Knit and Stitch Show 2011

It’s taken me a while to getting around to writing this post, mainly because I’ve been full of ideas and crafting every spare minute! The Knit and Stitch Show at Ally Pally was great as ever this year, with exhibits by a range of textile artists and new graduates, as well as lots of purchasing opportunities. I even met a couple of new twitter friends. I was lucky enough to go with my Mum, who was feeling generous in the run up to my birthday and christmas, so I did rather well!

On the artist front, I was amazed by a beautiful piece of sculptural work by Jean Bennett which reminded me of Rodin’s Gates of Hell. Mum treated me to a glass tile by Anna Krystyna Casey which had knitted wire embedded in it. It was nice to see a new take on metalwork in glass and her page is worth a look. I was also rather taken by some Faerie Mound Stumpwork pieces by Fleur Oakes. I have been thinking about faux taxidermy and bell jars for some time and have an idea brewing around making a crochet/embroidery terrarium. The problem as always is where to put the finished article as we are running out of art space at home! There was also a show of tradition African beadwork that has given me an idea for a choker.

Purchasing wise, I came away with arms full of yarn, books and fabric. I am currently working on a Fyberspates Scrumptious Cardigan in a beautiful DK yarn 45% silk 55% merino. It looks and feels as luxurious as it sounds! I also purchased lace weight Madelinetosh prairie in two colourways, destined to become a Jared Flood Rock Island shawl. The Black Sheep were selling bulk quantities of yarn at unbelievable discounts, so I bagged myself some Noro Silk Garden and Rowan Chunky Alpaca. Now to convince M that I will look good in a chunky gold sweater. One of my favourite acquisitions of the day was Little Red in the City by Ysolda Teague. Unlike other pattern books, it has up to 15 sizes for each pattern (!) and the bulk of the book is a general guide on knitting garments that will fit well. I’m hoping to gain some confidence in this area as it is not my strong point, and buying enough yarn for a whole jumper is quite an investment to take risks with.

Fabric-wise I was very excited when I saw the fabric for this bustle skirt at Clothkits. Do you remember the Viewmaster toys with the discs that loaded into them? The discs printed on the skirt cover everything from a new life on Mars to making a tomato aspic salad. Here it is made up. I made the waist too big really, but with a long top it looks good and gives a longer bustle. Overall I am very happy with it.

As you can see, lots of ideas floating around and not a lot of time to work on them all now that I’m back at work. I know it’s only October, but a handmade Christmas takes time too, and I’m in the thick of presents, cards and planning decorations. The cooking starts soon with Stir up sunday! Here are a few other bits I’ve created over the past couple of months. The tea set and cake are for our goddaughter, and are being presented in a picnic hamper with bags of sweeties.

Last up, we are really fortunate in Dorchester to have a Pharaoh exhibition visiting from the British Museum at our very own Dorset County Museum. We were proud to be invited along to the official opening and have both been blown away by some of the exhibits. I was particularly taken by a gold ornament from an ointment bottle due to its beauty, historical significance, age and the intricate craftsmanship. I would encourage any of you who are down this way to pay a visit. I have also booked up with a friend for a faience ceramic workshop to make some beads in January. Here we are enjoying some vino with our friend Liz.

Art Crochet

Whilst off sick, a friend of mine bought me a book of Art Nouveau as I am well known to be very fond of the style, particularly the work of Alphonse Mucha. I was looking though Mucha’s work and kept seeing crochet designs within his motifs. There was nothing for it but to make some sort of sampler, and this wallhanging has been the result.

Celebrations!

I’ve been very busy again with lots of crafting projects as well as starting back at work. I’m happy to report I’m actually really enjoying myself. Last weekend we attended a 2nd birthday party, and I never miss an opportunity to craft a gift. This year the boy in question was the recipient of a crocheted koala from ‘Amigurami Two’. I also had a play with some wood block stamps I bought at the Knit and Stitch Show at Ally Pally a couple of years ago and decorated my own wrapping paper and card to go with him.

Next on the craft agenda was related to my online avatar for twitter. I had intended to use the same image on the blog but I haven’t been able to get it to look how I’d like. Having been to the textile museum in Toronto and seen an exhibition using thread and fibre hung over nails in the wall, I was keen to try something similar. I then saw a photo in this months Selvedge magazine relating to Stroud International Textiles Festival. I have admittedly lifted the idea and used it to create my own version. Here’s how it emerged:

I really like the way the loose threads look like stray light adding the feeling of fluorescent tube lighting. This is definitely one of those projects that has proven very difficult to photograph well and I’m really happy with the result in life. It now has pride of place in our hall.

Now to the very important business of the royal wedding. When we were in Canada we were asked about the wedding by the great majority of those we spoke to. I’m not a particular royalist, but I can see an excuse for a party and it’s good to get together with your neighbours to celebrate something nice. I tweeted last week about a book called ‘Knit Your Own Royal Wedding’. Imagine my joy when M came home with the very same book, a gift from a patient! We are going to a party on the day, and I will be wearing my wedding dress. This is hugely exciting for me as I only got to wear it for five hours on our big day. I am currently knitting, crocheting and sewing every available minute to get as many of the figures finished as possible before their showcase at the party. Each doll is taking about 3 days, so I want something a bit meaningful to do with them after the event. My idea is to try to raise some money for our local hospice by suggesting a minimum £5 donation per doll. I’m not sure if this seems too much but I’ve spent about that on making each one, without the time. Tricky. See what you all think. So far I’ve finished the happy couple. I am proud to report that my version of William is the main photo on his pattern page on Ravelry.

We had a very nice time in Lyme Regis today meeting up with our friends and happened to see Alan Titchmarsh shopping. I did have the dolls with me and it crossed my mind to increase their status by getting him to pose with them…. I thought better of it.

Hello from Canada!

Yarn storming Ottawa style

After many months planning and excitement we have finally arrived in Ottawa. One week into our month long trip and we are relaxed and settling into Canadian life. The climate is certainly different to home, but I think we have acclimatised now. Rule for dressing – if you think you are wearing sufficient layers, put and extra one on! My leg warmers have had a daily outing and my Lacy Bakkus scarf is worn for most of the time. I have also adapted the Dragon Gauntlets from Inside Crochet Issue 5 to make arm warmers. I hadn’t noticed how difficult it can be to get jumpers and cardigans in the UK with a full length sleeve until now, so the arm warmers bridge the gap nicely. I used some left over organic merino from my Easyknits Cable Guy Tank Top.

I have brought my interchangeable cable set with me and already found two yarns shops. I have completed a chunky seed stitch cowl in Misti Alpaca Handpaint, and have started a 3-ply shawl.

We have chosen to visit in February to coincide with Ottawa’s Winterlude Festival. So far we have seen ice carving, snow sculptures, giant ice slides and been ice skating on the amazing Rideau Canal, a 7.8km long ice rink in the winter. Having been a keen skater in my teens, but unfortunately not having had much chance to skate for a decade, this has been a real treat. I have also been tutored in the art of sledging by a 6 year old which has been the most fun I’ve had in ages, albeit exhausting!

We are lucky enough to be staying with friends and their children for the majority of our trip, so we’ve been privy to local knowledge of good sledging spots, etc. Being fed and housed together with transport and advice cannot be underrated on a trip like this and we are hugely grateful. As a token of thanks I came with knitted and crocheted gifts. The adults received knitted scarves and the children have crocheted baby bears inspired by Amigurami Two. The baby panda has been an instant hit with a certain 3 year old who will not go anywhere without him!

We spent a day visiting the Canadian War Museum here in Ottawa, and there was a surprising amount of crochet and knitting. Queen Victoria herself crocheted this scarf as a reward for the recipients' miltary service, and wives and school children knitted socks for the soldiers during the war whilst they were away.

More Canada knitting news next time!