Category Archives: sweaters

Cocoknits Mabel KAL: FINISHED!

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I finished my COCOKNITS MABEL KAL (knitalong) and I’m reporting back on my progress! All my project details, videos, & etc are right here on our website.

Just to recap, I made the smallest size (which I talk about in the video), and I used Drops Air (colour 34) & Drops Kid-Silk (colour 41) on 6.5mm/US10.5 needles. 

Since the last update, I knit the body and the sleeves. I followed the pattern instructions for the sleeves and did the grafted underarm, because I figured maybe I’d learn something new. What I learned was that I still prefer a picked-up underarm, and that I’m not into armpit grafting (that sounds gross, but ‘m sticking with it). Here’s a really good video from someone more proficient than me on how to pick up the underarm stitches when you’re ready to pick-up and knit your sleeves. (That said, I left a note on the Cocoknits youtube video and they very kindly got back to me saying that Julie’s Toni KAL playlist shows her cleaning up the outside edges. …. still, too many hoops for me to jump through).

I also knit the body a bit longer because the size was smaller than I expected, and I didn’t bother picking up for the neckline, when I tried it on it seemed to be just right, so I stuck with it. FYI I steam blocked it with a hand steamer… quick & easy!

Conclusions

Overall, it was a satisfying knit! I’m nearing the end of my first day wearing it and it’s cozy, comfortable, pretty, and it hasn’t been itching me. I learned a new technique, and I would definitely make another sweater from Cocoknits. I’m still nodling it aroun, but I think my next might be Emma Version A from the Cocoknits Sweater Workshop book (I think I figured out that I can get the right tension with Quince & Co Kestrel and 6.5mm/US10.5 needles, but I’m smacking my head because of course I didn’t make any notes for myself in my Ravelry account so I have to go back and double check that. And I need to order more of the yarn too!

P.S. 

In the video I mention perfectionism and the Knitsana workshop

Mabel

Mabel is a loose-fitting, comfortable pullover that fits the bill. She is also infinitely adaptable … try knitting the neck ribbing into a cowl or extra long fold-over turtleneck. Add cables, split the hem, knit it knee length, add stripes … the sky’s the limit. It is written in 10 sizes from 36 to 72” bust, so you have options for fit, as well!

This sweater is worked using the Cocoknits Method, a commonsense system for knitting seamless, tailored sweaters from the top down. The Cocoknits Method is explained in detail in Cocoknits Sweater Workshop by Julie Weisenberger.

Size

  • Small (Medium, Large, 1X)(2X, 3X, 4X)(5X, 6X, 7X)
  • Finished Bust: 36 (40, 44, 48)(52, 56, 60)(64, 68, 72)”/ 91.5 (104.5, 112, 122) (132, 142, 152.5)(162.5, 172.5, 183) cm
  • Finished Length: 15.5 (17.5, 19, 20)(21, 21.5, 22.5)(23.25, 24, 25)”/ 39.5 (44.5, 48.5, 51)(53.5, 54.5, 57.5)(59, 61, 63.5) cm

Materials

FYI Cocoknits KAL

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Cocoknits Everlasting KAL

FYI, if you hadn’t already heard, Cocoknits is hosting a KAL starting this February, and I thought it might be a nice diversion, as well as a neat way to learn something new and unique. Cocoknits designer, Julie Weisberger, is known for her own sweater construction style, which is laid out in her book Cocoknits Sweater Workshop.

I’m going to give it a shot and make Mabel, so reach out and give me a shout if you’d like to join me! It knits up on 7mm/US10.75 needles at 12 sts/4″, so it won’t be a huge commitment. I’d like to make mine light and airy, and I still have to swatch to figure out my yarn, but I’m thinking of using one of the following combinations:

If you’re allergic to wool I think you can also get away with using the Rico So Cool So Soft Cotton we have on sale (I managed to restock more of the navy, black and cream).

KAL Details

Knit whatever Cocoknits Method Pattern you want, whenever you want, however, you want. That’s the philosophy behind Cocoknits knit-a-long.

It’s a “choose your own adventure” of sorts. But the best part? They don’t have an end date…and they don’t plan on setting one, so you can join over and over again. That’s why they’re calling this the Cocoknits Method Everlasting KAL.

Still, the Cocoknits team enjoys the tradition of starting off the new year by working on a shared pattern together. For 2023 they have decided on a fan favorite: Mabel.

FINISHED Malou

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Malou

As promised, here’s Malou, the sweater I mentioned last week when I wrote about the Bente Throw …. I made Malou for myself, and I’m so happy I did, I LURV it so much I’ve started a second in another colourway! The yarn, Berroco Wizard, is super soft, light, airy, colourful, and easy to work with. It’s machine-washable merino wool in a chainette form (that means it’s already knitted in a tube, like an i-cord). There is also a little bit of nylon in the yarn that’s used to carry and bind the ultra fluffy & light merino and keep it in place (all you’ll feel is the merino, the two fibres aren’t blended together).

Construction

Malou is a simple pullover knit in the round from the bottom up, making it a great first (or fiftieth) sweater. The body and sleeves are knitted separately in the round, up to the underarms. The pieces are then joined and the yoke is worked in the round to the neck. There are some short-rows at the neck to bring the back of the neck higher, but if you find this intimidating you can skip this. There is no seaming, no picking up stitches – the only finishing is weaving in the ends and whatever type of blocking you prefer (I steam blocked)

Skill Level: advanced beginner to intermediate.

Skills: knitting in the round, W & T short rows.

SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS 

Project Notes & Insights

  • Choose at least two skeins of yarn that start at around the same place in the colorway – these will be for the sleeves.
  • Start your project with the sleeves. You can use them to check your tension, and you’ll be able to match their colour before you start into the body.
  • I got a different gauge than in the pattern (my sweater came out smaller than the size in the instructions) so be sure to check yours! That said, I still had lots of yarn left over (I used 2.6 balls for my sweater in the second size), and the sweater size is perfect for me, so it’s a win-win in my books! As always, check your tension ….
  • The colourways in this yarn seem to be more of a suggestion than an exact duplication in each ball. When you do your sleeves they probably aren’t going to be *exactly* the same, even if you try to meticulously match the skeins. If you try to get them to be you’ll probably drive yourself crazy, but treat it as an exercise in surrender and you’ll be smiling!
  • I used colour 2954 Unakite.

Size

  • Finished Bust: (34, 38½ , 42½) [47, 51¼ , 55½] {59¾, 64, 68¼}” / (86.5, 98, 108) [119.5, 130, 141] {152, 162.5, 173.5} cm
  • Length: (21, 22, 23½) [23½, 24, 24¾] {26, 26½, 27}” / (53.5, 56, 59.5) [59.5, 61, 63] {66, 67.5, 68.5} cm
  • Shown in size 38½” / 98 cm.
  • Suggested ease: Approximately 2–4″ / 5–10 cm positive ease.

Gauge

When checking your tension do so after blocking to get the most accurate stitch gauge:

15 sts and 22 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in St st on larger needle (I got 16 sts to 17 sts ….

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

Berroco Wizard is a super soft, light & happy bulky weight yarn. It stripes by itself, with bold colors flowing. It has a chainette construction which makes it feel deliciously airy and weightless. The construction is also responsible for it’s very generous 240m yardage – the same amount of a typical bulky weight yarn would normally be about 100m to 125m. Wizard is also machine washable, so it’s great for all kinds of projects including blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves, mitts – even a cozy pair of -slipper-socks!

  • 85% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Nylon
  • 100g/240m (264 yds)
  • Bulky Weight
  • 6mm to 6.5mm/US 10 to 10.5 needles
  • 6.5mm/K crochet hook
  • Knitting Gauge: 14-16 sts & 20-23 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Crochet Gauge: 13 sc & 16 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry.Made in Italy
  • When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

Projects & Patterns

TRUNK SHOW The Fibre Co Acadia (to Oct 5)

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The Fibre Co has kindly leant us a little Trunk Show with some gorgeous samples knit up with The Fibre Co. Acadia. Acadia is a luscious, luxurious blend of silk noil, baby alpaca and fine merino wool. It has a slightly rustic look, but don’t be mistaken, this yarn is all beauty and softness. Acadia shines in simple knits, it positively SINGS, leaving you with less work and all the credit!

We have the Trunk show until Oct 5th, so pop in and see what the sweaters actually look and feel like!

Use code KITSTOGO10 at check-out to receive 10% off the online purchase of these kits to October 5, 2022 (can not be combined with other discounts or promotions).

Wythrop

Wythop is a pretty twist on a traditional yoke sweater, featuring a rosebud bobble and lace stitch pattern. It is knitted seamlessly from the bottom up and features short row shaping at the neck for an improved fit. Acadia gives the garment beautiful depth of colour and texture as well as an exceptional drape.

Skill Level: advanced beginner to intermediate

Construction

The pullover is knitted seamlessly from bottom up. The body and the sleeves are knitted in the round and joined at underarm. The yoke is knitted in the round with a simple rosebud lace-and-bobble pattern. The neck is shaped with short rows.

Size

  • Finished Bust: 86 (91: 101: 111: 121: 131) cm (34.25 (36.25: 40.25: 44.25: 48.25: 52.25) in)
  • suggested 0-5 cm (0-2 in) of positive ease around the bust

Special Skills

Kit Includes

Materials Not Included

Enso

Enso is a Japanese word for ‘circle’. It’s a simple pullover with pretty details that soften the look and make it a wardrobe staple. Enso features a round, scoop neck, garter panels along the sides, and a curved hem for a classic shape. It’s knit top-down, in the round, so no seams!

SEE FINISHED PROJECTS

Skill Level: Intermediate

Construction

Enso begins with casting on the stitches for the shoulders and back neck. The back is shaped with short rows to create the shoulder slope, and then worked down to the underarm shaping. Stitches are picked up along each shoulder and the front is also worked down to the underarm shaping. The front and back are then joined with stitches cast on for the underarms and the body is worked until the end. Stitches are picked up around each armhole for the sleeve heads and shaped with short rows, before the sleeves are knit in the round until the cuff.

The short rows along the shoulders and on the sleeves are worked by wrapping stitches. However, for this pattern, the wraps are not picked up, but are left and form a subtle decorative line of across each shoulder. The wrapped stitch from the previous row is simply knit or purled as if it had no wrap.

Size

  • Finished Bust: 31.25 (32.75, 35, 36.5, 38, 40.25)(43.5, 45, 47.25, 49.5, 51)”

Special Skills

Kit Includes

Materials Not Included 

One Cardigan by Sarah Hatton

One Cardigan by Sarah Hatton is another staple addition to The Fibre Co.’s much-loved One Series, which centres on the idea of single garment worn and loved by people of all ages and from all walks of life. This beginner-friendly cardigan is worked from the top down using raglan shaping, so it is seamless. The pattern is gender-inclusive, and offered in an extended range of 15 sizes, from Toddler to Full sized Adult. The adult sizes also offer 2 options for body length.

Skill Level: Advanced beginner to intermediate

Construction

A timeless gender-inclusive cardigan knitted in one piece from the top down, which features classic raglan detailing. Sleeve stitches are put on hold and then the sleeves are worked in the round after the body is complete. The button band is picked up and finished last. The pattern is offered over 15 sizes from age 1-2 through to fit a 162 cm (64 in) chest, and with the option of a shorter or longer length for the adult sizes.

Size

  • Toddler/Child: Age 1-2 [2-4: 4-6: 6-8: 8-10: 10-12] or Finished Chest Circumference 22.75(26, 27.75, 28.5, 29.75, 31.5)”
  • Adult: Sizes 1[2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9], Finished Chest Circumference 33.5(37.75, 42.75, 46.75, 50, 54, 58, 62.5, 66.75)”
  • Ease: Child sizes are designed with 5-10 cm (2-4 in) of positive ease. Adult sizes 1 to 9 have 1-10 cm (0.25-4 in) of positive ease, depending on the size. For a fitted look please select a size nearer to your own body measurements; for a more relaxed fit we suggest nearer to the 10 cm (4 in) positive ease.

Materials

Circular Needle Length

  • Ages 1-2 and 2-4: 16″/40 cm
  • Ages 4-6, 6-8 and 8-10: 24″/60cm
  • Age 10-12 and Sizes 1-3: 32″/80cm
  • Sizes 4-9: 40″/100cm

Special Skills

District by Norah Gaughan

District is an elegant pop-over style sweater. Signature Norah Gaughan, It features simple, clean lines and a yummy texture in mosaic stitch.

If you’re interested in making this sweater with The Fibre Co. Acadia please contact us and we can put a kit together for you.

Construction

The sweater is worked in one piece from the bottom of the front to the bottom of the back. Sleeve ribbing is added after & there are 2 seams, the underarm/sleeve seams.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Size

  • To fit bust 30 (34-38-42-46-50)”
  • Finished bust 35 (40-45-48-53-55)” or 89 (101.5-114-122-134.5-140)cm
  • length / 21 (22-23-24-25-26)” or 53.5 (56-58.5-61-63.5-66)cm
  • Shown to fit size 34” or 86.5cm

Materials

  • The Fibre Co. Acadia: main colour 6 (8-9-10-11-12) hanks, contrast colour 4 (5-6-6-7-8) hanks
  • 3.75mm/US5 needles
  • 3.25mm/US3 needles
  • Pattern

Special Skills

Botanical Wristwarmers

Keep your hands warm whilst leaving your fingers free with cosy wrist warmers.

If you’re interested in making these gloves with The Fibre Co. Acadia please contact us and we can order your favourite colour.

Materials

Lucinda

Lucinda was not included in our trunk show, but it’s such a great knit that I wanted you to see it! It’s the perfect, go-to sweater you’re going to’ll reach for every time you get dressed. The simple, clean lines are universally flattering and timeless, making it the perfect forever sweater!

SEE FINISHED PROJECTS 

Skill Level: Intermediate

Construction

Lucinda is worked from the bottom-up in one piece, then turned right-side out at the armhole and worked back and forth in rows. Shoulders are joined using the three-needle-bind-off. Sleeve Stitches are picked-up around the armhole and worked in the round to the cuff. The pullover is worked inside-out since many knitters prefer to knit than purl. There are two sleeve length options; the sample is shown in the shorter sleeve length. 

Size

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

Special Skills

Kit Includes

  • The Fibre Co. Acadia: Shorter Sleeves –  8 (9, 9, 11, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) skeins, Longer Sleeves – 9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16, 17) skeins
  • Pattern

Materials Not Included

PRE-ORDER Berroco Wizard Kits

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Who wants to think about Fall when we’re in the middle of Summer? Me! When I saw Berroco Wizard I knew the projects were winners, and when the yarn for our store samples showed up I knew I’d be happy, but it wasn’t until I cast on that I realized it was BASHERT (a Yiddish term referring to something that is destined, like a soul mate).

I’m making Malou, a simple pullover (see below), in colour 2954 and it’s just sooooo gorgeous. It’s like if Noro and Missoni collaborated and said: “Hey, wouldn’t it be great if we could make everything Haley ever wanted in a yarn?!” I thought the colourway would work up looking more blue, but you know what – I don’t care! It’s GORGEOUS, it’s better than what I wanted it to be, it’s what I need.

Berroco Wizard is a super soft, light & happy bulky weight yarn. It stripes by itself, with bold colors flowing. It has a chainette construction which makes it feel deliciously airy and weightless. The consruction is also respinsible for it’s very generous 240m yardage – the same amount of a typical bulky weight yarn would normally be about 100m to 125m. Wizard is also machine washable, so it’s great for all kinds of projects including blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves, mitts – even a cozy pair of -slipper-socks!

  • 85% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Nylon
  • 100g/240m (264 yds)
  • Bulky Weight
  • 6mm to 6.5mm/US 10 to 10.5 needles
  • 6.5mm/K crochet hook
  • Knitting Gauge: 14-16 sts & 20-23 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Crochet Gauge: 13 sc & 16 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry.Made in Italy
  • When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

Projects & Patterns

Pre-Order

These kits as a special-order and we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis – you have the option to order it any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible. 

Aleid

Aleid is a simple stockinette hat and mitten set, perfect for gifting. Also a great beginner project! You can order the kit as just the hat, just mitts, or both.

Skill Level: Hat: Beginner (after scarves); Mitts: Advanced Beginner (after hats)

Size

  • Hat: 18″ / 45.5 cm around x 9½” / 24 cm high (not including pom-pom)
  • Mittens: 7″ / 18 cm around x 10½” / 26.5 cm long (length is adjustable

Gauge

When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

  • 20 sts and 28 rnds = 4″ / 10 cm n Rib Pattern and St st

Kit Includes:

  • Berroco Wizard: 1 ball for each hat & mittens (shown in colour 2948)
  • Pattern (PDF & Printed – after checking out you will receive an email with a link to download a PDF of the pattern)

Kit DOES NOT include:

Bente

Bente is a mosaic stitch blanket using one color of Wizard. Working from two balls simultaneously creates a dynamic color change throughout the blanket. Kits are available in both a throw size and a baby blanket size (see modifications below).

Skill Level: Intermediate-Beginner (after scarves). (Mosaic stitch is an extremely easy form of colour knitting and only involves slipping stitches from the left needle to the right. 

Skills: Knit, slipping stitches, following a pattern, alternating balls of yarn (carrying yarn up the side/stripes)

SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS 

Size

  • Approximately 52″ / 132 cm wide x 62″ / 157.5 cm long
  • To make a baby blanket size (approx 36″ x 40″) cast on 115 sts. 

Gauge

When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

  • 13 sts and 24 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in pattern stitch

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

Malou

Malou is a simple pullover in Wizard, a great first sweater. Body and sleeves of this garment are worked in the round to underarms. Pieces are then joined and yoke is worked in the round to the neck

Skill Level: 

Size

This sweater is designed cropped – to make yours longer please purchase an extra ball of yarn. 

  • Finished Bust: (34, 38½ , 42½) [47, 51¼ , 55½] {59¾, 64, 68¼}” / (86.5, 98, 108) [119.5, 130, 141] {152, 162.5, 173.5} cm
  • Length: (21, 22, 23½) [23½, 24, 24¾] {26, 26½, 27}” / (53.5, 56, 59.5) [59.5, 61, 63] {66, 67.5, 68.5} cm
  • Shown in size 38½” / 98 cm.
  • Suggested ease: Approximately 2–4″ / 5–10 cm positive ease.

Gauge

When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

  • 15 sts and 22 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in St st on larger needle

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

Sanne

Sanne is a must-make cardigan with ¾ sleeves, pockets and cozy shawl collar. It’s a wear-every-day kind of sweater. Shoulders are shaped using short rows and are then joined using 3-needle bind-off. Sleeves are then picked up and worked down. The hem and sides are finished with an applied I-cord.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Size

This sweater is designed cropped – to make yours longer please purchase an extra ball of yarn. 

  • Finsihed Bust (closed): (40, 48, 54) [61, 66, 72]” / (101.5, 122, 137) [155, 167.5, 183] cm
  • Length: (25½, 26, 26½) [27, 27½, 28]” / (65, 66, 67.5) [68.5, 70, 71] cm down center back
  • Shown in size 48″ / 122 cm.
  • Recommended ease: Approximately 6–10″ / 15–25 cm positive ease.

Gauge

When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

  • 14 sts and 20 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in St st on larger needle

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

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

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

RESTOCK Malabrigo Rios

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Malabrigo Rios

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

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

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

A Note on Working with Hand-Dyes

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

Photo: Angeldogknitter on Ravelry.com

Flax

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

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

Photo: annypurls on Ravelry.com

Rye

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

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

Size

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

Materials

Photo: Sweet Birch Designs

Moss on the Old Oak

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

Size

  • Small, Medium, Large

Materials

KITS 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

KITS Classic Baby Knits (worsted)

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

Pre-Order

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

Ivy

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

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

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

Size

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

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Notes

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

Luca

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

Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced-beginner

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

Size

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

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Battenberg Blanket

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

Skill Level: advanced-beginner 

Size: 35” wide x 42” long

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

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

Rabbit

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

Skill Level: advanced-beginner to intermediate

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

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

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Notes

Carrot

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

Skill Level: advanced-beginner to intermediate

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

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

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT Include

Notes