The Naked Knitters

3 days left until The Sheep CLOSES!

2010-11-21T20:41:00.002-05:00

ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT - NOVEMBER 23rd, 24th, 25th !!!!

EVERYTHING IN THE SHOP IS 50% OFF!!!

Last Knit Night - November 24th

2010-11-15T15:18:00.002-05:00

Yep, the time has come to say good bye to the fun times at our knit night on Wednesdays at the Naked Sheep.

November 24th will be our last knit night - come out to share in our last one, and to remember all the fun times we have had.

Still Lots of Yarn and Patterns and Needles Left!

2010-11-12T09:08:00.002-05:00

Wowza people - if you think you missed the boat on all the great stuff we have - you are DEAD WRONG!

I went in this morning to check out what was left and to my great surprise, lots of DPNs, the bigger straights (6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm and 12mm needles), bigger circs, lots of patterns, and lots of yarn:

Rowan Big Wool
Cascade Magnum
Freedom Wool
Noro Retro (Noro's newest yarn!)
Rowan Felted Tweed (enough to make a sweater - think Tangled Yoke and Coraline!)
Mission Falls
Malabrigo Chunky & Aquerella
Rowan Summer Tweed
Berroco Baby
Baby Ull
Fleece Artist Thrum Mittens & Socks
Louet Gems
Noro Kirameki
Noro Shirakaba
Classic Elite Alpaca Sox
Classic Elite Alpaca Silk (one ball makes a big ass shawl!)
much, much, much more...

Two fabric covered bust forms/mannequins - each $30.

Lots of yarn in a $5 bin!

Look Ma! this is what is left!

2010-11-10T09:23:00.002-05:00

Last night I took pictures of all the shelves so you can see we really do have lots of yarn left!!! Turly we do. Maybe not alot of yarn with sweater quantities left, but winter is on it's way so you can knit so much with one to three, four or maybe even 5 balls of yarn!

This is what is left of needles. Lots and lots of DPNs...We always need DPNs..whether to use them to knit in the round, you can also use them as stitch holders, cable needles!

Pattern Clearance

2010-11-08T15:22:00.001-05:00

ALL PATTERNS ARE $2 EACH.

Pay cash and we will pay the HST!

THANK YOU!

2010-11-05T07:47:00.001-04:00

The Knitters in this city and beyond are amazing! Thank you to all that have stopped in to show their support and love for the Naked Sheep - it is more than I could have hoped for and imagined. My exit from the retail side of the knitting world is a difficult one and a decision I didn’t take lightly. I will miss my knit night peeps, all the laughs and tears we shared and of course all the wine we drank! The people are hard to leave - the yarn I can totally leave behind (I always know where to find more - Creative Yarns - hint hint!!!)

Thank you also to all the Naked Sheep knitters that supported the shop (and me) over the last two years. Truly, you guys made the shop the awesome place it was…

So - just an update on the clearance sale. Although alot of yarn, needles and books are now in the hands of amazing knitters, we still have a TONNE OF YARN, NEEDLES AND BOOKS LEFT. If you are planning on coming down this weekend, you will be surprised of the amount of things that remain. Boy, did we have a lot of stuff!! Lots of yarn in all weights except for the 16 to 18 stitches/4” range. But all other weights have a great selection left.

Needles are going fast. In two days, our needle inventory was cut in half!

What we do have a lot of is PATTERNS…Oh my goodness that amount of patterns we have is outstanding. If you have the time, please look through them - they are 40% so stock up!

Hope to see you down soon. Have fun!

Sale Update

2010-11-04T08:00:00.003-04:00

If you have not had a chance to come to the shop, do so soon! The shop is jammed packed with people from the moment we open to the moment we close. We have no time to sit and eat...We eat while helping people!

Although yarn, books, patterns and needles have been flying out, there is so much stuff (and good stuff too!) still left.

I predict by the end of the weekend though, there will not be a lot of choice. We have alot of chunky, bulky and fingering weight yarn left. Some worsted, alot of DK yarn.

The needles are going FAST! My inventory has been cut in half and the sale has been on for only four days. If you need some needles to complete your set, please come in soon.

If you have time, browse through our patterns as we have so many...

The Sale Continues

2010-11-01T07:41:00.003-04:00

The first weekend of our clearance sale was insane!!!! There were so many people that came out and I truly am happy you can help me clear everything off of the shelves.

Although it was super busy, there is still a tonne more yarn, needles, books, patterns left. Really and truly!

We are closed on Mondays, but open Tuesday through Sunday.

here is a re-cap of our clearance sale:

30% off regular priced yarn
50% off quite a bit yarn
40% off EVERYTHING ELSE! Needles, Books, patterns, kits!

See you soon!

CLEARANCE SALE!

2010-10-29T22:56:00.005-04:00

It is with great sadness I am writing my last post...The shop is closing and I must sell everything! BTW - knit night will continue until the end!

Starting on October 30th until everything is sold, we are having a sale on everything!
30% off all yarn (alot is already marked down to 50%). Come for first choice - there are so many great yarns you don't want to miss out on:

sweet georgia cashsilk lace
rowan yarns (cocoon, big wool, felted tweed)
berroco (peruvia quick, lustra, alpaca fine
malabrigo (rasta, chunky, worsted, lace! - and great colours too!)
painted fleece
silky wool
cascade 220 and superwash, eco (colours, heathers and naturals)
noro (silk garden, retro, bonbori and many more!)
freedom spirit
mission falls
alot of cottons
AND SO MUCH MORE (that I can't name because I cant remember everything we have!)

40% off everything else! Roving, books, magazines, patterns, roving, spindles, kits, bags, buttons! Stock up soon - items will go very, very, very quickly.

We are also selling the Ikea Units ($40), some samples (mostly scarves), the table ($50), shelving units (the ones the book are housed in - $25 each)

EVERYTHING MUST GO! Everything Must Go!
**EVERYTHING IN THE SHOP MUST BE SOLD ASAP!**
**EVERYTHING IN THE SHOP MUST BE SOLD ASAP!**
**EVERYTHING IN THE SHOP MUST BE SOLD ASAP!**

Child's Poncho

2010-10-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Call me crazy, but I think the poncho craze is about to hit us again! Thankfully they are pretty quick to knit up and little kids looks super duper cute in them.

I used the Yarn Harlot's Poncho pattern, however used a thinner yarn and small needles - and viola - instantly down sizes to fit a child!

This poncho was knit with two skeins of cascade 220 and I used a third for the fringe on 6mm needles. There is enough left over of the 3rd skein to knit child size mittens or fingerless ones!

Sweet Georgia Cashsilk Lace!

2010-10-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

The new yarns are just pouring into the shop and we are trying to keep up with blogging about them and knitting samples. Sweet Georgia's super yummy Cashsilk yarn arrived on Friday and holy cow, it is definitely a knock out!

The fibre content is insane - 45% cashmere, 55% silk! 400 yards for $36. One skein will make a nice scarf or two skeins for a beautiful lace shawl. This dyer is Canadian, from Vancouver and her colour sense will knock you off your feet.

Felicia designed a free easy fast lace scarf - find the pattern HERE.

One Day Beret!

2010-10-27T06:00:00.002-04:00

And we mean it - this hat took one day to complete! Sarah used the One Day Beret pattern with one skein of Berroco's Campus yarn.

We love this yarn, a mix of wool, acrylic and alpaca - $10/skein, knits up beautifully and looks amazing. This yarn is perfect for almost anything you want to knit - from accessories to sweaters. We have 10 colours and they are all stunning.

I think a matching big ass chunky cowl would go quite nicely with this beret.

Toast

2010-10-26T06:00:00.002-04:00

Winter is on it's way and you need to be prepared! Toast is the perfect fall and winter accessory! Knit two skeins of Diamond's Donegal Cashmere and at $5 bucks a skein, you can knit up these necessary items for $10!

These can be worn as sleeves under 3/4 length sleeve sweaters, pulled over your hands outside and then pushed up when your hands are well, toasty!

We have a matching hat and cowl to match - because being matchy matchy is important, non?

The cowl is knit with two skeins of Malabrigo Chunky! HMMMM, so soft, so freaking soft.

Another Elsewhere!

2010-10-25T06:00:00.001-04:00

Everytime I finish a knit, I swear it is my favourite - I can't help it. I knit so much, that it is hard to choose just one that I love more than anything. But this one is no different. I've knit it BEFORE. I'll knit it again, really I would.

This Elsewhere was knit with 2.5 skeins of Eco Plus in Black. Pain to pick up stitches this time around because I could only pick up stitches during the day.

Elsewhere is one of those sweaters that I expected more people on Ravelry to knit. It fits every single body type! You can use most any worsted or aran weight yarn and it knits up faster than you think.

Drops Cardi!!!!

2010-10-24T06:00:00.002-04:00

Another sample is off our needles. I totally love this one as well, no surprise there. Knit with seven skeins of Debbie Bliss Chunky Tweed on 7mm needles, it knits up so fast. Each piece could be knit in one evening - so you could have a sweater/jacket in one week! Wow.

You can find the free pattern here!

Another great yarn you could use for this sweater is Berroco Campus. It is tweedy and has a great halo that would look amazing!

New Sample The Caplet

2010-10-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

I LOVE THIS CAPELET! I just finished knitting Pure and Simple's newest pattern with two skeins of Berroco Lustra on 6mm needles.

I am so surprised how well it sits on my shoulders and how comfortable it is. This is the perfect thing to wear to keep warm while driving, watching TV, working at the computer. You can knit this in any worsted to aran weight yarn - the sky is the limit!

Sirdar Vest

2010-10-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Oh my goodness, look at this little guy wearing the cutest vest E.V.E.R!! Lorraine knit this great little vest with 2.5 balls of Sirdar Baby Bamboo, a wool/bamboo machine washable yarn.

It is heaven to knit with and Sirdar has amazing pattern support. We have so many Sirdar patterns to choose from you will not know what to knit with first.

Berroco Comfort Baby

2010-10-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

More yarn!! We totally love opening new boxes especially when it is great yarn to knit baby items with. Berroco Comfort baby, each ball is 50/50 nylon acrylic blend, 224 yards for $5!

Two balls is enough for a newborn sweater! Or one for a hat and bootie set.

New Yarn - Bocciolo (say that 5 times fast!)

2010-10-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

the newest yarn we received - Bocciolo was just screaming to be knit up into a scarf! Sarah knit two balls of this yarn on 12mm needles.....

Each Bocciolo has 92% Wool and 8% acrylic and cost $11.99. Perfect for gift giving and is an absolute instant gratification knit! What more can you ask for?

We have reds, blacks, creams, purples and blue colourways.

Learn To Knit Socks!

2010-10-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Learn to Knit Socks!

Keep your feet toasty warm – learn how to knit socks! We will teach you how to knit socks from the top down using DPN’s. You will learn how to make the gusset heel, short rows, picking up stitches, toe decreasing and grafting. Be forewarned, socks can become highly addictive. Participants must know how to use DPNs, knit, purl and cast off.

Price: $40. Please bring 4mm DPNs, worsted weight yarn to the first class. For the 2nd class you will need sock yarn and 2.5mm DPNs.

Dates: October 29th and November 5th from 6-8pm

Class Length: 2 – two hour sessions

Instructor: Kate Atherley

Cedar Leaf Shawlette Class - 3 spots left!!!!

2010-10-18T09:55:00.002-04:00

Cedar Leaf Shawlette – See our Sample!

A beautiful crescent shaped, little shawl that drapes beautifully around your shoulders and looks absolutely stunning wrapped around your neck as a scarf. The curved shape of the shawl is created through the use of short rows. The leafy border is knit on once the body of the shawl is completed.
Students must know how to cast on, knit, purl and cast off.

PRIOR TO FIRST CLASS – YOU NEED TO CAST ON 270 STITCHES and KNIT 6 Rows!!!!

Price: $40, please bring pattern found at nevernotknitting + 500 yards of DK weight yarn and 5mm needles.

Dates: October 31st and November 7th from 10 am to Noon
Class Length: 2 – two hour session
Instructor: Kate Atherley

Noro Retro

2010-10-16T06:00:00.002-04:00

We received all 10 colours of Noro's newest yarn - RETRO. A blend of 64% wool, 24% silk and 12% angora. 100 meters for $9.95. (oopss only 8 colours were photographed, but trust me, there are 10 colours)

Holy cow people this one yarn you will fall in love with and fall in love with FAST! I picked up the raspberry colour to make a drop stitch scarf and Brooklyn Tweed's Habitat hat.

Beautiful combo, non? Knitting with this yarn is absolute HEAVEN with a capital H!

Learn to Felt

2010-10-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Learn to Felt – Wet and Dry! October 26th and November 2nd 7-9pm

We get loads of questions about felting and so we listened and designed a class to help you understand how to wet AND dry felt.

In the first class you will wet felt a square using a bucket of hot water and plunger. Once that is done, you will learn how to wet felt a bead!

In the 2nd class you will needle felt on the dried felted pieces you worked on during the first class.

HOMEWORK: you need to knit TWO squares prior to the first class:

Cast on 30 stitches and knit 30 rows, cast off. Repeat for 2nd square.

Price:$65. Everything is included – enough cascade 220 yarn for two squares, bucket, plunger, felting needle and 7mm needles.
Class Length: 2 – two hour sessions
Instructor: Missy Westgate

Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a titch wet!

Felted and non felted sqaures:

Felted Beads:

You will receive this purse pattern to make after you aquire your brand new felting skills:

October Newsletter Posted!

2010-10-04T10:06:00.002-04:00

I just sent out our October 2010 newsletter this morning! Here is the LINK and here are the highlights:

25% off Silky Wool
25% off in stock Namaste bags (there are only a few left!)
New yarn, spindle kits, roving, books
A tonne of new samples to inspire you! From accessories to sweaters and everything in between.

October and November 2010 Classes

2010-09-30T14:52:00.010-04:00

Learn to Knit
Lets us teach you how to knit! In this 3 session class, we will show you all you need to know to get you started and challenge you to start your 1st project.

1st class: Cast on, learn how to knit & purl, garter stitch, stockinette stitch and ribbing.
2nd class: Increasing, decreasing, reading your knitting, adding 2nd ball or colour.
3rd class: Fixing mistakes, casting off, importance of gauge, yarn weights, knitting terminology, Q&A .

Price: $60, includes needles & yarn to take home,
Class Length: 3 – two hour sessions
Instructor: Sarah Fay

Next Session: October 18th, 25th and November 1st - 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Next Session: November 22nd, 29th and December 6th - 6:30pm to 8:30pm

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Learn to Felt – Wet and Dry!
We get loads of questions about felting and so we listened and designed a class to help you understand how to wet AND dry felt.

In the first class you will wet felt a square using a bucket of hot water and plunger. Once that is done, you will learn how to wet felt a bead!

In the 2nd class you will needle felt on the dried felted pieces you worked on during the first class.

HOMEWORK: you need to knit TWO squares prior to the first class. Pick up your package at the shop.

Cast on 30 stitches and knit 30 rows, cast off. Repeat for 2nd square.

Price:$65. Everything is included – enough cascade 220 yarn for two squares, bucket, plunger, felting needle and 7mm needles.
Class Length: 2 – two hour sessions
Instructor: Missy Westgate

Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a titch wet!

Next Session: October 26th and November 2nd from 7pm to 9pm

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Learn How To Crochet Hexagons!!!
OMG – this is my newest obsession and I would love to show you how to crochet these gems! All you need to bring is as little as one colour up to 4 colours and appropriate sized hook. I used a worsted weight yarn and 4.5 mm hook.

Please note - You must have solid knowledge of crochet basics, this class is not a beginner’s class.

Price: $20 + materials
Class Length: one two hour session
Instructor: Lisa Farmakovski

Next Session: October 21st from 6-8pm

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Cedar Leaf Shawlette! 3 spots left
A beautiful crescent shaped, little shawl that drapes beautifully around your shoulders and looks absolutely stunning wrapped around your neck as a scarf. The curved shape of the shawl is created through the use of short rows. The leafy border is knit on once the body of the shawl is completed.
Students must know how to cast on, knit, purl and cast off.

PRIOR TO FIRST CLASS – YOU NEED TO CAST ON 270 STITCHES and KNIT 6 Rows!!!!

Price: $40, please bring pattern found at nevernotknitting + 500 yards of DK weight yarn and 5mm needles.
Class Length: 2 – two hour session
Instructor: Kate Atherley

Next Session: October 31st and November 7th from 10am to noon
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Learn to Make Plain Old Mittens!
We live in Toronto, a cold, cold place from November to March, so learn how to make plain old mittens to keep your fingers toasty freaking warm! We will teach you how to increase for the gusset, decrease to close up the top and provide tips and tricks to close up those inevitable holes at the base of the thumb.

Price: $50. Yarn and double pointed needles included.
Class Length: 2 – two hour sessions
Instructor: Sarah Fay

Next Session: November 19th and 26th from 7-9pm
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Learn to Make Thrummed Mittens - 3 spots left
If you or someone you love has cold, cold hands, Thrummed Mittens are the best mitts on the planet to keep hands super duper warm. Knit with worsted weight yarn and bits of roving knitted in, they feel like clouds on hands! You need to know how to cast on, knit in the round on double pointed needles, increase, decrease and cast off.

Price: $60. Yarn and roving included. Please bring 5mm DPNs
Class Length: 2 – two hour sessions
Instructor: Missy Westgate

Inside:

Outside:

Next Session: November 16th and 23rd from 7pm to 9pm
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Brave New Knits!

2010-09-28T10:15:00.002-04:00

Lookie what just came in........See Brooklyn Tweed's post and drool over all the fab projects you can make.

Description

Brave New Knits is the first book to celebrate the convergence of traditional hand-knitting and modern technology. The Internet has made it possible for the knitting community to connect through photos, pattern-sharing, and blogs that document the knitting projects and passions of dozens of designers and enthusiasts. With a Foreword written by Jessica Marshall Forbes, co-founder of Ravelry.com, Brave New Knits includes 26 must-have garment and accessory patterns, all gorgeously photographed by knitting celebrity Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed. Contributors range from established designers like Norah Gaughan, Wendy Bernard, Anne Hanson, and knitgrrl Shannon Okey, to rising stars such as Melissa Wehrle, Connie Chang Chinchio, and Hilary Smith Callis. In-depth interviews with the designers reveal their design philosophy and passions. From shapely sweaters and delicate shawls to fingerless gloves and stylish hats, each of the knitted designs features detailed directions and charts to inspire both the beginner and experienced knitter!!!

Cedarleaf Shawlette Class

2010-09-23T09:35:00.004-04:00

Back by popular demand - Learn to Knit this beautiful crescent shaped shawl:

Dates: October 31st and November 7th from 10am to Noon

Price: $40

Please bring pattern found at nevernotknitting + 500 yards of DK weight yarn and 5mm needles.

PRIOR TO FIRST CLASS – YOU NEED TO CAST ON 270 STITCHES and KNIT 6 Rows!!!!

Mara!!

2010-09-21T11:23:00.005-04:00

In the spring I ordered some Freedom Spirit yarn in about 15 variegated colourways and when the shipment of this yarn arrived, I was a little disappointed. All the colours looked similar and it is very hard to make the balls look appealing together on the shelves...

The yarn has just sat there, and sat there some more so I thought I sample was needed. Plus, I wanted to see for myself how this yarn knit up. I went through pages of patterns in Ravelry and finally decided on Mara, from Madelinetosh - a free pattern BTW. I cast on, knit a few rows and instantly FELL IN LOVE!

This yarn is freaking fantastic.....So much so, that I was loyal to this shawl until the end....It feels so good to knit with the yarn, the shawl is awesome and can be worn so many ways:

I knit this shawl with 6 balls on 5mm needles. Each ball is $5.95.. You can knit a shawl for yourself or a gift for about $36.

Citron!

2010-09-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Another Citron is in the house! This is a mindless knit that looks awesome in small to super large sizees. This one is knit with two skeins of Painted Fleece Naturally dyed fingering weight yarn. With the colder weight on it's way, this is perfect for morning commutes, chilly offices, morning/evening walks - or hey, do ya really need a reason to wear something so fab?

Didn't think so! We also have Malabrigo Lace, which the pattern is originally knit with!

Garter Yoke Cardigan and Painted Fleece Naturally Dyed Yarn!

2010-09-19T06:00:00.002-04:00

Need a super quick baby gift? How knitting the Garter Yoke Cardigan, a free pattern online and for this newborn to 3 month old size, you only need one skein of Painted Fleece's Naturally Dyed Fingering weight yarn.

If you need to knit the cardigan a bit bigger, knit with a thicker yarn, or cast on more stitches with her lovely yarn.

Either way - perfect gift!!!!!

New Yarn! Berroco Campus

2010-09-18T06:00:00.001-04:00

New yarn has arrived. A bulky weight yarn with 50% Wool, 40% Acrylic, 10% Alpaca, 130 yards all for $11.00.

We also have the Campus pattern booklet - which BTW is AWESOME! If nothing in the booklet tickles your fancy, how about knitting Thorpe? Yeah, I like that idea and you know, only one skein is needed! Knit one for you and your friends and family - they will love ya for it!

New Sample!

2010-09-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

Sarah who is now back working at the shop on weekends (yeah!!!) just finished this sweater - Leyfi from Interweave Fall 2010 issue. She knit this sweater with 2 balls of Eco + in a fantastic green colourway.

You need to see it, but it won't be at the shop forever, she will take it back once it starts getting colder, which BTW, I think will be soon. So, if you want a quick to knit sweater, this is a good option.

Blocking!

2010-09-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

Over the years I have learned to love and appeciate the blocking process because it has saved my ass more times than I can count. From making a sweater a titch too small to fitting just right. Ensuring all my stitches lay nice and flat after I shoved the pieces in and out of my bags, left them in a heap on the couch to giving my lace knitting the best look on the planet!

Blocking: you are my best friend EVER - lets be BFFs, I promise to treasure you, really I will. I have also learned some tricks to ensure all like pieces, like sleeves, fronts and backs of sweaters or cardigans are the same length. I am not sure if I thought of this myself or the idea popped up on someone's blog. Anyhoo, here it is.

Lets block some sleeves, shall we? I first thread blocking wires through the sleeve edges of the first sleeve and pin to proper measurements. I then spray the piece like there is no tomorrow to completely soak the piece. I thread blocking wires through the 2nd piece, lay it directly on top of the 1st piece, pin it to the same size and spray that piece like crazy yet again.

Once both pieces are dry I then have two sleeves that are the same size in width and length.

Perfect, everytime:

Ashford Joy For Sale! SOLD!!!!

2010-09-15T06:00:00.003-04:00

I bought my Ashford Joy Single Treadle Spinning Wheel a few years back and have used it a hand full of times. I keep it around because I think I learn to spin, and then decide to knit shop samples instead, so I would like it to go to a good home.

The wheel is portable and has three bobbins. Price: $450.00. SOLD

From Ashford's Website

Ready to go- portable- 4 ratios- assembled and lacquered- carry bag accessory.

This compact wheel is light weight (5kg/11lb) and portable with folding treadle, built-in lazy kate and carry handle. Fold and go – it can be carried easily in cars, as carry-on luggage in planes (check with your airline first as this varies from aircraft to aircraft) and takes up little space at home. Spin a variety of yarns using the four ratios.

The stretchy drive cord does not require any adjustment as you change from one ratio to another and always maintains the correct tension. Treadling is easy with the weighted wheel and ball bearings. The wheel comes assembled and lacquered, ready for spinning. specificationsWheel diameter 40cm (15½ins)Orifice 10mm (⅜in)Bobbin capacity 130gm (4-5ozs)Ratios 6, 8, 11, 14Weight 5kg (11lbs)Timber Lacquered plywoodSize when folded 64 x 40 x 14cm (25 x 15¾ x 9½ins)Included accessories:Built-in lazy kate, 3 x 90mm bobbins, and Threading hook.

lazy blogger - I'll admit it...

2010-09-14T09:30:00.002-04:00

Believe it or not there is so much going on at the shop, but I can't bring myself to blog about any of it. I am finding it hard to find spare time, and even when I do, I can't find the energy or motivation to blog and keep ya'll updated on whats up at the Sheep! Sorry my friends, but believe me, there is a lot happening. We have a tonne of new samples to inspire you...

I will take pictures at knit night on wednesday, I will damn it!

We have new yarns and kits and oh my, I totally need to get my act together.......Soon my pretties, soon I'll post some awesome pics of the awesome stuff we have been receiving.

Love ya!

Malabrigo Worsted & Lace Sale!

2010-09-08T13:58:00.002-04:00

Oh yeah baby - we are making room for the newest Malabrigo colours, but need to clear out some space. For the month of September OR until it is all gone, both Malabrigo Worsted and Lace are 25% off.

That is not all! GO Knit pouches, Namaste Bags, Sock blockers and SOAK tubs are 25% off!

***in stock items, no holds or special orders!

New Spinning Class!

2010-09-05T06:00:00.001-04:00

Kicking it up a notch: Spinning for end use

Can you spin already, but want to take your spinning to another level? Do you find that your handspun yarn isn't quite right for your projects? Would you like to learn how to choose and spin fibres with an end use in mind?

Julia will guide you toward producing just the right yarn for whatever you want to make. You will learn to prepare the fibre appropriately, spin singles using a suitable technique, and ply to give a balanced yarn. Selecting the best fibre for a project, and finishing it properly, will also be discussed.

For this class you will need to bring a spinning wheel in good working order. If you can bring handcarders, a lazy kate, and a niddy-noddy, they will be useful too.

Price: $65 Please bring your wheel in good working order and your own roving/fibre.
Class Length: two - two hour session
Instructor: Julia Lee

Date: September 23rd and 30th from 7-9pm

Crochet Crazy

2010-09-04T06:00:00.002-04:00

This will be the last picture of Jay's crochet blanket, well maybe not, but it sounds good non? It truly is a large blanket - here are two tween girls of good size all wrapped up in it = acting a tad nuts!

Come on now - you do want to make one as well?

Oh and I finished her pillow to match...See:

2010-09-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

I finished this awhile ago, but forgot to take decent photos! On our way up to our friend's cottage, Maddy and her friend "O" were cuddled under Maddy's hexagon blanket. Don't they look cute? I used Aya and a cotton cream yarn for the border. I never thought crocheting hexagons would be so addictive, but let me tell you - they are! Once you start, you can't stop.

Thankfully Maddy didn't want a big blanket like her sister's giant granny square. She just wanted one big enough to cuddle with while she slept.

After searching through Ravelry looking at all the awesome hexagon blanket colour combos, I find one that is to die for! Here is the link - beautiful! I am planning on doing a huge one for the couch in our family room in Cascade Eco and the middle will most likely be scraps of yarn I have at the shop - regardless of type....You don't need that much and it will be grand to use of the odds and ends I have at home and at the shop.

Where did my vacation go?

2010-09-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

It seems that my vacation just two weeks ago feels like it might as well as been two years ago. Ah, such as life...This is what my older daughter wore most of the week:

And this was the view I had most of the week - Jay and her friend giving each other high fives!

Although Maddy did have a cast on her leg, it didn't stop her from having fun - no way Jose!

She did wish she could have tried water skiing, but that would have been tricky.

Learn To Knit Classes!

2010-09-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Learn to KNIT!

Join us on

September 13th, 20th & 27th
630-830pm

$60 – includes yarn and needles to take home

3 spots left!

This is the first full Learn to Knit Class for Fall 2010!

More Last Minute Knitted Gifts Book

2010-08-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

It has arrived and it is freaking fantastic! I loved the first one and the 2nd one surely doesn't disappoint. Here is a link to view the projects....

New Sweater on the Needles!

2010-08-24T10:09:00.008-04:00

wow, it has been awhile since I posted...ooopsss. There is so much going on at the Sheep, frankly I didn't know where to start. A few days before we left for a week long cottage get away at a friends place, I started Tempest with the Painted Fleece Naturally Dyed yarn in a deep red and light pink. Boy, do I LOVE these colours. I am so close to finishing this sweater, almost all five pieces are knit, then tomorrow I hope to block them, seam them and then pick up stitches for the border and collar.

Missy, the dyer behind the Painted Fleece, used all kinds of different natural dyes - the yarn I am using for this sweater is dyed with Cochineal. The deeper skein went into the dye pot first, and the lighter pink went into the same pot 2nd.....LOVE it!!!

Doesn't it look like my knitting is playing in the clouds?

Other dyes Missy has used to dye these beautiful wool/nylon sock yarn are:

Walnut
Indigo
Safflower
Red Cabbage
Hibiscus
Turmeric
Pomegranate Husks
Dandelion Root

Take a look.....

Is Lisa Crochet Crazy?

2010-08-13T06:40:00.001-04:00

Oh you betcha - I am on the crochet crazy train and I am LOVING IT!!!!! I had so many little balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino left from Jay's giant granny square blanket that I just had, just had to crochet a matching pillow case for her.

If I am not too careful though, I might turn her room into a one big crochet fiesta. How cool does that sound, hhmmm???

Here is the pillow I am going to cover (which BTW, I think there is another one somewhere in my house and the moment I find it, it will be covered in larger granny squares!)

Here is the current state of the pillow - one more row to go and a tonne of little balls left over...Just waiting to be made into another pillow:

Close ups...I am trying to become a better photographer and really, like everything I have read, daylight, outside is really helpful...Go figure. Plus I am trying to understand what each of the less used functions of my camera are all about. So bear with me, there are a lot of photos. Such fun!

The last nine circles waiting oh so patiently to become little granny squares:

Although it is a pretty quick project, the 2nd piece will be one granny square in the deep orange colour - faster, only two ends to weave in and then it will be single crocheted together. Oh my goodness, I don't even want to talk about the ends. There are two colours for each little square, there are 81 little squares and three ends for each square. One for the beginning, one for the end, the third are the two ends I knotted before starting the 2nd colour.

That means I weaved in 243 ends on one side of the pillow alone. I don't even want to know how many ends I had to weave in for the blanket. OMG....Insane? Crazy?

Loving my daughter so much that I don't mind? Frankly, I don't want to even think about it anymore. The ends are done, well except for the last nine squares that I need complete the first side.

Can't wait to start the 2nd side - two ends, one colour, one large granny square. Easy.

Fall Interweave Knits Issue Arrived!

2010-08-11T08:29:00.003-04:00

Finally, the Fall IK issue arrived and it is a good one!!! Click HERE for a preview or just get the magazine and enjoy it without knowing what is in there!

Here are two patterns that I JUST ADORE!!!

New Yarn Alert

2010-08-10T06:00:00.001-04:00

Jawoll Magic.....see the pictures....no words are needed to show how awesome this yarn is, non? Okay, a few details - each ball is $19.99, has 400 yards and is enough for a pair of socks. I have to cast on immediately for a pair of socks! See the close up of the freaky yellow/orange/green ball? That is the colour of socks I want! Oh yeah!

OMG - Jay's GIANT Granny Square blanket!

2010-08-09T09:10:00.003-04:00

OOHHH...super exciting news, well for me and Jay! I finished her blanket, weaved in all the ends (about a billzion!) and spread it out on her bed. Take a look:

I used 24 colours of Debbie Bliss' Baby Cashermino yarn on a 3.25mm hook. Most of the colours I used one ball, but a few required two. The grey, orange and purple and maybe a few more. I didn't keep track that well, because I just wanted to get it done. It measures 60" by 60". I didn't block it out, but just laid it down. I followed The Purl Bee's granny square method - great pictures and instructions.

I also followed Attic 24's Summer Time Granny tuturial and frankly there is no other site like hers. Go NOW, but be warned, she has alot of posts and they are all freaking fantastic, awesome and amazing. Only click on her blog if you have time to do so, as all other things will be forgotten. Grab a drink, sit down and hold on because if you ever wanted to crochet, never thought you would, you will after reading her blog. Trust me. I'm a knitter through and through, but now I can officially call myself a crocheter, because of Lucy.

I started on June 17th 2010 and finished the crocheting on August 4th. This past weekend I secured the ends and placed it on her bed! When she came home from a mini vacation with my in laws, she screamed with utter joy that it was done!

I do have quite a few small and medium sized balls left, so I am going to crochet pillows for her! I have a square green one that I bought from Ikea, and I'm using Attic 24's little granny square pattern for one side (basically a two colour two round square) and one granny square for the other. I'm about half done the one side (which is taking forever, those squares are so tiny, however I'm attaching them as I go - brilliant method that I thank Attic 24 for!)

Lucy - if you ever read my blog, please note, I love yours, absolutely adore it, but you have sucked me into the world of crochet like no one else could. Your photography, tuturials, inspiration and unbelievable enthusiam is awe inspiring. Please keep writing and taking pictures - the blog world wouldn't be the same without you!

There is a Flickr picture pool of Attic 24 inspired crochet goodies. If you don't even know where to start with colours, ideas of what to crochet, this flickr pool will inspire you.

New Yarn!

2010-08-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Painted Fleece Seacell Silk blend lace weight yarn. OMG, this is such a great yarn and great value too!

700 yards of hand dyed seacell and silk for $30!

Missy knit up a sample in lightening speed! The Travelling Women, one awesome pattern, FREE, no errors and is one of those shawls that fits perfectly around your shoulders and you don't have to keep fiddling with it to get it to stay!

Missy added some beads for pizzaz and boy does it look fantastic. Come on in and check it out.

Bruises and Breaks!

2010-08-04T06:00:00.004-04:00

During our wonderful beach vacation a few weeks back, my older daughter Jay went mountain biking up at Blue Mountain with her dad and best friend. Her BFF survived the 4 hour long event without injury, but mine was not so lucky. On her 2nd last ride she fell and her brakes got all screwed up, although she and Chris didn't know it. On this fall she came out fine, but on the last run, she fell pretty bad and got all tangled up in the bike and this is her souvenir from the event. Super painful and horrible for my husband to see her legs all around the bike frame!

Although in quite a bit of pain, the very next day she went Tree Top Trekking at Horseshoe valley! I have a tonne of photos but forgot to upload them. Oh well. she had fun and took tonnes of Advil afterwards!

On to the next crazy injury - my younger daughter broke her ankle playing summer hockey! A boy fell on her and her ankle twisted in a funny direction and now she has this on for the next 4 weeks:

Fun times people, fun times.

2010-08-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

We just received more beginner drop spindles! These spindles are hand made by a family in the USA and they are light weight, and a great tool to learn how to spin!

Each one is $14.99 and we have an awesome collection of roving starting at $10! So for $25.00 you can learn to make your very own yarn.

2nd Year Anniversary SALE!!

2010-08-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

Frankly, this is all you need to know, really!!

The Naked Sheep - 2nd Year Anniversary SALE

25% off all regular priced yarn!

August 2nd to August 31st

......no holds, no special orders, all yarn purchases are final sale.....

Update - Granny Square Blanket

2010-07-31T06:00:00.003-04:00

I am getting closer and closer to finishing Jay's giant granny square blanket. It is much, much bigger than this picture here! I do have other pictures but we are having PC issues at home where I upload to Flickr. I think I have about 8 more colours to go and then it will fit her double bed.

Maybe I'm fooling myself, but I think I am close to the end, although you can't tell from here.

I am using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino on a 3.25mm hook - call me crazy, why would I choose a sport weight yarn for my first giant crochet blanket? I have no freaking idea, but I am loving it! I can't wait to start my next crochet blanket - a ripple blanket is next up - except this time I am going to use Cascade Eco in cream, medium and dark brown. I am hoping mine will look similar to this ONE.

Beautiful, non?

Cedar Leaf Shawlette

2010-07-30T06:00:00.001-04:00

Last call to sign up for this class! We have two spots left to learn how to knit the Cedar Leaf Shawlette. Details:

Date: August 8th and 15th
Time: 10am to Noon
Instructor: Kate Atherley
Price: $40, includes pattern, BUT you need to bring or buy materials - about 500 yards of DK weight yarn and 4.5mm needles.

This is a great project to learn how to short row and knitted on borders.

Please note - YOU MUST CAST ON THE 270 STITCHES PRIOR TO THE FIRST CLASS!

2010-07-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

On a roll with the sweet baby knits this month! They are quite, easy and a how rewarding it is to finish something - regardless of size.

Another Baby Surprise Jacket has hit the shop! This time knit with three balls of Noro's summer yarn - Shirakaba. Love the look and feel of this yarn and I;ll betcha $5 bucks you will too.

2010-07-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

Here is a super cute and super easy jacket and pants baby set! We knit the sweet jacket with three balls of Zara Dk, a superwash squishy merino on 4mm needles and the pants with two balls of the same yarn on 3.5mm needles.

Jacket pattern found HERE

Bell Botton Pants pattern found HERE

Linen Stitch Scarf - Done!

2010-07-27T10:00:00.004-04:00

I totally forgot to show you what I finished a few weeks ago - my Linen Stitch Scarf! I knit this beautiful looks woven, although knit scarf with three different colours of Louet Gems, fingering weight on a 4mm needle.

Casting on 450 stitches and then having to knit 5" of linen stitch may seem like a chore, but let me tell you, you are dead wrong. I loved every single stitch and you will too!

I just ordered a whole bunch more of this lovely yarn, so if you feel the need to knit something beautiful, come to the shop and pick out some colours!

Knitscene Fall 2010 Arrived

2010-07-21T09:57:00.002-04:00

we are always super excited when a package arrives at the shop! The new Knitscene Fall 2010 issue arrived and it is super exciting. I want to knit quite a few things......I wish I had the time to knit everything, but until I can stop the hands of time, being choosy will have to do!

Here is a link to the preview...ENJOY!

Beach Bound!

2010-07-13T08:34:00.002-04:00

I am beach bound today for the rest of the week for some R&R!!! And of course lots of knitting and crocheting will occur! My friend lives up in Wasaga Beach and the family is going up to spend some time with them.

Deciding what things to knit and crochet on holidays is quite a task. I don't want to bring too many projects because I won't touch them all and well don't want to feel like I didn't accomplish alot, but then again, I want to make sure I have options. Decisions.....Jay's crochet large granny square blanket is certainly coming along because it would be grand to put a dent in that puppy. I also would love to put a dent in my Elsewhere Sweater (I'm using Eco Plus in Black) and my featherweight cardigan could use some attention. But, after watching an episode of Waverly Place with my kids, Alex, the sister was wearing a cardigan very similar to the featherweight, in a blue and grey thick stripe pattern. It was awesome! So without having a grey colour to mix in, I guess the featherweight isn't coming with me....

I've got so much on the needles and so many ideas swirling around my head, I do hope I bring the right projects. Knowing there are so many projects that could be cast on, is a fab feeling. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all the yarn, but then feel happy I can go into my stash and start something when the urge hits.

Have a great week!

Ripple Blanket - Crochet!

2010-07-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

Lorraine our resident crochet guru, just finished a cotton crochet ripple baby blanket:

Knit with 7 colours of an aran weight cotton, this blanket is super soft, easy to make and babies and moms alike will love the feel of it!

If you know how to crochet and want to learn how to crochet this ripple blanket, sign up for our class scheduled for July 23rd from 6-8pm. Lorraine will walk you through the basics on a small amount of stitches to give you confidence to start a larger one.

Class cost is $20 - just bring yourself, worsted weight yarn and approriate sized hook.

July Newsletter!

2010-07-06T10:31:00.002-04:00

A bit late, but as they say, better late than never. I just sent out our July newsletter and if you are not on the list, go to our sidebar on the right to sign up!

Highlights:

Cotton Sale - 25% off
Upcoming classes - Linen Stitch Scarf, Learn to Crochet, Reversible Cables
Madelinetosh Sock Yarn - MORE ARRIVED!
Snuggly DK - great baby yarn, great patterns & great price - $5.50 a ball!
New Samples - great Christmas gift ideas

Here is the Link!

Cotton Sale!!!

2010-07-05T09:18:00.001-04:00

Help me clear out all my cotton and cotton fibre yarns! for the month of July all cotton yarns are 25% off!

We have a really great selection of cotton yarns - Noro Sekku, Aya, South Pacific, Cloud Cotton, Debbie Bliss Almalfi, Classic Elite Sprout, Pantagonia and many many more!!!

Me loves the granny square!

2010-06-29T14:15:00.004-04:00

Recently I have become very, very, VERY obessed with granny squares and hexagons! So much so that my hands have not seen a pair of knitting needles in about two weeks. After years of trying super hard to understand how the whole granny square business was all about, I finally sat down and followed directions from Attic 24. She is brillant. She MAKES you want to crochet items for your entire home.

So that is what I have set out to do. My first project is a giant granny square blanket for Jay. I used the scraps of our Playful Stripes Cardigan to see if I could crochet squares - and I can! This whole test project has now turned into an obession to crochet a blanket to fit Jay's single sized bed. I am using about 20 different colours, if not more of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino on a 3.25mm Clover hook.

OMG - this is something that I think she will love forever!

Malabrigo Chunky Cowl

2010-06-22T06:00:00.001-04:00

OMG, knitting with Malabrigo Chunky was so, so, so, so SO, SO enjoyable. I cast on 46 stitches on 8mm needles, knit through two skeins and seamed the cast on edge to the cast off edge, and voila - look what I just finished:

It took me longer than I thought it would and only because every single freaking row, I stopped to stare and pet the fabric. This cowl is so big, you can use it as a head cover in the really cold months of winter! Or you can scrunch it up around your neck and face!

This incredible cowl will make great quick Christmas, holiday or birthday gifts for the loved ones in your life.

Toddler Sweater!

2010-06-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Lookie here, I totally fell in love with this sweater pattern when I saw it online! It is Knitting Pure & Simple's newest pattern knit with a bulky yarn.

I knit ours with two skeins of Araucania Patagonia Nature Cotton on 5.5mm needles. The sample is for an 18 month old. If you need to knit a quick gift, this is is one fab option:

Splash Vest!

2010-06-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

When I spied with my little eye Wendy Bernard's newest pattern, I had to, just had to knit it right away! This is Splash, knit with 4.5 balls of Noro Shirakaba on 4.5mm needles. this yarn is a delight to knit with and looks freaking awesome.

All colourways have been re-stocked!

Keep checking back for an update on our Baby Surprise Jacket knit with the super cute pink colour!

Felted Clogs Sample

2010-06-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

We received a bunch of felted clogs kits and no one that has looked at them understand how fast, and easy to knit these clogs are - and how great they are to wear on your feet! Especially in the colder months. I wear them all year round as I have ceramic flooring throughout my first floor of my house and these are great to combat the hardness and coldness of the floor!

These make great gifts too! Christmas is only 6 months away (can you believe it?) and these would be perfect for the loved ones in your lives!

The kit contains more than enough yarn to make a very large pair of men's clogs and I used one skein and a titch of the 2nd one for these size small clogs:

Finishing Class June 25th!!!

2010-06-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

I've heard it all before about finishing - people do not like to do it. Finishing is one of those skills I think you need to be shown how to do it properly. Once you know how, you will want to tackle projects that will put your newly learned skill into action.

On June 25th from 6-8pm, let Kate Atherley, finishing queen/extraordinaire/superstar show you how to do it right!

For $20.00 you will walk out of the shop with renewed confidence to seam all the WIPs you have hidden away at home.

Trust me.....I know you will like to finish after this class....

Learn To Crochet Class!

2010-06-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

Want to expand your fiber habit to include the wonderful world of crochet or just want to learn the basics? This two session class will walk you through the foundation chain, single and half double crochet, double, triple crochet stitches and slip stitch.

During the 2nd class, you will learn how to crochet granny squares, crochet in the round & understand basic crochet terminology.

Price: $40-Includes yarn and hook to take home
Class Length: 2 – two hour session
Instructor: Lorraine Kidman

June 21st and 28th 6pm to 8pm

Namaste & GO Knit Pouches!

2010-06-16T09:49:00.003-04:00

Namaste bags and GO knit pouches are 10% off! We have quick a bit of stock of all the bags at the shop, so come on in and check them out!

Cocoon Infinity Scarf/Cowl

2010-06-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

For those that know which yarns I love best, you all know how much I love Rowan Cocoon. This yarn is so magnificent to knit with and to touch. A yarn that is 80% merino and 20% mohair, 125 yards for $16.99.

MMMM....goooood! So good, we have a few samples, Juliet (she is at home having a bath, but will be returned to the shop soon) , a Squishy Scarf:

and now an infinity scarf! This awesome scarf was knit by one of our sheep knitters, Francine. She used three balls, cast on 271 stitches and knit seed stitch on 6.5mm needles until she ran out of yarn. You can wear this scarf wrapped around your neck up to four times, or you can it hang down low. Your choice. We have some pretty awesome colours from light to dark tones and every in between.

New Patterns!!!

2010-06-14T06:00:00.003-04:00

Glenna from Knitting To Stay Sane blog designed an awesome pattern that I fell in love with when she debuted it on her blog - Royale:

One of Knitting Pure & Simple's newest patterns arrived as well - 106 Girls Cap sleeve Cardigan Vest. I've started the 18 month size in Araucania Patagonia Nature Cotton. I am hoping two skeins will be enough!

Both patterns are $7 each.

Amy Butler Book!

2010-06-13T06:00:00.003-04:00

The mailman is bringing us some awesome things the last few weeks. This is what arrived this week, Amy Butler's NEW knitting pattern book:

I would totally love to knit this dress/tunic on the front, but miles and miles of stockinette stitch isn't something too appealing for me at the moment. Maybe when I feel like mindless knitting, I'll cast on for it!

Each book is $24. ENJOY!

Cedar Leaf Shawlette

2010-06-12T06:00:00.001-04:00

Wowza folks, this is an awesome little shawlette! Designed by Alana at nevernotknitting, you can knit this shawlette with any yarn! This knit is quite long, and we have wrapped it quite a few times around the mannequin's shoulders. Knit with a smaller weight yarn, it will turn out to be a much smaller version, but nice none the less!

We choose Nashua's Cotton/Linen blend yarn - 2 skeins + the pattern = $30 project.

We have scheduled a class to knit this shawlette on August 8th & 15th. Cost is $40, includes pattern + materials. You will learn how to knit short rows and knitted on leaves. All we ask is for you to cast on 270 prior to the first class.

TTC KAL

2010-06-11T06:00:00.002-04:00

It is back - the TTC KAL. Last year we had so much fun and I am really looking forward to it again. I won't regurgitate all the info on my blog - go HERE to the official TTC KAL blog for more info and to sign up.

Like last year, we will have prizes for everyone, food (and lots of it) AND plenty of fun.

World Wide Knit In Public Day - June 19th

2010-06-10T06:00:00.001-04:00

The Naked Sheep is hosting a World Wide Knit In Public event!

Join us on June 19th to celebrate and share your love of knitting, crochet or spinning.

Location:
On the beach at the bottom of Glen Manor, just south of the shop!
Time: Noon til ??
Bring: your knitting, chair or blanket, hat and sunscreen.map link

We will provide water, pizza, watermelon and some fruity drinks!

Please RSVP to lisa@nakedsheep.ca so I know you are coming and ensure there is enough food for you!

Feel free to forward this invite to your friends. ALL are welcome

new book!

2010-06-09T06:00:00.003-04:00

I know it is way too early to even start to think about wearing mittens and socks again, but when I saw the patterns in this book I couldn't resist ordering. Summer is the perfect time to knit mittens and/or socks. They are small portable projects and if you would like to try your hand at colour knitting, this is the book for you!

The book is $29.99 and here is a LINK to all the fab projects!

Hiya Hiya Interchangable Needle Sets

2010-06-08T06:00:00.003-04:00

We have received Hiya Hiya Interchangable 4" small needle sets. The set includes 4" tips in sizes 2.75mm to5mm plus cords in 16", 24, 32" and 40" and a beautiful chinese fabric case to store them.

Each set is $67.99.

The set with the larger needles from 5.5mm to 10mm are on back order and will of course post about their arrival.

I quite like these needles. I like how short the tips are, the cords are super flexible and the tips are not grippy (is this really a word?). In fact, I like them more than my knitpicks options and I only just figured this out when I was knitting my Linen Stitch scarf and my options needles cord snapped. I changed to the Hiya Hiya needles and my tension loosened! I found I was fighting with the options needles as they were gripping the Louet Gems yarn quite tightly.

I will give the few tips and cords to Sue, as she likes them and they need a good home to go to.

Drop Spindle Class - June 17th and 24th

2010-06-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

Back by popular demand is our Drop Spindle Class on June 17th and 24th from 7-9pm.

Want to learn how to make yarn using a drop spindle? The spindle is one of the oldest tools used for making yarn. We include all you need to get you started – a drop spindle, some roving and an excellent instructor!

Price: $50.00, includes all you need
Class Length: 2 – two hour sessions
Instructor: Missy Westgate

New Vogue Arrived

2010-06-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Vogue Summer 2010 arrived and we have a few copies left. Here is a LINK to the preview.

June Newsletter Now Available!

2010-06-05T06:00:00.005-04:00

Not on our mailing list? Click HERE to read our June newsletter.

Highlights:

World Wide Knit In Public Day - June 19th

Upcoming Classes

New Stuff....Madelinetosh Sock, Viola Sock and Fancy Sock, Baby Cashmerino, Namaste bags (10%off sale on namaste bags!)

Samples....Gretal, Splash, Playful Stripes and Cedar Leaf Shawlette

Here is our class schedule - we have great classes scheduled through August!

Finished Object!

2010-06-04T06:00:00.003-04:00

Missy finished this awesome Fireside Cardigan and I had to try it on. I think it looks so good on me that she should just give it to me! Isn't that what friends are for, right??? If you agree, you can pester Missy on my behalf.

She knit this sweater with two strands of Cascade 220 and the results could not be more perfect!

Project Class - 3 spots left!

2010-06-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Sign up for one of our most popular classes - The Project Class, run by Kate Atherley. Let Kate help you through from beginning to end: from reading the pattern, understanding gauge, increasing, decreasing, fit for YOUR body, and seaming! This is class is suitable for newer knitters and will increase your confidence to tackle any knitting challenge.

This class is not just for knitting your first sweater, but can include lace, cables,plain stitches, shawls, socks - you want to knit it, Kate will help you. You can also bring in a slew of projects that are in the final stages of completion, but you are not sure how to finish them professionally.

Please sign up soon, we have 3 spots left, which is rare, as our project class is always full before we even get a chance to post our schedule.

The cost is $100 and runs on June 13th, 20th, 27th, July 11th and 18th from 10am to noon.

Beginner Knit Night

2010-06-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

June 4th is our next beginner knit night. Ask Lisa anything you want on your project(s), get that mistake fixed, get started on something new - anything goes on this night, as it is a night just for you!

This workshop is from 6-8pm, cost is $20. Please call 416.691.6320 to register or pop in to the shop!

Tanis Silk is in the House!

2010-05-31T11:00:00.003-04:00

We just received some wonderful new 100% hand dyed silk yarn from Tanis Fiber Arts. Wow, is this yarn freaking fantastic. 550 yards of silky goodness for $42!

MMMM.....Goooodddd.....

Churchmouse Yarns & Teas

2010-05-27T07:28:00.006-04:00

We should be receiving this lovely set of Patterns from Churchmouse Yarns and Teas any day now. Each pattern is designed to use one to three skeins of yarn, all easy however the results are beautiful. The photos are taken by the ever famous Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed and we have 12 copies of each pattern.

I am hoping to put a few kits together with yarn, pattern, needles all in a great plastic see through project bag. When I saw the linen stitch scarf pattern, I fell in total love with it. I am using three different colours of Louet Gems and I am about 2" into the scarf. Only 3 more inches to go and I;ll be done!

Firefly Sample!

2010-05-25T09:22:00.003-04:00

I finished this great tank a while ago and forgot to blog about it. Man, the heat must be getting to my brain!! I knit this tank with 4.5 balls of Classic Elite Firefly on 3.5mm needles. I made minor modifications -

Knit 1x1 rib for four rounds to prevent edges curling up. Knit an extra 1/2 inch to the body. Knit only 6” icord straps instead of the 10 and 1/2 the pattern states.

Certainly didn’t want to show off the girls that badly!

Here are all the awesome colours we have. You could certainly wear this tank in the winter, pair it with a blouse or under a blazer or cardigan and you have yourself a year round garment.

Swallowtail Shawl!

2010-05-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

I don't think I ever posted about my Swallowtail Shawl. This was my ravelympics project, which I finished before the closing ceromonies, thank you very much.

I knit mine with one ball of Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace on 4.5mm needles. This was a very fun knit.

I knit in beads using the crochet method instead of knitting the nupps. Looks better, I think.

Viola Sock and Fancy Sock!

2010-05-23T06:48:00.000-04:00

We just received a new batch of Viola Sock, a merino/nylon blend hand dyed in beautiful colours.Each skeins is $24 and has enough yardage to make a man's pair of socks!

We also received Viola's Fancy Sock - an aplaca/silk/cashmere blend yarn that frankly isn't used to knit socks, but usually cowls, shawls, hats....small accessories. Each 427 yard skein is $44.

Madelinetosh Yarn!

2010-05-22T06:00:00.002-04:00

We are a very excited yarn store - we carry Madelinetosh Sock Yarn! Woo hoo! We brought it the Frolic with us on May 8th, and sadly we have less than half left at the shop. The texture and colours are so amazing, I love each and everyone one of them. Each skein contains 395 yards and cost $26.

I have just placed another order for more sock yarn and their Pashmina DK/sport weight yarn, which should arrive hopefully in time for the TTC KAL, scheduled 10th. As we receive more details about the TTC KAL event, we will blog about it.

New Books!

2010-05-21T06:00:00.003-04:00

We received two new books that are out of this world awesome:

Veronik Avery's new book - Knitting 24/7: 30 Projects To Knit, Wear, And Enjoy, On The Go And Around The Clock:

and

Anne Budd's newest title - Knitting Green: Conversations and Planet Friendly Projects

Whisper Cardigan now Available Online!

2010-05-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Whisper Cardigan was all the range when the IK Knit's Spring 2009 issue arrived on newstands and at yarn stores. Heck, I knit one myself with a yarn called Cadenza:

So many people wanted to get their hands on this pattern, but it was only available in that issue, until NOW!

Hannah Fettig re-designed this sweater for better fit and is now called the Wispy Cardi! You can find the pattern HERE.

I think I like the new and improved version, which includes tapered sleeves, ribbing at the sleeve cuff and bottom of sweater. The newly written pattern is knit with Malabrigo Lace, which we have a tonne of and is so awesome to knit and wear.

Gretel Sample

2010-05-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

We are on a roll people! Here is another sample we knit using Noro's new lace weight yarn, Sekku. A 50% Cotton,17% Wool,17% Nylon,16% Silk blend with 400 meters for $10!!! Holy cow.

Here is Gretel from cocoknits.com. We used 1.5 balls of Sekku on 4mm needles and this fits a 39" bust perfectly. The pattern is written with alot of ease, however I wanted mine to be a bit more form fitting.

Playful Stripes Sample!

2010-05-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

Our latest sample - The Playful Stripes Cardigan byAlana at nevernotknitting.com. Awesome designer, thrilling podcasters and all round sweet person. She has other designs that are just as awesome, check them out on her website.

We used three balls of Debbie Bliss' Baby Cashmerino, and a four contrasting colours. With all the contrasting colour left overs you can knit her free baby leg warmies pattern or a matching hat.

We love DB baby cashmerino so much at the Sheep - can you tell with all this beautiful colours to choose from:

Each ball is $10 with 125 meters. Have choosing the colours for your playful stripes cardigan.

Sock Blockers!

2010-05-17T09:33:00.000-04:00

People are always coming in and asking for sock blockers and now we have them! All complete with our logo. One of our naked sheep knitters brought a prototype by a few weeks ago and I fell in love with them. Use them after you have washed your socks and are waiting for them to dry. They can be hung on a shower rod or outside. Another great idea is to give them as gifts along with the hand knit socks.

Here they are modelled with a pair of recently knit socks by our very own Lorraine:

A close up of the handle and the logo:

My attempt at fancy photography, I fail miserably, but I tried none the less!

And last but not least, a full body shot without socks!

Each pair is $20!

Beginner's Crochet Night! May 20th, 6-8pm

2010-05-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Calling all new crocheters! We are introducing a night just for you. Each month we offer this workshop to help you increase your crochet skills.This monthly workshop is suited to beginner crocheters who need help starting a first project, understanding a pattern, help with anything to get you going or just want to crochet and socialize with other beginner crocheters in a warm welcoming environment.

Price: $20, please bring your pattern, yarn and needles

DKC Knitters' Frolic 2010

2010-05-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Frolic this year was freaking awesome! There were so many knitters at the Naked Sheep's booth that I could believe it! Woo hoo! I loved seeing you all. I've created a set of pictures in flickr - FOUND HERE if you want to go through them.

Here is our booth:

Here are some of the folks that dropped by:

Amy from knitty.com

Glenna - have you seen her latest design? Non? Then GO HERE to see it. I want some patterns at the shop - how do I get my hands on them?

Rochelle - who I met years ago at a Scarborough Stitch n Bitch! Hee hee - just noticed Suzy peeking in from behind.

Friends from out of town - Wendy and Suzy:

Sheep knitters - Suzy:

Patricia:

Jacqueline:

Beginner's Knit Night!

2010-05-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Calling all new knitters! We are introducing a night just for you. May 13th is dedicated to helping you increase your knitting skills.This monthly workshop is suited to beginner knitters who need help starting a first project, understanding a pattern, help with anything to get you going or just want to knit and socialize with other beginner knitters in a warm welcoming environment.

Price: $20, please bring your pattern, yarn and needles
Instructor: Lisa Farmakovski

Learn To Crochet!

2010-05-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

Join Lorraine on May 18th and 25th to

learn how to crochet!

Shop Closed on May 8th!

2010-05-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Hey knitters!!! We are closed on Saturday May 8th as we are at the Downtown Knit Collective's Annual Knitter's Frolic.

Please join us there - we are in booth # 11 in the Kobayashi Hall.

2nd Learn to Knit Lace Class Added!

2010-05-05T09:26:00.000-04:00

Due to popular demand, we added a 2nd learn to knit lace class scheduled for May 9th and 16th, 10am to noon with Kate!

There are only 3 spots left - hurry if you want to sign up!

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We have a class coming up to teach you how to knit lace! Join Kate on May 30th and June 6th from 10am to noon to learn how to work lace stitches, how to read and understand lace patterns in both chart and written form.

Kate Atherley will provide tips, tricks and techniques to make lace knitting easy and fun. We’ll also talk about properly blocking and finishing your lace to show it off properly. By the second class, you’ll be well on your way to completing your first rectangular lace scarf or shawl!

Price: $40 + materials,Includes Leaf Lace pattern. Bring or buy at least 500 yards of worsted weight yarn & 5mm or 5.5mm needles.

This is the scarf/shawl you will be making. We knit ours in with 5 balls of Classic Elite Princess!