I love the modern graphic look of Harvest Flower Sweater by Jessie Maed Designs! The Harvest Flower Sweater is a stranded colorwork sweater with a retro folk floral yoke motif. The Sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down with short row yoke shaping. The pattern is size inclusive up to 60″ bust, and would be great made with Cascade 220 Superwash.
Techniques: German short rows, two and three-color stranded colorwork, catching floats, knitting in the round, increasing, and decreasing.
Notes: Pattern includes two chart options (one as photographed, and one with a simple pixelated mound motif replacing the second set of flowers,) along with shorter yoke versions for both charts.
Size
This top is designed with 6-8”/15-20.5 cm of positive ease at the full chest. To choose your size, add 6-8”/15-20.5 cm to your full chest measurement. If you have a large bust in comparison to your upper bust, you can size down.
(XS, S, M)L, 1X, 2X{3X, 4X, 5X} to fit chest measurement of: (28, 32, 36)40, 44, 48{52, 56, 60}“ OR (71, 81.5, 91.5)101.5, 112, 122{132, 142, 152.5} cm
Garment Full Chest Measurement: (36, 40, 44)48, 52, 56{60, 64, 68}“ OR (91.5, 101.5, 112)122, 132, 142{152.5, 162.5, 172.5} cm
We posted a couple of weeks ago about the sensationally pretty Rosie Sweater (which we have cast-on for the store), and I think her little sister, the Rosie Mittens. The Rosie mittens are a small, manageable project that doesn’t require much yarn, so you might even have some leftovers (or you can cast on for the sweater too and get a little bit of extra yarn for some mitts). The Rosie Mittens would also make a great holiday gift! My favourite yarn for this project is a combination of Drops Alpaca and Drops Kid-Silk held together, but we also list some alternatives too.
Construction The Rosie Mittens are worked from the cuff up. You start with the ribbing, then work in stockinette, with increases for the thumb gusset. The thumb stitches are put on hold, and the pattern is worked. The top of the mitten is worked with decreases. Finally, the thumb is knitted.
We have a couple of updates on shipping, some good news, some not so good …
Shipping Within Canada and Internationally
Great news, Canada Post is back and available for shipping! Everyone in far-flung places and with P.O. boxes can now have their parcels shipped again!
Shipping to The United States
We have unfortunately had to make the difficult decision to remove shipping options for the United States on our website. Because of the tarrifs imposed by the US Federal government, we are now required to ship with UPS (which is more expensive than Canada Post) so they can collect potential tarrifs. But more impactful and concerning is that we now have to collect and disclose to UPS the Social Security Number or IRS ID Number for clients receiving shipments within the United States. The liability involved with having this sensitive information makes me very uncomfortable, because it can very easily expose our clients to identity theft (their name, address and social security number will all be visible on their parcel). This weekend parcels that did not include a Social Security Number started being turned away by UPS and returned to us.
Just because Canada Post has gone on strike doesn’t mean that our knitting & crochet has to! We are still shipping with our local courier Trexity, by Purolator, and by UPS to the United States (to comply with recent US tariff requirements and make sure your shipment doesn’t get lost in the hubub). You can also shop online and pick up your order in-store, or just come in and browse!
I’ve eyeballing some of the prettiest sweater from LE KNIT on Ravelry this week … she designs delicious sweaters with simple shapes and elegant colourwork. The Rosie Sweater and Facet Sweater are making my hands itch to knit! Combine Drops Alpaca and Drops Kid-Silk to make these delicious tops.
Rosie Sweater by LE KNIT
Who doesn’t appreciate a bouquet of roses? The Rosie Sweater has simple, wearable elegance!
Construction The sweater is worked top down. First, work the upper part of the back piece from the slanted shoulders and 9 cm down on the back. Then, pick up stitches for the upper part of the front piece along the slanted shoulders on the back piece. Once the upper part of both the back and front pieces are completed, stitches are picked up for the sleeve tops on each side and the yoke is worked in the round with raglan increases. Body and sleeves are then worked separately. Finally, stitches are picked up along the neckline, and the neckband is worked in rib.
Note
The entire sweater is worked with two strands of yarn, 1 of each quality. Wash and block the swatch before measuring the gauge.
Make sure the gauge is the same in width (21 sts in 10 cm /4“), whether you knit in single colored stockinette stitch or colorwork pattern. Use a larger needle for the colorwork if the colorwork is tighter than the stockinette stitch. I recommend the larger needle size if you are unsure about your gauge.
Size
Rosie Sweater is designed to have approx. 20-32 cm 7.75-12.5” of positive ease. The sweater is designed with a large amount of positive ease in the smallest sizes and gradually less positive ease in larger sizes. Rosie Sweater is shown with approx. 30 cm 11.75” of positive ease, meaning the sweater is shown on a model with a bust circumference that is 30 cm 11.75“ smaller than the sweater’s bust circumference. The length is measured at the center back excl. the neckline.
(XXS/XS) S (M/L) XL/2XL (3XL/4XL) 5XL
Finished Bust Circumference: (103) 114 (126) 137 (149) 160 cm OR (40.5) 44.75 (49.5) 54 (58.75) 63 inches
Length: (54) 55 (55) 57 (58) 59 cm. OR (21.25) 21.75 (21.75) 22.5 (22.75) 23.25 inches
I love the mod, classic 60s style of the Facet Sweater … so simple, so gorgeous!
Facet Sweater is a raglan sweater with a small, graphic pattern. The pattern uses three colors but is worked with only two colors at a time. Floats are kept short, making it easy to knit. Since you don’t need much of the contrast colors, Facet Sweater is perfect for using up leftover yarn. You can also play with the pattern and use more than two colors.
We’ve restocked Drops Alpaca for the season and I thought I’d share some Alpaca-Inspiration and some great projects I’ve seen on Ravelry made with it.
Drops Alpaca is a great sportweight, 100% alpaca yarn. It knits beautifully on its own, held double, or held with a strand of laceweight mohair (like Drops Kid-Silk) or an aran weight brushed alpaca (like Drops Brushed Alpaca & Silk). I’m still knitting up my little swatch sweaters, testing the tension on different needles and with different yarns. When you blend you can match the colours closely or choose a contrast to get a marl going on!
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PetiteKnit No Frills Sweater
Details
The No Frills Sweater is a simple raglan sweater with neckline shaping at the front. The fit is slightly oversized, but the wide rib edges and the shorter length give the sweater a feminine silhouette. The No Frills Sweater is worked from the top down, which makes it easy to try it on along the way, so you can customize it to fit your body and end up with the perfect sleeve and body length for you. If you want to make sure that the rib neck edge keeps it shape over time, you can sew a thin elastic thread along the edge. Start by knitting a swatch to determine which needle size gives you the correct gauge.
Size
Sizes: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL
Bust circumference: 100 (104) 108 (114) 120 (130) 137 cm OR [39¼ (41) 42½ (45) 47¼ (51¼) 54 inches]
Sleeve circumference: 36 (39) 41 (44) 46 (46) 47 cm OR [14¼ (15¼) 16¼ (17¼) 18 (18) 18½ inches]
Length mid back: 52 (54) 55 (56) 58 (60) 62 cm OR [20½ (21¼) 21¾ (22) 22¾ (23½) 24½ inches]
Hold 1 strand of Drops Alpaca with another strand of something fuzzy like Drops Kid-Silk for a lighter knit, orDrops Brushed Alpaca & Silk for a heavier, denser fabric. You’ll need approximately 1050 (1050) 1260 (1260) 1470 (1470) 1470-1680 m of each yarn.
The Cumulus Blouse is worked from the top down in stockinette stitch with two strands of thin mohair/silk yarn held together throughout. The design has a deep rounded V-neck. All edges are finished with i-cord.
Size The Cumulus Blouse is designed to have approx. 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be approx. 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement.
The Oslo Hat is worked 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
Sizes: baby (child) junior small (junior large) adult S (adult M) adult
Measurements: Fits head circumference 47-48 (49-50) 51-52 (53-54) 55-56 (57-59) 60-63 cm OR 18½-19 (19¼-19¾) 20-20½ (20¾-21¼) 21¾-22 (22½-23¼) 23½-24¾ inches
Looking to take some classes? No problem, you can find group and private classes on our website under, you guessed it … CLASSES! We teach knitting and crochet, all levels and most ages (8 years & up seems to work well). You can take a group class or a private class, it’s up to you.
Beginner Knitting
This is a crash course to get you knitting fast! You’ll learn the basics to get you up and running: how to put stitches on your needles, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, and how to finish up. By the end, you should be well on your way to making your first scarf.
This class is taught in-person, in our Toronto store, and is not virtual.
The cost of this class DOES NOT include the materials, which are listed below and you receive a 10% discount when you purchase your materials with us during your class.
Skill Level: Absolute Beginner (no prior experience is necessary)
Hours of Instruction: 2.5
Next Class: Sunday Sept 14, 2025: 9:30 am to 12pm
Materials:
The cost of this class DOES NOT include the materials, which are listed below, but you receive a 10% discount when you purchase your materials with us during your class:
PDF Beginner Knitting Booklet (for reference when you go home, you won’t need it when you’re in class)
Class Cancellation Policy
Class deposits are non-refundable. Knit-O-Matic requires at least 72 hours notice of your cancellation before the start of the class in order to transfer your class deposit over to another class. Students who cancel less than 72 hours before the start of class or do not show up for the class will forfeit their class deposit.
Beginner Crochet
This is a crash course to get you crocheting fast! You’ll learn the basics to get you up and running: understanding yarn information, the proper way to hold your hook, how to chain, the single crochet stitch and the double crochet stitch. By the end, you should be well on your way to making your first scarf.
This class is taught in-person, in our Toronto store, and is not virtual.
The cost of this class DOES NOT include the materials, which are listed below and you receive a 10% discount when you purchase your materials with us during your class.
Skill Level: Absolute Beginner
Hours of Instruction: 2.5
Instructor: Erica Wilson
Next Class: Sunday Sept 21, 2025: 9:30 am to 12pm
Materials:
The cost of this class DOES NOT include the materials, which are listed below, and you receive a 10% discount when you purchase your materials with us during your class:
Berroco Vintage Chunky: 1 skein (if you want to make a scarf you should purchase a second)
Class deposits are non-refundable. Knit-O-Matic requires at least 72 hours notice of your cancellation before the start of the class in order to transfer your class deposit over to another class. Students who cancel less than 72 hours before the start of class or do not show up for the class will forfeit their class deposit.
Beginner Knitting Workshop (Cowls)
A Beginner Workshop with Erica Wilson
This is a follow-up course to our Absolute Beginner Class. You’ll continue to learn more of the basics: the purl stitch, working in the round on circular needles and how to finish off and weave in the ends. You’ll also learn the basics of following a pattern. By the end, you should be well on your way to making your first cowl! If you do not already have your materials please come to the class 10 to 15 minutes early to choose
Skill Level: After Absolute Beginner (you should already know how to cast on and knit)
Hours of Instruction: 2.5
Materials
Materials are not included, but we sell everything you need and you receive 10% off all materials during your class.
Class deposits are non-refundable. Knit-O-Matic requires at least 72 hours notice of your cancellation before the start of the class in order to transfer your class deposit over to another class. Students who cancel less than 72 hours before the start of class or do not show up for the class will forfeit their class deposit.
Private Classes & Help
Learn something new, catch up with an old project, or get help with a new one – you set the agenda. Private classes are by appointment only, please book online by clicking the button below, or call us at 416-653-7849 to make an appointment.
If you’re coming for a beginner knitting or crochet class we sell everything you need and you can pick up your materials when you come for your lesson. Private classes are one-on-one instruction, in-person in the store. You can learn what you want and at your own pace. You can book 10 minutes for quick help (like a dropped stitch), 1/2 hour for project help, 1 hour for a lesson, or 1.5 hours for a beginner lesson or for something more involved. If you aren’t sure how much time you’ll need just contact us and we can help.
To purchase a private class as a gift you can check out below and you will receive a gift card (the prices include tax).
Details
Ages 8 & up
Maximum 2 people per private class (or contact us to arrange for a larger group)
Please see our calendar for dates and time (click the ‘Book Appointment‘ button)
You pay for the class in person when you attend your class
Classes take place in-person in-store, during store hours.
Book online with the link below. Time slots are available for half hour, 1 hour, 1.5 hours and 2 hours.
$9.97/15 minutes or 39.97 per hour/per person (+tax).
We made a Sophie Hood! This hooded scarf was one of the most popular projects last winter, and its going to continue to be a people pleaser again this year. Sophie Hood is similar to the simpler Sophie Shawl, but it has a hood to keep you warm when the wind blows up. It’s great for people who don’t like hats because they mess up their hair. It’s also a great gift for anyone who wears a ceremonial head covering and a conventional hat doesn’t work.
We used one strand of Sandnes Garn Double Sunday held with another strand of Drops Kid Silk. The combination creates a soft, fuzzy texture that also has some density and warmth to it. I prefer to choose two colours that are close together to create depth and dimension.
We made a size small, but I feel that the scarf ends are a bit short, and I think the medium or large is the way to go.
Construction
The Sophie Hood is worked in one piece from tip to tip. It is worked flat, back and forth, in garter stitch with built-in i-cord edges. The hood is shaped using increases and decreases, and its back is sewn together at the end, using mattress stitch along the back of the neck.
Size
We made size S. The hood section is the same for all sizes, but the length is different depending the size you make. You can see pictures of the different sizes in the Pattern on Ravelry.
Sizes: S (M) L
Length from hood to tip: approx. 102 (128) 154 cm [40¼ (50½) 60¾ inches]
Depth of hood: approx. 24 (24) 24 cm [9½ (9½) 9½ inches]
If you’re reluctant to knit with two strands together, try a yarn like Drops Air, that is already fuzzy. If you want a yarn that changes colour by itself, try Berroco Wizard.
Summer is the perfect time to make and use crochet bags! Crochet bags are beautiful, stylish, sturdy, and versatile. They’re fun to make, and make fast little projects which are also very portable (so great for plane/train/car trips to the city/country/beach/cottage). They’re made with cotton, which is perfect for humid summer weather (most animal fibres except silk hold humidity, which is less fun in hot weather). The Portofino bag set is crocheted with Berroco Modern Cotton and the Costa Market Bag is made with Berroco Modern Cotton DK (both are ON SALE until the end of August).
Portofino Bag Set (crochet)
The Portofino bag set is the ultimate duo in accessories! A roomy tote for market scores, beach day essentials, or picnic must-haves in addition to a chic bottle bag to ensure you are always hydrated make the perfect pair this season. These quick projects are stylish, quick, and functional – the best combo!
I made the Portofino Bottle Bag for myself this weekend (picture below), and I’m sold, it’s a great one and I want to make the larger bag now too! I added one row to the body to make mine a little taller to accommodate some of my big bottles, and I only put on 160 sts for the strap. The bag fits my big, wide bottle perfectly, the mesh of the body of the bag is stretchy but also sturdy. The strap is extremely sturdy, and I don’t think it’s inclined to stretch out.
I used 1 skein of Berroco Modern Cotton (on SALE until the end of August) and it was ideal – it’s strong, sturdy, but also has a gorgeous sheen and luster, giving the finished bag some polish.
The instructions were clear and easy to follow. The pattern is free on the designer’s blog, or you can purchase a printable PDF that’s probably more concise (you know how blogs are these days, lots of ads and pictures).
Skills: Single crochet, Double crochet, Slip stitch, Chaining and skipping stitches (my favourite crochet skill tutorials are from Bella Coco on Youtube)
Materials
Berroco Modern Cotton: 3 skeins to make both bags, or 1 skein will make 2 bottle bags (On SALE until the end of August)
Tote all of your beach essentials or market finds in the Costa Bag, available in three sizes to ensure it will work for any occasion. A simple stitch mixed with a unique construction makes this classic net bag look polished and professional! The Costa Market Bag is a refinement of the very popular French Market Bag, which we made a few years ago, so I know it’s going to be a great one.
Skills Level: Intermediate
Skills: Single crochet, Single crochet decreases, Half double crochet, Half double crochet decreases, Working into chain spaces, Working flat and in the round, Crocheting into the sides of a row. (my favourite crochet skill tutorials are from Bella Coco on Youtube)
Our SUMMER SALE is on now! Select products (including some clearance items) are 20% OFF until August 30, 2025, 11:59pm.
The discount is online and in-store, and it will be automatically be added at check-out, so you don’t have to jump through any extra hoops or remember to put in a discount code (this discount can NOT be combined with any other offers or discounts, including free shipping – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
Does anything say Canada to Canadians more than the iconic Hudson Bay Blanket? It’s simple design is timeless and a hand-knit version would make for a super-special baby gift. The pattern is beginner-friendly (it’s just straight knitting), and makes a great low-brain activity, summer project. And it’s FREE, so that’s a bonus too!
Size
34 inches wide and 39 inches long
NOTE: Garter stitch has a tendency to stretch, so your blanket will “grow” beyond these dimensions.
The Hudson Bay Inspired Baby Blanket is made with worsted weight yarn, so you’ve got several great options to choose from! I’ve colour combined and art-directed the colours, so you don’t have to worry about which shades match and balance together – I’ve got you covered! Working with the palates available from each yarn line, I tired to create as many combinations that looked good as possible. I also tried to go for different aesthetics, the classics are closest to the iconic blankets sold by the Hudson Bay Company, and feature clearer, brighter colours. The subdued combos are a more modern, grown-up take on the hues, and are darker.
Cascade 220 Superwash is an affordably priced, machine washable Peruvian wool yarn. It’s soft enough for baby garments and blankets, knits easily, and has been a staple around here for a LONG time. If you aren’t into synthetics this is a great choice!
classic colours: six skeins of 817 Aran or 871 White, and one skein each of 251 Evergreen, 809 Really Red, 877 Golden, 1924 Midnight Heather
slightly darker colours: six skeins of 817 Aran or 871 White, and one skein each of 1950 Hunter Green, 893 Ruby, 877 Golden, 854 Navy.
Berroco Vintage is a super soft, machine washable blend of wool, acrylic and nylon. It’s easy on the hands and the pocketbook, and is another very popular choice for babies and kids. This yarn is also a longstanding resident around here.
classic colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi or 5100 Snow Day, and one skein each of 5152 Mistletoe, 5151 Cardinal, 5121 Sunny, 51182 Indigo Heather.
somewhat subdued colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi or 5100 Snow Day, and one skein each of 5193 Yukon Green, 51181 Ruby Heather, 5127 Butternut, 51182 Indigo Heather.
grown-up heathered colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi or 5100 Snow Day, and one skein each of 5177 Douglas Fir Heather, 5181 Black Currant Heather, 5192 Chana Dal Heather, 51182 Indigo Heather.
Berroco Vintage Chunky is a slightly thicker version of Berroco Vintage (above), and knits on 6mm/US10 needles. Because this yarn is thicker you’ll need to cast on about 25% fewer stitches (119 sts).
classic colours: six skeins of 6101 Mochi 0r6100 Snow Day, and one skein each of 6152 Mistletoe, 6151 Cardinal, 6121 Sunny, 61182 Indigo Heather.
You can also use Estelle Breeze to make a Cotton version in sorbet baby colours. Breeze is also thicker and works up on 6mm/US10 needles, so you’ll want to cast on 119 stitches.
