Best baby and children's knits

There is nothing more satisfying than knitting for a baby or small child. Not only do these projects tend to get finished rather quickly, but they are also a wonderful way to learn new skills. Plus, who can resist the thought of a little one wrapped lovingly in a hand knit?

Not us, that's for sure, so we have compiled a list of our favourite small person knits!



We love all of the Debbie Bliss baby patterns, but this sweet cross-over cardigan from Baby Cashmerino 5 takes the cake! It's a wonderful knit for a small girl, as the ties mean that you can adjust the fit of the cardigan as they grow. Knit up in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, both the yarn and the book are available in-store.



The crew at Millamia are also famed for their gorgeous children's designs. These patterns, which have previously been published in their books, are now available as single pamphlet patterns! Knit up in the Millamia Naturally Soft Merino 5 ply, they are too cute to resist. The top one is the ever popular Carlotta dress (sizes 1 year to 5 years) and the bottom pattern is the Bjorn Tank Top (3 months to 36 months). With any luck somebody you know will have a boy and girl set of twins so you can knit them both up!



We also have lots of beautiful designs from Sublime, available as pamphlets in-store, including this stunning lace cardigan, knitted up by Leisl for her daughter. Knit using the Baby Bamboo 8ply, the size range is from birth to 7 years, and is available as both a short and long sleeve version.

So next time a new bub is born, you know where to head for your knitting supplies to give them a proper, hand-knit welcome to the world!

Project of the week: Vitamin D cardigan

Hello, and welcome back to our blog after our summer break! We hope you had a fabulous holiday season yourself, and are as excited to get knitting and crocheting as we are in 2015.



We thought we'd start the year with a freshly finished project by Leisl. It's the Vitamin D cardigan by Heidi Kirrmaier, available as a download from Ravelry. Leisl made hers using the Jo Sharp Mulberry Silk Georgette, and says that it is her most favourite cardigan ever!

The drape of the yarn works beautifully with this design, which features an eyelet pattern to enhance the drape of the waterfall front and swing back. The yarn is cosy without being heavy, which makes it a great choice for a warmer weather cardigan.

Besides the eyelets, this top-down cardigan also features short-row shaping to create the distinctive silhouette. The cardigan itself is a great project for both more experienced knitters and also beginners looking for a challenge, being full of great techniques without being difficult to knit.

The yarn required is a 5ply - Leisl is thrilled with how the Jo Sharp Mulberry Silk Georgette knit up, but the Millamia 5 ply merino or the Blue Sky Alpacas Metalico would both be gorgeous choices.




What big yarn projects do you have planned for 2015? We'd love to hear about them - and if you'd like to know about ours, keep an eye on this blog or follow us @woolarium on Instagram!

Christmas decorations

Tinsel is nice, and fairy lights even better, but what we really love at Woolarium is a knitted Christmas decoration, which is why our shop is beautifully decorated with them!



These gorgeous Christmas stockings are knitted using a Millamia pattern and their Naturally Soft Merino yarn, both of which are available in-store. Just the thing for hanging on a mantle and stuffing full of treats for Christmas day!



We'll admit it - we've gone crazy for Millamia festive decorations this year, like these hanging baubles. The pattern is available as a pdf, and they look gorgeous hanging from a tree!



Christmas wouldn't be complete without a wreath adorning your door, so pop on in and pick up one of our fun Pom Pom Christmas Wreath Kits! Each kit comes with the wire frame, a pom pom maker and the yarn required. It's a great Christmas activity for the kids, and a brilliant way to add some festive cheer!

Speaking of festive cheer, it's not too late to pick up some yarn for your loved ones. We also have gift vouchers available, which is a gift any knitter or crocheter would love to receive!