We have been very lucky with our hot weather here in Alberta and it feels like summer has arrived. Gardens are growing, flowers are blooming and there’s a rush to get outside whenever possible. I’m very excited about Knitting in Public Day coming up on June 9th as I think a cafe patio will be just the right place to take part.

With it being so nice and hot out, the blankets have been put on time out and I’ve been knitting socks, knitted knockers and a summer cardigan. I’m very excited for the ChiaoGoo shorties that I’m expecting any day now and hoping to show off when I knit in public on June 9th! If you’d like to pre-order your own set, click here to pre-order and to see all of the extras included with this kit.

New from Estelle Yarns (on pre-order and coming in June) are the sock twins! These are so cute and take away all the guess work, weighing and fiddling about to make two perfectly matching socks. If you haven’t checked them out yet, you can see the ten wonderful colourways and pre-order your very own twins by clicking here.

If you can’t wait to cast on some new socks, grab some of the Cascade Heritage 150 Prints which is on sale for just $13 while quantities last. Click here to take a peek.

Final bit of news to share is that we now ship to the United States! Just like with Canadian orders, the shipping quoted is the maximum amount (and free if over $100 in Canada or $150 to US) and if actual shipping is lower, we will issue a refund for the difference.

Happy knitting!

~ Monika ~

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It’s April and it certainly doesn’t feel like spring yet where we are in Alberta! There is still plenty of snow on the ground and subzero temperatures. I’m not too upset about it though as it’s a great excuse for knitting and I’m excited to make up a pair of socks with the new yarn that just arrived.

Spring Socks

I have 8 awesome graffiti inspired colours of German-made Supersocke. Supersocke is a 4 ply Superwash virgin wool blend (25% polyamide to give you stretch and durability). This wool is perfect for gorgeous socks that you don’t have to be afraid to wear because you can toss them in the washing machine.

If you’re a sock knitter and haven’t tried the fish kissed lips heel yet, I urge you to give it a go. I just recently found out about it and decided to give it a try and I will never make a regular heel again. It is so easy to remember the pattern and there are great YouTube videos and photos to walk you through the steps if you’re more of a visual learner. Get the pattern Ravelry for $1.00 USD. It is definitely the best dollar I have ever spent! Thanks to Sox Therapist for changing my life as a sock knitter.

Spring Baby Knits

New in stock for baby is the budget-friendly but still soft and durable Jack & Jill Little Darlings and the luxurious super soft Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk.

The Baby Cashmere isn’t just for babies and kiddos though, there’s nothing wrong with knitting yourself a lovely cardi or top with this luxurious wool. You will definitely know why it’s sublime when you get your hands on it.

On-The-Go Knitting

If you’re anything like me, you have a knitting project with you everywhere you go – car rides, plane trips, doctor’s appointments, kids’ sporting events, coffee with friends …

One of my favourite finds and must have accessories is the Sidekick Bag. The Sidekick Bags are sewn by women in Pakistan with supplies provided to them by Diamond Yarn. The women sew these lovely, durable project bags which allows them to become self-sufficient to support their families. The bag is completed with a draw string close and has a snap loop to allow you to attach it to another bag, purse strap, stroller, etc.

Toss your yarn and your needles or hook in one of these colourful bags and you’re ready to take your project on the road while supporting hard-working women and their families in Pakistan.

Happy Spring,

~ Monika ~

 

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Sock knitting is becoming more popular than ever! There are so many amazing sock yarns available now from the large companies as well as independent dyers that it’s hard to choose. If you want your socks to hold up for wearing, it is important to choose the correct yarn. Merino blends are amazing as they are soft and luxurious feeling while holding up well to frequent wash and wear.  The Cascade Heritage 150 Prints (currently on sale!) is a self-striping merino/acrylic blend which works up beautifully.

Coming soon to The Stichery is Supersocke in eight fun graffiti colourways! Supersocke is a wool/acrylic blend which washes and wears well.

We currently stock some great knitting needles to get you going. Whether you choose a set of double pointed (DPNs) or the very popular red lace circular, we have just the right size for sock knitting!

Once you’ve decided on your yarn and picked your needles, these socks aren’t going to knit themselves! The good news is there are great sock knitting tutorials online – many even with videos – and there are great knitting instructors offering classes.  My favourite knitting tutorial (via blog) can be found at Winwick Mum.  Christine from Winwick Mum covers all the sock knitting basics and even provides a free pattern!

Stitchery owner Monika recently completed these super easy socks using Cascade Heritage 150 prints following the basic pattern from Winwick Mum. As you can see, the Cascade 150 works up into a fancy patterned stripe making even a novice sock knitter look like a pro. 

If you are in the Edmonton area, drop us a line if you would like to be invited to future knitting classes. Even if you’re not in the area, we would love to hear from you and see some of your fabulous socks. If you are an indie yarn dyer, feel free to leave a shameless plug in the comments.

~ Happy Knitting ~

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