That Cup of World Rugby

Louis & Hugo got me to set this up for the CoWR duration

It's really quite funny how infectious all this Rugby fervor can be.  I had been so busy with all the lead up to KAN any thoughts to the impending 'Cup of World Rugby' or CoWR sort of passed me by.  Now if you think I might have me events mixed up - I have to be very careful, the NZRFU & IRB have teams scouring all forms of media for people who are trying to cash in on, you know, the Cup of World Rugby - so CoWR it is.

Louis getting in his tackling practice

Napier is the host of the Canadians during their stay in NZ - in fact they are staying just down the road from me. Ahuriri is groaning with fervent fans, flags are flying in support of the three teams that are appearing here (Canada, France & Japan) & AB's flags are everywhere you look - all this CoWR fever is quite infectious.

Louis loves Rugby

It hasn't escaped the notice of Louis & Hugo.  Their pre-school has had rugby themed parties & rugby is featured everywhere. Dr. Phil has gotten in on the act & has been taking the kids down to the local park to play Rugby - Louis just loves any excuse to run, run, run. Every time we see a black fern flag or they see the haka, they get all excited 'Wrugby Muuummy - Oar Blacks!' will exclaim Hugo.

The HitchHiker that has been frogged more than French!

I have to say I have now gotten the bug too.  I have watched more rugby in the past 10 days than I have in years & more importantly, I have ENJOYED it!  I have some rugby projects all sorted - so far a Capelet has been knocked out & the HitchHiker scarf I have on the needles are both getting plenty of knit time - the only problem is the random dropping of stitches when I leap up from the couch to cheer manically at athletic men wearing tight clothing run up & down.  Seriously during the Irish game the other night I had to stop knitting & then frog back because once the excitement died down I realised my tension had been shot to shit & I had more holes than the Australian back line!

I've got Tonga & Japan up next & I am going to watch Japan against the Canadians next week - may I need to knock up something red & white for the occasion?

In the KAN

It's been a little over a week since the conclusion of KAN:2 & I am just now gathering my breath.  KAN:2 was nearly double the size of it's original - it was great to welcome back old friends, make new ones & for me finally meet so many that I communicate this on a professional basis in the 'flesh'.

What a cracking looking bunch!

This year saw more traders, a wider variety of fiberous wonders & more workshops.  I have to say the business at the Friday traders market was brisk with many items selling out before they had a chance to be viewed by the wider public!  I was one of the lucky one to snaffle the HiyaHiya Dumpling Stitch makers & case from Yarnz - seriously cute.  I also indulged by passion for colour with a selection of yarn which reflected the colour palette in my wardrobe - with the exception of the muted natural tonings of the 'Slate' colourway from Fibre Alive (formally JOY) - purchased especially for Louis next prehistoric inspired Milo for next Winter.  I indulged my love of deep vamperish reds from Morag at Vintage Purls - I so see a set of fingerless gloves coming on...

Many of these red skeins found there way home with me!

Merino Mania proving you can make more than socks from sock yarn.

I have also purchased far too much sock yarn - did you know I have yet to actually make a pair of socks from all this yarn!!  I went for colours which I use to accessorise & have just purchased a new shawlette pattern fron NZ designer Gabriella Henry called Faultline, so I am itching to get yarn wound off & cast on.

Looking studious at Morags workshop

There is a great thread on the Ravelry Knit August Nights board called "Things I Learned at KAN:2". Make sure you check it out or contribute.  What did I learn? 

• Well there is no such thing as wearing or owning too much orange (Thank you Dee)
• I have fallen in love with my drop spindle (Thank you Frances).
• Sometimes you just need a kick in the pants with your design brain - just shift your thinking 10 degrees to create something amazing (Thank you Nanette)
• Face your fear & attack your knitting with scissors - even if you manage to unravel it through your steek - it is worth it all in the end! (Thank you Stella)
• When it all started gets a little too overwhelming, just take a deep breath & find Win.
• Polly Rocks!

Nanette showing off the design which was a revelation for me.

I just want to take a little time to thank all those who not only attended KAN:2, but the traders, tutors & KAN supporters that helped support, promote & provide encouragement for the event.  I concede it is a big job, one I thoroughly enjoy. Next year is already in the pipeline - so make sure you pencil in the last weekend of August 2012 & add the KAN website into your favourites.  If you want to check out more images from KAN:2 - have a look at the KAN:2 set here.