Winter News

Hello Knitsters!
This month is very special for Lettuce Knit. It marks our 5 year anniversary! We will celebrate our Anniversary and also the Holiday Season on Wednesday, December 10 from 6-10pm at the shop. Stop by for food, drink, yarn, and of course, our annual gift certificate raffle! It's a party to thank you, the knitters, for creating and sustaining the Lettuce Knit community. Thank you for 5 great years!

Keep Knitting,
Megan
 

New and Inspiring

In this issue...
* Fleece Artist, Handmaiden and Perl Grey
* Knitterly Mugs, Bowls and Necklaces
* Tons of Koigu in Stock!
* Wool Felt is Back
 
* New Classes Schedule and Boxing Day Sale

Fleece Artist, Handmaiden and Perl Grey New Kits and Yarns!
New and favourite kits from Fleece Artist, Handmaiden and Perl Grey are rolling into the store! We especially love the Cashmere Beret kit (pictured), available for a limited time in black only. This luxurious hat is knit in Handmaiden's gorgeous 8ply 100% cashmere for just $30.
 

New from Perl Grey is the MinKim kit, a super cute kimono-style baby sweater. The yarn is organic merino, naturally dyed using blueberry leaves and other plants! It's also super soft. We have the size 1+2 kits for $56.

New from Fleece Artist is BFL socks, a fingering weight yarn spun from Blue Faced Leicester wool and a little bit of nylon. It is soft and strong, and a little bit different from the usual merinos. 80% BFL, 20% nylon, 325m/115 g, just $20!

The always popular Fleece Artist Soft Mitts /Socks kit is also back in stock in lots of new colourways. Includes a skein of Blue Face DK and a skein of Mo, along with a pattern for either mittens or socks. $27.

New from Handmaiden:
Sea Angel Jacket kit, a gorgeous side-to-side cardigan in Sea Silk and Angel Hair. $130
Lots of Casbah in stock - this merino, cashmere and nylon combo is always a hit! 325m, $27.

New Kits from Perl Grey:
Co Co, a sideways-knit collar in Fleece Artist Marina. 65% merino, 20% kid mohair, 10% nylon, 5% silk, $27.
Ba by Wrapper Kits in Sea Wool, a super cute kimono or legging set. 70% merino, 30% seacell, 350m, $26.

Knitterly Mugs, Bowls and Necklaces by Jennie the Potter
 
If you need a little more sheep around the kitchen, we've got the perfect idea - knitterly pottery from Jennie the Potter!

Jennie creates her one of a kind bowls, mugs, necklaces and other functional pottery from her home in Minneapolis, MN. Her gorgeous mugs feature sheep, yarn, and spindles. We also have stockinette- stitch printed buttons and necklaces, the perfect gift for a devoted knitter!

We are really jazzed to have Jennie's beautiful creations in the shop! It was only because she was passing through Toronto, with her left over merchandise from the New York Sheep and Wool Festival, that we were able to snag these beauties. Take advantage of this one time opportunity! Put a sheepy mug on your wish list!

Mugs - $35
Large Utensil Cups - $48
Sauce Bowls - $18
Necklaces, including a colourful cord - $16
Button sets in various combinations and colours!

All of her pieces are microwave and dishwasher safe. Bonus!

Tons of Koigu in Stock!
We just got a new, huge shipment of multicoloured and speckled Koigu KPPPM! Perfect for those pairs of holiday socks, or as a great gift for a sock knitter (yourself maybe?). KPPPM also works up into gorgeous hats, mittens, cowls, or whatever you can think of! Two skeins for a pair of socks, $14 each.

Wool Felt is Back
If you have never experienced cutting, sewing or needle felting with 100% wool felt, you are missing out! Many sellers claim to sell wool felt, but it is only partly wool blended with acrylic. Our wool felt is 100% and you will love the feel of working with it. We hand dye it in our studio, so the colours are multi-tonal, giving your projects depth and personality.

We sell 8x10inch (approximately) hand dyed sheets of wool felt for $3, or a bundle of 10 different hand dyed colours, cut to approximately 4x5, for $9. We also sell the undyed wool felt in the natural white for $30 a yard.

A bundle of wool felt is a great stocking stuffer idea! Children and grown-up crafters alike will love working with it!

New Classes Schedule and Boxing Day Sale
The new class schedule was sent to your inbox earlier this week. It is also posted on our website on the Classes Page. Register Early to avoid disappointment!

Also remember that we sell gift certificates in any amount. Let your loved ones know that a gift certificate from Lettuce Knit would make your holiday!

Our Boxing Day Sale will be a little different this year... It will start December 27th, (regular store hours) and continue until the end of the year. More sale days for you, and less yarn inventory for us to count on January 1st!

Fall News

Hello Knitsters!
It's a Boy!
On the evening of July 25, Elwood Uilleann was born at home weighing in at 9 lb, 14 oz. He's a real beauty, and we love him to bits!

The lovely sweater he is wearing here was designed by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. The pattern, called "Baby Yours" and distributed by Blue Moon Fibre Arts, is now available at the shop. There is also a "Baby Mine" (girl) version designed by Stephanie, which you can view on Stephanie's Blog.

Stephanie designed and knit both of these sweaters in anticipation of Elwood's birth. She, along with Tina of Blue Moon Fiber Arts created two new colours of Socks That Rock, Nyame (the blue), and Quilla (the light pink) just for these sweaters. These colours, in Medium Weight STR, are also now available at the shop.

Thank you Stephanie and Tina for such a thoughtful gift! Tina also surprised me at my baby shower with another new colourway of STR: Lettuce Knit! We received a box of our very own colourway but have already sold out! I will let you all know when we get more in.

Thank you to everyone who gave me the most GORGEOUS knitted goods for Elwood. I am still awed by your generosity, and the whole family is enjoying dressing him up and wrapping him up in the sweetest hand knits. Thank you! And now on to the talk of the season...

Summer is coming to a close, bringing that chill in the air that every knitter longs for! There will be lots of new yarns and patterns coming into the store every week. We've also scheduled more classes than ever before! There is something for everyone, including last-minute gift classes leading up to the holiday season. Start working on those gifts early!

We have also welcomed a new staff member to the store - Natalie of Tricotastique! can answer all your knitting questions.

Keep Knitting,
Megan
 

P.S. Did you see us mentioned in the Fall issue of Vogue Knitting? New "Made in Canada" issue is out now!

New and Inspiring

In this issue...
* Louet Mooi
* Teach Yourself Visually Sock Knitting
* New Yarns from Berroco
 
* Fall Classes and Dye Workshop Info!

Louet Mooi
Newly available Mooi from Louet is the ultimate in luxury! Mooi (pronounced "moi") is spun in North America and is made up of 70% Bamboo, 15% Bison and 15% Cashmere, combining softness and strength in a laceweight yarn. The halo from the bison fibre comes out more and more as you knit and wear your shawl or scarf. Free Baby Cable shawl pattern with purchase uses 2 skeins of Mooi yarn. With one skein, make a short lacey scarf or neckwarmer!

Each skein contains 350 yards (50g) of laceweight. $50.

Read an in-depth review of this brand-new yarn on Knitter's Review!

Teach Yourself Visually Sock Knitting by our very own Laura Chau!
 
We're so proud of Laura! This is her very first book; though you've probably been reading her for ages on her blog CosmicPluto Knits. To celebrate, we have scheduled some special sock classes taught by Laura which include the book. We will also hold a book launch party on Wednesday, September 24th from 6pm to 10pm. Come to congratulate Laura, and get a signed copy of this great book! Here's a bit about "Teach Yourself Visually Sock Knitting"...

Socks are portable, fun to knit, and quick to complete -and they make great gifts. This step-by-step guide walks you through all the techniques used to knit beautiful socks-from buying yarn to working on double-pointed needles, from turning a heel to grafting a toe. It covers knitting socks top-down, toe-up, and flat, explains how to create various heels and toes, and gives you a dozen original patterns for everything from baby booties to knee socks. Whether you're new to knitting or just new to socks, you'll learn the skills needed for a lifetime of creative sock knitting.

New Yarns from Berroco
We've got a huge order of fall yarns in from Berroco! Here's a quick list of what's new and notable:

Cuzco - a 50/50 blend of Superfine Alpaca and Peruvian Wool. Chunky weight. 130 yards/100 g, $11.

Inca Gold - a luxurious blend of 80% Merino Wool and 20% silk! Worsted weight.122 yards/50 g, $10.

Peruvia Quick - a bulky, 2ply version of Peruvia! 100% Peruvian Wool, 103 yards/100g, $10.

Ultra Alpaca Fine - Machine washable, fingering weight version of the bestselling Ultra Alpaca! 50% Peruvian Wool, 20% Super Fine Alpaca, 30% nylon. 433 yards/100 g for the great price of $12!

Of course, we also received copies of Norah Gaughan's Volume 3, full of fun and interesting patterns. $22.

Summer News

Hello Knitsters!
Summer's here! This year we enjoyed a special event as the season turned from Spring to Summer. We welcomed well known photographer, illustrator, and blogger, Franklin Habit, who was generous enough to include the knitters of Toronto in his 1000 Knitters Project. As if that wasn't enough, the very same day we also celebrated World Wide Knit in Public day (and boy, did we ever!) and the 40th Birthday of our very favourite Knit Blogger, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, AKA, The Yarn Harlot. It was a memorable day, and a privilege and honour for Lettuce Knit. (photo credit: Stephanie Pearl- McPhee)

Keep Knitting,
Megan
 

New and Inspiring

 

In this issue...
* Luxury Hemp Yarn
* Tulip Baby Blanket and New Kits
* Funky Sock Monkey Kits from Blue Moon
 
* Summer Classes and Dye Workshop Info!

Luxury Hemp Yarn in 12 delicious summer colours
Nothing says summer like a good quality plant fibre yarn guaranteed not to make your hands sweat or be injured by a sandy day at the beach. This summer, we are pleased to offer you Lanaknits Designs Hemp for Knitting, Allhemp 6 Lux, the highest quality 100% hemp on the market.

This dk weight Hemp yarn is soft on hands with outstanding strength, drape and luster. Available in 12 gorgeous colours, you can machine wash and dry your creation; it will not shrink, stretch, pill, or fade, just get softer and softer.

Each Skein has 100 grams and 143 yards, and the recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches square on a 3.75mm needle. $17 each.

Check out Laura Chau's finished Hemp Ponchette, and her review of this yarn on her blog Cosmic Pluto Knits.

Check out the fabulous designs written for this yarn at the Hemp for Knitting Website. We have most patterns in stock.

Tulip Baby Blanket and New Kits
(Laura Chau took this adorable photo of Fenner on the Tulip Blanket)

We've been winding our hearts out again! We now have four different colourways to choose from! We have also put together large kits for the Frolic colourway and the Berry colourway, so that you can either knit a larger Tulip Sweater (the pattern is now sized up to six years), or you can knit a 6-9 month sweater and have enough left over for a Baby Blanket (as pictured above in the Frolic colourway).

The Tulip Baby Blanket is a free pattern with the purchase of any kit, just remind us to throw one in! Here are the three other colourways we have available:

The Original Tulip Sweater Kit, sized for 6-9 months, $40 includes 8 colours of yarn and pattern
 
 
 
 
 

The Original Rocketry Sweater Kit, sized for 6-9 months, $40 includes 6 colours of yarn and pattern
 
 
 
 
 

The Berry Colourway Tulip Kit, available in the large kit, to make a size six sweater, or a baby sweater and blanket, $79 includes 8 half balls and pattern.
 

Funky Sock Monkey Kits from Blue Moon
Knit in true sock form, with afterthought mouth and bottom and with your choice of double-points, two circs, or Magic Loop. What a fun summer project!

Kit includes: The pattern and two 3.5 oz. skeins of Socks that Rock Heavyweight in complimentary monkey colors. Enough yarn to make a large and a small monkey or several small monkeys ($38). We also have just the pattern for sale. ($8)

We also have lots of Socks that Rock lightweight (A box of Rare Gems arrived on July 10) and Silk Thread.

Spring News

Hello Knitsters!
It's finally starting to feel like Spring! Lots of fresh new yarns, books, and knitting bags have been arriving, fueling our Spring Fever for warmer weather knits. We have also just put the finishing touches on our class schedule, so take a look and give us a call to reserve your spot! Learn something new this season! Finally, this April we are pleased to welcome the books of some of our bestest friends, "Things I Learned From Knitting" by the Yarn Harlot, Stephanie Pearl McPhee, and "More Big Girl Knits" by Amy Singer and Jillian Moreno. Join us for Amy and Jillian's book launch on April 26 - details below!

P.S. Yes, we still have Socks that Rock in lightweight and mediumweight (pictured above) along with several other Blue Moon yarns - Laci, Geisha, and Silkie!

Keep Knitting,
Megan
 

New and Inspiring

In this issue...
* Destination Alchemy
* Brand New Lexie Barnes Prints and Styles!
* Spring Yarns from Berroco
* More Big Girl Knits Book Launch
* More New and Noteworthy!
 
* Spring Classes and Dye Workshop Info!

Destination Alchemy
Designs for Silken Straw, Silk Purse and Haiku

Destination Alchemy by Alchemy Yarns is now in stock! This lush book features patterns for sweaters, tanks, shawls and accessories in three of Alchemy's gorgeous handdyed yarns - Silken Straw, Silk Purse and Haiku. See all the projects here!

Silken Straw - 100% silk in a multistrand ribbon-style yarn. 236 yards/40 grams. $26 for Elements (semi- solids), $28 for Colorways (multis).

Silk Purse - 100% smooth, soft silk. 163 yards/50 grams. $26 for Elements, $28 for Colorways.

Haiku - 40% silk, 60% mohair. Super soft and fluffy! 325 yards/25 grams. Now just $18 for the Elements, $20 for the Colorways.

Brand New Lexie Barnes Prints and Styles!
New Lexie Barnes prints are now in! Three new prints available in multiple bags, needle cases and handy pouches.

The Gem bag (shown above in Pacifica) is perfect for holding just the essentials when you're on the go - keys, phone, and a little sock project too! Available in all prints for just $49.

The Darling bag (shown in Diablo) is a medium-sized bag great for your everyday toting or travel. Lots of interior pockets mean that you'll always have everything at hand. Available in all prints for $140.

The Superstar (shown in Utopia) will hold everything you need and more! This messenger-style bag features magnetic clasps and lots of interior and exterior pockets. Available in all prints for $180.

Also available in new prints: the popular Lady B bag ($160), notions bags in a variety of sizes ($12-$26), the Betty straight needle case ($65), the Kitty circular needle case ($65) as well as the brand new Dottie crochet hook case ($49).

Spring Yarns from Berroco
We've got loads of great colours in soft cotton and linen blends from Berroco, perfect for all your spring garments and accessories! Also in stock, pattern booklets for each yarn and the fabulous Norah Gaughan's Volume 2.

Linen Jeans - 70% rayon, 30% linen ribbon yarn. 80 yards/50 grams, $8.

NaturLin - 45% linen, 55% rayon. 115 yards/50 grams, $8.

Touche - super soft 50% cotton, 50% modal. 89 yards/50 grams, $6.

More Big Girl Knits Book Launch
Lettuce Knit is excited to host a book launch party to celebrate the release of "More Big Girl Knits" by Amy Singer and Jillian Moreno!

Come on down and see samples from the book in person and pick up your very own copy. Amy promises both cupcakes and door prizes!

Join us Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 7 pm, following the Knitter's Frolic!

More New and Noteworthy!
 
Green Mountain Spinnery Yarns
Mountain Mohair - 30% mohair, 70% wool, worsted weight, 140 yards/2oz, $14. Sylvan Spirit - 50% fine wool, 50% Tencel, DK weight, 180 yards/2 oz, $13.

Manos Silk Blend - This is a fantastically soft blend of 30% silk and 70% merino wool from Manos del Uruguay, available in many of their wool colorways. 150 yards/50 grams, DK weight, $12 for solids and $13 for multis.

Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn is finally here! 462 yards/100 g, $19.

Denise Interchangeable Needles Organizers - Now in stock! $69.

Beautiful Danforth Pewter buttons

New Stock of The Fibre Company's Terra!

New 400 colour series from Dream in Color in Classy (worsted), Smooshy (sock), and Baby (lace)!

January 2008

Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed your Holidays, and found some quiet time to curl up with your needles and a good yarn!

Check out our Winter Class Schedule, packed with some exciting new classes and some oldies but goodies. Register soon, by phone or in person.

We are also Happy to tell you that we will be holding a Boxing Day Rerun Sale on January 12 & 13 during regular store hours. For these two days, all yarn will once again be 30% off! Why, you ask? Well, the following days, January 14, 15, & 16, Lettuce Knit will be closed for business, in order for us to put down new flooring in the shop. The less yarn we have to move on Sunday night, the better, so help us put another dent in our inventory!

We will be reopening on Wednesday, January 16 at 6pm to show off our shiny new floors, and of course, hold our weekly Stitch N'Bitch.

Keep Knitting,
Megan