yarnit - review

The first time that I had ever seen or heard of the Yarnit was at Knit City 2015, in Vancouver B.C. Intrigued by the display, I stopped to have a look and watch a quick demo. My first thought was, "interesting...yes...but do I really need to spend more money on a gadget that is just going to be housing another forgotten work in progress?"

The Yarnit

When Kate Sullivan, the inventor of the Yarnit, heard that I was a crochet designer and blogger she generously handed one over to me with the request that I write a review. I was immediately drawn to Kate, and not just because she gave me a free Yarnit, although that certainly scored her several "cool points"! What impressed me the most about Kate was her friendly, good business sense and the fact that she was willing to stand behind her product. Kate expressed her desire that I be 100% honest with my review even if it was negative. In fact, she seemed more interested in hearing any negatives as this would help her to improve the quality of her product, a product that she clearly believed in. It is that kind of humility and dedication that I respect, and love to see in a company.

Knit City 2015 - Kate Sullivan on the right

First off, what is the Yarnit? Simply put, it is a clean, lightweight, portable home for your yarn. 

The Yarnit features are many! The flexible base holds the Yarnit secure on any surface, and also doubles as a handy storage space for your stitch markers, yarn needles, etc.

The clear, locking dome on the Yarnit, not only keeps your yarn clean and tangle free, but it also keeps it safe from dogs, cats, and small children. A lifesaver for your luxury yarns!

If you are a crocheter or knitter on the go then not only will you love the carrying strap, but you will also love the fact that it fits perfectly in any standard cup holder.

So how did the Yarnit stand up? I LOVE it!!! Not only is it lightweight and packed with personality, but it is made of some tough stuff!  I checked out their website, and the Yarnit is made from Lexan which is a high end, quality polycarbonate used for products that require strength and long lasting durability. So...no worries if you drop or bang your Yarnit.

In the end, I tried to come up with something negative to say about it, but the best that I could come up with was, "what about chunky yarn?" Then, when I was checking out their website, I found a little note under the "Our Yarnit" tab that said, "If you love to knit chunky or do color work ...we have a wonderful product for you coming in early winter." How exciting is that? I can't wait to see what they come up with! 

If you would like to learn more about the Yarnit, the story behind Kate Sullivan, or the shop nearest you, then I encourage you to check out their website at http://www.theyarnit.com/

kim.

black friday starts early.

Get while the getting is good! Now is the perfect time to collect all of your favorite crochet patterns and printable gift, project, and yarn tags at knotsewcute design shop!

Enjoy 30% off our entire Etsy Shop by using coupon code BLACKFRIDAY2015 at the checkout. Remember, the deal of "Buy 5 in one transaction, get 1 free" still applies, so this adds to your savings!! Leave us a note at the checkout as to your free pattern choice and we will be happy to forward it to you!

Hurry!  The sale ends at midnight (PST) on Cyber Monday, November 30, 2015.

Don't miss out!

sneak peek.

If you are like me, the cold weather took you by surprise and you were not readily prepared. No worries. Break out your tunisian crochet hooks and whip up one of these little headbands in just an evening, for anyone in your family from toddler to adult!

 

The tunisian crochet pattern for these sweet headbands will be hitting our shop very soon!

tara. 

new shop item - sassy sayings gift tags by jaedyn smith.

Ever given a handmade gift only to realize that the recipient doesn't understand the amount of love and effort you poured into it? Unfortunately, it’s something all crafters experience now and then.

Make sure they know by attaching one of these sassy, crochet themed gift tags to their item! You know you’ve thought it… Each gift tag says something that you want to say out loud but wouldn't dare! So, now you can let the tag do the sassing for you. Win-win!

Choose your sass level – you can go with a demure “This took FOREVER” for the easily offended great aunt, or go all out with “This is for you – so take care of it. Like your FIRSTBORN”, for your sister (she can take it).

For our knitting friends...you have not been overlooked...Jaedyn has created the same set for you featuring a knit theme.  These can be found here.

These playful gift tags were developed and designed by our very own resident graphic designer, Jaedyn Smith. She is full of wit and charm and just the right amount of "sass" to create these one-of-a-kind gift tags. Check out more of Jaedyn's digital goods here and her paper products in her own Etsy shop here!
 

tara and kim.

new crochet pattern - back roads beanie by kim miller.

Skill Level: Intermediate

A crochet beanie pattern for that special man in your life!

This pattern was designed with the Canadian outdoor man in mind. 100% wool and cables make for a thick, warm fabric, and ear flaps ensure that the ears are not exposed to the cold.

This well written crochet pattern calls for 1/3 of a ball of Patons® Classic Wool [100 g (3.5 ounces)/192 meters (210 yards) per ball] (colour shown – Dark Grey Mix), 1 ball of Patons® Classic Wool (colour shown – Light Grey Marle), and a 4.00 mm (G) crochet hook. The beanie is worked from the bottom up. The beanie measures 48.3 cm (19”) in circumference, and 22.9 cm (9”) long (excluding the ear flaps). The beanie will stretch to fit 55.9 cm (22”) to 59.7 cm (23½”) in circumference and will fit most men. Please note that measurements are approximate and will be affected by the gauge and the brand of yarn.

This crochet pattern calls for the following stitches and techniques: slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, front post double crochet, back post double crochet, front post treble crochet, single crochet 2 together, front post double crochet 2 together, front twist and back twist.

Buy Now

(Purchase this pattern using the "Buy Now" link above and receive 20% off your purchase by using coupon code "BACKROADS20" at the checkout. Offer valid until Thursday, December 3rd, 2015) 

kim.

sneak peek.

Something for the men...

This crochet beanie pattern should be going live later this week.

kim.

sneak peek.

Feeling a bit sassy?  Let these gift tags say it for you!!

This set of 8 different "sassy sayings" gift tags are something new for the shop and we are excited to say that they will be released for purchase in our shop next week!

new crochet pattern - woodland acorn by kim miller.

Woodland Acorn by Kim Miller

Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate

DIY quick crochet!

This crochet acorn combines 2 different textures to give it a natural woodsy look. The acorn and oak leaf are both felted, whereas the cap is left unfelted. This combination of texture gives it a truly natural feel of the original. This acorn measures approximately 10 cm (4") in length making it a great accent for the home, or a decorative pincushion for your sewing basket. 

This crochet pattern calls for a 4.00 mm (G) crochet hook, scraps of Patons Classic 100% Wool for felting [100 g (3.5 oz)/190 meters (210 yds) per ball], which is a worsted weight (4). The pattern calls for the following stitches: sl st, sc, sc2tog, sc3tog, and bobble.

Buy Now

(Purchase this pattern using the "Buy Now" link above and receive 20% off your purchase by using coupon code "ACORN20" at the checkout. Offer valid until Tuesday, November 24th, 2015) 

kim.

sneak peek.

Ever since I first seen little, felted, balls with acorn tops on Etsy I've been dying to make some of my very own. Finally, this year, while visiting Vancouver for Knit City 2015, I found some adorable acorn caps. As soon as I got home I went to work on felting the autumn coloured balls, shown below, to glue into the caps. Are they not the sweetest thing?

Who knew that this quick little craft project would became the inspiration for my next crochet design. 

This crochet acorn combines 2 different textures to give it a natural woodsy look. The acorn and oak leaf are both felted, whereas the cap is left unfelted. This combination of texture gives it a truly natural feel of the original. This acorn measures approximately 10 cm (4") in length making it a great accent for the home, or a decorative pincushion for your sewing basket.

The crochet pattern for the Woodland Acorn is nearing completion and will be ready for publication any day now. 

kim.