newsletter archives - 2006
Some of the yarns
you'll find at
Lettuce Knit
And more...
We ship world wide everyday! Please call the shop to inquire about mail order!
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2006
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2005
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December 2006 Hello Knitsters!  Wishing the Knitters of the world warmth and wellness. Thank you for another wonderful year in business! Keep Knitting, New and Inspiring 
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In this issue... Custom Dyed Cashmere by Handmaiden A great gift idea is to pair a luscious skein of colourful cashmere with one of the Handmaiden's patterns to make a kit. Below are some of the kits available. Cashmere Cloche Kit in 4ply Cashmere, $37 Devin's Toque Kit in 4ply Cashmere, $32 Quick Knit Hat or Headband in 12ply Cashmere, $37 Scrum Baby Helmet in 8ply Cashmere, $37 |
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Play "Yarn Store" at Home! |
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Party Time! |
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Holiday Hours
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Free patterns that would make great gifts! |
Do we have cashmere? Oh yeah, do we ever!
We have hand dyed cashmere by Handmaiden
in colourways exclusive to Lettuce Knit. You
have to see these juicy one-of-a-kind
colourways, and in the softest cashmere.
2ply, 4ply, and 12ply weights available. $35
each. We also have solid black, brown, and
natural white for $30 each.
This is is our 4th Holiday Season, and every
year, the Swift & Ballwinder combo proves to
be the most popular gift for knitters. We
sell the same ones that we use in the shop,
so you know they are going to last a long
time! The wooden swift is $105, and the
ballwinder is $56
November 2006 Hello Knitsters! 
It's that time of year again! We are seriously
stocking up on all of the most wonderful wools (and
silks, and mohairs, and cashmeres, and on and on)
for your knitting enjoyment! In this month's
newsletter we introduce you to three yarn companies
that are new to the shelves of Lettuce Knit.
We are also brimming with old favourites, like Fleece Artist and Handmaiden yarns, as you can see from this photo! A word about the photos...a big thank you goes out to Stephanie aka Yarn Harlot for taking the photos you see this month as my camera is busted! Hey, maybe i should write a letter to Santa about that.... Keep Knitting, New and Inspiring 
 
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In this issue... Schaefer Anne |
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Nature's Palette by Hand Jive Knits |
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O-Wool by the Vermont Organic Fibre Co. |
This Month's Favourite Links |
We are so proud of our Laura! Look at this awesome
sweater she designed out of "Anne", Available for
free at 
We love this yarn at Lettuce Knit! Imagine a soft
merino fingering weight two ply yarn (same base yarn
as Louet Gems Pearl), dyed with only natural plant
dyes. The results are not only natural and subtle,
but at times bright and cheerful. This yarn would
be a perfect substitute for patterns that call for
Koigu KPPPM, or other handpainted sock yarns. There
are 185 yards in a 50 gram skein. $12 each.
Totally Organic! O-Wool, by the Vermont Organic
Fibre Co. offers knitters an environmentally
friendly yarn without compromising color and
style. Spun from 100% Certified Organic Merino wool
and processed in accordance with the Organic Trade
Association's Fiber Processing standards; meaning no
harsh chemicals have ever touched this wool. O-wool
is a long staple length, worsted weight yarn, ideal
for cables and other detailed stitch work. There
are 198 yards in each 100 gram skein. Recommended
needle size is between 5-6mm (8-10US) for a gauge of
4.5 stitches per inch. $15 each.
October 2006 Hello Knitsters! 
This month I want to introduce you to our newest
employee, Denny
McMillan! You may recognize her, as she has been a
long time Stitch n' Bitcher around here, and also
has had her face all over popular knitting blogs!
She really knows how to have a good time, and she
really knows knitting, crocheting, spinning, needle
felting, weaving, and on and on. We have added new
classes taught by Denny to the Fall Schedule, so
take a look and say hi to Denny the next time you're in!
Keep Knitting, New and Inspiring 
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In this issue... Posh Cashmere/Merino Sock Yarn |
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C4 Pattern and Misti Chunky Baby Alpaca |
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Dale of Norway - Baby Ull |
This Month's Favourite Links |
Wow! We've been waiting a long time for this yarn,
and I'm happy to report that it was worth it! All
the way from the UK, Posh Lucia is a sock weight
yarn made of 30% Cashmere and 70% Merino. One skein
is enough to do a pair of socks with 100 grams and
360 yards. We have the folllowing colours: Paisley,
Highland Mist, Chorus Line, Sunrise,
Passionate, Deep Water, Sweetpea, Scuffle, and
Cosmopolitan, which are viewable 
Cozy, Chunky, Cabled Cardigan =C4! Perfect for this time of year!
This easy knit cardigan was designed by 
A new yarn at Lettuce Knit! Baby Ull is spun from
the finest Merino Wool, combed to create a supremely
soft yarn. This yarn is superwash treated, meaning
it is totally machine washable. Garments made from
Baby Ull retain their shape and smooth surface even
after numerous washings. The
recommended gauge for Baby Ull is 32 stitches per 4
inches (10 cm) using U.S. size 2 (2.5 mm) needles.
We have all 32 colors! One ball of Dale Baby Ull
contains approx. 165 yards and weighs 50 grams.
This super soft yarn is not just for babies, it is
also a great yarn for fair isle patterns, socks,
mittens, and lace shawls.
August 2006 Hello Knitsters! 
I can feel it! There is a hint of Fall in the air.
And while i don't want to curb your desire to start
a fall sweater, i do want you to savour the last
couple of weeks of warm weather. Go to the beach
one last time, gather with friends and a frosty
drink (and your knitting of course!)on a local
patio, and be sure to enjoy a couple of small late
summer knitting projects, before we all dive, head
first, into full-on winter knitting.
This 1-2-3 Hat, modelled here by my sweet son Obediah, fits the bill perfectly. I was inspired to design this hat when we recently received "Savannah" by the Fibre Company. What an awesome yarn! 15% Soya Fibre, 15% Linen, 20% Organic Cotton, and 50% Merino, spun up into a bulky yarn with 65 yards in 50 grams. Knit with a 6mm needle, this yummy yarn will yield 14 stitches over 4 inches. The hat pattern is written in two sizes; baby and child and only takes one skein! Free with any purchase of "Savannah". Keep Knitting, New and Inspiring 
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In this issue... Extraordinary New Yarns from the Fibre Company This is how The Fibre Company explains the yarn they are creating: "Fibre expressed as art: Crafted with heartfelt passion for the unusual in beauty and texture with subtle variances. Intentionally imperfect. These are the characteristics that make up our unique artisan yarns, ready to receive your artistry and inspiration". Well, I for one, am incredibly inspired by "Terra". I'm already half way through a sweater with it! I'll be sure to show it off in an upcoming newsletter! |
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Lantern Moon Destiny Circulars The family who makes Lantern Moon Knitting Needles considers it their "Destiny" to make them. Their story is one of courage, sacrifice, family, perserverance and destiny. Read the story here. |
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Debbie Bliss Pure Cashmere |
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Orangina Kits on Sale! |
This Month's Favourite Links |
In addition to "Savannah" (pictured here on the
bottom shelf), we also received "Terra"(on the top
two shelves) this month. Wow! This yarn has style
and substance! We received 26 colours, covering the
spectrum, evoking the natural world. This yarn
looks handspun and has a slight nubbly appearance.
It is a blend of 60% Merino, 20% Baby Alpaca, and
20% Silk. Each skein has 100 yards in 50 grams, and
a recommended gauge is 15 stitches over 4 inches on
a 5.5mm needle.
The wait is over! Lantern Moon circular knitting
needles in Ebony and Rosewood are here! We have
every size and length in both qualities. Lantern
Moon "Destiny" circular needles are handcrafted
using the same "liquid silk" finish as thier famous
straight needles.The brass connection is machined,
honed and polished together with the needle to
create a virtually seamless connection. Yarn slides
effortlessly back and forth between needle and cord.
Nylon connection cord uncoils easily, stays relaxed
and is tinted for visibility. Needles swivel at
connection to avoid kinks. Available in US sizes: 4,
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 and 11, and lengths: 16, 26,
32 and 40". $36 each.
New arrival! 10 colours of Debbie Bliss Pure
Cashmere, her new yarn of the season. We also have
the corresponding pattern book which includes 24
luxury knits, focusing mainly on small projects
perfect for gift giving. This most beautiful of
fibres absorbs Bliss's signature colour palette,
producing vivid brights and subtle, water colour
pastels.
We've put together these fun kits with Stephanie
Japel's well known pattern "Orangina". Each kit
includes the pattern, and either 5 balls (for sizes
34, 36, 38) or 6 balls (for sizes 40, 42) of Rowan 4
ply cotton. The available colours are white,
orange, light pink, navy blue, and magenta. Regular
price $55/$65, now on sale for $39/$49 While
quantities last!
July 2006 Hello Knitsters!
We did it! We are now safe and sound in our new digs, just one door over from our old address! The last few weeks were a busy time, but for the most part everything went as smooth as silk. Read the whole story here (thanks for that Stephanie!) Thanks also to Megan, Laura, Joyce, Wendy, David (the painter and general handyman), and Dale (the electrician). Because of the hard work of these folks we pulled off the move in less than a week, which is really amazing.
I had such a good time at our "Big Leap" party where we celebrated our move as well as Amy Singer's leap into full time Knitty Editor. Read all about it on Amy's Blog. Thank you everyone for your support (and purchases!) during the last few weeks; we couldn't be here without you! Keep Knitting, New and Inspiring 
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In this issue... Posh Yarn "Victoria" is a blend of 20% cashmere, 20% silk, and 60% cotton. Isn't that an enticing blend? Each skein weighs 100 grams with 240 yards. It is considered an aran weight yarn with a gauge of 17 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches when knitted with a 4.5mm (US 7) needle. I just finished knitting Norah Gaughan's "Sand Dollar Pullover" (pictured here) from her latest book "Knitting Nature" and it took just over four skeins. Three skeins of "Victoria" would make a luxurious late summer Clapotis. Or how about using 2 skeins to knit the "Seaberry Shell" from the lastest Interweave Knits? Or for the perfect mix of luxury and frugality, knit Stephanie Japel's "One Skein Wonder" with, you guessed it, only one skein. Pattern available at Lettuce Knit. |
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One Skein Seasilk Shawl |
This Month's Favourite Links |
We are thrilled to be the first North American stockist for Posh Yarn, a new UK yarn company, specializing in hand dyed cashmere in a myriad of weights and blends. For summer, we have "Victoria" in 10 luscious semi-solid hues (from left to right): Butter, Stonewashed, Lagoon, Robin's Egg, Lichen, Raspberry, Mulberry, Coral, Pillar Box, and Bloom.
It's here! Remember this photo, from about a month ago on the Yarn Harlot's Blog? Well the photo says it all; that's Rachel H. on the right, in utter disbelief that Alice's shawl only took one skein. After this photo was posted on Stephanie's blog we were inundated with requests for this shawl pattern. I told all those hopeful knitters that Alice had designed it herself, and the pattern wasn't available. Well, the next time Alice popped into the shop, I told her "You must write up that shawl pattern!" And so she did, and now "Knitted Wings; Seasilk Shawl" is available for everyone, exclusively at Lettuce Knit. $9 each.
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May 2006 Hello Knitsters!
Things are heating up at Lettuce Knit! The store is
bursting with pretty yarns, ripe for Spring and Summer
Knitting! Look at these luscious lace weight alpaca
treats! We are fully restocked with Misti Alpaca
Lace weight in yummy gelato inspired colours.
Keep Knitting, New and Inspiring 
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In this issue... New Yarn from Alchemy! Silken Straw is 100% silk, with approximately 236 yards in 40 grams. Suggested needle size is a US 4 for a gauge of 6 stitches per inch. The colours of this yarn are to die for! We have in stock all of Alchemy's new Colourways: Grass Harp, Lovely Good, Aubergine, Full Metal Alchemist, and Diamonda. As well as their new "Family of Jewels" Element colours: Topaz, Fauna, Citrine, Vintage Jade, Moonstone, Amethyst, and Ruby. Don't the names themselves just inspire you?? Now let me tell you about my experience with Silken Straw! I love it! Though a bit "crunchy" in the skein, it is easy to work with and feels soft as you are knitting with it. Under inspection I have decided that it's "crunchiness" must be a sizing that is holding together about 12 stands of fine silk thread which are not plyed together. After washing, or even after reknitting a few times, this sizing is diminished resulting in a fluid and soft fabric. This yarn was custom milled for Alchemy; these folks are dedicated to creating unusual and exquisite yarns for the most discriminating fibre artist. In my opinion, this yarn is not one to miss! Highly unusual but ultimately stunning. |
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The Fibre Company Each 50 gram skein of Khroma DK has 160 yards, recommended needle size is 5-6 US, for a gauge of 24-26 stitches over 4 inches. This yarn would love to be knit into a sweater! For a smaller project, try the "Rib and Cable" fingerless mitts which feature Khroma DK, in the spring issue of Interweave Knits. |
This Month's Favourite Links |
I am very excited about this new yarn, Silken Straw.
Here is how Gina Wilde, creative force behind Alchemy
Yarns, describes it: "For years I have dreamt of a
hearty silk, a fiber that resembles hemp or raffia in
texture, gifting the fiber artist a material with which to
create fabric of unusual characteristics. I wanted
something perfect with which to make hats, bags,
belts - i.e., a yarn with the sheen and strength of silk,
but possessing the body and brawn with which to
create defined shape. With great pride, we now bring
the inimitable Silken Straw to the market"
The Fibre Company is a relatively new outfit located in
Portland Maine. They are making a name for
themselves through the design and development of
unique artisan yarns made of natural fibers. They are
unusual in the sense that they dye, mill, and label the
yarn themselves in small batches, resulting in a
product of uncomprimising quality. We welcome the
Fibre Company into the fold this month with Khroma
DK. Blended from multiple colours of alpaca and
merino, Khroma is the epitome of luxury with a super
saturated colour pallette that appears to be "lit by the
sun!"
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April 2006 Hello Knitsters! It's spring! You know what that means right? Lovely
silks and cottons in pretty spring colours on our
needles. Sleeveless tops and accessories knit up
quickly, so what are you waiting for....jump into
spring knitting!
The longer days have inspired us to add night classes back into the schedule. We hope that this also helps accomodate all of our eager knitters who want to learn something new. Be sure to check out our new class schedule where we have added extra classes in april and may. Keep Knitting, New and Inspiring 
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In this issue... Blue Moon Fiber Arts is Here! |
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A New Spring Wardrobe for your Needles?
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This Month's Favourite Links |
Wow, the Socks that Rock rocked our world. By the
time you read this we will most likely be sold out...but
don't worry, we'll let you know when we get
restocked. Don't be sad though, because we have
received a second box already with more goodies in it.
This time it is Sock Candy, a cotton/elite sock blend in
handpainted colourways. Perfect for those who can't/
won't wear wool. A handpainted cotton sock yarn is
very rare! Get it while you can!
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March 2006 Socks that Rock has Arrived!
It's here! The planets have aligned and we have Blue
Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock lightweight sock
yarn in store now!
I think we overwhelmed the Blue Moon folks a bit when we ordered six skeins of every colourway (and there's 66 colourways!). So not every colour arrived today, but a second and third box are already on the way, and we do have approximately 23 of their rockin' colourways. You have to see these colourways in person! Only two yarn shops in Canada have been selected to carry this cult favourite, so we are very happy and honoured to sell this awesome yarn to you, our rockin' customers! Come and get, it won't last long! |
Hello Knitsters!
 We did it! We finished our Olympic Sweaters! I am pictured here with fellow Lettuce Knitter Extraordinaire Laura who is wearing her amazing "Limerick" sweater. Can you beleive she knit that in 16 days? The Knitting Olympics was a great experience. It felt good to go into high gear, and make knitting, no, knitting completion, a priority. I can't wait to do it again! Thank you Stephanie for a great idea, and all the hard work that went into pulling it off.
Onto the yarn news...it seems I can't keep up with all of the great new stuff arriving...just as I am about to post the newsletter, more yummy yarns arrive and I have to "hold the press" and include these too. You'll just have to visit to see all of the inspiration that I couldn't include here.....are you tempted yet? P.S. Photo credit goes to Megan Hull, who cheered on Laura and I. Keep Knitting, New and Inspiring 
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In this issue... * Class Schedule for March, April, and May Koigu! |
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This Month's Favourite Links |
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February 2006 Hello Knitsters! I hate to take you away from your Olympic
Knitting...you are participating in the Yarn Harlot's
Olympic Challenge aren't you? If you have no idea
what I am talking about please follow the links at the
bottom of this page and get educated! 4000 knitters
are presently challenging themselves to knit their
personal best. Isn't that cool? The above "blob" is my
Olympic sweater, knitted from the top down with Handmaiden
Silk/Cashmere 4 ply. I keep vacillating between "I am
totally going to finish!" and "there is no possible way I can
finish in time!" Stay tuned, I'll let you know how it
ends in next month's newsletter.
And now to the shop updates!
p.s. And I have to add, it is so hard to photograph knitting in progress! I have a new found respect for all of those hard working knit bloggers who entertain us with such photos everyday. Keep Knitting, New Magazines in Store 
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In this issue... * Class Schedule for March, April, and May
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New Directions in Knitting With Color with Annie Modesitt on Friday, April 7 from 6-9pm. Cost: $45 Students should bring size 6, 7, or 8 circular knitting needles and four constrasting colours of worsted weight yarn, and reading glasses if needed. Students must be comfortable knitting and purling. Students must pay in advance to register for the workshop, either in person at the shop or by credit card on the phone. Colorwork is a wonderful thing, and so satisfying for a knitter! Don't be afraid, be bold and confident as you take up your needles - enjoy the full range of colored yarns that are all around you. In this class we will learn how to "read" a colorwork chart and learn the basics of changing colors in a row while knitting. We will also discuss the differences between fair isle and intarsia, and compare different methods of carrying yarn across the back of the work. Come prepared to knit! |
This Month's Favourite Links |
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January 2006 Hello Knitsters! Well, it's over...now we can knit for ourselves right? If you're like me, you might still be recovering from the holidays. If so, you'll be understanding of the fact that this newsletter is late and it's short! Be sure to peruse the new class schedule included within; we have some exciting new classes, never offered before!
p.s. i just crocheted a hat for Penelope using the pattern pictured here. It is so adorable. Read on to learn more about this great new line of patterns... Keep Knitting, New Alchemy Patterns now at Lettuce Knit 
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In this issue... * New Class Schedule for March, April, and May
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This Month's Favourite Links |
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