So your pattern calls for a stitch marker and you're wondering why and which sort you should choose? If you've never used stitch markers before, I'm going to hazard a guess that your pattern is worked in-the-round and this is your first time using this technique (how exciting!).
Stitch markers a handy little tools used in knitting and crochet for a variety of reasons. Sometimes pattern specifically call for them, and in other cases you might find it helpful to add to a project even if the pattern doesn't mention them.
Here are some wonderful uses for stitch markers:
1. To mark the start of the round
When you're knitting or crocheting the in round, all of your stitches are joined together. This can make it hard to identify the end of one round and the beginning of the next. You might find yourself knitting/crocheting around and around, wondering how many rounds you've actually worked.
How it works:
Knitters | After joining your work in the round, slide the stitch marker onto your needle. When you knit around to the marker, simply slip it from your left needle onto your right (just like you would when slipping a stitch)
Crocheters | Clip a removable marker onto the first stitch at the beginning of your round. When you crochet around to the marker, simply unclip it and move it up to the stitch you just worked
2. Marking pattern repeats
When you're knitting lace, cables, or other pattern segments, the pattern may rely on the use of markers as part of the instructions.
For example, you might see 'knit to marker' or 'work pattern between markers' or something similar included in the pattern.
How it works:
Knitters | Slide a stitch marker onto your needle when called for by the pattern. When you get to the marker, simply slip it from your left needle onto the right.
Bonus: You can add stitch markers to any pattern, even when they aren't called for. Adding markers between lace repeats can be a life saver on long rows!
3. Identifying the right and wrong sides of your work
Some projects make it tricky to tell which side is which. Take the guess work out of it by clipping a stitch marker on the right side of your work.
How to works:
Knitters | Use a removable or opening stitch marker, and clip it through a stitch on the right side of your work. When you've completed your project, remove the marker.
Crocheters | Use a removable or opening stitch marker and clip it through a stitch on the right side of your work. When you've completed your project, remove the marker.
Which stitch markers are right for you?
Crocheters | Removable or opening stitch markers are the kind used in crochet. The Cocoknits Coloured Opening Markers are excellent (the bright colours makes them hard to lose!) or for a special marker have a look at the handmade Mushroom Markers.
Knitters | Depending on the project, you'll want removable or closed/ring markers.
Closed/ring markers are used when the stitch marker is slipped onto your needle and carried with you every row. The Cocoknits Colourful Ring Markers are great if you need a variety of sizes for different needles, and the bright hues make them hard to loose.
Removable markers are used to clip through your work, if you need to mark a specific row or stitch (or identify the right side of your knitting).
Some removable markers can double for both purposes, such as the Cocoknits Coloured Opening Markers or the handmade Mushroom Markers.
For every type of stitch marker you'll ever need, grab a set of Cocoknits Precious Metal Markers or KnitPro Mindful Marker pack. With a mixture of ring markers and opening/removeabe markers, you'll be set!
Still feeling confused about how to use stitch markers? Take a look at our video tutorial where Sarah walks you through how to use stitch markers.
]]>The Baby Poet Cardigan by Little Golden Nook was a super quick and fun make. The best part is this pattern comes in all sizes, and there's even a version for adults!
This version was crocheted using Peppin 10, a lovely soft merino wool perfect for wearing right next to your skin.
Colours used are Earth, Musk & Mustard available here.
The pattern is available on Ravelry here.
]]>We won't be able to bring the whole shop (it's too big!) but we'll bring as big a selection as possible of our natural fibre yarns, patterns, tools and accessories. If there is anything you'd particularly like to see, let me know and I'll make sure it's there!
When
1st, 2nd & 3rd July 2023
Saturday 9am ~ 5pm
Sunday 9am ~ 4pm
Monday 9am ~ 5pm
Where
Find us at 'Knitfest Central' (Maleny State School) over the whole weekend
We're at site 11
Find out more about Knitfest here.
]]>
Why combine yarns? Firstly, it's fun! Mixing yarns gives you the opportunity to play with colour and texture. You can create different thicknesses and your desired fibre mix.
There are lots of patterns on Ravelry that combine yarns.
Playing with yarn: In the swatch above, from the bottom up, I've knitted 1 strand of Jaipur Silk Fino on 3.25mm needles to create a looser fabric, in the middle I've held 2 strands together, and at the top I've held 1 strand of Jaipur Silk Fino with 1 strand of Gossyp 4ply.
Jaipur Silk Fino is beautiful used on it's own as a 2ply laceweight yarn. Use it for 2ply patterns to create light garments and accessories. Size up your needles and combine with a 4ply pattern to create an gauze-y, open fabric.
Or, combine it with other yarns! You can literally hold it double with whatever your heart desires. A good starting place is KPC Gossyp 4ply for gorgeous summer tops and accessories.
Want something warmer? Turn up the to-die-for softness factor and hold Jaipur Silk Fino with a strand of Silk and Kid Mohair. Heaven!
This combination would be perfect for Kapua by Truly Myrtle. Here are some colour pairings:
]]>
With this in mind, I've been hunting down patterns and I thought I'd share some of my favourites here! These are the tops that caught my eye when I was looking for patterns to use with KPC Gossyp 4ply.
Gossyp is a lovely, soft pure organic cotton. I've used it previously to knit Adira and Reef, two of my favourite warm weather tops. It's so soft and drapes beautifully, I love wearing it. And it's easy care - toss it into the washing machine without a worry!
A lovely light and breezy tank top for summer. Knit this in KPC Gossyp 4ply and you'll have a soft and swingy top that is cool and easy to care for.
This pretty tank top features a diamond lace all over and an optional tie on the straps. The clear stitch definition of Gossyp 4ply will make the lace sing.
This top also features pretty lace and encompasses a short sleeve (you could also easily modify this to add long sleeves in the drop-shoulder style).
This pattern calls for light fingering but a quick swatch with Gossyp 4ply will show you any size adjustments you need to make.
This top features lots of interesting detail - front and back. Knitting on a large needle creates an open, light fabric. Using Gossyp 4ply for Walkway will give you a soft top that's easy care and feels amazing to wear.
Looking for something quick? This lovely tank top uses two strands of 4ply held together - making it quick to knit and giving extra squish to the garter stitch. I'm planning on knitting this in Gossyp 4ply - I just have to decide a colour!
I love everything about this top! From the stripe to the tie-front, I am dying to knit it! Once again Gossyp 4ply will create a light and cool fabric that's soft to wear and easy to care for.
Another tie-front top, this one have a deep neckline and also buttons up the front. Wear with skirts and or linen shorts, or over the top of light summer dresses. Which colour Gossyp will you choose?
Glacial Light by Caitlin Hunter
This lovely tee is a great opportunity for colour play. The lace panelling makes for a light, summer-friendly top. You could also leave the stripes out and knit it all in one colour.
]]>The first thing I do when a new yarn arrives is start dreaming up all the projects I could make with it. Here I've gathered 6 beautiful knitting projects that would be perfect for No.4 Organic Wool + Nettles 8ply.
I hope you find something you love!
This beautiful textured shawl uses a mix of brioche and nupps, finished off with a picot border.
You'll need: 7 balls
Humanise Throw by Sharon Slarke
Is there anything more comforting than curling up under a thick, cosy blanket on those long winter nights?
You'll need: 10 - 11 balls
PS This throw was actually designed to use Cottonwood, which you can find in the shop here.
Toetoe Cardigan by Libby Jonson
I can see this cardigan becoming a wardrobe staple. I love the textured panel on the front and thick rib cuffs. And, of course, Libby's patterns are always a delight to knit!
You'll need (from): 5 balls
This is a sweet little top with gorgeous detailing on the hem.
You'll need (from): 5 balls
Biscuit Socks by Fluffy Fibres
Whip up some cosy bed socks with this yummy sock pattern.
You'll need: 2 - 3 balls
Winters Beach Cardi Andrea Mowry
This cosy cardigan features thick cables, dropped shoulders and…pockets!!
You'll need (from): 9 balls
Shop No.4 Organic Wool + Nettles 8ply here.
]]>
If you need help choosing colours/quantities of yarn for any of the projects shown below please feel free to get in touch.
Only Good Vibes by Melanie Berg
This pretty shawl alternates between mohair and fingering wool to create a gorgeous, feminine shawl.
We recommend using: Silk + Kid Mohair with Bellissimo 4
Contrast Sweater by Petite Knit
This jumper is knit from the top-down with no seams. The colour blocking adds interest and gives this jumper a contemporary look. This is sure to become a wardrobe staple!
We recommend using: Silk + Kid Mohair with Bellissimo 4 or Nettle Sock
Love Note by Tin Can Knits
This pretty cropped pullover is perfect for teaming with skirts, dresses or a tank + jeans. The versatility of this jumper means you'll get to enjoy wearing it right from Autumn through to Spring.
We recommend using: Silk + Kid Mohair with Bellissimo 4 or Nettle Sock
Elton by Joji Locatelli
This cardigan combines smooth & fluffy yarn in an interesting way. Rather than holding the two together, as it most combine, it alternates, creating a very airy and light piece.
We recommend using: Silk + Kid Mohair with Bellissimo 4 or Nettle Sock
Bennet Sister Shawl by Lindsey Fowler
This shawl looks so warm and comforting - like a big hug! The perfect easy knit.
We recommend using: Silk + Kid Mohair with Bellissimo 4
Balloon Cardigan by Petite Knit
Another great design from Petite Knit, style this cardigan like a jumper or wear it open over a lighter sweater. Casual yet stylish with balloon sleeves and relaxed fit.
We recommend using: Silk + Kid Mohair with Bellissimo 4 or Nettle Sock
Sparkle & Fluff by Emily O'Brien
This delicate little shawl is just so pretty! Light as a feather with rows of mohair garter separated by pretty lace.
We recommend using: Silk + Kid Mohair with Bellissimo 4 or Nettle Sock
Romy (jumper) by Anna Dervout
I just love the hem on this beautiful jumper! It adds understated elegance and makes this jumper a really versatile piece.
We recommend using: Silk + Kid Mohair with Fino Organic Cotton & Merino
]]>
]]>
We cast-on on 4th of April.
★ The KAL finishes on the 27th of April, just after Anzac Day (giving us a little over 3 weeks).
The Peckish Parade & KAL Prize draw is on the 28th of April.
★ Option A ★
Just purchase the pattern - it’s available in the shop and on Ravelry
★ Option B ★
Get a kit as well - purchase a kit & the pattern at the same time and receive 20% off the pattern at checkout (automatically).
This option is only valid on the website (however, if you would really like a copy of the pattern in your Ravelry library just let me know!)
★ After doing either option A or B, there's one tiny thing left to do...
You can also join in on Instagram by posting with #saylittlehenkal.
★ The best fun of a KAL is seeing everyone’s projects, so don’t be shy! Get sharing from start to finish. At the end of the KAL, I’ll be putting everyone’s work onto the blog in the Peckish Parade. It’s going to be awesome!
The Sock Knitting Club is running once again! Learn to knit socks from home in with our 6-week online course.
I've designed this course to be just like an in-person workshop, only you get to learn at home, in your pyjamas if you like!
Enrolments for this round close on April 16th, 2020. For more details and to secure your place please visit this page.
]]>Say! Little Hen is now a stockist of KnitPro Zing Crochet Hooks. Like the knitting needles in this range, these hooks are made from lightweight aluminium that makes your crocheting a breeze.
The pretty range of colours is coded just like all the other Zing products - so no matter what Zing needle or hook you're using you know it will be the same colour in a single size across the range. Once you're familiar with the colours it makes it super quick to grab the right pair of needles or hook from your collection!
Find Zing Crochet Hooks here.
Pictured with our Organic Cotton 8ply yarn collection.
]]>There’s something special about giving a gift that you have made by hand. It almost seems like there is a connection between you and the recipient from the time you first cast on - they are in your thoughts with every stitch. Warm fuzzy feelings aside, choosing to make gifts rather than buy them is a wonderful way to create some projects that you wouldn’t otherwise make (such as a toy or baby item!) and you can be sure that your gift will be one of a kind!
Making gifts can sometimes be tricky, especially for more particular family members or friends. If you aren’t sure what colour to use, pay attention to the colours they already wear if you are making a beanie or scarf and choose simple, classic styles over more funky designs.
Thankfully these days, a lot of us save our wish lists to Pinterest or share them on social media, so with a little careful sleuthing you might be able to unearth some clues! Paying close attention to what the recipient likes will help you create with confidence and it will also show them just how much thought went into creating something special just for them.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Knit a Washcloth
If you gave someone a packet of dishcloths from the store, chances are you might get some funny looks. However, knitting a beautiful stack of washcloths allows you to create something really unique and useful - everybody will use a washcloth or dishcloth! Package them up with a beautiful artisan soap or include them in a tea and chocolate hamper and you have a beautiful boutique gift that is a winner every time. Plus, handmade reusable dishcloths are the eco-friendly must have in the kitchen.
This gift is suitable for: Everyone
Make a bundle of pastel washcloths and include in a gift for a new baby.
Or a set of dishcloths that match the recipient's kitchen make a wonderful home warming gift.
Keep a little stash of these in different colours together with some artisan soaps and you will be gift ready - a friend of mine does this for things like colleague’s birthdays or teacher’s gifts.
Get started with our Pretty & Practical Washcloths, Neapolitan Icecream Washer or Waving Lace Washcloth patterns.
Knit a Mug Cosy
Another wonderful but simple gift idea are mug cosies! These are fun and you can often use up scraps of yarn for the colour work. Everyone loves to keep their tea and coffee as warm as possible, so why not solve that problem with a set of cute mug cosies? Depending on the colours you choose, these can be styled as bright and cheerful or somewhat serious and muted. To put together a complete gift package, add a mug and the recipients favourite beverage to the mix alongside some home-baked (or bought!) treats.
This gift is suitable for: Everyone
Consider knitting these up in lots of different colours! You could make them match your friend’s kitchen colours, or as Secret Santa gifts for work colleagues.
Mug cosies are a great stand-alone gift but they can also be added to special bundles and hampers to make a gift that comes from the heart.
A tip: If you are unsure if the recipient has a mug that will fit the cosy, purchase a mug and include it in the gift.
Get started by browsing our Mug Cosy patterns here.
Knit a Scarf
Wearables are definitely a more personal present, so chances are you will save this knit for your nearest and dearest. A little bit of anxiety can arise when choosing the perfect colour and style for a loved one, but with a little bit of thought, it’s not as tricky as you might think! If you are unsure, pay close attention to the colours and style that the recipient already wears and a little aforementioned sleuthing on social media can’t do any harm either. Unless you know for certain what the recipient likes, steering away from odd or less popular colours can be a good idea. As a rule - navy blue or cream are good classic colours that go with almost anything.
Considering the climate is a good idea when it comes to choosing fibre. If the recipient lives in a warmer place or has skin sensitivities, making a scarf in cotton will ensure they get plenty of wear out of it. Wool is always a hug for the soul and perfect for keeping the chills at bay in cold weather - it is also lightweight and breathable. It’s the ideal fibre for those who live in colder climates or places that have a good Winter.
This gift is suitable for: Teenagers to Adults (of any age or gender!)
The Maple Infinity scarf is a great go-to scarf pattern. The style is subtle and modern, with a beautiful textured stitch telling the story. All you have to do is choose your colour and fibre. These scarves are stylish and look great on anyone, with any outfit.
Perfect for birthdays and Christmas gifts - a hand-knitted scarf is also a beautiful way to let someone who has been unwell or in the hospital know they’ve been in your thoughts.
Knit a Toy
Making softies can be so much fun! It allows you to reminisce about your own childhood while creating a beautiful and unique gift for a child. Knitted toys are soft and textured which is great for multi-sensory play, especially in the age of plastic and digital screens. If the child or baby is too young, they also look beautiful on the nursery shelf until they are old enough to enjoy playing with it.
If you are making for a new baby, consider choosing colours that reflect the mother’s style or that match her nursery decor. If you are knitting for an older child, choosing their favourite colour as the main yarn - your gift will surely be a winner!
This gift is suitable for: Children
Whenever knitting for children, be sure to think of safety first. Items with small parts are not suitable for very young children or infants but can be displayed out of reach on the nursery shelf until they are old enough to enjoy playing with it.
When it comes to choosing a fibre, cotton holds up well, and natural fibres are now popular with younger Mums.
Tip: A quick look on Instagram will help you if making for a fashion-conscious Mum - currently natural and muted tones such as oatmeal, mustard, navy and blush pink are on-trend.
Get started with our Tea Mouse pattern & kits, and also check out Little Lollipop Rabbit, Bunny's Garden, Doll's Cap & Cape set, Little Picnic Owl and Doll's Posie Pinafore patterns.
Seasonal Gifts
Knitting to a theme is good fun and a great way to get into the festive spirit! Making small gifts that can be used as decorative items are a good way to use up your stash and they will make anyone smile.
Little ornaments for Christmas are perfect for not only decorating your own home, but they are quick easy knits that make great gifts for anyone. You can make more practical items by just changing up the colours for more traditional tones, or create ornaments in colours that match the individual styles of the recipients you are gifting to. These are also perfect for Secret Santa, End of Year, Teacher and Work Colleague gifts.
This gift is suitable for: Everyone
These seasonal gifts are fun to make and give. Why not hold a little knitting party to kick off the festive season? These are quick and easy, and you can use your stash! Some of them fit easily into a Christmas card for posting or add some chocolate and candy canes for additional sweetness!
Get started with our Mini Elf Hat and Mini Jumper patterns.
]]>A quick and easy knit perfect for any skill level, even beginners. Get as complicated as you like with the finishing - just embroider eyes for a sweet look, or if you have time add the flower, too.
The perfect companion to Lollipop Rabbit, this veggie patch takes no time to knit. Pockets are created during making up for the carrots so that little ones can have fun "planting" them time and again.
3. Mug Cosies
If you're really pressed for time, look no further than a mug cosy. Ideal for using up scraps, the Chook Chook and Marshmallow Bunny mug cosies are perfect Easter knits. Gift them as is or present them on a mug filled with mini Easter eggs.
]]>We're very excited to announce that Say! Little Hen will be attending Knitfest Maleny again in 2019. We'll be there all weekend with a stall full of Australian, organic and natural fibre yarns, our signature handmade stitch markers, paper patterns and beautiful tools and accessories.
We'd love for you to stop by and say hello, and take the opportunity to see our yarns firsthand.
What: Knitfest Maleny
When: July 6th & 7th 2019
Where: Maleny, Queensland
Visit www.knitfest.com.au for more information.
We'll update this post with further details such as site location closer to the day. Also, keep an eye out for the newsletter for more exciting Knitfest news. You can sign up for the newsletter here.
Photos are from our 2018 Knitfest Maleny stall.
]]>Socks
You can knit a pair of socks from 1 skein of yarn, and most likely have a little leftover! You can knit plain socks, cables socks, lace socks - whatever takes your fancy!
Pattern pictured above: Winter Rose Socks by Helen Stewart
Photo credit: Helen Stewart
Fingerless Gloves / Mitts
These are a great project, so practical and they make a lovely gift!
As with socks, you can stay as simple or get as complicated as you like. It just depends on what you feel like knitting!
Pattern pictured above: Pioneer Gloves by Kelly McClure
Photo Credit: Kelly McClure
Shawls
This is the project many knitters are most surprised to discover that they can knit with a single 100g skein of yarn. Small shawls are excellent projects as they use up all (or almost all) of the yarn, and are incredibly verstitile and practical. I love wearing my small shawl in winter - it functions as a scarf but looks tidier and prettier, and it also stays put!
Pattern pictured Above: Peace of Wild Things Shawl by Helen Stewart
Photo Credit: Helen Stewart
Other great single-skein shawls are:
Or try this Bobble Cowl by Joji Locatelli
I hope this helps you in your quest for what to knit with that skein of yarn! Now you know about some of the beautiful things you can knit with a single skein of 4ply yarn. Hand dyed skeins are ideal for these, check out the beautiful colours in these yarns:
Grevillia Sock Sets (hand dyed in Australia)
Kunzea (alpaca, silk & cashmere) (hand dyed in Australia)
]]>I'm so excited to announce that in January 2019 we'll be having a midsummer pop-up shop in beautiful Bellingen, New South Wales.
Come and visit us to view the entire range in person. You can pat the yarns, match your colours, say hello and much more. Everything we already help with online - choosing colours, patterns, yarns, etc. you'll be able to enjoy in person!
Where: Visit us at 36 Hyde Street, Bellingen (next to Affirmations).
When: We're open until February 6th
Opening Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Sunday-Monday: Closed
I hope you see you there!
Unfamiliar with our range? Browse it online now, or read below some of the things you can expect from our Bellingen yarn shop:
- Australia grown, made and/or dyed yarns
- Certified organic wool and cotton yarns
- Natural fibre yarns such as alpaca, merino, nettle & cotton.
- Beautiful boutique knitter's tools & accessories such as stitch markers, needle gauges, row counters, project bags & more
- KnitPro Zing range of knitting needles
- Designer paper patterns
- And more!
]]>Here are five projects to knit as gifts this year.
1. Tea Mouse
The Tea Mouse is a project you can complete in a weekend. Suitable for any skill level, Tea Mice make lovely gifts for both children & adults. They sit on a shelf in an office or bedroom with their nose pointed in the air, making you smile every time you see them.
You can also add a sachet of lavender to the Tea Mouse when stuffing for an extra special touch.
Tea Mouse knitting pattern is available here and kits are available here, too. Bonus gift idea: The kits themselves make a lovely gift for your favourite knitter.
2. Little Picnic Owl
Sweet Little Picnic Owl is a shy and modest creature who will blush when you praise her. She sits unassumingly on a shelf, waiting for you to notice her which you are sure to do as she is very cute. Knit her in different weights to create different sizes, and make a family of owls.
Little Picnic Owl knitting pattern is available here.
3. Posie Pinafore
Do you have a little girl to make for? Knit a sweet pinafore for her favourite doll, or perhaps as an added accessory to one Santa might be bringing her. Suitable for all skill levels, you can knit the pinafore plain or with a border of flowers.
The Posie Pinafore knitting pattern is available here.
4. Cherry Pie Beret
For the stylish woman on your gift-list, look no further than the Cherry Pie Beret. Fun and quick to knit, it's a pretty gift that is sure to delight.
The Cherry Pie Beret knitting pattern is available here.
5. Mushroom Baby Rattle
This gorgeous rattle is fun and easy to knit, suitable for any skill level. It makes a delightful gift for any baby, or leave the rattle insert out and knit it as a toy.
The Mushroom Baby Rattle knitting pattern is available here and kits are available here.
]]>I love decorating things, no matter the time of year! Knit up a beautiful star garland to display this festive season, or leave it up year-round.
This star garland is easy to knit with lovely results. Choose your colours to match your decorating scheme - I wanted something modern so I went with soft pink and cream.
How to Knit A Christmas Star Garland:
You'll need 2 balls of Gossyp 4ply Organic Cotton, 1 of each in your favourite colours. I used Rosie & Pearl and I chose organic cotton because it's easy to work with at this time of year (very cool under your hands) and the finished fabric has just the right amount of drape to make the stars hang nicely.
Using this free pattern for a Six Point Star, knit 3 stars in Rosie and 2 stars in Pearl.
Next, knit 1 metre of i-cord as follows:
With Pearl and 3 ¼ mm DPNs, cast on 2sts
Row 1: Knit
Second Row: Do not turn needles, but instead slide work to the other end of the needle. Knit all sts. Slide work to end of the needle. Knit all sts. This creates i-cord.
Repeat until tail measures approx. 1 metre from cast on end.
Cast off.
Darn in the ends on the i-cord, and lay it out on a flat surface. Lay the stars along the garland until you're happy with their place, then stitch them securely to the i-cord.
Your garland is now ready to hang!
]]>Come along to a lovely afternoon of crafty indulgence this December for A Crafternoon Tea Party. Held in Bellingen, enjoy a gourmet afternoon tea whilst you create a gorgeous little ornament, enjoy watching & learn from talented local makers & creatives (think fleece & fibre, spinning, knitting, flowers & more) and chat to other crafters.
No matter your crafting super-power you'll have fun at a Crafternoon Tea Party - the project we're making is all-skill & craft friendly. Whether you stitch, knit, crochet or sew, join us for this lovely afternoon and raise money for a good cause, too.
We created this event with the idea of putting on a lovely afternoon where you can enjoy the company of other crafters. There really is nothing nicer than gathering together over craft and spending a few hours chatting away!
And we also want to give back to the farming community - as fibre crafters, in particular, we are directly connected to farmers who are now being impacted by one of the worst droughts this country has seen in years.
What better reason than to get dressed up and have a great afternoon out?
Bookings are essential - you can get the full details and book your place here. We'd love for you to join us!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. For more information, you might also like to read this blog post by Megan of Dolly Henry who is co-hosting the event alongside us.
]]>I'm very pleased to now be stocking the KnitPro Zing range of knitting needles in straight (single point), fixed circular and double pointed needles.
This is a beautiful range of lightweight aluminium knitting needles that are a delight to use and come in a gorgeous range of colours. Each size is colour coded across the range, making it very easy to remember what size you're using or already own.
The KnitPro Zing fixed circular needles have a wonderfully flexible and durable cable and most important of all a very smooth join between the cable and needle. The join-end of the needle isn't overly tapered and is very smooth, allowing stitches to glide easily from cable to needle with your assistance. They are my favourite kind of circular needle to use, especially when using the magic loop method!
You can view the range of needles available by clicking here.
]]>It's ornament swap time again! The Handmade Christmas Ornament Swap was so popular last year that it's on again, and sign-ups are open.
In case you missed it last year, or need a refresher on the details, here they are:
The swap is for Australian & New Zealand based knitters & crocheters and involves in you making 1-3 hanging ornaments and swapping them with your partner! This year, the swap is a 3-way swap, which means that you won't be receiving from the person you're sending to. This makes it extra fun as you can share progress pictures on your blog or social media as your recipient can have no idea of knowing who they're receiving from!
Sign-ups for the swap are open from today until the 15th October, although the swap could potentially closer earlier if it gets too full (it happened last year and sign-ups are coming in even faster this year, so make sure you sign-up and don't miss out on the fun!). It's a free swap and you can sign-up here.
You'll be emailed within 24 hours of signing up to confirm we've received it, and also be given your badge that you can share on your blog or social media! Participants also receive a handy 7-page guide with the details, timelines and heaps of tips on it when you receive your partner details. There will also be swap-themed yarn boxes and a discount code for the shop!
If you still need more details before signing up, head to the original blog post (here) for them.
Happy swapping!
]]>I'm so excited to be teaching a Learn to Knit Socks Workshop in Bellingen!
If you've always wanted to knit socks, this is the workshop for you! If you're nervous about turning a heel, Kitchener stitching a toe or just unsure how to get the right fit, all of this is covered in this workshop.
In this 6-hour workshop, you'll knit a miniature plain sock from start to finish, allowing you to practise every skill you need to knit a full-sized sock. The techniques you'll be taught are: turning a heel, shaping the toe and Kitchener stitch. We're using a cuff-down sock construction technique knitted in-the-round on a long circular needle using the Magic Loop Method.
There are some skills that are requirements to be able to attend this workshop: You must be able to cast on, knit, purl and follow a simple knitting pattern. Previous experience knitting in-the-round is beneficial, but you will be shown how on the day.
This is another full-day workshop; they're always a lot of fun and we have a break at lunchtime to enjoy a gorgeous lunch spread of gourmet salads & wraps, and we also get to indulge in a Devonshire tea in the afternoon. This gives everyone a chance to have more of a chat, too.
Along with becoming a Sock Knitter, you'll also have the opportunity to purchase additional needles & sock yarn at the end of the workshop so that you can further those new sock knitting skills. A list of suggested patterns is available in your Sock Knitting Guide that you'll receive on the day, along with the pattern for the mini workshop-sock. But everything you need to complete the workshop is included in the ticket price, along with lunch & afternoon tea, so that you leave at the end of the day with the skills of a Sock Knitter. You only need to bring yourself!
You can book your place here! This will be our last knitting workshop for 2018, so make sure you don't miss out.
]]>