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