October 2012 Newsletter

News from the shop

It has become quite Autumnal now it's October and the knitting season is well under way.

For the Autumn season I have new colours in Felted Tweed which were used to lovely effect by the participants in the recent FairIsle workshop with Carol Meldrum.

Celadon                                                                                                                          

Peony

Mineral

Damask


New books this Autumn include:

November Knits

When the first chill hits the air, that’s the cue to bring out your favorite handknits and debut new ones. From casual cardigans and scarves for pumpkin carving and tailgating to sweet, stylish wraps and sweaters for Thanksgiving dinner, November Knits embraces the desire for cozy handknits. Featuring designs from multiple designers, this book captures the essence of fall in close to 20 projects. The book is divided into three moods: Farm Hands is the most casual, filled with rustic and durable garments to shield you through afternoons in a brisk wind. Patterns in this section feature textured stitches that add warmth and simple knitting with special details. The looks in Ivy League are unfussy but smart, featuring bolder colors and classic styling. For holidays and special occasions, the Down Home section brings warmth and coziness to slightly dressier garments. These patterns feature elegant knitted lace, layered and worked for warmth. While the primary focus of the book is garments and patterns, sidebars explain any nonstandard techniques, with an emphasis on texture, embellishments, and color knitting.

Northern Knits Gifts

Lucinda Guy continues her exploration of folk-knitting traditions in this colorful volume of small projects and accessories. Looking to the traditional knitting techniques of Scandinavia, Estonia, Iceland, and the Faroe and Shetland islands, she offers modern interpretations of such heritage techniques as twined knitting, two-color knitting, lace techniques, damask, fair isle, embroidery, and rya (knotted knitting similar to shag carpet). The projects in the book embrace the Danish notion of hygge– taking pleasure in comforting and cozy things, and often associated with family and close friends. The 20 projects include mittens, socks, hats, scarves, and bags, and are perfect for wearing and gifting. Emphasizing pattern and color, these knitted designs also embody the Scandinavian aesthetic of making utilitarian objects beautiful as well as useful. Additionally, the book celebrates the specific wools traditionally used in each project and provides thumbnail sketches of the history and folk culture surrounding each technique.

30 Minute Knits

Think you’re too busy to knit anything? Think again! Here’s a collection of knitting projects that you really can fit into your spare time, no matter where you are. Enjoy the fruits of your labour faster with this array of mini-knits that you can finish whenever you have half an hour to spare. Designed to knit up quickly, these quick-fix designs will liven up a boring TV show or give you something to do while dinner’s cooking. Boring train journeys will never be the same again. Best of all, you won’t need to spend lots of money on new and fancy yarns (unless you want to) as they can easily be knitted from what you have in your stash of leftovers already. The patterns assume no knitting skill, and include instructions for binding on and off, knit and purl stitch, increases, decreases, and knitting in the round. As well as this, they introduce a number of new stitches and techniques to keep more advanced knitters interested. Whether you are knitting for yourself or whipping up a last minute gift, this book has something for everyone.

Creative Scarf Weaving Workshop 27th October 2012

This course is  for anyone who has a rigid heddle loom or is thinking of getting one and wants a helping hand creating their own handwoven scarves.
We will learn how to set up your loom to make a scarf and  some different techniques that can be used for patterning, and  creating texture in your scarf.
For the more adventurous, we will learn how to weave your warp into your scarf to make a moebius cowl.
Finally, we will learn different ways to finish off your scarf creations.
This course is suitable for weavers of all abilities.

 

Crochet Amigurumi Creatures Workshop 17th November 2012

Be inspired by the Japanese crochet technique of Amigurumi. Have fun creating a cute little creature. Worked in the round in one continual spiral, using the most basic of stitches you can hook, stuff and stitch these little creatures together in no time! Once you have made one, you won't want to stop. Perfect for making Christmas decorations or small gifts. Must be confident with the basics. 

 

Workshop Info

• All workshops run from 10:30 to 15:30 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.

How To Book

• 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.

 

 

August/September 2012

In the shop

The new yarns have all been selling well along with the pattern brochures. The current topseller is the Rib and Cable sweater in Debbie Bliss Bluefaced Leicester

closely followed by a variety of patterns in Rowan Frost from the Frost Collection.



For the spinners and felters we now have a range of merino/silk sliver (20% mulberry silk, 80% merino) from Ashford available in multiples of 50g.



For anyone interested in spinning or weaving, the Clyde Coast Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers has an exciting visit coming up this month from the Woodland Turnery. Non Guild members are welcome to come along, all details are available here.

Workshop Info All workshops run from 10:30 to 15:30 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. How To Book 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. Fairisle Patch Bag with Carol Meldrum 29th September 2012 Add a splash of colour making this fun folk inspired patch bag Learn the basic techniques to get you started and confident at working 2 colours at the same time across a row See the benefits of reading from a graph The handle and side seam detail are made from a mock crochet chain technique Add some beads at the bottom for that extra finishing touch Must be confident with the basics Creative Scarf Weaving Workshop 27th October 2012 This course is  for anyone who has a rigid heddle loom or is thinking of getting one and wants a helping hand creating their own handwoven scarves. We will learn how to set up your loom to make a scarf and  some different techniques that can be used for patterning, and  creating texture in your scarf. For the more adventurous, we will learn how to weave your warp into your scarf to make a moebius cowl. Finally, we will learn different ways to finish off your scarf creations. This course is suitable for weavers of all abilities.

 

New in the shop


Last month I gave you  a preview of the new Rowan yarns and patterns coming at the end of July and I promised you a preview of the Debbie Bliss A/W 12/13 range this month. Well I can do better than that! The new stock arrived early and I now have available in store:

 Bluefaced Leicester Aran 100% British Superwash Wool, carrying the British Woolmark. I have 10 beautiful shades in stock. The pattern book features 13 classic designs focusing on texture as the fibre gives such clarity to the stitch.

Winter Garden is a chunky blend of luxurious Baby Llama, Merino, Silk and Linen. Stocked in all 8 shades the yarn features natural shades with a subtle tweedy fleck. 10 designs appear in the pattern book including accessories, jumpers and cardigans.




Angel Prints

A new addition to the popular Angel range is Angel Prints, a colour variegated version of the popular Mohair/Silk blend. This is a very versatile yarn knitting on needles between 3.25mm and 5mm.








Debbie Bliss has also added a new edition to the popular Baby Cashmerino books, this latest book features 13 bright knits for babies and children up to 7 all in Baby Cashmerino.

In order to make room for all the new stock, I am offering all Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran and Debbie Bliss Rialto Chunky at 30% off. First come, first served!

Workshops

Professional Finishing Techniques with Carol Meldrum 25th August 2012

Often with hand knitted garments it can be the finishing off that can let you down
On this workshop we will show you how to give that professional look to your knitted garments 

On the day we will work through tried and tested increasing and decreasing methods, picking up stitches and creating button holes and button bands 

We will also look at the various mattress stitch methods and where and when to use them to get the best results 

On the day you will be asked to bring a selection of pre knitted swatches with you to sew together 

You must be confident with basic knitting techniques

Fairisle Patch Bag with Carol Meldrum 29th September 2012

Add a splash of colour making this fun folk inspired patch bag
Learn the basic techniques to get you started and confident at working 2 colours at the same time across a row
See the benefits of reading from a graph
The handle and side seam detail are made from a mock crochet chain technique
Add some beads at the bottom for that extra finishing touch
Must be confident with the basics





Workshop Info
All workshops run from 10:30 to 15:30 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.
How To Book
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.

June 2012 Newsletter

Important Information

Once A Sheep will be closed for annual holidays from 1st-14th July inclusive. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have yarn on order or layby please let me know if you will require it before the 1st July.
New in the shop

Now available in the shop is Rowan's latest edition of the Studio Range, Rowan Studio 27 features Rowan Wool Cotton and Wool Cotton 4 ply.



I have now ordered yarns and pattern brochures from Debbie Bliss, Noro and Rowan for Autumn/Winter 2012/13.

Here's a very sneaky peak at some new Rowan yarns and patterns:



        

Also coming soon are Rowan 52 the Autumn/Winter 2012/13 Magazine, new brochures for Kidsilk Haze, Rowan Tweed, Rowan Purelife and Big Wool/Drift.



Space prevents me from featuring shots of all of the individual patterns but you can see just how exciting the new season will be. Next month's newsletter will feature the Debbie Bliss ranges for next season.

In other news I'm delighted to let you know that www.onceasheep.co.uk is now live. Whilst the online shop currently features a limited range, I will be adding more products to the website every day.

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Workshop Information

All workshops run from 10:30 to 15:30 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

Improve Your Spinning with Janet Renouf Miller 21st July 2012

A course for anyone who can spin, even if not very well, but also suitable for those who are competent at basic techniques and want to improve their repertoire
We will look at how to spin different thicknesses of yarn, how to produce different types of yarns and how to use different fibres to best effect
We will have some fun with plying techniques and learn to make 3 ply yarns and use plying to get different effects


Professional Finishing Techniques with Carol Meldrum 25th August 2012

Often with hand knitted garments it can be the finishing off that can let you down
On this workshop we will show you how to give that professional look to your knitted garments
On the day we will work through tried and tested increasing and decreasing methods, picking up stitches and creating button holes and button bands
We will also look at the various mattress stitch methods and where and when to use them to get the best results
On the day you will be asked to bring a selection of pre knitted swatches with you to sew together
You must be confident with basic knitting techniques

 

Finished Objects

I have finally finished my Aeolian shawl which began as a Knit-along (KAL) last June but was left to hibernate from last August. I began to work on it again in May as I couldn't bear the thought of leaving it for a whole year. Once I picked it up again, I fell in love with it again and couldn't put it down. I used Breagha hand dyed Bluefaced Leicester lace weight and nearly 3000 beads!
I have also completed two Slouchy hats for my two daughters (goodness knows why they decided they needed hats in June, perhaps the Scottish weather?) and a pair of simple Noro socks.

Meet your fellow crafters and learn something new

Knit and Knatter
Wednesday 10:00-14:00
Thursday     20:00-22:00

Spin Saturday
First Saturday of the month

Clyde Coast Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers
Third Sunday of the month
See the Clyde Coast website for details of membership and activities

May Newsletter

New in the shop

As we move into Spring/Summer there are sadly no new yarns to tell you about, but on the upside I have begun to see the previews of the Autumn/Winter 2012 ranges due to arrive in August. You are in for a treat, I can't wait to share all the details with you!

In the meantime I have a few new books in stock

Cute and Easy Crocheted Baby Clothes

Keep your little one looking adorable and feeling comfortable with Cute and Easy Crocheted Baby Clothes.

Using only the softest yarns, crochet expert Nicki Trench has created this striking collection of jackets, dresses, booties, hats and more that make the perfect gift for newborns and toddlers. Crochet Know-how covers all the techniques you will need and is a great resource for more confident crocheters to brush up on a stitch. In Sweaters and Cardigans you will find clothes to keep little ones warm and cozy, such as the Breton-style sweater for a boy or the cardigan with embroidered daisies for a girl. Outdoor Accessories has hats and blankets that are perfect for outdoor excursions, while Jackets and Booties has slippers, ponchos and more in a range of soft pastel colors. Finally, there s Toys, Accessories and Room Decorations, filled with fun items including an adorable mobile with crocheted animals and blocks with a bell to stimulate your baby s mind. With 35 cute and easy projects in total, there s more than enough to keep even the keenest crochet hook busy.

• 35 projects aimed at both beginners and more confident crocheters
• Extensive techniques section provides clear instructions on how to do all the stitches you will need
• Not just clothes: rattles, cot garlands, mobiles and more are sure to delight.

Adorable Knits for Tiny Tots (reprinted in a new, handy small format)

Adorable Knits for Tiny Tots presents 25 fabulous designs for children aged between 6 months and 4 years old. Yarns range from cool cottons that are perfect for spring and autumn to cosy wools that will comfort kids on chilly days. Divided into four chapters, there is something to delight every child. Cotton Candy has gorgeous cotton knits that are perfect for spring and autumn; Fun to Wear contains great garment designs that will be firm favourites with your little ones; Wrap up Warm includes cosy knits to comfort kids on cold winter days; Heads, Toes & Little Hands features stylish woolly hats, mittens and bootees to complete every outfit. In addition, there is also advice on substituting yarns and changing colours, plus easy-to-follow instructions for increasing or decreasing the pattern sizes to fit your child.

• Fantastic designs for jumpers, dresses, blankets and accessories • Useful advice on substituting yarns and changing colours to suit your little one • Recommended yarns range from cool cottons to cosy wool

Learning to Weave (Revised Edition)


Learning to Weave' is a four-shaft weaving course which makes learning to weave, with or without a teacher, easy and fun. The writing is friendly and straightforward; the illustrations and photographs are thorough and clear. All you need to know to weave with confidence is here: step-by-step warping (by three different methods), weaving technique, project planning, reading and designing drafts, the basics of most common weave structures, and lots of handy hints. Beginners will find this book an invaluable teacher; more seasoned weavers will find food for thought in the chapters on weave structures and drafting

Tapestry Weaving


This colourful, exciting book offers a rich source of stimulating and innovative ideas that will appeal to all abilities. Kirsten Glasbrook uses her evocative designs to illustrate the techniques with step-by-step guidance on how to create horizontal and diagonal lines, curves, motifs, shading, outlines, borders and more. Here you will discover all you need to know about tapestry weaving from choosing colours and winding warps to creating images and finishing off with tassels and beads. Illustrated throughout with beautiful examples of the author's work and including practical, detailed instructions on all the techniques, this fascinating book will inspire you to create your own designs.

Art in Felt and Stitch

In this visually stunning book, Moy Mackay reveals how you too can create beautiful pictures using felt. Characterised by her wonderful use of colour, Moy’s work is breathtaking and includes still-lifes, animals and landscapes inspired by the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Borders where she lives and works. Moy takes you through every step of the process, including the materials and tools you need, the feltmaking process itself (which is easier than you’d imagine), and how to put together four fabulous felt paintings of your own. There is guidance on stitching, including both hand- and machine-stitching, as well as how to use colour and introduce texture in the form of different fibres and threads. There are numerous examples of Moy’s work through the book, and by the end you will not fail to be inspired to create gorgeous felt paintings of your own.

• A vibrant introduction to producing colourful pictures in felt
• Covers the basic techniques through clear, step-by-step instructions and photographs
• Four fabulous projects, and numerous examples of the author’s work throughout the book make this an ideal source of information and ideas for artists of all abilities

 
In the window in May

During May I have been showcasing some of the new cotton and cotton blend yarns and summer patterns from Rowan.

Selene from Rowan Seascapes knit in Rowan Creative Linen This is a lovely versatile and elegant cardigan for summer, I very much enjoyed knitting with this yarn too.


Fifi from Rowan Holiday Crochet in Rowan Creative Linen The simple design of this shrug makes it a straightforward but interesting project to work on.


Belgrave from Rowan Summerspun knit in Rowan Summerspun Summerspun features a ply of cotton and a ply of wool loosely spun together to create an interesting visual and textural effect.


Bit of a blue theme going on there!

Workshops

Limited places are available on the following workshops:


Knitting With Texture with Rowan’s Katherine Lymer 26th May 2012 10:30-16:30
We will use cables, bobbles and knit/purl patterns to create a variety of textures
We will use beautiful Rowan yarns with our patterns to see what effects we can produce
During the day you will create a patchwork panel for a cushion cover
Designed for knitters who are able to knit and purl

Creative Crochet with Janet Renouf Miller 30th June 2012
We will learn how to create amazing effects using different stitches to get texture in the surface of a crocheted fabric
We will work with colour and different textures of yarns together to produce visually pleasing effects and to add to the texture and look at how to use these different elements in designing crocheted items
Some crochet experience is required

Improve Your Spinning with Janet Renouf Miller 21st July 2012
A course for anyone who can spin, even if not very well, but also suitable for those who are competent at basic techniques and want to improve their repertoire
We will look at how to spin different thicknesses of yarn, how to produce different types of yarns and how to use different fibres to best effect
We will have some fun with plying techniques and learn to make 3 ply yarns and use plying to get different effects

Professional Finishing Techniques with Carol Meldrum 25th August 2012
Often with hand knitted garments it can be the finishing off that can let you down
On this workshop we will show you how to give that professional look to your knitted garments
On the day we will work through tried and tested increasing and decreasing methods, picking up stitches and creating button holes and button bands
We will also look at the various mattress stitch methods and where and when to use them to get the best results
On the day you will be asked to bring a selection of pre knitted swatches with you to sew together
You must be confident with basic knitting techniques

All workshops run from 10:30 to 15:30 (or 16:30 where specified) 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.