Category: adventures

  • Frolic ’10

    It was a dreary, blustery, rainy day – so what better than surrounding oneself with wool?

    I love the Knitter’s Frolic. It’s gotten bigger and bigger every year, and even aside from the awesome yarn and yarny stuff I love the opportunity to see the people! I know lots of knitters (as you might expect) and I just love that at the Frolic I tend to see people I know where ever I turn. I headed up with Jane and Cheryl for a few hours (thanks for the ride Cheryl!) and had lots of fun.

    And! There were Milkweed Shawls a-plenty! I saw a few in booths, and some being worn, like these beautiful ones:

    milkweed #1

    another Milkweed

    (Neither are sneaky photos, just so y’know!)

    And of course, the yaaaarn.

    Zen Yarn Garden:
    zen yarn garden

    Dyed in the Wool Handmade:
    dyed in the wool

    Tanis’ beautiful Mulberry Silk:
    tanis mulberry silk

    I bought a bunch of books – although I’m regretting not buying more Japanese books! – and one sweater’s worth of yarn, a semi-solid Koigu in a shade of deep red that seems to be impossible to photograph.

    I love yarn events! I already can’t wait till next year.

  • upcoming classes and appearances

    I’ve just updated my Classes and Appearances page to reflect all my upcoming events for this spring and summer! Along with classes at lettuce knit, I also have the opportunity to teach at Knit Camp 2010 in Stirling, Scotland this August!

    My classes:

    SPINNING WITH A WHEEL
    This class is for people who have spun a little and want to expand their horizons. Some experience with a wheel or spindle is necessary – you should have some idea of how to spin a single. Learn some new tricks and techniques, including different drafting and plying techniques, mixing different fibres and different colours, and how to spin with control. You will have a variety of different fibres to play with, including some that you may have used before (e.g. merino) and some more unusual fibres (e.g. Bamboo). Laura will talk to you about how to incorporate your newly-spun yarn into different designs.

    When: Tuesday, 9.30 – 5.00
    Level: Advanced beginner plus
    Class Skills: Need some basic spinning experience
    Cost: £78 (includes fibre)
    Class Length: 6 hours
    Bring with you:
    Your wheel, if you have one. Wheels can be hired at the cost of £10 for the day.
    Notepad and pen

    DESIGN YOUR OWN KNEE SOCKS
    Venture into the world of design by working up your own custom knee sock pattern from the toe up. We’ll swatch, measure and calculate and you’ll come away with your very own custom pattern. Different toe and heel constructions, as well as incorporating interesting stitch patterns, will also be discussed.

    When: Wednesday, 9.30 – 12.30
    Level: Intermediate
    Class Skills: Experience of knitting socks, comfortable with all knit stitches and a desire to start designing
    Cost: £40
    Class Length: 3 hours
    Bring with you:
    fingering weight yarn, appropriate sock-sized needles (2mm – 3mm, US 0-2), notepad, pen, calculator

    TWO HANDED COLOURWORK
    Stranded colourwork is lots of fun, but easier to manage if you learn to knit with both hands! A simple colourwork hat pattern will be provided to learn this simple technique.

    When: Thursday, 9.30 – 12.30
    Level: Advanced beginner plus
    Class Skills: Comfortable with basic knit stitches
    Cost: £39
    Class Length: 3 hours
    Bring with you:
    3.75mm (US 5) double pointed needles, notepad and pen

    INTRO TO DROP SPINDLING
    For people who have never spun before but are keen to learn! Spinning your own yarns is loads of fun and the ultimate in sheep-to-sweater production. Learn how to spin singles, ply, and finish your yarns, as well as some fibre production methods.
    When: Thursday, 2.00 – 5.00
    Level: Beginner plus
    Class Skills: None required
    Cost: £39 (materials provided in class cost)
    Class Length: 3 hours
    Homework: None

    You can sign up on the Knit Camp website. Hope to see you there!

  • a bit of spring

    Unsettled weather (I just want a big storm so it’ll clear everything away!), sunshine, flowers.

    spring has sprung

    spring has sprung

    spring has sprung

    spring has sprung

    Hope you’re enjoying the weather whereever you are!