New Books!

Feminine Knits, Lene Holme Samsøe, $28.95

If you like pretty clothes this book is for you and you should not delay in picking up your copy. Among the 22 timeless designs are lots of cardigans, plenty of lace (but it's not too hard), some cables and lots of attention to detail. The garments are attractive, flattering and wearable. Unfortunately, the sizes generally only go up to a 41" to 44" finished bust and the general skill level is around an intermediate. In addition to the cardigans, pullovers, boleros there is also a tank, t-shirt,  skirt, jacket, scarf and shawl. The layout is beautiful and you will fall in love with this book! The best place to take a peek at all of the projects is on Ravelry.

Weekend Knitting, Melanie Falick, $20.95 (Soft Cover)

Weekend Knitting is one of my favourite books of all time and I'm so excited that they've finally published it in soft cover! Originally published in 2003, this book contains 50 timeless projects. Most of the projects are small or on the smaller to medium side. Some can actually be executed in a weekend, but the goal of the book is more oriented towards a classic style that evokes relaxed weekends. While it is not marketed as such, the projects in this books would also make great knitted gifts. The patterns are contributed by a broad spectrum of familiar and popular knitting designers, including Debbie Bliss, Jo Sharp, Pam Allen, Teva Durham, Veronik Avery, Norah Gaughan, Nicky Epstein, Ann Budd, Kristin Nicholas, Annie Modesitt, Deborah Newton and Leigh Radford. The skill level ranges from beginner to intermediate, averaging out around adventurous-beginner. The patterns are well written and work nicely - you can see them on the publisher's website HERE.  You can also see how other people's projects worked out on Ravelry. In addition to knitting, there a a few editorial treats inside too, including a hot chocolate recipe, a reading list, a butter cookie recipe, tips for decorating with yarn, and film suggestions. Melanie Falick makes great books (Handknit Holidays, Kids Knitting, Kniktting for Baby), but I think this one is her best to date!

Classes Fall/Winter 2009

Knit-O-Matic Classes Fall/Winter 2009
1378 Bathurst St, Toronto ON, 416-653-7849
www.knitomatic.com info(at) knitomatic (dot) com

Unless otherwise stated, you must pre-register for regular classes by paying the class fee beforehand.

Private Classes
We can teach you anything you want to learn and help you with your projects! Private lessons are by appointment only (please call us ahead of time to make an appointment), Monday to Friday 11:30am to 4:30pm, $12/hour per person + materials and applicable taxes.

Beginner Knitting
Skill Level: absolute beginner, Instructor Liane Schwarz
Monday Aug 24 & 31
Monday Sept 14 & 21, 6:30-8pm
Tuesday Oct 13 & 20, 6:30-8pm
Tuesday Nov 10 & 17, 6:30-8pm
Monday Dec 7 & 14, 6:30-8pm
You'll learn all the basics: how to knit, purl, put stitches on your needle (cast on), finish up (cast off), change yarn in the middle of your project, weave in your ends, and how to read a ball band as well as a basic pattern. You should be able to make a scarf in this class (but you have to do your homework, so get ready to spend a few hours of down time working on your assignment' in front of the TV).

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks
• $65 + tax (includes materials).
  

Knitted Hat Workshop
Skill Level: beginner (after scarves), Instructor Liane Schwarz
Monday Oct 19 & 26, 6:30-8pm
Tuesday Dec 8 & 15, 6:30-8pm
The next step after making scarves is making hats! Hats are fast, easy, and very, very satisfying! We'll teach you how to knit in the round (on those funny looking Siamese twin needles), how to knit on double pointed needles (the ones that look like little chopsticks), how to decrease stitches and how to read a pattern. Knowing how to cast on and knit is the only requisite.

• Consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks.
• $75 + tax (includes materials)
  

Knit Mitten Workshop
Skill Level: beginner (after hats), Instructor Liane Schwarz
Monday Nov 2 & 9, 6:30-8pm
The next step after making hats is making mitts! Mitts are a lot like hats: fast, easy, satisfying, inexpensive, and they make great gifts! We'll teach you how to knit in the round, on double pointed needles (the ones that look like little chop sticks), how to decrease and increase stitches, pick-up stitches and read a pattern. Knowing how to cast on and knit is the only requisite.

• Consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks.
• $65 + tax (includes materials)
• Receive an $11 discount if you take the hat class
  

NEW Simple Cropped Cardigan
Skill Level: intermediate, Instructor Liane Schwarz
Tuesday Oct 27 & Nov 3, 6-8pm both nights
An excellent way to get your sweater feet wet! In this workshop you’ll make a sumptuous bulky cardigan that will make you wonder why you’ve been putting this off. Along the way you’ll learn how to read a pattern, the basics of shaping a raglan yoke, holding stitches, knitting sleeves, how to make button holes, and how to put the finished product together. With this under your belt, you’ll have the courage to tackle that big pullover you’ve been dying to make.

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks
• $110 + tax (includes materials)
  

NEW Easy Baby Cardi
Skill Level: intermediate, Instructor Liane Schwarz
Tuesday Nov 24 &Dec 1, 6:00-8pm
Whether you need baby steps to get you over the sweater hump or you need a present for your favourite munchkin, this is the class for you! Learn how to read a sweater pattern, how to shape a raglan yoke, how to make sleeves, how to pick up stitches for front banding and necklines, how to make basic button holes, and how to put it all together in the end. You must know how to cast-on, and how to knit and purl.

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks
• $90 + tax (includes materials)
  

NEW Knitting in Colour Workshop: Slip-Stitch Welcome Mat (Felting Optional)
Skill Level: intermediate beginner, Instructor Liane Schwarz
Tuesday Sept 15 & 22, 6:00-8pm
Do you love colour work but fear the complication of fair isle? Then this is the workshop for you. Here you will learn a variety of basic slip-stitch techniques (using 3 to 5 colours) as you create a beautiful welcome mat. Before you leave, I will also instruct you on basic felting, so you have the option of making this beauty into something more practical and permanent.

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks
• $80 + tax (includes materials)
  

NEW My First Sock and/or Christmas Stocking
Skill Level: advanced-beginner, Instructor Liane Schwarz
Tuesday Nov 16 &, 23 and 30th 6:00-8pm all three nights
Socks seem hard, but they don't have to be. In this workshop you can choose to make traditional cuff-down socks, toe-up socks or a jumbo Christmas stocking that you can felt in time for the season. While you make your sock, you'll follow a pattern, use double pointed needles, increase, decrease and pick up and wrap stitches. And no matter which one you choose, you’ll gain the satisfaction of turning your first toe and heel. It doesn’t get any better! You must know how to knit, purl, cast-on & off for this class.

• Class consists of 3 sessions over 3 weeks
• $85 + tax (includes materials)
  

NEW Beginner Lace Pick-a-Project Workshop
Skill Level: intermediate-beginner, Instructor Liane Schwarz
Tuesday Sept 1 & 8, 6-8pm
Jump into autumn with some lacey leaves! In this workshop you will pick a project that suits your skill level, be it a simple scarf, a set of wristlets or a gorgeous slouchy beret. Here you’ll learn all the basics of lace making, from negotiating the slants of your increases and decreases to reading lace patterns and charts for future projects. Knowing how to knit in the round is an asset for those interested in making either the wristlets or the beret.

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks
• $80 + tax (includes materials)
  

NEW Beginner Cables Pick-a-Project Workshop
Skill Level: intermediate-beginner
Instructor: Liane Schwarz
Tuesday Sept 29 & Oct 6, 6-8pm
If sumptuous cabling is more your style, then try this workshop on for size. Here you will also have the opportunity to choose a project that suits your skill level--a cowl (worked back and forth—perfect for beginners!), a pair of cabled wristlets or a cabled toque. By the time you finish, you will have learned how to use a cable needle or hook, how to make basic cables, travelling cables, and how to read basic cable patterns and charts. Knowing how to knit in the round is an asset for those interested in making either the wristlets or the toque.

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks
• $80 + tax (includes materials)
  

Beginner Crochet
Skill Level: absolute beginner! Instructor Liane Schwarz
Monday Sep 28 & Oct 5, 6:30-8pm
Crochet is fast, easy and becoming very popular. You'll learn all the basics: how to make a chain, the foundation stitches (single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, slip stitch), how to crochet in the round, how to read a ball band and a basic crochet pattern. You should be able to make a scarf after this class and, if time and inclination are there, a granny square or a crocheted flower.

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks.
• $65 + tax (includes materials).
  

NEW Open Crochet Workshop
Skill Level: Beyond Beginner, Instructor Liane Schwarz
Tuesday August 25, 6-8pm
This workshop is for any one who wants to think outside the box. If you have ever wanted to make a crocheted hat, or crocheted flowers, or a shopping bag, or would like to learn the basics of Tunisian crochet, this is the workshop for you. Come with a project in mind and we will give you the tech-support to get you going.

• Class is one session only
• $40 + tax (Not including materials)
  

New! Fall 2009 Debbie Bliss Knitting ...

Just a quick update to let you know that the new Fall 2009 issue of Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine has arrived! Be sure to pick it up, last year we sold out quickly! (you can download the patterns from last fall's magazine online at the Vogue Knitting website)

Rocketry Kit on the Shelves!

Rocketry Kit on the Shelves!

Our Dream in Color Rocketry Baby Cardigan kits are one the shelves now! We've test driven the pattern while making the sample and in the process made a few improvements on the pattern and composed a gender neutral colour combination. This is a simple cardigan knit in the round from the top-down. The yarn is hand-dyed, 100% merino wool, and machine washable. The pattern is easy to follow and a quick, satisfying baby knit! The sweater fits size 6 to 9 months, finished chest measures 21” and finished length is 11”. Kit costs $74 and there is more than enough yarn in it to make 2 sweaters (of varied colour sequences). The buttons in the kit have been chosen to suit a boy or a girl, but if you like you can exchange them for flower or heart buttons (for girls), or square buttons (for boys).

Kit Includes

• 6 x 115m of Dream in Color 'Classy'

• Original Dream in Color Rocketry Baby Cardigan Pattern

• Knit-O-Matic revised Rocketry Baby Cardigan Pattern

• 4 buttons & sewing thread

• Eucalan or Soak packet

• Garment Label

• Zippered Kit Bag

Kit Does NOT Include

• 4.5mm-29” circular needles

• 4.5mm double pointed needles

• 3.75mm-29” circular needles

• 3.75mm double pointed needles

• 4 stitch markers

• tapestry needle

• scrap yarn

• sewing needle

• measuring tape

• scissors

NEW Malabrigo Chunky!

Malabrigo Chunky
Super soft and pretty! Great for anything that touches your skin!

• Kettle Dyed, the yarn does all the work for you!
  
• 100% Merino wool (and it feels like it!)
• 91m per skein
• 6 to 8 mm needles, 3 to 3.5 sts/inch
  

FREE Pattern Ideas

• Owls pullover
• Drops Jacket
• Nubby Brim Cloche
• Urchin Beret would look great with a Wham Bam Thank You Lamb Neckwarmer or an Edi Cowl
  
• Captain Hat

Just Arrived! New Books & Magazines

Just Arrived! New Books & Magazines



Interweave Knits Magazine Fall 2009
Take a peek Inside!
A great new issue with some very pretty pieces, as always it has the Interweave "I live in a quaint, historic town in the country" aesthetic. Includes a good assortment of fair isle, cables, and lace for the techno-knitters and simple, timeless silhouettes. The double sided convertible wrap/west is a special piece!




Booties, Blankets & Bears by Debbie Bliss
Another perfect product from Debbie Bliss, but don't take the title
litterally, there's much more in this book than stated. Sure, there are
7 blankets in varying skill levels, 7 pairs of impeccably cute &
stylish baby booties, and 5 different toys including a mouse, rabbit
and a bird . But she's also added some other nursery accents like fair
isl hanger covers, memory book cover, bean bag chair and a couple of
sweaters. There is only 1 bear pattern but it is in 2 sizes, if you
want bears aplenty look into 'Teddy Bears' by Debbie Bliss or 'The
Best-Dressed Knitted Bear' by Emma King. There is an assortment of
projects but it averages out around and intermediate knitting level.





Sensational Slippers by Benedikte Rathman Hansen
This is a book that stands up! There are 25 pairs of beautifully
illustrated slippers, 2 pair of socks, 1 pair of legwarmers and 2 pairs
of boots for babies, kids, men and women. Some are knitted, crocheted
and made from felt (I think I'm gonna need to get me some of that
stuff!). Utterly charming!




The Alchemy of Color by Gina Wilde
If you like hand-dyed or kettle dyed yarns this book is for you! From the
makers of Alchemy Yarns, this books explores a variety of ways colour
can be explored in knitting. There's a variety of projects, including
shawls, bags, sweaters, a skirt, a dress and a baby cardigan. The
Peacock Cardigan is especially stunning and the Cutaway Cardigan is a
very pretty and simple piece.

Knits to Fit & Flatter by Jane Ellison
This book is for every woman and offers advice and assistance to help you make the most of the garments your knit. Of course, the veteran designer (Noro, Laines du Nord) offers up 12 sweaters and half of are presented in 2 incarnations, either in different colours and different types of yarn. She walks you through the essentials of measuring gauge, choosing the right size and adpating a garment. She also talks about the very important role of design elements and which features to choose to hide your body flaws and show off your assets. This isncludes how to choose yarns that flatter, findings, stitch patterns, necklines, arms, body length and waist lines. She's also put tips in the patterns to help you adpat them to suit your body type! A great book by a very smart lady - Me Likey!

Luxe Knits by Laura Zukaite
This book is for the fashionistas. Laura Zukaite is a young sweater designer trained at the Parsons School of Fashion in New York and she's gonna have a big career! She uses lovely yarns and imagines them is very stylish ways. If you want couture without the cost, this is the book for you!

Crochet Edgings and Trims
Another useful, easy to follow and fully (and beautifully) illustrated stitch reference book from Interweave Press/Harmony guides. This book should be able to fill all of your crochet edging needs. And edges are one of the best things crochet does!

Knit Edgings and Trims
150 knit edgings to embellish everything in your life! It also includes a handful of motifs like leaves, flowers, a star, a heart, a tassel, and a few collars too!

Summer Sale Extended & Expanded!

Summer Sale Extended & Expanded!

30% Off All Spring & Summer Products

Good News! The guys on the radio say that the recession is over and the economy has stopped shrinking! Now we have to make a concerted effort to clear out some old stuff to make room for new, fall, post-recession yarns, so we're just going to put it on sale! If you need help finding inspiration (I know some of you feel a little lack-luster on the knit front in the summer) feel free to pick our brains or browse our patterns and magazines.

Includes:

• Handmiaden Lace Silk
• Handmaiden Sea Silk
• Handmaiden Rumple Silk
  
• Cascade Fixation
• Araucania Patagonia Nature Cotton
• Super 10 Cotton
• Mission Falls 1824 Cotton
• Spring & Summer Magazines
• Spring & Summer Patterns (tank tops, sleeveless tops, etc)

August Newsleter

Knit-O-Matic Newsletter

August 2009


Summer is finally here ... at least for the moment. Actually, I don't mind
the cooler summer, I get to spend more time with wool! August is a
bittersweet time of year, patio season is in full swing but fall is
lurking around the corner. At the store we are working on fall samples
and waiting for fall yarns and books to start coming it. It's still
early, but we've seen a few new items: new colours of Brown Sheep Burly
Spun and Lamb's Pride Bulky have come in and the fall Knitscene too!

Some of our summer products are on clearance, including the Cascade
Fixation, Araucania Patagonia, and Handmaiden Lace Silk. Of course, we
always have some deals for you!

xox

Haley

P.S.
As usual, most links lead to Ravelry.com, so if you don't already have
an account you can use ours (login = knitomatic2, password =
knitomatic).

Easy Colour Combinations
____________________________________________________________________

I know a lot of people have problems choosing colours that go
together, so I've put together some resources for you to help take the
guesswork out of

1. Inspiration is Always Free!

The easiest way to find inspiration is browse the colour
combinations offered on Color Websites. Search and browse and use what you like!

Color Lovers
This website is my favourite new thing! Check out hundreds of
palette/colour combiations and patterns. you can save your favourites
in your account and follow your favourite colourologists (ie. graphic designers). The website
also follows colour trends, houses groups

1. Click on the 'Palettes' tab
2. Click on the 'Top', 'New' or 'Archive'

Color Hunter
Create and find colour palette made from images. It works like Colouur
palette Generator (see below), but has added features. You can browse
through other people's palettes. Alternatively, You can upload an image
and it will be broken down into a palette.

Color Combos
More colour combinations = more love!

2. Gadgets Are A Knitter's Best Friend

Your next option is to choose a colour scheme using an online gadget.
With most of these sites you put in your main colour and they will come
up with combinations that match.

Color Scheme Designer
This
website is a great resource! It is based on colour theory, but you
don't need to know theory to play around with it and experiment.

1. Click on a colour in the colour wheel to use as your dominant colour.
2. Choose the type of colour combination you want by clicking on the tabs above the colour wheel (ex. mono, compement, triad, etc).
3. To adjust the intensity of the colour click on the 'Adjust Scheme' tab.
   

Color Picker
Put in a colour code and this program will come up with a palette of matching colours. Hexadecimal code is used in graphic web design, each colour has a code assigned to it and it is this code that you will use.

Color Scheme Generator
Similar
to Color Picker, this program also lets you lighten or darken your
palette and choose your main colour from a palette on the screen.

Color Palette



This
website allows you to put in a web address and it will break down the
colour palette for you. This is especially useful if you have a picture
or photograph whose colour scheme you really like.

Random Stripe Generator

Got your colours but you want to make some random stripes? You can map it out ahead of time with the Random Stripe Generator.

1. Select your colours (or closest approximation)
2. Choose the width of the stripes you want to allow (ex. 2 rows to 8 rows)
3. Choose the total number of rows. You can choose for the total length of your project or something shorter that you can repeat.
4. If you don't like the colour combo refresh the page and it will generate a new one!
   

3. Colour Theory - Beyond the wheel.
You
don't have to know colour theory to choose colours, but knowledge is
power and should you want to further your education here are some
really great and easy resources. You can start at the beginning and
take a whole tutorial, or cut to the chase and move to some more advanced lessons.

• Proportion
• Contrast & Dominance
• Shades & Tints
• Color Studies
• Itten's Contrasts

Stuff on Sale!
________________________________________________________________________
Handmiaden Lace Silk 50% off $21
Cascade Fixation 30% off $6
Araucania Patagonia Nature Cotton 25% off

Free Patterns for Cascade Fixation
Great for tanks, tees, dresses, slips & skirts, lingere, bikinis because it has lots of body!

1 Ball makes a ....

• Runner's Compaion
• Java Jacket
• Gnome Baby Hat
  
• Baby Socks
  

2 Balls make a ....

• Converse Hightops Baby Booties
• Baby & Kid Legwarmies
• Baby Sunhat
  
• Lace Wings Fixation Socks
  
• Fixation Ankle Socks
  
• Footie Ballet Slippers
  
• Twinkle Toes Ballet style Slippers
• Zaftig halter for chicks with boobage

3 to 4 Balls make a ....

• Mon Petit Chou lace underthings
  

• Ribbed Bikini from Rebecca Magazine

5 Balls make a ...

• Cotton Cap Sleeved Cutie T-Shirt
  

Free Patterns for Araucania Patagonia
A Bulky weight, kettle dyed cotton that knits up fast and looks great!

• Anthropologie Capelet (2 to 3 skeins)
• Cloud Bolero (2 to 4 skeins)
• Saturday Market Bag (2 skeins)
• 5 Hour Baby Sweater (2 to 3 skeins)
• Simple Yet Effective Shawl (4 skeins)
• Simple Lace Shrug (2 to 3 skeins)
• Instant Gratification Cardie (4 to 6 skeins)

Store Events
______________________________________________________________________

Yarn Swap
The next YARN SWAP will be on Saturday August 22, from 1 to
5pm. Bring in your old, unwanted yarns and we'll find them a good home! You can see all the
upcoming dates and find out more about yarn swaps on our website.

Stitch 'N Bitch
What is a Stitch 'N
Bitch? A Stitch 'N Bitch is a
social knitting group. We gather and chat while we knit
and/or crochet. Stitch 'n Bitch is free and you can just drop in and join us.
You don't have to bring anything other than yourself and your knitting/crochet (or you can purchase a project here).

Mondays 12pm to 4pm

Thursdays 5pm to 8 pm

Saturdays 1pm to 5pm

Stitch'n Bitch is strictly a social event, teaching is not conducted during
these hours by staff or other attendees. If you only need a quick fix
of 5 minutes or so the help is free of charge. If you need more
in-depth help with your project please call us at (416) 653-7849 or
email us at info (at) knitomatic (dot) com to make an appointment for a
private class/tutorial, only $10/hour.

August Classes _______________________________________________________________________ If you would like to learn something that is not on our schedule or has already been offered we can always book a private tutorial: finishing, thrummed mittens, tunisian crochet, hairpin lace, entre-lac, fair isle, lace, needle felting, design principles, kool-aid dyeing or even your own project group! Just contact us at 416-653-7849 or info@knitomatic.com. Beginner Knitting Liane Schwarz Skill Level: Absolute Beginner! Monday Aug 24 & 31, 6:30-8pm You'll learn all the basics: how to knit, purl, put stitches on your needle (cast on), finish up (cast off), change yarn in the middle of your project, weave in your ends, and how to read the information that comes on a ball of yarn. You should be able to make a scarf in this class (but you have to do your homework, so get ready to spend a few hours of down time working on your 'assignment' in front of the TV). Materials are included. Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks $60 + tax (includes materials). NEW Lacey Wristlets Liane Schwarz Skill Level: Intermediate Beginner Monday August 10 & 17, 6-8pm A perfect project for summer into fall! Learn lace basics while you shape these beautiful gauntlets. This class will add knitting in the round, manipulating double pointed needles, working increases and decreases, and, of course, knitting lace to your repertoire. Materials are included. Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks $70+ tax (includes materials) Beginner Crochet Liane Schwarz Skill Level: Absolute Beginner! Tuesday August 11 & 18 6:30-8pm Crochet is fast, easy and becoming very popular. You'll learn all the basics: how to make a chain, the foundation stitches (single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, slip stitch), how to crochet in the round and how to read a basic pattern. After this class, you will have the knowledge to make a scarf, and, if time permits, a granny square or a crocheted flower. Materials are included. Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks $60 + tax (includes materials NEW Open Crochet Workshop Liane Schwarz Skill Level: Beyond Beginner Tuesday August 25, 6-8pm This workshop is for any one who wants to think outside the box. If you have ever wanted to make a crocheted hat, or crocheted flowers, or a shopping bag, or would like to learn the basics of Tunisian crochet, this is the workshop for you. Come with a project in mind and we will give you the tech-support to get you going. Class is one session only $45 + tax (Not including materials Private Classes Monday to Friday 11:30am to 4:30pm By Appointment only $10/hour per person + materials and applicable taxes