Knittles Studio Update

With the lull in sales that we've been expecting as the weather warms up, we're busy satisfying some fibre cravings by indulging in some spinning. Inspired by the beautiful thick and thin spun yarn from fiberstory, I  dusted off my old drop spindle and gave her a whirl.

When the roving stash ran out, I couldn't stop spinning, so I dove into my gigantic stash and dug out some yarn that was less than inspiring. Plying for the first time, the spinning was not only super quick, but also meditative. Watch out stash...I'm coming for you!

Etsy love continues

We just love this treasury of "whites" that was featured on the front page of Etsy and are very happy to be among such beautiful photos.

ETSY LOVE!!!

I'm always in love with etsy, but today is a special day. A day that we were madly preparing for during xmas break, and a day that we're super excited about.

We are featured seller today, a huge honor, and something we've been dreaming about. This opportunity also pushed us to make some new designs, and is probably the last hurrah until spring rears its beautiful head.

Enjoy!

Introducing Knit Armour Collection - Alberta Fashion Week 2009

Knittles has embarked a new adventure, an official foray into the fashion scene of Calgary. We showed our very first runway collection for Alberta Fashion Week, this Wednesday, October 7th at Seven Lounge.

We had been busy creating our line of wearable accessories and clothing to combat the harsh Calgarian winters. Inspired by the cold urban environment and the process of building, this line of Knit Armour has elements of deconstruction, glimpses of vibrant colours amidst a sea of cold neutrals, and small sanctuaries of natural elements symbolized by handcrafted wood & ceramic buttons.

The reception we received for our collection was both flattering, and heartwarming. Many thanks to Alberta Fashion Week for allowing us to share our work to the budding fashion community of Calgary.

Photos by Faby Martin © 2009
Models in order of appearance from top left to right, Katrina Cheung, Amy Horne, Brian Sew, Denise Wong.

New Friend

So I've made a new friend, one that my husband refers to as being unacceptable and must be put away after she scared him when he went downstairs. She was just sitting there, innocently, quietly, and unobtrusively, ready for a photo shoot. He walked right past her, into the next room, and then out of the corner of his eye he noticed the headless form, and that's when he screamed like a little girl (or so I imagine). I'll call her Stella, and she was quite the deal that I couldn't pass up at a garage sale this weekend. An old, 1970's style dress form (or a headless mannequin as he refers her to) that will be perfect for taking photos of any neck or body knitwear that we will be designing when a photoshoot with a living, breathing model just isn't possible (or when I'm too anxious to upload a new design that I can't wait to do a proper photoshoot). I must admit, I do prefer being on this side of the camera ;)

Vote for Hunter in Etsy Fall Fashion Poll

So we weren't dreaming, we did get selected for Fall Fashion Poll on Etsy. Which is really cool. Thank you Etsy. And yeah, getting an email from etsy admin was pretty rad too. Not to mention we are pretty honored to be in the same bunch as necklush, idea2lifestyle, our favourite emilyryan and hierapparel.

So go VOTE people, and choose carefully ;-) You get to vote only once.

new photographer in the house...

We're always experimenting with different techniques and settings for our product shots, changing locations constantly, and testing out new equipment (like the flash i got for xmas). My bro was over yesterday, visiting with little K, when I wrangled him into taking some photos of me modeling new items. To be honest, he's the real photographer in the family (I just try to look the part with my Canon Rebel & multitude of lenses), and he once again explained to me the fundamentals of photography... focus, ...uh exposure....and i forget the third. The afternoon was not a waste, for I did learn something, how to adjust the aperture so that photos taken in low light don't become blurry, as well as adjusting the custom white balance setting (sound smart, don't I?)

Anyways, here's the results of our quick, impromptu photo shoot. Boxtox (or photoshop) may be needed in the near future, as I seem to have a forhead dimple that shows itself in nearly every photo.
































He is good, isn't he?

Asymmetry

Not trying to toot my own horn, but ...... I am so excited about a new neckwarmer design, I can't stop making them. They asymmetrical (my favorite type of design), and not only are they easy to wear, they are also versatile in that they can be worn forwards, backwards, upside down, and your toddler can even slip it on and use it as a poncho. We found this at our photoshoot when C was adoringly watching us take pictures with those big 'ol eyes that were saying, can i try? She was in a good picture taking mood (usually we have to bribe her with organic chocolate) so we slipped one over her little big head & low and behold, it fit, and was so cute that she even forgot to ask about chocolate.

And for some eye candy, I've attached a few asymmetric items that I've been drooling over from fellow etsiers, kaylim, joodito, junkhousedollyard, and jalvo. Check out their shops for fabulous handmade items, knittles are really big fans of these artisans. They really are masters of their craft.

MEOW!

Independant Canadian designer, Rebecca of Replicca Clothing Company once said, "the best marketing tool is posting new items or designs". We are taking that to heart, and are taking this slower time in the new year to finally put all the designs that were stewing in our heads, to needles. Meow is one of the said designs, and I can't say how much I LOVE it! (although on skype with the inlaws this evening, when I was putting said hat on boy, mother-in-law thougth I was putting a diaper on his head). I blame it on an inexpensive computer camera, and dim lighting ... anyways, wasn't there a trend recently where you were to wear your undergraments on the outside? or something like that?

Knittles.ca is complete and live!

Ok it's finally complete - we have a website! Small, basic but functional.

2009 New Styles & Items in Knittles store

Holidays were great but we tried not to waste any time and created "a few" new items as well as had a few photo shoots to slowly start listing our new inventory. We have a new product addition from our guest designer - baby soy blanket, some new neckwarmers and cowls with new yarns and hues, and several new hat styles - Reykyavik, Elvish Glee Pixie Hat with more to come.

Wix.com

For all those crocheters out there...

It's finally here! knittle's hunter hat, in an easy to follow pdf pattern. We finally used the slowdown of custom orders to put one of our most popular hats, in pattern form so that you can make one of your own, in the colours of your choice, and in the fiber of your choosing. Not a crocheter but would like a Hunter of your very own, in the softest, most lux (and fairly traded) yarn??? You can get that here.

Knittle's Guest Designer

Knittles has a guest designer, Marcy, who makes very detailed, and tedious larger items for all those knittles fans that need a bit more coverage. She loves to design and make shawls, wraps, baby blankets and even adult size blankets. As such, her items are one-of-a-kind, each with their own unique finishing touches (interesting hemlines, asymmetric edges, etc.).

Marcy started her crocheting career with a very memorable asymmetric and wavy baby blanket (almost like an animal pelt). She has since learned to make straight edges (not always wanting to make straight edges) and now loves to play with geometry and loves using atypical colour combinations. knittles loves Marcy's work for it's simple, classic, and asymmetric style. Here are just a few items of hers that are available in our shop.

Featured products for Mom & Baby

We are very excited to be featured on another blog "Mod Moms Shops"! Holly definitely has an eye for style and we are looking forward to participating in a product give-away in January. So keep an eye on that blog.

And here we are, our very first interview on icraft.ca

Oh so pretty photoshoot

We tried. It took hours! Literally. Almost all day but we got some good shots for some upcoming exposure on icraft.ca and we thought it was about time to have some nice Knittles pics!!!

Along with profile photos we took the shots of all the unlisted and unsold product. So I have about 4G to deal with and my  laptop is not liking it. So there will be some new listings in the store, hopefully before Christmas, if we get around to it.

Featured in SweetMomma

Sweetmama.ca has featured our duo tone lux chunky cowl in their holiday gift guide. I don't blame them, what momma wouldn't want a super luxerious, silk/alpaca/merino wool yarn that will keep you stylishly warm throughout the coming winter??? I want one for myself, but haven't found the time to make it yet, whoa is me... Best part? You get to choose your favoritecolours!

Knittles in Etsy's Handmade Blog

We were thrilled to find our stylish Hunter Hat in Etsy's Handmade Blog article, along with such cool items. I want pretty much everything on that list, not sure it is "budget" enough for me, need to sell a few Hunters first.

 

Twit One, Knit One

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Knittles Awesome Earflap Hat

Found us on wists.com, someone noticed our Awesome Earflap Hat. Yes, the name is a bit cocky, but it is what is is - just plain awesome hand knitted hat. Love it every time I make it (sold 5 hats so far including the vegan version from 100% cotton yarn) and keep thinking of making one for myself.