Change to workshop schedule

After a conversation following the Spinning Workshop on Saturday, I have re-arranged the workshop schedule and replaced the Beginners Crochet session on 30th October with a brand new workshop.

For all the spinners, we will be running a Colour Blending Workshop. Full details of the course will follow soon but it will include how to card and ply creatively with colour for the best effect.

This is a brand new workshop for Once A Sheep and I think it will be an excellent follow up for those who want to take their spinning on a stage further.

The workshop format will be the same as usual i.e. 10:30-15:30 in the back room of the shop, the tutor will be Janet Renouf-Miller.

For further information or to reserve a place drop me an email at karen@onceasheep.com

THANK YOU ALL

I would like to thank everyone who came to the Macmillan Coffee Evening last night (and the virtual attendees too) your generosity through your donations (and your amazing baking) meant that we raised a fantastic £340 for Macmillan Cancer Support (and I must have put on an extra 10lb after all the cakes so I'll contribute my weight gain in £ to round it up to £350). 


THANK YOU

For one night only ........

Macmillan Cancer Support

Link to Macmillan website
The evening of Thursday 23rd September will be a Coffee Morning!

For one night only,when you come to Stitch N Bitch at Once A Sheep, I would like to ask for a donation from you to send to Macmillan.

In return, there will be the usual coffee and tea plus cakes (I have been promised lots of lovely home baking from some of my dear friends, it'll be well worth coming for the baking, believe me!) and I will run a wee raffle on the night for a variety of goodies.

As a teaser (and to help you part with lots of your money for raffle tickets) here are a few of the top prizes to be won on the night:

• The book and all the yarn required to knit a garment of your choice from one of the following books: Debbie Bliss Glen, Debbie Bliss Land Girls, Debbie Bliss A Tweed Story, Debbie Bliss Folk Chic
  Rowan Winter Kids, Rowan Purelife Autumn, Rowan Silk Twist Classics, Rowan Winter Drift

 

• A beautiful framed Giclee Print by Katrin Eagle. The painting is called Nap Cat and can be seen here http://www.katrineagle.com/ I have the print in the shop and it is gorgeous!

• The first two novels, Falling and 59 Minutes from acclaimed Scottish Author Gordon Brown, both signed by the author!

Of course these are just a few of the prizes, there will be lots of other goodies to be had too!

If anyone is unable to attend but would like to buy raffle tickets I am happy to sell them virtually!

i.e. choose how many you would like, I will send a Paypal invoice and I will make sure your tickets are added to the draw. I will let virtual winners know what they have won and post out if required.

Tickets will be 50p each or 5 for £2.00, email me on karen@onceasheep.com if you would like to enter this way.

I hope you can all make it and feel free to bring friends and family along, the more the merrier!

P.S. There are some lovely scarf patterns available on the Macmillan website take a look here.

Once A Sheep shop update September

New in the shop

Rico Poems Aran 100% new wool.

100m/50g ball.
Tension: 18 sts to 10 cm on 5mm needles.
Hand wash.
For free patterns using this yarn please click here

Also now in stock:

Inside Crochet, October 2010




Workshops

I now have dates and schedules for workshops until the end of November

Improve Your  Spinning (for wheel spinners) 25th Sept 2010

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

Bring your own wheel or borrow one from Once A Sheep

Cost: £45.00

1 place remaining

Spinning for Beginners (for wheel spinners) 9th Oct 2010

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
Cost: £45.00
4 places available

Beginners crochet 30th Oct 2010

A course for those who have never crocheted before
We will learn the basic stitches and principles, how to use different yarns to get pleasing effects, and look at how you can crochet without the need for a pattern, which is often easier!
Cost: £45.00
6 places available

Intermediate Crochet 20th Nov 2010

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
Cost: £45.00
6 places available

All workshops run from 10:30 to 3:30

Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by

A £10 deposit will secure your place, just email karen@onceasheep.com or call on 01475 648089

I look forward to seeing you in the shop soon.

New for September

I now have the date of the first workshop of A/W 2010 at Once A Sheep. Improve Your  Spinning (for wheel spinners) 25th Sept 2010 The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30 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 Bring your own wheel or borrow one from Once A Sheep Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by Cost: £45.00 3 places available The dates of more workshops will follow soon. New in the shop Noro Kochoran, reintroduced by Noro in the UK due to popular demand! 100g/160m, 50% wool/30% angora/20% silk Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran, 50g/100m, 100% merino in 24 shades Rico Organic Pure Chunky, 50g/80m, 100% organic new wool in 6 natural shades Rico Superba Chinee 4ply, 100g/420m, 75% superwash new wool/25% polyamide, in 8 tweedy shades Rico Can Can scarf yarn 200g/60m, in 8 solid shades and 4 multi shades To book for the workshop please email me on karen@onceasheep.com or phone on 01475 648089, a £10 deposit will secure your place. Looking forward to seeing you in the shop soon.

Spin Saturday

Last Saturday was Spin Saturday ( the first Saturday of the month, every month)

We had a fantastic mix of experienced spinners and beginners

 

and by the end of the day I realised that I needed a bigger back room, a much bigger back room.

Or maybe just a blow up house extension like this one we spotted across the river high up on a hill (a film set, we think)

(photo taken from about 2 miles away so I apologise for the graininess!)

What's new?

Well quite a lot in fact!

Autumn/Winter 2010/11 yarn/patterns have started to arrive.

So far I have:

Debbie Bliss

Glen
Fibres: 30% Fine Alpaca,30% Merino Wool, 40% Acrylic
Weight: 50g
Length: 90m
Needles: 6.5mm/US10
Tension 10cm sq: 21rows x 14sts
Glen is a beautiful yam which shades from dark to light in each ball to give a unique look to your knits. Glen’s tonal changes create a super light fabric ideal to make neat, form fitting jackets, enveloping throws and generous coats

A book of 12 designs accompanies the yarn.

 

3 new Pattern Books from Debbie Bliss

Land Girl features 8 designs for the Rialto Range
A Tweed Story has 7 beautiful designs including a very handsome dog’s coat
Folk Chic showcases 8 designs in cables and colourwork

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rowan 

Silk Twist
Fibres:53% Silk
30% Wool
12% Super Kid Mohair
5% Polyamide
Needles:5mm
Comes in 50g balls
Tension:17sts x 22rows
Length:85m/93yds
Silk Twist is a beautiful yarn in a luxurious blend of silk, wool and the finest super kid mohair. This exquisite bi-colour marl is available in a palette of 10 intense saturated colours.

A book of 18 patterns by Martin Storey accompanies the yarn.

Purelife Renew

Fibres: 93% Recycled Wool
7% Polyamide
Needles: 6mm
Tension: 14sts x 20rows
Length: 75m/82yds
Weight: 50g balls
Rowan Purelife Renew is a fabulous tweedy character yarn made from recycled wool and is available in a collection of 8 rustic shades, ranging from a natural stone through to a deep vibrant blue

A book of 17 designs by Marie Wallin accompanies the yarn.

Due in during August:

Andes from Debbie Bliss

A beautiful blend of Mulberry Silk & Baby Alpaca, elegant knits in a timeless, classic yarn. Available in sixteen beautiful shades for the Autumn/Winter. Designs include a cabled sweater dress, moss stitch jacket & a v-neck long line tunic.

 

 

 

 

 

Drift from Rowan

Drift is a wonderful soft roving yarn which is knitted on the same needle size as Big Wool. Available in 8 subtle tweedy mélange shades, Drift is set to become as popular as Big Wool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Rico

Essentials Aran 100% Merino

Organic Chunky

Poems in Aran and Sock Weight

Can Can Scarf yarn

New shades of Pompon yarn

 

All of the new yarns are beautiful to handle and come in some stunning colours. I look forward to showing them to you on your next visit to Once A Sheep.

Knit-Alongs

We seem to be going through a phase of Knit Alongs at Once A Sheep, having never participated in one before, I now find myself involved in three!

The Ishbelalong (Ishbel, Ravelry link) is coming to an end, I have photographed just some of the beautiful finished shawls but am waiting to get final shots of them all for one big collage. Here's what we have so far!

You can see how totally different each one turned out with variations in the chosen yarn, needle size and pattern repeats.

After my first I was asked to do one for my daughter Rhona in a Gothic purple which I love. I then cast on a third for myself in Cream Kidsilk Haze which I am beading to give it weight. (This is as yet unfinished but is due to go away on holiday with me in two weeks so I really should get the beads sourced soon!)

The second KAL came about because Moira brought in a lovely short sleeved shrug knit in a chunky yarn (Kaya on Ravelry). I had conincidentally just taken delivery of some undyed chunky yarn in a lovely blend of 70% merino, 20% alpaca, 10% silk which I thought would be perfect for the pattern. I think we have 7 knit alongers for the Kaya which has turned out to be an exceedingly quick knit with my own Kaya turned out in just 2 days! The beauty of this yarn is that whilst it is lovely in its own right, it is also ideal for dyeing and once the shrugs are all knit up it'll be fun to see if anyone personalises theirs in colour! This is mine, a collage of all the FOs will follow.

And the third KAL just launched for July is a toe-up sock challenge. Whilst I think we all have at least one sock on the go at any given time, many of us have not mastered the toe up and so a KAL seemed a great way to get us all experienced in Judy's Magic Cast On. I have chosen Firestarter (Ravelry pattern) which I added to my "must knit" list a long time ago but was put off because it was toe up. Now all I need to do is choose my yarn, whatever I choose though it will definitely be red! (Did I mention I love red.)

What's New at Once A Sheep?

Magazines
All the new editions are in including Designer Knitting, Crochet Today and The Knitter

Books
Swing, Swagger, Drape by Jane Slicer-Smith
Knitting Green by Ann Budd
Get Spun by Symeon North
Beginner's Guide to Crochet by Pauline Turner
Hats Gloves Scarves by Louisa Harding
Knitting Little Luxuries by Louisa Harding
Really Wild Tea Cosies by Loani Prior
Easy Knitted Socks by Jeanette Trotman
Think Outside The Sox 60+ Winning Designs from The Knitter's Magazine Contest
Pet Heaven by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne

Notions
Clover pom pom makers in small, large and heart shaped
Clover Yarn Threaders
Clover Knitting Registers (traditional "on needle" style)


Yarns
Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Ysolda Red, Blackberry and other assorted solid/semi solid shades (57g)
Camus Natural Wools, Undyed Hebridean from a small pedigree flock in Duror of Appin, Argyll. Available in Aran (50g/100g) and DK (100g).
Undyed Chunky 70% merino, 20% alpaca, 10% silk (100g/67m)
Breagha hand dyed in Laceweight, Sockweight/4ply and Chunky

Ishbelalong progress!

 I finished my very first Ishbel (Ravelry Link) on May 12. Everyone likes to do their own version of this incredibly popular pattern and I'm no exception. Here's the details:

Knit in Regia Galaxy Colour Sock Yarn (a very lovely gift from Eileen) 
Small stocking stitch section knit on 4mm needles
Large lace section knit on 5mm needles (pattern repeat. A,B,A.B,A,C,D,D,E)
I really like the extra D section, I think it adds balance to the A,B section.

I enjoyed this pattern so much that I have cast on 2 more Ishbels, one for my daughter in gothic purple Fyberspates Unicorn yarn and one in Cream Kidsilk Haze. 

And why is the post called Ishbelalong Progress? Because 12 of us cast on simultaneously for an Ishbel knitalong! Some are now finished others are a good way into the project. Once they are all complete look out for a 12 Ishbel photo lineup! 


As many of you know, the first Saturday of the month is Spin Saturday, an opportunity for wheel and spindle spinners to get together and spread fibre all over the shop floor (and do some spinning!). Unfortunately due to a lack of brain, I double booked a workshop for Saturday 5th June so there will be no Spin Saturday this weekend. Sorry, hopefully my brain will return to full power after my daughter's dancing shows are all over and finished for another year!

Just a quick reminder there is still one place left for this weekend's Creative Crochet Workshop with Janet Renouf-Miller.

Creative Crochet 5th June 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)
• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30
• 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
• All materials provided
• Cost: £45.00

 Two further workshops are planned before we take a break for the summer months.

Begin to Crochet June 12th 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)
• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30
• A course for those who have never crocheted before
• We will learn the basic stitches and principles, how to use different yarns to get pleasing effects, and look at how you can crochet without the need for a pattern, which is often easier!
• All materials are provided
• cost: £45.00

Improve Your Spinning 19th June 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)
• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30
• 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
• Bring your own wheel or borrow one from Once A Sheep
• Cost: £45.00 

Don't forget you are always welcome to come in and join me for a knit and a cup of tea any time, but especially on Wednesday mornings and Thursday Evenings for our regular Stitch n Bitch groups.

Some knitting has been done!

I have finally managed to get some finished objects under my belt. I seemed to be having a terrible case of startitis with 5 or 6 projects on the needles and not making much progress on any of them. Then a proposal was made for a Once A Sheep Ishbel (Ravelry Link) kal (knit-along). As I had never made an Ishbel before I felt it was my duty to join in, but in a fit of resolve I decided to try to finish some projects first. So frantic knitting and finishing ensued. As it goes I managed to complete 2 (and have only the toe to do on a second sock) and felt that more than justified my participation.

Polly from Rowan Kids, knit in Calmer size 7-8 years. This took only 2 balls (patterns suggests 3 may be required) and knit beautifully. I hadn't knit with Calmer before, not much liking the texture in the ball, however I am a convert. This yarn is a delight to knit with, is crisp but drapey and has super stitch definition.

Make Do and Mend Cardigan from the Land Girls feature in Knitting Magazine. I knit this in Rowan Felted Tweed (colour 159) as suggested by the pattern but in a single colour. It took only 6 balls (size 36"). Again this yarn was a pleasure to knit with, is very warm but light weight. I love the vintage style of this cardigan and know I will get a lot of wear from it.

My Ishbel is coming along great, I have completed the stocking stitch section and pattern sections A, B, A, B, A, C and am planning on doing a couple of D sections before the E bind off. Again this has been a very pleasurable knit with no frogging (bar the initial section where I adjusted needle size 3 times!). I am certain I will make this again, I can see it being a very nice Christmas gift for certain folk!


New in the shop

Hand made Drop Spindles by a local wood craftsman, all made from woods recycled and reclaimed from other, mainly local, projects
Niddy Noddys, Lazy Kates and Bobbins
Hand dyed Laceweight and 4ply Sock yarn from Breagha, a talented local spinner and dyer
Debbie Bliss Luxury Donegal Tweed in Aran and Chunky weight
Rico Design Essentials DK Merino, Essentials DK 100% cotton, Superba Stretch Cotton blend sock yarn, Mexico (faux fairisle) sock yarn, Pompon. Pattern booklets for Essentials Merino, Essentials Cotton and Pompon.
Fyberspates Scrumptious 4 ply
Opal Masken Ball sock yarn
All the latest magazines and a wide selection of Books and Brochures


Workshops planned for May and June

 Socks, Socks, Socks! 29th May 2010 (Mhairi Hamilton)
• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30
• A course for the knitter who has mastered casting on and off, knitting and purling and is looking to experiment with sock knitting
• Learn how to knit in the round on DPNs, understand how a sock is constructed and master the mysterious turning of the heel!
• You will finish the day with a complete “mini sock” and have all the skills required to master your first pair of full size socks
• All materials provided
• Cost: £45.00
• 4 places available

Creative Crochet 5th June 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)
• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30
• 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
• All materials provided
• Cost: £45.00
• 2 places available

Begin to Crochet June 12th 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)
• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30
• A course for those who have never crocheted before
• We will learn the basic stitches and principles, how to use different yarns to get pleasing effects, and look at how you can crochet without the need for a pattern, which is often easier!
• All materials are provided
• cost: £45.00
• 6 places available

Improve Your Spinning 19th June 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)
• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30
• 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
• Bring your own wheel or borrow one from Once A Sheep
• Cost: £45.00
• 3 places available

A £10 deposit is all that is required to reserve your place, please contact me on 01475 648089 or email me karen@onceasheep.com

Workshop update

Spaces have been filling fast for the next series of workshops at Once A Sheep.

An additional workshop is now available on April 24th which will be all about Socks!

To reserve a place please contact me, either at karen@onceasheep.com or 01475 648089.

Spindle Spinning April 10th 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)

• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30

• A beginners workshop on how to use a spindle to spin effectively and with speed

• Don’t be fooled into thinking spindles are not ‘proper’ spinning. You can produce a lot of yarn on a spindle and do so easily at speed

• They have the added advantage of being completely portable, and inexpensive, and many spindle spinners produce more yarn than their spinning wheel colleagues

• This workshop will teach you how to use a ‘high top’ spindle to produce yarns, including many tips to make life easier

• All materials are provided

• Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by

• Cost: £45.00

Only 3 spaces remain

Begin to Crochet April 17th 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)

• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30

• A course for those who have never crocheted before or who have done it in the past but cannot quite remember how to do it

• We will learn the basic stitches and principles, how to use different yarns to get pleasing effects, and look at how you can crochet without the need for a pattern, which is often easier!

• All materials are provided

• Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by

• Cost: £45.00

Only 3 spaces remain

Socks, Socks, Socks! 24th April 2010 (Mhairi Hamilton)

• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30

• A course for the knitter who has mastered casting on and off, knitting and purling and is looking to experiment with sock knitting

• Learn how to knit in the round on DPNs, understand how a sock is constructed and master the mysterious turning of the heel!

• You will finish the day with a complete “mini sock” and have all the skills required to master your first pair of full size socks

• All materials provided

• Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by

• Cost: £45.00

6 spaces are available

Improve Your Spinning 15th May 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)

• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30

• 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

SOLD OUT (let me know if you wish to be added to the reserve list)

Creative Crochet 5th June 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)

• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30

• 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

• All materials provided

• Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by

• Cost: £45.00

5 spaces remain

What I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. What I do, I understand. - Kung Fu Tzu (Confucius)

What better way to learn a new technique than at a workshop run by a technical expert!

Below is a list of new workshops planned for Once A Sheep over the next 3 months.

Needle Felting for Beginners March 11th 2010 (Katrin Eagle)

• The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
• Suitable for beginners who want to learn the techniques used in needle felting
• You will be provided with all the materials you require to make two brooches
• By the end of the session you will understand the techniques and tools required to turn fibre into felt and have two brooches of your own design to take away with you
• Your workshop tutor is Katrin Eagle (link will take you to Katrin's website) some of Katrin's Brooch designs can be seen on her website
• Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by
• Cost: £20.00
• 1 place has become available for this workshop.

 Spinning for Beginners March 20th 2010 (Innes Carmichael)

• The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• 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
• Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by
• Cost: £45.00
• 3 places available

Spindle Spinning April 10th 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)

• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30
• A beginners workshop on how to use a spindle to spin effectively and with speed
•  Don’t be fooled into thinking spindles are not ‘proper’ spinning.  You can produce a lot of yarn on a spindle and do so easily at speed
• They have the added advantage of being completely portable, and inexpensive, and many spindle spinners produce more yarn than their spinning wheel colleagues
• This workshop will teach you how to use a ‘high top’ spindle to produce yarns, including many tips to make life easier
• All materials are provided
• Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by
• Cost: £45.00
• 5 places available

Begin to Crochet April 17th 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)

• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30
• A course for those who have never crocheted before or who have done it in the past but cannot quite remember how to do it
• We will learn the basic stitches and principles, how to use different yarns to get pleasing effects, and look at how you can crochet without the need for a pattern, which is often easier!
• All materials are provided
• Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by
• Cost: £45.00
• 8 places available

Socks, Socks, Socks!  24^th April 2010 (Mhairi Hamilton)

·        The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30

·        A course for the knitter who has mastered casting on and off, knitting and purling and is looking to experiment with sock knitting

·        Learn how to knit in the round on DPNs, understand how a sock is constructed and master the mysterious turning of the heel!

·        You will finish the day with a complete “mini sock” and have all the skills required to master your first pair of full size socks

·        All materials provided

·        Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by

·        Cost: £45.00

·        8 places available

Improve Your Spinning 15th May 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)

• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30
• 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
• Bring your own wheel or borrow one from Once A Sheep
• Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by
• Cost: £45.00
• 2 places available

Creative Crochet 5th June 2010 (Janet Renouf-Miller)

• The workshop runs from 10:30 to 3:30
• 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
• All materials provided
• Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided, lunch can be obtained from one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, bars or restaurants close by
• Cost: £45.00
• 8 places available

To register for any of these workshops, please email me on karen@onceasheep.com or telephone me on 01475 648089

Citius, Altius, Fortius

I'm sure you will have seen this title on many a knitting blog of late, but for the non-knitters I should explain.

Citius, Altius, Fortius represents Olympic endeavour, Faster, Higher, Stronger and as the Opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver began, thousands of knitters cast on worlwide to take part in the Knitting Olympics.

Conceived by The Yarn Harlot the Knitting Olympics calls upon knitters to embrace the motto above and challenge themselves to cast on during the opening ceremony and cast off during the closing ceremony. The project must be a personal challenge and the reward for success, well a Gold Medal of course!

So in the Olympic spirit I am challenging myself to stranded colourwork, something I have only done once before. After an exhaustive search (well ok after two minutes looking on Ravelry) I chose the Cross Country Chullo (Ravelry Link) which is suitably themed to the Olympics.

By Anne Featonby, a Canadian, how apt!

My version, however, is knit in Easyknits Alpaca/silk in shocking pink and teal.

I will post progress pics once there is sufficient to photograph! Wish me success!

As an aside I have a couple of completed projects to report, Andrew's Sack Boy which he totally loves and came out rather well despite my total aversion to knitting toys.

 

Then there was Rhubarb, a beautiful simple little pattern from Rowan's Purelife Recycled Collection, knit in Rowan Revive, colourway Marble.

 

And finally Cauchy for Paul by Cookie A from Sock Innovations.

 

Sadly the photograph doesn't show the pattern at all, they are knit in Malabrigo, mmm!

You lucky people...

After months of inactivity here you go, 2 posts in January.

I have photos of some more finished projects:

This is the Skinny scarf I knit for Paul, he wanted something very light and open, it's a pattern I lifted from a sock book and I used Rowan 4 ply Pure Wool. He wears it all the time which, I guess, means he likes it!

This is Pretty Thing (Ravelry link) by the Yarn Harlot, knit for my brother's partner Julie. It is knit in Fyberspates Unicorn yarn (a mystery yarn, the composition of which will be revealed at the end of the quest).

It was knit with the remnants of the yarn used for Julie's Veyla and Ishbel Beret. I still have a few metres left!

In addition to all my UFOs listed in the last post, I am working on a sample garment for one of Rowan's new Spring/Summer yarns. More on that next time.

For those who have not had the opportunity to visit Once A Sheep I thought I would list all the products that I stock and in future I will just post updates/what's new.

 Yarns:

Rowan

Debbie Bliss

Noro

Artesano

Manos Del Uruguay

Natural Dye Studio

Fyberspates

Jamie Possum

Regia

Once A Sheep Undyed

Breahga hand dyed and hand spun

Fibre:

Merino

Shetland

Blue Faced Leicester

Corriedale

Needles:

The full range Knit Pro Symfonie and Acrylic needles and accessories

 

Notions:

Buttons, Stitch Markers, Project bags, Herdy Gifts, Sheep Poo paper and cards, beautiful swifts from Sunflower Swifts, ball winders

Ashford:

Spindles

Wheels

Looms

Accessories

Patterns:

Books from Noro, Debbie Bliss, Rowan

Magazines:

Simply Knitting

Knit Today

Knitting

Let's Knit

The Knitter

Yarn Forward

Interweave Knits

Designer Knitting

Crochet Today

I have been asked (repeatedly!) when the website will be up and running and the short but highly unsatisfactory answer to that at the moment is I don't know. It's so busy in the actual shop and Paul (the technical half) works away so it's all taking rather longer than I would have liked. I can take telephone orders and of course there's always a nice cup of tea to be had in the shop itself.

See you soon.

A new decade, a new adventure

Yet again it has been a long time since my last post, and whilst a lot has happened I won't bore you with all the details but here's my summary of what's been going on.

A bit of knitting has gone on including these finished projects

Skinny scarf
Veyla gloves
Ishbel beret
Viking sweater (sorry no photo as I had to wrap and send it in time for Christmas!)

plus I still have some ufo's on the go

Cauchy Socks
Milkweed Shawl
Cinnamon Latte Shawl
Sack Boy
Pretty Thing

You may be wondering why I have been less productive than usual? Well the much awaited decision on the shop lease finally came through and after collecting the keys on 16th October, Once A Sheep finally came into being on 21st November.

Getting the shop decorated and fitted out was a lot of hard work completed with the help of some lovely people. The long-suffering Paul who gave himself sore knees, back and hands doing all the "heavy work", my mum who worked tirelessly painting and decorating (you really should have seen what we had to cover up, a bit like an explosion in a paint factory), also my children who helped out with fetching and carrying, my dad (recovering from an operation) was marvellous disposing of all the debris at the tip and making teas and coffee on demand.

I want to give an extra special Thank You to the Gourock Stitch n Bitch who gave freely of their time and enthusiasm helping to get the job completed in an amazing 4 weeks.

After a fabulous opening supported by my great friends in Gourock Stitch n Bitch plus a host of "new" customers I felt really encouraged that there really was a need for a new Yarn Store in the area.

On the 28th November I hosted a Trunk Show starring Ysolda Teague and her fabulous designs and patterns. I had a wonderful day, and it was so busy that it wasn't until late in the day that I could finally have a good look at the finished designs Ysolda and Saz brought over to Once A Sheep.

It was great fun seeing everyone trying on the designs, always flattering and always in beautiful yarns.

This one is for John's Mum!!


Thanks Ysolda and Saz, looking forward to seeing your next project (there will be a next project I'm sure!) and maybe seeing you both back in Gourock.

Stitch n Bitch now takes place in the shop every Wednesday morning from 09:30 and every Thursday evening from 20:00. The sessions are really busy now which is fantastic and I have met some really lovely people who have joined the groups lately.

I will fill my next post with details of all the loveliness I have in stock and I hope to be featuring a new design for the blog which should be more recognisably Once A Sheep.

Time to hibernate........

More FOs this week. This is the delightful Mr Smith. (Whimsical Little Knits 2, Ysolda Teague). He's actually part of a Christmas gift for a certain little girl so he's been put away in a dark cupboard to hibernate for a while.

Maisy loves him so much I suspect I will have to knit a whole family!



This is the Icing Swirl Hat also from Ysolda in Whimsical Little Knits. This was the project that the pattern and yarn were bought for whilst at Iknit and cast on immediately. I had to do a little tinkering with the pattern to get the right degree of slouchiness but I really like it on. I knit it magic loop so I could try it on as I went, it's such a great technique, I wish I had learned it years ago. Excuse the odd photo (and the multiple chins) but it was a self portrait taken in front of a mirror. The idea was so that I could see what it looked like at the back.


It is full enough at the back so that I can wear my hair clipped up underneath it, exactly what I had envisaged.

I am at least a third of the way into the Cinnamon Latte shawl now and it too is knitting up very nicely and after a years dormancy it is actually knitting up pretty quickly.

I really have to get started on Christmas knitting now as I have all sorts of great ideas but in practice I don't have the equivalent time to produce the finished goods! Maybe the intended recipients will be happy to get their Christmas gifts at Easter this year?