It was so busy and crazy this week that I completely forgot to post our holiday store hours and wish you a happy holiday!
HOLIDAY STORE HOURS
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Cozy Knitting: Create Your Own Sailor Slippers
Sailor Slippers
The Sailor Slippers are an adorable set of felted slippers. They made by knitting them with a feltable yarn like Drops Andes, and then washing them in hot water to felt them down and make them solid and sturdy. It’s like magic in your washing machine!
Notes
There is a template you can print out (or upload to a drawing program) and colour in to help you visualise colour combinations, which can be found HERE!
Skill level: Advanced beginner
Techniques
Long tail cast on, backwards loop cast on, stockinette stitch, increasing (m1l and m1r) and decreasing (k2tog and ssk) stitches, picking up stitches, seaming (mattress and Kitchener stitch), applied i-cord edge.
SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS & TECHNIQUES
Construction
The Sailor Slippers are worked flat in stockinette stitch starting with the heel panel. Stitches are then picked up at the right side of the heel panel, cast on in extension and picked up at the left side of the heel panel. This forms the top of the slippers, which is knit from ankle to toe. From there, you will carry on knitting the sole from toe to heel. The top of the foot and sole are seamed together using mattress stitch, and the heel panel and sole are then seamed horizontally. The applied i-cord is then added to form the slipper opening, before washing and felting.
Sizes
- US Women shoe size: 5.5 (6.5) 7.5 (8.5) 9.5 (10.5) 12
- US Mens shoe size: 3.5 (4.5) 5.5 (6.5) 7.5 (8.5) 10 (10.5) 11.5 (12.5)
- UK shoe size: 3 (4) 5 (6) 7 (8) 9 (10) 11 (12)
- EU shoe size: 36 (37) 38 (39) 41 (42) 43 (45) 46 (47)
- For EU sizes 40 and 44, they recommend knitting sizes 39 and 43, respectively.
Yarn
- Colour A (main): 1 (1) 1 (1) 1 (1) 2 (2) 2 (2) balls
- Colour B (accent): 1 (1) 1 (1) 1 (1) 1 (1) 2 (2) balls
- Colour C (i-cord): 1 ball
- Colour D (sole): 1 (1) 1 (1) 2 (2) 2 (2) 2 (2) balls
or for solid/single coloured slippers:
- 3 (3) 3 (3) 4 (4) 4 (4) 4 (4) balls
Other Materials
- PATTERN
- 8mm/US 11 circular needles
- 8mm/US11 double-pointed needles (optional)
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- a small towel to add more friction to the felting process
- a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag to wash your slippers in (optional)
Photos by OceanLyre on Ravelry.com
Black Friday Sale Starts Wednesday! 20% to 50% OFF
BLACK FRIDAY SALE!
Hi Friends!
It’s that time again …. this year our BLACK FRIDAY SALE is from Wednesday Nov 26 at 12pm to Monday Dec 1 at 11:59pm! You can save up to 20% OFF select regular-priced items and select Clearance items (that comes to up to 50% off some items that are already on sale!).
*Sale is online AND in-store. Discount is automatically applied at check-out, and can not be combined with any other offers or discount codes (including free shipping, which will not be available on sale items). We will not be able to process any in store returns during the sale (any products that are returned during the sale will be credited at the discounted price). Sale is only on products that are currently in stock, and does not apply to products that are pre-order or special order.
- Almost ALL Yarn (including Clearance)
- Needle & Hook Sets
- Storage & Organization
- Other Crafts (Needle Felting, Weaving, Spinning, Punch Needle, Macrame, Etc)
- Craft Kits
- Blocking Tools
- Select Accessories
- Select Notions
- Select Books
- Winding Tools
- Pompoms (real and synthetic fur)
- Cleaning & Soap
- Clearance Items
Shopping in Store? Come Prepared
Things get REALLY BUSY in the store at this time of year (especially during a Black Friday sale)! If you’re coming to shop in-person for a project we recommend a few things you can do before leaving the house that will help us elevate your shopping experience and make it as smooth as possible:
1. PICK A PROJECT. Think about what you might like to make …. This REALLY helps us to help you! The best place to browse is an advanced search on Ravelry.com (you can refine your search as you narrow down what you like). You can also browse our Blog – we always list the materials required for our project recommended. If you need support with your skills try a Project that comes with an online video Tutorial. On our website we also have a link for Project Ideas.
2. MATERIALS. Think about your yarn preferences …. What thickness of yarn do you prefer/require? What type of fibre do you prefer (ie. wool, cotton, alpaca, a blend)? Is machine washability important? Do you need needles or do you already have the right size?
3. PRINT/DOWNLOAD YOUR PATTERN. Once you have settled on a project, please bring your pattern printed out (or at the minimum download the file to your phone or tablet).
Things to consider:
- What size do you want to make?
- What thickness/tension is the yarn your pattern is calling for?
- How much yarn does your pattern require (in meters or yards)?
Please keep in mind, if you need help making these choices when you come in that it may take a little bit longer than usual.
Happy Holiday Shopping!
~ Haley
SHOP SALE NOW
Adorable Hat & Mitten Pattern: Petite Knit Cross Set:
Petite Knit Cross Set
The Petite Knit Cross Set is a super cute graphic Hat & Mitten set anyone can wear! The pattern was developed in collaboration with the Red Cross, and the entire sales from the pattern will be donated to the Red Cross. It;s sized for Toddler through to Adults. Use Sandnes Garn Double Sunday for a soft, comfortable and warm finished product!
If you want a matching sweater, there is also a pattern for an Adult Pullover and a Children’s Pullover too.
Videos related to the pattern can be found HERE.
Size
- 2-4 years (4-7 years) Adult S (M) L
- Fits head circumference: 50-52 (52-54) 54-56 (56-59) 59-63 cm OR [19¾-20½ (20½-21¼) 21¼-22 (22-23¼) 23¼ 24¾ inches]
- Mitten length: 16 (21) 26 (27) 29 cm OR [6¼ (8¼) 10¼ (10¾) 11½ inches]
Yarn
- Colour 1 (pattern color and edges): Hat: 1 (1) 1 (2) 2 balls Mittens: approx. 1 ball, Hat AND Mittens: 1 (2) 2 (2) 2 balls
- Color 2 (cross): Hat: 1 ball, Mittens: 1 ball, Hat AND Mittens: 1 ball
- Color 3 (main color): Hat: 1 ball, Mittens: 1 (1) 1 (2) 2 balls, Hat AND Mittens: 1 (2) 2 (2) 2 balls
- Color 4 (stripe color for edges): Hat: 1 ball, Mittens: 1 ball, Hat AND Mittens: 1 (1) 1 (1) 2 balls
- For the lighter set use Sandnes Garn Double Sunday: A. 2511 Almond, B. 4372 Blackberry Juice, C. 7723 Mint, and D. 2542 Camel.
- For the darker set use Sandnes Garn Double Sunday: A. 4372 Blackberry Juice, B. 4008 Poppy, C. 2511 Almond, and D. 2542 Camel.
Materials
- PATTERN
- 3 mm/US2.5 double-pointed needles (or 32″ circular needle for Magic Loop technique)
- 3.5 mm/US4 double-pointed needles (or 32″ circular needle for Magic Loop technique)
- Stitch Markers
- Tapestry Needle
Stylish Harvest Flower Sweater Pattern with Floral Motif
Harvest Flower Sweater
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
Yarn
Cascade 220 Superwash Solids or Cascade 220 Superwash Heathers:
- MC (Beige): (4, 4, 5)5, 6, 6{7, 7, 8} balls
- CC1 (Red): 1 ball
- CC2 (Dark Brown): 1 ball
- CC3 (Light Brown): (1, 1, 1)1, 1, 1{1, 1, 2} balls
Other Materials
- PATTERN
- 5mm/US8-32”-40” circular needles
- 5mm/US8 preferred needles for small circumference knitting (double pointed or 12″ circular)
- 4mm/US6-32”-40” circular needles
- 4mm/US6 preferred needles for small circumference knitting (double pointed or 12″ circular)
- scrap yarn or stitch holders
- cable needle or DPN for side hem detail
- darning needle
- stitch markers
Quick Knit Rosie Mittens for Holiday Gifts
Rosie Mittens
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.
Size
- (S/M) L/XL
- Circumference: (20) 21,5 cm (7.75) 8.5”
- Length: (23-24) 25-26 cm (9–9.5) 9.75–10.25”
Materials
My favourite yarn for this project is a combination of Drops Alpaca and Drops Kid-Silk held together.
- PATTERN
- Drops Alpaca: Main Colour: 1 ball, Contrast Colour: 1 ball
- Drops Kid-Silk: Main Colour: 1 ball, Contrast Colour: 1 ball
- 2.5mm/US1.5 Double Pointed Needles (or 32″ circular for magic loop)
- 3.5mm/US4 Double Pointed Needles (or 32″ circular for magic loop)
- Stitch markers
Alternate Yarns
Any of the following yarns are also great for this project, especially if you can’t use or wear mohair:
- Sandnes Garn Double Sunday: Main Colour: 2 balls, Contrast Colour: 1 ball
- Berroco Vintage DK: Main Colour: 1 ball, Contrast Colour: 1 ball
- Berroco Vintage Baby: Main Colour: 1 ball, Contrast Colour: 1 ball
Explore the Cozy Venlig Sweater Pattern
We just finished Venlig, a new store sample! Venlig is a simple raglan knit from the top down in one piece with a little funnel neck. We made it with two strands of super soft, Drops Melody held together, so it’s super cozy but also airy. Drops Melody is a brushed alpaca yarn, which has the texture of a bulky mohair but the softness of baby alpaca (seriously, it feels like a cloud). We used 10mm/US15 needles, so it works up fast and easy, with little fuss (see notes below about needle size). If you want to use a heavier, more traditional texture of yarn, try using a single strand of Drops Andes: 5(6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 10) and 9mm/US13 and 7mm/US10.75 needles.
Notes
Our tension came out a bit looser than expected. We made size 1, but it measures 43″, so it fits size 2. When I swatched, I got 10 sts/4″, but Erica got 9 sts/4″ in the finished sweater …. so do a little swatch before you start to make sure your sweater comes out the size you want! We used 8mm/US11 & 10mm/US15 needles, but if you’re finding your tension is looser, go down a size to 7mm/US10.75 & 9mm/US13 needles.
Size
- 1 (2, 3, 4, 5)(6, 7, 8)
- Finished Bust Circumference: 40 (43, 48, 51, 56)(60.5, 64, 67)“
- The style is oversized, choose the size with 8-14” of positive ease.
- Shown in size 1 (our finished bust was 43″, it fits me comfortably with lots of extra room, and I’m a size Medium/8)
Materials
- Pattern
- Drops Melody (holding 2 strands together): 6(7, 7, 8 to 9, 9, 10 to 11, 11, 12) balls (shown in colour 08 Petrol/Teal)
- 8mm/US11 – 16″ circular needles (or 7mm/US10.75)
- 8mm/US11 – 32″ circular needles (or 7mm/US10.75)
- 10mm/US15 – 32″ circular needles (or 9mm/US13)
- 8mm/US11 double-pointed needles (or 7mm/US10.75) for sleeves
- 10mm/US15 double-pointed needles (or 9mm/US13) for sleeves
- Tapestry needle
- Jumbo Stitch markers
- Stitch holders
- Row counter (optional, but recommended)
Yarn Alternative
If you want to use a heavier, more traditional texture of yarn, try using a single strand of Drops Andes: 5(6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 10) and 9mm/US13 and 7mm/US10.75 needles.
The Cozy Sophie Scarf: Your Perfect Holiday Gift
Sophie Scarf
It’s time to start thinking about starting your holiday gifts … and what better gift than a cozy little bit cashmere to keep someone you love warm. A single skein of Nordic Eco Cashmere DK is enough to make the larger size, and you can even use slightly larger 4.5mm/US7 needles with this yarn.
The Sophie Scarf is worked back and forth in one piece, from tip to tip in garter stitch with built-in i-cord edges. The smaller size Sophie Scarf reaches around the neck once, while the larger size can wrap around the neck twice.
This is a great project for newer knitters, but check out our Skills Page for good video tutorials. If you want a larger project or gift see below and check out the Sophie Shawl or the Sophie Hood.
Size
- Small (large)
- Length from tip to tip: approx. 80 (102) cm [31½ (40¼) inches]
- Width at center: 11 (13) cm [4¼ (5) inches]
Materials
- Pattern
- Nordic Eco Cashmere DK: 1 skein
- 4.5mm/US7 needles (single pointed or 24″ circular)
- Tapestry/darning needle
Yarn Alternative
If cashmere isn’t in your budget try it using one skein of Drops Alpaca held with one skein of Drops Kid-Silk and 3.5mm/US4 needles.
If you want a slightly larger project/gift, check out the Sophie Shawl (below, purple) or the Sophie Hood (above, red)!
Beginner-Friendly Knitting Patterns by Ashley Lillis
I just noticed the Ashley Lillis is retiring from knitting design and her entire library of previously knitting patterns are going away and are for sale for $7 (that’s seven bucks for all of them … it’s a steal). Ashley focuses her designs on basic garments that are suitable for inexperienced knitters. She offers lots of free YouTube video tutorials to guide you through the project. Her instructions are incredibly clear, the patterns are well written, and the video support is amazing. You can read more about her career shift and the pattern collection HERE (or watch her YouTube video HERE).
SEE ALL OF ASHLEY’S PATTERNS HERE
Fall Bluff Pullover
This easy pullover sweater is a project for the beginner knitter and fun for the more advanced knitter. The chunky yarn and larger needles make this quick and fun so you can cozy up in this oversized knit sweater in no time.
Size
- Finished bust size of 37 (40, 43, 46.5, 49.5, 53, 56, 59) in OR 93.5 (101.5, 109.5, 118, 126, 134, 142, 150.5) cm.
- The sweater is intended to have about 6-10 in/15-25.5 cm of positive ease so pick a size that will provide the intended ease or adjust to your desired ease. For example, if you have a 36 in/91.5 cm bust, a size 3 would be ideal for about 7 in/18 cm of ease. Feel free to adjust body length and armhole depth as desired.
Materials
- Pattern
- Drops Andes: 6(6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10) balls
- 9mm/US13 – 16″ circular needles
- 9mm/US13 – 24″ circular needles
- 9mm/US13 – 32″ circular needles
- 9mm/US13 double-pointed needles
- 4 Jumbo stitch markers (1 different color to denote beginning of round)
- Waste yarn to hold sleeves
- Tapestry needle to weave in ends
- Tape measure
Hillside Cardigan
Everyone needs a classic V-Neck cardigan to complete the wardrobe. This simple top-down raglan cardigan has a simple V-neck with gorgeous wood buttons. You can wear it open with your favorite tee underneath or wear it as a pullover on its own. The Hillside cardigan is knit with chunky yarn and larger needles so it knits up quite quickly. It’s great for beginner knitters and fun for the more advanced as well.
Size
- finished bust size of 33.5 (37.5, 41.5, 45.5, 49.5, 53.5) in OR 84.5 (95, 105, 115, 125.5, 135.5) cm.
- The cardigan is intended to have about 3-6 in/7.5-15 cm of positive ease so pick a size that will provide the intended ease or adjust to your desired ease. For example, if you have a 38 in/96.5 cm bust, a size 3 would be ideal for about 3.5 in/9 cm of ease. Feel free to adjust body length and armhole depth as desired. You can try on the cardigan as you go.
Materials
- Pattern
- Drops Andes: 6(7, 7, 8, 9, 10) balls
- 9mm/US13 – 16″ circular needles (optional for sleeves)
- 9mm/US13 – 32″ circular needles
- 9mm/US13 double-pointed needles
- 4 Jumbo removable markers (1 different color to denote beginning of round)
- Tapestry needle to weave in ends
- Tape measure
- Waste yarn to hold sleeves
- 4 buttons (1 inch diameter)
Open Trails Sweater Vest
The Open Trails Sweater Vest is a fun, quick knit that’s great for beginner knitters and fun for the more advanced. The vest can be worn on its own or over your favorite t-shirt, dress, or collared shirt. It’s knit in the round from the bottom up, divided for the fronts and backs, and then seamed at the top. The collar and armhole ribbing are picked up and knit in the round.
Size
- Finished bust size of 35 (38.5, 41.5, 45, 48, 51, 54.5, 57.5) in OR 89.5 (97.5, 105.5, 114, 122, 130, 138, 146) cm.
- Intended to have about 3-5 in/7.5-13 cm of positive ease so pick a size that will provide the intended ease or adjust to your desired ease.
Materials
- Pattern
- Drops Andes: 4(4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6) balls
- 8mm/US11 – 16″ circular needles or double-pointed needles
- 9mm/US13 – 32″ circular needles
- Tapestry needle
Update: Shipping Changes for Canada and the US
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.
I’m sorry for the inconvenience and disruption.