Knit.Spin.Weave

Cup of Tea Pincushion.

 

This charming pin-cushion is easy to make, using basic embroidery stitches. Made from wool felt, and nestled in a porcelain tea cup, it is a perfect Morther's Day gift. $25 per person, $30 for Mother and daughter.  May 4th 7-9pm  All materials; including tea cup are provided. 

Dryer Ball Class

Great News.

You have two chances to learn how to make wool dryer balls: Thursday's Mommy Friendly Class on April 14th 2011 at 10am-12 noon or Saturday's Class offered on May 14th from 10 am to 12 noon!

Dryer balls are amazing. There super hand-made wool balls made from roving that can cut in half the time your clothes spend in the dryer. Still not sure what I'm talking about?  I'll let our expert, Pamela Pilon explain.  She has all the nitty gritty as well as photos.

Fiberlicious Lunch Time Club

We're starting something new! Hurrah! Thanks to our wonderful customer, Marie-France.

It's a group, or shall we call it a club that meets once a month to learn about a variety of fiber crafts. It's a great way to meet people with similar interests and to brain-storm with a bunch of like-minded fiber fans. The first meeting will be Wednesday April 13th 11:30-1pm. Give us a shout at 613-725-5648 if you'd like to join us. And don't forget to bring your lunch!
 

Not Nagging, Just reminding.

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Great Knitting, Barb

Barb Irving originally knit this version of Sally Melville's Classic Shirt in off-white and brown striped mohair but she wasn't keen on the colour. Carol helped her select a dye, (Chocolate Brown) and look at it. It's wonderful. Thank you for letting us share your work, Barb.

Animal Patterns For Earth Day

Looking for something to knit for CPAWS? I haven't found a pattern that exactly suits their mandate but I've found some good patterns I feel could be easily adapted. My first is an owl that could be fiddled with to look like one of those listed. He's very cute.

I also found a blue bird I think with some imagination he could become a Jay. I found another sweet bird from Purl in NYC.  I didn't have much luck with fish but I found these felted fish that also could be experimented with.

For more inspiration check out Knitting Pattern Central

Another stash buster

This is the Una purse. I named it for my good friend, Una who owns Le Hibou, a wonderful cafe in Wakefield. She's very funky. She used to have dreads which the felted wool reminds me of.  I used two strands of 220 Cascade as the base wool because it felts very well. Then I spent ages tying scarps of yarns, lace and old fabric to the base wool. There is nothing exact or measured about it. I knitted it in the round in a V-shape.When I was finished I put it through the washing mashine on hot and felted it.  Then I stuffed it to get the shape right. Lastly I sewed on the handles. I felted it because I wanted it to be long lasting

This another bag I knitted in the same fashion. I call it, Olive after my Gran. I didn't felt this so I worry about things falling out of it. I could line it but alas I love to knit but hate to sew.

Are you making anything with your stash? If so let me know. Or send me a photo and we'll post it on the blog.  info@wabi-sabi.ca  Show us your work. We're eager to hear from you. 

Who Loves You, Baby!

It's the 2011 and time to think about what or who you love.

At the moment, I'm crazy for Fiberarts Magazine  It's a great read. I love how diverse the articles are. I love the creative energy and hearing about the amazing things fiber artists are doing all over the world. In the latest issue I enjoyed reading about Australian fiber artist and natural dyer, India Flint. There is a raw elegance to her work that I've rarely seen before. But India is not just an accomplished natural dyer, she's a philospher of sorts. Indeed her clothing company is called The Prophet of Bloom. And every piece she creates has a distinct voice.

The other article I enjoyed was about Angela Ellsworth and her startling piece entitled "Seer Bonnets: A Continuing Offence". This work is based on her personal history as the descendent of an important member of the Mormon Church, and will be featured in this year's Sydney Biennale. At first glance Ellsworth's bonnets appear demure but take a closer look and everything changes.

And last but not least, there's Olga Von Moorende. I'm crazy about her. She's my 2011 muse. Her clothing are my new creative inspiration. Whenever I feel blocked this year, I'm just going to just picture her work. Now tell me who will be your muse this year? I want to know. 

Get your fiber Club On

Here's a great present suggestion for the knitter on your list. A membership to our fiber club. It works like this each month members get a pattern as well as the supplies needed to make it. The club was designed to introduce members to new and exciting fibers. Last year, knitters worked with a variety of fibers including: corn, silk and buffalo. They also learned about wet-felting and needle-felting. The club costs about $30.00 a month. It's a lot of fun. Imagine the fun of knowing that each month there's a secret knitting project waiting just for you.

The Prefelt Is Here

 

Yes, it’s true, it’s finally arrived. And, fibre fans say it’s fabulous. For those of you who’ve never worked with it check out our very own felt mistress extraordinaire's article in the current issue of Living Craft Magazine. As well as Fiona's work at her website, Wool Felt Design.