New Free Pattern! Eliza

Here is our new pattern for a tiny top down cardi/vest, named after its very wiggly sweater model, Eliza. It was made up in super soft super bulky. Malabrigo Rasta or Twinkle Soft Chunky work best. This makes a great baby/toddler gift you can whip up at the last minute. Enjoy! click here for pattern

Knit a Spring Cowl in BamBoo

Knit this reversible mobius cowl with two balls of Cotton Bam Boo by Classic Elite Yarns. It is worked in two sections with a unique stitch that is textured horizontally and lacey vertically. Choose from 6 self patterning colourways. Great for the office or a cool spring day1

Ropes Cowl

Materials:

12mm dpns (set of 4 or 5)

1 Hank Malabrigo Rasta

five small stitch holders, or large safety pins

three 1-1.5 " buttons

darning needle

k=knit

k2tog= knit 2 together

m1= make 1 by lifting the bar between two stitches onto the left hand needle, then knit this bar through the back.

i-cord= using 2 dpns: with 4 sts on needle, knit side facing and yarn attached at left side of work, insert right needle into 1st stitch on left hand needle (note: this is the opposite side to where the yarn is attached). **Knit 4 stitches, pulling yarn very tight for first stitch. DO NOT TURN WORK AROUND. Slide stitches so that the knit side is facing and the yarn is attached to stitch on the far left side of the left hand needle. Repeat this process from** , tugging on the cord as it grows every few inches. Youtube is also a great visual aid if you need help making the i-cords(click here for video by Judy).

Pattern:

With 12 mm cast on 15 sts.

Knit 4 rows

Begin i-cords:

***k3, m1. place remaining stitches on holder.

using these four stitches , work in i-cord for 22"

place i-cord stitches on holder (safety pins work well), break yarn.

Place next 3 stitches from original holder onto needle.Re-attach yarn to these 3 stitches and repeat the process from ***, making each cord 3.5" longer than the previous one.

Once you have five cords, place all the stitches from these 5 cords onto one needle, insuring cords aren't twisted.

K3, k2together, k2, k2together, k2, k2together, k2, k2together, k3.

All cords should now be joined by the k2togethers of last row.

Knit in garter stitch until yarn is almost used up. (2-10 rows)

Cast off.

Sew 3 buttons to the smaller of the garter stitch band. Push buttons through fabric of other band to close.

Weave in all ends. (Stuffing them down the icord centres is a good way to hide them :).)

New Sublime Silks

Here are two new yarns from Sublime that are perfect for summer knitting.

This easy sweater with bracelet sleeve and cowl neck will be a great addition to your summer wardrobe. The sample is currently on display in pink  Other colours include cream, taupe, mint and blue. We love Tussah Silk's two tone effect, shiny and mat, from the combination of the two fibers, silk and rayon.

Here is a blankie that is super easy and super soft in Sublime's new Baby Silk Bamboo. It's sure to become baby's favorite thing.

Happy Mother's Day

Drop by the store this weekend for a lovely gift for Mom. We are featuring our knitting bags and the new shipment of dellaQ silk accessories at 10% off. If you buy it for yourself we won't tell!

Louisa Harding Spring 2011

The snow is starting to melt and spring yarns are arriving daily.Here are two from Louisa Harding

Her new yarn Ianthe is a blend of half cotton and half merino wool.  It knits to a standard DK guage and has a lovely drape.
The cardi is knit in her new Ondine. It is a soft 100%  cotton in tonal marled colors. Discover the feminine look of Louisa Harding- a perfect look for spring

New Free Pattern! Cable Cowl

Cable Cowl
By Kristina Larson


Materials:
Long Version: (shown in white)
200 grams (approx. 200 meters) of Baby Alpaca Sport

Short Version:(shown in blue)
100 grams (approx. 160 meters) of Alta-Moda Cashmere

Needles: 1 pair 8mm needles or needle required to obtain tension.

1 cable needle.

Buttons: 4 Buttons, 0.5-0.75 " in diameter

Tension: 12 stitches = 4 inches in stocking stitch

Abbreviations:

K= Knit
P= Purl
TBL: insert needle through the back of the loop (stitch)

C20Back= Slip next 10 stitches onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next 10 stitches from left hand needle, knit 10 stitches from cable needle.

C20Front: Slip next 10 stitches onto cable needle and hold at front of work, knit next 10 stitches from left hand needle, knit 10 stitches from cable needle.



Cowl:

With 8 mm needles, cast on 34 stitches

Row 1: Slip 1 TBL, Knit to end of row
Row 2: Slip 1 TBL, Purl to end of row

Repeat rows 1&2 4 times more (10 rows have been worked), these rows set the Stocking stitch pattern with slipped-stitch edge for all non- cable rows.

*Next Row:
Slip 1 TBL, K 1, C20Back, K 12

Work 9 rows in stocking stitch with slipped-stitch edge

Next Row:
Slip 1 TBL, K 11, C20Front, K 2

Work 9 rows in stocking stitch with slipped-stitch edge

Repeat these 20 rows from * until desired length. The short cowl is meant to loop around the neck only once and should measure 25-30". The long cowl is meant to hang long or be looped around twice and should measure about 56".

Cast off.

Sew 4 buttons evenly spaced to cast on edge. Button to cast off edge.

(Alternatively, the cowl can be sewn shut.)

KNIT A VEST THIS FALL

Here are two easy vests from Sirdar with yarns that are new for Fall 2010. The Connemara vest is a chunky yarn with a multi colored tweed in a blend of wool and acrylic. The style is very current with a funnel neck and boxy shape. The Indie vest is a bulky yarn, with colours that self stripe randomly.It's a classic V- neck jacket stlyle vest with a single feature button.Choose one of our many big buttons from all over the world. Both are quick to knit on big needles and fun to wear!

So Much Yarn- Such a Good Price

Our trip to Toronto for fall buying included a raid of our suppliers warehouse for bargains. Our sale wall is now full of  amazing yarns. There are kid mohairs, baby alpacas,  pure cashmeres and lots of novelty yarns and ribbons. Most are available in quantities of 20 balls.  Brands include Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Phildar, Queensland and more.
This cute bolero is from Debbie Bliss in her Cashmerino Chunky- now more than 20 % off. We also have a cute baby jacket pattern in this yarn. Drop by soon and get the best selections.

Spring Yarns are Here

There may be snow on the ground, but you can be ready for spring with fresh new knits from all our major brands. This cute cardi features feminine ruffles and an asymetric neck line- from Nora Gaughin's latest book. Knit with Seduce Color from Berroco. Other new spring Berroco yarn includes Origami, Pima Cotton and Blackstone Tweed. Vintage will be here soon as well as new yarn and books from Katia and Debbie Bliss!
Need help with your new project? Why not sign up for Pick Your Project, our four week class on Wednesday or Thursday evenings.

COZY NECK WARMERS

This year's cowls and neck warmers are the new scarves. Knit one with a chunky yarn and embellish with a fabulous button. This one is a kit "Coco" from Fleece Artist and designed by Perl Grey. The yarn is a soft blend of wool and silk available in lots of lovely hand dyed color ways and all for under $30

New "Fez" Yarn by Debbie Bliss

This shoulder Shrug is perfect for cool fall weather or worn over your coat when it's really cold.
The yarn, Fez, is a blend of merino wool and camel- soft with great body. Drop by and check out all the new fall yarns. To make room, the sale wall is now full of new bargains.

New from Arucania

This sweater is knit in "Panguipulli" from Arucania - a hand dyed and tweedy chunky yarn in the most yummy colourways. There are several great patterns in the new design book #3 by Jenny Watson, and all are current and stylish. This pure merino is super soft with great yardage. We love it and so will you!

New Fall Yarns

New yarns are arriving every day. This sweater is one of our favorites- knit in Persia by Sirdar.The yarn is a soft boucle in a good range of colours. We have the model on display, closed with a leaf shape shawl pin by Perl Grey.
Other new display sweaters by Sirdar are in the new Crofter Chunky and Escape Chunky. The designs are modern and wearable and the yarns are easy care and affordable. Drop by soon while all colours are still in good supply.

Attention Twitter Knitters

As you can probably tell from the feed box on the right, Gina Brown's is now on twitter! Look for updates from me and the staff on when new stock arrives, new classes and class times and all other things yarn related.

Happy Knitting

Diana

Fuzzy Caterpillar Scarf

Here is a fun knitting project that's a big hit this year. The yarn looks like multi coloured caterpillars with a few inches of yarn in between. You knit a total of eight stitches with fine needles, only on the yarn part and the "caterpillars" line up. Drop by and we'll show you how!

New Beginner Knitting Class for April has been added on Thursday evenings.
Call for details 403-255-2200

Kureyon Sock Yarn is Here

It's finally here- the new sock yarn from Noro, and we have all 12 colours! Just like the ever popular Kureyon, this yarn features rich blends of self striping colours with the added strength of a bit of nylon in a new standard sock weight. Each 100 gram ball will make a pair of socks.

Open House with Jane Ellison

Mark your calender for Friday, October 5. British designer Jane Ellison will be at our shop from 10am-4pm, as part of her Canadian tour. Jane is the designer behind many of the Noro books and her latest book,The Mirasol Collection.
She will bring the entire collection of sweaters from her new book. Drop by and chat and have a coffee and a goodie. Jane will be able to answer all your questions and tell us more about her Peruvian experience with Mirasol.
Gina Brown's will have plenty of Mirasol yarns on hand.You have to feel them to discover how soft baby llama really is. We will have all of Janes books available for you to purchase and get your copy autographed.
For more details on the Mirasol Project check out their web site at mirasolperu.com

Hand-dyed shawls for summer

On the May long weekend, Kristina and I packed our bags and did a whirl-wind yarn tour of Vancouver. One of the highlights was meeting Jana and her adorable baby at the Hand Maiden studio. It was wondeful to be able to pick some colours right of the studio walls, (our little suitcases were full to the brim with silk by the time we left). As a result, we now have new coulours in bias shawls and shouler wraps in stock. These simple silk cover-ups are great summer projects for at the cottage or on the deck. The beautiful colours remind us of flowers from the garden .

New Summer Debbie Bliss

Debbie Bliss has two new books and two new yarns for summer 07. The 'Summer Essentials' collection features lightweight basics in yarns like Cathay and Pure Silk. The simple shell featured bellow is one of our favourites. The Stella/Pure Cotton collection features aran weight patterns, like the cute little cardigan shown above, for her two new well-priced yarns Stella and Pure Cotton. They are both very soft to the touch.

BAMBOO YARNS ARE COOL

The newest innovation in yarn is bamboo. Soft as silk, durable as cotton, and with a natural coolness to the fibre-- bamboo yarns are ideal for creating sumptuous spring creations. Bamboo is an ecologically sustainable fibre, and the yarns created from it have a natural anti bacterial quality. (This makes it a good choice for baby garments.) We now have bamboo yarns and patterns from Phildar, RYC, Sirdar and Madil. The sweater featured here is from Sirdar, in their "Just Bamboo". It's a soft bamboo ribbon yarn at only $6.99 per ball. This is a yarn that needs to be touched to appreciate!

The Best Source for Knitting Classes in Calgary for Over 30 Years

There is still time to register for our Knitting and Crochet classes. Whether you are looking to learn from stratch, get some help with a tricky project, or master that technique you've always wanted to try, we have the class for you, just check out our current offerings below. Don't see a class that fits your needs? We are happy to book you a private lesson with our expert teachers at a time that fits your schedule for only 15 dollars per half hour. For all your knitting class needs in Calgary, call us today at 255 2200 and sign up!

Ruffle Scarf in 'Solo' by On Line

Ruffle scarves are big, but previous techniques were just too hard and time consuming. However, this scarf is unbelievably simple to knit, and with just seven stiches to the row, it can be whipped up in a few hours. Made with On Line's new wool- blend tape, Solo, nobody will believe how easy it was to make. And since we at Gina Brown's strive to make your lives even easier, we've found away to simplify the 'special technique' used to make this sumptuous project. Just come on in and we will give you a free tutorial on the stitch with any Solo purchase. If you can make a knit stitch, we can teach you all you need to know about how to make this scarf in a couple of minutes!

NEW YARNS FOR FALL

New yarns are arriving every day through out the month of August. So far we have the new Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK in a rainbow of wonderful colors and the new book to go with the yarn. This makes a total of five weights in this popular soft yarn. Shown here is a longer jacket with an easy cable pattern all over. Make it in a pastel or something deeper. If you love Debbie Bliss you are probably waiting for the new Rowan book. Yes it's here. Drop by soon and we'll show you all the new goodies.

MAKE IT and TAKE IT at the STAMPEDE

Join us at the Calgary Stampede on Sunday July 9 and Monday July 10. We will have a display of new products from Canada's fabulous Fleece Artist, felted bags and patterns by Noni and a new line of luxurious and affordable rosewood knitting needles. You can learn to knit a flower from Nicky Epstein's new book "Knitted Flowers" and make it into an attractive pin to take home. The book will be available for a special Stampede price. It all takes place in Hall D of the Round up Centre 11am-8pm. There's lots to see in the Creative Arts and Crats area. Over a thousand entries and a new Art of the Western Boot display. See you at the greatist outdoor show on earth!

THOUSANDS OF FREE PATTERNS!

This is just one of the great patterns available for free from garnstudio.com. They have put most of their designs from the Drops books on line. The plan is to have every pattern available soon. We have a color copy of the new books at the shop but the instructions are only on the web. We love our Garnstudio yarns including their ultra soft Alpaca, Vivaldi and Vienna mohair blends, silky Cotton Viscose, chunky wool Eskimo, and Salsa ribbon. The cardigan shown here is done with about 10 balls of Salsa. If you visit their site be patient, it's a bit slow but worth your patience. Select Ladies patterns and sort by Drops number to get the most current patterns first.

PURE SILK INDULGENCE

Debbie Bliss has done it again! A new luxury yarn and a great book of fabulous patterns. Choose from five delicate colours. There are several must have shrugs as well as this stunning cable shell.
They say you never regret your small extravagances just your economies. This yarn will give you a classic sweater to enjoy for years.

New Spring Yarns!

Fight the winter blaghs with a new spring knitting project. We love all the shrugs and boleros for a little cover up. This cardigan with bracelet sleeves is knit with Katia's "Arc en Ciel", a self- striping cotton blend.
New yarns are now in from Sirdar, Rowan, Phildar, Louisa Harding. More on the way!

78 DIFFERENT YARNS ON SALE

We're making room for the new spring yarns. Our sale yarns include select Sirdar, Rowan, Debbie Bliss, and many more. Drop by soon and pick up a bargain. Shown here is Soft Comfort Mohair from the Queensland Collection,now at 30% off.

Mad about Marbles

New this year from S.R. Kertzer is a yarn called Marbles. So far, it is flying off the shelves. A beautifuly soft dk, this self-striping variagated tweed is only $5.99 per 100 gram ball! The colour ways range from soft ocean tones to rich berry hughes. It has several cute patterns for children and adults, and at this incredible price, it is great for afghans. Our favourite pattern has to be this simple cardigan shrug. Knit it for less than $30!!*

* Size Small is made with 5 balls= $29.95, prices for other sizes differ.

Holiday Gift Ideas with Noro

With the Holiday season fast approaching, everyone at the store is making lists of all the gifts we want to knit. Nothing makes a lovelier present than a cozy hand knit item, but with so many people on our lists, it's essential to find small special projects that are easy and quick to knit. No matter what age, everyone loves a nice warm scarf, (perhaps with a matching hat or pair of mittens if the recipient made Santa's nice list). To make these quick gifts extra special we like to use bright interesting yarns. A perfect choice are the yarns of Noro from Japan. Made of bright tufts of natural fibers like wool, angora, cashmere and silk that are spun together to create beautiful waves of colour once they are knit, these yarns will jazz up any small project. With Noro, simple scarves and hats will look anything but simple.These projects are all made with Kureyon, but can also be knit in Silk Garden or Silver Thaw. All three are available in-store in a wide range of colour combinations.

Popsicle Prism Hat

The perfect sprout hat for our chilly winters. This easy project from Colinette knits up quickly and only requires 1 ball of Prism !!! The colour featured was insipred by the bright and cheery colours of those classic summer treats. Popsicles may cool you down, but this hat will keep you toasty all season. The matching mittens also only take one ball.

WILD COLOURS OF NEPAL

Everyone loves this yarn! It's a self striping bulky weight wool that knits up in a flash with 7mm needles. This little jacket with asymetrical closure is like a bolero with a cosier collar and knit with just 6 balls of yarn! There is also a full length coat pattern and a selection of great kids patterns. From Katia of Spain, the new designs are fresh and modern.

Hot New Scarves From Handmaiden

Today we received an exciting new shipment of kits from Handmaiden, all featuring handpainted exotic fibres. The company is an off shoot of Fleece Artist , of Nova Scotia and headed up by Katherine's daughter Jada. We have a great selection of the new scarf kit,Textures 2 featured here ,as well as new cashmere hats and delicate Angel scarves. With so many luscious color combinations, it's hard to pick just one!

WHAT'S HOT: Sweater Shrugs and Boleros

This season, the hottest shape in knitwear is the SWEATER SHRUG, or the BOLERO. It's the perfect choice for those who want the comfort and the layering convenience of a cardigan with the streamline and sophisticated look of a shrug. New patterns are arriving daily from Sidar, Rowan, Noro and Debbie Bliss. Our favourite is this one by Debbie Bliss from her new book "SIMPLY SOFT". Shown here in her new yarn, CASHMERINO CHUNKY, which will be in stock any day now, this fabulous piece is quick and easy to make, and will add modern luxury to any knitter's collection.