Friday, June 14, 2013

Multi-Tasking

Meet Renly Baratheon - he's taken to the same cushion Max used to love

Since returning from holiday. life is back to moving at turbo pace, but the nice thing to to be energized to keep up.  We visited a puppy breeder on our way back from holiday & unintentionally found ourselves bringing a puppy home instead of just ordering one.
Renly came to work with Mum - all too much for a wee pup.  The jumper was store bought by daddy, for all those Gizzy readers, you will certainly understand why I will be knitting our Bulldog a NEW jumper ASAP.
Renly Baratheon, the cheekiest British Bulldog you have ever had the pleasure to meet, has parked up at Chateau Ahuriri & is very happy thank you very much!  he's been a breath of fresh air & is utterly adored by the boys, and of course his new doting parents. I even have permission to knit something for him, so after my current project (a crochet slouch beanie - yes don't choke, I'm 'hooking'), I will be casting on a doggie jumper to befit our regal baby.
Crouching Tiger Cowl - made from the delicious Lornas Laces Lion & lamb.

Speaking of projects have had work fly off the needles of the past month, I completed two projects in Raro, I have knitted a cowl for 'The Gingers' school principal & I am currently 'hooking' up this hat.  I also have some surgery booked for next week & will be laid off my feet & on my arse for a couple of weeks, so lined up in the wings are Renly's new threads, a cowl for 'The Gingers' teacher & finishing a pattern I am developing for one of the Mill's contract clients.... Just a few bits and pieces!!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

All 4 KAN

It's pretty rough knitting & yarn shopping with a view like this!

Registrations have now opened for Knit August Nights or 4KAN.


It's an awesome line up this year - with classes to suit every skill level.  Held here in Napier, in the heart of historic Ahuriri, 4KAN is a great way to recharge & inspire your fibre craft.  Have a look at what's on offer & register for a fun weekend away.

Workshops 2013

Stream One

Class One

Colour My World – Morag McKenzie (3 hours) -  

SOLD OUT

Examine how colour works: learn to understand how colours are made and how to combine them for best effect in your dyeing, knitting, spinning and other crafting.
You will engage in exercises with paint and knitting and will come away with a deeper understanding of how colour works and how to make it work for you and all your projects.
Suitable for knitters, spinners and dyers – anyone who wants a greater understanding of colour.

Class Two (A)

The Return of the 10 Stitch Blanket! – Susan Hagedorn  (90 minutes)

Back by popular demand is the runaway success from KAN:3 – the 10 Stitch Blanket!
Knit a snuggly blanket for yourself or to gift. Big needles, chunky yarn, no sewing, fast knitting.
An ideal blanket to knit for babies, lap-rugs or throw over’s – you decide how big you want to go.
This workshop will teach the method of making short row mitred corners to make Ten Stitch blanket.
An Elizabeth Zimmermann inspired blanket worked in any weight yarn using Garter stitch and only 10 stitches.
Learn the method which gives virtually instant gratification by beginning in the middle of the blanket with knitting a square spiral, joining as you go.
No sewing up required and finished when it’s as big as you want or you run out of yarn.
You will need to know the principles of and how to knit slipped stitches, psso and short-row knitting, although these will be covered in the workshop.

Class Two (B)

Beyond the 10st Blanket! – Susan Hagedorn  (90 minutes)

Did you take the class last year or want to carry on & take the 10 stitch blanket even farther?
Using the 10stitch method, explore further ways to use this technique.
Wow your friends and family with creations you have crafted for accessories, garments or your home.
A brief revisit to the basics of this method will be made during this workshop.
Recommended that you are familiar with this technique, or have knowledge of knitting short-row mitred corners. Great follow on if you took the class last year.

Class Three

The beautiful & talented Justine Turner

Designed to Thrill – Justine Turner (3 hours)

Do you search Ravelry trying to find the perfect pattern that is “in your head”, do you alter elements of every pattern you knit? This neckline with that arm length, this vest design, but that stitch pattern? Save yourself the disappointment and time wasting and design it yourself!
Internationally reknown childrens designer Justine Turner will teach the basics of knitted garment design and the process to follow to get the result you want, from the basics of gauge to the design choices that make all the difference.  If you missed out on this class at Unwind, book early, as numbers are strictly limited.
Suitable for intermediate knitters, you should have experience constructing garments.

Stream Two

Class One (A)

Introduction to Intarsia with Tumbling blocks – Doing the Twist (90 Minutes)

Tutor – James Herbison
Have you ever wanted to add colour into your knitting but were scared at the prospect of getting all tied up with stranded knitting techniques?
Well fear not, this is the class for you! Intarsia is an easy alternative to fairisle knitting which won’t leave you all stranded…  it will however have you ‘doing the twist’ in no time at all.
In this class we will apply the Intarsia technique to the eye catching geometric Tumbling Blocks pattern which originated in patchwork but was famously adapted to knitting by Kaffe Fassett. You’ll be provided with a graph of the pattern as well as written instructions during the workshop.
James Herbison - a master of colour & Kaffe Fassett

Class One (B)

Introduction to Modular Knitting – Knit to be Square  (90 Minutes)

Tutor – James Herbison
Do you have lots of odds and ends in your yarn stash that you don’t know what to do with?
You’re not alone! Modular knitting is a fun and colourful way to stash bust and learn a new technique at the same time.
Modular knitting involves making small pieces of knitted fabric (modules) which are then joined together to make a larger item. Fear not… joining them together does not involve any sewing! This clever technique allows you to knit the modules together as you create them. In the workshop you’ll learn and practice the technique with a basic square shape and be shown other shapes to experiment with as time allows.

Class Two

Introduction to Crochet – Sofia Moers (3 hours)

This class was so popular last year & I have had so many requests to repeat
it again for this year, making it bigger & better! Learn the basics of
Crochet, the base stitches & see how those few stitches can open up an
entire new world. This is the perfect class for the absolute beginner or
people who haven’t had a hook in their hands for many, many years. I
promise you Sofia will have you truly hooked after 3 hours!

Class Three (A)

Introduction to Cables – Nanette Cormack (60 minutes)

Cables & Aran knitting with cross over stitching is back!  If you can knit stocking stitch, you can cable – whilst they look tricky, knitting cables is an absolute doddle & the Nanette will guide you through the basics for cabling & crossover stitches.  A great class for beginners – you just need to know how to knit & purl.
Nanette Cormack is back with her essential skills sessions - a must do!

Class Three (B)

Introduction to Reversible Cables – Nanette Cormack (60 minutes)

Love cables but hate to use them in projects where both sides of the work shows because the back of the cables look ugly and unfinished? This method of cabling ensures that both sides of your work will look fabulous with either identical cables or fraternal cables. Great for creating scarves, shawls and even reversible hats.
Suitable for intermediate knitters and beyond.  New to cabling?  Make sure you complete the Intro class first.

Class Three (C)

Introduction to Linen Stitch – Nanette Cormack (60 minutes)

Love the look of woven fabric but don’t own a loom?  Well learn the secrets of Linen Stitch.  Linen Stitches unique woven appearance lends itself to some amazing colourwork options.  It’s reversible, striking, hard wearing & up mostly beautiful.  If you can knit & purl you can learn Linen stitch.

Stream Three – All 3 hours


Some say attending one of Morag McKenzie's classes is a divine experience

Class One

Contiguous Concordance – Morag McKenzie - Limited Spaces

Explore the Contiguous set-in sleeve method: learn how to knit set-in sleeves from the top down without seams or complicated set up. The contiguous method creates a sleek, interesting sleeve line that fits and flatters most people well. Learn how to adapt the method to fit you and get tips and techniques to working it easily and neatly.
Suitable for knitters who have knit garments and can work in the round.

Class Two

Letting yourself go with Freeform Knitting– Sharleen Greer

Incorporate every stitch you’ve learnt, together with the exciting colours and variety of yarns available today, mix in a little imagination and you’ve found this fascinating technique of freeform.
No matter what level of skill you’re at or how creative you believe yourself to be: if you allow colour, texture and form to lead the way….intuition, spontaneity and the sheer joy of doing to be your guide, freeform can take you on a fascinating adventure.
In this workshop you will make a piece of freeform work. We will then look at how you can begin to make a garment or bag using the freeform technique.  The key to this class is letting yourself go, let your creativity take hold & start a love affair with your scrap bag!

Class Three

Heavy Metal Crochet – Frances Stachl

This class explores taking your existing fibre skills to a new medium – fine gauge metal wire.
Students will make up simple crochet patterns in metal wire and look at ways of transforming these into light and delicate pieces of jewellery.
Copper wire will be available in class for a fee if you do not wish to provide your own. In addition to this, students will also have the option to purchase sterling silver wire once they feel more confident.
Suitable for crocheters of moderate confidence. If you have completed the Intro to Crochet class you will be adequately equipped to take this class.