New store sample: New York Cardigan

The New York Cardigan by Erin Harper is a lightweight, versatile cardigan designed to be worn over a tee or camisole making it a perfect layering piece for spring and summer.  The main body is knit from the top down with lace panels knit separately and sewn on to complete the front. We knit our store sample with Tonos Pima Silk from Misti Alpaca – an incredibly soft blend of cotton and silk in a DK weight. Pattern available for purchase in store.

Note: This is one of the projects for our next Knit-Along beginning May 3rd. Why not join us? Everyone welcome!

- Melissa

New Store Sample: Weekend Wrap

We fell hard for Mona’s version of Julie Weisneberger’s Weekend Wrap last week (blogged here)! So much so, that we cast this one on in Berroco’s Seduce right away (colour #4430 – Earth Stone) AND made it one of our May Knit-Along projects. Knit with 12 mm needles, the effect is lacy without the need for yarnovers and pattern repeats. The larger needle size also makes this a super quick knit. Very chic! The pattern can be found through Ravelry here - hardcopies should be available in store shortly.

- Melissa

May Knit-Along!

Begins May 3rd, 2012 – runs 5 weeks
(Thursday evenings 6:00 – 9:00pm)

Join us for our next Knit-Along beginning May 3rd featuring four beautiful knits for spring and summer. Because we won’t be running knit-alongs in June and July, we’re providing 4 options this time rather than our usual three and the KAL will run  5 weeks instead of 4 giving many of you time to take on more than one project!

(Photos [clockwise]): Julie Hoover, Emma Fassio, Julie Weisenberger, Hiroko)

Décalage by Julie Hoover is aptly described by the designer as both modern and stylish. Knit using two colours each of Habu’s fine merino and silk stainless steel, this scarf is an exquisite study in colour blending and texture. We have many colours of both of these yarns in stock with more arriving soon! Pattern available for purchase in store.

Azzu’s Shawl by Emma Fassio is a long slim shawl with a light summery feel. Knit top-down – it’s worked from the center back outwards. Because of it’s ample length this piece can also be twisted and tied around the neck and worn as a scarf.  Great yarn options for this one include Habu Textile’s Tsumugi Silk (100% Silk), Silver Label Mulberry Silk from Tanis Fiber Arts (100% Silk), or Handmaiden’s Sea Silk (70% Silk / 30% Seacell)! All are available in store. Pattern available for free on Ravelry.

Weekend Wrap by Julie Weisenberger is a surprisingly elegant vest / wrap which really can be completed in a weekend. Knit with 12 mm needles, the effect is lacy without the need for yarnovers and pattern repeats. Throw this over a t-shirt, tunic, or blouse and wait for the compliments! We knit ours using Berroco’s Seduce - a breathable mix of silk, linen, rayon and nylon. Pattern available for purchase online.

New York Cardigan by Erin Harper is a lightweight, versatile cardigan designed to be worn over a tee or camisole making it a perfect layering piece for spring and summer.  The main body is knit from the top down with lace panels knit separately and sewn on to complete the front. We knit our store sample with Tonos Pima Silk from Misti Alpaca – an incredibly soft blend of cotton and silk in a DK weight. Pattern available for purchase in store.

- Melissa

March Knit-Along

Begins March 22, 2012 (next week!)- runs 4 weeks
(Thursday evenings 6:00 – 9:00pm)

Our March Knit-Along features three great transitional knits to take you through spring in style. Make your selection and join us beginning March 22nd for four consecutive Thursdays of fun, support, and creative productivity.

(Photos: Churchmouse Yarns & Teas / Ysolda Teague / Mary Annarella)

Easy Folded Poncho by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas is a classic yet casual piece which is easy to knit and perfect for layering through early spring days and cool summer evenings. The pattern calls for Rowan Felted Tweed DK or Blue Sky Alpacas Sport / Melange and we have lots of colour options for both of these yarns in stock. Our store sample is knit using Felted Tweed – come in and try it on! Pattern available for purchase in store.

Ishbel by Ysolda Teague is a beautiful lace shawl which begins simply with a solid stockinette centre and is then edged with a lovely vine pattern and scalloped points. The pattern provides options for two sizes and two different yarn weights. The store sample is knit using Tanis Fiber Arts Red Label yarn – a gorgeous blend of cashmere, silk and merino. Pattern available for purchase in store.

Simplicity Cardigan by Mary Annarella is a luxurious lightweight cardigan with longer fronts that can be worn open or tied loosely in front. It is knit seamlessly from the top down with some short row shaping in back. We used the incredibly soft Serena from Manos del Uruguay for our store sample – a perfect transitional blend of cotton and alpaca. Pattern available for purchase in store.

February Knit-Along: Warm & Cozy

Begins February 23rd, 2012 - runs 4 weeks.
(Thursday evenings 6:00 – 9:00pm)

While spring is technically just over a month away, we’re still feeling the chill of winter and enjoying projects designed to keep us cozy and warm. Our next Knit-Along features three fun knits guaranteed to keep you toasty for the rest of the season. Make your selection and join us beginning February 23rd for four consecutive Thursdays of fun, support, and creative productivity.

The State Street Cowl by Pam Allen is a great piece which can be worn worn down over the shoulders or as a traditional cowl perfect for braving the elements. We knit our store sample up in SweetGeorgia Superwash Chunky - it’s squishy and soft without being overly bulky. Pattern available for purchase online.

Chevron Colour Block Blanket by Espace Tricot is a luxurious throw knit using 4 shades of Cascade Eco Cloud – a soft 70% merino / 30% alpaca blend.  As written, the blanket dimensions are 48″ x 60″ but this pattern is easily sized upwards / downwards.  Pattern is available in store – for free!

Astor by Norah Gaughan is a gorgeous cardigan with a stunning cabled front.  It is designed to be somewhat oversized and features shortened sleeves and deep pockets.  Knit with Berroco Peruvia Quick - a chunky / bulky weight yarn – this cardigan is a surprisingly quick project.  Come in and try on our store sample but, be warned, you won’t ever want to part with it! Pattern is available for purchase in store.

- Melissa

January 2012 Knit-Along

Begins January 19th, 2012 - runs 4 weeks.
(Thursday evenings 6:00 – 9:00pm)

It’s a new year and we’re energized and ready to get started on a new Knit-Along! Choose one of the projects shown above and join us beginning January 19th for four consecutive Thursdays of fun, support, and creative productivity.

Flair by Wendy Bernard, is a great top-down cardigan with subtle flaring in the body and sleeves which makes it perfect for layering. We knit our store sample in Tanis Fiber Arts Green Label 100% Superwash Merino but there are lots of options for this sweater in a variety of price ranges. Pattern available for purchase in store.

Hawthorne by Susanna IC is a stunning and versatile shawl / wrap / scarf which can be worn many different ways. Knitted in one piece, it begins with the lace edge followed by garter-stitch short rows. The store sample is knit using SweetGeorgia Yarns 100% Superwash Merino. Pattern can be purchased online.

Shaelyn by Leila Raabe is a beautiful top-down, center-out triangular shawl easy enough for beginner lace knitters. It’s adaptable to a variety of yarn weights and can be easily customized in terms of overall size. Our store sample is knit with Cashmere Queen – a dreamy blend of cashmere, merino, and silk. Pattern available for purchase in store.