NEW Vintage Knitting & Crochet Books, Booklets & Magazines!

I’ve gone deeper into my collection of vintage knitting magazines and have refilled the shelf with a bunch of EXTREMELY Vintage knitting pattern booklets from Patons, Bernat, and Fleisher/Bear Brand/Botany, and more. I’ve loved all of these books, but it’s time to pass these little gems on to new, loving homes.

Almost all the new booklets are $1 each! I’ve added some pictures and a listing of what I’ve put out (to confirm if it’s still available please email us and we can check the shelf). If you’re interested in what’s being added you can check-in with our BLOG.

• Everything will be for sale in-store for you to browse and poke through. You can buy in-store from 12-6pm (if you you like in a postal code stat starts with a M we can have your books delivered by courier for $12, or we can figure out the cost of shipping by Canada Post if you give us your mailing address) – just email your details.
• Affordable prices (so far nothing is above $5, many are marked at $1)
• Proceeds will go to The Red Door Family Shelter.
• When you come please bring a sturdy tote bag to bring your new old-books & magazines home in!
• DO NOT put off coming in a getting them! We’ve already donated SIX boxes to the University College Book Sale (where you can look for them at their next sale in Sept/Oct 2024).

VINTAGE Patons Beehive Pattern Booklets ($1 each)

Added May 9, 2024

• 98 Beehive Family Headwear & Scarves (2 copies available)
• 99 Accent on Crochet by Beehive
• 100 Canadiana RAglans for Sizes 2 to 42 by Beehive
• 103 Blouses and Shells by Beehive SOLD
• 105 Astra Easy-Knits for the Family by Beehive SOLD
• 106 Afghans to Knit and Crochet by Beehive
• 110 Pre-School FAshions for sizes 1-6 by Beehive
• 111 Nursery Styles 3 to 12 months by Beehive
• 115 Bazaar Novelties and Gifts by Beehive
• 118 Winter Headwear by Beehive

UPDATED May 10, 2024

• 120 Quickerknits by Beehive
• 124 Canadiana Styles by Beehive
• 125 Learning to Knit by Beehive
• 129 Shawls by Beehive
• 133 BabyFashions by Beehive
• 134 Bulky Knits by Beehive
• 135 Carefree Afghans by Beehive
• 136 The Classic Look for Sizes 32 to 48
• 139 Just for Dolls
• 140 Socks, Mitts and Gloves for Children
• 141 Toys and Novelties
• 150 Beehive for Baby

UPDATED May 10, 2024

• 402 Accessories for Tots and Toddlers
• 403 Family Favourites
• 404 Hats, Scarves & bags
• 406 Gloves & Mitts
• 408 Classic Styles Sizes 36 tot 52. SOLD
• 409 Furnishing with Yarn
• 423 Coats to Knit and Crochet
• 425 Gift Time
• 428 Just for Your Beehive
• 434 New Classics. SOLD
• 439 New Looks in Canadiana
• 448 That Special Look
• 450 Country Casuals
• 456 Off to School

UPDATED May 10, 2024

• Colour Series No. 1: Tops and Socks. SOLD
• Colour Series No. 2: Home Accessories
• Colour Series No. 3: Cosy Coats and Hats

Added May 9, 2024

• 159 Patons Junior Arans
• 162 Patons 2nd Easycare Book
• 166 Patons Baby Book
• 169 Patons Machine Knits 2
• 180 Patons Baby Scene
• 184 Patons Treasure
• 192 Patons FairIsle Look: 9 Traditional Deigns to Knit
• 218 Patons Man’s Book
• 3009 Patons Doll’s Clothes Around the World
• 7004 Patons Simple Knitting for Beginners
• 8010 Patons Favourite Toys
• Patons International 75

VINTAGE Bernat Pattern Booklets ($1 ea) 1960s/1970s/1980

Added May 9, 2024

• 85 Bernat Sweaters, Jackets, Blouses (1960)
• 86 Bernat Dresses, Coats, Suits and Long Jackets (1960)
• 96 Bernat Clasics for Women: The Masterpieces that Never Go Out of Fashion (1961)
• 106 Bernat Classics For Babies and Toddlers (1963)
• 126 Sunlin Spun (1965)
• 135 Bernat Travel Lights (1966)
• 148 Six Classics By Bernat For Youngsters and Juniors (1967)
• 164 Coats, Coats, Coat Fashioned by Bernat (CONTAINS GREAT PATTERNS!) (1969)
• 171 Poncho Punch by Bernat: Six Pretty Pochos in a variety of Styles to Knit or Crochet for the Young
• 182 Ten Beautiful Snuggly Shawls: Six to Crochet – Four to Knit (1971)

Added May 9, 2024

• 194 Bernat Presents Life Outdoors: 19 Quick Fashions in Big Berella Bulky and Shakerspun (1972)
• 212 Hats & Scarves in Krysta Yarn And In Big Berella Bulky (1974)
• 214 Fashion and Family Sportweight Yarns (1974)
• 221 The Bernat Book of Complete Knitting (1976)
• 268 Sweater Coats by Bernat (1980)
• 262 Summer Medley by Bernat (1980)

VINTAGE Fleisher/Bear Brand/Botany 1960s Booklets ($1 ea)

Added May 9, 2024

• Vol. 60 Hand Knits for the Entire Family in Ever-Match Yarns (1961)
• Vol. 62 High Fashion Hats (1961)
• Vol. 67 New Fashions in New Spice and Nubbly Fleece (1962) (CONTAINS SOME GREAT SWEATERS)
• Vol. 80 Raglans For Boys and Girls Sizes 4 to 14 (1964)
• Vol. 96 Men’s Classics All Styles, All Weights, All Sizes to 46 (1966)
• Vol. 99 Fleisher’s Hand Knit Fashions (1956)
• Vol. 102 Fleisher’s Hand-Knit Fashions: Cardigans, Sweaters, Coats, Dresses Bulkies (1957)
• Vol. 106 Fleisher’s Sweater Book: Cardigans, Pulovers, Jackets (1961) (CONTAINS SOME GREAT SWEATERS)

Added May 9, 2024

• Vol. 70 New Hand Knits: Introducing Bucilla Paradise (1962 Revised Edition)
• Vol. 72 New Hand Knit Fashions (1963)
• Vol. 73 The Big Hits in Bulky Knits (1963) (CONTAINS SOME GREAT SWEATERS)
• Vol. 79 Smart Hand Knit Fashions (1963)
• Vol. 83 New Hand-Knits For Men and Women in New Loop-Aire and Alpaca-Mist (1964)
• Vol. 85 Boutique Fashions To Knit an Crochet (1964)
• Vol. 87 New Hand Knits For Women, For Men, For Children: Introducing Souffle (1964)
• Vol. 88 Shells For Every Occasion To Knit and Crochet (1965)
• Vol. 88 Shells For Every Occasion To Knit and Crochet: Instructions Included for Matching Skirts (1965 REVISED EDITION)
• Pullover No. 2465 Knit of Bucilla or Bear Brand Knitting Worsted (child’s vest, leaftet)

Misc Knitting & Crochet Books

Updated May 9, 2024

• Rowan Denim People ($5)
• Debbie Bliss, Woolly Woofers ($5)
• Sally Melville, The Knitting Experience: Book 2, The Purl Stitch ($5) SOLD

Vintage Lady Galt Booklets & Leaflets ($1 ea)

Updated May 9, 2024

• Lady Galt Family Knitting Book, Volume 11 (1966)
• Lady Galt Caftans no. 1038 (1973)
• Lady Galt Caftans no. 1039 (1973) SOLD
• Lady Galt TV Cushions no. 1014 (1972) SOLD
• Lady Galt Lively Knits, Volume 34 (1967?) SOLD
• Lady Galt Bonnie Knits, Volume 38 (1968)
• Lady Galt Ponchos & Shawls, Volume 45 (1970)
• Lady Galt Afghans, Volume 47 (1973)

Vintage Rowan Books for Kids & Babies

Updated May 9, 2024

• Classic babies ($5)
• Little Treasures ($2) SOLD
• Pipsqueaks ($5)
• Rowan Babies ($5)
• Rowan Classic no. 19: Mother & Baby ($5)
• Rowan Junior ($5)

Vintage Jo Sharp Knitting Books

Updated May 9, 2024

Jo Sharp Books

SEE THE KNIT BOOKS HERE

• Knit issue 1 ($5). SOLD
• Knit issue 2 ($4). SOLD
• Knit issue 3 ($5). SOLD
• Knit issue 4 ($2)
• Knit issue 5 ($2). SOLD

Jo Sharp Handknitting Series Books

Updated May 9, 2024

SEE THE BOOKS HERE

• Hand Knitting Collection Book 2 ($4)
• Home: Handknitting Collection Book 4 ($3) SOLD
• Gathering: Handknitting Collection Book 5 ($3)
• Family: Handknitting Collection Book 7 ($4)
• Eclectic: Handknitting Collection Book 8 ($3)
• Saturday: Handknitting Collection Book 9 ($3)

Vintage Debbie Bliss Books

Updated May 9, 2024

SEE THE BOOKS HERE

• Baby Style ($2)
• Classic Knits for Kids ($2) SOLD
• Cotton Knits for All Seasons ($2). SOLD
• Teddy Bears ($2) SOLD
• The Baby Knits Book ($5) SOLD

Vintage Rebecca Magazine

Updated May 9, 2024

SEE THE MAGAZINE ISSUES HERE

• No. 20: Nov – Dec (german with english insert) $2
• No. 22 Dec – Feb (german with english insert) $3
• No. 24: Sept – Jan (german with english insert) $3
• No. 25: Jan-Sept (german with english insert) $2 SOLD
• No. 26: Sept-Dec (german with english insert) $3
• No. 35: Oct-Jan (english) $2
• No. 36: Feb-July (english) $2
• No. 37: Aug-Oct (english) $3
• No. 38: Nov-Jan (english) $3
• No. 39: Jan-Aug (german with english insert) $3. SOLD
• Special no. 2: Soft Kid (english) $2. SOLD
• Special no 6: Baby & Kids (german) $1
• Special no.7: Home (english) $2
• Special no. 8: Baby & Kids (english) $2
• Update no. 1: Savanna (english, 4 patterns) $1
• Update no. 2: Aspen (english, 4 patterns) $1
• Update no. 6: Bolero & More (english, 5 patterns) $1

Vintage Lopi Books

Updated May 9, 2024

SEE THE BOOKS HERE

• Lopi no. 20
• Lopi no. 25 SOLD
• Lopi no. 26 SOLD

STREETKNIT Mittens

I finished my first pair of mittens for Streetknit from last month’s meeting! I was using up some leftover Berroco Vintage Chunky so my mittens are a little less on the matchy-matchy side, but they’re still complementary, and definitely warm. I’m going to try to make one pair a month leading up to the winter so there will be a few more people with warm hands this coming winter.

I used the World’s Simplest Mittens pattern from Tin Can Knits (its an awesome pattern: it covers all sizes and 4 tensions of yarn). I made the second largest size, which fits adult women, but I made the cuffs 2.5″ (shorter than the pattern’s recommended 4″) … my bad, I’ve since learned that when making mittens for the homeless its best to make the cuffs longer. I’ve already cast on my next pair and made the cuffs longer. My finished mitts weight 85g, so one skein of Berroco Vintage Chunky should definitely be enough for one pair of women’s mittens.

I like using Berroco Vintage Chunky for mittens because it’s soft, easy to work with, dense enough to keep out the cold, works up reasonably quickly, is machine washable, and it’s affordable.

Materials

• FREE PATTERN: World’s Simplest Mittens (chunky tension)
• Berroco Vintage Chunky: 1 skein
• 5mm/US8 double pointed needles
• 1 stitch marker

FYI: The next Streetknit meetup is Tuesday May 14, 2024: 6 to 9 pm – see below for details!

Mitten Making Resources

As a project mittens tick a lot of boxes, since are much needed by the homeless, and they’re also a quick little project that don’t use a ton of yarn. Skill-wise, I think mitts are in the intermediate-beginner to advanced beginner level (after hats). If you’re feeling inspired to make mittens for the homeless or needly in your community, you can find some resources below for different kinds of patterns and video tutorials.

• Pattern for Mittens Knit in the Round: World’s Simplest Mittens
• Pattern for Mittens Knit Flat & Seamed: Easy Knit Mittens
• Pattern for Crochet Mittens: Family of Mittens
• Video Tutorial for Knit Mittens: Very Pink Knits “Learn to Knit Mittens”
• Video Tutorial of Crochet Mittens: “How to Crochet Mittens for Beginners: Crochet Boysenberry Mittens Tutorial”

What is Streetknit?

Streetknit is a grass-roots group of people who have been working for more years than I can count (since at least 2011?) to make, collect and distribute hand knitted items to the homeless. They currently meet once a month at St. Stephens in the Fields Church in Toronto (see the Streetknit Facebook Page for details).

At Knit-O-Matic, we accept donations of hand knitted goods as well as yarn for Streetknit, or you can bring your donations directly to a meeting (or contact Streetknit directly to confirm other drop-off locations). We also host a Yarn Swap a few times a year, and the leftovers go to Streetknit.

Streetknit Meetup Details

• NEXT MEETING: Tuesday May 14, 2024: 6 to 9 pm
• FREE, all are welcome
• St. Stephens in the Fields Church, 103 Bellevue Ave, Toronto ON (use the ramp door)
• In consideration of people with chronic health conditions all attending must wear a mask at this event. If you don’t have a mask one will be provided.
• See all details on the Streetknit Facebook Page
• Note: You do not need to make mittens to attend this meet-up: mitten making is optional, you can donate any kind of outerwear

PROJECT Holger Sweaters by Petite Knit

Holder Sweater (ages 1 to 14)

The adorable Holger Sweater by Petite Knit is our next store project … thank you Erica! It’s a super adorable knit, I love the graphic stripes and bold colour blocks – they’re lively and fun and inspire lots and lots of play and amusement. This particular version of the pattern is sized for toddlers and kids, and the sweater sizing seems to be oversized and is designed to fit loosely. Be sure to take a look at the finished measurements when you’re choosing a size.

See Finished Projects

• On Ravelry
• On Instagram

We’re using one of the suggested yarns, Sandnes Garn Double Sunday, because I love the texture of the pure merino wool and the bright colours:

• Body Colours (Stripes): 1012 Whipped Cream & 1099 Black
• Right Sleeve: 5846 Royal Blue
• Left Sleeve: 9080 Urban Chic
• Neck: 3819 The Orange Feeling
• Bottom Hem: 7720 Blue Haze

You can also substitute Berroco Vintage Baby or Berroco Vintage DK (you’ll need half the number of balls of Vintage DK because it comes in 100g skeins).

Construction

The Holger Sweater is worked from the top down. The body is worked in stockinette stitch with stripes, while the sleeves and neck edge are each worked in a different solid color. First, the back yoke is worked back and forth with the slope of the shoulders being shaped using short rows and in stripes, which are worked at the same time. Each shoulder is then worked back and forth on a circular needle, and then the shoulders are joined to form the front yoke. The front and back yoke are joined at the underarms to form the body, which is worked in the round on a circular needle with stripes. The sleeves are worked down from stitches that are picked up and knitted around the armholes. At the end, a folded neck edge is worked from stitches that are picked up and knitted along the neckline.

Size

• Fit is Oversized
• 1-2 (2-3) 3-4 (4-5) 5-6 (6-7) 7-8 (8-9) 9-10 (10-11) 11-12 (12-14) years
• Finished Chest: 72 (74) 78 (82) 82 (86) 88 (92) 96 (98) 104 (108) cm OR [28¼ (29¼) 30¾ (32¼) 32¼ (33¾) 34¾ (36¼) 37¾ (38½) 41 (42½) inches]
•  Designed to have approx. 20-25 cm [7¾-9¾ inches] of positive ease.

Yarn

Sandnes Garn Double Sunday

• Stripe colour 1: 2 (2) 2 (2) 2 (3) 3 (3) 3 (3) 3 (3) balls
• Stripe colour 2: 2 (2) 2 (2) 2 (3) 3 (3) 3 (3) 3 (3) balls
• Body Ribbing Hem: 1 ball
• Sleeve 1: 1 (1) 1 (1) 1 (2) 2 (2) 2 (2) 2 (2) balls
• Sleeve 2: 1 (1) 1 (1) 1 (2) 2 (2) 2 (2) 2 (2) balls
• Neck Edge: 1 ball

You can also substitute Berroco Vintage Baby or Berroco Vintage DK (you’ll need half the number of balls of this yarn because it comes in 100g skeins).

Needles

• 4 mm/US6 – 60 or 80 cm [24 or 32 inches] circular needles
• 3.5 mm/US4 – 40 cm [16inch] circular needles
• 3.5 mm/US4 – 60 and/or 80 cm [ 24 and/or 32 inches] circular needles
• 3.5 mm/US4 double pointed needles (or 12″ short circular)
• 4 mm/US6 double pointed needles (or 12″ short circular)

LYS DAY SALE April 28th to 30th

LYS DAY SALE

Local Yarn Store Day (or LYS) is April 27th, and in celebration, all regular-priced, in-stock yarns are 15% Off from Saturday April 27th until Sunday April 28th! The sale is both online and in-store and includes summer yarns and staples we keep year-round.

The discount will be automatically applied at check-out and can not be combined with any other discounts, sales, or offers (including free shipping). Discount does not apply to special orders or pre-orders. The sale starts April 27th, 2024 at 12am and ends Sunday April 28th, 2023 at 11:59pm.

FINISHED Sophie Shawl in Bozzolo

Sophie Shawl in Bozzolo

Sophie is a simple shawl that’s knit horizontally, from tip-to-tip. It’s a quick, easy knit thats great for little projects …. perfect for travelling or patio season. It calls for a worsted eight yarn, but we tried it out with Berroco Vivo, a textured, DK weight, 100% cotton, just to play around and see what would happen. What happened was a really pretty, light little spring/summer wrap

Size

We made a size medium and I feel like it turned out as more of a scarf than a wrap (I had an uncertain amount of yarn on hand and I wasn’t sure how far it would go). We only used 1.22 balls (or 330m) of Berroco Vivo, and I feel like it turned out a bit small as far as wraps go, so if I made another I’d go up to the largest size. If you are using Berroco Vivo you will likely not use as much yarn as is recommended in the pattern, it seems to have gone further than expected.

• Our Finished Sample: Size Medium – 13″ (33cm) deep, 101″ (252cm) long
• Pattern Size: S (M) L
• Pattern Length from tip to tip: approx. 170 (210) 240 cm or 67 (82¾) 94½ inches

Easily Change the Size

Because the pattern is knit from side-to side, its really easy to just knit until you’ve used up half of your yarn, then start the decreases. Just be sure to weigh your yarn before you start, so you know how much is you half-way mark (I use an inexpensive digital kitchen scale from Amazon). If you want you can also make your shawl larger than the largest size, you just need to start your decreases later.

Materials

• Berroco BOZZOLO: 2(3, 3) balls
• 5.5mm/US7 needles (straight or circular)
• Tapestry or Darning needle
• Pattern

PROJECT Brume

© Andrea Mowry

Brume

Brume is a simple, kinda body, very cozy pullover … a perfect piece to throw on over a tee on cool spring and autumn days, or all winter. The pattern is the PERFECT tension to knit with Drops Air … you can see a stunning one below, knit up in pink by MeganKB – it’s stunning!

Description

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 folded collar. I love how a folded collar gives more structure to the high neck, while also keeping the collar from being too tight on my neck. (I don’t know about you – but I get very uncomfortable if clothing squeezes against the front of my throat. The structure of this collar keeps my neck warm, without the restrictive feeling of a classic turtleneck!) After knitting the yoke, you will separate the sleeves and place them on hold while the body is finished. The sleeves are then returned to the needle, picking up stitches for the underarm for a totally seamless sweater!

@MeganKB on Ravelry

Size

• 1 (2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7)(8, 9, 10)
• Finished Chest Circumference: 36 (40, 44, 48)(52, 56, 60)(64, 68, 72)” OR 91.5 (101.5, 112, 122)(132, 142, 152.5)(162.5, 173, 183) cm
• Intended to be worn with 6-10”/15-25.5 cm of positive ease.
• Samples shown in size 3 with 9”/23 cm positive ease on a woman who is 5’5”/165 cm tall.

© Andrea Mowry

Materials

• Drops Air: 6 (7, 7, 8)(9, 9, 10)(11, 12, 13) balls
• 5mm/US8 – 32”/80 cm to 40”/100 cm circular needles
• 5mm/US8 double pointed or 12″ circular needles (for sleeves)
• 4.5mm – 16”/40 cm for collar
• 4.5mm – 32”/80 cm to 40”/100 cm circular needles
• Stitch Markers
• Tapestry Needle
• Waste yarn or stitch holders
• Pattern

PROJECT Jethro Cardi

Jethro

Jethro is a “throw it on and run out the door” kind of cardi …. my favorite for spring, and like the author says in her pattern blurb, I’m not over granny sweaters! It’s worked in a combination of crocheted granny squares (a great simple skill for inexperienced crocheters) and then the sleeves and ribbing are knitted, creating a really pretty, finished look.

Jethro is designed with a DK weight yarn, so it’s not too light, not too heavy … perfect for variable spring weather. I’m inclined to make it with a springy merino wool, like Sandnes Garn Double Sunday, but it would be equally awesome made with a blend like Berroco Vintage Baby and Berroco Vintage DK (which can be used interchangeably).

The desinger has graciously created a Youtube Playlist with support for skills.

Size

The sizes given are the actual finished full chest measurement of the garment. Choose a size that corresponds to 30-43 cm / 12-17” larger than your upper bust measurement, or the size that will give you the amount of ease you like. I recommend wearing this drop-shoulder style with a lot of positive ease.

• 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
• Approximate finished chest: 87.5 (107.5, 124.5, 150.5, 175.5, 200) cm / 34.5 (42.25, 49, 59.25, 69, 78.75)”

Yarn Options

For the Granny Squares you’ll need a total of: 615 (747, 893, 1348, 1385, 1503) metres or 675 (820, 980, 1480, 1520, 1650) yards.

NOTE: The joining round, which is shown in the picture in the main colour, is included in the yardage for the granny squares. If you are planning to make multicoloured granny squares with the joining round worked in your main colour (like the one in the picture), approximately 210 (227, 250, 410, 328, 365) metres or 230 (250, 275, 450, 360, 400) yards of your “granny square” yardage will be in your main colour.

For the sleeves and ribbing you’ll need: 227 (273, 328, 373, 419, 455) metres or 250 (300, 360, 410, 460, 500) yards of the main colour.

• Berroco Vintage DK (can be combined/substituted with Vintage Baby)
• Berroco Vintage Baby (can be combined/substituted with Vintage DK)
• Sandnes Garn Double Sunday

Materials

• 3.75mm/F crochet hook
• 3.5mm (US size 4) 32” or longer circular needle for ribbing
• 4 mm (US size 6) needle in your preferred needle style for working small circumference in the round for the sleeves (double pointed or 12″ circulars)
• Tapestry needle
• 5 removable stitch markers
• Five, 1 cm / 0.5” buttons
• Pattern

YARN SWAP Saturday April 20

NEXT SWAP: Saturday, April 20, from 1 to 4 pm

$10 – Proceeds go to the Red Door Family Shelter

After a looooong hiatus …. it’s swap time again! Time to tidy up your yarn stash and purge the stuff you’re never going to use. That’s right, you can bring us your shame and leave your guilt in our yarn swap bins with the assurance that the yarn that didn’t work out for you will have a second (or third, or fourth) life in a new home. What do you do at a swap? Bring in the yarn and needles you don’t want and take home whatever you like from our swap bins.

Bring

• Yarn (please bring in a ziplock bag)
• Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks
• Knitting & Crochet Notions, Accessories, Books
• NOTE: partial balls are fine, but please bag them up together in a ziplock bag.

Details

The leftovers are donated to charities, and don’t be embarrassed by the quality of the yarn you bring, whatever is left over is donated to charities like Street Knit, most of whom prefer acrylic! If you want to donate but can’t make the date please feel free to drop it by when we are open, sealed up in a plastic bag. The only yarn we can’t accept is anything that is strongly scented (cigarette smoke or perfume). We are also a drop-off point for Street Knit and Knitted Knockers of Canada. 

• Saturday, April 20, from 1 to 4 pm
• $10 to participate in the swap (proceeds go to the Red Door Family Shelter)
• Dropping off donations is always FREE 
• Drop-in, no need to sign up
• Everyone is welcome, all skill levels
• Location: 1382 Bathurst St, Toronto ON
• All leftovers go to charity (see above)
• If possible, we request anyone attending our events to please refrain from wearing perfume

Destash/Spring Cleaning System

So here’s a scenario …. you’re sorting through your stash (or your closet, or your bookcase, or anything else) , looking to purge, but you’re having a hard time parting with things that you know you aren’t using and haven’t touched in ages. Feelings are coming up, definitely some uncertainty – usually overwhelm creeps in for me and I end up keeping too many things – it happens, the subconscious is a busy place!

This weekend I was doing a little bit of spring purging and I came up with system that seems to have improved my output and brought me more neutrality. Based on Marie Kondo’s system, I pick up every object, and ask myself a question about the object: “Does this still serve my highest good?” Alternately, you can ask “Does this serve my greatest inner peace?” 

I look for an answer of Yes, No, or some kind of equivocal/uncertain feeling:

YES: If the answer is a clear YES, then yay, keep the thing! It’s still working for you.

NO: If answer is a clear NO, then send it on its way out into the universe. Whatever that thing was in your life for, you’ve already learned those lessons, and its time to make room for fun new things to come into your life! Don’t worry about letting the NOs go, they block better things from coming in, so have faith that getting rid of them is really the best thing for you.

EQUIVOCAL/UNCERTAIN: If you feel equivocal, uncertain, overwhelmed, fuzzy, blank, avoidant, resistant, etc, then you’ve hit an opportunity to go deeper and clear out something you are already working on, something you’re getting ready to release. The object isn’t really what you’ve equivocal about, its a belief or idea that it is associated with. Here are some questions that you can ask that can help:

• What have I been learning that this is a part of?
• Am I holding on to something I can let go of? What am I holding on to?
• Do I need to hold on to it? Am I still working on it, or am I done and I just need to let go?
• Why am I holding on to it?
• Is what I’m holding even mine, or does it belong to someone else? (other people’s beliefs frequently end up in our head …. )

LET GO: if you’re inclined to try and let go, try the following:

1. Try visualizing a big rose in front of you. Drop a magnet into the centre of the rose, and tell the rose its job is to suck up everything you’ve releasing. When the rose is done its work, send the it to the edge of the universe and blow it up! 
2. Visualize a big gold sun above your head (make it at least 5 times your size) and fill it with all the good things you want for yourself right now …. (self-validation, amusement and neutrality are always suggested in addition to everything else). Poke a hole in the bottom of the sun and invite it to fill you up completely, down to the quantum level.  
3. Revisit the object – do you still feel uncertain about it? If you do that’s ok, just file it away as ‘on the way out’ or ‘working on releasing’, and put it in a “Revisit this at the next purge” box. Chances are that the next time you do a clearing you’ll be ready to let it go and the attachment to it will be gone.

STREETKNIT (Mitten) Meet-Up April 9

Mighty Mittens by Emily Kintigh

Streetknit (Mitten) Meet-Up

It was a warm winter in Toronto this year, but Streetknit found themselves clamouring for mittens, and the demand is expected to be even higher next winter. In attempt to get ahead of the curve they are going to start stockpiling mitts this spring and summer, and I’m going to be teaching the not-so-fine art of mitten making at the next meeting!

What is Streetknit?

Streetknit is a grass-roots group of people who have been working for more years than I can count (since at least 2011?) to make, collect and distribute hand knitted items to the homeless. They currently meet once a month at St. Stephens in the Fields Church in Toronto (see the Streetknit Facebook Page for details).

At Knit-O-Matic, we accept donations of hand knitted goods as well as yarn for Streetknit, or you can bring your donations directly to a meeting (or contact Streetknit directly to confirm other drop-off locations). We also host a Yarn Swap (next April 20, 2024) a few times a year, the leftovers of which go to Streetknit.

What to Bring to Make Mittens

• 5mm/US8 needles (double pointed or single pointed)
• 4mm/US6 needles (double pointed or single pointed)
• Small stitch holder (if you have one)
• 3 stitch markers (if you have them)

We will be working with Aran/Chunky weight yarn and using the World’s Simplest Mittens pattern for mitts worked in the round and the Easy Knit Mittens pattern for mitts worked flat and seamed – you can work in the round or flat, whichever you prefer. If you have yarn or a pattern you prefer please bring it! If you don’t have single-pointed needles there should be some donations available. I will be casting on with Berroco Vintage Chunky, but you can use the yarn of your choice, or pick up some suitable donated yarn at the event.

NOTE: The pattern for the mittens in the picture above is Mighty Mittens by Emily Kintigh. We will be making basic, single coloured mittens together at Streetknit, not the fancy colourwork.

Details

• FREE, all are welcome
• Note: You do not need to make mittens to attend this meet-up: mitten making is optional!
• Tuesday April 9, 2024 – 6:30-9:30pm
• St. Stephens in the Fields Church, 103 Bellevue Ave, Toronto ON (use the ramp door)
• In consideration of people with chronic health conditions all attending must wear a mask at this event. If you don’t have a mask one will be provided.
• See all details on the Streetknit Facebook Page

LIGHT & LUFFY for Spring!

These light, airy sweaters have just the right amount of warmth for unpredictable (and often rainy) early spring weather.

Cloud Blouse

Construction

The Cloud Blouse is worked from the top down. First the back yoke is worked flat back and forth while short rows hare worked to shape the shoulders. Then, each shoulder is worked separately, back and forth and with short rows. The shoulders are then joined to form the front yoke. The front and back yoke are joined at the underarms to form the body, which is worked in the round on a circular needle. The sleeves are worked from stitches that are picked up and knitted along the armhole openings. The sleeves are worked in the round. At the end, the stockinette stitch funnel neckline is worked from stitches that are picked up and knitted along the neck opening.

Materials

• Drops Kid-Silk (2 strands held together): 7(8, 8 to 9, 9, 9, 10, 11, 11, 12, 12) balls
• 4mm/US6 double pointed needles (or 12″ circular for sleeves)
• 4mm/US6 – 24″ circular needles
• 4mm/US6 – and 32″ or 40″ circular needles
• stitch markers
• Pattern

Size guide
The Cloud Blouse is designed to have approx. 12-15 cm [4¾-6 inches] of positive ease. The sizes XXS (XS) S (M) L (XL) 2XL (3XL) 4XL (5XL) are designed to fit a bust circumference of 75-80 (80-85) 85-90 (90-95) 95-100 (100-110) 110-120 (120-130) 130-140 (140-150) cm [29½-31½ (31½-33½) 33½-35½ (35½-37½) 37½-39½ (39½-43¼) 43¼-47¼ (47¼-51¼) 51¼-55 (55-59) inches].

• Sizes: XXS (XS) S (M) L (XL) 2XL (3XL) 4XL (5XL)
• Finished Bust circumference: 92 (96) 102 (106) 112 (122) 130 (140) 150 (160) cm OR [36¼ (37¾) 40¼ (41¾) 44 (48) 51¼ (55) 59 (63) inches]

Cumulus Blouse

Construction

The Cumulus Blouse is worked from the top down in stockinette stitch with two strands of thin mohair/silk yarn held together throughout. The design has a deep rounded V-neck. All edges are finished with i-cord.

Yarn Options

You’ve got 3 great yarn options for this top, all a light and fluffy. The pattern is designed with two strands of kid-mohair held together (Drops Kid-Silk), but you can also substitute a single strand of Drops Brushed Alpaca & Silk, or Drops Air for an even softer texture.

• Drops Kid-Silk (2 strands held together): 6 (7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11) balls
• Drops Brushed Alpaca & Silk (1 strand): 5(6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9) balls
• Drops Air (1 strand): 5(5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7, 8) balls

Materials

• 4.5mm/US7 double pointed needles (or 12″ circular for sleeves)
• 4.5mm/US7 – 24″ circular needles
• 4.5mm/US7 – and 32″ or 40″ circular needles
• stitch markers
• Pattern

Size guide
The Cumulus Blouse is designed to have approx. 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be approx. 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement. The sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL are designed to fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 (130-140) 140-150 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39½) 39½-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ (51¼-55) 55-59 inches].

• Sizes: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL
• Finished Bust circumference: 96 (102) 109 (116) 126 (136) 140 (149) 156 cm or [37¾ (40¼) 43 (45¾) 49½ (53½) 55 (58¾) 61½ inches]

Cumulus Blouse O-Neck

Construction

The Cumulus Blouse O-neck is worked from the top down in stockinette stitch with two strands of thin mohair/silk yarn held together throughout. The design has a round neckline. All edges are finished with i-cord.

Yarn Options

You’ve got 3 great yarn options for this top, all a light and fluffy. The pattern is designed with two strands of kid-mohair held together (Drops Kid-Silk), but you can also substitute a single strand of Drops Brushed Alpaca & Silk, or Drops Air for an even softer texture.

• Drops Kid-Silk (2 strands held together): 6 to 7 (7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11) balls
• Drops Brushed Alpaca & Silk (1 strand): 5 to 6(6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 9)
• Drops Air (1 strand): 5(5,5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) balls

Materials

• 4.5mm/US7 double pointed needles (or 12″ circular for sleeves)
• 4.5mm/US7 – 24″ circular needles
• 4.5mm/US7 – and 32″ or 40″ circular needles
• 4mm/US6 – 24″ circular needles
• stitch markers
• Pattern

Size guide

The Cumulus Blouse O-neck is designed to have approx. 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be approx. 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement. The sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL are designed to fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 (130-140) 140-150 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39½) 39½-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ (51¼-55) 55-59 inches].

• Sizes: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL
• Bust circumference: 96 (102) 109 (116) 126 (136) 140 (149) 156 cm [37¾ (40¼) 43 (45¾) 49½ (53½) 55 (58¾) 61½ inches]