We've got sole and cosmos!

No that wasn't a misspell!  We now have slipper soles for all your slipper needs!  These great suede slipper soles come with a free knit and crochet pattern and are lined with comfy faux shearling.  A fun project and a great way to keep your toes nice and cozy!

We keep adding to our KnitsbytheSea YouTube channel.  I just completed a video on how to do yarn over (both knit and purl yarn overs!) and the importance of a life line.  So if you are thinking to take the plunge into some lace knitting this video is for you!  And I am adding more all the time.

Our next Sex and the City Stitch Night is now set for Wednesday May 9th!  And I am inviting everyone to join us either in Tofino or to have your very own in your town!  Lets all get our heels and knitting and join in some cosmos and fun together!  Want to start a group in your area and are looking for others to join you?  Let me know!  We can try and help you get together with other awesome people in your area to stitch with.  Already have a group of awesome ladies and gents you stitch with?  Well we are hoping you will join us for a Sex and the City Stitch Night in your area on May 9th and share your photos and projects with us!  Hope you can join us in the fun!

A Winner and Public Service Message

If you haven't read our April Newsletter yet (which can be seen here) we have announced the winner of our Name the Pattern Contest!  A huge thank you to everyone who entered.  It was a really tough choice. But there had to only be one!  So the winner is Mary with the name "Whale Watching Wellie Warmers".  Congratulations Mary you have won a $35.00 gift certificate to Knits by the Sea!

And the videos just keep coming!  We've added how to do a basic cast off to our library.  And for those who have visited Tofino or attended our Sex and the City Stitch Night here you may have noticed how difficult it is to get around in Tofino in stilettos.  So we made a fun video called "Save the Heels".  Hope you enjoy!

Skype and Terrible Dance Moves!

The view you would get of me at my desk via Skype.

I am continuing to add to our Knits by the Sea YouTube channel and busting a move while doing it!  The Long Tail Cast On video is the first in a series of intro videos I will be posting over the next little while.  A perfect resource for when you need a little help with the basics...or just a laugh!  So stay tuned to Twitter and Facebook for updates on the videos.

We have also added another way to learn or expand your knitting skills - Skype tutorials!  It's a great way to get one on one help with your knitting whether it's learning the basics or expanding your skills.  We can email you handouts and set up a time that will work for you.  You can learn to knit without having to leave your house!  Fun!!  For more details please contact us at info@knitsbythesea.com and arrange a 10 minute Skype consultation so we can discuss your needs and make a program to fit you!

Camera Fun and Out Takes!

Gum Boot Topper Kit

I just recently purchased a video camera.  So naturally I had to start filming!  Being out on the far west coast it seemed like a good idea to do a little store tour for those who can't make it in to the shop.  A big thank you to Sarah for being my camera lady for the afternoon.  It took quite a few tries but we made it work.  You can see the video here.

And when filming all afternoon with your friend, naturally there are some out takes that just can't be put into the final cut.  Take a look at our out takes to see what didn't make it into the final video...for very obvious reasons! 

And there are still a few days left to get your entries in for the boot toppers!  The contest closes on March 31 so get your names in and help us name these adorable boot toppers.  The winner will receive a $35.00 gift certificate to Knits by the Sea.  And in case you aren't sure what to spend that money on we now have gum boot topper kits for $26.95!

The owls are here!

The Tiny Owl Knits patterns that is!  I was very excited to open up the box with all these lovely patterns.  My every growing queue just got a little longer after seeing all these beautiful patterns.  We have brought in quite a few of her patterns.  These are just a few that we now have in store!

Orchids & Fairylights Hat

Woodland Hoodlet

Fawn Poncho

Sweet Robin Wristees

And don't forget Whale Festival is starting next week!  Check out our upcoming classes for whale themed classes!  We have a great Whale Hat class and a needle felting whale class as well.  A great way to celebrate the return of the grey whales to Tofino!

Like Vegas!

I have found myself saying "It's like a Vegas Casino in here." several times to customers who are shocked about how much time they end up spending in the store.  We get chatting away, or they can't resist spending lots of time petting all the yarn.  But all in all I think I've narrowed it down to the top five reasons why Knits by the Sea is like Vegas!

5.  Lots of bright colours.
4.  We have entertainment in the form of Juliet.  She may not be as flexible as the acrobats in Cirque du  Soleil or be able to hit the high notes like Celine (although her whining does come close) but she has quite a costume repertoire
3. We serve wine!  Another sure way to keep you around...and bottomless mugs of tea!
2. We have no clock anywhere...so you don't realize how much time you are spending here (haha!)
1. You can win big here!

How can you win big you ask?  With our latest contest!  Local designer Faye Kennington has just completed another great pattern but it needs a name.

So here is the contest:

Submit your name choice for the pattern by March 31, 2012 to info@knitsbythesea.com and include your name, email and phone number.  On Wednesday April 4th at Stitch Night we will put the names to a vote!  The winner will receive a $35.00 gift certificate to Knits by the Sea.  Which is enough to purchase the gumboot topper kit or anything else you would like in the store!

So start brainstorming!  We are looking forward to reading your entries.

Lamb Love!

On my trip over to Vancouver I had the opportunity to stop by Sylvia Macpherson's farm to pick up more yarn and visit the wooly animals that provide it!  Sylvia's lovely farm is located just outside Courtenay.  Sylvia creates beautiful hand spun, hand dyed yarns that we love to carry. She took me into her workshop which is basically a second house on the property (a fibre lover's dream come true!) and it was filled with fleece and yarn.  It was hard to not leave with an entire car full of her yarn.

A section of the workshop.

She also took me visit the sheep and since it is spring there were little lambs too!  Of course they were absolutely adorable and I just wanted to take them all home.  It was really great to see the source for all the yarn that she creates.  It is not very often that you get to see exactly where the wool is coming from, where it is spun and dyed!  Thank you Syliva for letting me stop by!

The one on the right is called Ellie!