Tuesday, October 09, 2012

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.