Tag Archives: children’s things

New single patterns.

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Many of you know by now to look to the teacart for the latest knitting and crochet books and magazines. When a boxful of books comes in, that’s where they go: front and center, so you’ll always see the newest publications as you enter the shop. Single patterns, however, are sorted into project categories and then filed away in binders, near the front window. It’s easy to forget about those humble binders in favor of the books and magazines, but make no mistake–we keep the single patterns updated, too, adding new designs as they surface and replenishing those that sell out.

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Recently, Anne ordered a pile of patterns from Knitting Pure & Simple and Oat Couture, two sources for single patterns that are straight-forward and simply constructed. These are approachable patterns, using the most basic stitches to create classic garments for babies, children, and adults.

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Many of these patterns would make great “first sweaters” for beginners, and offer more experienced knitters a jumping-off point for modifications, or a simple way to show off spectacular yarn.

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Come by the shop to peruse the pattern binders, for they’re filled with project ideas. See you there!

Colorwork, crochet, lace, and children’s things: the newest books.

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We recently received a shipment of new books from publisher Leisure Arts. This handful of new booklets covers so many techniques and projects that most could be tempted by one or two.

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These two collections from designer Kathleen Taylor are perfect not only for those who love colorwork, but also for those who haven’t yet attempted the technique. The patterns are lovely, but perhaps even better are Taylor’s words of knitterly wisdom regarding gauge, steeking, and color theory for stranded colorwork.

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Avid sock-knitters will be happy to see that Taylor covers lace socks, as well. This booklet gives good guidance on sock construction as well as lace patterning, so a knitter who hasn’t tackled either of those techniques can feel emboldened to try.

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These two booklets focus on knitting for babies and young children. Baby Beanies, as you might guess, is all about hats: a perfect baby shower gift that is quick to knit. Fair Isle Flower Garden, on the other hand, has more intricate patterns for sweaters, dresses, and accessories, all in colorful fair isle.

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For crocheters, here’s a collection of stitch patterns for Tunisian crochet compact enough to fit in a project bag. Stitch dictionaries of any kind can be the key to creating your own designs; this one can also assist in reading Tunisian crochet charts.

 

Look for these on the teacart, where we collect the latest in magazines and books. See you at the shop!

Amimono: the Bird/Little Bird Trunk Show.

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Another gorgeous Trunk Show has arrived at the shop, this time featuring garments from Helga Isager’s Amimono Book 4, the Bird/Little Bird Collection.

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We have three garments from the Bird Collection and two from the Little Bird Collection, ie: three sweaters for grown ups and two for little ones.

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It’s always a treat to see the Isager yarns in finished pieces, and to get a better sense of the lightweight but sturdy fabric they create. Come by the shop to see and touch these garments for yourself!

Ann Norling patterns.

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We recently replenished our supply of single patterns by designer Ann Norling.

These are basic, simple designs for babies, children, and adults, written in multiple gauges and plenty of sizes. This gives the knitter maximum flexibility, a template to customize according to the yarns they’ve chosen.

This also makes her patterns good for new knitters, or anyone who just wants to make a basic something, without complex patterning or shaping.

You’ll find Ann Norling’s patterns in our pattern binders by the front window, which are sorted by type of garment. See you at the shop!

Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf.

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My niece recently turned three, and while I was visiting her on her birthday, she noticed my knitting. She climbed into my lap to see what I was doing with my handful of tiny double pointed needles, and how I was turning that bright red yarn into a sock. “I need my own knitting needles,” she said, and I realized how excited I was to teach her to knit. She’s not quite old enough yet, but one day, when she’s ready, I’ll be so glad to show her how it’s done.

Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf is a children’s book about exactly that moment: a child learning to knit. Written by Alana Dakos, one of the designers who brought us last year’s Coastal Knits, Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf is friendly and encouraging, acknowledging that most young knitters’ first attempts are less than perfect. With patience and lots of practice, Annie learns to knit.

This week, we got the Deluxe Edition Gift Set of Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf, complete with paper dolls in sweet handknits, stickers, and a puzzle. I can think of no better gift for an aspiring young knitter, especially when paired with needles and yarn.

Come by the shop to take a peek at this sweet storybook. And if you haven’t yet had the pleasure, do thumb through Coastal Knits, as well. You’ll find thoughtfully-designed garments there, patterns inspired by the coastlines of California and Maine.

See you at the shop!

The newest books.

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We’ve had several shipments of books in the past few weeks, filling the teacart with a wide variety of knitting and crochet resources.

There’s something for almost everyone here. The whimsical new book by Norwegian designers Arne and Carlos shows how to design and clothe the Knitted Dolls it’s named for. Woolbur is equally whimsical, a children’s book about a non-conformist sheep. Cast On, Bind Off and Charts Made Simple are excellent resource books offering guidance on essential knitting techniques: casting on, binding off, and reading charts. Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs and The Beaded Edge 2 give crocheters new ideas for crocheted shapes and edgings. Knitting for Him, Knitting New Mittens and Gloves, and The Sock Report: Vol. 1 are all full of project ideas, perfect for paging through as you consider your next knitting project.

We also got the new French Girl Knits: Accessories, by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes. Hats, wraps, gloves, socks, and more are within. If you like the style, be sure to check out Griffin-Grimes’ French Girl Knits, as well.

Two books by Martin Storey also found their way to the shop–Nordic Knits and Aran Knits, each taking their inspiration from traditional patterns, but designed with contemporary knitters in mind.

And then there’s Knit Red, a collection of patterns in all shades of red to raise awareness for women’s heart health. Each pattern is by a different designer, and the list is long and impressive: Nicky Epstein, Norah Gaughan, Debbie Bliss, Jared Flood, and Ysolda Teague, among many others. Anne has just cast on for this beautiful linen stitch blanket from Knit Red, designed by Michele Orne for Swans Island Organic Merino Fingering yarn.

Come by the shop to browse all our books for inspiration, ideas, and whatever project it is that you decide you must cast on for immediately. We know the feeling!

Wearwithall.

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A new book, recommended by a friend, has arrived at the shop.

Wearwithall is a collection of patterns by the people at The Yarnery, a yarn shop in Saint Paul, MN. The book has a nice range of projects, including hats, socks, sweaters for babies and children as well as adults, and an eye-catching striped stole.

This stole, designed by Theresa Gaffey, is made from the exquisite Isager Alpaca 2 yarn, a fingering weight blend of wool and alpaca. It’s construction is simple, letting the brightest colors from the muted Isager palette do the talking.

Take a closer look at Wearwithall next time you’re in the shop. Be sure to visit the Alpaca 2 as well, and as you do, just imagine curling up in a cozy Alpaca 2 stole. Hard to resist, no?

Extra Yarn.

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A phrase I’m always delighted to hear at the shop is “I brought some show and tell.” Fascinating things are pulled from purses and knitting bags: projects in progress and recently completed, intriguing patterns, years-old handed-down hand-knits, and sometimes most interesting–books. A knitter brought this one in for show and tell a few weeks ago, and immediately, we knew we had to stock it here at the shop. Then Clara reviewed it, and the point was driven home. We placed the order, and Extra Yarn now lives here with us.

Extra Yarn is a children’s book, but its knitterly subject matter and gorgeous illustrations make it equally appealing to adults.

Come by the shop to flip through this sweet storybook. You’ll find it on the teacart, perfectly at home among the newest grown-up knitting books. See you at the shop!

Celebrating Family.

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Another new Debbie Bliss booklet has made its way to the Hillsborough Yarn Shop.

Celebrating Family, as the name suggests, is a collection of knitting patterns for babies, children, and adults. All of the patterns call for sport-weight yarns, either Debbie Bliss Eco Baby, an organic cotton, or Cashmerino Baby, a machine-washable blend of merino wool and cashmere.

Find Celebrating Family on the teacart, and Debbie Bliss Eco Baby and Cashmerino Baby yarns on the shelf just beyond it.

Strikketøj.

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The newest book by Danish designer Helga Isager has arrived at the Hillsborough Yarn Shop.

Strikketøj is a pattern collection well-described by its subtitle: Knitting Designs Inspired by the Pop Culture of the 20th Century. Isager offers a pair of patterns for every decade of the 20th century, meant to reflect something of the style of the time.

Often, she pairs an adult pattern with a child’s pattern, and both are equally chic. If you’re interested in unusual children’s knitting patterns, Helga Isager’s designs are worth a look.



Strikketøj is a must-see for those seeking new uses for Isager yarns. Have a look next time you’re in the shop!