Textile Artist Sam Barsky is coming to Toronto this September! We think his work is super inspiring and want to share his work with the textile lovers in our neighbourhood. Sam is known for his one-of-a-kind landscape sweaters. Known as the man who “weaves himself into the very fabric of his environment”, Sam is an artist who knits for his context. Some of my favourites are the Eclipse, Human Anatomy from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the Truffula Tree sweater, the Golden Gate Bridge, and of course Skating at Rockefeller Center.)
Sam is going to talk to us about his work, his process, show us how he makes his knits, show us some of his work (including his latest, a Toronto sweater), and generally shmooze.
Everyone is welcome, we will be meeting picnic-style on the grass at Wychwood Barns Park (see details below) so bring a blanket or a folding chair and your knitting/crochet/etc.
Where: Wychwood Barns Park, 76 Wychwood Ave, Toronto ON. (If the weather is inclement we will reconvene at Knit-O-Matic, 1382 Bathurst St, Toronto and N95 masks will be provided). We will be meeting picnic-style on the grass at Wychwood Barns Park (see details below) so bring a blanket or a folding chair and your knitting/crochet/etc.
Pre-Order your copy now and we will ship it/let you know when it is available for pick up.
Thereโs nothing quite like the lush, cozy feeling of hand-knitted socks! Quick and satisfying to make, small and portable, socks remain one of the most frequently hand-knit items today.
Following the wonderfully successfulย Knit How,ย Pom Pom’s essential beginnerโs knitting book, andย the pullover compendiumย Ready Set Raglan, Pom Pom brings youย Ready Set Socks, an exploration of sock designs for new and advanced knitters alike.
A collaboration with legendary sock mavenย Rachel Coopey,ย Ready Set Socksย isย the ultimate guide to sock-making! Get ready to experiment, discover the magic that is turning a heel, and become a seasoned sock knitter. The book includes ten unique patterns in both 4-ply / fingering and DK-weight versions.
From simple and speedy stockings and ribbed socks to fancy mosaic knitting colour combinations, youโll be sure to find your perfect pair with this compendium of patterns to come back to again and again.
I’m needed by my family this weekend for an 80th birthday party, followed by my sister-in-law’s departure for her first academic conference (we’re so proud of her!), so I’m taking an extra day off this Saturday. The last weekend of the summer is not traditionally a busy one in the yarn store, so I don’t think you’ll miss me too, too much. I adore it when you come by, but I also love it when people are out taking advantage of beautiful weather and just enjoying life.
Friday: 12 pm to 6 pm
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 12 pm to 6 pm
My current reading suggestion is A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. You can read it on paper, digitally download it, or get it as an audiobook (which is read by the author), so you can knit/crochet/wash dishes/walk/run/get your nails done while you read. It is also accompanied by a chapter-by-chapter podcast with Oprah (stream free online or on any podcast service, including Spotify), so you can test the water and see if it’s for you, and if it is, you can read along with the author, lady-O, and regular people asking really good questions. I feel kind of silly having come so late to the Tolle party (especially after seeing Oprah’s podcast was recorded in early 2019), but I guess I wasn’t ready. Now that I’m here I see exactly why Oprah has been such a fan. Tolle isn’t just talking about spiritual life, he’s talking about LIFE (or to the point, spiritual life IS life).
If you’re at a place where you want to change yourself, your life and our world for the better, this book is a great point of reference to help you level up. Just one caveat – people who are negative and aren’t ready to leave that state won’t get this book (and judging by the reviews online it seems to make them really angry). If you have a negative person in your life, giving them this book won’t ‘fix’ them – they have to be open to healing themselves. People who aren’t quite ready, but are getting there, might read a chapter or two but it won’t stick, it’ll sort of go through them – if this is you or a loved one it’s a good sign, hold on to the book, it’ll be there for you when it’s needed next. Anyway, the best books are always the ones you can read over and over and get something new from each time.
Effortless Cardigan
Get your fall off to a great start with a simple cardie you can wear everywhere, all the time. The Effortless Cardigan is made with a simple worsted weight yarn and ONE pair of 4.5mm – 32″ circular needles. It’s knit from the top-down in one piece (the underside of the sleeves are seamed, but if you prefer you can knit them in the round). The pattern is free, and there are a range of affordable yarn options, so if you end up loving your sweater you can keep making them and fill your wardrobe!
Finished Bust (not including front bands) 34 (38.5, 42, 45.5, 49.5)” in.” or (86.5 (98, 106.5, 115.5, 125.5) cm)
Yarn Options
Berroco Vintage: Super soft, machine washable, blend of wool & synthetic. ($10.47 ea.) – 4 (5, 5, 6, 6) balls
Drops Air: Cozy and light – super soft baby alpaca blown in an airy nylon core. ($10.97 ea) – 6 (7, 7, 8, 8) balls
Cascade 220 Superwash: Soft, machine washable, 100% Peruvian wool at a very affordable price (go up a size in the pattern). ($13.97 ea.) – 4 (5, 5, 6, 6) balls
Berroco Summer Sesame: Great for warm climates … light, machine-washable, colourful and slightly textured (go up a size in the pattern). SALE $14.98 (Reg. $19.97) – 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) balls
Cascade 220 Superwash Merino: Super soft, machine washable, 100% Merino wool at a very affordable price (go up a size in the pattern). ($15.97 ea.) – 4 (5, 5, 6, 6) balls
Malabrigo Rios: Super soft, hand-dyed, machine washable, 100% Merino wool. We suggest alternating skeins to get the best colour distribution. ($23.97 ea) – 4 (5, 5, 6, 6) balls
Our SUMMER SALEis ending Sept 5th! Select products (including some clearance items and craft kits!) are now 25% OFF. 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 – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
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).
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.
Enso is a Japanese word for โcircleโ. 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!
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.
One Cardigan byย Sarah Hattonย is another staple addition to The Fibre Co.โs 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)”
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
The Fibre Co. Acadia: 4 [4: 5: 6: 6: 8: 9: 10: 11: 12: 13: 14: 15: 17: 18] hanks. For longer length (adult sizes only) – [-: -: -: -: -: 9: 10: 12: 13: 14: 16: 17: 19: 20] hanks. We recommend alternating hanks as you work to give an overall blended appearance.
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)โ
Finished bust 35 (40-45-48-53-55)โ or 89 (101.5-114-122-134.5-140)cm
length / 21 (22-23-24-25-26)โ or 53.5 (56-58.5-61-63.5-66)cm
Shown to fit size 34โ 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
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!
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.
Itโs no secret that, when it comes to colour, texture, and pattern, Pom Pom are maximalists through and through! This autumn,they decided to embrace this natural instinct and curate a knit and crochet collection inspired by abundance.
The result is 11 glorious designs with immense visual impact, highly satisfying and tactile motifs, and which echo the intricate aesthetic of the Arts and Crafts movement. The patterns are mesmerising, romantic, and somehow embody the wondrous generosity imbued in the act of making.
Featuring designs by: EDDA LILJA // ELENA DIMCHEVSKA // EMMA DUCHER // EMMA JANET // ERICA SUFKA // FRAN LรPEZ // LUCIA LUCIANO // MARIA WALTERS // OLIVIA SCZEPANIK // WEICHIEN CHAN (THEPETITEKNITTER) // YUCCA
Whatโs more, the autumn 2022 collection features an article byย Aja Barber, an eminent figure in the pushback against fast fashion, who encourages us to think more about the clothes we pair with our handmade items.
Spend a golden autumn afternoon reading the interview with embroidery extraordinaire,ย Tessa Perlow, and using Ella Hawkinsโ biscuit decorating tutorial to make confectionery which looks like your knitting.
Laine Magazine’s autumn issue, Laine 15, comes with a whole new look!
From the Publisher ….
Our beloved magazine is taking a step into a more modern, dynamic direction by celebrating knitwear and the world of fibre in a fresh way. Together with the new look, we are also excited to introduce new, regular articles, such asย Jeanette Sloan Talks Fibre. Of course, there are also things that wonโt change: gorgeous knitwear patterns, beautiful high-quality photography and the size of the magazine, all elements thatย Laineย is known for. The new look was created by Kyiv-bornย Marina Veziko, one of Finlandโs leading designers and the Graphic Designer of the Year 2021.
To celebrate the new look, Laine has TWO different cover versions available: one in full-colour and a very limited black & white version!
Issue 15, Autumn 2022:
148 pages
12 knitting patterns: 6 sweaters, 2 cardigans, 2 shawls, 1 hat, and 1 pair of socks
an interview with knitwear designerย Lindsey Fowlerย
an article on how sheep help to save endangered biotopes
NEW!ย Jeanette Sloan Talks Fibreย โ a regular article on Jeanette chatting with interesting people. In this issue, she meetsย Rose Sinclair, an academic researcher, author and lecturer. Rose’s PhD research into Dorcas Clubs examines how textile networks can be catalysts for social change.
NEW!ย Five Waysย by our regular writerย Pรคivi Kankaro. In this issue, Pรคivi explores 5 ways how knitting can be used as a tool for change.
NEW!ย Where I Knitย โ a regular piece that pictures people knitting in their favourite spot, and talking about crafting in their everyday lives.
Designers featured in this issue: Jenny Ansah, Jennifer Brou, Weichien Chan (also known as the Petite Knitter), ล tฤpรกnka Drchalovรก, Meiju K-P, Bernice Lim (also known as Yamagara), Hanna Maciejewska, Terri Maue, Olga Putano, Florence Spurling and Yiฤitcan Vatansever.
Knitstrips: The World’s First Comic-Strip Knitting Book
This new book is a tour de force, an epic achievement in melding knitwear design, instruction, and advice with interactive graphic illustrations. Itโs a new way of seeing how to take a ball of yarn and a pair of needles and transform it into something tangible, useful, and beautiful. Itโs bursting with life and the love of knitting.
Inside, the book is organized into four chapters, or issues, each of which gathers a handful of designs by different designers.
These are not conventional patterns. They are yarn-neutral, meaning that the authors guide you through choosing your yarn, but the choice really is yours. Youโll learn how to adapt the pattern youโre making to the gauge and other qualities of the yarn youโre using. In contrast to the prescriptive approach of a typical knitting pattern, theย Knitstripsย approach is open ended and full of learning. As I read through these energy-filled pages, I had renewed appreciation for how much thought and engineering goes into the most familiar handknit.
The Authors: Alice Ormsbee Beltran and Karen Kim Mar
We have sentimental reasons for jumping up and down with glee at the publication ofย Knitstrips. In a very real sense, Knitstrips first saw the light of day here on MDK. We can take no credit for the brilliance of the idea, but we will claim every last bragging right for realizing that the idea that Alice Ormsbee Beltran shared with us was very exciting.
And whenย the first Knitstripย appeared, the reaction from knitters was incredible. There was an avalanche of downloads of that first Knitstrip, and each of the ones that followed.
So: we send our heartiest congratulations to Alice and her co-author Karen Kim Mar on achieving this amazing book. The mere idea of doing copy edits and technical edits on patterns that are drawn by handโby brilliant illustrators Laura Irrgang and Michele Philipsโmakes us want to take to our beds for a week or so. This is a major work of vision and of writing, illustration, and editing. Most exciting of all,ย Knitstripsย is going to introduce so many new people to the joy of knitting, the challenge of knitting, and the satisfaction of having handmade garments and accessories in our lives.
The roster of designers, which includes the authors, is stellar:
The Darcy by Karen Kim Mar is a lovely, versatile neckwarmer that is made without shaping of any kind. Thanks to Alice, Karen, and the gentle publishers at Abrams for this exclusiveย downloadable PDF. (Click on the link to download the pattern.)
Our SUMMER SALECONTINUES! Select products (including some clearance items and craft kits!) are now 25% OFF until September 5th, 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 – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
We are tremendously thrilled to inform you about the ultimate comfort-knit book for autumn 2022. The U.S. based designerย Lindsey Fowlerย (@larkspurknits) has designed a beautiful and versatile knitwear collection for knitters of all levels.
Lindsey Fowlerโs knitwear collection Salt & Timber is inspired by the Pacific Northwestern coast. This visually stunning book features 15 cozy designs that are intuitive and easy to knit. The patterns โ including socks, shawls, sweaters, hats, mitts, and even a blanket โ offer thoughtful details, opportunities to make the most of your yarn stash and ways to customize the garments to fit your style.
Lindsey Fowler lives in Northeast Ohio, USA, with her high school sweetheart, her twins, her old mutt, and a cat. As a designer, Lindsey likes working with textures and finding new takes on classics. She is continuously inspired by nature, architecture, and traditional handicrafts. Salt & Timber is Lindseyโs debut book.
I came across these sunny hand towels a few times and felt like they were full of YUP! They’re a good size, 22″ wide x 37″ long, but of course you are welcome to up or downscale them – they’re just rectangles, after all. They’re made with a simple linen stitch that creates a woven look on one side and a nubbly texture on the other. And the pattern’s free – sweet!
The Yarn
Cascade Ultra Pimais a silky soft, light cotton. Itโs easy to work with on both knitting needles or crochet hook. I often recommend it for baby blankets or afghans because itโs so soft and machine washable, and it doesnโt have the hardness or lack of give thatโs common in so many cotton yarns.
I was so eager to share this project with you that I rephotographed the Cascade Ultra Pima (it was time). All the new images have been colour corrected, so theyโre as close to the original as was possible … not an easy task with cotton, the light reflected off the surface makes it really tricky! Any old photos left are colours that were out of stock and couldnโt be photographed.
Photo: Purl Soho
Materials
Cascade Ultra Pima: 4 skeins in main colour, 1 skein in contrast colour (makes 2 hand towels, recommend 3718 Cream for main colour and 3764 Sunshine for contrast colour)
The following colours of Cascade Ultra Pima are all smashing combined with colour 3718 Cream:
3755 Tomato
3764 Sunshine
3833 Antique Moss
3845 Robin’s Egg Blue
3772 Cornflower
3759 Taupe
Alternate Yarns
Berroco Remix Light is also a great option! Because of it’s generous yardage You’ll need half as much yarn: 2 skeins of the main colour and 1 of the contrast will make two hand towels)
Photo: Purl Soho
Farmhouse Towels (Knit)
Make some towels that are so beautiful you’ll never want to use them! That’s ok, some things you use until they’re shredded, and some you keep out to please the eye. Both have their roles in our lives. The pattern is a FREEBIE, and makes for some simple, elegant summer knitting.
Quince & Co Sparrowis my favourite yarn for this project, I love how this linen looks, the silky feels after being washed, and also how resilient it is (it gets better going through the wash) . My second personal choice would be
Berroco Remix Light is the budget friendly, earth friendly, use-friendly option – it has so much yardage, two skeins of the main colour will make 3 towels, and 3 skeins will make 5. Plus it’s recycled, has a neat texture, is easy to knit with and wash.
Cascade Ultra Pima is the last on the list, but not the least. This silky smooth pima cotton is a staple, and is always a joy to knit with and wear. If you like a plain, flat aesthetic, this is your yarn of choice.
ALL OF THE YARN SUGGESTED ARE ON SALE TO AUG 14th!
Note: the pattern seems to have neglected to explain how to make an I-Cord (the loop at the tops of the cloth), so here is anย I-cord tutorialย for those of you who are not familiar with the technique. Alternately, you can skip the I-cord, make your cloth loop-free and just weave in your ends โ thereโs no rule that says a cloth must have a loop.
Size
Approximately 10 x 10 inches
Yarn Options
Main Colour: 100m required per washcloth. Contrast Colour: 24m required per washcloth.
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 Wizardย is a super soft, light & happyย bulky weightย yarn. It stripes by itself, with bold colors flowing. It has a chainette construction which makes it feelย deliciously airy and weightless.ย 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 ofย -slipper-socks!
These kits as a special-order and we arenโt 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 itโs 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.
Bente is aย mosaic stitchย blanket using one color ofย Wizard. Working from two balls simultaneously creates a dynamic color change throughout the blanket.ย 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)
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.
Sanneย is a must-make cardigan with ยพ sleeves, pockets and cozy shawl collar. Itโs 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.
