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 For your Thanksgiving Dessert Menu...
This crocheted blueberry pie may not be as tasty as your mom's but it will sure get a few laughs and nods to artist, Joy Kampia O'Shell's creativity.
But aside from over indulging on turkey etc. October,  being a time of thanksgiving is wisely recognized as Breast Cancer awareness month. At last Tuesday's class, there were 4 women who had all had breast cancer and I'm sure if we had canvassed the others, most would have had a very close connection, through family or friends, with this disease. But what struck me was that these survivors were all here to talk about it, which would probably not have been the case just a decade or 2 ago. We have come so far, and hope has really made its way into the world of breast cancer.
To help in this cause (and to get on board with the trend to bring one's own bags when shopping) WOOL-TYME Kingston is asking customers to donate $1. for every plastic bag that they require from us, or $2. for a reusable canvas bag during the month of October.
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 These glorious fall colours are just one of the subtle colourways available in Lang's new WEST, the perfect chunky for sweaters, shawls, shrugs, scarves and other accessories. Come and see our beautiful shoulder wrap in WEST on display and get your free pattern when you buy the yarn.
It's an odd time of the year to be introducing a  new cotton blend but Rico BABY COTTON SOFT is a year round gem. A 50/50 blend of cotton and acrylic, its soft colours and textures make it a winner for any DK garment. The 2 accompanying books of baby/toddler patterns are a super added bonus.  New from Viking Garn; NATURGARN Bulky pure wool is perfect for felting and knitting, in a sumptuous array of colours to complement the standard Lopi.
These are just some of the new yarns at
WOOL-TYME Kingston. Stop in and see what else this creative season holds for you. |
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New In Books
 The Best-Dressed Knitted Bear by Emma King offers dozens of patterns for Teddy Bears, Bear costumes and accessories. Do you have a princess, a pirate, a cheerleader, a graduate or a golfer who would love a bear to share their passion? This book has it all. VERY cute and clever.
 For the legions of fans of NORO yarns from Japan comes a book that is partly an inside look at this most extraordinary company and its founder, and part "Best of" compilation of Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton's most popular designs for them over the past 25 years. NORO, Meet the Man ... gives us a glimpse into one of the most forward thinking, ecologically friendly yarn companies operating in the world. Informative, a real delight for the eyes, and inspiration for the knitter. |
Ever wished for an amazing scarf, shawl or blanket that looked equally good on both sides. Like to change the colour of your garment with the change of your mood or outfit. Believe it or not these things can be done.
REVERSIBLE KNITS by Iris Schreier examines the "both sides right" possibilities of lace, cables, modular construction and colour work. The techniques are easy to learn and can be applied to many of your other knitting projects.
DOUBLE KNITTING by M'Lou Baber deals extensively and beautifully with the 2 colour designs that have both sides of the work as reflections of each other. Some of the projects seem larger than life as to what most knitters would tackle, but there are also many smaller projects that allow the knitter to grow into this technique more easily.
I'm always so amazed at the many fields of pleasure to which knitting can lead us. These books offer a couple of intriguing venues. |
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KNITTING FOR THE COMMUNITY
 In honour of Thanksgiving, I want to send out a big wave of gratitude to all who have donated yarn, blankets, and their time in processing the blankets for PROJECT LINUS that we at WOOL-TYME Kingston deliver to shelters and agencies who deal with children in distress throughout the city.
-The mandate of Project Linus is to provide blankets to children who are going through a stressful time in their lives. Do you know of any such agency who would fall into this category of service and who is not receiving blankets from PROJECT LINUS Kingston? Please have them call me, Anne at 613-384-3951. The generosity of our knitters allows us to share the wealth beyond the agencies that we've been serving so far.
-SUPER OFFER FOR CREATIVE SOCK KNITTERS.
Some of the yarn that is donated to Project Linus is wonderful for making fingering weight socks but not really suited for blankets. We gather this yarn and offer it to sock aficionados for a $10 donation to the yarn cause of PL. Anyone interested in an eclectic stash for fun and fancy socks? Email me at wooltymekingston@gmail.com
-Looking for a good home for some of your stash? We accept all yarn donations and distribute it to many different community groups throughout the city. Let us take it off your hands. |
 KNITTING ON THE NET for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In the Fall '05 issue of Knitty.com, the TITBITS made their first appearance and they've been a wonderful inspiration for knitters ever since.
They are soft, comfortable and individualized "add ins" for those who have undergone a complete mastectomy. 
Also, check out The Knit Pink Project, an online shop that supports breast cancer research through the sale of exclusive designer knitting patterns & other knitting related items. All  profits from the website will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. ATTENTION would-be designers. Do you have any PINK Friendly Patterns that you'd like to share with other crafters? Knit Pink is looking for you! Check it out. |
TIPS FROM THE PROS
Knitting Wisdom from 2 of the Best!
Two of my very favourite knitting teacher/designers are offering knitting tips that they've gleaned over the years.
Debbie Bliss has a new book "TIPS FOR KNITTERS". Clear diagrams, sensible solutions, creative additions and embellishments, this book has it all. I had to smile when I noticed that dedication of the book reads: "To Mid, my exceptional mother"; my perception of the book was that these were tips you wish that your granny or your mom had at their fingertips to offer you, but they seldom do. A treasure trove of ideas in a convenient spiral bound format.
Sally Melville's Tips
Here you go, a wealth of knitting knowledge waiting for you on-line. Sally Melville offers her expertise from her website on such knitting topics as yarn substitutions, when pattern gauge isn't enough,the right gauge for a yarn, the slip knot, slipped stitches, binding (casting) off and much more.
Of course, Sally's books: The Knitting Experience - books 1 to 3: The Knit Stitch, The Purl Stitch and Colour are the best around, but her website offers a taste of her creative yet common sense approach to design and knitting techniques. |
HERE'S A LITTLE SEASONAL KNITTING FROM RAVELRY
Knit up a few of these "Creepy Cloths" from the patterns designed by Kris Knits, available to download from Ravelry. Wouldn't they be great party favours for your Halloween get- together.
And for Harry Potter fans, link here and here on Ravelry for some amazing examples of illusion knitting. It is truly awe inspiring. -Finally, this little cutie by Susan Esser would knit up in time for Thanksgiving, leaving you a few weeks to embroider some triangle eyes and a crooked smile for Halloween. I love double duty projects. | |
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WHAT'S ON ANNE'S NEEDLES? 
REMEMBER THE DICKIE?
This month I've had so much fun playing with some of the new yarns that have come in. This is the coziest pattern I've made in years. Perfect for wearing with a jacket that needs the voluptuous neck without the bulk of a heavy sweater.
Alright, don't tell my husband but these are his Christmas socks. He likes a soft sock in a heavier weight. There isn't much selection in the sport weight sock yarns so I've combined a strand of navy and a strand of the self striping fingering weight yarns on a 3.75mm needle and 56 stitches, et voila: Super Socks. |
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Fall Classes at
 KingstonOctober seems to be all about scarves around here and what a perfect way to introduce yourself to an interesting new knitting technique than by learning to make a glorious scarf.
On Sat Oct. 17th, Deb White will be introducing the technique of Modular Knitting using this gorgeous pattern above, made all the more beautiful by using Noro's SILK GARDEN yarn kit.
Then on Sat. Oct. 31st, Anne will be introducing the ins and outs of simple lace knitting with this classic "Feather and Fan" pattern (below).
Link here for more information about our full line up of fall classes.
Give yourself a treat and take some time to expand your knitting horizons.
Sign up for any of our classes by calling the store at
613-384-3951. |
 OCTOBER'S KNITTING EVENTS
ATTENTION STUDENTS!
A new Knitting Club is starting up at Queens on Monday evenings at 6pm beginning Oct. 5th at the Community Outreach Centre, 11 Aberdeen St. ALL SKILL LEVELS ARE WELCOME (and treats will be served, I hear).
-Sat. Oct. 3rd Rug Hooking for Beginners with Rhonda Kellett
-Sat. Oct. 17th Learn to make a beautiful Modular scarf with Deb White. (see description above)
-Introduce yourself to the beauty of knitted lace with the easy "Feather and Fan" Pattern. Link to our blog for details on each of these 3 classes. -Tuesday, Oct. 20th, the Kingston Knitting Circle will be meeting at Chapters Community Room from 7-9pm for some chat and stitching fun. Please join us.
-Wed. Oct. 14th and Oct. 28th, Rug hookers, new and experienced are encouraged to join us at WOOL-TYME Kingston from 6:30-8:30. Come and see what this time honoured craft has to offer you fibre fans.
Do you know of any knitting related activity that you would like to add to this list of activities? email me at wooltymekingston@gmail.com and we'll be glad to include your news. |
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OCTOBER -
THE MONTH OF GHOSTS AND GORRY STUFF.
Franklin HabitFranklin Habit is a very funny guy. He's also a very funny knitting guru who has a wonderful eye for life from the knitting edge. Check out his blog: "The Panopticon" from last May to see how a documentary on the Lizzie Borden murders captured his attention in an unexpected way. And speaking of grizzly women of British History, check out this site of Knitted Homes of Crime. Knitting artist extraordinaire, Freddie Robins, has designed a series of models of the homes of female killers or the houses where they committed their murders. Artistic expression can be found just about anywhere I guess. | |
Kingston Newsletter
Knitting Tip of the Month :
