Saturday, December 17, 2011

Christmas 2011




A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL AND HAPPY NEW YEAR


Thank you so much for your custom, company and good conversation during 2011. Once A Sheep has now been open for over two years and I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every day. Getting to choose and play with such fabulous yarn and fibre and meeting such wonderful, inspiring and downright fun people just makes it a pleasure to come to work.

I'm looking forward to lots more fun with fibre in 2012, I hope you'll join me!

Once A Sheep opening hours for Christmas and New Year
CHRISTMAS EVE10:00-16:00
CHRISTMAS DAYCLOSED
BOXING DAYCLOSED
TUES 27TH DECEMBERCLOSED
WED 28TH DECEMBERCLOSED
THURS 29THDECEMBERCLOSED
FRID 30TH DECEMBER10:00-16:00
HOGMANAYCLOSED
NEW YEAR’S DAYCLOSED
MON 2ND JANUARYCLOSED
TUES 3RD JANUARYCLOSED
WED 4TH JANUARY10:00-17:00

Karen
Once A Sheep

Saturday, December 03, 2011

December Newsletter


Debbie Bliss
Thank you to everyone who came to meet Debbie Bliss on November 7th, it was a fantastic day and a wonderful opportunity to try on all the styles featured in Debbie's latest design books. Thank you also to all the bakers who brought such delicious home baking!
All the photos can be viewed here Debbie Bliss visit.

A final thank you to everyone who made a donation, we raised £100 to support the Ardgowan Hospice in Greenock.

Christmas Wish List Service
As it's December I feel it's now acceptable to use the "C" word. Yes Christmas is fast approaching and I'm sure we all have something woolly on our list for Santa.
Two simple steps will guarantee your Christmas happiness this year.
  1. Collect a form from Once A Sheep, fill in details of what is on your wish list and leave it with me in the shop (or you can email your wish list to me at karen@onceasheep.com)
  2. Using your Wish List, Once A Sheep will “advise” gift buyers what might be a suitable purchase for their intended recipient
Alternatively Gift Vouchers are available for any value which may be exchanged for any items from the shop.

New in the shop
Whilst I know we are still in December, I have had a preview of all the Spring/Summer collections for 2012 and I think you are in for a treat, along with a host of new pattern brochures and books, there are some lovely new yarns. I will bring you more on this as soon as I have pictures.

In the meantime we have several new books in stock.

The new Kim Hargreaves book Scarlet
Twenty one designs, including garments & accessories.
Yarns: Rowan Fine Lace,
Cashsoft 4ply, Pima Cotton,
Kidsilk Haze, Baby Alpaca DK,
Lima, Kid Classic, Cocoon,
Felted Tweed Aran, Boucle,
Alpaca Chunky, Big Wool &
Amy Butler Sweet Harmony


Sarah Hatton's new booklet Vintage Inspired Projects
A collection of 7 garments and 2 accessories, all with a feminine vintage feel.

Martin Storey, Aran Knits 
23 Handknit Designs in Rowan yarns by Martin Storey.
Inspired by traditional fishermen's sweaters from around the British Isles, the 23 classic cable and Aran projects in this book are perfect for knitters who want to experience the delight of creating Aran texture without finding the patterns too complicatied to knit.


Kim Hargreaves Vintage Designs to Knit
25 Timeless Patterns for Women & Men from the Rowan Collection. Edited by Kate Buller.


Rowan Studio 25.
Studio 25 is inspired by the coming festive season. The collection includes 'must have' Nordic pattered garments as well as elegant, easy to wear evening pieces. Martin Storey uses Kidsilk Haze, Kid Classic and Shimmer to create a collection that lets you select the perfect festive knit for you and the party season.



Workshops
Creative Crochet 28 January 2012 
Learn how to create amazing effects using different stitches to get texture in the surface of a crocheted fabric 
Work with colour and different textures of yarns together to produce visually pleasing effects 
Look at how to add texture and how to use these different elements in designing crocheted items
 
Creative Spinning 25 February 2012 
Get creative with texture, fibres and colour in this workshop designed to unleash your artistic side! 
You will learn unusual techniques for producing wonderful, unique art yarns 
You will be encouraged spin beyond your comfort zone
 
All workshops run from 10:30 to 3:30 and cost £45.00 
Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by. 
To reserve a place on any workshop please email karen@onceasheep.com or call Karen on 01475 648089 
A deposit of £10 will secure your place.

Friday, October 28, 2011

October Newsletter

Only 10 days to go!

Just a reminder that Debbie Bliss will be visiting Once A Sheep on Monday November 7th from 10:00 - 12:00. Debbie will be bringing garments from her latest collections for you to try on. She is also happy to sign your pattern brochures and books.

There will be plenty of home baking and tea/coffee to enjoy. In addition everyone who comes along will receive a 10% discount voucher valid until November 14th.
Whilst there is no charge to attend, donations to the Ardgowan Hospice will be gratefully received.

New in the shop

Debbie Bliss Riva
Riva is a chunky weight yarn that is as light as a feather to handle. It knits up quickly and easily and is wonderfully soft to handle and has a gorgeous depth of colour. The 12 colours each contain a blend of heathery shades that change subtly throughout the ball of yarn.
Supported by a pattern booklet featuring 11 designs.



70% Merino Wool, 30% Acrylic
50g
Approx 80m
7mm needles
10cm: 13.5 sts x 19 rows

Debbie Bliss Paloma

Paloma is a bulky yarn made from a luxurious blend of Baby Alpaca and merino wool, which is knitted on 10mm needles. This yarn is made using a brand new technology which creates the ultimate “bulk without weight“. It comes in a range of 16 beautiful, mainly melange shades and is backed by a stunning book, shot in the Yorkshire Dales.

50g/ Approx 65m/71yds
60% Baby Alpaca, 40% Merino Wool
Needles 10mm
10cm: 12 sts x 18 rows

Debbie Bliss Party Angel

This gorgeous laceweight yarn from Debbie Bliss is as soft & light as a feather, with a silky sheen and fluffy halo. It knits up quickly on large needles for a lacy effect or smaller needles for a firmer tension. Pattern support is available in the Autumn/Winter magazine and the books Angel & A Fine Romance. Debbie's fabulous Angel yarn now comes with added glitter for that essential evening wear look!

 

72% Superkid Mohair, 24% Silk, 4% Metalized Polyester
25g/ Approx 200m
3.25mm - 5mm
10cm: 18-24 sts x 23-34 rows

Rowan Kidsilk Creations and Kidsilk Haze Stripe Colours by Kaffe Fassett

2 stunning new scarf yarns from Rowan. Using the fabulous Kidsilk Haze one ball produces a beautiful airy but warm scarf.





Workshops

Getting the most from your Rigid Heddle Loom 12 November 2011
1 Place available!
This workshop is for those who can already do some basic weaving but want to get more out of their loom
We will cover use of texture and colour, fleece weaving, pick ups and Leno
There will also be a refresher on warping the loom

Colour blending for spinners 19 November 2011 SOLD OUT
Learn how to create your own unique fibre blends for spinning
We will look at how to combine different colours and textures in carded batts and learn to spin them in different ways to see the effects they produce
The workshop will include how to combine colours to create complimentary and contrasting shades for knitting and weaving projects and we will add silk, alpaca and other fibres to our blends
Suitable for all abilities of spinners from those who have just learned to those who are more experienced

Creative Crochet 28 January 2012
Learn how to create amazing effects using different stitches to get texture in the surface of a crocheted fabric
Work with colour and different textures of yarns together to produce visually pleasing effects
Look at how to add texture and how to use these different elements in designing crocheted items

Creative Spinning 25 February 2012
Get creative with texture, fibres and colour in this workshop designed to unleash your artistic side!
You will learn unusual techniques for producing wonderful, unique art yarns
You will be encouraged to spin beyond your comfort zone


All workshops run from 10:30 to 3:30 and cost £45.00
Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by.
To reserve a place on any workshop please email karen@onceasheep.com or call Karen on 01475 648089
A deposit of £10 will secure your place.

Monday, October 03, 2011

Debbie Bliss 7th November 2011

Please note a change in timing for Debbie Bliss' visit on November 7th.

She will be in the shop from 10:00-12:00 

There will be lots of sample garments from all of Debbie’s latest design brochures and the Autumn/Winter magazine. You will be encouraged to try everything on and receive advice on fit, flatter and colour.

Plus there will be cake of course!

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Friday, September 23, 2011

An Invitation

An Invitation
7th November 2011
11:00

Please join me in welcoming Debbie Bliss for tea, cakes, knitting and good conversation.



There is no charge to attend, but any donations will be passed on to the Ardgowan Hospice in Greenock who do wonderful work supporting terminally ill patients, their families and friends.

New in the shop

Debbie Bliss A/W 2011 Magazine

Debbie says "If you don't feel like leaping into any major projects at the moment, have a look at the knits in Feel the Wrapture - six pieces to enfold yourself in, most of which won't take you too many evenings to knit up. Similarly, the pretty little tops in 'Party Girls' will take you next to no time to complete; worked in my beautiful angel mohair, they will be light on your lap as well.

One of the most intriguing trends recently has been the return to 'Make Do and Mend', and Kate Haxell has written a fascinating article that combines the history behind the initiative and her own experience of drawing stocking "seams" up her legs after listening to her grandmother's stories of wartime domestic hardships. Perhaps we don't need to go to those lengths, but making do is a good lesson to learn, and it was refreshing to see that when Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, visited Canada earlier in the year, she was wearing High Street dresses (some of them more than once!), had dispensed with a large retinue and did her own makeup. So I am off now to darn some socks, change the buttons on a shirt and start planning for the six months ahead."

Also new:
Noro Kama is a luxurious blend of wool, silk, alpaca, kid mohair and angora, which is featured City Girl, a new collection of Noro patterns from Jenny Watson
new Noro book by Jenny Watson.
Length: 75m
Weight: 50g
Needle size: 5m-6mm/US8-10/UK10-13


New books now available include:

Knits to Give, Debbie Bliss
Nothing warms the heart more than a handmade gift. The thoughtful consideration and time poured into a hand knit is guaranteed to make the recipient feel cherished. Knits to Give is a collection of 30 gift ideas from top knitwear designer Debbie Bliss. Divided into five sections - For Her, For Him, For Baby, For Kids, For the Home - Knits to Give contains the solution to numerous tricky gift-giving problems. Each project is designed to give maximum joy with the minimum of fuss; some are quick, entry-level projects that suit the beginner knitter, yet still result in an individual and enticing personal gift. Whether it is a heart motif cushion given to celebrate moving into a new home or to demonstrate one's love on Valentine's Day, all the projects in Knits to Give are a joy to make, give and receive.
55 Christmas Balls to Knit
Who doesn't love Christmas decorations? They are colorful and festive and bring joy to many both in the making and the decorating. Now Norwegian knitwear design stars Arne and Carlos bring fun-filled holiday crafting to knitters everywhere with their ornamental balls. They are easy to knit, easy to stuff and once you get knitting you won't want to stop. Inspired by traditional Norwegian patterns each ball is a unique handmade creation ready to become a holiday heirloom. They are ideal for the tree, wreaths, mantels, centerpieces and window dressings, and make perfect gifts for friends and family. This book is bursting with creativity and inspiration, with one set of instructions and 55 patterns pick up your needles and start knitting.
'Twas the Knits Before Christmas
"...Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." Clement Clarke Moore's evocative 1822 poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" helped to define the story of Santa Claus and has itself has become part of the Christmas tradition in many houses. Contains instructions for knitting all of the characters in the poem plus full-size Christmas wreath and stocking. The original poem accompanied by beautiful illustrations. With the poem in it's entirety on the flap, so that you can read it alongside the knitting patterns.
The Perfect Finish
You'll treasure this book, jamb-packed with a wealth of information, and as a most-relied upon source for all of your finishing needs. If you're new to finishing, you'll appreciate the "what's next," hold-your-hand approach to finishing. The Perfect Finish systematically presents the chapters as they would logically be executed. The teachers and designers walk you through the chapters, presenting their methods in a lively, conversational style. The finishing techniques are presented in an unintimidating step-by-step format, accompanied by photographs of each step in the process. No more excuses! It's time to gather up those unfinished cardigans and sweaters in your closet because finally, this is the finishing book you've been waiting for!
Crochet So Fine
Thinner yarns and flexible stitches combine in these fashionable designs that are stylish, comfortable, and flattering. Fine crochet can be quick and easy, and many projects require only a skein or two of yarn. Begin by exploring techniques specific to crocheting with fine yarns, like gauge, blocking, and garment construction tips to maximize drape. Then choose from 20 stunning projects, including pullovers, cardigans, jackets, capes, shawls, scarves and hats. Every project features innovative design and stitch details that take crochet to a new level. With clever stitch motifs (accompanied by charts), innovative and traditional shaping methods, and a variety of crochet techniques and embellishment ideas, the designs are interesting to make and irresistible to wear. Finally, crochet patterns that feature a new approach to crochet garment design that's as enjoyable to wear as to make.
Best of Interweave Crochet
The Best of Interweave Crochet presents the very best patterns by top designers from the magazine since its inception. From Kathy Merrick's color-rich Babette's Blanket to Kristin Omdahl's shapely Infinity Shawl to Lily Chin's flattering Lace Dress, you won't want to wait to get started on these popular projects and more. You'll also find the in-depth instructions, tips, and techniques that you know and love from Interweave Crochet. Create bold new crochet creations using innovative variations on basic stitches and try your hand at more complex stitch motifs, Tunisian crochet, and lacework. The Best of Interweave Crochet is a complete collection of top designs all in one easily accessible volume. Whether you're picking up a hook for the first time or you're a long-time crocheter, you'll love these twenty unique and popular projects.
Nordic Felted Knits
Make beautiful bags, stylish sweaters, warm scarves and hats, soft slippers and more, then add embroidery and beads. These stylish garments and accessories show off the wonderful qualities of felted knitting, with many ideas for individual touches. This title is packed with patterns: more than 50 inspirational ideas! It includes an attractive and easy felting technique to enhance your knitting. It features great garments for young and old.
Cute and Easy Baby Knits
Susie Johns graduated from the Slade School of Fine Art and worked as a magazine editor for 11 years, specializing in crafts, cookery and gardening, before going freelance in 1996. Since then she has written books on a variety of creative subjects including photo craft, jewellery making, collage, sewing, knitting and crochet, and has contributed regular features for magazines. Susie is a qualified teacher and has run workshops in watercolours, beadwork, crochet and knitting.

All the new colours of Rico Loopy, Loopy Print and CanCan Glitz are now available in the shop

Workshops

Getting the most from your Rigid Heddle Loom 12 November 2011
This workshop is for those who can already do some basic weaving but want to get more out of their loom
We will cover use of texture and colour, fleece weaving, pick ups and Leno
There will also be a refresher on warping the loom

Colour blending for spinners 19 November 2011
Learn how to create your own unique fibre blends for spinning
We will look at how to combine different colours and textures in carded batts and learn to spin them in different ways to see the effects they produce
The workshop will include how to combine colours to create complimentary and contrasting shades for knitting and weaving projects and we will add silk, alpaca and other fibres to our blends
Suitable for all abilities of spinners from those who have just learned to those who are more experienced

Creative Crochet 28 January 2012
Learn how to create amazing effects using different stitches to get texture in the surface of a crocheted fabric
Work with colour and different textures of yarns together to produce visually pleasing effects
Look at how to add texture and how to use these different elements in designing crocheted items

All workshops run from 10:30 to 3:30 and cost £45.00
Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by.
To reserve a place on any workshop please email karen@onceasheep.com or call Karen on 01475 648089
A deposit of £10 will secure your place.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

August News

New in the shop

I have some exciting news, unfortunately I can't share the details with you just yet, but just as a teaser try to keep the morning of Monday 7Th November free in your diary for a trip to Once A Sheep! For now my lips are sealed!

The new yarns and most of the pattern books for Autumn Winter 2011 are now in stock. Combining beautiful colours and textures they will make this Winter's knitting an absolute pleasure.

I was so excited by all that loveliness that I re-discovered my knitting "mojo" that had eluded me a little over the summer. So here is what I have finished so far:

Cordial in Rowan Drift from Rowan Magazine 50 (The pattern itself features Rowan Big Wool)



Crystal Bolero in Rowan Alpaca Chunky from Rowan Winter Warmers



Holly Hat in Rowan Alpaca Chunky from Rowan Winter Warmers. I can tell that this is going to become a favourite yarn and pattern book!



Veny Hat in Rowan Colourspun from Rowan Nordic Tweed.



And now I have cast on the cover pattern, Bow Jacket,  from Debbie Bliss Time For Tweed. I am using DB Luxury Tweed Aran in 033 Scarlet, identical to the cover shot.

Finally we also have new colours in the existing ranges of:
Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, Rialto DK, Luxury Tweed and Andes
Rowan Felted Tweed Lima and Big Wool
Rico Essentials Merino DK and Aran

Coming soon are new "one ball" scarf yarns from Designer Yarns, Rico and Rowan.

Workshops

Weaving for Beginners 27 August 2011
Learn how to weave on a rigid heddle loom
Rigid heddle looms are easy to use and great for creative weaving
This course is for people who want to learn to weave from scratch or those who have been doing a bit of weaving on their own but need some guidance
We will use a range of plain, fancy and textured yarns to weave a sample and give you ideas to work on at home
We will also have a go at warping up a loom

Silk Spinning 10th September 2011
The opportunity to sample some luxury fibre and learn to spin all forms of silk
This course will explore how to spin the different forms of silk and how to get different thicknesses and types of yarn from them
Suitable for all levels of spinners (on wheels or spindles) except for complete beginners (ie: those who cannot spin at all)

Getting the most from your Rigid Heddle Loom 12 November 2011
This workshop is for those who can already do some basic weaving but want to get more out of their loom
We will cover use of texture and colour, fleece weaving, pick ups and Leno
There will also be a refresher on warping the loom

All workshops run from 10:30 to 3:30 and cost £45.00
Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by.
To reserve a place on any workshop please email karen@onceasheep.com or call Karen on 01475 648089
A deposit of £10 will secure your place.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

July 2011 News

New in the shop


Little Red In The City is now in stock and on sale for £18.00, more than a collection of beautiful contemporary patterns this stunning new book from Ysolda Teague gives you all you need to know to make sure you create the perfect fitting garment every time.

Last month I showcased some of the new yarns and pattern books due in from Rowan, this month I thought I would give you a taste of what is to come from Debbie Bliss. With some beautiful new yarns and pattern booklets I'm finding it hard to decide what to knit up first!

All Autumn/Winter 2011/12 Yarns and patterns will be arriving from now through to Sept/Oct. I will keep you posted as soon as they appear in the shop.

Due in very soon from Debbie Bliss


8 stunning designs in Debbie Bliss Angel, a beautiful blend of Kid Mohair and Silk. These designs will also look stunning in the new Debbie Bliss Angel range called Party Angel featuring shimmering strands of sparkly thread, just in time for the winter party season.
25g/ Approx 200m
Quality:- 76% Super Kid Mohair, 24% Silk
Care:- Hand wash
Needles:- 3.25mm-5mm/US3-8
Tension:- 10cm: 18-24sts x 23-34 rows

Six more designs for Andes—the beautiful Baby Alpaca and Mulberry Silk blend from Debbie Bliss.

Eight designs from Debbie Bliss in Rialto Chunky, a beautiful new addition to the Rialto Family.
50g/ Approx 60m
Quality:- 100% Merino Wool
Care:- Machine wash at 30°c
Needles:- 6.5mm/US10.5
Tension:- 10cm: 15 sts x 21 rows

Six new designs from Debbie Bliss in Glen, using the simplest of stitches and styles.
The knits are all based on squares and rectangles with minimal shaping, ideal for new knitters or those who want to relax with an easy knit project.
Fibres: 30% Fine Alpaca,30% Merino Wool, 40% Acrylic
Weight: 50g
Length: 90m
Needles: 6.5mm/US10
Tension 10cm sq: 21rows x 14sts

Six designs using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino and Rialto ranges set in the beautiful Charleston House, home of the writers and painters known as the Bloomsbury Group.

Six country house designs by Debbie Bliss in Luxury Tweed Aran and Luxury Tweed Chunky.
Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Aran Tweed.
85% Wool
15% Angora
88m/50g Ball
Needle: 5mm US8
Tension: 10cm 24rows x 18sts
Machine washable 30°C
Made in Kilcar, Ireland

Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Chunky

85% Wool
15% Angora
100m/100g Ball
Needle: 6.5mm US10.5
Tension: 10cm 18rows x 12sts
Machine washable 30°C
Made in Kilcar, Ireland

Magazines

The Knitter 34


Inside Crochet


Workshops

Weaving for Beginners 27 August 2011
Learn how to weave on a rigid heddle loom
Rigid heddle looms are easy to use and great for creative weaving
This course is for people who want to learn to weave from scratch or those who have been doing a bit of weaving on their own but need some guidance
We will use a range of plain, fancy and textured yarns to weave a sample and give you ideas to work on at home
We will also have a go at warping up a loom

Getting the most from your Rigid Heddle Loom 12 November 2011
This workshop is for those who can already do some basic weaving but want to get more out of their loom
We will cover use of texture and colour, fleece weaving, pick ups and Leno
There will also be a refresher on warping the loom

All workshops run from 10:30 to 3:30 and cost £45.00
Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by.
To reserve a place on any workshop please email karen@onceasheep.com or call Karen on 01475 648089
A deposit of £10 will secure your place.