Blanket CAL 2016

This spectacular pattern Sophie's Universe was released last year as a mystery crochet-along by the talented designer Dedri Uys. Now that the mystery part is finished, it's clear that this blanket pattern is one of the most interesting and well-designed blanket patterns available and the generous designer still offers it for free on her website. It's no surprise that I'm not the only one who has been admiring it - we've had several requests to make this our next HRYC blanket CAL. 

One of the designer's 3 finished Sophies. For more amazing examples of this pattern, check out the Ravlery project pages. 

Not sure you've got the crochet skills?

Don't be intimidated by how difficult this pattern appears. The designer has step-by-step photo tutorials for each round! Additionally, another woman has even made YouTube instructional videos for each round. Plus, if you prefer in-person help, we've got a great next-steps crochet class African Flower Motif that will teach you some of the basics you'll need to get started on this pattern.

This CAL will be a great way to try out/practice some more advanced crocheting techniques. By the end of it, you'll be much more confident in your crocheting abilities. 

How big will it be/how much yarn do I need?

The other lovely thing about this pattern is that the designer has included instructions and even calculation worksheets for three different yarn weights to make a small, medium, or large blanket:

4ply: 1.0 meters x 1.0 meters  (3’3 x 3’3), ~2500 meters

8ply: 1.4 meters x 1.4 meters (4’7 x 4’7), ~3300 meters

10ply: 1.8 meters x 1.8 meters  (6′ x 6′), ~3900 meters.

If you'd like help picking yarn for this project, let us know - we're always happy to help. :) 

CAL details

Sign up here via our handy google form.

Post photos/ask questions/get support at our Ravelry thread.

CAL will officially begin on 20 Feb 2016 and follow the original schedule that Dedri used when it was originally released as a mystery CAL (20 weeks).

This popular and beautiful motif shows up in lots of patterns, so we're hosting an African Flower Motif class on Saturday, 20 Feb! In addition to working through this basic pattern step-by-step in the class, we'll also be covering lots of intermediate crochet techniques. This class is perfect for anyone with basic crochet skills (it's a great follow-up if you just took our Beginner Crochet class last month) and for anyone interested in broadening their crochet skills.

Close-up of the African flower motif center (top) of Kate's Sleepy Owl Toy by Janaya Chouinard (bottom)

This handy little motif shows up in a wide variety of patterns, from blankets and stuffed toys to bags and hats:

Happypotamus The Happy Hippo by Heidi Bears

African Flower bag by Gunilla Karlsson

Flower Ripples Slouch Hat by Janaya Chouinard

African Flower Hexagon Coin Change Snap Purse Bag Clutch by Naztazia

Hello, and happy new year! It is with great pleasure I announce our Indie Shelf Project line up for 2016 - it's gonna be a good'un! In the meantime, Knitsch Sock is also back on the shelves, and will be updated online once a week. Hooray!

Each dyer's yarn will go out on the first of each month, and will be in limited quantities. 

February 

March 

April

May

June

July 

August 

September

October

November

Christmas! It's next week! Yikes! If you need a yarn fix, or are still planning to pick up some gifts, we're open regular hours until the 23rd of December. 

For our out-of-towners (or even the locals who need needles / yarn / company), we'll be open for the first time ever between Christmas and New Year. 

Here's all the stuff you need to know (dates are inclusive):

If you'd like guaranteed NZ shipping pre-Christmas, be sure to have your order with us by Thursday 17 December. Online gift vouchers are sent by email so you can nab those anytime.

We'd also like to take the time to thank you all for your support this year - we really, seriously appreciate it. 2016 is going to be amazing - so have a wonderfully restful break, get lots of knitting done and take care!

xx Tash, Claire, Jen & Kate

As I made breakfast this morning, and looked out the window at the sun-filled valley I live next to, my mind was preoccupied with what cardigan to wear today. While my wardrobe is filled with cosy, winter-weight cardigans, it's a bit lacking in something light enough for warmer days. 

So, here's some ideas for lighter weight cardigans, something to pull on in the morning before walking out the door to work. 

Make a Wish by Joji Locatelli (perhaps in Malabrigo Sock)

 Lifesavers by Tanis Lavallee (perfect for using up sock yarn scraps!)

Lineal Cardigan by Hannah Fettig (for the lovely linen yarn, Sparrow)

Laika by Ysolda

Louise Light by Carrie Bostick Hodge in Quince & Co Finch 

Would it be wrong to cast on five new cardigans in one day? ....