The Countdown is on!

Ok Folks where did November go????

Hopefully you are all in the final stages of your Christmas knitting! I am in the process of knitting another simple shawl for my MIL with Pink Cadenza and Sublime Mohair combined. It is coming out a beautiful frothy pink decadence that I know she will love. No Picture yet but you can pop in the shop to have a boo! (OOps I am back in October!!)

If you are looking for quick last minute knits there are scarves, hats and mitts. A new quick scarf pattern that I designed is in the shop and takes only one ball of Peruvia. Peruvia is only $7.99 a skein so it is an inexpensive knit too!

There are the Slouchy hand warmers! These take 2 balls of Milli Colori at $8.99 a ball. Fun to knit and fun to give!

Speaking of things Slouchy the Slouchy Tree is very popular again this year. It can be made big enough to be a hat if one 2 skeins of worsted are held together and a 6mm needle used.

I just got in a slouchy hat pattern from Oat Couture that can be done in DK or Worsted weight yarn
Come in to the shop for lots more ideas!!!

time eXhaLes

My latest entry into the Station Gallery Member Competition.

October? Really?

Surprise! October is here! Who knows where September has gone...if you do please let me know.
Through September the shop has been stocking up with lovely lovely yarns just for you!

The is a good compliment of sock yarns for your knitting pleasure and still some Regia on its way.

The latest arrival is Zephyr laceweight. This is an amazing yarn with - fantastic drape and gorgeous to knit with. It is 50% wool and 50% silk. One 2 oz. center pull ball is 630yards and it is very affordable at $15.50 per ball! The colour shown below is Blueberry. I have it and many other colours one the shelf right now!

Along with the Zephyr yarn I have brought in some shawl patterns from Queen Anne's Lace. She uses the Zephyr in her patterns. Pictured her is the Queen of the Earth Stole. Come in to see the other patterns I have!

It is not too late to start your Christmas knitting so make sure to get your yarn before you run out of time!

Also in is Folk Shawls and a Mother/Daughter Knits book to add to the book shelf.

This weekend is the area yarn crawl so everything will be 10% off (or more) for the day!

Secret Christmas Knitting

I am slowly and secretly working on a sweater for my new husband for Christmas!
Sorry for the terrible picture, but I have yet to figure out how to make a sweater progress shot look good!
This is Mission Falls tri colour yarn. I have a great love affair with Mission Falls and last year took Chris into the store to pick out what colour he would like and this is what we came out with...it's beautiful.
The pattern is Tom from the queensland collection. Ever since I met Jane Ellison at Kniterary during a workshop I have wanted to try some of her patterns...I love her simple yet classy approach and this sweater is both.
I have 15 of 26 inches of the back knit...whoo! I am hoping to have this done by mid October...Crossing my fingers and moving forward!!

September and Jaywalkers

Summer is just speeding by!!

The summer lull is over and new stock is arriving almost daily!

The new Berroco Blackstone Tweed is devine! Imagine a tweed without the scratch factor! Angora and mohair are added to the wool and my what a feel. There is a sample sweater in the shop to try on. I have already sold out of the booklet but more will be in soon!

Lots of new sock yarn in!
I am knitting a pair of Jaywalker socks out of the Berroco Sox and they are turning out fabulous! To look at the ball you would never expect the result!

I have it in 2 other colourways too!

There is more Peruvia and new colours of Ultra Alpaca as well.

Still to come in....Debbie Bliss, Handmaiden and Manos.

I have put some new fall classes on the website and there are more to add. The schedule will be made up as soon as Vickie and I have a moment together to work on it.

If you haven't been in the shop lately lots of changes have been happening so make sure to pop on in!

See you soon!

Nature's Nectar

May I present to you Nature's Nectar.

I am preparing to send this to Mardi Bras for their July 10th Fund Raiser at the Gladstone in Toronto. I think there are still tickets available! It is a great cause!

sharon's shawl

sharon's shawl
Originally uploaded by kniterary

Sharon is the first one finished in the Flower and LeafLace Shawl Knit a Long. Congratulations Sharon!!

June is for Brides

I think that the dream wedding dress for a knitter is one that they have knit for themselves. For the most part the dresses that I have come across are one of a kind and oh so beautiful! Vogue spring 2008 had some nice patterns for wedding shrugs and a wedding dress.

This beautiful open lace work would float so beautifully and be so cool for the summer outdoor wedding. You could definitely change it to be a full length dress! It would probably take about as long to knit as a fine yarn sweater! I can see it in Svale or Debbie Bliss Prima or even Stork cotton.

On the more extravagant side these following dresses would take a fair bit of labour but they are striking! If I were hand knitting the dress on the right I would probably allow myself 6 months or so unless a knitting machine were used for the large plain areas! But, Oh, what a dream!!

Much more realistic and actually something a fair number of knitter brides are making for themselves is the bridal shawl or veil. Just make your preferred lace pattern out of some really fine lace weight yarn like the Misti Alpaca Lace or something slightly heavier like Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino to get this lovely diaphanous look.

Michelle of The Sweet Sheep is knitting a very simple shawl out of her own hand dyed. The gentle variations in a hand dyed yarn will make for a beautiful subtle statement. Like Michelle you do not have to go with white! Choose your favorite colour to make your wedding shawl out of!

I can't help it! I think that Vickie's newest shawl pattern would be beautiful knit in white or pastel HandMaiden Sea Silk would be a stunning addition to any bridal ensemble.



I also think that a nice simple triangular shawl would look great wrapped around a big brimmed hat for the wedding and afterwards! Even as a guest to a garden wedding this would be stunning!

Want something easier that takes less time? How about the Garter. This elopement Garter from Knitty is a very simple lace design adorned with ribbon.

How about some flowers that will never wilt??? There are many felted flower patterns that could be used to create your own unique bouquet.

Again Knitty has these Calla Lilies that would be perfect.

What ever you choose to make for your wedding it will be a piece that could be passed on to children!!

Already married?.....

Well you could always renew your vows just so you can have your own hand knit wedding!!

June is for Weddings

I have been working on the new window display these last few days and thinking about June and weddings.
I guess partly because June 1st is Jim's and my 24th Anniversary.
But it all starts with the wedding doesn't it? Some are simple, some are ornate but all are special to the couple. A public declaration of love for one another.

Since I have been thinking about weddings my window is becoming a knitted wedding theme. White knitted lace and flowers and froth. How and what does one do for a knitted wedding?
Well, I happened across an article in spring/summer Vogue 2008 that featured a knit wedding. All things knit including the cake!

What can you do to include knitted items in a friends wedding?

Lets start with the Bridal Shower. Mason Dixon Knitting has several great ideas including the Ballband Dishcloth Or the Moss Grid Hand Towel





The suggested yarn for this project is Louet's Euroflax Sport and although I do not have it on the shelves I can order it for you! I have the colour charts in the shop ready for your perusal!


Can you imagine drying dishes with hand knit Linen??? MMMM....


For a

little bit of fun you could knit the Felted Boxes to store gift items in!

Stay tuned to the next post for Wedding Gift suggestions!!

Hand Maiden Seasilk is in!!

Six colours available Now!!

I am still here!!

Ok ....

I started a post and it got eaten! I will attempt to remember all that I was so eloquent about.

Creativity has been pouring out of me lately. I completed 2 more canvases that combine my fiber art and paint. Both are hanging in the shop so pop in to see!

Right now I am working on a Bra for Mardi Bra. Mardi Bra is a fund raiser for Priness Margaret and breast cancer research. Artists create bras to be modeled and to be bid on. The money made goes to help fight Breast Cancer. I have chosen to do Marigolds because Whitby was once the "Home of the Marigold" In the photo above the left one is just the base that I am building on. On the right one I have started to build the petals of the flower. I'll keep you updated on the progress!

Just in are 5 colours of Misti Alpaca Sock Yarn. They need to be petted! so come on in!!

There are 2 free patterns available for this gorgeous yarn. One is a sock pattern with sizes from child to large man. The other is a lovely lace scarf pattern. You will get to chose one of the free patterns with the purchase of one skein. Buy 2 skeins - get both!

In the previous post I let you all know about the rug hooking class that will be on Saturday, May 23rd from 1 PM to 4PM. There are only 6 spots left so if you are interested in learning rug hooking basics make sure to sign up soon!
I have finished my sample and really enjoyed my first project!

It really is a fun way to use up left over yarns for quick little projects such as coasters and placemats. I hope you'll join the class!

The Knit A Long for Vickie's newest Shawl pattern begins at the end of this month. The SeaSilk is on its way as I write.

If you would like to join the class to get the shawl started on May 30th at 10 AM let me know. The KAL kit costs $45 and the class is $10.

Pictured here is her shawl knit up in the Ocean colour.

Make sure to stop in as well to see the sale yarns! They have been caught lying down on the job and they need to go!

Rug Hooking Class

East Coast Rug Hooking Workshop

Looking for a way to use up your bits and bobs of yarns, fabric leftovers, ribbons and other "scraps"? Join Jennifer Archer for her East Coast Rug Hooking workshop.

Rug Hooking Basics:

The Tree of Life Saturday, May 23; 1:00-4:00pm

Cost: $35 plus kit ($45)

We will be creating a gorgeous Tree of Life rug hooking piece! Choose the season of your tree design and get a good handle on the wonders of rug hooking techniques!

Turn these works of art into wall hangings, pillows, bags ...whatever suits your fancy!!!

This will be a fun afternoon!

Please bring:· Fabric Scissors · cash for purchasing extra kits and equipment (if desired) directly from teacher Kit ($45)

Includes:· Choice of Season · Pattern on burlap backing · 14" sturdy quilt/hook Frame (if you bring a frame reduce $10 from kit price) · All wool required to complete rug · Rug Hook

You will learn:·

How to Hook! ·

How to Strip using a stripper and scissors ·

How to mix fabrics and colours
Instructor: Jennifer Archer

Shawl KAL

Vickie has created a new shawl pattern!!!

The Flower and Leaves Lace Shawl is a beautiful triangle shawl knit in Handmaiden Sea Silk. (The Picture above is not in the Seasilk but you can come into the shop to see it until I get an updated pic)
To celebrate this event I have decided that we need a KAL!
It will start on May 30th with a morning class for those in need of help and are in the area.
Help right from the designer! What else could be better!
The cost of the pattern and the sea silk kit is $45 plus tax. If you already have seasilk you may purchase the pattern for $7.95.

The class will be an extra fee. I will let you know what it is ASAP.
The colours that the shawl is available in are Ocean, Berry, Amethyst and Smoke.
Pictures and more info will be made public as soon as I get it all together.
Contact the shop at (905)668-8368, 1-877-778-8368 or reachus@kniterary.com.
Payment for the kit or pattern is due upon sign up.

The new Vogue Magazine is in the shop! There are some Great patterns in it. I have picked out a basket weave drop stitch shawl to knit!

Come and have a look.

Fur Yarn by Paula Lishman

fur yarn
Originally uploaded by kniterary

You can now order your fur Yarn by Paula Lishman at Kniterary. If you want a specific fur yarn or kit I will order it in for you. Come in to see the choices and the skeins that are in the shop already.

Beaver and Fox Mitts
Originally uploaded by kniterary

Available as a kit !

Fur Yarn by Paula Lishman
Originally uploaded by kniterary

More Fur Yarn
Originally uploaded by kniterary

February Newsletter

Hello All!


I hope you made it through your January knitting and crocheting projects! With all the snow it was certainly a great time to curl up and create!


February is a busy month at Kniterary with classes every Saturday and a new Monday evening Beginner Class starting.


Classes started this Monday with the first of Monday evening classes. It will run alternate Mondays so the next one is on Feb 16th. Even though it is a holiday I will still be teaching in the evening from 7PM to 9PM. The evenings will consist of a lesson and time for project help. Feb 16th's lesson is knitting in the round on Double pointed and circular needles.


On the other Mondays we are still running our sweater knit a long class. This Monday is the next meeting. You can join the KAL at any time since we will be running it until the end of June. To join it costs $30. For the $30 you will get a copy of the book The Purl Stitch by Sally Melville (from which you will choose a project) and 20% off your yarn purchase for the project you choose. Vickie and I will be at the classes to answer any questions and give guidance when it is needed. All projects must be knit with yarn purchased at Kniterary.



This Friday is Kniterary Literary night! We will be discussing Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. The next book we will be discussing is BloodLetting and Other Miracles by Vincent Lam. The Kniterary Literary Group meets the first Friday of every month from 7PM - 9 PM. Everyone is welcome!








This Saturday is Sock day. At 10 AM is Sock Construction and cuff down mini socks on double pointed needles. The pattern and kit are provided. You will need to bring 2.5mm double pointed needles. The cost is $25. There are one or two spaces left in the class.




At 1 PM is Magic loop toe up mini socks. These are done on long circular needles. You will need to bring 2.5mm 140cm long circular needles. Yarn will be provided. The cost is $25.


On February 14th Vickie teaches her Finishing Techniques class. It runs from 10AM to 3PM. The cost is $45 and includes a light lunch. You have homework to do to prepare for the class so if you have signed up for the class make sure to pick up the pattern!! You will need to bring the Teddy Bear sweater parts with you. Also, you will need to bring the knitting needles that you used to do the homework, extra yarn and a darning needle. There are still a few spots available.



Saturday February 21st is the busiest day and has two classes. In the morning you can Learn to knit a Log Cabin style pillow top. The class is at 10AM. The class costs $35 and includes one ball of Noro Silk Garden Yarn. You will need to bring 4.5mm or 5mm knitting needles. This project can easily be continued and made into an afghan if so desired.


In the afternoon at 1PM the Paula Lishman Yarn Trunk Show arrives in the shop. We are starting the trunk show with a class on knitting with the fur yarn. The project is a scarf using Beaver Fur. The technique to be taught is the Lishman knit weave stitch. The cost for the class includes the scarf kit and is $105. There are 3 spots left! Deadline for signing up is February 14th! Don't miss this chance to knit with the softest yarn ever!



Art Yarns are now in the shop!! You have to come in to feel and see the luxury.







There are a few free patterns available to use with this decadent yarn. Art Yarns can be custom ordered as well. There are a multitude of colour selections and combinations of beads and sequins that can be spun into the silk and cashmere. Perfect for that very special shawl or wrap.

This Month's Sale items are Dalegarn Baby Ull Yarn and patterns. Come in and get 20% off! The perfect 4 ply machine washable wool for those baby outfits!

I am starting to bring in a few hand made gift items into the shop. Most of you have seen the Project Bags made by Louise Sparrow that are for sale for $9.99. There are perfect for carrying around your knitting with you. They also make a great and useful wrapping for birthday and Valentine presents. Penny Heaven is now in the shop too. Kim recycles wool blankets and sweaters to make Coffee cup cozies, mitts and the funkiest of pin cushions!! As always I have my finished items in the shop as well. They are also available at my etsy shop Martianknit.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Kathryn this month!!

Have a great February!!

Remember Thursdays are still Sit N Knit nights from 7 - 9PM. I'd love to see you all there!!

Martina

Kniterary