Made in September, 2020 Craft: knitting Pattern: Nightshift by Andrea Mowry Yarn: Painted Sky in several different colourways, see notes Size: n/a Needles: 5.00mm/US 8 Gauge: 20 stitches x 28 rows = 10cm/4″
Our notes: The ever-present Nightshift. Andrea Mowry has gotten a lot of mileage out of this stitch pattern, and she’s very clever with it. This is (I think) the OG version of the shifting colour stitch, and while lots of folks have had luck making it with solid colours, it is designed to work with a yarn that slowly changes colours. So not a variegated or gradient yarn, but one that “shifts” from colour to colour in a slower manner. It gives the effect of your having used many many different colours. The yarn she wrote it for is a little pricy for some budgets, and we really liked making it with Knitting Fever’s Painted Sky. It’s a nice squishy worsted weight that comes in tons of lovely colours. We used one ball each of: Pinot Noir (A) Rose Sorbet (B) Victorian Mosaic (C) Amazonas (D)
Changes made to pattern: we didn’t exactly follow as written. – did the increases as a backwards loop instead of a M1. This is a great substitute for shawls knit in this way because an increase that uses the yarn from the previous row pulls the increase-edge in and causes it to buckle and curl.
Sections went as follows: AB AC AD BA BC BD CA CB CD AD Cast off
I did run out of colourway C before finishing the CD section, so I just added the remainder of colour A in place of colour C when I ran out. I then kept going with the AD section until I started to run low, and then cast off. Finished with a 1×1 mosaic instead of the 2×2 as a result. Shawl is quite large enough.
Location: this is a store sample and can be visited in-shop (when we’re open)
YU Project: Quarter Section Blanket in Trailhead Yarns Yosemite
Our notes: A fun and fast baby blanket for those last minute baby shower gifts you need. The yarn is all cotton and partially recycled. It’s lovely thickness makes a nice, heavier-than-average baby blanket and would also make a beautiful full-size blanket for grownups.
Changes made to pattern: pattern is written for three skeins but we did it with two and it was still a good size. In order to do so, we cast on 22 fewer stitches to take some width off, and then knit until we almost ran out of yarn.
Location: this was a commission from a friend and has been gifted.
YU Project: Turtle Dove in Julie Asselin Bouclé
Made in January, 2021 Craft: knitting Pattern: Turtle Dove by Espace Tricot Yarn: Julie Asselin Bouclé in “Mouton Noir”, approximately 3.25 skeins Size: 3/M Needles: 6.50mm for main body, 5.50mm for edges Gauge: 14 stitches = 10cm/4″
Our notes: This is such a worthy knit. Easy to wear with any outfit, the yarn is soft and warm. It’s a worsted weight, but we knit it quite loose here and the boucle texture just fills in the space so it didn’t actually use up that much yarn and went rather quickly. We had enough yarn left that we could have made it longer, or gone up one size for a fit more like the one shown in the pattern, but this is just as wearable and would fit better under a coat.
Changes made to pattern: none aside from needle size adjustment in order to achieve gauge required.
Location: this is a store sample and can be visited in-shop (when we’re open)
Black Knit and Crochet Designers
If you’re anything like us, you’ve been a lot of time online trying to find resources to help learn how to be a better anti-racism ally. The fibre community has tons of it’s own issues with racism, othering, exclusion, and many others that we need to work hard to improve. So many of us are new to sitting with our discomfort in this way, and we have found some really great resources out there that have helped to expand our fibre-related experiences.
First, Hypothesis Yarns of Nova Scotia has been filling her Instagram feed with tons of beautiful yarn made by black yarn dyers. Go check out her grid and bring some new beauty in to your feed.
We looked around and couldn’t find a good comprehensive list of black knit- and crochet-wear designers, so we’ve decided to start our own here. Below are some fabulous knit and crochet designers along with a few samples of their work. They are in alphabetical order, so make sure you get to the bottom and enjoy your new favourite designers! We had some help finding these names from Jeanette Sloan’s BIPOC in Fiber, but this list is by no means complete. Feel free to add to it by commenting below or sending us an email.
Today marks four years since the day of our first sale!
An anniversary is a great time to sit back and think about the people that have made Yarns Untangled such a fantastic community. This January, Annabel reached her one-year anniversary! I can’t believe it’s almost been two years, I don’t know where we’d be without her. We were also joined last year by Kelly who quickly became an integral part of the team. She keeps me in line as best she can, and that’s a difficult task! Thank you so much to both of you for all you do!
We said goodbye to Nicole who has moved on to a very exciting future, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for her! Nicole had a very strong hand in forming the shop into what it has become, and I am eternally grateful for the time she spent with us.
Yarns Untangled also went from a partnership to a sole ownership this year. I’m thankful for everything that Brenna brought to the company, and excited for the next chapter in the story of YU.
Over this last year we also completed three separate knitalongs, hosted nine trunk shows, added several new classes from Kate, brought Stephanie on board for more crochet expertise, brought in tons of new yarns, began hosting Queer Stitch Nights, the staff and I finished 19 new projects, and we acquired one new honourary store cat!
We have a few very exciting announcements coming in the next months. I am incredibly excited for what the future holds for Yarns Untangled, and I’m even more grateful for the support of all of you incredible folks. Each one of you is an important part of the fabric that makes our community strong, and we would not be here without you.
Peace, love, and lots of yarn,
-Amelia
YU Ranunculus KAL Rundown
L-R: Simone, Amelia, Ellen, Laura
As of last night, the deadline has passed! Thanks to everyone who participated, we saw some truly lovely creations in this KAL, and some very interesting demonstrations of how a pattern can look different depending on who is driving the needles.
After checking all the Instagram posts, and going through this thread and everyone’s projects, here’s the data:
Most tops made: Although a few knitters started a second top, only Simone was able to finish, block, and post pics of THREE RANUNCULUSES! (Ranunculi?) See the above photo for all three of her tops. Extra points for the added sleeve finishing on top #2, it’s nice to see the top with a non-flared sleeve.
Simone, your prize is a 10% off coupon and a set of numbered stitch markers from Dirty Business.
Most posts: this one was also no contest. Ellen made a beautiful top with her purple Feisty Fade kit, and posted all about it on Instagram. After a total of 12 individual posts, Ellen your prize is a Yarns Untangled mug, and a 10% off coupon for Yarns Untangled.
Random Winner: thanks to google’s random number generator, the winner is Jen H! Jen, your prize is a $10 gift card for Yarns Untangled, and a stitch marker set from Dirty Business.
Thanks again to everyone who participated! We got lots of new folks involved in this one, and that is so great to see. Now we need suggestions for the next KAL! Right now we’re a bit at sea with our own ideas, so some from everyone else would be marvelous.
And a bonus pic of some lovely WIPs:
L-R: Rachel, Laura, Annabel
KAL Poll: Help us pick our next KAL subject!
Following on the heels of our adorable Zooalong, we’d like to keep the momentum going and choose the topic of our next KAL. This time, we’d like to bring it back to the roots of the knit-a-long format and choose just one pattern that we are all making together.
We’re asking for your input on picking our next pattern, and we have narrowed it down to four fantastic and versatile patterns we know you’ll love. Head on over to Ravelry to make your choice. Voting will be open until 6pm on Wednesday July 24th.
This pattern continues to amaze us with it’s versatility. It’s written for a light fingering weight yarn, but it works with lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, and even bulky! It can be loose and airy for a summery feel, or snuggly and squishy for fall and winter.
Yarns we recommend are too many to list them all, but we especially like: Zooey, Drizzle, Marsh Mohair, anything in the hand-dyed fingering catalog, or the new Trickle bamboo/cotton blend.
A brand new publication that we are very into. It might look simple at first glance, but this pattern includes instructions for customizations for any body type. Changes for arm circumference, bust placement, two different neck styles, and more.
It’s written for a sport weight, but with a 16 st gauge, you’ll have no trouble using a variety of our yarns. It is especially well-suited to plant-based yarns like Zooey, Trickle, or either from Trailhead.
We just love this sweater AND this designer. It works on anyone, it truly does. We would suggest Topsy Bulky, Estelle Chunky, or doubling Feisty Fibres or Mineville DK weights.
While it may seem Ursa is especially best for fall and winter, and it certainly does work well for thicker, warmer yarns, you may also be lucky enough to have met the tee version that Annabel made earlier this summer with several strands of Trailhead. It’s just perfect!
Another pattern from Tin Can Knits hits it out of the ballpark! A perfect use of mohair to be fuzzy but not too fuzzy.
It also suits an easy conversion to a tee-shirt and thus would be great in the Zooey or the Trickle, and of course any combo of Drizzle or Marsh Mohair with any of the fingering weights we carry.
Zooalong!
At long last, we have finally arrived at the first knitalong of 2019! After much discussion, the YU staff have chosen what we’re calling a Zooalong: a celebration of animals! Choose a pattern inspired by a beloved pet, favourite wild animal, or local urban varmint. The possibilities are unlimited! Stay tuned to this thread to see what everyone else has chosen, or dig through Ravelry to see what you can find (and then share your faves here!).
For more awesome pattern suggestions, and to see what everyone else will be working on, visit our Ravelry group discussion board.
The Knitty Gritty Details
KAL begins on May 8th and ends on July 10th
Official KAL hashtag: #YUZooalong
Yarn must be or have been purchased at Yarns Untangled, at some point (not necessarily during the KAL)
All of our classes are 10% off for anyone participating in the KAL, and Sunday Drop In Clinics are free of charge! Make sure to tell us when you register for a class that you’re a KAL participant.
Clothing for your animals (unless it’s got animals ON it too) and stuffed toys of animals will not be included for this KAL. This time we’re looking for representations OF the animal, and we did toys last year 😉
In order to be entered, crafters must announce your chosen yarn and project on either the Ravelry thread or on Instagram, using the official hashtag #YUZooalong. Once finished, you must share at least one picture on either the Ravelry thread or on Instagram (we can help with this if you haven’t got an account with either of these, just come see us). If you don’t use the hashtag, we can’t guarantee we’ll find your pattern and you may not be entered to win our awesome prizes.
Ravelry has a spot for you to use the hashtag, but if you’re having trouble finding it, we can help! Make sure your hard work is counted, as these prizes are the best ones we have yet offered!
The Prizes!
(these will NOT be available for sale at YU, so wining the prize is the only way to get your hands on this great gear)
Most metres used: given to the crafter who uses up the most yarn, regardless of number of projects, colourways, or animal. Keep careful track of your full and partial skeins and list them in your Ravelry project entry. If you need help, we and our fancy scale are here for you! The winner of this prize will receive this amazing bag from An Caitin Beag:
Most different animals represented: for those who can’t decide, or who love them all, use as many different animals in your project(s) for this KAL. Perhaps you feel up to tackling this amazing thing! This winner will get THIS fantastic bag from An Caitin Beag:
Random winner: chosen from all of the entered projects (use the hashtag!), this winner will receive this set of adorable stitch markers from An Caitin Beag, and a 10% off coupon to be used at Yarns Untangled!
That’s it! If you have any questions, reply to this thread, shoot us an email at info @ yarnsuntangled.com, give us a call at (416) 603-2338, or drop in and see us in person!
Happy holidays, and a thank you!
We have had the best year yet here at Yarns Untangled, and that is thanks to the kindness and unending support of you wonderful people. Thank you for your love of craft, your passion for colour, and your true understanding of the value of small independent businesses in Toronto. Here’s to an even better 2019!
2018 was an exciting one for us, with many small shifts and improvements, as well as a couple of unexpected occurrences that kept us on our toes.
This time last year, you may remember that we had no water in the store, and that lasted for five weeks! With some support from our neighbours (thanks to Ideal Coffee and KOS for the constant access to their bathrooms, and to Ozzy’s for hot water and cleaning supplies), and some hardiness we didn’t know we possessed, we made it through.
At the same time, we welcomed Annabel to our staff! She has been an incredible addition and we have been very lucky to have her. In 2019, she will return to school and scale back her shifts at YU, but she will still be a regular face around the shop. We are excited to see what the future holds for her!
In other staff developments, we bid farewell to a long time friend and member of our team, Nicole, who has moved to KW to be with her true love and share her skills with Waterloo University. We miss her, but we know she’s destined for greatness and are proud to have called her one of our number for over two years.
As Nicole left, we welcomed Kelly who continues to blow us away with her ingenuity and dedication, not to mention her stunning knitting and teaching skills. Look forward to seeing what classes she’ll be offering in the new year in a later message from us!
Kelly’s beautiful Westing Cowl
Regular visitors will have noticed the “For Sale” sign above the shop, and many have clarified with us that indeed, the business is NOT for sale, but instead, our building has been on the market for a few months now. In fact, we can now announce that the building was officially sold and will change ownership in February. We have yet to meet with the new owners in order to get more information for what this means for us, but rest assured that you will be among the first to know after we do.
The summer months featured some ground-breakingly successful trunk shows, including first time visits from Westlake Knits, Shelridge Yarns, and the Yarn Therapist, and triumphant returns of Feisty Fibres, Trailhead Yarns, and Yarn Indulgences, to name a few. 2019 will bring an even more exciting list of delicious visitors!
For the first time ever, we collaborated with other members of the southern Ontario yarn community and brought in Alexa, of Tin Can Knits fame, to teach a wildly successful Colourwork class! It sold out with surprising speed, and we were very privileged to have her. Look for more events like this one in the future.
This fall’s Knitalong featured the beautiful handdyed yarn of our good friend and yarn crush, Feisty Fibres! This KAL was one for the record books, and brought in more participants than ever!
And the prizes go to:
Namita, for most metres worked
Anna, for best original design
And Rachel F gets the randomly drawn prize!
Here are the stats:
Participants: 23
Projects started: 34
Projects finished: 24
Patterns used: 28
IG posts: 50
Ravelry thread: 54 posts, 3 pages
Stay tuned for info on our next themed knitalong!
We had so many other fun events and happenings this year that it would get a little long here for me to mention them all, but special shout outs go to the Easter Egg Hunt, Topsy Farms’ annual lamb adoption, Romantic Scientist’s fibre line launch (more still available in store!), and Kate Atherley’s Knitter’s Dictionary book launch (who knew we could fit that many people in the store?). Thanks again to all of you who continue to make it possible for us to live and thrive, and here’s to a soft, colourful, and warm new year!
Lots of love,
The YU Team
Dexter, honourary shopdog, rocks his Avoiding Exposure cowl
The Magic Sweater
If you haven’t yet read our last blog post, A Feisty Knitalong, read that first before this one.
Earlier this year, The Yarn Therapist and Feisty Fibres met at a yarn festival, and fell very much into creative love. Since then, they have been working on a collaboration that uses both of their yarns to the full extent of their beauty. The product is The Magic Sweater!
This fully customize-able sweater kit includes enough Yarn Therapist self-striping to make a perfect yoke for your chosen size, and enough Feisty Fibres worsted to complete the rest of the sweater. This kit can be used to make just about any top-down sweater pattern. See the bottom of this post for some of our suggestions. And best of all, we are offering this kit at 10% off if you pre-order by September 26th! Send an email to info@yarnsuntangled.com or give us a call at (416) 603-2338 to place your order.
The yoke section of the sweater is available in 5 scrumptious colourway sets; seen in the main picture above are four of them (L to R): Kelp Forest, Deciduous, Rainbow, and Royal. The final colour not included in the picture is a series of six shades of grey that would match with anything, photo coming soon!
The possibility of combinations here is just endless, but the dyers have a few suggestions of their favourites to help guide you:
Rainbow + PANK! in a Flax Sweater, size 6mos
Kelp Forest + Lemongrass Sass, also in a Flax sweater, size 12mos
Royal + Fierce AF
These five colourways from The Yarn Therapist can be coordinated with any of the colourways from the Feisty Fibres catalog. Although as she is still a newish dyer, she has yet to have a presentable photo of each and every colourway she produces. To get you started, here are some lovely photos of 17 colourways from her roster.
Call Me
Deep
Fierce AF
Foolish Games
Glamping
Gluten Free
Lemongrass Sass
PANK!
Parking Spot
Poolside Punch
Rapture
Raspberry Parade
Sexy Nerd
Slam Dunked
Smashed Candy
Spelling Bees
When Doves Cry
Not pictured here: Crush, Falling, Lucky Penny, Luscious, Mermaids Are Real, Party Like a Unicorn, Roses Aren’t Red, Rust Sleeps, Sweep, Totally Teal, YOLO, and YU @ Night.
So very many patterns will work with these sweater yokes, but we have quite a few recommendations of ones we like best.
Once you’ve chosen your pattern and you know your size, here’s how you choose the right yoke:
Chest
Size
Total Price
Pre-order Savings
18″
0-6m
$48.00
$4.80
19.5″
6-12m
$76.00
$7.60
20.5″
1-2y
$76.00
$7.60
22″
2-4y
$86.00
$8.60
24″
4-6y
$86.00
$8.60
26″
6-8y
$114.00
$11.40
28″
8-10y
$114.00
$11.40
31″
xs
$124.00
$12.40
33″
s
$152.00
$15.20
35″
s/m
$152.00
$15.20
37″
m
$180.00
$18.00
39″
m/l
$180.00
$18.00
43″
l
$223.00
$22.30
47″
xl
$223.00
$22.30
51″
xxl
$251.00
$25.10
55″
3xl
$251.00
$25.10
58″
4xl
$279.00
$27.90
These are of course only the tip of the iceberg of what you could make. Give us a call or come see us and we will help you choose the one that’s just right for you. If you’ve already chosen your pattern, post below and share your wisdom with the group. And remember, get your pre-order in by September 26th to get 10% off!
