Cushy Number

Louis sporting my latest cowl

 I have a habit of doing knit projects in clusters (or obsessions - potatoe/potato). This year has been the 'beanie' cluster, then the 'cowl' cluster & now we have the 'cushion' cluster. Now to be fair I have been meaning to replace all my manky cushions with stylish knitted ones for ages, but the recent purchase of a new sofa made the manky old cushions look even mankier - so I have pulled finger & have just completed my third cushion for the collection.

 I know I used the word stylish before - I fear that might me a touch optimistic. I am sure a true dedicated home interior stylinesta would have themes, colours & textures that you would follow to complete a prescribed look. Me, well I am more of a wing & a prayer kinda gal - so my cushions have been inspired by so far: Gorgeous yarn, recycling & necessity.

Simple, Stylish - I hope!

  The first of the 'Cushy Triptych' is a simple garter stitch cushion knitted on the bias. Starting with 2 stitches & then increasing into the first stitch of every row until you have the diameter required & then decreasing by knitting the last two stitches together on each row. The yarn that inspired is a buttery fine micron Merino that you usually don't find in hand knitting yarns, but this Briar Patch Merino is divine & worth hunting out (oh & the 'most experienced knitter' in the quote - 'tis Moi).  It begs to be cuddled, fondled & caressed - so perfect for a cushion.

If you look closely you can see some of the shaping from the original project!

The second foray into the cushion craze came out of a fit of recycling.  I frogged my only UFO project for some time - the Ombre Shrug.  I had completed the back, however the thick & thin nature of the yarn meant when I started frogging the completed front half it caught & snagged, driving me crazy.  So what to do with the completed back portion?  Simple - unravel back to live stitches - knit up some additional length & with some cleaver mattress stitching to disguise ( as best I could) the shaping - voila one re-purposed cushion!

The 'Necessity' Log Cabin - my latest creation

I opted for some vibrant striping on the back

Then there is the 'necessity' cushion.  What creates such urgency that necessitates the creation of this cushion?  Rugby, more importantly, All Black rugby watching.  Have you ever tried knitting during a test match?  The the test match itself - it's not easy, you have to select a project that is a) simple in design, so there is no risk of losing your place when crucial points in the game are being scored. b) a project that can sustain knitting after multiple glasses  of wine. c) a pattern that is easily memorized so no pattern referral is required otherwise distracting you from the game.
With all these factors in mind I dragged out the scraps bag & cast on a log cabin cushion.  The result has been fabulous - so much so I will be entering it into the local A&P Show this year.  So a cushion that has been incredibly successful in fill my necessity, as well as providing me a great level of joy.

Lastly...

I'm really enjoying the little wedges of happiness.

On the sticks at the moment I have finally cast on Spectra by Stephen West.  I have had some Rainbow Kauni burning a hole in my stash since KAN:3 & managed to get the perfect contrast yarn from Skeinz a few weeks later.  So far I am thrilled with the progress & I have even learned a new refinement to the short row technique I was using - so far a very satisfying knit!  If I get it finished in time it could also make the short list as a show entry, assuming of course I don't cast on another cushion!

Tree Hugging

One of my favourites - simple, fun, whimsical

I am excited to get behind the Creative Napier Tree Cosy event again this year.  This is where knitters & crocheters 'yarn bomb' the palm trees down Napier's Emerson street.  Last year saw the bright wooly creations capture the hearts & minds of locals & visitors alike.

If you think you's like to whip up a fun tree cosy, it can be something as small (like the collar pictured above) or as large as you like.  The theme this year is HOT - contact me at Skeinz & get knitting!  Cosies go up on the 22nd of September. 

Our Tree Anenome from last year

Time for tea?

Another Year in the KAN

Just wants to make you dive on in!

As you probably have noticed from my silence in the Blog-sphere I have been somewhat preoccupied.  All this is due to the rapid onset of Knit August Nights 3 (KAN:3) which was help this past weekend here in Ahuriri, Napier.  Despite having one of the gloomiest, wettest Winters I can remember here, the weather faeries were smiling & the sun shone for the over 100 participants in this years event.  Dave & his Team at East Pier were again stellar, the tutors amazing, the traders tempting & all my KAN Angels & supporters just simply stunning. 

Vibrant fun in Intro to Felting

I have a full album of images from the weekend on my Flikr account here, but here are some of my favourites.  If you think you would like to take part in KAN next year - mark August 23rd - 25th on your calenders & start saving - or get your bi-annual fix of NZ knitting retreats & attend Unwind in Dunedin in March 2013!

Just some of the knitted delights available at the KAN market

Claudia Kern - one of the vibrant KAN tutors

It's hard to concentrate with views out the window like this.

All of us just immersing us in the delight that is Margaret Stove

Plenty of time to knit, laugh & eat!

Edith & Karen - part of the KAN charity blanket team

Did I mention there was shopping?

Matt happy in his work!

You could even get yourself in a spin at KAN

Ever After Cowl

I have been lucky enough to escape back up to Rarotonga again this Winter escaping the cold back home in Napier. This trip has been very much a knit trip - with copious knitting being completed & even some design work done. I would like to introduce the latest member of the Ever After collection - a simple cowl, great to keep the cold at bay. After Cowl This is a great pattern because its quick to knit up, practical to wear & uses only 2 balls of yarn.
Ever After Cowl - In the Round version

Abbreviations: K1 = Knit one stitch. K2tog = Knit 2 stitches together. yo = Yarn over (take the yarn from the back of your work through to the front & over the needle to knit.)

The pattern is written to fit most.
You will Need:
5mm needles, 100gm of medium weight yarn

Yarn Suggestions: Vintage, Urban or Moondance from www.skeinz.com

Cast on 120 stitches
Place Marker & join in round making sure not to twist the stitches
Round 1: Knit
Round 2: Purl
Repeat previous two rounds once
Round 1 of pattern: k2tog twice (“yo, k1” 4 times, k2tog 4 times)repeat until last 8 sts, yo, k1 4 times, k2tog twice
Row 2-4: Knit
Repeat the pattern 12 more times (or until length desired)
Work row 1 of the pattern
Next Round 1: Knit
Next Round 2: Purl
Repeat previous two rounds once
Cast off
Make up
You should have a straight edge at the top of the Cowl & a scalloped edge at the bottom. Weave in ends & block if desired.

Ever After Cowl – Two needle version

Cast on 120 stitches
Work 3 rows garter stitch

Row 1 of pattern: k2tog twice (“yo, k1” 4 times, k2tog 4 times)repeat until last 8 sts, yo, k1 4 times, k2tog twice
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Purl
Repeat the pattern 12 more times (or until length desired)
Work row 1 of the pattern
Next Row: Knit
Work 3 rows garter Stitch
Cast off

Make up
You should have a straight edge at the top of the Cowl & a scalloped edge at the bottom. Weave in ends & sew up side seams. Block if desired.

A Little Contemplation

Local Ahuriri photographer Kevin Bridle lives seaside in our sleepy suburb & has the most amazing retro 1960's couch on his front porch.  This couch has become quite famous locally - a place for many to sit ponder & well, contemplate.

Kevin has produced a photography series of 'Contemplation couch' & recently Maximus featured as of the many quirky cast of characters featured. Check out his work & spread the words of contemplation...

Getting KANned

Registrations for KAN are now open & they have been pouring in thick & fast!  If you have missed out on Handmade this weekend in Wellington, but still need a crafty fix this Winter, KAN is for you.  registration for the retreat or individual classes can me made here.

Some pretty girlie beanies for mistress Ella

Isn't she the cutest!

 As for my I have been in the middle of beanie mania - a request to knit a small hat for a friends toddler has turned into an avalance of beanies for friends & family alike. So below is wee gallery of what has flying off my needles in the past few weeks - I have even had time for a wee baby vest!

Soccer Beanie for Em

Super Slouchy Soccer Beanie for Em

Beanie for cuzzie bro Michael

Beanie for me!

Baby Gabriel in his Felipe Vest

Getting worked up for KAN

KAN August 24th - 26th 2012

I have been busy beavering away getting all the final preparations together for the workshop schedule for Knit August Nights 3.  My delightful web mistress is getting all the final prep done to the website so I can open registrations - but in the meantime I thought I would post a teaser of what's available.

I had a ball in March attending the inaugreal Unwind retreat in the South Island - hosted by Morag McKenzie of Vintage Purls - it was a brilliant weekend & photo's from the weekend can be found here.  If you want to get a taste of what to expect as KAN if you haven't been before - check out the albums for KAN1 & KAN:2

In the meantime - bookmark or pin the KAN website & make sure you join our Ravelry group for the latests in updates, chatter, accomodation & travel match ups.

Friday  August 24th Afternoon 3 – 5.30/6pm
Stream 1	Stream 2	Stream 3
Aviatrix Short Row Knitting The phrase 'short row shaping" need never send shivers of fear down your spine again! Short rows are a great way to get your garments to fit better, and are worked everywhere from socks to bust darts, to getting the back neck to sit nicely. Using the Aviatrix hat or Kina pin cushion as an example we will explore various methods of working short rows and hiding those wraps. Advanced beginners. With Justine Turner	Intro to Knitting in the Round Knit yourself in circles! How often have you searched online & seen patterns now written in the round & passed them over because the thought of DPN’s or those circular needles are just too scary.  Suitable for beginner knitters, and those less confident with circular needles, we will explore knitting in the round on circular needles. We will look at casting on and getting started, magic loop, the jogless jog and other tips and tricks to make seamless knitting a breeze. Beginners onwards With Jessicah Win	Knit Couture Don't just knit, knit beautifully. Learn how to finesse the finer details of knitting to produce beautifully finished garments. This class explores: - appropriate cast-ons to match ribs or other edgings - neat selvedges and appropriate selvedge options for your needs - buttonhole techniques: creation, placement and orientation. - directional increases and decreases appropriate to your aesthetic needs - picking up stitches neatly and proportionally - facings and hems - appropriate and tidy seaming techniques - attractive and functional fastening applications: buttons and zippers and many other techniques and ideas. With Morag McKenzie & Stella Lange

Saturday morning will have a series of 'Intro' sessions.  Ideal for beginners & for those who have been putting off learning a new technique.  A great way to get a taste of KAN without having to attend the entire retreat.

Saturday Morning Shorts 8.30am - 12
Stream 1	Stream 2 - Nanette Cormack	Stream 3 – Sofia Moers
Intro to Continental Knitting This class is a short introduction to Continental Knitting, which is basically just a different way to form a stitch. You will learn how to do knit and purl stitches the continental way. These are the basics, which will open the door to doing increases and decreases, which will lead you to anything else you wish to knit. Continental knitting can be a useful technique to use when doing color work or fairisle knitting. With Claudia Kearn -  90 min	Introduction to Cast – On’s Often we learn one or two basic cast on methods & never think to learn more.  This class is a great way to broaden your cast on horizons or discover the cast-on that best suits you. Beginners & those wishing to be adventurous 60 min	Introduction to Crochet Embracing the ‘C’ word. Learn the basics of crochet.  The stitches, reading patterns & using crochet to embellish your knitting.  A great class for absolute beginners & experienced knitters alike. It is now time to get hooked! 90 mins
	Introduction to Finishing Finishing  - love it or loathe it is the important final step into making your knitted garment perfect.  This class will help you polish your finishing & sewing techniques & have you finishing your knitting like a pro in no time. Beginners onwards 60 min
Introduction to 10st Blanket Do you want to knit a snuggly blanket, with no sewing, fast? An Elizabeth Zimmermann inspired blanket worked in any yarn using only 10 stitches. You start in the centre and work in a sort of square spiral, joining as you go. No sewing up needed!  An ideal blanket to knit for babies, lap-rugs or throw overs -  you decide how big you want to go. This workshop will teach you how to begin and continue the Ten Stitch Blanket. You will need to know how to knit and the principles of slipping stitches, psso and short- row knitting, although these will be covered in the workshop. With Susan Hagedorn – 90 min	Introduction to Blocking It is often an overlooked step once your knitting is completed, but good blocking can make a huge difference to your final garment.  Learn the best ways to block your way to confidence. Beginners onwards. 60 min	Introduction to Amigurumi Cheeky Monkey’s, Perky Penguins & an entire raft of uber cute crocheted animals can be found in the world of Amigurumi crochet.  Learn the basic’s of this crochet technique & open up a world or cute & cuddly creatures. Beginners onwards (if new to crochet, must have completed Intro to crochet class) 90 min

Saturday Afternoon 1.30 – 4.30pm
Steam 1	Stream 2	Stream 3
Introduction to Felting Suitable for those wanting to try their hand at felting, we will create some small felting projects which explore the basic concepts of felting, including prefelt, resists, needle and nuno felting. A hands on, tactile experience! Beginners onwards With Jessicah Win	Knit Couture – Session 2 This is the follow on from Friday afternoon. You pay a single price for this double workshop. Morag McKenzie + Stella Lange	Introduction to Fibre Preparation  Learn how to prepare your fibre in readiness for spinning. Francess will cover all the basic steps, provide insights & help improve your overall spinning experience.  Frances is a witty entertaining teacher – a don’t miss for fibre enthusiasts. Beginners Onwards  with Frances Stachl