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.