Thursday, October 20, 2011

Fall Finds!



Fall has finally settled in, and it's time to get cozy and make something to tuck into!  Here are some of thef projects that are inspiring us right now (freebies, of course!):



2 skeins of Cascade 220 Sport Superwash, or Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK




4 skeins Cascade 220 Sport Superwash, or Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK (and you can always sub a thicker yarn like Malabrigo Worsted or Malabrigo Rios, use needles one mm up and cast on about 20% fewer stitches)




2 skeins of Malabrigo Worsted (that's what I used for mine an it is delicious), or 2 of  Malabrigo Rios, or 2 of Berroco Boboli, or 4 of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. 





1 skein of Malabrigo Worsted, or Cascade Eco Duo, Abuelita Worsted 


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






Thursday, October 06, 2011

New Publications from Interweave!


Check out Interweave's brand-new knitting issue: knit.wear, simple handknits for the thoughtful knitter. They are focusing on conceptual, wearable knits with a clean, modern aesthetic—built in unusual ways and with interesting techniques. Interesting to knit, easy to wear. knit.wear is packed full of knits that combine modern style with interesting knitting: in “The Perfect Sweater”, Pam Allen explores one simple shape, four ways. In “On The Edge”, clean designs showcase just one or two fine details.“The Elements of Knitting” explores designs that use only knits and purls.“Ruffle, Drape, and Pleat” folds and manipulates knitted fabric in new ways. And “Assembly Required” focuses on unique constructions and structured stitches with a sculptural quality.   ~ $15.99  




Knitting Traditions, Fall 2011 ~ $15.99

Grab your needles, pack your yarn, and get ready for one of the greatest tours around the world.PieceWork magazine brings you the latest issue of Knitting Traditions, a 148-page special publication. Explore the amazingly rich traditions of knitting from all over the world. Start your tour in the British Isles and make your way to the mainland of Europe; adventure through countries like Switzerland, Norway, Estonia, and Russia. Then wind your way into Asia to the Gobi Desert and East India. Next, journey to South America and the Andes. End your tour in the US with some intriguing stories from the prairie. Indulge your passion for knitting with unique patterns inspired by these different regions, plus a special gift section so you can share your fervor for knitting.

There is so much to explore with Knitting Traditions, Fall 2011. Inside you’ll find:



  • Over 35 patterns from all over the world, designed by master knitters like Nancy Bush, Margaret Stove, Galina Khmeleva, Evelyn Clark, as well as the popular Scottish Kilt Hose by Audrey Manwaring-Spencer
  • Inspiring and informative companion stories that frame the projects with cultural and historical context, taking you to the heart of knitting from around the world.
  • Focuses on techniques ranging from lace and colorwork to heel treatments of the 16thcentury, with various projects like stockings, socks, mittens, shawls, and sweaters to accompany.
  • And so much more.
Knitting Traditions brings the extraordinary history of knitting to life!



Weekend Hats ~ 27.95
25 Knitted Caps, Berets, Cloches, and More



Embrace the hottest head-turning fashion accessory: the knitted hat. The clever designs of Weekend Hats will have enthusiastic knitters everywhere rejoicing in year-round hat style. Cecily Glowik MacDonald and Melissa LaBarre have brought you the best in designer knit hat patterns all in one beautiful and fun-loving collection. Included are 25 clever variations on caps, berets, beanies, cloches, hats, toques, tams, and snoods ranging from feminine to sporty. This collection of unique designs makes knitting a picture-perfect hat easy-to-do, offering the best in contemporary style and customized techniques. Inside you'll find:  

  • Twenty-five contemporary hat patterns from authors Cecily Glowik MacDonald and Melissa LaBarre as well as top-notch designers including, Jared Flood, Connie Chang Chinchio, Kate Gagnon Osborn, Courtney Kelley, Kristen TenDyke, Cirila Rose, and more.
  • Expert advice appropriate for a variety of skill levels with special attention paid to exploring cables, lace, color, and texture.
  • Tips and tricks on how to maximize the use of specialty yarns and accessories to add a little panache to your designs.
All the designs in Weekend Hats are ideal projects for travel, gifts, or sneaking in between larger knit projects. With the guidance of this expert knitting team, you'll learn everything you need to know to master both the styling and technical aspects of creating distinctive knitted hats. Whether you're interested in comfort, style, or just knitting enjoyment, Weekend Hats is your all-in-one resource for creating want-to-wear knitted caps.



Interweave Knits 2012 Wall Calendar ~ $14.95



Explore sweater constructions, fabrics, and details with the editors of Interweave Knits in this beautiful 12-month wall calendar. Inspirational photos, expert advice, how-to diagrams and sketches, and collages of Interweave Knits' favorite designs in the last four years encourage knitters to make a modification, try out a new technique, or discover a new shape—all year long.




In this issue, they ease you into autumn with twenty smart designs that offer both challenges and quick gratification. Combine broomstick lace with a shell pattern; turn Tunisian on its side in an entrelac pullover; twist tiny cables into hats; try a top-down raglan for a child. Begin your own Clones lace keepsake with Maire Treanor's first two motifs in her series on Clones lace. Get your hooks ready for a season of smart crochet.  



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

Thursday, September 29, 2011

We will be closed on Sunday & Monday October 9th & 10 for the Thanksgiving Holiday, but we'll see you after!

New Yarns from Abuelita! And Some Frills Too!




Abuelita Thick & Thin is a deliciously soft, textured yarn.  It has all of the interesting texture of Malabrigo Gruesa and Aquarella, but also has the soft, squishiness of Malabrigo Worsted.  It also comes in some super pretty colours, hand painted, blended heathers and solid dyes.



First off, does this yarn have the funniest name ever? I think something was lost in translation (reminds me of cafeteria mystery meat) because there is nothing untoward about this sublime blend of Merino Wool and Silk. It is a soft, squishy single ply - so visualize a texture similar to Malabrigo Worsted with the tension of Malabrigo Chunky. It also fills in the colour gaps left by Malabrigo Chunky, including black, heathered greys, variegated greys, and solid colours for men.
  • 100g/125m
  • 6mm to 8mm needles
  • perfect for anything close to your skin or toys
  • great for projects for men!
  • eco and animal friendly





Abuelita Worsted is a super soft, single ply merino wool. It is squishy and adorable, very similar to Malabrigo Worsted and Manos Maxima. It has lots and lots of yardage, and comes in hand painted colours, blended heathers and solid dyes (especially an assortment of greys that are missing from the Malabrigo spectrum!). It's a pleasure to knit with and to wear!


This season we are also carrying a selection of Estelle Frill Seeker and Frill Seeker Precious Metal! One skein makes a very fancy, very frilly scarf. Frill Seeker is a great yarn for people who want instant gratification and BIG effect. It is also very easy to make the scarf, you only needle to know the knit stitch!



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

Sunday, September 18, 2011

NEW Free Pattern - Blink Cowl




by Haley Waxberg

This is our most recent freebie, the Blink Cowl. It is made with a single skein of Berroco Link, and knits up in about a half hour.  It makes a great last minute gift, and the super-super bulky yarn is a very contemporary look. The styling is simple, wide ribs to give the cowl structure and show off the great big stitches. 

See HERE for a little photo essay on Jumbo Knits, and if you really love oversize knitwear check out Giles Deacon's Fall 2007 show.

As always you can find us at knitomatic.com!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

More Fall Shuffle! 25% off MORE!



We are doing the big fall shuffle, reorienting and reorganizing all of the yarn, and as we go some things will be shuffling off to the sale section!





25% Off, now $20.50
  • Peridot
  • Safari
  • Artichoke
  • Apricot



  Noro Silk Garden Sock
   25% off, now $15.40

  • S304
  • S276




  Fleece Artist Trail Socks 
   25% Off - now $13.50
  • Artichoke
  • Safari
  • Cezanne




   Malabrigo Sock 
    25% Off - now $20.25
  • Rayon Vert
  • Stonechat 173
  • Turner 851
  • Archangel 850
  • Velvet Grapes 204
    As always, you can find us at Knitomatic.com!

    SALE Fall Shuffle 25% Off



    We are doing the big fall shuffle, reorienting and reorganizing all of the yarn, and as we go some things will be shuffling off to the sale section!



       Malabrigo Sock 
        25% Off - now $20.25
    • Rayon Vert
    • Stonechat 173
    • Turner 851
    • Archangel 850
    • Velvet Grapes 204
    As always, you can find us at Knitomatic.com!

    Friday, September 09, 2011

    New Free Patterns for Simple Cowls


    Brand spankin' new from us, 2 patterns for simple, easy, elegant cowls using Berroco Boboli, a new yarn for Fall 2011. The yarn is beautiful, prismatic, and does most of the work for you. The rest of the pattern is in the beginner skill spectrum. It's also a non-thinker, a great project for those times when brain no work good. And of course, both patterns are Free!


    This sweet little thing is the Boboli Cowl Worsted Version. It's a beautiful weight for fall, moving into  winter, and early spring. It's a straightforward knit and made with 2 skeins of Boboli and 4.5mm circular needles. The yarn knits quickly, and you'll be done before you know it! I made this version second and had no idea I would love it's delicate drape so much!


    Here's the Boboli Cowl Bulky Version.  It's made on larger, 7mm needles, holding 2 strands together. Besides creating  a faster knit, it's also a thicker fabric, perfect for when the weather starts getting chill and carrying you into real winter.  It also has more body than the worsted version, and the colour takes on a tweedy quality that transcends the yarn's inherent variegation.


    By the way, don't forget to follow the instructions and block your cowl in a bath of white vinegar and Eucalan - it softens up beautifully!




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

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