We still have a great selection of last minute gifts for Knitters!
Here are a few of our favourite things:
Yarn Bowls
Bucket Bag - Polka Dot Canvas
Lykke Indigo Needle Set
CocoKnits Precious Metal Stitch Markers
CocoKnits Opening Stitch Markers
CocoKnits Coloured Ring Stitch Markers
Sheep Knit Kit
Vintage Bird Stitch Marker Tin Set
Katrinkles Fox Needle Gauge
Busy Happy Hands Salve
Our latest shawl pattern is inspired by the Muskoka District of Ontario, one of the province’s largest concentrations of nature. Whether we’re faced by Winter winds, rain-soaked Springs or the mid-Summer humidity, we crave an escape to nature – even just for a weekend to fill our lungs with fresh, outdoor air. The daily stresses that are amplified by cramped desks and the glow of computer screens are erased by the crackling of campfires and the shelter of towering trees. Just as the Muskoka District offers the chance to reconnect with nature, knitting offers us the chance to reconnect with our hands and create something tangible in a world that is increasingly digital and intangible.
We designed the first colour palette of the Muskoka Shawl during the Winter. The dark pine green and deep cranberry coloured stripes set off the understated beige main colour that reminded us of the region’s landscape. The shawl encompasses Muskoka’s whimsical Winters, whether layered over a wool coat for an afternoon of snowshoeing, draped over your shoulders while skating through aisles of snow-covered trees at Arrowhead Park, or cozied up in the warmth of a lakeside cabin with the ones you love.
As the snow melted and the leaves began to bud on the trees, we were inspired to emulate Spring in Muskoka by combining light and medium neutral greys with varied hues of green. The newest version of the Muskoka Shawl is reminiscent of the diverse flora and rock formations that make up the landscape of the northern region. The shawl serves as the perfect cover-up for breezy afternoon walks spent taking in the smell of the Cherry Blossoms. Embrace the slow pace of Muskoka – stop for spontaneous picnics and for candid photographs of everything that inspires you along your path.
The escape that nature offers is remembered through a feeling that is created by the colours and scents that characterize each season. Of course, we also remember Muskoka by the relaxation and spontaneity that it invites, which can sometimes feel distant from the routines that make up our daily lives. Wrap yourself in the Muskoka Shawl as a knitted reminder not only of the region, but of the importance of pacing ourselves, spending time with our loved ones and absorbing the positivity of small, everyday things.
You can purchase the Muskoka Shawl Kit in both colour combinations and sizes from our online shop.
]]>The Bloor Scarf is a free pattern. The soothing rhythm of garter stitch is sure to help ease any stress the holidays bring, and the anticipation of working up to the colour change (or colour changes, if you prefer) is just enough to keep things interesting. Knit at a generous gauge of 5 stitches per inch, this scarf will practically knit itself, making it a perfect gift for a loved one who needs something to help keep them cozy this winter. The pattern is written for Misti Alpaca Chunky, a soft and cozy yarn with excellent drape (just what you want in a scarf). You could amp up the luxury by using Lang Cashmere or speed up the knitting with Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky — of course, when changing yarns, make sure to keep an eye on your gauge and your yardage.
Find the Bloor Scarf on our website and on Ravelry.
The Holly Scarf is another deceptively quick knit. Worked in Rowan Cocoon at a very generous gauge of 3.5 stitches per inch, you'll be watching these lace leaves climb off your needles before you know it. Holly is a perfect gift for someone who works in an office and/or commutes on some form of public transit. The lace combined with the cozy yarn make for a scarf that is stylish, warm, but but not so thick and toasty that the wearer will feel stifled. Some other yarn options to try would be a luxurious combination, like holding Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino double with Shibui Silk Cloud, which will soften the details slightly without sacrificing the drape of the fabric, or you could try something a bit lighter, like Blue Sky Alpacas Extra, though you might want to add a repeat of the lace pattern and work it at tighter gauge, which would give the scarf a slightly different look.
Find the Holly Scarf on our website and on Ravelry.
At first glance, the Ilsa Scarf seems a little different from the previous two: Knit in Handmaiden Fine Yarns Maidenhair, this is a luxury wrap you (or its lucky recipient) will reach for again and again, all year round. The Ilsa packs a lot of warmth into its lightness, making it a perfect shield against winter winds and office air conditioning alike. Perhaps the best part, though, is how enjoyable the knitting is! The ruched stripes help the wrap keep its shape and serve as little technical palate cleansers in the otherwise simple scarf — perfect picking up and putting down as your fit your knitting time in around the holidays. The Ilsa Scarf would be a fantastic gift, but we suspect you'll have a hard time parting with the finished wrap, so you might want to consider picking up enough yarn to knit yourself one when you're done! Aside from the recommended yarn, Shibui Silk Cloud or ArtYarns Rhapsody Light would be gorgeous. For a denser, slinkier version, Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca-Silk would be divine.
Find the Ilsa Scarf on our website and on Ravelry.
Happy knitting!
]]>Naturally, we have some favourite projects for this gorgeous yarn, and with spring right around the corner (and temperatures on the plus-side of the thermometer forecast for next week!) we're keeping it light this week.
Sweaters: With warmer weather around the corner, we're naturally turning our attention to lightweight cardigans and pullovers. The best thing about these pieces is that they're year-round staples, so there's never a bad time to cast one on! Our current favourites are Lifesavers (so many stripey possibilities!), Louise Light (with or without the contrasting borders, though we quite like them), Stratum (those stripes offers such subtle texture), and of course, Raindrops, which we just love.
Shawls: An absolute wardrobe essential as far as we're concerned, Merino Light can be knit up into a dense or very light fabric, depending on what you're looking for. We're especially partial to the Fo' Shawl! (that contrast border is so fun), Masgot (the short-row bursts of colour are stunning), Moonraker (those colour bursts!), and our perennial favourite, Holden (we've made it what, four times now? We still can't get enough).
Blankets: We often think about blankets as cold-weather projects, but this is the best time to start one because you can work on it in the background during the warm weather and then finish it up just in time for the cold weather to arrive again! Plus, because blankets are often worked in pieces, they're great projects to carry around. Tosh Merino Light crochets beautifully, and with so many colours to choose from, it's a lot of fun to put together a colour palette. We would love to snuggle under any of these blankets: Granny Stripe Blanket (our longest-standing WIP, and a great beginner crochet pattern), the Meditative Blanket (simple squares are perfect for showing off solid or variegated colourways), The Beekeeper's Quilt (get ready for a hexipuff obsession), and Quill (technically a shawl, but definitely big enough to serve as a blanket).
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Cascade Eco Duo: This is definitely one of our favourites. A 50-50 blend of undyed baby alpaca and undyed merino wool, Eco Duo is a scrumptious, buttery yarn that is easy to overlook until you see it knit up (or touch it. Once you you give the skein a squeeze you'll be plotting ways to use it). We love this for those super-cozy, next to skin pieces that are so necessary at this time of year. The baby alpaca gives this yarn a lot of drape, and the yarn is spun so that it works up in stripes (solids interspersed with marl), so it's best suited to patterns unstructured patterns. We've partial to the Claudia Cowl, of course, but we're also dreaming of wearing this as a sweater — Ease or Francis Revisted would be perfect.
Cascade 220: The absolute stash essential, Cascade 220 is a workhorse yarn available in a ton of colours (both solid and heathered). It has great stitch definition, is very forgiving, and, like an old friend, you always know what you're going to get when you pick it up. In knitting, where it sometimes feels like a slight breeze can throw off your gauge, that kind of consistency can feel like a miracle. We love Cascade 220 for both cables — it would be perfect for Cordova — and lace — the Fossil & Bone Shawl is stunning – and we've recommended it in the past for colourwork.
Cascade Heritage Sock: Available as both Heritage Sock (75% superwash merino wool and 22% nylon) or Heritage Silk Sock (85% superwash merino wool and 15% mulberry silk) this is a great yarn for socks, shawls or lightweight sweaters. The solids are consistent without being flat, and the handpaints are nicely variegated — perfect for simple socks, like the Hermione's Everyday Socks, or something more fun, like Monkey or Fire Flowers. Heritage is perfect for a long, draped sweater like the BlueSand Cardigan, as well as something more fitted like the Rheya Cardigan.
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Baby Cashmerino — This sport-weight blend of wool, microfibre, and cashmere is a definite workhorse. Super-soft and perfect for next-to-skin wear, Baby Cashmerino is an ideal yarn for close-fitting sweaters, winter accessories, and, of course, baby items. It would be perfect for a New Girl skirt, this adorable Teddy Bear, the Playful Stripes Cardigan, or the classic On the Beach v-neck pullover.
Eco Baby — We tend to think of cotton as a summer yarn, but as the holidays approach Eco Baby (which is 100% organic cotton) is an excellent choice if you have someone on your gift-knitting list who can't wear wool, or if you work in a warm office and want something lighter to wear. To that end, Eco Baby would be perfect for a long-sleeved version of the Buttercup top, and it's perfect for these Spa Day Facecloths, which make great gifts. For kids, we love this Hooded Kaftan and we're totally enchanted by the Spanish Dress (use some Liberty of London fabric for the skirt and you're sure to make a little girl's dream dress).
Angel (and Party Angel) — It's pretty hard to go wrong with a mohair and silk blend, and Angel is one of our favourites. It's both very soft and incredibly hard wearing (the samples we knit up over two years ago still look freshly blocked!), and we like both the demure solids and the flash of the Party Angel: It's perfect for pieces that need to be both lightweight and warm! Some of our favourites are the crocheted Claudia Scarf, the Ombre Cowl Hood (so cozy!), the classic Wisp wrap, and the luxurious Big Shrug.
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Rowan Big Wool — This is the super bulky, 100% wool yarn of our dreams. It has incredible stitch definition, knits up incredibly fast, and holds its shape beautifully. It's perfect for Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's Unoriginal Hat, Jane Richmond's Marian cowl, and Kim Hargreaves' gorgeous textured Nan cardigan/jacket.
Rowan Brushed Fleece — Brushed Fleece has to be felt to be believed, but its softness is in the same realm as kitten fur and the down of tiny chicks. That makes sense, really, since this is a combination of superfine merino and baby alpaca (with just 5% nylon for a little structural boost) blended into a lofty, lightweight bulky yarn. Its incredible softness means you'll want to wear it close to your skin, making it a great choice for Caitlin ffrench's Offhand Lace shawl, tinkerknits' Cabled Mini Scarf (with buttons!), and Melissa Schaschwary's elegantly slouchy Chateau cardigan.
Rowan Fazed Tweed — Fazed Tweed is like no other yarn we've encountered: its blend of wool and alpaca inside a very fine nylon-net "tube," which makes for a very round, plump yarn that knits up into a pleasantly tweedy, even fabric with a soft halo. It's a great choice for simply, chic accessories like the Shannon Cook's classic Keaton hat or the Purl Bee's ever-trendy Bandana Cowl, as well as something classic, like Marie Wallin's Una Vest (if you like the look of those cables, we also love her Elva Beanie).
Berroco Brio — Need to add a little pizazz to your needles? Berroco Brio has you covered. There's colour, some sparkle, and a healthy dose of don't-take-it-too-seriously, which combines for a fun and quick knit (it is a super-bulky yarn, after all). With so much going on in the yarn itself, we think it's best suited to simple patterns: Whip up some speedy Emmett hand warmers, Abi Gregorio's fantastic (and free!) Vermonter hat, or marvel at the way the colours blend in Andra Asar's Quick Slip Cowl.
]]>Left: Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Magestic, Steel, and Smoke.
Right: Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Essence, Jelly, and Rowan Kidsilk Haze Stripe in Circus
Rowan Kidsilk Haze isn't new to our shelves, but it is such a lovely a yarn that we can't resist featuring it again — and, since we're now re-stocked in all the colours, it's like it's new. Plus, we're now carrying Kidsilk Haze Stripe, which is new, and so much fun! Featuring the same 70% super kid mohair, 30% silk construction, Kidsilk Haze Stripe comes in a 50g cake, which is twice the size of the regular KidLeft: Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Magestic, Steel, and Smoke.
Right: Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Essence, Jelly, and Rowan Kidsilk Haze Stripe in Circussilk Haze, and the colours really are lovely. Kidsilk Haze is such a versatile yarn, and very warm, despite its lightness. There are no shortage of gorgeous patterns for Kidsilk Haze (the free Birch shawl is a great place to start, for example), but if you want to use the regular and striping Kidsilk Hazes together? We love both Color Play Mohair Scarf and Wrap and Starry Starry Night.
Rowan Felted Tweed is perfect for a fall sweater frenzy. With the days getting cooler, tweedy cardigans and cabled pullovers are all we're dreaming about — pair them with robust-but-soft textured shawls and that's basically our autumn heaven. With two weights of Felted Tweed (both with the same Merino, Alpaca, Viscose blend) in stock, we've got you covered for any project that's caught your eye, but if you're looking to narrow things down, we're especially loving the Acer cardigan, Docklight from BT Fall 14 (Felted Tweed makes a great substitute for Loft and Shelter), and the Easy Folded Poncho.
Rowan Kid Classic is perfect for cozy winter accessories that really beat the chill. Its lambswool, mohair, nylon blend is sturdy and soft, with just a hint of a halo. Kid Classic is warm, making it perfect for a knit blazer like Thea or Thorntower, both of which can be worn as a jacket in the fall and then transition to a cozy cardigan in the winter. The gorgeous Ships & Seaside cowl is perfect for cutting through a damp chill, and we love the way the halo emphasizes the cabled details on the Rose Red beret.
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Berroco Vintage worsted in Cerulean, Forget Me Not, and Neptune
We love Vintage for sweaters, thick socks, blankets — anything, really. Thanks to its very affordable price-point, Vintage is just the sort of yarn you won't feel guilty about stocking up on, and won't have any trouble finding projects to use it for. That's a stashing win-win in our books, and here are some of our favourite Vintage projects.
1. Gramps, by tincanknits — Newly availalble in adult sizes (!), Gramps is the kind of classic cardigan that becomes the go-to of everyone who has one, from parents dressing their kids to adults who need another layer. The contrast button bands and elbow pads are a fun way to add a splash of colour to an everyday-neutral cardigan, or the perfect place to compromise for a kid who can't decide between his or her two favourite colours.
2. Beagle by Norah Gaughan — Knitting a sweater for the man in your life can be a daunting task: will he like the pattern, how long will it take, will he wear it? Berroco Vintage has the benefit of not being scratchy, keeping its shape nicely, and wearing well — all things that are likely to mean this sweater gets worn. That Norah Gaughan's pattern is an engaging knit is an added bonus.
3. Owls and/or Owlet by Kate Davies — Wildly popular and totally classic, these sweaters (for adults and kids, respectively) are speedy and satisfying to knit, and cozy and stylish to wear. If you haven't yet knit yourself an Owls sweater, what are you waiting for?
4. Relax by Ririko — This is one of those effortlessly elegant pieces that works perfectly for the workweek and the weekend. We love the flowing shape, the fitted sleeves, and the eyelet details, all of which combine to make it a sweater you're sure to wear at least once a week.
5. Bandana Cowl by Purl Soho — If your fall accessories need a little refreshing, this is a quick and easy project that you'll no doubt want to wear everyday. As a matter of fact, you should probably make a few in different colours.
6. Rye by tincanknits — Whether you're new to sock knitting or just want a knock off a few pairs before the weather turns cold, Rye is great option for the whole family.
Berroco Vintage DK in Mushroom, Oats, and Chana Dal
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Rowan's Pure Wool Worsted is lovely and soft, but still has the slightly rustic appearance we love. It's that perfect blend of on-trend and traditional that Rowan does well – you can't help but feel that anything you knit or crochet from this yarn will become an instant classic.
Clockwise from top, Rowan Pure Wool Worsted in Grasshopper, Apple, and Olive
While we recommend taking a spin through the two Rowan Pure Wool Worsted pattern collections we have in the shop, we also wanted to point out some other gorgeous patterns perfectly suited to this yarn. For sweaters, Thorntower, from the latest Twist Collective, is a stunning knit blazer/cardigan perfect for Spring. We also love the retro-inspired Chuck, by Andi Satterlund, which would look amazing in one of Rowan's super-saturated colourways (like Cardinal, above). If you're more in the market for a shawl, both Onward, from the JOURNEY collection, and The Elder Tree Shawl would be cozy additions to your wardrobe, perfect for keeping you warm under your spring coat.
What will you knit with Rowan Pure Wool Worsted?
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Top: Clockwise from top, Peruvia Quick in Rosa, Ibis, and Franela.
Bottom: Clockwise from top, Misti Alpaca Chunky in #7238, #716, #1380
At a distance, Berroco Peruvia Quick and Misti Alpaca Chunky look pretty alike. On the hands and on the needles, though, they're quite different. Peruvia Quick is 100% Peruvian Highland wool. It knits up in to a fabric that is warm and firm, making it perfect for quick sweaters with textured stitches or that need to hold their shape (we used it for the Belarus Cardigan we have in the shop, for example). In this cold, we love it for Mukluks, a pattern sized for the whole family and sure to keep your toes warm without cranking the heat. Misti Alpaca Chunky, on the other hand, is 100% baby alpaca and feels like knitting with a cloud. It is so, so, impossibly soft, and it creates a fabric that is both very warm and deliciously drapey. We love it for all kinds of projects, but especially for next-to-skin items like the Bandana Cowl, which is a great bottom-layer on multi-scarf days.
Clockwise from top: Malabrigo Chunky in Natural, Emerald, and Holly Hock
This cold has made us very conscious of our ears, so we've been thinking a lot about hats in the last week or so. We love Magnolia, whose cables offer interest without slowing you down too much. If you're someone who likes your accessories to match, we're big fans of Glenna C.'s Cosmpolitan Set, which combines easy cables with deep ribbing for a hat and cowl set that are well suited to either solids or variegated yarns. Both of these patterns would look fantastic in Malabrigo Chunky, whose selection of kettle-dyed solids and fun variegated colourways mean you can you create all find of different looks.
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Clockwise from top, Shibui Pebble in Ivory, Spore, and Chestnut
Pebble is a light-fingering/laceweight yarn made up of merino, cashmere, and recycled silk. Each fiber takes the dye slightly differently, giving the yarn a tone-on-tone tweedy look that gives depth to pieces knit in one colour and lends nice play between colours worked up in stripes or stranded colour work. If you're still looking for that perfect, quick holiday knit, the free Pebble | Cliff hat is gorgeous. If you'd like something a little more ambitious, why not treat the hat as a swatch and move on to the Pebble | Cliff sweater (you'll never want to take it off!).
Shibui Silk Cloud in Watermelon
Silk Cloud is exactly that. We cannot get over how light and airy and impossibly soft this laceweight kid mohair and silk blend is. This is a yarn that will reset any past relationship you've had with kid mohair because, believe us, you've never seen it like this before. Silk Cloud is exactly the kind of lightweight warmth you want tucked around your neck when the temperature drops. The Mohair Bias Loop – which can we worn as a cowl or pulled down as a caplet – is perfect. Or, for something larger, pair Silk Cloud with Shibui Knits Staccato for a lightweight like Shibui's Mix No. 3 – we love that knit you can knit this in stripes or in the same colour, for something more subtle.
Shibui Staccato in Bourdeaux, Mineral, and Camel.
Staccato is the perfect name for this springy, silky, bouncy merino-silk fingering weight yarn. It would be hard to go wrong with this yarn, which is suitable for sweaters, socks, hats, mittens, and all manner of projects that use fingering weight yarn. Nonetheless, there's something about Shibui's vivid solid colours that make us want something special. The Veyla fingerless mitts would be perfect, as would the Rustling Leaves Beret, or the bold lines of the Stripe Study Shawl.
What would you knit?
]]>Ultra Alpaca in Irwyn (#6273)
When it comes to stashing yarn, every knitting and crocheter has certain fibres that call to them. Some people are drawn to luxury fibres like silk and cashmere and others can't resist that unique skein of hand-dyed sock yarn. When it comes to buying in quantity, though, you want something you know you can use. Stashing a sweater's worth of yarn – purchased either with no plan in mind or with a plan that is later forgotten – means knowing that the yarn you're purchasing is going to be perfect for a wide range of projects.
Ultra Alpaca in Grapefruit (#62178)
Berroco Ultra Alpaca is a worsted weight blend of 50% Peruvian Highland wool and 50% alpaca. It's warm, but not heavy, and the wool and alpaca work together to make this a yarn with beautiful drape and excellent structure. Whether you're knitting a cabled sweater, such as Amy Christoffers' White Pine Cardigan or something soft and airy like Hannah Fettig's Effortless Cardigan, Ultra Alpaca is an excellent choice.
Ultra Alpaca in Stone Washed (#6278)
Spun as a three-ply, Ultra Alpaca is a nice round yarn with a slight halo, making it perfect for colour work and cozy warm winter accessories like Jared Flood's Turn a Square hat or a pair of Northman or Fiddlehead Mittens.
See what we mean by stash essential? Ultra Alpaca is ultra versatile, making it exactly the yarn you want in your stash. Inspired? Feeling a case of startitis coming on? We have 100+ colours in stock – and we're always adding new colors.
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Anouk by Debbie Bliss, from Simply Crochet. We love the way she stacks simple stitches to create this stunning top. We crocheted ours in Filatura di Crosa Luxury.
There are lots of wonderful resources for crochet patterns, but the little booklet we're obsessed with at the moment is Simply Crochet by Debbie Bliss. It's filled with the kinds of garments you want to wear, that are very of the moment but not so trendy you won't be able to wear them next year too.
Crochet is incredibly quick, once you get into a rhythm, and that means gorgeous summer pieces aren't far away at all. We love the Art Deco inspiration behind this Debbie Bliss inspiration, and if you've seen Gatsby and are feeling full of Jazz Age vigour, crochet may be the quickest way to feed that fire.
Have we piqued your interest? We have crochet classes, crochet pattern books and magazines, and all the hooks and yarn to keep you going.
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Blanket designed by CQ and crocheted in two colours of Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk.
A blanket, whether for a baby, a parent, or yourself, if perfect for this time of year. It's immensely satisfying to watch it grow row after row and, once you've been working for a little while, there's enough knitting in your lap to keep you warm while you work. True, they can be a little time consuming, but it isn't as if you or the recipient is going to outgrow a blanket. All that work you put in choosing colours and pattern and working perfect stitches will last and last, because blankets are heirlooms. They're a gift that can be enjoyed by many at once, as well as generations, and they are a wonderful reminder of the person who made them.
Deep winter is when we tend to start feeling that nostalgia. Evenings and afternoons spent at home and with family – and chilly outings during which everyone is wearing handknits – are a great reminder of why we knit and crochet, and while a blanket is a bit of a commitment, you don't have to start big. Baby blankets and lap-sized blankets are a fun palette to try out stitch patterns and colour combinations. You can make squares (which are very portable) and then assemble them later, or work the whole thing in one piece, enjoying the growing weight of your project in your lap. Blankets are as much of a commitment as you want them to be, and they are always worth it in the end when you or a loved one is snuggled up and cozy.
Truly, they are the perfect deep winter project.
In the shop, we're frequently asked about patterns for men, so we've had some time to think about it. Not all men are the same, so we've broken down the main categories of gift knitting (taking into account that it's already December) and prepared a short list of our favourite patterns, with some yarn ideas thrown in. The list isn't exhaustive, but it is varied enough that something on here should pop out at you. So here we go.
Head
We love this Misti Alpaca Tonos Worsted for hats and next-to-skin garments. It's soft and warm, and oh-so-subtly variegated.
Let's start from the top, shall we? Hats are a great gift because they're practical, easy to fit, and can be given year after year to great acclaim. Here are three of our favourites.
1. The Hat Most Likely to Succeed by Alexandra Virgiel is a great staple to have in your knitting arsenal.It combines the classic cable detail of an Irish hiking hat with the practical warmth of a watch cap, making it the best of both worlds. Stylish and practical – we think every man should have one in their winter wardrobe.
2. Man Hat by Haven Leavitt – the name says it all, really. This is a bare-bones, ribbed hat, that manages to still have some style. Knit in heavy worsted or chunky-weight yarn, this is guaranteed to be a quick knit that will pass even the most discerning of style critiques. Sometimes you just need a simple, basic hat, and this pattern will suit that request perfectly.
3. For something sporty and fun, that will suit a guy of just about any age, we like the Man's Striped Flap Hat by Purl Soho. Ear flaps are fun, and perfect for a hat intended to be worn when playing outside on a cold winter's day. Throw some bright stripes in the mix and you've got a sporty winner.
Neck
Scarves are a classic Christmas gift for a reason: versatile, stylish, and necessary if you live somewhere cold. Certainly a basic ribbed scarf is always an option, but if you're looking for something a little different (or you did that last year), here are three other good options for you.
1. If you want something classic and a little understated, Henry by Mareike Sattler (from Knitty, Fall 2007) is a great choice. Knit from long edge to long edge (that is: the length is determined by your cast-on, and you knit until you're happy with the width), you're guaranteed to have a scarf long enough to go around his neck by the time the holidays arrive. The subtle herringbone stitch looks like it could be woven, and would pair seamlessly with a suit, a pea coat, or a leather jacket.
2. In the mood for something sportier? Why not try Angela Hickman's Fake Spring Scarf? Simple stripes repeat and then reverse for a little interest and colour, all the while keeping the (free) design simple. Knit in garter stitch in a worsted to chunky-weight wool, this is a quick project, and easily customizable to suit a preferred sports team or whatever colour palette you want.
3. For something in between, we like the Jour de Neige Scarf by Christine Mills. A pair of horseshoe cables do most of the work here, which keeps the knitting interesting for you and keeps the pattern classic enough for him. As a bonus, the cables are large enough that you can go wild with colour and not detract from them – heck, you could even do big bold stripes if you wanted!
Hands
Mittens and/or gloves are great for this time of year because they're small enough that you can carry them around with you and knit on the go, but they're substantial enough to be impressive. Plus, as it gets colder they become everyday accessories and there's nothing more satisfying than seeing your handknits get put to good use!Feet
Knitting socks for a man is a true labour of love since let's face it, their feet are big! Socks can also be tricky because often design elements that make them fun to knit – lace, intricate cables, twisted stitches, whatever – are vetoed by men as being too fussy. We went through a lot of sock patterns to find men-approved choices. May we recommend that you cast on now?
1. We love the simple texture of Velodrome by Natalie Selles. These socks are intuitive to knit, and you'll cruise along, which is definitely good if you're starting them now. They aren't totally mindless, though, so while they're basic enough to go into regular rotation for the recipient, there's still a little interest for you on the knitting side. As an added bonus, they're great for variegated yarns!
2. Remember what we said about men usually vetoing twisted stitches and cables, well forget all that, because John Huston, the Tarnished Hero by Rachel Coopey flies in the face of that logic. These socks are definitely masculine, but also definitely fun to knit – plus they come with a great back story. How can you go wrong?
3. Feeling ambitious? These Border Socks by Mary-Jane Mucklestone are a great pick. The fair-isle colourwork is a classic motif, and combined with the ribbing it makes for an excellent man's sock that is both interesting to knit and easy to wear. Switch up the colours to suit the man you're knitting for, and you're good to go!
Sometimes all it takes is the right colour, and we have a wide range of gorgeous shades (in various fbre belnds) from SweetGeorgia, Malabrigo, and Cascade.
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This 100% baby alpaca yarn is so soft it doesn't quite seem real. And I know you've probably felt some soft yarn before, but truly, this stuff is like lullabies and clouds soft. That it comes is a wide range of both solid and heathered colours just adds to its desirability. Misti Alpaca Chunky is, as advertised, a chunky-weight yarn, meaning it's quick to knit up into whatever winter accessories you might be realizing you kind of need right about now. Also, because we have more than twenty colours in the shop, ranging from neutrals through bright pinks, deep blues, and pastels, it's perfect for Christmas knitting – both last minute and planned.
With that in mind, here are five project ideas to get you through the holiday season – and the winter – in cozy alpaca style.
Here's how we make them:
BABY SOCKS
Size: Baby
(To make larger or smaller socks, simply go up or down a needle size.)
Materials: approximately 175 yards fingering weight yarn (we love Koigu for these), double-pointed needles size 2.25 mm (or size to get gauge of 8 stitches = 1 inch), stitch marker, darning needle
Abbreviations:
k – knit
p- purl
sl - slip
st – stitch
ssk- slip two stitches (without knitting them) one at a time, as if to knit, from left needle to right needle, insert the left needle into the front of these two stitches and knit them together
tog – together
Cuff and leg
1. Cast 40 stitches using the long-tail cast-on onto one needle. Divide the stitches evenly between the three needles (14, 14, 12). Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Work 5 rounds of k1 p1 rib (this keeps the top stretchy and straight)
3. Knit until work is 1.5 inches long (or as long as desired for leg of sock).
Divide for heel
1. Knit half the stitches onto one needle (20). Without knitting them, divide the remaining instep stitches over the other two needles.
2. Using just the heel stitches, work back and forth as follows:
Row 1 (WS): sl 1, p19
Row 2 (RS): sl 1, k19
Follow this pattern for 15 more rows (17 rows worked in total). At the end, you should be ready to work a knit row.
Turn heel
This will sound/feel weird at first, but once you’ve done a couple of rows, it will make sense.
Row 1: sl 1, k 10, ssk, k 1, turn
Row 2: sl 1, p 3, p2tog, p 1, turn
Row 3: sl 1, k 4, ssk, k1, turn
Row 4: sl 1, p 5, p2tog, p 1, turn
Row 5: sl 1, k 6, ssk, k 1, turn
Row 6: sl 1, p7, p2tog, p 1, turn
Row 7: sl 1, k 8, ssk, k1, turn
Row 8: sl 1, p 9, p2tog, p1, turn
The heel is turned! There should now be 12 sts on the heel needle. Slip all the instep stitches onto one needle
Gusset:
1. Knit across half (6) heel stitches. Using a new needle, knit across the remaining heel stitches (the beginning of the round is now between these needles, at the bottom of the foot).
2. Using the same needle (needle 1), pick up and knit 9 stitches – go under the legs of your slipped stitches, which probably look like wide, sloppy V’s.
3. Using a new needle (needle 2), knit across the instep stitches.
4. Using another needle (needle 3), pick up and knit 9 stitches along the side of the heel flap and then knit across half the heel stitches.
5. Your stitch count should now break down thusly:
Needle 1: 15 stitches
Needle 2: 20 stitches
Needle 3: 15 stitches
*If you pick up additional (or fewer) stitches along the selvedge edge, make sure to do the same on the other side — just ensure the stitch counts on needles 1 and 3 are the same.
Shaping the gusset:
Work the following two rounds until you’re back to your original number of total stitches (that is,
needle 1 = 10; needle 2 = 20; needle 3 = 10)
Round 1:
Needle 1 – k to within 3 sts of the end of the needle, k2tog, k 1
Needle 2 – knit
Needle 3 – k 1, ssk, knit to the end of the needle
Round 2: Knit
Foot
Babies have small feet, but not all are the same size, to make the sock longer or shorter, add or subtract the
number of plain rows.
1. After you have finished your gusset decreases, knit four plain rows (or however many you need) until you are 0.5 inches from your desired length.
2. Shape the toe by repeating these two rows until you have eight stitches left:
Round1:
Needle 1: k to within 3 stitches of the end of the needle, k2tog, k1
Needle 2: k1, ssk, k to within three stitches of the end of the needle, k2tog, k1
Needle 3: k1, ssk, k to end of the needle
Round 2: Knit
2. When only eight stitches remain, cut yarn and, with a darning needle, thread it through the remaining stitches and pull tight.
3. Weave in your ends.