I made an Oslo hat from Petite Knit for my dad and while I was making it found a few hacks to make life (and knitting) easier! The hat has an interesting construction with a two-layer brim, making it extra warm. The pattern directs you turn the brim over and seam it down, which is the kind of work I find a bit tedious, so I made a few changes (see video):
I used a single strand of Double Knitting weight Yarn (the pattern uses two strands of a fingering weight … an easy substitution!)
I used a provisional cast-on (I prefer the crochet cast-on)
When I was finished knitting the brim I picked up the provisional cast-on, put it on a spare circular needle, folded the brim in two and knitted the stitches from both needles at the same time.
Size
XS (S) M (L)
approx: baby (junior/woman) woman (man)
head circumference of approximately: 47-50 (50-55) 55-59 (59-62) cm OR [18½-19¾ (19¾-21¾) 21¾-23¼ (23¼-24½) inches]
Materials
I used Sandnes Garn Double Sunday for the project. It’s a soft, springy 100% merino wool and I think it was perfect for the project. I made the largest size (which was pretty big) and used about 120g/260m. My father wanted grey, but there are actually a pile of gorgeous colours in this yarn, including lots of neutrals, lots of subtle Scandinavian colours, and lots of brights that POP!
Drops Alpaca: 3 to 4 skeins (2 strands held together)
Mohair Variation
There’s also a second version of this pattern knit with a strand of fingering weight yarn paired with a lace weight mohair. If you’re into that kind of thing you could pair the following:
Mindfulness is the basic ability to be fully present and aware. The practice can help us when we feel overwhelmed, and help us manage how we react to stress. Luckily, mindfulness is a quality that every person already possesses, you don’t need to conjure it up, you just have to learn how to access it and practice using it. In this workshop, we will use knitting as an entry into the practice of mindfulness, with the intention to help you learn how to both improve and maintain your well-being. The craft of knitting with its repetitive and rhythmic motions is well known for its calming and healing properties. Mindfulness practice has been used for years to help people focus themselves in the present moment. Together, we hope to provide you with the needed tools to decrease stress and support your daily well-being.
The only prerequisite is that you already know how to cast on, knit and purl. You do not need any prior experience with mindfulness or meditation, you just need to show up and be present.
IMPORTANT NOTES
This group DOES NOT include any knitting instruction
This group is presently only held online
Space is limited so please don’t wait to register
Who
This group is facilitated by Michelle Bloom, a registered Social Worker who has a love for knitting and a passion for healing. Haley Waxberg, owner of Knit-O-Matic will be co-hosting.
When
Every Sunday morning for one hour from 10:30 to 11:30 am (eastern time) for SIX WEEKS (March 19, 26, April 2, 16, 23, 30)
Where
This is an online workshop and will be held over a secure channel.
You will also have access to the Knitsana Facebook Group, a private forum exclusively for Knitsana members to share their mindfulness growth and experiences.
Skills Required
You must already know how to cast on, knit and purl. For knitting tutorials please see our Knitting Skills Page.
Cost
The cost of the group is $200.00 with yarn included (see below for details) OR $175 without yarn, for all six sessions. Payment and registration will NOT be going through us at the store – because Michelle is a Registered Social Worker it is more cost-effective to offer this workshop directly through her.
Insurance Benefits
Because this group is considered to be ‘therapeutic’, any participant residing in Ontario that has insurance coverage for social work can apply for benefits. You may otherwise be able to write off the cost of this group on your taxes (talk to your accountant to see).
We will all be using the same, specially selected yarn for our mindful journey. If you are a new knitter we recommend 10” straight bamboo or birch needles.
If you are a crocheter that is also fine, you will need a 4.5mm or 5mm crochet hook.
1 skein of Malabrigo RiosTotal 200m100% merino wool (superwash)machine wash, lay flat to dry4.5mm/US7 to 5mm/US8 needles required
Projects
This is not a knitting skills course, so we won’t be taking on a specific project, but here’sa list of simple project options that are well suited to mindfulness knitting (choose something that is simple for you):
“Knitsana has been a “moment” of peace and growth over the past few months. I’ve taken the opportunity to reflect, find some balance and focus on ‘now’ not ‘then’. I look forward to the group hour as my time to learn and grow. Of course, the growth continues as the learning continues … I appreciate change is wonderful and necessary as long as we are alive …” ~ F.D.
“I joined the Knitsana group last winter – we met Sunday mornings for a few weeks. It was lovely – so relaxing, so interesting. I love knitting & being able to incorporate mindfulness to knitting is joyous. Knitting can be so relaxing & so loving – especially if you are creating things for loved ones. I realized I put so much love into what I create.” ~ Lisa H.
“As someone who has practiced mindfulness meditation for a few years, I found the Knitsana group a fantastic way to extend that practice and to bring mindfulness and a greater sense of calm into other parts of my life.” ~ Linda B.
“Knitsana for me is a mindfulness knitting community right in my living room. It’s meditative, relaxing, and peaceful—my one hour of contentedness in a stressful world.” ~ Karen H
“I’m relatively new to knitting, and I love it for the relaxation factor. Knitsana brought me together with a group of warm, creative people and helped inspire me to love the journey, not just the outcome. ” ~ J.F.
Spring is officially here and it’s time to clear out winter and make some space for new stuff (and sometimes it’s just nice to have space). The following products are all 20% Off, and they will be automatically already discounted when you check-out, so you don’t need to lift a finger to receive your savings!
Sale applies only to products in-stock and does not apply to pre-orders or special orders, and can not be combined with others discounts or discount codes. Sale is online and in-store.
When you purchase a skein of Fleece Artist Merino Slim (ON SALE UNTIL FEB 28th) you’ll automatically receive a link emailed to you to download a free copy of the Fairy Fingers pattern.
To emphasize the lace cuff you can go up a size or two to 3.25mm. The cuff can also be made longer (more chart repeats).
The fingers can be knit 3-5 rows longer if you have long, elegant hands. Try them on as you go! A
You can add a little length in the hand by a few rows, after the thumb stitches are put on a holder. Please make sure you have enough yarn before making any size adjustments
Fleece Artist Merino Slim is a super-soft and lofty single ply, fingering-weight merino yarn. It’s soft, machine washable, and great for all kinds of projects from shawls, sweaters, hats, mitts, and baby & children’s garments. (This yarn does not contain any nylon and is not ideal for making socks, as they won’t wear well.) Merio Slim is hand dyed in Nova Scotia Canada.
Spring is officially here and it’s time to clear out winter and make some space for new stuff (and sometimes it’s just nice to have space). The following products are all 20% Off, and they will be automatically already discounted when you check-out, so you don’t need to lift a finger to receive your savings!
Sale applies only to products in-stock and does not apply to pre-orders or special orders, and can not be combined with others discounts or discount codes. Sale is online and in-store.
Designed for knitting blankets, throws & rugs, Cotton Puff is a jumbo yarn crafted from soft cotton & nylon. Ideal for home goods like blankets, pillows and baskets, this yarn is machine washable & dryable. Cascade Cotton Puff wears well & does not pill as it is a knit fabric tube with a light fiber core to create structure.
Sale starts 12am on Feb 15th and Ends 11:59 pm on Feb 28th
Spring is officially here and it’s time to clear out winter and make some space for new stuff (and sometimes it’s just nice to have space). The following products are all 20% Off, and they will be automatically already discounted when you check-out, so you don’t need to lift a finger to receive your savings!
Sale applies only to products in-stock and does not apply to pre-orders or special orders, and can not be combined with others discounts or discount codes. Sale is online and in-store.
I’m easing into spring a little early this year because … why not??!!! It’s been grey and dreary since November and I think we all deserve the joy and hope that comes with light, bright colours. I love wool, and I respect winter as a season and as a concept, but I also need something to look forward to, and our knitting & crochet is one area where we can do some pre-emptive spring & summering.
Berroco Vivo Cotton
Berroco Vivo is a super soft, light, 100% cotton yarn that’s dyed in a flow of transitioning colour. It’s machine washable, making it great for all kinds of projects from babies (perfect for a French Macaroon or Ezra baby cardie) to blankets (4 balls make a Super Easy Garter Baby Blanket), and everything in between … you can even make DK-weight socks or Yoga Socks with it!
Vivohas great colour and texture, making it perfect for simple pieces that aren’t heavy on skill or attention. It also has great yardage – one ball is 100g/290m, making it go a lot further than regular cottons (2 balls are enough for a Ranunculus (smaller sizes), Boneyard Shawl, Groovy DK, three for an Elementary Wrap).
100% Cotton
100g/290m (317 yds)
DK (double knitting) weight
4mm/US6 needles or 4mm/G hook
knitting gauge: 22 sts & 30 rows = 4″ (10cm)
crochet gauge: 20 sc & 25 rows = 4″ (10cm)
Machine wash in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry.
Sapphire was my favourite new pattern in Berroco Vivo last year. It’s such a sweet and wearable little top that looks good on all types of bodies. It looks sweet over a summer dress, or you can wear it with pants, a skirt – it goes with everything. To make the arms longer pick-up the sleeves and knit down in pattern stitch to your desired length.
Sapphire is a classic dolman sleeve V-neck cardigan in an all-over textured stitch. Back, Right Front, and Left Front are each worked separately, with increases forming the dolman sleeves. Pieces are sewn together, then sleeve cuffs and button band are picked up and knit.
Size
Note: Since this garment has a dolman sleeve, the bust measurement is very forgiving. Go by the waist measurement when selecting your size.
Shown in size 36″ / 91.5 cm. Recommended ease: Approximately 2–4″ / 5–10 cm positive ease.
The Yarn
Berroco Vivo is a bright and cheerful cotton yarn that features a delightful color flow. Tropical colors in a cottony soft fiber make it perfect for summer tops and accessories. Plus, it’s machine washable, making a great choice for summer tops!
Cleome is knit flat and uses intarsia colourwork with a contrasting colourway to make a cool graphic. If you’ve never done intarsia before this might be a simple introduction – the graphic is a simple one, and the yarn is textured, hiding a multitude of sins! Plus, the pattern is FREE, so you can check it out before you commit to the project.
First things first, check our Carol’s Piilu – it looks AMAZING on her!!! If you’ve never done entrelac it takes a little patience, but it’s worth the effort! This pattern is also a FREEBIE, so you can read it over before diving in.
Ametrine is an oversized CROCHET pullover with deep armholes for a loose, oversized look. This top is made to be worn over outfits and even great for a bathing suit coverup. It’s designed with a simple shell stitch pattern, making it accessible for less experienced crocheters.
Ametrine is made with four identical “quadrants“, each worked from the cuff to the center of the body, for back and front. Pieces are seamed at the centerline of each, the back and front, the top of the sleeves/shoulders, and the bottom of the sleeves, leaving openings at neck and bottom edge. Stitch pattern is both charted and written out.
Double Sunday is a favourite of PetiteKnit, to the extent where she’s collaborated with the yarn company and added her own palette of colours. Double Sunday is a soft, 100% merino wool, non-superwash double knit weight yarn (3.5mm to 4mm needles). It works up beautifully on its own, or try holding it with a kid-mohair like Drops Kid Silk (see pictures below for colour combinations … you’ll also find them on our website for both products) or a brushed alpaca like Drops Brushed Alpaca & Silk to give it a halo St. Peter would envy. While the ball band says to hand wash, the word on the street is that you can machine wash this yarn on a ‘wool cycle’. No matter what, always wash your hand knits in a delicate bag on delicate so they don’t abrade!
The name is an invitation to embrace the inner rebel and go for a color that truly speaks to you, that could either be a bright pop of color to help you nudge yourself out of your color comfort zone. Or, maybe you’re really craving a toned down color in a soft beige or cream but are hesitant because you always choose the same shades for your projects – well this is the time to listen to whatever speaks to your color loving heart and follow that intuition all the way!
The beanie is worked bottom up on 4 mm (US6) needles with one strand of merino together with one strand of silk mohair to give it a subtle fuzzy sheen.
This little pop-over vest will definitely keep you warm in cool weather! It’s worked holding one strand of kid-mohair with a strand of merino, making it light, airy, and soft.
Size
The Novice Slipover is designed to have approx. 17 cm [6¾ inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be 17 cm [6¾ inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement. Before beginning your project, measure yourself to determine which size will fit you best. For example, if you measure 90 cm [35½ inches] around your bust (or around the widest part of your upper body) you should knit a size S. A size S sweater has a bust circumference of 107 cm [42¼ inches], which in the given example would give you 17 cm [6¾ inches] of positive ease.
Is it named after the music artist Moby …. I doubt it, but I WISH!
In case the knitting inspiration isn’t already reward enough, here’s a great, TRUE, story from Canadian-famous CBC Radio personality Jonathan Goldstein about Moby (the artist, not the sweater or the whale) …. listenHERE.
The Moby Sweater is worked from the top down in a texture and cable pattern. First the back yoke is worked and shaped using short rows to form the slope of the shoulders. After this, stitches are picked up and knitted for each shoulder, which are then joined to form the front yoke. The front and back yoke are joined to form the body, which is worked straight down in the round. The sleeves are worked in the round on double-pointed needles or on a circular needle using the Magic Loop technique. Finally, stitches are picked up at the neckline to work a ribbed edge, which is then folded over towards the inside to form a double neckband, which is closed by knitting the stitches together with the pick-up edge.
Knit a swatch to determine which needle size you need to achieve the correct gauge – note that this can vary from yarn to yarn. Take care to wash the swatch before measuring, as the texture pattern can grow with wash.
Size
The Moby Sweater is designed to have approx. 15-20 cm [6-8 inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be approx. 15-20 cm [6-8 inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement. Before beginning your project, measure yourself to determine which size will fit you the best. For example, if you measure 90 cm [35½ inches] around your bust (or around the widest part on your upper body) you should knit a size S. A size S sweater has a bust circumference of 106 cm [41¾ inches] which in the given example would give you 16 cm [6¼ inches] of positive ease.
The Champagne Cardigan is worked from the top down with raglan increases on the yoke and a deep V-neck. The neckline of the cardigan is shaped with short rows by raising the back of the neck. The button plackets are worked in double knitting with buttonholes along the right side.
Size
The Champagne Cardigan has an oversize fit and is designed to have approx. 28 cm [11 inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be 28 cm [11 inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement. The sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL are designed to fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 cm (130-140) 140-150 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39½) 39½-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ (51¼-55) 55-59 inches].
Before beginning your project, measure yourself to determine which size to knit. For example, if you measure 106 cm [41¾ inches] around your bust (or around the widest part of your upper body) you should knit a size XL. A size XL sweater has a bust circumference of 134 cm [52¾ inches] which in the given example would give you 28 cm [11 inches] of positive ease.
The Hipster Hat is worked bottom-up in a 2×2 rib stitch. The bottom has a folded edge of about 6 (6) 8 (8) cm [2¼ (2¼) 3¼ (3¼) inches] (you can do a double folded edge if you knit the hat extra-long, but bear in mind that this will require more yarn than suggested). The decreases at the top of the head are done by working 2 sts together on each side of two knit sts a total of 4 times across the round. The Hipster Hat can be knit a bit long for it to get a little “hipster top” or to a length where it fits your head snuggly. The Hipster Hat is for both men and women.
Size
baby (child) woman (man)
head circumference of approximately: 45-48 (48-53) 53-57 (57-60) cm [17¾-19 (19-20¾) 20¾-22½ (22½-23½) inches]
The Oslo Hat is worked in two strands of yarn held together from the bottom up in stockinette stitch. The first part of the hat is worked on a 40 cm 16 inches circular needle, while the top of the hat is worked either on double-pointed needles or on a circular needle using the Magic Loop technique.
Size
XS (S) M (L) the approx. equivalent to baby (junior/woman) woman (man)
head circumference of approximately: 47-50 (50-55) 55-59 (59-62) cm [18½-19¾ (19¾-21¾) 21¾-23¼ (23¼-24½) inches]
Hanko has a boxy and relaxed fit that is effortless to wear and style in many different ways. It is my take on the classic Breton stripe style, but with a few little twists such as the two-colour stripes, dropped shoulder line and wide sleeves. Did you also notice the two-colour tubular bind off at the hem and the cuffs?
Hanko is knitted seamlessly top-down. The neckline is folded double, and the top of the back is shaped with German short rows to improve the fit around the neck. The shoulders are sloped and worked by increasing stitches along the shoulder line. After finishing the increases the front and back are separated and knitted separately to create the sleeve openings. After that, the pieces are joined again in the round and worked seamlessly down to the hem. Lastly, stitches are picked up around the sleeve openings and worked in the round. You can easily try the Hanko pullover on as you knit it and adjust the measurements to your own body measurements.
Hanko got its name after the small seaside town in Finland. The town of Hanko is a popular summer destination with beautiful beaches, marinas and old wooden villas dating back to the 19th century.
Size
This garment is supposed to be an oversized fit and features a positive ease of 25 cm / 10 inches.
The Marseille Sweater is worked from the top down. First, the back yoke is worked back and forth, while the shoulder slope is created by working short rows for a good fit. After this, each shoulder is worked back and forth separately with short row shaping. Then, the shoulders are joined to form the front. The front and back are worked separately and joined at the bottom of the armholes, and then the body is worked in the round on a circular needle. The sleeves are worked from stitches that are picked up and knitted along the armholes and are shaped using short rows. The sleeves are worked in the round on a circular needle and double-pointed needles or using the Magic Loop technique. The neck edge is worked from stitches that are picked up and knitted along the neckline, it is then folded double and knitted together. The Marseille Sweater is worked with stripes, the placements of which are described in the pattern.
Size
The Marseille Sweater is designed to have approx. 25 cm [9¾ inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be 25 cm [9¾ inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement. Before beginning your project, measure yourself to determine which size to knit. For example, if you measure 90 cm [35½ inches] around your bust (or around the widest part of your upper body) you should knit a size S. A size S sweater has a bust circumference of 115 cm [45¼ inches], which in the given example would give you 25 cm [9¾ inches] of positive ease.
Designed to fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 cm (130-140) 140-150 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39½) 39½-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ (51¼-55) 55-59 inches].
Looks like we had some links that didn’t work in our last couple of posts, so here are the updates … thanks for letting us know!
I once saw a promotional post-card in the return area of Ikea that read something to the effect “Only in our dreams do we not make mistakes.” According to Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad, fear of making mistakes is the enemy of development. I’ll be honest, this is someting I’m still working on. We’re pretty lucky as knitters and crocheters, when we make mistakes we have the opportunity to rip them back and fix them. Even better, we have the choice to accept our mistakes, leave them and move forward.
If you’d like to know more about some Ikea products that didn’t take flight (my favourite is the composting sofa) read HERE … from the Ikea Digital Museum.
So there you go – life, brought you by …. MISTAKES!
It looks like the links for the market bag patterns from our last update didn’t want to stay saved, so I’ve updated them in our blog and am adding them here below …. for a quick one-skein project try our Crochet Grocery Bag, you’ll only need 1 skein of Cascade Ultra Pima or Quince & Co Sparrow (last year’s stock is still on SALE).
By the way, when I did my research a few years ago into the environmental friendliness of fibres, the baste fibres came out on top (linen, hemp, nettle, jute) … so I opt to use jute string around the store. Cotton landed on the bottom because it uses so much water and so many chemicals to grow (organic cotton still sucks up a lot of water, and produces lower yields than conventional cotton, so it isn’t a panacea). Cellulosic fibres like bamboo are in the mid-range, because they’re easy to grow, but are heavy on the processing end. Animal fibres are also in-between because of the feeding & watering. Basically, the less intervention a fibre needs to grow, be harvested, and be processed, the better.
This collection, if possible, is even better and includes 16 patterns from 16 talented designers. It is an eclectic collection of patterns that invites crafters to combine yarn in new and unexpected ways across brands and bases. The designs showcase modern knitting at its best, using a variety of techniques and unique and unexpected color combinations. SEE THE FULL POST WITH PICTURES HERE.
Disposable plastic shopping bags are starting to make their departure here in Canada, and I think it is a good time to start weaning us off their paper cousins in the store. Several years ago I did some research into what was the best option for the environment, and ultimately it came down to the inconvenient truth all disposable options are problematic – including paper.
I replaced our plastic shopping bags during the heyday of COVID because we had so many pick-up orders going out and the amount of plastic going into the landfill made me a bit nauseous. But paper bags haven’t been a panacea – they’re pretty, but they are expensive. They cost four to five times more than their plastic counterparts, they are also costlier to have delivered because they are much heavier than plastic, and they take up a lot of storage space.
During the pandemic, many of us got a little bit complacent about bringing our own reusable shopping totes when we leave the house … why is it so easy to create bad habits?! Anyway, as you can imagine, all those paper bags have begun to add up … and, on top of that, they’re still disposable and end up in the trash in one form or another. Environmentalist David Suzuki always said recycling should be the last option you choose, the first is to REDUCE.
So, moving forward, we will continue to have paper shopping bags in the store for your convenience, but we will charge $0.75/per bag to cover our costs and encourage their reduced consumption.
FREE Market Bag Patterns
If you’re feeling like you want to channel your love for the planet into crafting here are some project ideas for making market bags:
Unfortunately, due to steep increases in production costs, our beloved Cascade Ultra Pima is going away. Over the last year the price has jumped from $12 to $18. It is a beautiful yarn, one of my favourite cottons since the way it is milled gives it a consistency similar to silk, but alas … another victim of COVID supply chain and manufacturing disruptions. I’m looking for a suitable replacement, but I wanted you to have a heads up in-case you are a die-hard fan of Ultra Pima and want some in your stash – especially if you’re a maker of Knitted Knockers or Chemo caps.
Cascade Ultra Pima is a super soft, machine-washable pima cotton. It’s great for everything from baby blankets, hats or sweaters (like the French Macaroon below), grown-up blankets & afghans, bags and totes (like the market bags above), and of course warm-weather sweaters …..
For the time being the distributor is continuing to carry Cascade Ultra Pima, so we will be able to special order it for you at your request (but you must order the full bag of 10 skeins for $18/skein).
The Knitting Pilgrim is in town for one night on Saturday, Feb 4, 2023 at 7:30pm for a performance at Morningside-High Park Presbyterian Church, 4 Morningside Avenue, Toronto, come to the door. The show is Pay What You Will. For more information, go to the website, www.morningsidehighpark.com, or call 416.766.4765.
The Knitting Pilgrim, which premiered at the Aga Khan Museum’s Auditorium in May, 2019 and has toured Ontario for 50+ shows, was given 6 out of 5 stars by CFMU Hamilton, 5 out of 5 stars by Mooney on Theatre, and was named a Critic’s Fringe Pick in Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton, as well as One of ‘Top Ten Shows to See’ by NOW Magazine. It tells the story of a journey that you need to experience.
Created by actor, writer and knitter Kirk Dunn, Stitched Glass is a triptych of large hand-knitted panels, designed in the style of stained-glass windows, which looks at the commonalities and conflicts amongst the Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The textile masterwork was supported by a Chalmers Foundation grant through the Ontario Arts Council in 2003, and took Kirk an incredible 15 years to complete. There is no other knitting project like it in the world.
Knit-o-Matic Yarns 