How did you start knitting ?
GD: My grade 2 class learned to knit, crochet, and embroider as it was part of the curriculum.

Where did you study?
GD: In the 90's I took Fashion Arts at Seneca and in third year I had to choose a specialty - tailoring or knitting on the machines .  I designed a whole fashion line in one semester which was leather skirts and knit sweaters with lace inserts.

I have also taken classes with Lucy Neatby, Jared Flood, Donna Druchunas, and  Brandon Mably.

Why did you choose knitting?  
GD: I have always knit.  I was in between jobs - retail, owning my own ceramics business, and I applied at a knitting store.  I started teaching classes and ended up working there 10 years!

What was your first knitting design?
GD: I was 19 years old at Kindergarten Teacher College and I designed a pullover with the Hungarian flag on it for the Hungarian Scouts.

What projects are you currently working on?
Lace cardigan
Garter stitch cardigan
Socks
Lace shawl
Intarsia pillow
Mitre square garment
40 UFO's (unfinished objects)

What is your favourite piece that you have knit?
GD: One of my 45 skirts.  I love them all so it is hard to pick one.

What hobbies and interests do you have ?
GD: Gardening, pets and family (not necessarily in that order).

Do you have any recommendations or suggestions for people new to knitting?
GD: Use the best quality materials you can afford.  Do not be afraid to start over or change things (ie. in the pattern).  Take classes - group or one on one.  "Knitting is a social thing" so be inspired by others.

What is your ideal " I'm going to knit for the next few hours"  routine?  Do you watch movies?  Listen to music?  
GD: I carve out time to knit.  If I am knitting intricate lace then I will listen to music.  I watch tv if knitting anything else.

English or Continental?  Continental

Cardigan or Pullover?  Cardigan

Cables or Lace?  Lace

DPNs or Magic Loop?  Neither - 2 circulars

Yarn - Solid or Variegated?  Both

Socks - Toe Up or Top Down?  Top Down

Needles - Wood or Metal?  Wood

Wool, cotton, alpaca, cashmere, silk?  Silk and cotton

What does your stash look like?
GD: It fills the office, a closet and half the attic and there is more scattered elsewhere.

What is your favourite thing about knitting?
GD: The possibilities are endless.  "You can tweak anything."  If I am teaching a modular class, I love how everyone is knitting the same thing but they all come out differently.

Store will be closed first day of Fall, September 22

​Needles & Knits Norwegian Fjords Knitting Cruise
Knit your way along the Norwegian Fjords.  You will be accompanied by two expert knitters. 

Enjoy the scenery while starting new projects and receiving help with your outstanding UFO's. 
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Many treats instore with fibre excursions and the opportunity to add to your stash and upgrade your knitting skills. 

Don't wait!  Join us now for a cruise filled with plenty of laughter, fellow knitters and lasting memories. 
Please call Zelda by August 1, 2017 to reserve your spot!
Contact Zelda for more information
zelda@peerlesstravel.com
​(905)886-5610

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Some of you may have a daughter, granddaughter, or niece that would absolutely love this summer dress. It is designed for the 2 - 6 year age group.
Our own Gabriela (she teaches all the knitting classes at Needles and Knits) designed two girls patterns, The Little Flapper Dress and The Little Girl's Sundress.  Gabriela went back to the good old days of the "tube top" and the roaring twenties era, and based the patterns around it. Stretchy tube top, I-cord straps and reverse crochet are all incorporated in the dresses.

Tin Can Knit patterns are very well written to accommodate all levels of knitters from beginner to advance. Their books are filled with beautiful photography and helpful tutorials to guide you along the way. Each pattern is comprised of modern seamless knits for the whole family from baby sizes 0-6 months to adult size 4XL.

This month we are featuring a pattern created by Needles & Knits owner, Tove.  This easy to knit baby blanket uses only two balls of FLUTTERBY CHUNKY, 175M/100G.

Download the free pattern below, and enjoy knitting this soft baby blanket for the precious baby in your life.
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Flutterby Chunky in various colours available in store at Needles & Knits Wool Shop                                        

Register in store at Needles & Knits Wool Shop for the Spring Knit-Along: Line Dance by Heidi Kirrmaier. ​This cardigan is all about neat lines created by a combination of squishy garter stitch, I-cord edges, pockets and slipped stitch details. It is worked top down in one piece, and has a gentle A-line shape.
Intended to fit with 0-2 inches of positive ease. The front sections overlap by about 1 inch.
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Suitable for a knitter with some experience.