Category Archives: spring

NEW KIT Zelie Crochet Top

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Zelie

Whenever I find something up to scratch for the crocheters I like to include it … there aren’t enough pretty patterns for crochet. This top is also a fairly simple piece, so you don’t need to be especially experienced to make it.

Zelie is a boxy, loose-fitting, simple summer crochet top that lets the yarn do all the work. The back and front are worked separately and seamed – that’s it, it’s just two pieces. It’s made with a simple half-double crochet stitch throughout. It’s a K.I.S.S. top (Keep It Simple Sister)! I also really like the way this yarn crocheted up – it’s like a colourful camo …. so you can blend seamlessly at the botanical garden.

Need a little review? See our CURATED LIST OF CROCHET SKILLS!

The Yarn

Berroco Summer Sesame is a soft, light, and comfortable summer yarn with texture and colour. Its bright, happy shades of colors ebb and flow to make this self-striping worsted weight yarn a perfect summer choice. This cotton blend yarn is light to the touch, breathable, easy to work with, and machine washable. 100g/270 m (295 yds). 47% Cotton, 44% Acrylic, 9 % Nylon. Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry. Made in Italy.

Size

  • Bust: (36, 40, 44) [48, 52, 56, 60] {64, 68, 72}” / (91.5, 101.5, 112) [122, 132, 142, 152.5] {162.5, 172.5, 183} cm
  • Length: (20, 20½, 21) [21, 21½, 21½, 22] {22½, 23, 23½}” / (51, 52, 53.5) [53.5, 54.5, 54.5, 56] {57, 58.5, 59.5} cm
  • Shown in size 40″ / 101.5 cm. 
  • Recommended ease:  Approximately 4–8″ / 10–20 cm positive ease.

Gauge

  • 20 hdc and 13 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in hdc with larger hook

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Pre-Order

These kits are a special-order but we are stocking this yarn in the store on a regular basis through the spring and summer – 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. 

PROJECT Ezra Baby Cardie

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Ezra

Ezra is a simple little baby/toddler cardie that’s great for knitters new to making sweaters or anyone who just wants a simple knit. It’s worked from the top-down in one piece in garter stitch with a simple detail in the shoulder seam to make things a little interesting.

We used Berroco Pima Soft for its incredible softness, and its texture gives the garter stitch a slightly rustic feel. We used a 4mm/US6 needle (because that’s what I could find), but I think the project would knit up better on 3.75mm/US5, so that’s what I have listed below. More yarn options are listed below.

Size

  • 0-3 mo (6 mo, 1 yr, 2 yr)
  • 19 (21, 23¼, 25½)“ [48.5 (53.5, 59, 65) cm] body circumference

Materials

More Yarn Options (machine washable)

More Yarn Options (hand wash)

NEW Berroco Pima Soft

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I know it’s only St Patrick’s Day, and it’s still snowing (but thankfully not sticking to the ground), but warm weather is just around the corner, and I think a healthy dose of cheer is in order this spring!

Berroco Pima Soft

If you’ve been in the store lately you’ve likely noticed the little sweaters all over the place. Those sweaters are my way of swatching and spending some time with a new yarn to see if it is store-worthy. It’s an interesting process, sometimes I’m underwhelmed by yarns I thought I’d love, and sometimes I find gems I never expected. Berroco Pima Soft is one of the gems.

Berroco Pima Soft is a new, CRAZY SOFT, 2-ply yarn made with 100% pima cotton. It’s slightly textured, making it much more forgiving to knit with than a smooth cotton (which also makes weaving in ends and finishing easier). It’s perfect for anything you want to make, from tees, tanks, sweaters, chemo-hats, babies, blankets, cushions – you name it. It’s a DK weight (21 to 22 sts/4″ on a 3.75mm/US5 to 4mm/US6 needle) so it isn’t too heavy for warm weather or if your internal thermostat runs warm. It’s lovely for crochet and knitting, and is just right for all climates! It’s great for knitting and crochet, and I think it would also make a nice texture in a punch needle project.

  • 100% Pima Cotton
  • 50g/113m (123yds)
  • DK weight
  • 3.75 – 4mm/US5 – 6 needles
  • 21 to 22 sts & 29 to 30 rows = 4″/10cm
  • Hand wash in cool water, lay flat to dry
  • Made in Peru
  • PATTERNS USING THIS YARN

FREE Vincas

Designed with Berroco Pima Soft, this loose summer tee is a sampler of textured stitch patterns. Vincas features a boxy shape and slight drop shoulders. It is worked flat and seamed (the stitch patterns are written out, there are no charts).

Size

  • Bust: (37¾, 41, 43¾, 46¾) 50, 53, 56 {59, 62, 65, 68]“ / (96, 104, 111, 119) 127, 134.5, 142 {150, 157.5, 165, 172.5} cm
  • Length: (21½, 22, 22, 22½) 22½, 23, 23½ {24, 24½, 25, 25}” / (54.5, 56, 56, 57) 57, 58.5, 59.5 {61, 62, 63.5, 63.5} cm
  • Shown in size 41” / 104 cm.
  • Recommended ease: Approximately 2–4” / 5–10 cm positive ease.

Materials

  • Berroco Pima Soft: (7, 7, 8, 8) 9, 10, 11 {11, 12, 13, 13}  skeins
  • 4mm/US6 needles
  • 3.5mm/US4 needles
  • 3.5mm/US4 – 16″ circular needles
  • 1 stitch marker
  • 2 stitch holder
  • tapestry needle
  • scrap yarn
  • FREE Pattern

Riviera

Riviera is a cheerful, simple cotton tee with a lace lyoke. It’s worked from the top down, in the round, to underarms, then divided for body and sleeves. The body is worked in the round to lower edge (the lace yoke pattern is charted).

Size

  • Bust: (32½, 36½, 40½) 44½, 48½, 52½, 56½ {60½, 64½, 68½}“ / (82.5, 93, 103) 113, 123, 133.5, 143.5 {153.5, 164, 174} cm
  • Length: (20, 20½, 21) 21¾, 22¼, 22¼, 22½ {23, 23, 23½}” / (51, 52, 53.5) 55, 56.5, 56.5, 57 {58.5, 58.5, 59.5} cm
  • Shown in size 36½“ / 93 cm.
  • Recommended ease: 2–4” / 5–10 cm positive ease.

Materials

  • Berroco Pima Soft: (5, 6, 6) 7, 7, 8, 8 {9, 10, 10} balls (shown in 4612 Rouge)
  • 4mm/US6 – 16″ circular needles
  • 4mm/US6 – 32″ circular needles
  • 3.5mm/US4 – 16″ circular needles
  • 3.5mm/US4 – 32″ circular needles
  • 5 stitch markers
  • tapestry needle
  • scrap yarn
  • Pattern

ORDER THIS AS A KIT!

Me Oh My Tee

The Me Oh My Tee is your classic everyday t-shirt, but with an added cut-off, cropped element inspired by my best friend, Maiya, and her tendency to take scissors to all her favorite shirts. Knit from the bottom up at a fairly tight gauge and emulated set-in sleeves (it’s a seamless knit, no sewing), this tee will quickly get added to your go-to t-shirt rotation.

Size

  • XS(S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
  • Bust: 28(32, 36, 40, 44) (48, 52, 56, 60) inches; 71(81.5, 91.5, 101.5, 112) (122, 132, 142, 152.5)cm
  • This garment is meant to be worn with 0-4” of negative ease.

Materials

  • Berroco Pima Soft: 4(5, 5, 6, 6)(7, 7, 8, 9) skeins
  • 3.75mm/US5 – 29″ circular needles (for body)
  • 3.25mm/US3 – 16” circular needles
  • Rremovable stitch markers
  • tapestry needle
  • stitch holders/scrap yarn
  • Pattern
Photo: PetiteKnit

Ankler’s Summer Shirt

I figured we can all use something to look forward to, and the seasons’ changing is one of those things you can always bank on (at least in Canada – we have A LOT of weather). Anker’s Summer Shirt is a simple summer top, worked in one piece from the top down. The yoke is worked in sections of rib with increases in the round, followed by classic raglan increases when the stockinette stitch section begins. The sleeves are worked at the end, either on double-pointed needles or on circular needles using the Magic Loop technique. Anker’s Summer Shirt has no finishing other than weaving in ends.

Size

  • XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL
  • To fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39¼) 39¼-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ inches].
  • Length: 52 (54) 56 (60) 62 (62) 64 cm [20½ (21¼) 22 (23½) 24½ (24½) 25¼ inches]
  • Designed to have approx. 0-5 cm – [0-2 inches] – of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be 0-5 cm – [0-2 inches] larger in circumference than your widest upper body measurement.

Materials

Because there are several needles length required, this project is a good candidate for Interchangeable knitting needles. Also, if you aren’t great with double-pointed needles you can substitute Chiaogoo 12″ circular needles or Addi Easy Knit 10″ needles.

Ezra

We’ve cast on for this project in Berroco Pima Soft and it’s looking amazing! Worked entirely in garter stitch, Ezra is a basic top-down, seamless design is a welcome gift for any new parent. Customize the sleeve length to suit any season and choose from four sizes up to two years old. BT by Brooklyn Tweed patterns are skill-accessible knitting patterns written in a concise, visually appealing way. This pattern. is an great entry-point for knitting sweaters in the round. Ezra is a great entry point for anyone new to knitting sweaters or making them in the round from the top-down.

Size

  • 19 (21, 23¼, 25½)“ [48.5 (53.5, 59, 65) cm] body circumference
  • Sized to fit 0-3 months (6 months, 1 year, 2 years)

Materials

  • Berroco Pima Soft: 3(4, 4, 6) sekins
  • 3.75mm/US5 – 24″ circular needles
  • 3.75mm/US5 double pointed needles
  • Removable stitch markers
  • tapestry needle
  • stitch holders/scrap yarn
  • Pattern

Leyla Bralette

The pattern is worked from the bottom up in the round, beginning with the ribbed band before the lace pattern begins. If you prefer the ribbed band to be skintight, there is an option to add an elastic. The bralette is later separated for front/back, and the front bra cups worked separately. The straps are worked in an icord and later seamed to the back. Pattern includes photos on suggested placement for racerback straps, but they can be modified for straight straps.

Size

  • 1XXS to 4XL
  • size based on underbust measurement (26-66”).

Materials

NEW Azzurra Kits

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It’s still cold outside, but spring is just around the corner, and I think we can all use some inspiration for change right now! I think we can also use some colour in our lives to help lift our spirits and keep us on a positive track (it’s a real thing, I read it in the book Joyful). This season has lots of colour and so much texture (which is great because textured yarns are a bit easier to work with). I’m really looking forward to seeing what we all dream up!

Azzurra Kits

Azzurra is a cardigan version of last year’s popular tee pattern, Etta, featuring a subtle lace yoke and a cropped body. It’s perfect for laying over dresses and summer skirts, or and a great little something to pop on at the office (when we get back there) or going out to dinner. It’s knit from the top down in one piece, and the yoke section has written instructions as well as a chart.

The Yarn

Berroco Summer Sesame is a soft, light, and comfortable summer yarn with texture and colour. Its bright, happy shades of colors ebb and flow to make this self-striping worsted weight yarn a perfect summer choice. The cotton blend is light to the touch, breathable, easy to work with, and machine washable. It has a little bit of texture, making it easier to work with and also a bit more interesting than a smooth yarn. Summer Sesame is great sow tops & tees, tanks, sweaters, scarves, wraps, shawls, blankets, even socks!

Size

  • Bust: (32½, 36½, 40½) [44½, 48½, 52½, 56½] {60½, 64½, 68½}” / (82.5, 92.5, 103) [113, 123, 133.5, 143.5] {153.5, 164, 174} cm (not including front band)
  • Length: (18, 18½, 19) [19½, 20, 20¼, 20½] {21, 21, 21½}” / (45.5, 47, 48) [49.5, 51, 51.5, 52] {53.5, 53.5, 54.5} cm
  • Shown in size 44½” / 113 cm.
  • Recommended ease: 2–4″ / 5–10 cm positive ease.

Gauge

  • 21 sts and 28 rnds = 4″ / 10 cm in St st with larger needle

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Pre-Order

These kits are a special-order but we are stocking this yarn in the store on a regular basis through the spring and summer – 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.

PROJECT Kalaloch

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Kalaloch

I kinda love the slouchy, deconstructed quality of this sweater. Texture replaces colourwork in the yoke, evoking a fair-isle sweaters without creating the bulk of layers of yarn. It’s a light, easy to wear spring & summer top. It’s meant to fit oversized, so take that into account when choosing your size.

The body and sleeves of this pullover are worked in the round from the bottom up to the yoke, then the pieces are joined for working the circular yoke. If you haven’t already read about the yarn, BC Garn Bio Balance, (if you have you can skip ahead to the next section … seriously, it’s a copy-cut-paste) it’s soft, light, comfortable, and comes in a great selection of colours. It’s a 100% organic and GOTS certified blend of cotton & wool, and kind of feels the way I’ve always wanted cotton to feel (but doesn’t). And FYI, the GOTS certification is a real THING. It means the product is truly organic and humanely handled from the field to the distributor (once it hits the store shelves it’s an ethical free-for-all, choose your yarn pusher wisely). BTW, there’s a lot of yardage on these little skeins, so PLEASE feel free to ask us to wind it for you before shipping or picking it up.

Size

  • Circumference at Underarm:  42 (48, 54, 60, 66)“
  • Pullover shown measures 48”; modeled with 15” of positive ease.

Materials

  • BC Garn Bio Balance: 6 (7, 8, 8, 9) skeins (colour 05)
  • 2.75 mm/US2 – 40″ circular needles
  • 3.5 mm/US4 – 40” circular needles
  • 2.75 mm/US2 double-pointed needles
  • 3.5 mm/US4 double-pointed needles
  • 3.5 mm/US4 – 16” circular needles
  • 3.5 mm/US4 – 24″ circular needles
  • stitch markers
  • stitch holders or scrap yarn
  • tapestry needle
  • Pattern

Hacks

  • Check your local library’s online resources to see if they offer this magazine digitally
  • If you were thinking about investing in a set of interchangeable needles this might be a good time. Chiaogoo makes sets that go as small as 2.75mm/US2 (both a Half Set that goes up to 5mm/US8 and a Full Set that goes up to 10mm/US15). If you get the 4″ tips you can use them to make 16″/hat sized needles.

PROJECT Baker’s Twine Dish Pot Holder

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Baker’s Twine Pot Holder

Hi guys! I’m sorry I’ve been away so long, I am very well, just busy in the store …. you’ve been very graciously keeping me on my toes! I’ve been arranging orders for pick-up and shipping, over the phone, email, our online store and even through Facebook messenger! I’m very proud to report that many blankets have been conceived in the last week, many colours have been combined, consulted, and recombined. Much yarn has been wound.

I have a few minutes before the phone rings and my email is quiet, so I thought I’d show you my very small project. I saw the Baker’s Twine Pot Holder on Ravelry and it kind of appealed … plus it’s a small, easy project not requiring too much bandwidth.

I’m test-driving a new yarn, Borgo de’ Pazzi Amore Cotton. It’s a very affordable bulky weight, recycled cotton that’s made in Italy. It comes in marled colours and I thought it would make a good craft yarn for dish cloths and such. I think one skein is going to be enough for my square pot-holder, it’s 10″ wide and I’m knitting it tight on small needles. Unfortunately, I haven’t has the time to photograph all the colours, but they’re pretty straightforward (pink & white is what you’d imagine … pink & white).

The little aqua ring is made with Kelbourne Woolens Mojave … I love their bright colours and the lovely texture. Mojave is a blend of cotton and linen and it’s just a lovely combo. The ring was actually kind of interesting, it’s constructed in the round first and then you knit the fabric around it.

Hacks

  • Use slippery metal needles. The tight tension made things harder on wood needles.
  • I book-ended my slip-stitch sections with stitch markers. The dual-colour system you see in the picture isn’t actually necessary, I think I had a bit of ‘pandemic brain-fog’ when I started and I was getting disoriented. Now that I’m better seated in this transitional period I look at the markers and I’m like “What? Why did you think that was a complicated concept?” Still, while it was ultimately unnecessary, I’m impressed with my little system.
  • If you want a smaller piece you can omit one pattern repeat (12 sts) and it should come out around 7.75″ to 8″ wide.

Materials

Quick Haley Update

Just a quick Haley update … I’m here in the store and I’m well. I’ve been paying a lot of attention to caring for myself, both physically and mentally. I’ve been making a point of exercising and eating properly to buttress my immune system. Mentally, I’ve made a point to slow down and let myself adjust to the experience. I’ve also expanded my meditation practice. As for mindfulness, I’m trying to lean into the experience, let myself really go into it, absorb and process all I can get from it.

Not that that’s an easygoing thing. Life has been “Go!Go!Go!STOP”, which is both exhilarating and a bit taxing. Adapting to this pandemic has been like going through the stages of grief – I think I’m mostly in acceptance (or I could be completely in denial, but I don’t think so).

Several people have suggested I host events on Zoom or host online classes, but I am being pulled inwards now more than ever. My need to connect with myself and ground myself is strong. I know a lot of people are struggling with feeling disconnected and are looking to connect with others through digital media. For what it’s worth, that isn’t my calling. I can’t connect with others if I’m not connected with myself, I can’t love others if I don’t love myself. I view this as a period of transition, and I’m letting the currents make their changes and transform me. We all get the experiences we need to grow.

Anyway, I’m still here for you, and those of you who need me are definitely reaching out. But I’m letting the way I’m here evolve and recalibrate naturally.

PROJECT Nera in Berroco Estiva

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Nera

So good news … spring is coming! More good news … I got a present! This little shrug was a gift from Berroco yarns, so we didn’t actually make it … but we totally could have! Very easily, in fact! Its a nice little cotton shrug for spring & summer, knit on big-ish needles (6mm/US10). The fit is easy and the construction isn’t too involved. Wear it over a dress, a shirt, a tank or a cami, with jeans, a skirt, a romper, knickers … you name it, it goes with it! Plus, it makes a great little ‘office sweater’ when the weather gets warmer and the office temperature gets colder.

I especially love the yarn, Berroco Estiva, a bulky weight cotton tape that’s really lovely to knit with and to wear. I’ve used it before for our Beach Wrap, a Deschain Pullover, and a new pattern I designed that’s coming out soon. It knits up in a slow monochrome gradient, giving the colour some interest without making you look like you’re wearing Joseph’s Technicolor Dream-coat. Plus, we have some gorgeous new colours this year (see pictures below), so you’ve got even more inspiration to choose from!

Size

  • Bust (closed): 36 (40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)”
  • Length: 15½ (16, 16, 16½, 16½, 17, 17)” (including lower ribbing)
  • Shown in size 40″ with approximately 5″ of ease.

Materials

  • Berroco Estiva: 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4) cakes in colour 2634 Tradewind
  • 5.5mm/US9 – 29″ circular needles
  • 6mm/US10 – 29″ circular needles
  • Spare knitting needle: 6mm/US10 (for 3 needle bind off)
  • waste yarn to hold stitches
  • Pattern

Notes

The sides, including sleeves and yoke of this garment are worked in one piece from sleeve cuff to center back. The sides are joined at center back using a 3-needle bind off. The lower ribbing is then picked up and worked down.

To ensure gradient pattern is similar to the sample shown, work from the cakes as follows for sizes 36–52″: Start at the beginning (dark-coloured) part of a new cake for each sleeve, using remaining yarn to knit the lower section and neckband. For sizes 56″ and 60″, 2 cakes of yarn are used through out. Alternate cakes

For a linen version with lots of drape try using Quince & Co Kestrel yarn.

P.S.

Many, many thanks to Michelle at Paris Calling for the stunning black Proenza Schouler dress!

Groovy in Sparrow Revisited

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Groovy

We made this wrap a few years ago, but I’ve been working on my photography skills and while I had the camera out I figured I try taking some new photos. Little did I know that it would make love to the camera! Or maybe the camera loved it. Either way, beauty is abundant!

Groovy is an uncomplicated pattern, well suited to intermediate to advanced beginners, and more experienced knitters who need something simple to work on. We used Quince and Co Sparrow and 3.75mm/US5 needles, a 100% organic linen, and the drape is just INCREDIBLE. Plus blocking is a dream – machine wash in a delicate bad, dry on low for 15 minutes, lay flat to dry. The fabric comes out silky and has a drape like no other fabric you’ve ever seen.

Materials

  • Quince and Co Sparrow: 4 skeins (the colour is citron, but I have not colour corrected these photos, and the most accurate version of the colour is on our website)
  • 3.75mm/US5 – 29″ circular needles (or longer)
  • tapestry needle
  • Pattern: Groovy

PROJECT-SPIRATION Kalaloch Pullover

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Kalaloch Pullover

I don’t know if you caught this pattern on Ravelry a few weeks ago, but I filed it away somewhere in the middle of my mind. It’s made with BC Garn Bio Balance, a gorgeous spring/summer weight yarn made from a blend of organic wool & cotton. We’ve worked up a sample shawl with it and it was delightful to work with and wear. When you work with it, it kind of moves like a soft wool with a bit of texture and grab to it, you don’t really feel the cotton. But when its knitted, the fabric doesn’t feel like wool at all, it feels like a blended plant fibre you’d find in a commercial garment. It’s interesting, and really nice!

Anyway, I love the combination of texture and oversized ease in this sweater. It’ll be extremely comfortable and breathable, perfect for slouching around the cottage, the house and the city. I don’t love the colour they chose, I don’t know about you but I have a hard time visualizing myself in a dark green summer sweater! Good thing BC Garn Bio Balance comes in a bunch of pretty colours for warmer seasons (they have a medium green that is beautiful). If you want to cast on right away, here are your best bets (if you have your heart set on another colour that we don’t have in stock let us know and we can get that for you):

Needle Hack: Interchangeables ROCK!

The body and sleeves are worked in the round from the bottom up to the yoke, then the pieces are joined for working the circular yoke. If skipped ahead to the materials, you’ll notice that the pattern calls for a bunch of needles in different lengths – if you have been thinking about buying yourself a set of interchangeable needles this might be a good opportunity. If not, I’d buy individual interchangeable tips and cords: for the circulars I’d get Knitter’s Pride Interchangeable Tips 3.5mm-4.5″, 3.5mm-3.5″, and 3mm-4.5″ (to sub for the 2.75mm), and corresponding Knitter’s Pride Interchangeable Cords/Cables in 16″, 24″ and 40″. For the double pointed needles you can get them in 3mm & 3.5mm, or use your 40″ cord for the magic loop technique.

If you already have an interchangeable set check to see if it comes with the 3mm tips – most do not, but Knitter’s Pride makes them as individual pairs in the metal “nova platina” (chrome plated brass).

Pattern Hack: Libraries ROCK!

We no longer carry Interweave Knits, but you can still find the paper edition in grocery stores, drug stores, and online as an e-publication through Interweave. But there is a fourth option: the public library! Check your public library to see if they provide digital magazines. Interweave Knits is available from the Toronto Public Library though the RB Digital service, which is a FREE service – all you need is a library card (also FREE) and a digital device (smart phone, tablet or computer). If you don’t have a device you can go to the library and use one of their computers and printers – you can even ask the librarian for help if you are having trouble, helping people access information is their calling. You can also ask a librarian for help if you have a portable device but you don’t know how to use the digital system to access the magazine. Librarians ROCK!

These are screenshots of the magazine, that I downloaded to my i-Phone through my public library’s website.

Size 

  • 42 (48, 54, 60, 66)“ circumference at underarm.
  • Pullover shown measures 48”; modeled with 15” of positive ease.

Materials

  • BC Garn Bio Balance: 6 (7, 8, 8, 9) skeins.
  • 2.75 mm/US2 – 40″ circular needles
  • 2.75 mm/US2 double pointed needles
  • 3.5 mm/US4- 40” circular needles
  • 3.5 mm/US4 double pointed needles
  • 3.5 mm/US4 – 16” and 24” circular needles
  • stitch markers
  • Pattern

NEW PROJECT Day Blossom

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Day Blossom

When we make projects for the store, I choose them with you in mind. You’ll can probably figure out which things I like to make for myself – mostly sweaters with simple silhouettes, accessories for the family, and quirky little things (mohair tissue box covers, decorative mini-sweaters, tea cozies with limbs growing out of them, etc). Day Blossom is kind of a crossover – I came across it while looking for a store project, and figured I’d take a chance on it. I fell in love with the texture, I love texture and playing with texture. It combines two weights of Quince’s linen yarns, one thicker and one thinner. In the pictures the yellow is the thicker yarn (Quince & Co Kestrel) and the neutral colour is the thinner (Quince & Co Sparrow).

I kind of like the little fringes, they reiterate the changes in the textile and create a bit of visual interest, but you don’t have to make them if you don’t want to. The size is nice too, it’s very comfortable as a scarf and as a shoulder cover. The linen is cool and comfortable, all drape. After a long winter and cold spring it’s nice to wear a garment that’s feels different. Linen and wool are kind of binary opposites; wool is all about warmth, air and body, while linen is cool, dense and drapey.

I like knitting linen with wood needles, but Liane said it drove her up the wall. When I made my first sweater with Quince & Co Sparrow I swatched quite a bit to make sure I got tension, and I tried both bamboo and brass needles. At first I didn’t like the wood, then I tried the brass, and after that I went back to the wood and preferred them. In the end, the needles weren’t really the factor I expected them to be, but getting used to working with the linen was the important part. Once I was accustomed to the fibre I was happy with my regular needles. As for all those swatches, Sparrow is super soft and machine washes beautifully so I use them around the house and the store. They’ve replaced disposable tissues for removing makeup, washing my face, and cleaning up little messes. To my mind, that’s a big bonus – the less I have to send to landfill the better!

The colours shown in the original pattern are Quince & Co Sparrow in Moon (a grey with a blueish cast) and Quince & Co Kestrel in Minos (purple). Their colours are STUNNING, I love them, and for a bit I had a hard time thinking outside of that box. But it’s been such a cold & dreary spring here that I felt I owed it to everyone to come up with something brighter, happier, more optimistic. To pull myself out of that blank mental space I pulled all of the colours off the shelf and shuffled them around on the table. I’m glad I did, the colour combo I came up with is sunny, it has just enough colour to brighten things up without being “HI, NICE TO MEET YOU! I’M YELLOW!” You can’t go wrong with the combo of a colour on a neutral, you just have to make sure that the tones in both shades are complimentary.

Materials