Knit.Spin.Weave

Lesley & Laura's 2nd Video Book Review

Lesley & Laura's 2nd Video Book Review from Twiss&Weber on Vimeo.

 

errata:

Cowl Girls: the Next Big Thing to Knit (yay! there is none!)

60 Quick Baby Knits in Cascade 220 Superwash

Laura & Lesley's New Book Reviews

Our first ever video book reviews!  

Published by Sixth & Springs Books:

• Vogue Knitting: Mittens & Gloves hardcover $31.95
• Nicky Epstein's softcover Knitting On the Edge $25.95

 

Untitled from Twiss&Weber on Vimeo.

 

Our apologies for the backwards type.  We'll try to get that right next time.  Please follow our new reviews via Vimeo.

 

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.

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. 

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.

Patterns Galore, baby

Customers are always asking me where I find patterns. So I thought I'd talk about some of my favourites.

Twiss and Webber's patterns are funky and fun. (Many of you will know Laura and Tonia from the shop.) You can see there work at their website.  They're also on Ravelry. Plus we always keep a book of theirs work in the shop.  If you're a new knitter you can always take a class with them. These are some upcoming workshops.

Knitting 201: Felt Hat, by Twiss & Weber 

Description: Look stylish in this felted hat while keeping your head warm and dry in ottawa’s coldest weather. Knit with double yarn and designed to be felted to a very thick, firm fabric. 
Notes:Materials provided; No experience necessary.

Date(s): Oct 19, 26 Nov 2   Time: 6-8 pm   Cost: $65.00

Knitting 201: Knitted Cuff, by Twiss & Weber 

Description: Great second project, continued building on your knitting skill, learn to read a basic pattern while making these stylish cuffs. 
Notes:Materials provided; No experience necessary

Date(s): Nov 5, 12   Time: 6-8 pm   Cost: $55.00

 

I also like Knitty for free patterns.  I find their patterns are always whimsical and pretty. In this issue I really like Carnaby. I love skirt patterns. 

My latest find is Patternfish.  They sell patterns for personalised downloads. They have everything from conservative to off beat. Their patterns come from all all over the world. They have over 6000. 

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg, We have a fabulous selection of books in the store and there are heaps of other great places to find patterns such as: Ravelry and Pattern Central but we'll leave those for another day.

 

You're Never To Old To Learn

Learn how to knit this lovely neck warmer in our Knitting 101 workshop. You'll love it. Classes are ongoing. See our website for details.

Classic Designs from New England

A review by Lesley Buxton

New England-based knit designers Cecily Glowik MacDonald and Melissa LaBarre’s new book, New England Knits, is a classic collection of patterns inspired by the seasons of their home state. Knitters will enjoy slowly leafing through their work. Sadie Dayton has done a remarkable job on the photography. Her photos capture the fundamental nature of both the area and the colourful knitwear. In my opinion, it’s the attention spent on the luxuriant visual details that make all of Interweave Press’s books so special.  

 

The twenty-five patterns that range from accessories such as hats and bags to cardigans and pullovers are divided into three themes: Around the Town, Fall on the Farm and Along the Coast. The designers consider their clothes transitional wear created for layering and the changing weather of their region. There are also creations featured by fellow New England designers Kate Gagnon Osborn, Kristen TenDyke, Cirilia Rose and Carrie Hoge.

 

In the past, I have been seduced by many beautiful knitting books that I have rarely used, but this definitely won’t be the case with this book. Indeed, I will probably have to make a list of all my projects. My favourite pattern by far was the Chelsea Skirt. I’ve been looking for a good skirt pattern for some time and haven’t found anything I’ve felt tempted by. Most were either too fussy or too bulky for my taste. However, Cecily Glowik MacDonald’s design has a slender line that I admire as well as a cheeky lace edge.

Another pattern that I’d like to make is Melissa LaBarre’s Montague Bulky Lace Vest. I thought it would be fantastic worn with a pair of jeans or a simple skirt. The lacework on the back is stunning. I love that it’s knitted on big needles. I enjoy the challenge of lacework but frequently get tired of working with small needles. This pattern will make a nice change.

I also like the Greenfield Cardigan. This is one of the simplest patterns of the collection, a top-down raglan cardigan. The leaf detail at the bottom of the piece is charming and I like the three-quarter length sleeves.

 

My only criticism of this book is that it offers very little for beginners. It’s definitely designed for the experienced knitter who knows his or her way around a pattern and enjoys the challenge of working with cables, lace or colour. I wouldn’t discourage a beginner from attempting a pattern like the Brattleboro Hat, but I would urge him or her to have the support of a more experienced knitter.

 

I’m certain this book would make an excellent addition to any knitter's library. This well-crafted collection has both practicality and style. I can’t wait to start knitting.

New England Knits: Timeless Knitwear with a Modern Twist

By Cecily Glowik MacDonald and Melissa LaBarre

published by Interweave Press
paperback, $24.95

 

Fall Classes

I know it seems strange to be thinking of the Fall while the weather’s still so lovely but September is only a couple of weeks away. I can hardly believe it, but it’s true so with that in mind, we’ve posted our classes. And there’s plenty of choice.

At the end of September, Carol is teaching an intermediate Nuno felting classes that teaches students how to make a blanket using cotton, silk and wool. Many of you will have seen Carol’s lovely blanket in the shop.
But that’s not all for felting enthusiasts, well-known fiber artist extraordinaire, Maggie Glossop will be giving a workshop in felt painting in November. So join in and create your own still life or abstract. For those of your unfamiliar with Maggie’s work check it out at http://www.maggieglossop.com/3.html
Also returning to Wabi Sabi this Fall is Fiona Duthie. This popular teacher’s articles are featured in Living Crafts magazine. For those interested in finding out more about Fiona, you can visited her site at http://www.fionaduthie.com/default.htm There are some great photos of her work and lots of information about her crafting philosophy and upcoming workshops. Of course, these aren’t all the felting workshops there are many more including: Crafty Mama workshops with Karen Straznicky and Nuno scarf felting with Carol.

For the would-be-knitter we will continue to run our Knitting 101 series. Remember it’s never too late to learn. I recently taught a lovely lady in her seventies. Also I want to take this opportunity to remind both new and experienced knitters that you’re always welcome to come and knit at the shop. We adore the company. Plus, we’re happy to help you with any problems you might encounter with a pattern or a particular knitting technique. For those new knitters ready to start a more challenging pattern, we’ll be continuing our Second Step knitting series. New knitters might particularly enjoy our Top-down Sweater class. Working with a teacher is a great way to find out how to read a pattern properly as well as learn new techniques.

New this Fall, we’re offering a Second Step class for spinners called Beyond Beginner. It’s designed for those ready to spin a more intentional yarn as well as learn about different fiber preparations. For those of you still wanting to learn I recommend our teacher, Maggie Glossop. She’s very patient. Plus I found her introductory talk on the history of spinning fascinating.

We will continue with our weekly children’s series, Fiber-kid Fridays. These popular after-school workshops are drop-in and are designed to introduce kids to the world of fiber. Each week we feature a new project. Kids learn skills such as: sewing, needle-felting and wet felting. This year, we’re starting a gift giving series to help kids get ready for the holidays. Imagine the sense of accomplishment a child feels when they give something they’ve made to a loved one. It’s wonderful.

And with that thought in mind, one of our customer’s Annie, made her a son a wonderful gift of a playmat for his cars and trucks. She used one of our newest products C1 bats to get the colors and look she wanted. Check out the results on her blog, “Imagination in Parenting” at http://imaginationinparenting.wordpress.com/2010/08/15/a-new-playmat-for-alexandre/ These playmates make terrific gifts for kids of all ages. Last year, I made my five-year-old nephew one that he uses to play with his knights and animals. He loves it. Carol will be running a playmat class on December 11th 10-2pm . If you’re interested make sure to sign-up soon as this is a very popular class.