The Spirit of Giving in the Season of Knitting

One of the things we love most about this community is how much it loves to give back. By its very nature crafting brings us into contact with the physical world around us. The fact that we get to use our craft to improve the physical realities of people everywhere is just beautiful.

At Loop, we love finding ways to give back. From our “Schtickle for Charity” mystery packages to contributing blanket squares for Ukraine, it’s always top of mind. Using whatever we have to give back to people near and far is core to who we are. That’s why we’re using some of our Loopiest things to make donations this autumn to The Trussel Trust and MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinians). There are two really exciting ways to get involved. First on the weekend of the 25th and 26th of October, we’re putting loads of our favourite shop samples up for sale in the shop only, with all proceeds going to these two wonderful charities. Come to our lovely spot in Camden Passage to discover a gorgeous range of one-of-a-kind pieces to take home, and shop in the knowledge that your pound is doing so much good!

Then, from October 24th to November 7th we’ll be hosting a Charity Prize Giveaway of some of our gorgeous 20th anniversary treasures. We know not all of you will be able to make it to Loop in London for our Sample Sale for Charity, so this is a great way to get involved no matter where you are! For each £10 entry (split equally between The Trussel Trust and MAP) you’ll be entered to win one of seven beautifully curated prize bundles featuring exclusive Loop anniversary products that we saved just for this reason. It was very important to us as we celebrated our anniversary to make sure we could use the lovely collaborations with so many artists to give back to those around us. These bundles have a value of around £140, and we can think of nothing better than to use them for a good cause! The more you times you enter, the better your chances of winning! Winners will be contacted by email on November 9th. More details coming soon!

Seasonal Stitch Markers

There’s nothing like a stitch market to spruce up a knitting project. This week we’re getting into the spirit of the season with all manner of autumn-themed pieces! We totally adore all four thematic collections of Autumn Harvest Stitch Marker Sets, with pumpkin, apple, acorn, and pinecone options! Or if you prefer something a bit more loamy, you can’t go wrong with Toadstool or Forest Mushroom sets. Each of these contains five stitch markers and one removable progress keeper, so you can count stitches and rows! To add even more autumn to your haberdashery kit, the Little Acorn Stitch Marker Keeper is a gorgeous way to tote around your stitch markers — in fact you can even attach the holder to your current project so your markers never go astray!

What to Knit Now

As chilly season sets in, all we can think about is how to get cosy. Luckily, the good people over at Gepard totally get it. We are head over heels in love with Gepard Kumula Cashmere, a super fluffy 100% pure cashmere yarn that’s like heaven against your skin. This would be perfect for the Light Loop Sweater by Other Loops (aka Maja Kløvdal), which is the perfect layering piece for autumn days that can go from balmy to blustery in a matter of moments. Susan and Carole have already made this pattern in Gepard Kid Silk 5 and it immediately became a go-to. The Kumula Cashmere would also make the cosiest Sophie Scarf by PetiteKnit — and one skein has enough yardage to finish the pattern (we always try to keep PetiteKnit patterns well stocked, but if we don’t have the lovely printed pattern you can get a PDF from PetiteKnit’s Ravelry).

Speaking of layering pieces, PetiteKnit’s Sophie Hood, Gepard’s City Hoodie, make excellent additions to any outfit this time of year, whether you want to protect your head from a sudden shower or you’re after a scarf alternative with a bit more oomph and a little less bulk (and we’ve already waxed poetic about Gudrun Johnston’s Hairst Hap Hood in  Jamieson’s Spindrift). Another great alternative layering option is Along Avec Anna’s Primrose Slipover, which will keep you toasty to the core without inhibiting your wildest autumnal larks.

If crochet is more your bag, This year’s Daruma collection, Lumières, has ideas for the full suite of layering options, with light tops, bulky sweaters, hip hats, and so much more!

One Week to Kindred Knits launch!

We’re getting very excited about the launch of Aleks Byrd’s new book Kindred Knits: Patterns from My Estonian Family Archives in just one week! Don’t forget to pre-order your copy, mark your diary for our Book Signing Meet & Greet with Aleks on Sunday November 9th, and get ready to bask in the knitting joy next Friday!

Rico Made by Me

Well that was quick! Our first batch of Rico’s Made by Me No. 21 and Made by Me Men sold out in the blink of an eye, but not to fear, another batch has just arrived! Made by Me Men is a fabulous collection of super sophisticated masculine patterns, and Made by Me No 21 contains a whopping 49 super fun and fashionable patterns in a delightful array of styles. Get yours before they go again!

Knitting SOS

If you’re feeling stuck or stumped by your latest project, we’re here to help. This Sunday October 12th is our monthly Knitting SOS session in the shop. From 10:30 to noon our Loopettes will be on hand to help you through whatever issue your knit is throwing at you. If you’ve got an advanced technique you need help with, like Baltic braid or fisherman’s rib, please drop us a line in advance so we can be sure someone is available to help. Otherwise just turn up on the day! If you can’t make it this weekend we’ll also have sessions on Sunday November 16th and an extended session for help with holiday knits on Sunday December 14th from 10:30 to 1:30. See you then!

xo Loop