Maker’s Keep

Mr. FedEx dropped by today with a box from Cocoknits. The Maker’s Board did not arrive. They are about 2 weeks out. 

These are the Maker’s Keep.

One of the many advantages to knitting is that you can take it with you everywhere! And, in the process, lose little knitting notions everywhere! I wanted a way to truly contain all my knitting tools while traveling – so I came up with the Maker’s Keep magnetic bracelet. It is a slap-bracelet so it fits everyone (one size truly fits all here). You can wear it, or simply drop it in your knitting tool bag to keep all the tools together – or even unfurl it and push the magnet to one end to use it as a straight edge while reading down a pattern. 

In addition to knitting, I use mine for sewing (it’s great for holding pins!) and we have heard from customers who have used their MK for holding paper clips at work, hairpins (especially while doing hair for weddings!), nails and screws while working around the house, and even for fly fishing!

All Cocoknits accessories are magnetic and will stick to the Maker’s Keep.

We love Newleaf from Jennifer Steingass (pattern purchased on Ravelry). I wore mine today and it prompted us to make up new kits.

The website has been updated. With some changes that we made to the website we were able to put all the sizes on the same page. It’s much easier to purchase now. We hope to have more Le Petit Lambswool (the main colour) in the next few weeks and will be able to make more combinations.

My Inclinations Shawl is growing. I’m half way through the last two colours so I will finish over the weekend. We should receive more Malabrigo Rios on Monday and then I will put together a few more Rios combinations. The shawl is very soothing to knit. The stitch is easy but not boring. Working with yarn that changes colour is a bonus. You need to knit one more row to see what the next colour will look like.

Rumours

Cathy and Sarah stopped by today. Cathy finished her Skylights Sweater (pattern purchased on Tanis Lavallee’s website) and it is gorgeous. Sarah jumped at the chance to model. I think she might take the sweater from Cathy.

Cathy knit the second size and used 2 balls of Akari (colour #1) and 4 balls of Le Petit Silk & Mohair (light grey).

Lynn is working away on her Douglas Cardi. The colours look amazing.

A customer was in today and quietly asked if we were closing. Apparently that is the rumour floating around. No, we are not closing. Far from it. In the next few months we are expecting a lot of yarn, books, needles and accessories.

Dad and Lucy are safely in Myrtle Beach. They had a busy day with lots of neighbours visiting to say hello. I just talked to them and they are comfortable on the couch watching the football game. 

Sarah just texted me this picture. She is going to knit the Skylights Sweater in Rowan’s new Tweed Haze - more stock is coming next week. I can’t wait to see it.

Everyday

Andrea Mowry released a new pattern this morning.

This past year held many unexpected opportunities for learning more about myself and offered the time to slow down and reflect. I have thought a lot about what I reach for time and again in my closet, and how much that choice affects my mood for the day. I have found myself wanting to make and wear wardrobe staples that come to life in the details and go with everything in my closet! 

This sweater is knit from the top down (meaning you can try it on as you go and add length to suit your own personal style!), beginning with the collar. You will separate the sleeves placing them on hold while the body is finished and then the sleeves are returned to the needle, picking up stitches for the underarm for a totally seamless sweater!

You can purchase the pattern for the Everyday Sweater on Andrea’s website. 

Photos © Andrea Mowry

Here are a few different yarn options.

Lore from The Fibre Co. One of Andrea’s test knitters used Lore and it looks amazing.

Patagonia from Juniper Moon. We have more stock coming next week.

Arranmore Light from The Fibre Co. I started my post and came back to it. A test knitter just added her sweater knit in Arranmore Light.

We used Arranmore Light for Stephen West’s Dustland Shawl (pattern purchased on Stephen’s website).

Inspired by the breath-taking scenery of Ireland, Arranmore Light yarn is spun in a mill that traces its roots to the homespun tweed industry of 19th century County Donegal. This DK-weight yarn blends cashmere and silk with fine Merino wool to create an authentic tweed yarn in a colour palette reminiscent of the wild Irish coastlands for makers who appreciate the best of luxury and tradition.

Here are the Lore mini balls. 

I’m home early today to meet a repair man. Our dishwasher stopped working on Sunday. It’s all fixed now. Washing dishes is not something that either of us like to do. Beth brought out the throw away plates last night but I vetoed them.

Dad and Lucy are leaving early in the morning for Myrtle Beach. Dad is so excited to be heading south. We’re having an early dinner tonight so that he can get to bed early. I’m not sure that he will sleep. An early night to bed sounds like a good idea. Happy knitting tonight!

Shawlography

I didn’t get my shawl finished but now that I see the finished shawl I am motivated to get back to it.

Take a look at some of the finished shawls on Instagram. They are amazing. There are some stunning colour combinations. A few people changed the last clue and have different edgings on their shawls. These are interesting.

Photos © Stephen West

If you think you’d like to make the shawl you can purchase the pattern on Stephen’s website.

I thought I was coming home for my zoom meeting with Rowan but Canada Post was late picking up parcels so I stayed in the store. I was able to knit a few rows while watching.

I can’t show any pictures of the new Rowan yet but I can tell you that there are patterns for everyone. Some are coming January 15th and the main magazine will be available on February 15th. Men, women, children and babies. Knitters and crocheters. Rowan has inclusive sizing in all their patterns. There is one new yarn and new colours in yarns that you are familiar with. 

Here’s a sneak peek at needle cases coming early next week from Knitter’s Pride. There are two different covers available.

This case is for your double pointed needles.

There will also be a case for fixed circular needles and another for interchangeable needles.

Minis

Minis are so cute and the minis coming tomorrow are no different.

These are mini balls of Lore from The Fibre Co. 13 colours are coming.

Made in England’s historical textile region of West Yorkshire, Lore is 100% lambswool from the Romney sheep, locally known as Kent lamb. It is an honest woolen-spun DK weight yarn that blooms beautifully after washing, making it a perfect yarn for colourwork. Garments made from Lore will wear well and are perfect for everyday and special adventures alike.

25gram balls

62m (68 yards)

21 stitches = 4” knit on 4mm needles

Lynn just knit a sweater in Lore and loves the yarn. I will make sure to get pictures the next time she wears it to work.

In the Flow is a cowl knit with Lore mini balls. You can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

In The Flow is a generously sized cowl designed by Becky Baker to be an excellent project for the beginner knitter, or for any knitter who enjoys a simple, meditative project with beautiful yarn.

I didn’t know about this pattern when I placed my order and missed ordering these colours. We will get them on our next order. I know we can put together great combinations with what is coming. 

These mini balls will be great for colourwork - hats and mitts come to mind. A great mitten pattern is the Fiddlehead Mittens - you can find it on Ravelry. You will need a full skein of Lore and 5 mini balls.

They will also make great Jolly Wee Elves.

Follow the numbers for the larger elf on Churchmouse’s pattern (purchased on their website).

I will try and get these on the website tomorrow. I’ll be in the store early packing mail orders and then I have a Zoom meeting with Rowan to see the new yarns and patterns for spring. I can’t wait.

One of my balls of Dream State rolled across the floor and Jackson thought it would be fun to play with. Thankfully we stopped him before the ball was a mess. Our dogs have great taste in yarn. The more expensive the better.