Workshops

A couple of fantastic workshops - crochet with Jennifer and Sharleen - I taught a very beginning beginner, and Sharleen took more experienced crocheters out of their comfort zone!  Very successful, with another session next Friday.  Newcomers are also welcome.

Tunisian knitting was a hit.  We learned:  Casting on, basic tunisian, joining in another colour, flattened 'stocking-stitch' style stitch, and casting off. Well done to all - some tricky manoeuvres there, but we made it.  A special mention for Ann who came all the way from Ponsonby!  Maybe I'll run some workshops on your side of the bridge soon.

Cable class

Today's classes on knitting cables went very well, although the original sample sheet I provided had a typo, telling people to cast on the wrong number of stitches - not a good start, and a timely reminder to always to check it out by knitting a sample myself.  Thanks Sian for remembering my lesson from last year and reminding me that I had downloaded a simple pattern for an Irish Hiking Scarf (although I think you're allowed to wear it while doing other things too!)
Well done all - the cream Aran wools look lovely knitted like this and hopefully everyone will continue to knit so they finish their scarves.
We don't expect to see Natasha now until after her baby is born (next Thursday).  Best wishes and keep in touch.  :)
We are planning a trip to the Kaipara Sculpture Garden on Wednesday 06th July for our end of term day session.  More about this soon.

Knitcetera is a hit!!

I keep bumping into people who are thrilled at the exhibition and what is has to offer.  Almost every person has said "It's nothing like I expected - it's wonderful"!!  Low expectations.?  Stereotypes around knitting and the 'old ladies' who do it?  Whatever they initially thought, people are thrilled - as am I - at the variety, the creativity, the wonderful examples of fun, frivolity, expertise and design on show.
It's not too late - the exhibition doesn't end until 3rd July - and then parts of it will head south to North Shore, where there will be more Knitcetera moments, and another group starting to think outside the traditional scarf, sweater & babyclothes 'square'.

Today (Sunday) my lovely daughter-in-law, Shelley, with her friend and neighbour Sandra ( a pseudo-Grandmother to Hayley) brought my grand-daughter Hayley to see the exhibition.  Hayley will be 2 at the end of August.  She was entranced with the spiders, the 'dollys', the birds, etc, etc.  Just gorgeous to see and hear her totally absorbed in everything.  She is certainly bright - a fish was "fsh - shark!", and when we left she sat in her carseat waving, saying "goodbye spiders, goodbye dollies, goodbye fishies, goodbye Rusty (the Director's dog), etc, etc" through everything she had seen.  So cute!
I am now making a list of all the things I want to knit for her birthday!

Knitting with beads

Our lesson today was using beads in knitting.  There are various techniques, but the most secure one consists of stringing the required number of beads on the yarn, using a needle or a needle & thread, then moving the beads into the stitches as they are required to knit the pattern.  Some of us found there was a rather large hole behind the bead and it could slip through.  We are experimenting with slipping the stitch before the bead, then knitting into the back of the one behind it, or with purling that stitch, etc.
I think the consensus is that it is good to know how, but it may be easier to just embroider them onto the finished garment.  Having said that, Natasha's effort has worked out the best so far - I MUST remember to take my camera next week.
Natasha may or may not be with us next week - she's ready to 'pop' anytime soon - her due date is in 2 weeks, but as it's her third, we all know that means it could be very soon.  We welcome back to Barbara Cotton after her sad time in Australia.
Sales of items in the exhibition are going well - anyone want to knit more little sock-wool birds - all 6 of Elaine's have sold!
Remember - Saturday is our Knitting in Public day - we are attending the Estuary Arts Centre from 9am to 4pm - anyone is welcome to join us.  If you can't, just take your knitting to wherever you are and knit there!  Worldwide Knitting In Public week started last Monday and finishes on Sunday!

Politics of yarnbombing!

Sir Ed's scarf has disappeared already.  Such a shame - but I long ago realised that liberating yarn bombing meant that it didn't belong to me any more.  Some people just need to connect with a piece in a much more personal way - hopefully it's gone to a good home!

Yarnbombing in Orewa

Today is International YarnBombing day 2011.  Look what happened at Hillary Square in Orewa!!

Knitcetera is ON!!

Well done all of us.  A great start to a wonderful exhibition.  See you all on YouTube soon!
Congratulations to our raffle winners:  http://www.estuaryarts.org/knitcetera---june2011.html
Ist prize - Jan Maguiness from out daytime knitting course (maker of the exquisite pansy and flower tea cosies).
2nd prize = Jean - Wednesday volunteer at Estuary Arts Centre

The exhibition

I am Sooo tired!  The exhibition is in place and, although it is not officially open until 6pm tomorrow evening, we have already had quite a large number of people through the doors.  Knitterati visited today and a great time was had by all.
I am SO proud of all of us!

Just about all done!

Well, what a full on day!  Thanks so much to Christine and Sharleen for their invaluable help today.  And of course to Sian - my right hand 'man' - the place is looking fantastic!  By the time the Knitterati group arrive just after lunch tomorrow it'll be all systems go!

D-Day!

Hi all - we are about to start gathering everything to set up Knitcetera at the Estuary - so exciting!  I have lists for cataloguing everything and people are making decisions over what to charge if they want to sell stuff.
We are collecting everything we need today and only starting to display the bigger items. I have been awake most of the night working out systems for cataloguing and of course displaying.  Sian and I will be working all day tomorrow to get everything done - we intend to have it basically finished by lunchtime Wednesday - we are having a visit Wed afternoon from the Knitterati group from Kumeu, so want to have everything in place by the time they come.  Thanks for all your offers of help - we will play it by ear, so talk to people when they arrive to drop their stuff off.
And, to everyone - both involved and interested, remember to come to the opening if you can - it's 6pm Thursday 09th June.  Free - have a wine and some nibbles, talk to the artists and other like minded craftspeople.  Our roving videographers might ask you a question or two - don't be shy!  (Well, if you'd rather not, that's ok).

Workshops for the exhibition

We have put together a programme of workshops.  These will cost $20, unless otherwise stated, and the cost will include materials.

Knitting a square

Covers casting on and off, plain and purl stitches and combinations to form different patterns, ideas for using squares to make: blankets, toys, garments.

Ideal for beginners through to experienced knitters.

Thursday 16^th June   10.30am to 12.30pm

Thursday 23^rd June  10.30am to 12.30pm

Thursday 30^th June  10.30am to 12.30pm

Knitting a picture

Choose a pattern or graph your own, then knit using 2 or 3 colours using both Fairisle and Intarsia techniques.

You will need to be able to knit and purl.

Sunday 10^th June   2pm to 4pm

Tuesday 21^st June  2pm to 4pm

Crochet for all levels

Jennifer Kipfer will teach new crochet enthusiasts the basics, including making a curlicue to add to the Seagardens Aotearoa installation, while at the same time Sharleen Greer will teach more experienced crocheters who want to take their craft to a higher level.

Friday 24^th June    10.30am to 12.30pm

Friday 01 July      10.30am to 12.30pm

 Tunisian knitting

Using a long needle with a crochet hooked end, learn basic techniques for making blankets, rugs, bags and more. 

Saturday 25^th June    10am to 12pm

High tea at the Estuary

Buy or bring your drink and join Sian Wray and Jennifer Kipfer to start to knit a cupcake, a sandwich and an asparagus roll.

Saturday 25^th June     2pm to 4pm

Freeform Knitting & crochet   $50   Full day

Join award winning freeform knitter and crocheter Jennie Eade to begin your bagmaking experience.

By the end of the day you will have started your bag and will be able to finish it in your own time at home.

You will need to bring:

 size 4 knitting needles,  scissors,

small balls or hanks of complementary coloured  and textured dk weight wools,

a crochet hook, a darning needle, a bag frame (wool & bag frame available from Spotlight). 

Some other materials will be available for purchase from Jennie.

Saturday 02^nd July  9am to 12pm, then the same day 1pm - 4pm


We'll also have people available almost all the time the exhibition is running for informal and spontaneous sessions on whatever people want to learn - including hyperbolic crochet and troubleshooting - bring your item for some advice and assistance.  Or just join us with some work to sit and chat in a convivial atmosphere!

Knitting Socks and sharing ideas

Today's lesson centred round the knitting of socks.  Christine is starting to knit using 2 needles - if the pattern works out, we'll all try.  The rest of those who wanted to have started to knit a sock on 4 double pointed needles - dpns.  Much fun, awkwardness and, finally some progress.
We looked over some very old pattern books and laughed at the range of items to knit - anyone for long johns? Knee warmers?  How about a balaclava for those chilly nights?
Barbara D is making wonderful progress with the big chair - she has really struggled with a poorly-written pattern, but now has adapted it to her own version and it is growing fast.  Mary G returned again and is finished with hats - for now!  She is knitting an exquisite red cardigan.  Jennie's producing a range of children's vests and Jan M has finished her pansy-covered tea cosy.  I thought I had taken a photo of that and of Natasha's petal tea cosy tonight, but they have not appeared on my camera!  However I have a couple of great pictures - Robyn's felted handbag is gorgeous, and the second photo is of Natasha - not long ago a very inexperienced knitter and crocheter - teaching Elona how to make a starfish for one of the exhibition exhibits!  Exciting.
Dale is continuing with her little crocheted cotton 'pots' and has also made a beautiful pink, flower embellished headband.  Robyn has produced yet more quirky canvasses about knitting - we all love her take on things!
Next week's class will include a walk around of the newly installed exhibition, and a lesson in hyperbolic crochet as we will be adding pieces to Seagardens Aotearoa.