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New Year, New Tools

New Year, New Tools

on Jan 19, 2025
As we welcome 2025, there’s something special about starting the year with fresh ideas and tools that make our creative lives easier and more enjoyable. At Thread & Maple, we’re always inspired by the incredible makers in our community, and this year, we’re thrilled to introduce three brand-new products designed with your needs in mind. Each of these tools is here to help you stay organized, inspired, and stress-free as you create your next masterpiece. Let’s dive in! Leather Swatch Size Markers: Inspired by You Have you ever come across an old swatch and wondered, What needle size did I use for this? You’re not alone! These clever markers were born from a customer’s brilliant suggestion (Thank you Susan from Ontario!). Crafted from eco-friendly leather scraps, our Leather Swatch Size Markers are designed to clip onto your swatches after blocking, ensuring you never lose track of your needle sizes again. Available in small, medium, and large sampler sets, they’re perfect for every knitter, whether you’re working with fine lace or chunky yarn. Say goodbye to mystery swatches and hello to effortless organization! Numbered Wooden Stitch Markers: Count on Them When it comes to keeping track of pattern repeats or sections in your work, stitch markers are a crafter’s best friend. These Numbered Wooden Stitch Markers take this a step further with clear, laser-etched numbers from 1 to 10. Whether you’re managing a complex lace pattern or simply marking key points in your project, these lightweight, beautifully crafted markers will keep you on track. With their secure gourd-shaped safety pin attachments, they’re perfect for both knitting and crochet projects. Bohin Dreamcatcher Needle Threader: Threading Made Beautiful Threading a tapestry needle can be a fiddly task, but the Bohin Dreamcatcher Needle Threader makes it a breeze. Shaped like a delicate dreamcatcher, this lightweight aluminum tool is as functional as it is beautiful. Its fine threading wire easily guides yarn through needles of various sizes, saving you time and frustration. Plus, its design invites personalization—add tassels, beads, or stitches to make it uniquely yours. Compact enough to fit into your Thread & Maple On the Go notions fold, this tool is the perfect blend of practicality and charm. A Year of Creativity and Connection At Thread & Maple, we’re always inspired by the resilience and creativity of our community. As we embark on 2025, we hope these new tools bring a little extra joy and ease to your crafting journey. Whether you’re tackling ambitious new projects or simply savoring the meditative rhythm of your stitches, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Here’s to a year filled with inspiration, connection, and the simple pleasures of making something beautiful with our hands. Love, 
Maker Spotlight: SOSUknits

Maker Spotlight: SOSUknits

on Jan 10, 2025
We're starting off the new year with a new Maker Spotlight, this one shining on Susanne Sommer of SOSUknits! Susanne's use of color and texture make her knitwear garments and accessories absolute showstoppers. Ginny Bandana Cowl Q. Your knitwear designs are full of gorgeous textures and colors, and some have unusual construction methods. Where do you draw your inspiration from when you're working on a new design? What aspects of the design (color, texture, construction, something else?) do you start with first?) I’m a maker. I love the act of creating something, of dreaming it up and making it a reality. And I think my inspiration comes from the act of making itself. The inspiration comes either from a yarn I want to make something with, a particular project I want to make, or a fun or unusual way of making something. So, each project or design has a different starting point and inspiration. I used to just cast on and see where the journey took me, but I’ve learned to sketch, swatch, and plan a project. But sometimes, I still just let inspiration take me where it may. And luckily, yarn is incredibly forgiving when the first (or second or third) try does not quite work out. What this looks like is that I sometimes start with the yarn, either because I just fell in love with it or because it’s a collaboration with a dyer. I’ll then play around with it, which sounds more fun than swatching, but really, I just swatch until I find the perfect fit for the yarn, and it tells me what it wants to be. Or I have an idea for a fun construction, want to use a technique or stitch pattern, or there is a cardigan-sized hole in my wardrobe that needs to be filled. In that case, I either have a yarn in mind that could work, or I get to hunt and gather the perfect match for my idea. So, my inspiration comes from the yarn itself and the act of knitting. I usually have the best ideas for a new design while knitting on something else. Cloudwatching Q. If you could plan your dream project, from collecting the fiber (plant or animal) to finished object, what do you think the process might look like? The sky's the limit!  I love combining my love for knitting and yarn with traveling, so my dream project starts with a trip. Yarn is the best souvenir, and while I love visiting yarn stores wherever I go, I would love to be involved in creating this dream yarn somehow. Maybe I get to visit the farm where the sheep roam free and then dye the yarn, preferably in the relaxed company of lovely people from far and wide who get together for a few days to play around with yarn and colors and enjoy each other’s company. Inspiration would strike, and I’d know exactly what I’d knit with this magical yarn, and without much fuss, I would get gauge, and all the maths would fall into place. My magical dream cardigan (you can never have enough cardigans!) would be such a joy to knit that it would be done in just a few days without my hands hurting from the strain. There would be no ends to weave in, and it would block in minutes and fit like a dream, even years later. And I would find the perfect buttons in the treasure chest I inherited from my gran. Baseline Cardigan Q. What is your favourite of all your designs and why? Is there one that holds special meaning for you? My favorite usually is the one I’m working on right now or the one I’m dreaming up. There’s a memory attached to each design, either because it’s a collaboration with lovely people, I got the yarn on a trip, or the design is connected to a time, event, or people.The Baseline Cardigan immediately comes to mind. I love a good wardrobe staple, and this design is incredibly versatile. It’s knit sideways in Garter stitch and comes with mix-and-match sizing options, different necklines, and, of course, pockets. I’m always contemplating another version. Baseline Cardigan The Shusui Shrug is one of my most popular patterns, and seeing so many happy knitters in their versions is magical. I even made a new version of the original design because it’s such a fun concept and shape (the new one is called Base Camp Shrug). This was one of my first Brioche designs, and I’m still absolutely obsessed! Shusui Shrug My last two MKAL designs, Brioche + Mystery and Brioche Mode, certainly make the favorites list not just for the design but because mystery designs are such a fun experience for knitters and designers. Brioche + Mystery My advent calendar designs (Earth, Wind & Fire, Travel Mode, and Good Things, the latest one) for German dyers Frida Fuchs hold a special place in my heart. They are designed to be knit as an MKAL, which creates complexities and restrictions that I have to work within, which makes me stretch to create a cohesive, fun, and colorful design. Each one is a bigger challenge, making me love them even more. Travel Mode The Gridlines sweaters (the original and the bulky version called Winter Grid) are among my favorites and most worn sweaters. I love all things grid, gingham, plaid, and check, and the modular construction and sizing make it such a versatile design. Gridlines  This brings me to one of my latest designs, the Ginny cardigan, which combines my love for this geometric pattern, colors, and Brioche. I’m currently working (again) on a project I started many years ago, a knit dress. It’s taken me forever to get it just right (for lots of different bodies, not just mine), and now I need to finish my sample and get the pattern ready to share. It’s a call-back to some of my first garment designs, but for me, it really shows how much I’ve grown and learned in the past ten years. And, of course, it has pockets! (Pockets!) We're so grateful to Susanne for sharing her creative process, inspirations, and passion for knitwear design with us. Whether you're drawn to her versatile cardigans, intricate brioche patterns, or bold modular designs, there’s something in her collection for every knitter. Be sure to follow SOSUknits on Instagram and Ravelry for more inspiration, and don’t forget to check out her latest patterns to add a touch of creativity to your next project! Love,
The Possum-bilities Are Endless!

The Possum-bilities Are Endless!

on Dec 22, 2024
This exceptional yarn is not just a treat for knitters and crocheters but also a step towards sustainable and ethical crafting. Let’s dive into what makes this yarn so special and why it deserves a place in your stash.
Maker Spotlight: Camellia Fiber Company

Maker Spotlight: Camellia Fiber Company

on Dec 19, 2024
Silbia Ro is the color curator, dyer, and hand-spinner behind Camellia Fiber Company, and we're delighted to feature her beautiful work in December 2024's Maker Spotlight.
Black Friday Sale 2024

Black Friday Sale 2024

on Nov 29, 2024
Have you been eyeing a certain something in our shop? We've got TEN amazing deals on some of our most popular items Friday to Monday only! Pssst, T&M newsletter subscribers get TWO additional members-only deals in their inbox ;) How to Shop the Sale It's simple! All discounts will be applied automatically. For BOGO deals, be sure to add all items to cart - the qualifying item and your selected gift/discounted item. Sale runs 9am EST Nov 29th to 11:59pm EST Dec 2nd Kindly note that only orders placed during the sale duration qualify for the discounts. Laura, our incredible customer support manager, is working overtime this time of year, so please be kind :) Thank you so much for your understanding! Offers are valid for in-stock items only while quantities last, so don't miss them before they're gone! T&M newsletter subscribers will receive 2 additional deals in their inbox. You can subscribe via the form in the footer of our website >>                  
Introducing The Collectif: A Collaboration of Craft and Creativity

Introducing The Collectif: A Collaboration of Craft and Creativity

on Nov 23, 2024
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The Collectif is a dreamy project bag/spindle case designed in collaboration with Andrea Mowry to make on-the-go spinning effortless and oh-so-stylish! 
Maker Spotlight: Crochet Highway

Maker Spotlight: Crochet Highway

on Nov 20, 2024
We are so excited to feature Ana-Maria of Crochet Highway for November 2024's Maker Spotlight! Ana-Maria's eye-catching designs are a gorgeous blend of color, texture, and style, turning crocheted garments into magic.
Win Your Wishlist

Win Your Wishlist

on Nov 15, 2024
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**Please note this contest is now closed** Big congrats to the lucky winner, Deb Welch! This holiday season, let your wishes take center stage—because Santa might just be listening! 🎅✨ Here's your chance to create your dream wishlist and enter to win everything on it. How to Enter: Log in or Sign Up: Head over to your T&M account (click “Log In/Sign Up” at the top right or in the mobile menu). Create Your Wishlist: Open the Wishlist slide-out on the right of the screen and hit “Add New List.” Browse Your Favorites: Browse the shop and add your most-wanted T&M goodies by clicking the pink “Add to Wishlist” button (right beside “Add to Cart”). 🛍️ Pro Tip: Make sure you're logged in to your account to be eligible for the prize! The Reward: If your wishlist is chosen, you'll win everything on it (up to $500 USD / $700 CAD)! If not, don’t worry—we’ll send you a 15% discount off all the items on your list. Important Dates & Details: We’ll randomly select one winner from all entries submitted between November 15-17 on Tuesday, November 18th. Wishlists cannot include discontinued or limited-edition items (e.g., Fatherland Boxy Tote or Knit for the Girls bundle). Out-of-stock items are fine, as long as you’re willing to wait for a restock. Discount codes for non-winning entries will be sent on Tuesday, November 18th and will be valid for one week. Hurry—this magical offer is only available this weekend! Start wishing, start shopping, and let the holiday spirit work its magic. 🎁   Love,
⏱️ Ready, Set, Save: Get $15 Off When You Spend $100+

⏱️ Ready, Set, Save: Get $15 Off When You Spend $100+

on Nov 09, 2024
It’s the season for sipping hot cocoa, binge-watching favorite holiday movies, and, of course, shopping for the perfect gifts! So we’re kicking off our Early Bird Holiday Shopping Sale. 
Perfecting Your Chiaogoo Shortie Storage: Find the Best Fit for You

Perfecting Your Chiaogoo Shortie Storage: Find the Best Fit for You

on Oct 24, 2024
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If you’ve been looking for a way to beautifully store all 3 Chiaogoo Shortie Sets in 1 tidy spot, then we've got something special for you!
4th Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser

4th Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser

on Oct 12, 2024
Welcome to our 4th annual fundraiser in the fight against breast cancer! Join us, Sam & Olga of Thread and Maple, Tracie & Jodi of the Grocery Girls and Karina Moore of Louie & Lola Yarns to raise funds for life-saving breast cancer research. Thanks to the support of our wonderful community, we've jointly raised over $140,000 for breast cancer research since we started running this event, 3 years ago. We're back and more excited than ever, to try and up our tally into the 200's! Here's what we've got going on: ✨ Fiber-tastic raffle prizes for donors to the North American & Australian fundraisers awarded daily from October 5th to October 12th. ✨ Over a dozen grand prizes drawing from list of all donors October 12th, featuring luxurious accessories, patterns and yarn bundles of North America's & Australia's Finest Indie Dyers ✨ A new limited edition 2024 'Knit for the Girls' bundle, available for purchase at 12noon EDT Saturday 12th October here in our shop, with $25USD/$30CAD from the sale of each bundle donated to Breast Cancer Canada. The bundles will also available for purchase in the Louie & Lola Yarns and Grocery Girls online stores.   ✨This year, we're excited to announce that we've partnered with not one, but FIVE talented designers, offering five choices of pattern with the bundles, including options for crocheters: Tracie Millar - Galiano Socks (knit) Helen Stewart - Wishing Star Shawl (knit, new exclusive release!) Melanie Berg - Rainy Day Hat & Mitts (knit) Toni Lipsey - Party Punch Shawl (Tunisian crochet) Carmen Heffernan - Vintage Peach Shawl (classic crochet) ========================== With 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s hard to find a member of this tight-knit community who hasn’t been impacted--be it personally or through a family member or friend. That's why we're coming together again to raise fund towards the goal of ZERO deaths from breast cancer! Your contributions will support Breast Cancer Canada and National Breast Cancer Foundation Australia, both of which fund world-class breast cancer researchers. We wholeheartedly stand behind their vision of no deaths from breast cancer, and want to do all we can to help make that vision a reality. Let's unite to show support for this important cause. Donate Today  
The Nivalis Bundle: Blooming in Adversity

The Nivalis Bundle: Blooming in Adversity

on Sep 27, 2024
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The Nivalis Bundle, designed in collaboration with Teti Lutsak, features the Ukrainian snowdrop, a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. A portion of proceeds will support Medical Battalion, providing boots on the ground medical support in Ukraine.
Needles, More Needles, & Crochet Hooks

Needles, More Needles, & Crochet Hooks

on Sep 07, 2024
The results are in from the DPNs poll you generously responded to a few weeks ago. And we found some interesting things...
Gift With All Orders This Labour Day Weekend

Gift With All Orders This Labour Day Weekend

on Aug 30, 2024
Get a free set of 15 medium-sized Seashell Stitch Markers with every order, plus choose a FREE GIFT with all orders over $100 USD/$130 CAD.           Simply add your choice of freebie to cart and it will be discounted automatically (as long as your cart value is over $100 USD/$130 CAD). Whether your order meets the minimum or not, we'll send you a set of free seashell markers to celebrate the long weekend, back-to-school time (for those with tots), and of course - Labour Day!
The Telescopic Tote: The Ultimate Knitting Bag for Yarn Lovers Everywhere

The Telescopic Tote: The Ultimate Knitting Bag for Yarn Lovers Everywhere

on Aug 30, 2024
The Telescopic Tote isn’t just another knitting bag—it’s a game-changer for knitters on the go. Its innovative snaps system allows it to expand or shrink to fit your yarn haul needs.
The 2024 Seconds Sale is On!

The 2024 Seconds Sale is On!

on Aug 15, 2024
The sale you've been waiting for has finally arrived. Get 20-40% off our perfectly imperfect products. That's right. The 2024 seconds sale kicks off today... but only for subscribers.
The Art of Stranded Knitting: A Deep Dive into Fair Isle Techniques

The Art of Stranded Knitting: A Deep Dive into Fair Isle Techniques

on Aug 04, 2024
2
Learn stranded knitting like a pro with the ultimate Stranded Knitting Tutorial!
Massive (Re)Stock - Yarn & Crochet Pages

Massive (Re)Stock - Yarn & Crochet Pages

on Jul 13, 2024
Do you love yarn? Thought so! That's why we got 23 of Louie & Lola's best new & returning colorways. (And lots of new & restocked crochet pages too!)
Set Sail with Sakvoyage Project Bag

Set Sail with Sakvoyage Project Bag

on Jun 01, 2024
Drawing inspiration from the classic doctor's bag, this stylish project bag is reimagined with contemporary lines and fabulous colors, designed specifically for today's discerning crafters.
The Crochet Hook Binder is Now Here!

The Crochet Hook Binder is Now Here!

on May 11, 2024
The moment you've all been waiting for has finally arrived – we're thrilled to unveil the Crochet Binder complete with fabulous Crochet Pages to fit all your amazing hooks! Crafted with care and designed for makers, by makers, our crochet binder offers an elegant solution to your hook and notions storage needs.  Are you ready to create your very own bespoke crochet organizer, perfectly tailored to fit your unique hooks collection? Because it's ready for you... 😁   A Special Pattern for a Special Release We've teamed up with Vincent from Visuvios Crafts to collaborate on a special treat for this special release. The first 50 purchasers of any crochet binder or page will receive a free copy of the gorgeous new Okapi Shawl and Hat pattern set! Plus, from May 11 to May 17 we will donate $10 from every sale of crochet items will to the Alzheimer's Association, in honor of Vincent's late grandparents, who lost their lives to this terrible disease. Sizes to Suit You: Choose between our regular size, which fits up to 4 pages, or our jumbo size, accommodating up to 7 pages (depending on the bulk of your hooks/tools). Plus, the binder shell itself offers ample storage with various pockets and compartments to keep your tools tidy and accessible. Tailored to Your Needs: The binder shell serves as the home base for your personal selection of pages, each meticulously designed to fit different hook types, from standard to ergonomic grips, or Tunisian hook sets. Simply unclasp the snaps of the leather rings at the back of the binder to add or remove pages as needed. Portability Meets Organization: Keep all your hooks together without sacrificing portability. Each page transforms into a neat standalone case, making it easy to take your crochet projects on the go. Versatility Personified: For those who dabble in multiple crafts, fear not! Our Crochet Binder also fits all of our Needle Binder Pages, and vice versa. It's the ultimate multi-craft organizer designed to adapt to your creative endeavors. (Not sure which you binder you need? Check out the comparison here!) Crafted to Last: Meticulously handcrafted from soft genuine leather, our binder seamlessly combines beauty and function. It's more than just an organizer – it's an heirloom piece that's sure to stand the test of time.   We're beyond excited to share this labor of love with you all and can't wait to see how you make it your own. Click here to explore our available crochet page options and start crafting your dream organizer today! Still undecided? Check out our comparison of the Needle Binder vs. the Crochet Binder here to find the perfect fit for your needs. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and here's to many more creative adventures together! Happy crocheting! Love,