February News

New in the shop Debbie Bliss Simply Crochet In Debbie’s own words “This collection is my first venture into the craft of crochet and I wanted to create stylish garments that would engage the seasoned crocheters as well as knitters who, like me, had been intrigued by its possibilities but needed fairly simple patterns to begin with.” Spring/Summer 2012 magazine Again in Debbie’s words “I love the seaside, so I didn’t need much of an excuse re introduce features with a nautical theme in this issue, whether in the white, red and blue of “Kid’s Ahoy!” or the deep pastels in “Simply Stripes”. The children’s feature was a joy to work on, from the initial designs to the rather chaotic photo shoot.  Your summer wardrobe will always benefit from a few delicate lacy knits, and they appear in two fashion features in this issue, but in very different ways. Party Angel, My mohair/silk yarn with a glimmer of sparkle, is used in openwork stitches to create ethereal garments that are just right for those occasions that call for something special. In “Touch of Blush”, four feminine knits demonstrate the lightness and drape of my new yarn, Rialto Lace, in a palette of pinks and a red.” Rowan Seascapes A windswept and beautifully fragile collection, Seascapes is inspired by the rugged coast and it’s ever changing light. Simple to work styles feature together with crunchy cables, lace and fashionable geometric patterning in the collection for men and women. Knit Kits Knit a gorgeous, soft blue, baby jumper with this Rowan kit. It contains needles, 3x 50g balls of Rowan cashsoft baby DK yarn and full instructions. The wool is a blend of 57% extra fine merino, 33% acrylic, 10% cashmere. This kit contains all you need to knit this lovely baby girls cardigan including 3 x 50g balls of pink cashsoft wool and needles. Big wool hat or scarf knit kit, includes yarn and needles. Ysolda Teague Now in stock 2 fabulous new books from acclaimed Scottish Designer Ysolda Teague. Whimsical Little Knits 3  The 3rd book in the Whimsical Little Knits series is now available. Find patterns for fun little projects that are perfect gifts for yourself or anyone on your list: socks, hats, shawls and more. Clear directions, a choice of written directions or charts whenever appropriate and interesting techniques and construction methods ensure your valuable knitting time is well spent. Saturday Treat Pretty little additions to your wardrobe, or gifts that you’ll know will be treasured, all of the patterns feature interesting details against a relaxing background. Noro Mini Knits 3 This is the third Noro Mini Knits book, created due to the great success of the Noro Mini Knits book 1 and 2. This collection consists of 30 designs covering accessories, babies and ladies garments. All using the unique Noro yarn qualities, including Aya, Silk Garden Lite, Kureyon Sock and Sekku. Some designs can be made from as little as one ball of yarn. This book is full of fun, easy and cost effective designs that can be knitted effortlessly, making you want to work through the whole book! Janet Renouf-Miller How To Spin (just about anything) how to spin: just about anything is a wide-ranging introduction to an ancient craft which has very contemporary applications. It tells you all you need to know about the available tools, from hand spindles to spinning wheels, what to do to start spinning, with illustrated, step-by-step instructions, and a comprehensive guide to the many fibres you can use to make beautiful yarns. Janet Renouf-Miller is a registered teacher with the Association of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, and has taught at their renowned Summer School. She has also taught courses for many spinning and weaving Guilds, knitting groups, shops and voluntary organisations. Janet also teaches spinning, weaving and crochet at Once A Sheep.   In Janet's own words : Having taught spinning for many years I have often been asked to write a book and here it is. Information is included about the things I have seen people struggle with over the years, in a light and friendly style. Spinning is neither as hard or as complicated as it can seem. It is possible to spin almost anything and to get the type and thickness of yarn you desire without it becoming overly complicated. Spindles are an effective tool just like spinning wheels are and neither is better than the other - I love them both. There are therefore instructions throughout the book on how to use the techniques described on both a wheel and a spindle. There is help to choose a wheel or hand spindle and step by step instructions on how to spin, deal with a fleece and card wool. There is information about different spinning wheels and spindles and photographs of many of them. I have learned much from the people I have taught and thank them all for the humour, fun and life lessons as well as the spinning. Workshops Forthcoming workshops: Beginners Spinning 31st March 2012 Suitable for beginners who want to learn the techniques required to spin their own yarn  Wheels and all materials are provided  By the end of the session you will understand the mechanics of wheel spinning, be able to card and draft fibre, spin, ply and skein your own yarn Creative Crochet 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 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 (and have the chance to try some of them out and learn how best to use them) We will have some fun with plying techniques and learn to make 3 ply yarns and use plying to get different effects 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.