HRYC

Join our Socktober Sockalong and be in to win!

Knit a pair of Cookie A's Monkey socks with us this October! We're celebrating 20 years of this fantastic pattern. Not into Monkeys? Knit any other Cookie A sock and qualify for a prize entry. 

Register using the Google Form and we'll add you to the draw. Be in to win: 

A sock pattern so classic that it’s hard to beat! Monkey was first published in 2006 and since then has become something of a phenomenon, with more than 23,000 projects on Ravelry. Tash has made numerous pairs over the years, and Katie has made one pair. Jess hasn’t made any so we’ll be twisting her arm!

Monkey is great for novice and more advanced sock knitters alike, with a repeat that is intuitive and easy to remember. The stitches flow beautifully, and remind me of water and falling leaves. The stitch pattern looks great in variegated or tonal colourways. Monkey is knit top down. If you haven’t knit two at a time before and are keen to learn a new skill, now’s a great time to try it!

Below are just some of the Monkey socks Tash has knit over time - many of which have been gifted to friends and family. 

These bright sunny but freezing days are, admittedly, my favourite days of winter. You get the dose of vitamin D but also the chance to wrap up warm.

Winter is usually about taking things a bit slower than usual, cosying up with a nice fluffy knit and a hot drink.

Inspiration for projects has been coming directly from you, our wonderful customers this week. Here's a few ideas we may steal ourselves:

Fabelism Sweet Pea

These lovely fabrics would give you a shot of sunshine in the morning, just what we need for a NZ winter. There are some great pattern matches to show off these fabrics including the Merchant and Mills Cover Top . It has an adjustable neckline and options for sleeves or sleeveless, sizes are up to up to 67inch bust.

Tie front tops are having a moment, if this is your thing then the Syd Tie top and dress from Syd Graham patterns is super popular. Bust up to 54 inches.

Muna and Board (run by 2 super stylish ladies, one of which is a kiwi) make ‘plus-size sewing patterns that have been drafted to ensure a great fit for large bodies’. They teamed up in late 2019 to release plus-size sewing patterns with the sizing starting where other pattern companies often end their sizing. The tie front Newry Top would work well with the Fabelism fabric (up to 66 inch bust and several cup sizes) - it also has a dress option too!

Sprouts (but not the green type!)

Fablism Sprout has very subtle crosses for a refined texture with the added bonus that is comes in not only the dreamy Ocean colourway but also Wild Rose, Creme and Bronze 

One pattern option would be the The Vista Top from female run kiwi business Twig and Tale. Their site covers patterns for women, men and children and is full of whimsical patterns with a historical twist. The Vista Top has wonderful billowy sleeves and no fastenings. Patterns come with full video instructions and size options for 0-22 or 14- 38. For a more simple sleeveless top the Ashton Top by Helen's Closet is a A-line top with options for cropped or hip length, B or D cup and 0-30 (Canadian) size range.

Shirts - Plain or checked - for more advanced makers (or if you just what to challenge yourself)

Got scraps? Knit along with us! We're all completely in love with the Scrappy Checkers pattern that has just been released by Pom Pom and Picky Femme.

Knit with worsted weight yarn, Tash has decided to make hers using Ashford DK (which is a heavy 8ply) with 4ply scraps held double.

And as the weather gets colder, we decided it's the perfect time to run a Knitalong just for this pattern!

What's in it for you? The chance to win a $150 Holland Road Yarn Co voucher, with second and third prizes too.

How do you join? Fill in the form, cast on (at the very least) and you'll be in with a chance to win! We're chatting about our projects in an Instagram group, but you don't need to be on social media to participate.

The Knit Along runs from now until 31 July, so there's plenty of time to take part. 

Open to NZ and Australia residents only.

Lately I’ve found myself feeling indecisive about what to knit, and maybe you have too. So I've been trying to finish projects to clear some head space for new things - easier said than done!

The world feels noisy and uncertain, and sitting down with soft yarn and a simple pattern feels like a kind of antidote. The rhythm of making, the soft hand of knit fabric, even just winding a skein gives us a moment to breathe and find steadiness again.

Looking for a sense of calm and connection is what keeps us going at HRYC. Every project, every chat in the shop, every colour on the shelves, it all reminds me that creativity is its own kind of hope. Whenever I mention this to people hanging out with us, they nod eagerly - our space is for you to find the space you need to process daily life.

So wherever you are, I hope you’re finding a little time to make something just for you. Below, I’ve shared what’s new in the shop, a few things we’re loving lately, and some gentle inspiration to keep your hands (and heart) warm.

My foster puppy, Kip, has been making the most of my latest snuggly project - proving that yarn is the best comfort!

Our next Lights Up Knitting film promises to be woolly delightful - featuring a murder mystery, talking sheep and Hugh Jackman, it feels like just the silly entertainment we need.

Join us on Tuesday 12 May at Light House Petone.

Meet from 5:15pm, film starts at 6pm and every ticket gets a free treat to enjoy during the movie and entry into our prize draw.

What's on Tash's needles? Well, I had a bit of a Poet sweater disaster, which was just the humility needed to go back and finish some WIPs.

At the moment I'm knitting this very simple moss stitch cowl using handspun made with Malabrigo Nube in Zinnias. I wanted something very simple to let the yarn shine and it's been what my brain needed to relax.

I also cast on and finished a Musselburgh hat in Knitsch Merino 4ply in the shade 1/4 Acre Dream. It's slightly too big, so I think I'll be casting on another one using smaller needles.

Next on my needles is Audrey in Unst by Gudrun Johnston, knit using Jamieson & Smith sport weight which we recently received into stock. I've knit a swatch with it, and it's wonderfully toothy, Great for a nice hard-wearing cardigan like this one.

Our ongoing love for all things Shetland continues, with the return of some much-loved titles and a re-stock of J&S jumper weight.

Shetland Wool Adventures has been fully re-stocked, and each issue is a quiet wander through the isles with stories, photos, knitting patterns and recipes.

Grand Shetland Adventures is a collab between Gudrun Johnston and Mary Jane Mucklestone - a celebration of yarn and pattern from the wild weather isles.

Jamieson & Smith 2ply Jumper Weight is now re-stocked and selling as quickly as ever. It's worth coming in to see in person and play with colours, but we do also offer sample cards - you just have to pay shipping.

Okay so it's not Shetland related at all, but we all need a pep-talk and these Certificate of Achievement note pads from Oh, Laura are a tiny moment of delight. Give your friends a certificate for something silly and make their day!