Knitting on a rainy day in Orewa

Once again we met, we shared, we laughed and we knat!  Some amazing work being done - welcome to Heather and Helen who both returned after a break, and thanks so much to Barbara D and Mary for sharing some of their 'stash' - such excitement.
Wee Blake has been sick so was not with us this week - hopefully he'll be back on board for our class next week.  Melissa and Jonty knitted up a storm - Jonty is now vocalising and made us very aware of his opinions on our work - as any 11 week old will (!).

New generations at knitting . . .

Last week's Wednesday group hosted 3 (count them!) 3 knitting babies - lovely.
Today at Kaipatiki we were relocated due to a major flood following a burst pipe, but that didn't stop Koewyn learning some new crochet moves!

Clarifying what we're doing

Hi all - the 2 groups are going really well now and I am being asked to do demos at other sites around town.  Just to clarify - at present the Monday group - Kaipatiki knitters - is very much a creative social group with a touch more knitting than other things, but those other things now include (although are not limited to): crochet, sewing, embroidery, design, community development, gossip, eating, laughing, sharing, tea/coffee supping, saving the planet/ruling the world!  These sessions are free and include provision of some donated materials.  We meet every Monday (except public holidays) at the Community HUB on the corner of Rodney Road and Queen Street, Northcote from 10am til 12.30 or thereabouts.  I am the designated "Knitter in the room" and am usually in attendance to help if necessary, but others are also skilled and willing to assist.
Our next project is a 'Hands on knitting session' at the Birkenhead Library's outdoor area - pink couches and all - more about this later.  The Birkenhead Primary School 'Knitwits' are also interested in being involved in the upcoming Estuary art exhibition in November (see below).
Orewa's Estuary knitters are more focussed on knitting, although we are starting to branch out a bit, with some crochet, beading, etc creeping in slowly.  Sessions are $5 and are held on Wednesdays during school term times from 12.30 til 2.30pm at the Estuary Arts Centre in the Western Reserve, Hibiscus Coast Highway in Orewa.  The Cafe is open then and members of our group, which is growing all the time, are welcome to order food and drinks which may be served in the Education Room.  While I facilitate that group, and have a folder of suggestions and more formal lessons, others here are also very able and willing to help anyone who needs it.  This group is focussing on a mini-exhibition at the Estuary Arts Centre in November.  At this stage we are looking at a theme of "Recycling/transforming the square".  We also already have an installation at the Kaipara Garden Centre's Sculpture Garden just out of Kaukapakapa.

We're back!! 2012 is in full swing

Welcome back Knitceteras!  Apologies for delays in getting more on here.  We have been very busy over Christmas, had a wee bit of a break over the "summer" holidays and are back in full swing.  There are now 2 regular groups - Estuary Knitters and Kaipatiki Knitters.  Estuary meets at the Estuary Arts Centre at the Western Reserve in Orewa every Wednesday of school terms from 12.30 to 2.30pm.  The cafe is open then and the food and coffees are lovely.  We are focussing on our own projects so far, but planning a mini-exhibition in November - more to come on that.  Sessions cost $5 per person.  Some resources provided - also access to my extensive library of knitting, crochet and craft books.
Kaipatiki meets at the "Hub", corner or Rodney Road and Queen Street, Northcote, North Shore every Monday from 10.00am to around 12.30.  These sessions are free and there are a lot of resources available here too.  This group has been making bags, and is looking at toys now.  We also have people who bring along their patchwork and other craft to share and have at least one dedicated crocheter.  Recently we 'yarnbombed' the Kaipatiki Bridge between Beachhaven and Glenfield, but several pieces were removed (by people with no sense of humour, we think!) we are now making more, bigger, brighter things to bomb with.  And this group will also be able to participate in the November exhibition, including the kids from Birkenhead Primary School, whose mothers came to talk and learn, and - ably lead by Suzy - are teaching the "Knitwits" the fun of knitting.

Have a look at the latest article on Suite 101 - guess who wrote it!

And yes, the message is there - can you guess what I am planning for 2012?
http://jennifer-kipfer.suite101.com/knitting-a-new-yarn-a392104

I'm back! Here's my new artwork

Hi all - sorry for the absence.  Been busy, but not  posting.  Anyway, here is my latest artwork that I've produced for the 'Made in New Zealand' exhibition opening Thursday 22 September.  I used recycled lighting materials, fibres sourced both locally and commercially and utilised techniques of various knitting and crochet styles.  I call it "Koru Bling" as it combines the organic aspects of the traditional koru while incorporating glimpses of the shiny bling within it.

Kaipatiki Knitters - Monday mornings

Look at this wonderful environment!  We are knitting pinkly in preparation for Highbury's 'pink' day on 14th October.  We meet here every Monday morning from 10am til 12.30pm - all welcome.  :)

Term 3 has started

Hi all, and welcome to this term - a very warm welcome to Heather, who is 'new'.  It was wonderful to see Natasha and her beautiful new baby boy for a visit and a cuddle too.

There are some wonderful ideas for our pipes and tubes installation at Kaipara in October, with some people already starting work.  The idea is to use plastic plumbing pipes as a base for covers which incorporate knitting in some way, but that represent us and/or our places in our communities.  Each person may prefer to do one pipe, or to work with a group. The pipes come in a range of sizes and we are sourcing these now.  More about this as we progress.  It would be great to include examples from other communities around NZ - let me know if you are interested at kipfers@xtra.co.nz

The Monday morning group at the old Northcote Point War Memorial Hall in North Shore is building momentum.  10.30am to 12.30pm each Monday.  Everyone welcome.

And we're up and running again!

Hi all
Abject apologies to those who turned up last week - I thought I'd managed to communicate to everyone.  We are DEFINITELY starting classes this week.  I have already started down at the old war memorial hall in Northcote Point on the North Shore - Mondays 10.30am, if you want to join us.  Lots of fun and laughs.  Just starting, and we are looking to spin some new groups off from this one.

Orewa groups are raring to go.  We will be discussing the new installation for the Kaipara Sculpture Gardens, and the rest of term 3 - I will add the course outline here.  Lots of fun coming here soon!

Oh, and if you want to learn to crochet, or to take your crocheting to the next level, just let me know - there's a small group starting to meet semi-regularly on a Friday morning at the Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa.

Watch this space for news of some kids sessions through primary schools 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.

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!