(11, 12, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18) skeins, Contrast Colour 1(2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4) skeins. If knitting the sweater without stripes: 12 (13) 14 (15) 16 (18) 19 (20) balls. Shown in colours Almond 2511 and Sailor in the Dark 5581.
  • Circular needles: 4 mm [US6] / 40, 60 and 80 and/or 100 cm [16, 24 and 32 and/or 40 inches] and 3 mm [US2½] / 40 cm [16 inches]
  • Double-pointed needles: 4 mm [US6] (unless the Magic Loop technique is used)
  • Find videos on the techniques used in this pattern here.
  • Adult Pattern

JUNIOR

  • Sandnes Garn Double Sunday: Main Colour 4(4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7) skeins and Contrast Colour 1(1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2) skeins. Shown in Camel 2542 and That Orange Feeling 3819.
  • Circular needles: 4 mm [US6] / 40, 60 and 80 cm [16, 24 and 32 inches] and 3 mm [US2½] / 40 cm [16 inches]
  • Double-pointed needles: 4 mm [US6] (unless the Magic Loop technique is used)
  • Find videos on the techniques used in this pattern here.
  • Junior Pattern

YOUNG

  • Sandnes Garn Double Sunday: Main Colour 8(8, 9, 10) skeins (shown in colour 2511), Contrast Colour 2 skeins (shown in colour 8236).
  • Circular needles: 4 mm [US6] / 40, 60 and 80 cm [16, 24 and 32 inches] and 3 mm [US2½] / 40 cm [16 inches]
  • Find videos on the techniques used in this pattern here.
  • Young Pattern

Saktevotter

Construction

The chart is designed to make the knitting flow, even though the cables are placed closely together. For this reason, all the cables are knitted on the same row, followed by 3 simpler rows. The cable pattern is easy to memorize and not too difficult to knit, even if you haven’t knit cables before. The mittens are knitted bottom-up and the thumbs are knitted at the end, using the ‘’afterthought’’ method.

Size

The mittens are quite stretchy in width, and they will therefore fit a wide range of sizes. The length is adjusted by knitting fewer or more repeats.

  • S (Small, Womens), L (Large, Womens)
  • Length: S – 18.5 cm, L – 21 cm (measured without the cuff). Fits hands with palm length S – 16.5-18 cm, L – 18.5-20.5 cm (measured from the wrist to the tip of the longest finger).
  • Circumference: S and L – 17.5 cm (without stretching, corresponds to 8.5-9 cm width). The circumference is the same in both sizes and can be stretched comfortably to a circumference of 22 cm. The mittens will fit a palm measured around the knuckles’ circumference (without the thumb) of 16 to 22 cm.

Materials

KITS Turmeric + Rooibos Pre-Order

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The following two projects were so beautiful that I wanted to share them. These easy projects feature a simple, top-down construction in the round for minimal finishing. They have a lovely depth of colour and texture, created by working with 2 strands of yarn held together (don’t worry, its easy). One is a hand-painted Peruvian wool, the other a light, lace-weight blend of kid-mohair & silk. The combination is stunning, the two yarns blend together so gracefully that they look like they were made for each other. The thicker yarn provides the main colour palette and the mohair delicately colours in the back-ground. I sat down with the shade cards, comparing colours to figure out which colours work best together, so you don’t have to worry about what goes with what. I put together a bunch of options, but my favourite colour combinations are the ones where the mohair picks up the most dominant colour in the hand-painted yarn.

The Yarns

Berroco Ultra Wool Handpaint is a classic worsted weight, 100% Superwash Peruvian wool. Ultra Wool Handpaint is hand-dyed using a watercolor brush technique. The result is the machine-washable wool you love with speckled colors throughout. We recommend alternating skeins to get a cohesive overall look as each skein is unique. Use it along with our Ultra Wool for unlimited combinations. 100% Superwash Wool, 100g/200m (219 yds), made in Peru.

Berroco Aerial is an airy and light blend of mohair and silk. It’s a perfect yarn to carry along with any one of our work-horse yarns to give a soft halo to any project. 65% Superkid Mohair, 35% Silk, 25g/260m (284 yds). Hand-wash in cold water, lay flat to dry.

PRE-ORDER

These kits as a special-order and we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, although 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. It may take two to three weeks to get your kit, or less time, depending on when our next order is shipping.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a classic oversized, simple circular yoke pullover combining  Berroco Ultra Wool Handpaint and Berroco Aerial for an allover dreamy look. This easy project creates depth of colour and texture by working with 2 strands of yarn held together (don’t worry, it’s not hard). Turmeric is worked in one piece in the round, from the top-down.

Size

  • Finished Bust: (36, 41½, 45) [49, 53, 56½] {60, 64, 68}” / (91.5, 105.5, 114.5) [124.5, 134.5, 143.5] {152.5, 162.5, 172.5} cm
  • Length: (22, 22¼, 22¼) [22½, 22½, 23] {23, 23, 24}” / (56, 56.5, 56.5) [57, 57, 58.5] {58.5, 58.5, 61} cm (down center back)
  • Shown in size 41½” / 105.5 cm.
  • Recommended ease: approximately 8″ / 20 cm of positive ease.

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Gauge: 17 sts and 26 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch on larger needles with C1 and C2 held together

Rooibos

Rooibos is a classic and easy-to-wear raglan using Berroco Ultra Wool Handpaint and Berroco Aerial. This easy project creates depth of colour and texture by working with 2 strands of yarn held together (don’t worry, it’s not hard). Rooibos is worked in one piece in the round, from the top-down.

Size

  • Chest/Bust: (36, 40, 45) [49, 53, 57] {62, 66, 70}” / (91.5, 102, 114) [124.5, 137, 145] {158, 168, 178} cm
  • Length: (20, 21, 21½) [22, 22½, 23] {24, 24½, 25½}” / (51, 53, 54.5) [56, 57, 58.5] {61, 62, 65} cm
  • Shown in size 45″ / 114 cm.
  • Recommended ease: approximately 8–10″ / 20–25.5 cm positive ease.

Gauge: 16 sts and 22 rows/rnds = 4″ / 10 cm in St st on larger needles with MC and CC held together

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Re-PRE-ORDER KIT Chiara Pullover

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The Chiara Kit Pre-Orders we placed a little while ago came in, and they were SO GORGEOUS that I figured I should give everyone another shot while the distributor has the yarn in stock (they sold out right away in August) and we are placing an order with them soon. The yarn, Berroco Dulce, is so soft and fluffy, it’s like baby duck-down! When I assembled the kits yesterday I was both very happy and sad to see them go … it was a beautifully conflicted state, hopefully one you will experience when you finish knitting your Chiara but get to start wearing it!

Chiara PRE-ORDER

Chiara is what the city mouse wore when she went to visit the country. It’s a traditional style colourwork pullover, worked from the top-down, but it’s made with a gorgeous Italian yarn. I like to think of it as “what would happen if Milan and Reykjavik had a baby?”. Rustic meets runway?

When I sampled Berroco’s new fall yarns for 2021 this one, Dulce, was the first I reached for. It’s soft and fuzzy and light and pretty, and I wanted to get my needles into it and see what it could do (see the results below). It has a missoniesque quality that I love, with colours randomly peeping out here and there under a halo of brushed alpaca. I really like that the colours have depth and are a bit mottled (you can see if you take a closer look at the patterns designed in Dulce), but they’ll be consistent, and you DO NOT have to jump though any hoops to avoid colour pooling (my patience for hoops is definitely on the wane).

Anyway, the yarn is lovely, the pattern isn’t too involved (maybe a good foray into stranded colourwork, the yarn will be quite forgiving), and I think you’ll love the finished project, get a lot of compliments on it, and a few requests to make another.

PRE-ORDER NOTE

This yarn is a special PRE-ORDER and we aren’t carrying it or the kits in the store. See below for more details. The yarn mills still aren’t up and running at full capacity, international shipping is still lagging, and it’s going to be another hit-or-miss year in terms of availability from distributors. If you want something in a particular colour I suggest you order early, shipments are already backed up.

Size

  • Bust: (37, 41½, 46½) [48, 53, 59¼] {62½, 64, 68]” / (94, 105.5, 118) [122, 134.5, 150.5] {159, 162.5, 173} cm
  • Length: (21, 21½, 22) [22, 22½, 23] {23½, 24, 24½}” / (53.5, 54.5, 56) [56, 57, 58.5] {59.5, 61, 62} cm (down center back from lower edge of neckband)
  • Shown in size 41½” / 105.5 cm.
  • Recommended ease: 4–8″ / 10–20 cm positive ease

Gauge

  • 20 sts and 28 rnds = 4″ / 10 cm in St st using larger needles

Kit Includes

  • Berroco Dulce:   (5, 6, 6) [7, 7, 8] {8, 9, 9} balls MC and 1 ball each CC1 and CC2. Shown in #2011 Silver (MC), 2022 Sapphire (CC1), 2033 Onyx (CC2).
  • Pattern

Kit DOES NOT Include

Pre-Order

These kits are a SPECIAL-ORDER – we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, but you have the option to order them at 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. 

HOURS Canadian Thanksgiving & Projects

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Pumpkin Beanie … by Knit-O-Matic!

Store Hours For Canadian Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving comes a bit earlier north of the 44th parallel in Canada, it has something to do with our harvest being earlier, therefore we we dine earlier. We are open regular store hours (11 am to 6 pm) on Saturday & Sunday, and closed on Monday. Have a great weekend, wherever you are!

Saturday October 9: 11 am to 6 pm

Sunday October 10: 11 am to 6 pm

Monday October 11: CLOSED

Some Cieslak for the Weekend

Never wanting to leave you without some inspiration, here are a couple of pullovers by designer Jacqueline Cieslak. I love that Jacqueline’s designs are size inclusive, but I love even more that her designs LOOK GREAT on different sized women. Her casual little tops are always just right for people, no matter what shape they may be. Wear them over a dress or a loose shirt, it’s all beautiful! Plus, they aren’t immense projects, so they won’t break the bank, and you’ll actually wear it (an important factor to my mind). they’re pretty, and I think its good to make yourself feel beautiful on the outside, because you are beautiful on the inside.

I think my favourite yarns for these projects would be Fibre Co Road to China Light (’cause I’m indulgent when it comes to nurturing myself), but I’d make at least one size larger because the tension will be smaller. Another idea that gets me going would be two strands of Fibre Co Meadow held together (also indulgent, but I love nice textiles) – ideally this would be in 2 different colours to create a marl.

Bay Pullover

The Bay Pullover is your dream all-weather sweatshirt, whether you’re getting cozy at home or being tousled by a crisp ocean breeze. This relaxed fit pullover features dolman sleeves, uninterrupted stockinette on the front and back panels, and decorative 3-needle bind offs, making for a simple, seamless knit with a clean, modern look. The pattern includes 9 sizes, 6 original video tutorials, technical illustrations for understanding the unique construction, and detailed guidance for choosing your size and adjusting the sleeves.

Size

Because of the dolman sleeves and relaxed fit, BAY works with an extremely wide range of positive ease (anything from 6-20”/15-50cm). If you prefer more drape or a more oversized fit, feel free to size up! In the photos, Jacqui is wearing a size 7 (62”/155cm). Her bust circumference is 54”/135cm, her waist circumference is 49”/122.5cm, and her bicep circumference is 20”/50cm.

  • Finished Bust Circumference: In inches: (38, 42, 46) [50, 54, 58] {62, 66, 70} inches or (95, 105, 115) [125, 135, 145] {155, 165, 175} cm
  • To choose your size, measure the circumference of your torso around the fullest part of your bust/chest and add at least 6”/15cm.
  • To see how BAY looks across the size range with varying amounts of ease, check out the test knitting round up here!

Yarn Options

Because the recommended yarn is a silk/linen blend, both of which are fibres that stretch and have a lot of drape, I recommend using something that also has some stretch. Superwash yarns, blends with cotton, linen, wool, silk, or alpaca tend to be good at this.

All the Other Materials

Bay Slipover

The Bay Slipover is your dream all-weather slipover, whether you’re getting cozy at home or being tousled by a crisp ocean breeze. This relaxed fit top features dolman sleeves, uninterrupted stockinette on the front and back panels, and decorative 3-needle bind offs, making for a simple, seamless knit with a clean, modern look. The pattern includes 9 sizes, 6 original video tutorials, technical illustrations for understanding the unique construction, and detailed guidance for choosing your size and adjusting the sleeves.

Size

Because of the dolman sleeves and relaxed fit, BAY works with an extremely wide range of positive ease (anything from 6-20”/15-50cm). If you prefer more drape or a more oversized fit, feel free to size up! In the photos, Jacqui is wearing a size 7 (62”/155cm). Her bust circumference is 54”/135cm, her waist circumference is 49”/122.5cm, and her bicep circumference is 20”/50cm.

  • Finished Bust Circumference: In inches: (38, 42, 46) [50, 54, 58] {62, 66, 70} inches or (95, 105, 115) [125, 135, 145] {155, 165, 175} cm
  • To choose your size, measure the circumference of your torso around the fullest part of your bust/chest and add at least 6”/15cm.
  • To see how BAY looks across the size range with varying amounts of ease, check out the test knitting round up here!

Yarn Options

Because the recommended yarn is a silk/linen blend, both of which are fibres that stretch and have a lot of drape, I recommend using something that also has some stretch. Superwash yarns, blends with cotton, linen, wool, silk, or alpaca tend to be good at this.

All the Other Materials

PRE-ORDER KIT Adara Pullover

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Adara PRE-ORDER

PRE-ORDER KIT (see below for details)

As soon as I saw Adara I thought “Hello sweetie, you’re going to be my next favourite sweater!” Then I swatched with the yarn and I KNEW it. Berroco Lucca is a new blend of cashmere and cotton, and it is so soft and buttery – I have a feeling that once you put this sweater on you’ll never want to take it off (you may even want to make another in a different colour). It isn’t just a perfect closet staple, its the sweater of your heart.

The design features all over garter stitch with slightly leafy looking lace panels up the sides and arms. Rolled edges finish things off and add a modern, simple polish. Adara is worked flat in pieces and seamed (seams give a sweater stability and structure, which is helpful with a fibre blend of cashmere and cotton … if you’re going to spend the time and money to make a cashmere sweater, it should be beautiful too). The lace pattern is charted.

Newsletter Special: 10% Off, use code KITSTOGO at check-out!

The Yarn

Berroco Lucca is a luxurious, soft and buttery yarn made in Italy from a blend of premium cashmere and cotton. It has beautiful stitch definition and soft drape, and it’s perfect for making just about anything you want to touch your skin (sweaters, shawls & wraps, cowls, hats, scarves, mitts, blankets – you name it. The colour is very delicately marled, giving the finished knit a bit of subtle dimension while still keeping that classic cashmere look. Lucca is definitely a yarn you’ll want to come back to over and over again … I’m so convinced of this that this kit includes the entire Digital eBook: Berroco no. 426 Lucca (you’re going to want to make more).

Lucca is worsted weight and normally knits 20sts/4″(10cm) on 4.5mm/US7 needles. Lucca is machine washable (not often something a cashmere does well), but lay it flat to dry.  

Note: If you love this pattern but the yarn is a little too precious, we can work with you to make up a kit for you in another yarn – just contact us!

PRE-ORDER NOTE

These kits are a SPECIAL PRE-ORDER – we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, but you have the option to order them at 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. 

FYI: The yarn mills still aren’t up and running at full capacity, international shipping is still lagging, and it’s going to be another hit-or-miss year in terms of availability from distributors. If you want something in a particular colour I suggest you order early, shipments are already a bit backed up.

Size

  • Finished Bust: (36, 40, 44) [48, 52, 56] {60, 64, 68}” / (91.5, 101.5, 112) [122, 132, 142] {152.5, 162.5, 173} cm
  • Length: (23, 23½, 23½) [24, 24, 24½] {25, 25½, 26}” / (58.5, 59.5, 59.5) [61, 61, 62] {63.5, 65, 66} cm
  • Shown in size 40″ / 101.5 cm. Recommended ease: 2–4″ / 5–10 cm positive ease.

Gauge

  • 18 sts and 32 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in Garter St on larger needles
  • 20 sts and 32 rows = 4″ / 10 cm over Sleeve Chart on larger needles
  • 15 sts = 3″ / 7.5 cm over Body Chart on larger needles

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

PRE-ORDER KIT Chiara Pullover

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Chiara PRE-ORDER

Chiara is what the city mouse wore when she went to visit the country. It’s a traditional style colourwork pullover, worked from the top-down, but it’s made with a gorgeous Italian yarn. I like to think of it as “what would happen if Milan and Reykjavik had a baby?”. Rustic meets runway?

When I sampled Berroco’s new fall yarns for 2021 this one, Dulce, was the first I reached for. It’s soft and fuzzy and light and pretty, and I wanted to get my needles into it and see what it could do (see the results below). It has a missoniesque quality that I love, with colours randomly peeping out here and there under a halo of brushed alpaca. I really like that the colours have depth and are a bit mottled (you can see if you take a closer look at the patterns designed in Dulce), but they’ll be consistent, and you DO NOT have to jump though any hoops to avoid colour pooling (my patience for hoops is definitely on the wane).

Anyway, the yarn is lovely, the pattern isn’t too involved (maybe a good foray into stranded colourwork, the yarn will be quite forgiving), and I think you’ll love the finished project, get a lot of compliments on it, and a few requests to make another.

PRE-ORDER NOTE

This yarn is a special PRE-ORDER and we aren’t carrying it or the kits in the store. See below for more details. The yarn mills still aren’t up and running at full capacity, international shipping is still lagging, and it’s going to be another hit-or-miss year in terms of availability from distributors. If you want something in a particular colour I suggest you order early, shipments are already backed up.

Size

  • Bust: (37, 41½, 46½) [48, 53, 59¼] {62½, 64, 68]” / (94, 105.5, 118) [122, 134.5, 150.5] {159, 162.5, 173} cm
  • Length: (21, 21½, 22) [22, 22½, 23] {23½, 24, 24½}” / (53.5, 54.5, 56) [56, 57, 58.5] {59.5, 61, 62} cm (down center back from lower edge of neckband)
  • Shown in size 41½” / 105.5 cm.
  • Recommended ease: 4–8″ / 10–20 cm positive ease

Gauge

  • 20 sts and 28 rnds = 4″ / 10 cm in St st using larger needles

Kit Includes

  • Berroco Dulce:   (5, 6, 6) [7, 7, 8] {8, 9, 9} balls MC and 1 ball each CC1 and CC2. Shown in #2011 Silver (MC), 2022 Sapphire (CC1), 2033 Onyx (CC2).
  • Pattern

Kit DOES NOT Include

Pre-Order

These kits are a SPECIAL-ORDER – we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, but you have the option to order them at 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. 

NEW! Drops Wish + Projects

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NEW! Drops Wish

Drops Wish is a dreamy, super bulky weight, blown yarn made from baby alpaca blown into a core of merino wool and pima cotton. Wish is cosy, light, airy, soft, fluffy and absolutely itch-free. Wish is a great choice for sweaters, accessories (hats, wraps, scarves, cowls, shawls, etc), blankets – you name it. To make for a REALLY thick knit, you can hold 2 strands of this yarn together and use 15mm/US19 needles. We also love that Wish is made in the first world, and made exclusively with natural, biodegradable fibres (no synthetics).

SEE OUR FAVOURITE PROJECT IDEAS

Needle Hack

If you do not already have the needles for this project we recommend buying interchangeable needles. They are very versatile for top-down sweaters and have more longevity for future projects (if you need a longer or shorter needle you can purchase an inexpensive new cord, rather than an entire needle. If you are buying individual tips and cords, that Knitter’s Pride are the most affordable option. If you are thinking about investing in a set, the Chiaogoo Twist Red Lace 4″ Tips: 2.75mm – 10mm have the best range and versatility for an assortment of projects.

Pattern Hack

I don’t love the way Drops formats their pattern, I find it makes them harder to follow. If you find you have the same issue consider copying the text into a free, cloud based text editing program like Google Docs and cleaning up the formatting to your liking – I find it’s worth the time to separate the sections. If you have a more pronounced learning disability you may even want to put it into a spreadsheet program like Google Sheets to break it down into line-by-line instructions – you can even make it into a chart and tick off your work as you go. 

Harvest Queen

Harvest Queen is a cozy, oversized pullover that’s knit in one piece from the top-down. It features a yoke construction with pretty cable and lace detail. It’s knit on 9mm needles, so it works up fast! The yarns recommend are blown yarns, making it a lighter, airier textile than expected. Video and written tutorials are provided at the bottom of the free pattern (they even have a place you can ask them questions about the pattern, and the pattern is available in 15 languages). 

Size

  • XS(S, M, L, XL, XXL)
  • Bust circumference: 36.75(40.75, 43.25, 47.25, 51.25, 56) inches or 92(102, 108, 118, 128, 140) cm
  • Fit is oversized

Yarn Options

  • Drops Wish: 8(8, 9, 10, 11, 12) skeins  
  • Drops Air: 7(7, 8, 9, 10, 11) skeins {2 strands of yarn are held together}
  • Illimani Amelie: 7(7, 8, 9, 10, 11) skeins {2 strands of yarn are held together}

Needles & Notions

Online Support

Drops has tutorial videos to support their patterns. See the bottom of the pattern webpage for links.

Shout for Winter

Shout for Winter is a cozy, oversized cardigan that’s knit in one piece from the top-down. It features raglans sleeves with a pretty mock English rib detail. It’s knit on 9mm needles, so it works up fast! The yarns recommend are blown yarns, making it a lighter, airier textile than expected. Video and written tutorials are provided at the bottom of the free pattern (they even have a place you can ask them questions about the pattern, and the pattern is available in 15 languages).

Size

  • S(M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)
  • Bust circumference: 40(43.25, 46.5, 51.25, 56, 60.75)inches or 100(108, 116, 128, 140, 152) cm
  • Fit is oversized

Yarn Options

  • Drops Wish: 10(, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) skeins  
  • Drops Air: 9(10, 11, 12, 13, 14) skeins {2 strands of yarn are held together}
  • Illimani Amelie: 9(10, 11, 12, 13, 14) skeins {2 strands of yarn are held together}

Needles & Notions

Online Support

Drops has tutorial videos to support their patterns. See the bottom of the pattern webpage for links.

Just Right

Just Right is a cozy, oversized pullover that’s knit in one piece from the top-down. It features raglans sleeves with a pretty cable detail and puffed sleeves. It’s knit on 9mm needles, so it works up fast! The yarns recommend are blown yarns, making it a lighter, airier textile than expected. Video and written tutorials are provided at the bottom of the free pattern (they even have a place you can ask them questions about the pattern, and the pattern is available in 15 languages).

Size

  • S(M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)
  • Bust circumference: 40(41.5, 44.75, 49.75, 54.5, 59.25)inches or 100(104, 112, 124, 136, 148) cm
  • Fit is oversized

Yarn Options

  • Drops Wish: 10(, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) skeins  
  • Drops Air: 9(10, 11, 12, 13, 14) skeins {2 strands of yarn are held together}
  • Illimani Amelie: 9(10, 11, 12, 13, 14) skeins {2 strands of yarn are held together}

Needles & Notions

Online Support

Drops has tutorial videos to support their patterns. See the bottom of the pattern webpage for links.

PROJECT Nutured in Rios

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Photo: ElinorGray on Ravelry
Photo: ElinorGray on Ravelry

Nurtured in Rios

The best inspiration come from people doing things …. This sweater project by ElinorGray on Ravelry is gorgeous! She used Malabrigo Rios to make Nurtured by Andrea Mowry, and WOW, the two look like they were made for each other! I’d say the skill level is around an intermediate – not the perfect choice for your first sweater, but once you know what to expect when making a sweater you should be fine.

A few notes for a successful knit …

  • Make at least a 5″ x 5″ square tension swatch and block it. This yarn will let go and stretch when washed, so to get an accurate fit you need to do your prep work.
  • 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.
  • If you want your sweater a bit less cropped get an extra skein.

Size

  • Finished Bust: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52)(56, 60, 64, 67.5)” OR 91.5 (101.5, 112, 122, 132)(142, 152.5, 162.5, 171.5) cm
  • Intended to be worn with 4-6”/10-15 cm positive ease. To pick your best size, measure your full bust and add your desired ease, then pick the finished bust circumference closest to that number.
  • Sample shown in size 2 with 6”/15 cm positive ease.

Materials

Photos: ElinorGray on Ravelry

KITS Knits for Kids

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Last week was baby week, and this week is brought to you by kids. When my niece and nephew were babies they were so cute and loveable that I thought I never wanted them to grow up. What I didn’t realizes was that the best thing about babies was that they grow up to be kids; interesting, cool, funny, silly, beautiful little people. Kids love a hand knit, as long as it’s soft, and in a colour they like. It doesn’t matter how obnoxious the colour is, just go with it – they’ll wear it until they can’t squeeze themselves into it anymore. Kids LOVE colour.

All of our kids kits & projects are HERE.

By the way, all of these knits are also available for adults, so you & the kid in your life kid can match. If you love the idea of a family of matching knits, check out the patterns by Tin Can Knits, they often designed with a FULL range of sizes, from newborn baby to adult 6XL.

Amari

Amari is a seamless tee that begins at the neck and is worked down. Easy eyelet stitches shape the yoke and add decoration to the neckline at the same time. Derecho is worked in one piece from the neck down. Neck and lower edges are shaped using short rows. For an adult version of this top see Derecho.

Berroco Remix Light is a multi-seasonal yarn that’s so comfortable you’ll find the garments made with it become some of your favourites (you know, the one you wear over and over and over again, until you get tired of the colour so you make another in a new colour … etc). It’s super soft, light, breathable, machine washable, and it’s made in France from an eco-friendly blend of 100% recycled fibres.

Skill level: Intermediate

Size

  • Chest: (22, 24, 26, 27½, 30)” / (56, 61, 66, 70, 76) cm
  • Back Length: (13½, 15, 16½, 17½, 19)” / (34.5, 38, 42, 44.5, 48.5) cm (front is ½” / 1 cm shorter)
  • Shown in size 8. Recommended ease: approximately 2–4″ / 5–10 cm positive ease

Skills: reading a pattern, picking up and knitting stitches, short rows (wrap & turn), increasing (M1L & M1R), yarn-over, knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, stitch markers, joining in the round, using circular needles, weaving in ends.

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Notes

Lawrence

Lawrence is a simple pullover with garter stitch texture, that’s cute for boys and girls. It is knit in a conventional way in 4 pieces and seamed together (a great option for beginners if working in the round is a bit daunting). The drop-shoulder construction makes it super easy to seam the sleeves, which is usually the scariest part of finishing. For an adult version of this pullover see Larry.

For the yarn, we’ve substituted the ultra wearable and very affordable Berroco Vintage  – a soft, worsted weight machine washable wool/synthetic blend. A knitting store staple, it features a wide color range, an incredibly soft feel and yardage that goes on and on. Its unique fiber blend makes laundering a breeze and perfectly suited for easy-care garments for both children and adults. 

Skill Level: Advanced-Beginner to Intermediate

Size

  • 2(4, 6, 8, 10, 12)
  • To fit Chest Size: 23(24-25-26-27-28)˝
  • Finished Chest: 25(26-27-28-29-30)˝
  • Finished Length: 16(16½-17½-18-19-20)˝
  • This garment was designed with approximately 2˝ of ease. Please take this into consideration when selecting your size.

Skills: reading a pattern, cast-on (long-tail/slingshot), knit, purl, bind-off, bind-off (in middle of row), picking up and knitting stitches, seaming (mattress stitch), weaving in ends.

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Jemison

Jemison is an adorable vintage-inspired cardigan. It’s perfect for layering on a chilly day, and has cute pockets for kids to hold all the little treasures they pick up in their adventures. This sweater is worked flat in pieces and seamed. We’re pairing Jemison with Berroco Vintage, our go-to yarn for sweaters kids love to wear. For a grown-up version of this sweater check-out Headland.

Skill level: Intermediate

Size:

  • Childs sizes: 2 (4, 6, 8, 10)
  • Finished Chest (closed): 25 (27, 29, 31, 33)”
  • Finished Length: 13½ (16, 18, 19½, 21)”

Skills: reading a chart, seaming (mattress stitch), picking up and knitting stitches, weaving in ends, sewing buttons.

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include