Tape Measures

These cute tape measures printed with the Cafe Knit logo have arrived just in time for Christmas.

Measuring 5cm in diameter, with a black button to retract the tape, the tape measure is printed with centimetres on one side, and inches on the other and measures 150cm or 60 inches.  At just £1.50 each they are a perfect price and size for your notions case!

Dom's Pumpkin Hat

 I couldn't resist!  Dom has been pointing at pictures of hats and his head, and the poor thing doesn't possess a hat that fits him, and I thought since Halloween was approaching.....!!  Of course now i have finished it he is not interested in wearing it!!

This supercute cute pumpkin hat knitted up in 2 evenings using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (shade 33 pumpkin) and Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran (Shade 09 Green).

The pattern is available for free here:

http://randomstitches.wordpress.com/2008/01/11/hello-world/

It is called the 'Baby Berry Hat' and is designed by Michele Sabatier .  You can make it as a tomato/strawberry in red, a raspberry...the possibilities are endless.  I'll certainly be making some more!

Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine Autumn/Winter 2010

It's here!  Issue 5 of the Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine was delivered at 10am and I have just finished packing all the pre-ordered magazines, just in time to catch the afternoon post, so some lucky people should receive it tomorrow morning.

I haven't had a chance to look at it yet - I think I'll save it for tonight over aa nice glass of white wine! And I'll report back on the contents tomorrow....!

My big sister will hate me for this....

...but I can't resist!

Going through old photos for my Mum and Dad's 50th wedding Anniversary a few weeks ago, my brother came across this photo.

The Ultimate in 1963 children's knitwear!  I don't know whether my Mum or one of my grandmothers was responsible!

Mirasol Hacho Tank Top

I'm well into my Christmas Knitting already (only 94 knitting days left till Christmas!) but I can't post any pictures of my completed gifts, incase a recipient happens to be reading this!  All the gifts so far have come from The Knitters Year, by Debbie Bliss - a fantastic book if you like knitting simple, lovely gifts.

Instead, I will share a picture of the gorgeous tank top I made for Dominic on our summer holiday.  It took just 3 skeins of the sadly discontinued Mirasol Hacho, which are on sale at http://www.cafeknit.com/ at just £4.50 and I made it in the gold/olive/blue colourway.  It was a dream to knit with and I love the finished result.

Debbie Bliss The Knitters Year

The last of many new Debbie Bliss books for Autumn Winter 2010 arrived in store this week and boy was it worth the wait!  If you are a fan of Debbie's beautiful, simple designs, then The Knitters Year is an absolute must for you.  After a quick browse I have kept one aside for myself!  It is packed full of beautiful projects, each one designed to be completed in less than a week and some only take a few hours.  I think all my Christmas gifts can be knitted from this book (if I start right now!).  You name it, it's got it; from sweet bookmarks, tealight covers, bags, scarves, belts - there really is something for everyone.

Fibonnacci Striped Baby Blankets

It's been a while, but holidays have been providing a welcome distraction recently.  Back to the real world now and a new term of school starts tomorrow....

Before I went on holiday I completed the baby blankets I was knitting for the imminent arrival of twins (well infact I only managed to finish the 'boy' blanket before they arrived and the 2nd was finished a few weeks later. Using the lovely Debbie Bliss Eco Aran (100% Organic Cotton), each blankets took 1 ball in each of 6 colours.  Simple to knit, but so effective.

And whilst I was on holiday, the mother of the twin's (Ellis and Thea) send me this picture of the blankets in use.  So sweet! And worth every stitch.....

My beautiful new mannequin

A lovely friend gave me this gorgeous mannequin earlier this week.  I'm not sure when she was made but she looks fairly old, and the facial features look almost 1920's to me.

Anyone any ideas how to date her?

I must find out if she has a name, otherwise I will have to think of a suitably elegant one, Eleanor perhaps?

she will be perfect for displaying knitted items on, especially the Manos Wool Clasica cloche hat I am planning to knit soon ......

Debbie Bliss Magazine Autumn Winter 2010

If Issues 1, 2, 3 and 4 were anything to go by, issue 5 of the Debbie Bliss Magazine (Autumn/Winter 2010) will be a sell out within a matter of days.  Due in stock in September, we are taking pre-orders now, so order now to secure your copy.

Packed full of patterns & interesting articles, it is fantastic value at only £4.50. 

Debbie Bliss Andes, Glen, A Tweed Story, Folk Chic, Land Girl and Snow Queen. Phew!

Debbie Bliss has been prolific for Autumn Winter 2010, with 8 new pattern books and two new yarns, Andes and Glen. All new stock is due to arrive any day now, so we are very busy loading the stock at http://www.cafeknit.com/

The first of these books is Andes, a gorgeous collection of 12 patterns using her new yarn, Debbie Bliss Andes, a beautiful blend of Mulberry Silk and Alpaca.

Then we have Glen, a collection of 12 garments using her new yarn Debbie Bliss Glen, a beautiful alpaca/merino/acrylic chunky yarn with a colourful fleck.

Then we have A Tweed Story, a wonderful small collection of 6 patterns using Debbie Bliss Fez and Debbie Bliss Donegal Tweed yarn

Followed by Folk Chic; 6 wonderful patterns using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK and Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran yarns

Landgirl is a 1940's inspired collection using the Debbie Bliss Rialto range of yarns; Rialto 4ply, Rialto DK and Rialto Aran

My tank top is finished!

Hurrah! Finished 10 minutes ago - just need the weather to perk up again now!

The pattern is 'Honey' from the Mirasol Collection Book 5. Knitted using just 5 skeins of Mirasol Hap'i yarn, a lovely soft, slubby heavy cotton (on special offer at £4.50 per skein!), it has a simple lace pattern which I found easier to knit once I had switched to my new KnitPro Symfonie Wood Straight needles as they are nice and sharp.

I made the smallest size, which was good as it comes up large, and I omitted the buttons at the shoulder as I didn't think they were necessary. All in all I'm very pleased with the results - I will wear this a lot, Spring, Summer and Autumn.

Onwards and upwards, two baby blankets to knit now for the imminent arrival of twins (not mine I hasten to add!)

Manos Wool Clasica Spiral Tweed Cloche

I am in LOVE! With a hat! I treated myself to a book last week (I had a £5 Amazon voucher, so it only ended up costing me £3.09) and it was the best £3 I have spent this year. The book in question is Knitting 24/7 by Veronik Avery, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

You know sometimes you buy knitting books and there is only one or two things you can imagine knitting? Well, this book is not one of those! I can imagine knitting all of them (and with the time I have spare for knitting these days, imagining is probably as far as I'll get!) Although Veronik gives some handy tips for squeezing in that extra odd row of knitting - so I'll definitely be giving those tips a try.

The book is jam packed with gloves, scarves, slippers, socks, a gorgeous skirt (that's on my knitting list too) and this beautiful cloche hat, knitted with just one skein of Manos Wool Clasica. I am dying to give it a try, but I have a few other projects I have to start and complete before then. It must be fate as www.cafeknit.com had just had a delivery of some Manos Wool Clasica, which I had opened and drooled over just minutes before flicking to this pattern. I am going to knit it in Bacchus, shade 6422, which is reduced at only £8.00 per skein.

'Hawthorn' Bag by Louisa Harding in Willow Tweed

I've already knitted a beautiful beret in Louisa Harding's Willow Tweed yarn, just before Christmas last year (from the Little Cake book), but as soon as I opened my copy of Knitting magazine August 2010 last night, and saw this bag I decided I just have to make it. I should make it as a Christmas gift, but I suspect I may keep it for myself.

Louisa Harding Willow Tweed yarn is in such subtle, beautiful colours that all work and blend really well together, but this colourway featured is absolutely beautiful. All the shades are currently in stock at http://www.cafeknit.com/ , I must put some by for myself!

Eucalan No Rinse Delicate Wash

Say goodbye to piles of handwashing lurking in the corner of your bathroom (if you are anything like me that is!) I used to hate handwashing woollen items and always used to put it off until the pile grew too big to ignore, but since I began stocking Eucalan at www.cafeknit.com , it really isn't such a chore anymore. Let me explain!



You simply put a capful of Eucalan in a bowl of warm water (temperature as per instructions on your garment) pop whatever it is you want to wash in the bowl, agitate it a bit and then leave for 15 minutes or more. Then pull it out, squeeze out excess water and dry as usual. It's that simple.

It comes in 4 lovely fragrances (Lavender, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit and Unscented) and two sizes, the smaller one costing only £3.75, so why not give it a go? The Lavender and Eucalyptus also have additional moth-deterring properties....Brilliant!

Debbie Bliss Cotton DK Selection Packs

Perfect for experimenting, and knitting (or crocheting) a baby blanket, throw or stripey cushion, http://www.cafeknit.com/ now has stock of these fantastic value for money Debbie Bliss Cotton DK Selection Packs, which come in either a 'pink' or 'blue' themed colourway .

Debbie Bliss Cotton DK is one of my favourite summer yarns - gorgeous colours and soft on the hands (which some cottons aren't!)

KnitPro Straight Needles

I've wasted no time putting the KnitPro Symfonie Wood Straight Needles to work. And Ihave to confess they are really nice to work with, with good sharp points which are helping me with this lacy 'tank top' I am currently knitting in the rather heavy, but gorgeous Mirasol Hap'i yarn. And they do look gorgeous too!

KnitPro Knitting Needles

I've finally bowed to the pressure from my knitting group, The Harrow Knitters, and my Mum, and just about every other knitter I know, and www.cafeknit.com has taken stock of KnitPro knitting needles and crochet hooks. They arrive tomorrow.

After extensive research (!) , I have decided to stock the beautiful, and popular Knit Pro Symfonie Wood Circular Interchangable Knitting Needles, both as sets (Starter, Luxury and Chunky sets), and as the individual components - cables, needle tips, connectors etc.

I was also advised by the passionate crocheters in our group that the Knitpro Symfonie Wood Crochet Hooks were lovely, so I am stocking those also.

Infamous amongst my fellow knitters for disliking circulars, due to my very odd knitting style (I knit with my right-hand needle propped on my leg; strange but effective and difficult to do with circulars and DPN's!), i have treated myself to some KnitPro Symfonie Wood Straight Knitting Needles, and if they are as good as everyone says I will start stocking those too!

Shamu Makes - gorgeous hand dyed yarn!

These new hand dyed yarns from Shamu Makes are, quite literally to dye for! www.cafeknit.com has just taken its first delivery of them and they are flying off the shelves and onto the needles!

The colours are so beautiful - some subtle, like the Bejewelled Sock Yarn, and some definitely not, such as the Zingy Laceweight yarn, but they are all gorgeous.

Cafe Knit at the Duckpond Market, Harrow

If you are out and about in Middlesex this Sunday and enjoy knitting, come and meet http://www.cafeknit.com/ and the Harrow Knitters at the Duckpond Market this Sunday 13th June from 10am to 3pm.

The market is at Harrow Museum, Headstone Manor, Pinner View, Harrow, HA2 6PX

We will be there selling lovely knitted gifts, fabulous yarns, hand-dyed skeins and knitting bags and accessories.

There is a free car park and it's a shortish walk from Harrow and Wealdstone, North Harrow or west Harrow tube stations. The H9 and H10 buses stop on Pinner View, the H18 & H19 buses stop on Headstone Lane and the H14 stops nearby too.

For more information about the Duckpond Market click here

Calling all Harrow Knitters!

If you live in and around Harrow, Middlesex and enjoying knitting (or crochet!), why not join the Harrow Knitters?!

We are a friendly bunch of mixed age and abilities who meet 3 times a month in various locations in and around Harrow.

The 1st Tuesday of every month sees us meeting at 8pm in the Grims Dyke Hotel, Old Redding (http://www.grimsdyke.com/) in the Morning Room next to the library bar (as long as it's free)

The 2nd Monday of the month is our newest meeting - Come and learn to crochet (but if you don't want to, bring your knitting along!) and that takes place at 8pm in the Oddfellows Arms, 2 Waxwell Lane, Pinner, HA5 3EN (opposite Lidl and the Police Station)

and finally, on the 3rd Wednesday of every month we meet again in the Oddfellows Arms (www.oddfellowspinner.co.uk) at 8pm, for more knitting fun!

bring along your current project to work on or your latest completion to show off, plus your newest knitting books and magazines to pass around and browse through. Everyone is welcome, regardless of expertise and it's a fantastic place to get tips from other more experienced knitters, get honest opinions on your work in progress (frog, frog!) , sometimes we even hold a yarn swap!

You can contact us via this blog, theharrowknitters@btinternet.com or find our group on www. ravelry.com

Artesano Alpaca DK Log Cabin Blanket

Here is my latest completed project: a log cabin blanket-of-many-colours knitted for my friend Michala's imminent arrival.

She is such a colourful person, I just couldn't decide what colour to knit the blanket in, then I came across the concept of the Log Cabin Blanket on http://www.masondixonknitting.com/, so I thought I'd give it a go with 13 different shades of Artesano Alpaca DK.

I love the way it has turned out. The yarn is really soft, lovely to knit with and as a blanket it drapes really well. I had a big debate with myself (and anyone who would listen!) about whether to a) line it and b)crochet an edging, but finally I decided on neither. I think the lining would make it too heavy and the border may detract from the simplicity of the design.

It was difficult to see how it was going to turn out, until the very end when the second repeat of each colour was completed and then it finally came together. I love the freedom of just knitting with no pattern to follow, that's why I finished it so fast (for me that is!)

It was such a success I think I will write up the pattern and make it available as a knitting kit at http://www.cafeknit.com/

I do hope Michala (and Baby Briggs) likes it....

Artesano Superwash Merino Children's Patterns

The first of the long awaited patterns to support the launch of Artesano Superwash Merino DK yarn has arrived at www.cafeknit.com . Tina Barrett's pick'n'mix collection of patterns for 3 to 12 year olds is simply gorgeous. My son and daughter will be well catered for this year I can see!

Bergere de France Creations Autumn/Winter 2010/2011

It seems far to early to start thinking about Autumn/Winter knitting, but the new Bergere de France Creations Autumn/Winter 2010/2011 pattern book has arrived at www.cafeknit.com

This fantastic collection of 39 patterns for men, women and children has something for everyone, as usual the patterns are very stylish, and don't worry the instructions are written in English! And all for £4.95!

Louisa Harding Merletto

Along with the Louisa Harding Mulberry Silk scarf kit, these amazing Louisa Harding Merletto Scarf kits arrived at Cafe Knit HQ this morning too!

For just £25 you can knit one of these gorgeous dramatic long scarves, perfect summer knitting and just the thing to keep your shoulders warm during sultry summer evenings!

Louisa Harding Mulberry Silk

Cafe Knit has just taken delivery of these luxurious Louisa Harding Mulberry Silk Scarf Knitting Kits. I think they are perfect little projects for this 'not-quite-summer-but not-still-Spring' season and would be ideal to take away on holiday with you -you might even finish it whilst you are away and would then have a glamorous scarf to wear on those long hot evenings.....!

Sari Ribbon, Recycled Silk Yarn

Cafe Knit has just taken delivery of our summer stock of gorgeous Recycled Silk Yarns and Sari Ribbon from Frabjous Fiber. The sari ribbon now comes in many many more colours and is simply stunning!

Manos Del Uruguay Lace

A bit later than expected but welcomed none the less, the gorgeous Manos Lace yarn has arrived! Cafe Knit has sold out of some shades already, it really is selling like hotcakes! It's beautifully soft and the colours are divine. I have reserved myself a skein of shade

Vidia, beautiful Autumnal colours and I am going to tackle a scarf when I get a moment - it will be Autumn when I finish it no doubt!

Finished dress!

I finished sewing the ends of the dress in this lunchtime in the sunshine, and here is Milly modelling her new dress. I love the way it has turned out - it really drapes beautifully, and fits Milly really nicely (she is tall for her age so I made a 7-8 year old size). I only made one alteration to the pattern - I picked up more stitches than recommended around the neckline and armholes. I have one happy 6 year old today....

Louisa Harding Albero: A dress for Milly

I don't get as much time to knit these days as I would like, but my current WIP is flying off the needles to my surprise. I guess the main body of the dress is on 5mm needles but still....!

I thought it was about time I knitted something for Milly, and I'm so pleased we chose this pattern and yarn from Louisa Harding Beresford Beach. It's called Rye and it's knitted in Albero yarn which has a lovely feel & drape.

Hopefully I'll finish it within a fortnight, as i have a small knitting commission to tackle - a baby jacket which I'm going to knit in the new Debbie Bliss Eco Baby (I haven't tried it yet, so it's nice to have a project lined up)

Beautiful Glass Stitchmarkers

This morning a delivery of shimmering glass stitch markers cheered me up on this dull damp day.

I'm knitting Milly a gorgeous dress from the Louisa Harding book, Beresford Beach, but unfortunately I don't need to use stitch markers :-( Perhaps I'll hang some from my needles anyway!

Easter Bunny Amigurumi Kit

Just in time for Easter, we have this fantastic Easter Bunny Amigurumi kit, designed exclusively for Cafe Knit by designer Claire Sibley. Priced at £15, one kit makes two super cute Easter Bunnies

Frankie's First Birthday Dress

I have completed something on time! Frankie's first birthday dress (birthday tomorrow!). Started about a month ago using a pattern I bought from Ravelry , it looked so sweet I just had to try it . The pattern is called 'Very Cherry' by Alana Dakos.

I used yarn I had swapped at a recent yarn swapping session we had at the Harrow Knitters (it is the now discontinued Jaeger Pure Cotton). I like the thought that the yarn comes from one of the other Harrow Knitters and has been used to make a dress for another member's daughter.

I love the finished dress and once Frankie is walking it will look really sweet. Dom tried it on over his PJ's (I had to see if it would fit!) and was reluctant to take it off - he is very partial to a bit of pink though!

Manos Lace

Eagerly expected in mid-April, we have just made the new Manos Lace yarn available to pre-order.

A luxurious blend of alpaca, silk and cashmere with an incredible 400m per 100g skein, and available in 12 shades, this is great value at £11.99 per skein. And our pre-ordered stocks are already selling fast, so order today to ensure you are one of the first to receive this gorgeous new yarn!

Louisa Harding Mulberry

If it's luxury you are after, it doesn't get more luxurious than this. Although not a new yarn, Louisa Harding Mulberry is new to Cafe Knit, and we have just had our first delivery of many shades including 6 new gorgeous shades for 2010. 100% silk, but with a tight twist, it looks like it will knit and wear well. I'm itching to finish the project I have on the go and start a new one with this - and I am drawn to the ruffley little cardigan on the cover of Louisa's new book Belle, or perhaps the long lacey scarf....I'll keep you posted on what I decide!

Louisa Harding Belle, Bijoux and Chinoiserie

Still unpacking yesterday's delivery! We are now stocking three new books from Louisa Harding; Chinoiserie, which features 25 patterns knitted in her two new yarns (Aimee and Fleuris), Belle - containing 12 designs in the sumptuous Mulberry Silk (which we now have in stock) and Bijoux, which contains 12 patterns knit in Merletto and Jasmine

Mirasol Wachi

I have been so spoilt today! I also took delivery of Mirasol Wachi yarn- a gorgeous blend of 85% Pima Cotton and 15% silk, plus the corresponding pattern book - The Little Book of Wachi - Garments for Women and Girls. My project list is getting longer by the minute. There is such a sweet cardigan for Milly in the booklet, and don't even get me started on the Louisa Harding Mulberry and Merletto yarns that also arrived today....!

Mirasol Lachiwa

One of the best things about running http://www.cafeknit.com/ is taking delivery of the new seasons yarns, and new in today is Mirasol Lachiwa, a new yarn for SpringSummer 2010. A blend of 60% Pima Cotton and 40% Linen and available in 8 gorgeous subtle colours, this DK weight yarn is supported by a cute little booklet, the 11th in the Mirasol Collection called A Little Book of Lachiwa. I think Little Dominic may be getting something for his summer wardrobe from here....

Yarn Multi Packs

If you are looking to save money on your next project, look no further! We have just launched our new 'Project Pack' or Multi-pack section, where if you are looking to buy in bulk (usually 7+balls/skeins), you can save up to 15% off the RRP.

All balls are guaranteed to be from the same dyelot, and many are still this seasons yarns - what are you waiting for? Check it out.....

Bergere de France Spring Summer 152

If you want juicy, bright summer knits, then Bergere de France Spring Summer 152 is the book for you. It's just arrived in store and contains over 30 gorgeous designs for women, and it's just £4.95! In case you are wondering, all the instructions are written in English! Here are a couple of my favourites;