Books for Doll & Animal Lovers

Knit Your Own Dog $17.95

Knit Your Own Dog is the irresistible guide to knitting the perfect pup. With patterns for 25 different pedigree pooches, Knit Your Own Dog lets you choose the dog you want, whether it's a pretty Poodle or a loyal Labrador. Or knit them all for your own little dog park! Each pattern is extremely detailed and includes all of the distinguishing features of each breed, from the startling blue eyes of the Siberian Husky and the long, woolly curls of the Old English Sheepdog to the lolling tongue of the German Shepherd. Accompanying the patterns are a brief description of each breed, as well as expert tips on choosing yarns, stuffing and sewing the dogs, and adding personality to your creation. Breeds include: Afghan Hound, Basset Hound, Border Collie, Cocker Spaniel, Corgi, Dachshund, Dalmatian, English Bulldog, English Bull Terrier, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, Jack Russell, Labrador, Miniature Schnauzer, Old English Sheepdog, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Pug, Red Setter, Rough Collie, Scottish Terrier, Siberian Husky, West Highland Terrier, Whippet, Wire-haired Fox Terrier.

Hello My Name is Amineko $19.95

Hello My Name is Amineko is a seriously cool book. It is part crochet instructions, part adult picture book, and perfect for any grown up who still wants to play with dolls. The book follows the journey of Amineko the Crochet Cat and his crocheted friends as they eat, sleep, and have lots of fun and adventures. The book comes with complete step-by-step photography and instructions for creating two sizes of Amineko, and personalizing this cute cat with different facial expressions, clothing, and even bedding. Hundreds of color photographs tell the adorable tales, and mischief that Amineko and his friends find themselves in, with complete instructions for knitting adventures of your own.

Knit this Doll! by Nicki Moulton $23.95

Doll lover will covet this book. It starts with a basic, 15 inch doll pattern, but the core of the book is a series of instructions on different options for personalizing your doll. This includes a menues of feet, legs, arms, heads, faces, hands, clothes, and accessories. It also includes a chapter of patterns for other kinds of creatures, including dogs, bears, cats, mermaids, fauns, angel wings and tails. Photographys are excellent and plentiful, and the number of examples are endless. If you make them for a little person, these dolls will become heirlooms. Alternately, if you're a grown up with a thing for dolls you'll never get tired of them. On a Canadian tangent, one of the dolls is photographed sporting a Toronto Maple Leafs button. 

Super-Cute Crochet by Nicki Trench $24.95

Super-cute Crochet shows you how to make 35 gorgeous crochet creatures. The patterns are really easy, so you can make as many as you like, and the creatures will grow quickly on your crochet hook! When you've crocheted the bodies, enjoy adding clothes and accessories to make each little cutie a real character. Patterns include:

• Dolls: a boy and a girl doll, and a baby doll
• Sundry Cute Animals: kitty, puppy, bunny,  bears, and an alien.
• Farm Animals: chicken, chicks, eggs (for Easter!), pony, guinea pig, cow, goat, piggy, mice, donkey.
• Exotic Animals: lion, baby elephant, monkey, panda, koala, emu, alpaca (!), squid/octopus, dolphin, fish, seal.
• Bugs: bee and spider, snail
• Holiday Classics: rein deer, snow man, and a fairy (could become an angel).

As always, you can find us at Knitomatic.com!

New Free Pattern - Simple Crochet Ripple Baby Blanket

Simple Crochet Ripple Baby Blanket

Pattern by Haley Waxberg

Ravel It   Download It

Skill Level: Beginner

Notes

The pattern repeat for this blanket is 14 +2 sts, so if you want to increase or reduce the size of your project, add or subtract stiches in multiples of 14. Each ripple measures approximately 4”. Additionally, don't be afraid to skip over part of the colourway if it isn't working, sometimes Noro throws in a colour that's a dud.

Resources for New Crocheters

The Crocheter's Companion by Nancy Brown is an excellent reference resource.

StitchDiva also has excellent tutorials: http://www.stitchdiva.com/custom.aspx?id=53

There are also helpful video tutorials on youtube titled The Art of Crochet by Teresa: http://www.youtube.com/user/tjw1963

Size

26”wx30”l (30”wx35”l)unblocked

Materials

3(4) skeins Noro Taiyo, 100g/200m (colour used for small sample, colour 20 used for large)

5mm/H crochet hook

Gauge

approx 17 sts & 5 rows = 4” in ripple stitch

Abbreviations

ch chain

dc double crochet

dc3tog double crochet 3 together

Techniques

dc3tog

(Yarn over hook, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over hook and pull up loop, yarn over hook, draw through 2 loops), repeat instruction in brackets 3 times {you should have 4 loops on hook}, yarn over hook, draw through all loops on hook.

As always, you can find us at Knitomatic.com!

New Products from Knit Picks!

Knitting Yarn Ball Winder ~ $24.50

Transform hanks or skeins into compact center-pull balls that sit nicely while you knit. As with our Options needles, Knit Picks interviewed knitters to find out what they would like best in a ball winder—what Knit Picks found is that everyone is different. Some knitters prefer to hold their ball winder while some prefer to clamp it to a table, so Knit Picks created a ball winder that could do both. Use the clamp for tables or connect the ergonomic handle to use when you want to hold it. Best when used in tandem with a Yarn Swift.
Note: The metal yarn guide arm comes folded against the ball winder for shipping. The guide arm needs to be moved and positioned opposite the winding handle for correct operation.

Knitting Yarn Wood Swift ~ $69.50

Knit Picks has spent the past several months scouring the world and found a small Italian manufacturer to make the Yarn Swift more affordable. The swifts are made from Italian grown beech hardwood and last a lifetime!
Hold your hanks on the swift while you wind them into balls. Clamp onto table or counter tops. Easy loading is possible if you start with the umbrella in the down position. Put the open loop of the hank over the swift and pull it lightly so the far side of the hank is against the center of the umbrella section and you are holding the hank out perpendicular to the swift. Then, use your free hand to slide up the umbrella clamp, opening the umbrella to the circumference of the hank. Secure the clamp in place and wind away. Measures approx. 26?" in diameter (68" circumference) and 26" tall when open.

Interlocking Foam Blocking Mats ~ $23.50

Forget those cumbersome folding boards or random towels lying around the house. These foam rubber mats fit together like puzzle pieces to make the size and shape you need. Contains nine 12" squares, 3/8" thick.

Lace Blocking Wires ~ $23.50

Simply slip the wire through the edges of your lace project and place pins along the inside of the wires to hold them in place while the lace dries. If you have scalloped edges you will want to slip the wire through the outer edges of your scallops to emphasize them. Follow the same rules as pin or string blocking by measuring the radius of your finished piece as you adjust the wires. Set comes with 15 (32 1/2" long) straight wires (est. 15 gauge), 20 nickel-plated T-pins and blocking instructions. All wires are stainless steel and rust proof. The first time you use your blocking wires, wipe them with a soft cloth to remove manufacturing residue.

4 Inch Harmony Wood Double Pointed Needle Set ~ $37.50

You save 28% when you buy the set! Beautiful waves of color in this laminated birch 4" Harmony wood double pointed needle set makes the perfect gift for the sock knitter who favors wood needles. Knit Picks has assembled the seven most common sock knitting sizes and packaged them in this portable, flexible, 5.75" by 9" vinyl case with snap shut closure. Each size is neatly labeled on the enclosed packaging so you can see the sizes at a quick glance. Watch the metric sizes - they are more finely tuned than the US sizes. Set of 6 needles per size. Even though the Harmony wood needles are unusually durable, accidents happen. Knit Picks have added an extra sixth needle in each size so you can keep on knitting even if disaster strikes. 

Set includes:

US Size 0 (2.00mm)

US Size 1 (2.25mm)

US Size 1 (2.50mm)

US Size 2 (2.75mm)

US Size 2 (3.00mm)

US Size 3 (3.25mm)

US Size 4 (3.50mm)

Harmony Wood Cable Needles ~ $6.25

he smooth and lustrous surface of our Harmony wood needles allows your stitches to move freely for hours of comfortable knitting. Made from laminated birch wood in waves of color, the sharp, gradually tapered points slip easily into stitches so even complicated cables and K3togethers are easy to maneuver. The Harmony wood warms quickly in your hands, and the burnished surface provides just the right amount of grip to manage slippery yarns. The grooves in each needle help keep the stitches from slipping off the needle while they are being held either in front or in back of your work. Set of three provides an ideal size for any project. Read more about the Harmony wood story, click here.

Set includes:

US size 3 (3 1/8" long)

US size 6 (3 3/8" long)

US size 9 (4" long)

Steeking Scissors ~ $4.50

Small, sharp, precise—these scissors are ideal for carefully cutting a steeked opening in your latest knitting project. These scissors have one inch long blades, so you have complete control over where you cut. And there is a protective sheath to cover your scissor tips, so you can safely leave these scissors in your knitting notions pouch. Or if you are interested in other crafts, these scissors would work very well for embroidery, sewing, or paper crafts.

Folding Scissors ~ $5.60

Scissors are infinitely useful tools. And these scissors are small enough to fit into a tiny notions case, so you always have them handy. The blades of the scissors are housed by the handles, so your scissors will stay closed, and your hands, purse, and knitting will be safe.

Locking Stitch Markers ~ $2.50

These locking stitch markers were designed to hook into the knitted or crocheted stitch within a row and will not slip out while you continue working. Use them to mark increases or decreases in your pattern... Or use them to mark a mistake that you need to rip back to or catch that dropped stitch before it runs down through what you have already knitted. Our package comes with 20 pieces that will slide easily on needles up to US size 8 and convenient storage pouch.

Flexible Stitch Markers ~ $3.75

These flexible rubber markers can be used to mark the beginning of a round or pattern repeats. Some knitters prefer the flexibility when slipping the markers with their needles. Our package comes with 10 markers to fit up to US size 8 and 20 markers to fit up to US size 11 and convenient storage pouch.

Retractable Measuring Tape ~ $2.50

Another must have for every knitter. The bright color makes it easy to find at the bottom of your knitting bag. The plastic case contains a retractable, non stretch fiberglass tape, 60" long and with metric on the reverse side.

Tapestry Needles ~ $2.50

Tapestry needles are absolute necessities for finishing your knitting. Everything from weaving in ends to sewing seams together. The bent, blunt needle tip lends ease when using with yarn. Convenient storage pouch contains 3 bent-tip needles.

T-Pins ~ $3.75

Blocking your finished project infinitely improves its appearance. These nickel-plated steel T pins are 1.5” long. Wet block that lace shawl with a scalloped edge with no worries! Each box contains 60 T pins.

As always, you can find us at knitomatic.com!

Nice Things which Also Happen to be on Sale

50% Off

Araucania Patagonia Cotton $7.25

Cascade Fixation $4.25 

Manos Del Uruguay Serena $7.50/$8

35% OffAraucania Coliumo Multi $12.70

Estelle Cadenza (select shades) $12 

Berroco Blackstone Tweed $7.50

Berroco Blackstone Tweed Chunky $8.65

Mission Falls 136 Wool $4.70/$5.80

Mission Falls 1824 Wool $4.35/$4.70

Mission Falls 1824 Cotton $3.80/$4.10

25% Off

Berroco Ultra Alpaca  $7.88

Cascade Eco Duo (select colours) $11.65

Cascade Magnum $19.13

Colinette Jitterbug $20.50

Dream in Color Baby $19.90

Ella Rae Lace Merino $20.65
Malabrigo Guesa $11.63

Malabrigo Aquarella $13.88

Manos Maxima $10.15

Misti Alpaca Handpainted Sock $15

Noro Silk Garden (select shades) $9.40

Regia 4ply Color $6.60

As always, you can find us at Knitomatic.com!

NEW! Berroco Remix

Knitting Pure & Simple #266 Little Girl's Sun-dress

 size 1, using 1 ball of Berroco Remix (3954 Sprig)

Berroco Remix  

 $11 ~ 100g/200m

We love brand new Berroco Remix!  Before we ordered we knit up a little sun-dress to see what it was like, and the result was utter happiness!  Remix is a soft, washable, multi-fibre yarn that also happens to be green - it's recycled from commercial fabric ends. The tweedy aesthetic gives it a depth of colour and textural dimension not normally found in cottons. That said, it's really an all-season yarn, there is no wool in this yarn, so it's good for those with allergies, and it is totally machine washable, so it is great for babies and kids too. And it knits up to a worsted weight making it great for endless numbers of projects! To learn more interesting things about Remix, click HERE. Finally, when you present your Toronto Live Green card, you get 10% off Remix!

Berroco booklet #303: Remix ~ $8.50

FREE Beatnik pullover

See other projects people have made with Berroco Remix.

As always, you can find us at knitomatic.com!

Purple Beaudelaire for You?

The colour we have in stock: Concord (Purple)

I was just re-arranging the shelves and noticed that we have enough Berroco Blackstone Tweed ($7.50) & Blackstone Tweed Chunky ($8.65), both on sale, in the colour 2645/6645 Concord, to make one Beaudelaire jacket in any size. (The pattern booklet, #298 Blackstone Tweed & Blackstone Tweed Chunky, is $8.50)

We only have enough of this yarn for one project, so it's first come, first served, and unfortunately we won't put any of the yarn aside until it is paid for. You can come in or call us at 416-653-7849,  it's probably best to skip e-mail on this one. Thanks!

Sizes
Directions are for women’s size X-Small.  Changes for sizes Small, Medium, Large, 1X and 2X are in parentheses

Finished Measurements
Bust (closed) – 32(36-40-44-48-52)”
Length – 22½(23-23½-24-24½-25)”

Materials
10(11-12-14-15-17) Balls Berroco Blackstone Tweed Chunky
4 Balls Berroco Blackstone Tweed  

Alternately, there is enough Blackstone Tweed Chunky in 6645 Concord to make a Dickens vest in any size up to 48" bust.

Sizes
Directions are for women’s size X-Small.  Changes for sizes Small, Medium, Large, 1X and 2X are in parentheses.

Finished Measurements
Bust (closed) – 32(36-40-44-48-52)”
Length – 24(24-25-25½-26-26½)”

Materials
11(12-14-16-18-19) Balls Berroco Blackstone Tweed Chunky 

Or, there is enough Blackstone Tweed Chunky in 6645 Concord to make a Cleese Cardigan, but only up to size 42" bust.

Sizes

Directions are for women’s size X-Small.  Changes for sizes Small, Medium, Large, 1X and 2X are in parentheses.

Finished Measurements

Bust (closed) – 34(38-42-46-50-54)”

Length – 27(27-28-28½-29-29½)”

Materials
14(15-17-19-21-23) Balls Berroco Blackstone Tweed Chunky 

As always, you can find us at knitomatic.com!