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725 Gardiners Rd, Kingston ON                     613-384-3951 

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November 2011
The newsletter that knits us together.
BACK IN THE SHOP AND LOVING IT.

 Sheep at LeenaneThe better part of a month has gone by since the first WOOL-TYME Kingston Knitting Tour returned, and the delights of Ireland are still a warm and wonderful memory. If you haven't had a chance to do so yet, check out the blog to get a sense of all the fun that was had.  

This picture was taken at the Leenane Sheep and Wool Centre in Co. Connemara. You'll excuse the light's reflection on the glass, but it was worth sharing with you. This is a piece of fibre art that was created by a French artist, commissioned by the local woolen mill  as they were closing. The artist used pieces of  "jumpers" (sweaters) that were made at the mill to create the textured effect. If you look carefully you'll notice that the ram's fleece has cable patterns in it. It really was a wonderful work of art.  

 

But now it's time jump back in to the fun of our Canadian fall and knitting and to rejoice in the coming of cooler weather that makes us love our knitting even more.  

We are overwhelmed at the store with new yarns, both fancy and classic, and an absolute avalanche of great new books for Holiday giving or for yourself.    


So read on! We look forward to welcoming you as you begin your Holiday knitting shopping.

ELEGANCE SCARF 
NOVEMBER is SCARF MONTH 

Without a doubt, scarves and other accessories are the most popular projects at this time of the year. They are fast, usually easy, often lend themselves to a "one size fits all" mindset that is required if you have several gifts to produce for friends and family.  

Here is just some of the recent line-up of great fall scarf yarns available at WOOL-TYME Kingston

 

-The frilly in all the amazing variations on the frilled yarns including

Bamboo Bloom
BAMBOO BLOOM

FRILL SEEKER, TUNDRA, PARK AVENUE.

 

-The mammoth in MEGA 2 finger knitting (with our needle version of a great scarf/cowl for those who don't trust their fingers alone) and pictured above: ELEGANCE chenille with tufts of "fur", a scarf with distinction that knits up in no time.  

 

-The textured return with a nice eyelash yarn in Sirdar's Shaggy. 

Estelle's Drake
Estelle's DRAKE

 

 

-The multi colours and thick 'n thins are well represented by Estelle's DRAKE and Universal BAMBOO BLOOM, and the ever popular NORO multi coloured yarns.

 

 

-The ribbon style are among our most popular for accent fashion scarves with LITORAL's blend of silky sheen and boucle.

 

 

And please check out our list below of WOOL-TYME Kingston's designs in ready made kits that are just the thing if you're wanting to cut your decision making down to nothing. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chez Lizzie When did you last knit a sweater?

 

 Considering what I wrote above about the incredible popularity of scarves and shawls, it was interesting to receive a recent post from Elizabeth McCarten's blog, Chez Lizzie, which has her asking the question: why aren't more knitters making sweaters? To this question I might add ...for themselves.

 She lists 4 logical reasons for the move to smaller or less measurement demanding projects. She then offers 4 great tips on getting around these issues, my favourite being to choose designs based on what you own or have worn in the past, and love how it looks on you...and may I say, not how you feel about how it looks on the model, or worse yet, on a flat surface.  Take a few moments to read Elizabeth's piece. It will give you something to think about.

3 MAGNIFICENT NEW CLASSIC YARNS
Silky Wool XL
Elsebeth Lavold's SILKY WOOL XL
 
Aslan Trends ROYAL ALPACA
Aslan Trends' ROYAL ALPACA
ALPACA BOUCLE
Drops Design: ALPACA BOUCLE 
This seems to also be the month of the Worsted/Aran weight yarn.
All 3 of the magnificent yarns are luxurious beyond belief and a treat to share with you.
The SILKY WOOL XL is just the bigger brother to the ever popular double knitting version, which we have carried since it came on the market about 10 years ago. There are not many yarns that I can say that about. The gorgeous colours, a lovely hand and great wearing properties are the characteristics that kept the original version on our shelves and the new XL will be around for a long time too.
Truly, the only thing that I can say about Aslan Trends' ROYAL ALPACA is that it has to be seen and felt to be believed. Who knew that there were royal alpacas and commoners among them - but these royals are certainly worth the extra buzz.
ALPACA BOUCLE is a delightful twist on this classy look. Soft colours and texture make it so versatile for all luxury accessories.

NEW IN BOOKS 

Patons Book 889 Monkey Around Patons Book 889

7 basic sock monkey variations plus 8 other accessories from hats, mitts, flelted slippers, and a very cool bag.

 

 

WEEKEND HATS

 Hats are quickly becoming the go to gift for many younger knitters. WEEKEND HATS from Interweave Press is a fabulous collection of beanies, berets, caps, earflap hats, cloches, toques and snoods. 

 KNITTING OFF THE AXIS

 Let me state categorically that I am a huge fan of sideways knitting. It drapes beautifully and is much easier to measure for a perfect fit. Mathew Gnagy would tend to agree. His new book, KNITTING OFF THE AXIS is a collection of 15 sweaters for women and men that focus on constructing the fabric in directions other than bottom up or top down for interesting, flattering and creative garments.

ALL WOUND UP

 

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, The Yarn Harlot is back with her latest book ALL WOUND UP, a collection of 29 essays on knitting, her washing machine, parenting with water balloons, and so on. It has been my privilege to spend a tiny bit of time with Stephanie over the years and I must say that I'm so happy to have another stash of her wisdom and her whit to savour.

 

 Knitting stuff that works.  

 Poject holders

 I love these new project holders, made of sturdy elastic strapping and beautiful stitched leather, they protect any double pointed project from unforseen slips. A wonderful gift to give or get. 

 

puppy snips

Meet puppy snips.

These are among the handiest gadgets ever invented. Less than 2" long, these cute little puppies hold in their legs, snips that will get you out of any number of needlework jams.

 

Brittany Needles

Brittany birch KNITTING NEEDLES

We are please to announce that we have added a selection of Brittany products to our ever increasing line of needles and accessories. Come and feel the beauty of natural birch. 

WHERE TO FIND dependable FREE PATTERNS ON-LINE 

 Cascade Soft Spun

As many of you know, there is an infinite number of knitting patterns available on-line, both for free and purchase. But not all patterns are created equal.

 

Most yarn companies have design departments whose job it is to come up with good, well written patterns that will encourage people to use their yarns. Here are some of my favourite sources for fabulous knitting patterns that you can really depend on, including this lovely cabled tunic of Cascade Yarns SOFTSPUN Chunky .

 

Cascade Yarns site offers their free patterns listed according to the specific yarns for which they were designed. We are proud to carry many of these excellent Cascade Yarns, but because you have access to the knowledgeable staff at WOOL-TYME Kingston, we are able to guide you to the best yarn in the store, in the nicest colours for your chosen project. 

 Free pattern from VogueKnitting.com

 

 VogueKnitting.com
has a fabulous collection of free pdf designs, both recent and vintage, that will have you knitting their fashion pieces with pride. They do however require that you sign up with your email, but that's but a minor inconvenience and certainly worth the few minutes that it takes.

 Ravelry

 And of course, we can't forget our beloved Ravelry

where knitting democracy reigns supreme, and we all get to share not only fabulous patterns but also the experiences and lessons learned, for good or bad, from knitting them.

KNIT-A-KIT - it's easy!

We are always trying to think of ideas that will make the knitting experience more pleasurable for our customers, and these kits are among our favourites.

Felted Elf Slippers
Felted Elf Slipper kits

 We have taken some of our most popular WOOL-TYME Kingston  patterns and paired them with fantastic yarns that are perfectly suited. All you need to do is choose the colour and pick up your needles.

Classic Diagonal Scarf
Classic Diagonal Scarf

And to make it even more appealing, these kits are priced just right for budget gift giving.

Fingerless Mitts
Fingerless mitts

 So, take some time to browse the baskets and displays. Your favourite project is waiting for you.

 

Ridged Baktus Scarf
The Ridged Baktus Scar

 

coming events

What's coming in November?

 

 Fairisle purses
 
You just have a few days to sign up for the opportunity to join

Elizabeth McCarten on Sat. Nov. 5th, 1-4pm for her wonderful workshop    

FAIRISLE, Multi Coloured Knitting

The class will include an introduction to continental knitting in order to work the two handed fairisle knitting method.  

 

You can do it! Sign up and give it a try.

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 The Magic Loop 

If you don't recognize this needle position but would like to learn a way to throw away your double pointed needles forever, sign up for Alana's

"MAGIC LOOP" Circular Knitting.

On Wed. Nov. 9th from 6:30-8:30, you can learn how to use any length or circular knitting needle for all of your "in the round" projects, no matter how small.

EXTRA BONUS: at this class, you will have the chance to try out all the different materials and brands of circular needles that we carry: Addi Turbos, Chiao Goo Premium Reds and Clover Bamboo needles.

 

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Carolyn Barnett  

 

Do Not Miss this opportunity to learn how to play with

"FABULOUS FIMO"

with Carolyn Barnett on Sat. Nov. 26th from 1-4pm. 

Local knitwear designer and artist, Carolyn Barnett has used polymer clay to create signature buttons and accessories for her colourful knits. Let her show you how to do it too. It's easy and more fun than you can imagine.

 

Sign up for any of our classes by calling the store 613-384-3951

or by email 

 

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And for those who are working on
the

The Block Afghan Project Mark your calendars for Tues. Nov. 15th, 6:30-8:30pm to meet for our FREE knit-along workshop to learn all you need to know to finish your blocks AND your afghan with that professional touch.  

mtfyed: Make time for yarn everyday
 

Sheep on London Bridge

Or we can at least make time for sheep lore. This is a picture of a group of Romney sheep being led across London Bridge, reinacting an 11th century tradition. It is said that "the sun never sets on Romneys" as they can be found all over the world and were the breed that began the sheep industry in New Zealand.

 

  WHAT'S ON Jan'S NEEDLESSirdar Ptrn 9073? 
Jan
 
In relation to Elizabeth McCarten's blog post noted above on how we are more reticent about knitting sweaters in recent times, we need only look to what Jan is working on these days to get us back on track.
Those of you who have been in the store over the past few months will notice that Jan is looking fabulous and in need of some new knitted things to go with her new look.
She is working on this wonderful Sirdar design, with an empire waist, single button style that looks great on so many of us.
Jan is using a wool and silk blend in a rich Aran weight that will drape beautifully and should be an inspiration to all of us to get a sweater on our own needles.

Knitting on the  NetKNITTING ON THE NET

Pelirocco Hotel's Do Knit Disturb Room      

Do Knit Disturb Room

 

Introducing Britain's (and perhaps the world's) first knit hotel room. The kitsch Pelirocco Hotel in Brighton has added this new knitting themed room as a nod to the young Brits who have wholeheartedly embraced knitting as a cool retro trend .   

 

Margaret Atwood and the Great Auk

 

Margaret Atwood and the great auk. Margaret Atwood has been showing off her knitting skills lately. First by threatening to knit a likeness of Mayor Ford in her on-going battle to save the libraries of Toronto, and most recently with her participation in the multi media presentation in London, England titled: Ghosts of Gone Birds, which brings creative celebrities together to raise awareness of threats to endangered bird species.The wonderful things that creative people get to do.  

 

FREEBIE BOOKShandwoven scarf- for you to explore new crafts.

Ever wonder what it would be like to go beyond the knitting that you so enjoy? Interweave Press has made it easy for you to get a taste of other crafts that involve wool and yarn. Interweave FREE ebooks to download include:  How to Crochet Flowers, How to Process Wool into Rovings (if you really want to get your hands into the backstory of what you knit with), How to Knit (to help your friends and kids who see how you enjoy it), and How to Weave a Scarf like this one.

And those are just their newest releases. Link here to see the full line up of excellent How To e-books, just waiting for you to download them, 

and all for FREE!