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.