Let's Knit Regular - This Month We Love

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Knits for YOU

14TH

Fibre

Photographer: Penny Wincer

BOOK

MAR

FESTIVAL

MAR

All knitters are known to GIVEAWAY make gifts for others, however, Debbie Bliss' new book Knits for You and Your Home puts the focus firmly back on you. A treasure trove of treats awaits the reader that are meant to indulge, cocoon, pamper and detox.

Published by Quadrille Publishing (RRP £18.99), be sure to look out for an extract of this book, coming soon...

Turn to page 86 for a chance to win a copy!

23RD 24TH

If you've ever

TICKET wanted to try

GIVEAWAY your hand at working with alpaca fibre, head over to The British Alpaca Futurity and Fibre Festival at the NEC in Birmingham. With alpaca halter classes, demonstrations and products, this non-profit making show are bringing the world of alpacas to the public. For more information visit www.britishalpaca futurity.com. Turn to page 86 to enter our ticket giveaway!

THE SPRING KNITTING &

stitching show We were

TICKET extremely

GIVEAWAY excited to

hear that we don't have to wait until autumn for the annual Knitting and Stitching Show this year, as an additional show for spring has been launched.

“Make It Yourself” is the theme and the show will be providing inspiration to knitters and crafters alike.

Olympia II in London will be brimming with well known knitting designers and authors, project ideas, unique homewares and more. Call 01394 288521 or go to www.twisted thread.com for more information.

Turn to page 86 for a chance to win tickets!

23RD 24TH

Knit &

MAR

VEG

this month we

LOVE Where to go and what to knit this March

OUT&about March ♥ 1st-3rd KNIT & STITCH IT A

brand new exhibition for needle crafters and stitchers to run alongside the popular Make It show in Farnborough. For more information visit www.knitandstitch-it.org.uk

We had to share our love of Retreat Home's vegetable related knits this month. Their range includes handmade knitted vegetables, double oven gloves, aprons and tomato tea cosies! What a fantastic way to freshen up your kitchen, just in time for spring! Call 01628 471056 or visit www.retreathome.com for these items and more.

♥ 16th LEARN TO CROCHET A

beginner class for learning the basics of crochet held at Crafty Yarn in Swindon. Call 01793 855535 or vist www.crafty-yarn.co.uk for more information

♥ 13th-24th WOOL HOUSE The

Campaign for Wool’s event at Somerset House includes a series of talks, events and interactive workshops. For more information visit www.campaignforwool.org www.letsknit.co.uk 7

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4TH6TH

Wonderwool

Creative APR Stitches &

WALES

Now in its seventh year, Wonderwool Wales is a plethora of yarns, fibres, equipment, books, designermade products and workshops for learning new fibre and craft skills. Experts from home and abroad are on hand to show visitors a new skill from spinning on a drop spindle to an introduction to dyeing – there's a whole host of opportunities to learn something new. Why not get involved and enter their hat competition, go to www.wonderwool wales.co.uk or call 01938 820495 for details and to book your tickets.

HOBBYCRAFTS SHOW ExCel in TICKET London is GIVEAWAY hosting the next instalment of the Creative Stitches & Hobbycrafts show. With workshops, demos and talks, you’ll also find the latest supplies, ideas and innovations. Visit www.ichf.co.uk for more info or call 01425 277988. We also have ten pairs of tickets to give away. To enter, visit www.facebook.com/ letsknitmag

TOFT Alpaca 10%

27TH28TH

APR

Finish your

DISCOUNT Easter

weekend off at Toft Alpaca’s free family event on Easter Monday.

Meet their 200 strong herd of alpacas whilst enjoying hot cross buns, tea and cakes. Wet felting activities for kids will be ongoing throughout the day, along with farm walks and alpaca halter walking. Also taking place will be their popular Bulb bag workshop and a crochet Bunny Amigurumi workshop. LK readers can get a 10% discount when booking on the Bulb bag workshop, call 01788 810626 to book or visit www.thetoft alpacashop.co.uk for more details.

Easter Knits: Eggs, Bunnies and Chicks – with a fabulous twist

by Arne and Carlos, RRP £8.99, Search Press

1ST

APR

this month we

LOVE Where to go and what to knit this April

OUT&about April ♥ 6th KNITTING WITH COLOUR Fair Isle and intarsia techniques will be taught at this workshop.

Call 01472 508707 or visit www.agoodyarn.co.uk

♥ 16th CROCHET WITH HOOPLA YARN Learn to work with Hoopla yarn made from the selvage of t-shirt material.

Call 01245 267794 or visit www.makedomend.com

Twilleys of

STAMFORD

This month we quite literally love the new knitting bag range from Twilleys of Stamford. The sturdy bags have a gorgeous printed design and are made from high quality cotton canvas so they are sure to keep all of those WIPs safe and secure. They'll make a perfect gift for a knitty friend, or indulge yourself!

For stockists call 01943 872264 or visit www.tbramsden.co.uk

♥ 18-20th THE CREATIVE

CRAFTS SHOW Held in Shepton Mallet at the Bath & West Showground are a variety of craft makes and demonstrations.

Call 01822 617744 or visit www.sccshows.co.uk www.letsknit.co.uk 7

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CraftBomb

10TH19TH

Living

CRAFTS

MAY

The thrill of graffiti knitting is upon us. This year's Voluntary Arts Week is kicking off with a rather ambitious and exciting project. On Friday 10 May, knitters and crocheters along with many other crafters will be participating in CraftBombing a public space. Their plan is to have the element of surprise and unleash their crafted spaces on the unsuspecting public.

If you would like to get involved go to www.voluntaryarts week.org.uk for more information, and make sure if you are CraftBombing that you get permission first!

COMIN SOON,G Laure O'Farren stash se ll's crets!

10TH19TH

MEGA Sale MAY We all love yarn and we love it even more when it's being sold at crazy prices!

Black Sheep Wools' mega sale returns in May for ten days only. There will be a variety of bargains to be had and their firm favourite 'yarn dive' – a pile of yarn ready for rummaging. Their tea shop and lounge are also open now, giving you a chance to rest after splurging on yarn. Call 01925 764231 or visit www.blacksheepwools.com for more information.

Knit the City: A Whodunnknit Set in London, (RRP £9.99) published by Summersdale Publishers.

Photo © Lauren O'Farrell

this month we

LOVE Where to go and what to knit this May

OUT&about May ♥ 11th SCOTLAND'S KNITTING

ONLY SHOW for hand and machine knitters, a hands on area, talks, a fashion show and more. Visit www.scottishmachine knitters.org.uk for more details

♥ 18th CONTINENTAL KNITTING

WITH NORWEGIAN PURL Learn how to carry your yarn in your left hand and knit continental style with Anniken Allis. Go to www.purlescence.co.uk for more information

One of the largest consumer craft events of its kind in Europe, Living Crafts at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire is not to be missed this month. It’s a haven for homemade, contemporary & technical British craft, where you’ll find a selection of yarns, knitwear and knit kits alongside rare breed sheep and angora goats. There's even a demonstration of framework knitting on a Victorian circular knitting machine! To book call 0845 230 5176 or visit www.livingcrafts.co.uk

9TH12TH

MAY

Kids KNIT

What better way to encourage creativity in children than to teach them to knit? Kids Knit began in 2010 and has been gathering momentum across Edinburgh ever since by providing exciting and imaginative knitting classes for children aged five to 11. The classes actively increase concentration, are beneficial to maths skills and induce relaxation.

Call 07943 367314 or visit www.kidsknit.co.uk to book a class near you.

♥ 25th KNITTING IN THE

ROUND is a workshop that introduces circular knitting and seamless garments and accessories. Call 0113 278 1788 or visit www.baaramewe.co.uk

www.letsknit.co.uk 7

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Ease

Summer

ARTHRITIS

LOVING

We're loving Twisted Stitches new website and the launch of their Qoperfina specialist yarn which is an organic colour-grown cotton that is blended with copper to release its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial benefits.

Apparently this is great for arthritic hands and it is recommended that it should be worn next to your skin in order to feel the benefits whilst knitting. www.twistedstitches.co.uk

Although the last few months have not been very spring-like, as optimists we are still holding out for a real summer this year. And what better way for us to prepare than to make one of the fabulous new patterns using Rico Fashion Summer yarn?

We can't help but adore this new band yarn with its range of trendy summer colours including turquoise, melon and yellow, and a selection of subtle multicoloured print varieties. Now all we have to do is sit back, needles in hand and dream about lazy summer days! www.rico-design.de

The contemporary CRAFT FESTIVAL

In its tenth year, 7THthe Contemporary 9TH Craft Festival at Mill Marsh Park in Bovey Tracey showcases the exceptional work by leading makers from the UK and Ireland. The festival will be full of makers demonstrating their craft skills along with workshops and a packed Children's Craft tent for budding crafters. There are also rumours brewing of a yarnbombing by Graffiti Grannies to celebrate International Yarnbombing Day and World Wide Knit in Public Day. www.crafts atboveytracey.co.uk

JUN

© Zoe Miller

WOOLFEST

Cardigan in Rico Fashion Summer, Rico Leaflet No 159

this month we

LOVE

produce a tea cosy using the granny square method. Visit www.homemadeuk.com or call 01270 625318 for more information.

29TH

JUN

Where to go and what to knit this June

OUT&about June ♥ 1st CROCHET WORKSHOP

This year Woolfest is offering visitors the chance to take part in a woollen horticultural show. Visitors are invited to enter the competition by making fruit, vegetables, flowers or miniature gardens out of natural fibres. There will also be plenty of stalls, exhibitions, displays and of course demonstrations too. Go to www.wool fest.co.uk for 28THmore details.

♥ 8-16th WORLD WIDE KNIT

IN PUBLIC DAY is now a week long affair. For details of local events or to host your own visit www.wwkipay.com or find their group, wwkip day, on Ravelry

♥ 8th PROFESSIONAL

KNITTING TECHNIQUES will teach you how to finish your work beautifully. Call 01670 504 045 or go to www.treaclewoolshop.co.uk

♥ 23rd THREE DIMENSIONAL KNITTING: FELT & FORM This unusual workshop will enable you to create unique felted objects www.themercerie.net

www.letsknit.co.uk 7

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ET ICEK TIV AWAY G

12

Creative J1U4TTHHLY Crafts

The Creative Crafts Show is one of the many attractions at the Kent County Show.

Along with animals, food, fun and entertainment, this year will also have the wellloved crafty element too!

See the wide variety of craft exhibitors and learn new techniques from the experts, then join the rest of the family for a whole host of different activities, including a traditional fairground and live music. Turn to p38 for a chance to win tickets! Visit www.sccshows.co.uk or www.kentshow ground.co.uk

GAELIC

Woolfeis

NEW RIALTO DK PRINT PATTERN COLLECTION

BY DEBBIE BLISS. FOR STOCKISTS VISIT WWW.DESIGNER YARNS.UK.COM

Fibre-EAST

There's no chance of the unpredictable British weather spoiling Fibre-East this year as its being held indoors. This fibre event is for spinning, knitting, crocheting, weaving, dyeing and felting enthusiasts and has a range of demonstrations and experts on hand to offer advice in addition to the shopping opportunities.

New for 2013 is a Fleece Market where visitors can purchase fleece straight from the farmer, further supporting the British Wool Industry. www.fibre-east.co.uk

27TH28TH

JULY

18TH20TH

JULY

North of the border this month, we have the annual Gaelic Woolfeis being held in North Argyll. The event showcases the food and produce you get from sheep and other fibre creatures, along with both traditional and modern skills of the industry. With three days packed full of displays, stalls, demonstrations and workshops, there's plenty to uncover about the history and future of fibre creatures and their produce. Visit www.lorn.org.uk/woolfeis 2013 for more information.

Kaffe FASSETT

this month we

LOVE Where to go and what to knit this July

OUT&about July ♥ 13th LEARN STEEKING

Ann Kingstone will be explaining how to steek and making stranded knitting easier when working in the round. Call 01223 311268 or visit www.sheepshopcambridge.co.uk

♥ 21th EXMOUTH CRAFT FAIR Head to the Exmouth Pavilion for a monthly craft fair where you will find a whole host of great crafty makes for sale.

For more information, go to www.exmouthcraftfairs.com

Toft Alpaca always has something on for us knitters, and July is no exception. Kaffe Fassett will be holding a seminar at the farm highlighting his life and work, including his latest projects in various needlecrafts. So, if you're looking for some empowerment, inspiration and direction in colour from one of the greats, head over to Toft Alpaca this July. Call 01788 810626 or visit www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk

20TH

JULY

♥ 28th INTERNATIONAL

CROCHET WORKSHOP Learn how to make flowers in Irish crochet, the basics of Tunisian crochet and also the Indian art of Ari work. Visit www.woolyknit.com for more. www.letsknit.co.uk 7

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International

Textile Festival

JANE CROWFOOT'S HOMESPUN VINTAGE IS PUBLISHED BY COLLINS & BROWN. WWW.JANIECROW.CO.UK

31ST5TH

AUG

competition

FESTIVAL

What better way to spend your time knitting than surrounded by other knitters listening to the wonderful folk music of Lisbee Stainton? The festival takes place in the lovely grounds of Toft Alpaca, where you will also be able to enjoy farm tours, a barbecue and a preview of their Autumn/Winter collection with exclusive discounts. We can't think of a reason not to go! Call 01788 810626 or visit www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk for more information.

The Shetland Arts organisation has arranged an International Textile Festival with a Nordic theme that will include textile tours, gallery talks and networking events. The festival will take place in various locations across Shetland, including a knitting conference at the Shetland Museum & Archives called 'In the Loop 3.5: Making Connections.

The focus of the festival will be the future of textiles, making new connections and learning from other textile cultures. www.shetlandarts.org

CROCHET

knitalong

30TH

AUG

ENDS 31ST

AUG

For all you budding crochet designers out there, how would you like to have your pattern created into a kit?

Naked Wool and The Sheep Shop are holding a competition for you to do just that. The winner's design will be turned into Naked Wool's first mini crochet kit, which will comprise of two balls of Shetland wool, a crochet hook and pattern. If you're keen to see your name and pattern on their new kit, head to www.sheepshop cambridge.co.uk or www.nakedwool.co.uk for more information including the full competition details.

© Holly Jolliffe

this month we

LOVE Where to go and what to knit this August

Pebbles

We're loving the latest shade to be added to the Deramores Baby DK range, Pebble Grey. It's a great colour choice which works well with the rest of the collection, especially the apple green and primrose yellow for those knitting in unisex colours.

As if we need any excuse to knit for babies!

Turn to page 63 to get 10% off at Deramores. www.deramores.com

OUT&about More events this month ♥ 23rd - 26th CHILTERNS CRAFT & DESIGN SHOW A fantastic day out for all the family this summer. Call 01425 277988 or visit www.ichf.co.uk to purchase tickets

ET ICEK TIV AWAY

♥ 24th - 25th GLASTONBURY

WOOL FESTIVAL Celebrate the best of Britain's sheep and alpacas at this year's festival. Go to www.glastonbury woolfestival.co.uk for more information

♥ 31st EASY LACE KNITTING

Learn the basic skills to begin knitting beautiful lace items with Joanne Scrace. Visit www.sheep shopcambridge.com or call 01223 311268 for more details

G

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Stitch & Sew

The Creative Stitches and GIVEAWAY Hobbycrafts show is back and with a new name! We're pleased to announce that Stitch, Sew and Hobbycrafts will be at Westpoint in Exeter in September. With over 180 exhibitors you'll be blown away by all the goodies available. Ruth and Belinda will be presenting their latest knitting challenge to raise money for Kids Company through their Heartease campaign. Plus, The Craft Club will be attempting another world record, this time it's to knit the longest knitted chain. All are welcome to join in the challenge! Visit www.ichf.co.uk or call 01425 277988 for more details.

TICKET

26TH29TH

ETHEL BAG FROM LOUISA HARDING'S NEW COLLECTION, LUZIA. FOR STOCKISTS VISIT WWW.DESIGNERYARNS.UK.COM

SEP

creative

CRAFTS TICKET

GIVEAWAY

5TH7TH

SEP

After all that summer fun of knitting and crocheting, it's time to stock up on any depleting supplies. Overflowing with a whole host of crafting delights, demonstrations, workshops and more, The Creative Crafts show at Sandown Park Exhibition Centre in Esher will definitely have something to whet your appetite.

Also, Neil the Knit will be hosting a Sit 'n' Knit where you can meet local knitters and have a natter. Go to www.sccshows.co.uk or call 01822 617744 for more information.

YARNDALE

A brand new festival of creativity is taking place 2 8THat Skipton Auction Mart 29TH that will be brimming full with yarn, exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops for all who attend. Plus there will be a children's area, a knit 'n' natter lounge and an all important knit and crochet surgery. Visitors will be able to receive advice, technical skills and most importantly purchase more bundles of yarn, notions and plenty of handcrafted goodies. For more information, go to www.yarndale.co.uk

SEP

this month we

LOVE

OUT&about ♥ 1st KNIT A BEADED

SHAWLETTE The Roving Yarn is hosting a twopart workshop for those new to lace knitting or charts (part two on Sunday 6th Oct). www.therovingyarn.co.uk

Where to go and what to knit this September

More events this month

♥ 7th 'NEXT STEPS' CROCHET

WORKSHOP Learn how to crochet a softly frilled crochet snood with LK Designer Sarah Hazell. Visit www.blacksheepwools.com or call 01925 764231 for more details.

Outlaw

CRAFT FAIR

With the slogan of 'Not your usual craft fair', this may well be a fair to remember. Taking place in Penzance, the fair will focus on local makers as well as craft workshops and demos, live music and, rather excitingly, a pop-up deli. We are intrigued! Visit www.outlawcraftfair.co.uk for more details.

14TH

SEP

TICKET ♥ 12TH-14TH

GIVEAWAY CREATIVE STITCHES

AND HOBBYCRAFTS returns to EventCity in Manchester and is full of crafting delights. Call 01425 277988 or visit www.ichf.co.uk to purchase tickets

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Wool Week

An annual highlight for The Campaign for Wool, the UK celebrations of Wool Week are taking place from 14th to 20th October. The focus of Wool Week is to show the fantastic capabilities of this natural and versatile fibre. In keeping with this week of wool promotion, we are urging our readers to celebrate by using British wool. You will find this issue packed with references to it, including patterns and independent British yarns. Look out for the British flag button! www.campaignforwool.org

School of YARN

14TH 20TH-

18TH19TH

OCT

In its third year, Glasgow School of Yarn will be taking place at The Mackintosh Church at Queen's Cross. Yarn Cake, a dedicated knitting cafe, has organised the event to include a marketplace full of independent vendors and workshops from Amy Singer of www.knitty.com and Liz Lovick of www.northernlace.com.

The workshops will include Fair Isle, Shetland lace, silk spindling and lace design.

Call 0141 946 5305 or go to www.theyarncake.co.uk for more details.

OCT

DESIGN

Competition Have you every dreamed of being a Rowan designer? Why not enter Rowan’s latest design competition? The UNTIL brief is to design a garment 1ST or accessory using Rowan yarns inspired by The Great Gatsby film. As well as having their design featured on its website and e-newsletter, the winner will also receive Rowan yarn to knit a garment of their choice, and a one-year Rowan Subscription membership!

Send sketches and swatches to mail@knitrowan.com or to: Rowan Design Competition 2013, Coats Crafts UK, Green Lane Mill, Holmfirth HD9 2DX

OCT

this month we

LOVE Where to go and what to knit this October

Shetland

WOOL WEEK

In its fourth year, Shetland Wool Week celebrates Britain's most northerly native sheep, and the Shetland textile industries including the rural farming communities. The festival offers those who attend master classes and events with local and international knitters and designers.

For more details, visit www.shetlandwoolweek.com

OUT&about More events this month

♥ 10th-13th KNITTING &

STITCHING SHOW It's that time of year we've all been waiting for! The Knitting & Stitching Show returns to Alexandra Palace and we have ten pairs of tickets to give away.

Turn to page 87 for details on how to enter. Be sure to pick up our next issue (out 20 Sept) for a rundown of the event.

Visit www.twistedthread.com or call 01473 321872 for more details

♥ 12th INTERMEDIATE CROCHET

Learn to make bobbles, ruffles and textured crochet stitches.

Call 01565 650884 or visit www.bakingandmaking.com for more information.

7TH13TH

OCT www.letsknit.co.uk 7