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.

I've been busy!

I have been full of knitting fervor since my inspirational visit to Loop, and have managed to not only finish socks for Mum (Christmas preparations starting early as always this year), but also had time to crochet the fanfare cowl from this months Inside Crochet. It was the only pattern that really appealled from

this issue unfortunately, and I'm not the only one to say the same via Ravelry. Although overall I prefer the feel of knitted fabric, being more durable than crochet, crochet really suits these types of project that benefit from a bit of structure and 3-dimensionality. The other benefit of crochet is how quickly the work grows - a real plus for those of us who appreciate a bit of instant gratification (this particular vice is properly tested when it comes to exercise...).
I am pleased with how this has turned out, and much prefer my version with hand-dyed yarn than the one in the mag. I used Malabrigo Worsted in Lettuce forthe body, and Malabrigo Twist in Teal for the trim.


I have made an outfit for my Goddaughter's christening, and this cowl will coordinate beautifully with the skirt. The skirt is a McCall pattern I've used a couple of times, and the fabric mainly from Fabrics Galore. The trim fabric that I have also used for the tunic is 'Hushabye by Tula Pink for Moda. I also made the fabric flower pin worn on the tunic, taken from an Amy Butler tunic pattern. The scarf and t-shirt are from this seasons White Stuff and the colours are a perfect match. I've feeling rather pleased with myself!
I've been thinking about what to do about a christening card, and had an idea to embellish a square of great fabric called 'Polly Goes to Paris' by Henry Glass. I bought this from The Eternal Maker last year at the Knit and Stitch Show at Ally Pally. I'll show you how it goes!












Next on the agenda has been inspired by yarnbombing, pictures of people holding up beautiful lace shawls that I'd love to knit but not wanting to shell out on lots of lace yarn (tight-wad), and a currently vacant window frame in our house just waiting to be filled! The other day I was looking at said space and commented to M that I'd love to commision a stained glass window for it, but can't afford it. I was also looking at lots of yarnbombing which filled me with an irresistable urge to knit and crochet every available bannister in the house. M was definately not up for this - it seems he has his limits! Ta da! Why not knit and crochet a 'stained-glass' panel? No, I can't think of a reason not to either, and it gives me oppertunity to use those gorgeous little balls of yarn that I couldn't buy before without an idea on how to use them.
By the by, the oil painting in the photo is one of mine, and as far as I'm concerned my best piece to date. The painting has taken a back seat while I move further into the world of textiles, but I'm sure I'll get back to it when the mood takes me.

For those of you who are unaware of yarnbombing and wondered what sort of explosive freakery I'm referring to, here are some particularly good examples:

(Phone box copyright KnitTheCity)


I think that's quite enough for today or I'll be blogging too long to get any more crafting done! Socks to knit, cards to make, etc, etc .......