K.A.N Registrations NOW OPEN

Knitters Retreat in Historic Hawkes Bay
August 27th – 29th 2010

Bouught to you by Skeinz & J.O.Y

Hosted at Napiers iconic East Pier situated at the entrance of historic Port Ahuriri. Like any waterfront location Ahuriri is a vibrant village overflowing with cafes, bars, galleries, deli’s & Napier most famous landmark, the Art Deco Rothmans Building. The K.A.N venue has unimpeded views onto Hawkes Bay & sits adjacent to the Harbour View Motor Lodge.

K.A.N Registrations are now open.

‘Merino’ registration is $125 pp
This includes: Access to exclusive Traders Market, ONE workshop, Design Spun factory Tour & Skeinz shop visit, access for free knit time at East Pier, public traders market & a KAN goodie bag.

‘Alpaca’ registration is $160 pp
This includes: Everything in the ‘Merino’ package PLUS the KAN Retreat Dinner & Quiz on Saturday Night. East Pier is a landmark Napier Eatery & will be providing a three course dinner designed especially for KAN (drinks own care)

‘Cashmere’ registration is $200 pp
This includes: Access to exclusive Traders Market, TWO workshops, Design Spun factory tour & Skeinz shop visit, access for free knit time at East Pier, public traders market & a KAN goodie bag.
PLUS the KAN Retreat Dinner & Quiz on Saturday Night. East Pier is a landmark Napier Eatery & will be providing a three course dinner designed especially for KAN (drinks own care).

Email me on busckem@clear.net.nz for a full registration form. Registration will only be confirmed on receipt of payment.

Do you have knitty products to sell?
If you register as a KAN retreater you can set up shop on Friday afternoon to sell your knitty goodness to other retreaters for no additional charge. On Sunday morning (9am – 12pm) KAN will open to the public for a Sunday Knit Market. This will be extensively promoted through local media & retail outlets. We would love to have you take part. Contact me at busckem@clear.net.nz for more details.

Knit August Nights

Knit August Nights
Knitters Retreat in Historic Hawkes Bay
August 27th – 29th 2010

Bought to you by Skeinz & JOY (Joy of Yarn)

Hosted at Napiers iconic East Pier situated at the entrance of historic Port Ahuriri. Like any waterfront location Ahuriri is a vibrant village overflowing with cafes, bars, galleries, deli’s & Napier most famous landmark, the Art Deco Rothmans Building. The K.A.N venue has unimpeded views onto Hawkes Bay & sits adjacent to the Harbourside Motor Lodge.

K.A.N Registration includes: workshops, knitters dinner & quiz, exclusive traders market, yarn factory tour & of course plenty of knitting.

Places to the K.A.N retreat will be extremely limited.

Expressions of interest are being taken. Email Maree at busckem@clear.net.nz

On the Run

Louis on the Move

Things are on the move! I have had a good run of project completions, Dr. Phils Winter '10 socks are done already, lengthened the sleeves on the Angora Lace shrug, the Ahuriri Cushion is done & I have cast on another Milo for the boys'.

Ross (my Dad) got dragged away from work to rest with the grandchildren.

Easter time has also been family time with a holiday on the East Cape with my parents, brother & niece Nina.

The boys & Nina had a great time, ignoring the cold & splashing, swimming & just doing what kids should do, have a bloody great time!

I have also sewn the knitting germ with 4 year old Nina, she recognised the shrug as being the same pattern as the one I had knit for her & before I knew it I was busy having to knit a version for her baby doll Georgia. Now as any parent will know, & especially those with 4 year old girls, once the decision has been made at this is what she wants there is to be NO deviation from the plan. For a day & a half I had Nina checking, rechecking, cajoling, reminding & needling to make sure I get Georgia's shrug gets done before the holiday is over. I am pleased to say I made the deadline & Georgia's shoulders are now warm for the Winter!

I also cracked on got the cushion completed. Modified from a concept from Mason-Dixon Knitting, I have done a cushion in stocking stitch instead of garter, it's less yarn thirsty & the reverse would never be seen. Below is my version, it's a brilliant stash buster.

Ahuriri Cushion

Cast on 30 sts (I used 4mm needles & DK yarn)
Work in stocking stst until you have a square swatch.
Change colour – work 12 rows stst – Cast off.
*Rotate your work 90 degrees clockwise
Change colour - Pick up the sts across the cast off edge.
Work 12 Rows stst – Cast off **
Continue to work from * to ** until you have the size desired.

Back
Is worked in straight stripes of 6 rows each. I have chosen to do a two thirds/one third flap with a button closure, but you could just work from one side to the other & place a zipper instead of buttons.

A cushion this size took about 10 balls total. The nice thing is you can use smaller part balls for the stripes at the back & the smaller ‘logs’, so it is one of the best stash busters I have done in a long time.

Adjust your needle size according to your yarn weight.
I used 4mm for DK. I also recommend a 80cm circular needle once the work gets bigger, it makes it easier to work with on your lap.

What's next....

Another Milo for the boys', plus one I am doing for a gift & watch this space for a Knitter Retreat coming soon to Hawkes Bay...