Blowing fibers into a mesh tube is the latest way to make yarn, and several manufacturers have brought out their own blown yarns over the past couple of years.
Manufacturers tend to emphasize how light and airy the yarns are. But what is the most interesting is that blown yarns have no twist.
]]>Blowing fibers into a mesh tube is the latest way to make yarn, and several manufacturers have brought out their own blown yarns over the past couple of years.
Manufacturers tend to emphasize how light and airy the yarns are. But what is the most interesting is that blown yarns have no twist.
In theory, blown yarns should be soft and durable. Traditional yarn has to find a balance between more twist for durability and less twist for softness. Blown yarns however dont have the same trade off. The fibres are held in place by a mesh tube so they feel soft and are also more durable, so they shouldn't pill as much either.
Blown yarns should also not split or unwind when knitting or crocheting because they are not twisted.
Blown yarns are easy to work and can be used for a variety of effects such as lace or cables.
Blown yarns also have great yardage. Blown yarns have 30% or more extra yardage than their plied equivalent, so you get more fabric for your money and garments are lighter.
Blown yarns are only available in certain fibers—those with the right properties to make a haze outside of the mesh net without escaping.
The fuzziness they produce wont be great for all projects. The haze of fibers brings a soft-focus look to the fabric, which will be attractive in some garments but not ideal for others.
Blown yarns also have less elasticity so some people avoid using them for knit/purl texture stitch pattern.
Now available at Wild and Woolly Yarns is the new Chaska Wara.
A beautiful and blow yarn made from a combination of baby alpaca, merino wool and Pima cotton - Chaska Wara is soft, fluffy, and absolutely itch-free.
Chaska Wara is the perfect choice for cozy sweaters, trendy slipovers, and accessories like cowls, scarves, and shawls.
]]>
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of a particular yarn. It is measured in wraps per inch (WPI) or by its international number system which ranges from 0 (lace yarn) all the way up to 7 (jumbo yarn). Different weights of yarn have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand how each type of yarn can be used effectively.
A yarn’s weight is determined by measuring the diameter – or the thickness – of a strand of yarn. The most common way to measure a strand’s diameter is with a method called wraps per inch, or WPI.
WPI is exactly what it sounds like – take a strand of yarn and wrap it around a ruler until one inch is covered. The number of times that the yarn wraps around in one inch is the WPI.
For example, if your yarn wraps around the ruler ten times in one inch, then your yarn has a WPI of 10.
To help crafters select the right yarns for their projects, the Craft Yarn Council has set up a system of guidelines that yarn manufacturers use to categorize their yarn.
The CYC standard yarn weight system has seven different categories, numbered from 0 to 7. The lower numbers indicate lighter-weight yarns, while the higher numbers indicate heavier-weight yarns.
Here are the categories and the types of yarn in each category as indicated by the CYC (Craft Yarn Council).
Lace Weight - 0
Lace weight yarn is the thinnest available and is most often used for intricate patterns like lace shawls and doilies, as well as lightweight clothing items. Because it's so thin, lace weight takes longer to work up than other types of yarn but offers a delicate look when complete.
Super Fine - 1
Next comes fingering/sock weight yarn, which is slightly thicker than lace and has a nice sheen to it. This type of yarn is most often used in the creation of lightweight garments such as baby clothing, shawls, and socks. Fingering/sock weight yarn can also be used for intricate patterns like cables and lace.
Fine - 2
Fine weight yarns are also known as sport weight yarns. They’re slightly heavier than super fine weight yarns, and are typically used for projects such as sweaters, hats, and other lightweight clothing items.
Light - 3
Light weight yarns are also known as DK weight or double knitting yarns. Double Knit Yarns are slightly heavier than fine weight yarns, and are typically used for projects such as sweaters, hats, scarves, and baby clothes.
Medium - 4
Medium-weight yarns are also known as worsted weight yarns or aran yarns. They’re slightly heavier than lightweight yarns, and are typically used for projects such as afghans, sweaters, and hats. I often think of worsted weight yarns as “all-purpose” yarns, since you can use them for so many different types of projects.
Bulky - 5
Bulky weight yarns are also known as chunky weight yarns. They’re heavier than worsted weight yarns and are typically used for projects such as sweaters, hats, scarves, and blankets.
Super Bulky - 6
Super bulky weight yarns are some of the heaviest yarns, and are typically used for projects such as hats, scarves, and blankets. It’s easy to learn how to knit with super bulky weight yarns, since it’s so easy to see the individual stitches.
Jumbo - 7
Jumbo weight yarns are the heaviest weight of yarns, and are typically used for projects such as accessories and home decor projects, like blankets. These types of yarns are also used for arm-knitting projects.
In addition to the names given to each category, the Craft Yarn Councils has designed a set of symbols to indicate the weight of yarn. These symbols can be found on the yarn labels of some commercially available yarns.
The following chart shows the seven different CYC yarn weight categories, along with their corresponding names, WPI, gauge, suggested needle and crochet hook sizes, and symbols.
]]>If you're new to knitting, it's easy to make some common mistakes. Here are four of the most common knitting mistakes that beginners make, and how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Choosing the wrong yarn
Yarn comes in all different weights, textures, and fibers. So, it's important to choose the right yarn for your project. Every yarn has a unique stitch definition, drape, and texture. Therefore, choose yarn according to the project, whether it's socks, a hat, or a blanket. If you're not sure which yarn to use, ask a friend or visit us in-store at Wild and Woolly Yarns. We'll be able to help you pick out the perfect yarn for your project.
It is really important to research the yarn weight and the needle sizes that go with it. Knitting a swatch gauge will also give you an idea of how your knitted project will look and how the yarn behaves.
Mistake #2: The wrong cast on
There are many different ways to cast on your knitting project. Basically, every cast-on does the same thing. It forms loops on your needle that you then work off by pulling yarn through them with a second needle. Each type of cast-on has a purpose to either create a stretchy edge like needed in socks and hats or a tight fit that lets the necks of sweaters lie flat. A common knitting mistake made by many beginners is using the same cast-on method on all projects and not following the pattern designer’s instructions. If you have made the mistake of choosing the wrong cast-on, the best solution is to unravel your project and begin again. The cast-on is the framework of your project, so if you use the wrong cast-on method you may find that the final result is not what you wanted.
Mistake #3: Your stitches are too tight
This is a common knitting mistake for beginners because it can be difficult to gauge how tight or loose to hold the yarn while you are knitting. If your stitches are too tight, your knitting will be very difficult to work with and may even start to curl up on itself. This problem can usually be fixed by simply loosening your grip on the yarn. If your stitches are still too tight after you have loosened your grip, try using a larger needle size. You may also find it helpful to practice with scrap yarn before starting your project to get a feel for the right tension.
Mistake #4: Not keeping count of your rows
This is a mistake that is easily made, especially when you are working on a project with a lot of rows such as a scarf or blanket. It can be helpful to use a row counter or stitch marker to keep track of your progress. That way, if you do lose count you can easily start again from the last number you remember. There are so many different options for row counters and stitch markers so you can find the one that works best for you.
You can even use a simple pencil and paper to keep track of your rows. Simply make a mark on your paper after each row you complete.
These are just some of the most common mistakes that beginner knitters make. Learning from your mistakes is part of the knitting process and it helps you to become a better knitter. So, don't be discouraged if you make a mistake while knitting, just take a deep breath and try again. Knitting is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable so have fun with it!
If you need any help, our staff at Wild and Woolly Yarns are always happy to assist you. Visit us in-store or contact us online
]]>
View our rang of Mercerised cottons here:
]]>There are many different types of knitting needles on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which type is best for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of knitting needles and what material is best for you. There are a variety of materials that can be used for knitting needles, including bamboo, metal, plastic / acrylic, wooden, carbon fiber, and more. Each type of material has its own benefits and drawbacks. So which one is right for you? Keep reading to find out!
Bamboo knitting needles are a great option for beginners or for anyone who wants to learn to knit. They are very inexpensive and usually available at most wool shops, making them a great choice for those on a budget. Bamboo needles also have a grippy surface, which helps keep stitches from sliding off the needle. Additionally, bamboo needles are environmentally friendly and gentle on the hands and joints, making them a good choice for those with arthritis or other hand conditions.
If you are looking for needles that are strong and durable, then metal knitting needles may be the best option for you. Metal needles are typically made from aluminium or stainless steel, both of which are very strong materials. Additionally, metal needles often have a pointed tip, which can be helpful for picking up stitches. Metal needles also have a slick surface, which can help you knit faster. For less experienced knitters, metal knitting needles may be too slippery. Compared to bamboo, metal knitting needles are slightly more expensive. Nevertheless, you can find many affordable brands. And since they are long-lasting, they may be the only needles you need to buy.
Plastic / acrylic knitting needles are another popular choice, especially for beginners. They are very inexpensive and usually available at most wool shops. Plastic / acrylic needles also have a grippy surface, which helps keep stitches from sliding off the needle. However, they are not as strong or durable as metal needles and can break more easily.
Wooden knitting needles are a classic choice that has been used for centuries. They are usually made from birch, maple, or rosewood, all of which are strong and durable woods. Wooden needles also have a grippy surface, which helps keep stitches from sliding off the needle. Additionally, wooden needles are very smooth, making them a good choice for those with arthritis or other hand conditions. However, they can be more expensive than plastic / acrylic or metal needles.
Carbon fiber knitting needles are a newer option on the market. They are made from carbon fiber, which is an extremely strong and lightweight material. Carbon fiber needles are very smooth, making them a good choice for those with arthritis or other hand conditions. Additionally, they have a slick surface, which can help you knit faster. However, they are more expensive than bamboo, plastic / acrylic, or metal needles.
So, which type of knitting needle is best for you? It depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you are a beginner, we recommend bamboo or plastic / acrylic needles. If you are looking for needles that are strong and durable, then metal needles may be the best choice for you. If you are looking for needles that are smooth and gentle on the hands, then wooden or carbon fiber needles may be the best choice for you. Whichever type of needle you choose, we hope you enjoy your knitting experience!
Do you have a favourite type of knitting needle? Let us know in the comments below!
Happy Knitting!
]]>
I’ve come to the end of my knitting,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hello Yarn Lovers, Claire here. Fran has been busy with her knitting needles and watercolour brushes so has asked if I could write a few words for the newsletter. Something along the lines of “all about yourself…your no nonsense, traditional British childhood, inspiration from your mum, family values…..how you came to NZ, applying to Woolly etc.”…..so here goes! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Her Majesty is ‘tickled pink’ at the thought of her upcoming family birthday party.
We’re all looking forward to this coming long weekend, courtesy of Queen Elizabeth, who is celebrating her 95th Birthday on Monday. I suspect this year’s celebration will be rather low key, what with Harry and Megan over in California and Prince Andrew keeping his head below the parapet. Fergie would love to be invited to the afternoon tea party, never one to refuse a bit of free nosh, however she’s still not welcome in the Royal Fold, despite her scathing critic, Prince Phillip, now off the scene. Andrew’s also not on the guest list, he’s rather miffed. Having trawled through his Little Black Book he’s made alternative arrangements and secured a second date with the journalist Emily Mathias. Their first date, last November, got off to an uncomfortable start, Emily asked too many questions and Andrew believed he’d over shadowed the evening by talking far too much. He plans to take her to Pizza Express in Woking, where over a low-key dinner, he hopes he can express his true self and show Emily what a genuinely extraordinary ‘gentleman’ he really is. (I don’t think the date will go well for Andrew, and I suspect he’ll come out in a cold sweat) Harry and Megan have also been struck off the guest list. Harry has quietly acknowledged the snub, mentally adding it to his long of gripes. Megan’s sent a birthday card to Granny, along with a heartfelt letter, she’s keen to heal the family rift. The Dutchess has invited Her Majesty over to Montecito for a Baby Shower, along with a request that if Her Majesty isn’t too busy could she please knit some pink baby bootees. I don’t have inside knowledge but may I be so bold as to predict The Queen will ever so politely decline the knitting request, claiming she has a backlog of projects and it’s imperative that she completes a knitted full-face balaclava for Prince Andrew, who’s desperate to leave the confides of the Palace without being recognised. All is not lost. The ever diligent and totally dependable Kate, is in charge of baking the Birthday Cake. Adorable Charlotte’s been given the job of beating the butter and sugar together and gently adding the organic eggs, George is sifting in the flour and Louis is licking the bowl and the wooden spoon. Charles and Camilla are expected to drop in for a swift drink and a slice of cake. Charles doesn’t wish to hang around but Camilla’s got her feet firmly under the table. She’s planning to get her mother-in-law tipsy on sherry and has organise a hearty game of Charades. Camilla’s got a few ‘gems’ up her sleeve. Under the category of dramas, documentaries and TV shows there’s some ‘right royal pickings’…’The Crown’ a certain Netflix documentary, and a number of blockbuster television interviews from the 1990’s. Oh dear…I suspect the Party may not go too well and could turn out to be a Birthday Horribilis. Now, on a far more serious note…
You may think I spend all my time writing rambling newsletters and lapping up the Royal Gossip. Not so, I do have a lovely little wool shop to run and I do need to do a little promotional work to ensure the till keeps ringing. However, self-promotion is NOT my forte, I am ignorant of many aspects of social media, preferring to delegate this modern form of technology to Claire and Olivia, (they are 30 years younger than me) I don’t take endless selfies, and the photographs I do take, and share with my close family members, result in hilarity and ridicule all round. (I can’t suck in my tummy, pout in the socially acceptable way and I don’t believe a photo of my morning bowl of porridge is quite as ‘sharable’ as an artfully arrangement image of smashed avocado on toast) So, in my own unique way I would like to promote myself and my little store. I wish to share one of my own exclusive knitting patterns. Entitled ‘Harry… A Right Royal Hottie’, this simple project will certainly bring a smile to your face and is rather useful. I’d also like to offer a 10 % discount on any purchase you wish to make over the long weekend…Saturday, Sunday and Monday. If you are calling into the shop, please mention you received my newsletter and I’ll be delighted to hit the discount button on my till! Our online customers will need to enter the code Lizzies Birthday Party at the checkout, we’ll be sending all online orders out on Tuesday. So, please pop your feet up with a cup of tea and read through our rather ‘tongue in cheek’ hot water bottle cover pattern. Joking aside, having a knitted cover for your hottie ensures that your bottle stays hot all night and feet stay cosy and warm. In my case it’s a real marriage saver as my husband abhors me poking my cold feet anywhere near him in bed. This nugget of relationship advice comes free of charge with this month’s newsletter. Click Here to download the free pattern 'Harry…A Right Royal Hottie' is made by combining two yarns, Rowan Kidsilk Haze and Sesia Nordica. Knitting the yarns together is not difficult, once cast on, the yarns automatically stick together as one stitch. This project is especially suitable for a new, novice or nervous knitter and takes little more than a couple of evenings to complete.
I have suggested a number of rather lovely shade combinations, but feel free to be extra creative and choose your own. |
|
|
|
|
|
Snapshot of my office at The Beehive
Enough frivolity, let's move on to more serious matters. Many of you are asking if I’ve managed to secure enough stock for the busy knitting season ahead. As we're all aware Covid has disrupted the production and distribution of goods around the world. Rest assured, there's no shortage of wool in my shop. The vast majority of our new season’s yarns are now piled high on the shop shelves, and my store room is pretty crowded. There's absolutely no chance of me being 'a ball short of a sweater' this winter.
Many disconcerting knitters have become addicted to our Alpaca Yarns. Working with superb quality alpaca really is taking knitting up to the very highest level of luxury. I am pleased to say I have highly greedy stock levels of our Brushed Alpaca Air. Many of you will be familiar with my complementary brushed alpaca blanket pattern. I have just completed my tenth blanket and the latest version is photographed below. As an aside, my 21-year-old cat has her own pink version.
Heavenly Blanket
Our Chaska Alpaca Air is available in the most glorious range of colours: soft chalky shades, cheerful brights and classic neutrals. Have a read over this complementary blanket pattern, at the end of this newletter, feast your eyes on our range of colours, and maybe purchase a few balls of loveliness!
There is a designated section on our website for all our Chaska Alpaca Yarns, showing the aforementioned 'Brushed Air', the MUHU Baby Alpaca 8 ply, our Takama organic and dye free Cotton/Alpaca, and a for those of you who knit socks, there’s a superb Alpaca Sock yarn.
Our 8 ply Chaska MUHU is the softest yarn available for babies knitting, and we all know there's a bit of a baby boom at the moment...Covid does have a small upside! We have new colours available, including the softest of shell pinks, a gentle praline and a robin's egg green. If you wish to knit a bassinette blanket for a special baby, take a look at our Exclusive Pattern.
Our Chaska Alpaca yarns and shades are just a fraction of what is new instore, however I am not going to ramble on too much, us Government Ministers have a habit of that! I may send out a news brief later in the week, as long as my Ministerial Knitting Commitments don't take up too much time.
Happy Lockdown knitting,
Fran and Olivia.
HEAVENLY BLANKET
Many of you will have, fondled and cuddled our Brushed Alpaca Blanket that we’ve have had on display for many years. Over time, I have ‘shop lifted’ our sample for my own personal use and knitted a replacement blanket in a different colour for the shop. From memory this will be my tenth Brushed Alpaca blanket.
My latest creation has a lovely textural moss stitch border and even more voluptuous fringing. It was rather warm knitting it over the summer, but I know as soon as the cooler weather arrives, this blanket will go missing from the shop and find itself much appreciated in my home!
Materials:
10 balls of Chaska ‘Air’ Baby Brushed Alpaca
6 mm knitting needles. The number of stitches will fit on a full-length pair of straight needles, or if you prefer, use circular needles.
Crochet hook to attach the tassels.
Size: approximately 105 cm x 105 cm, excluding tassels
Abbreviations: k - knit, p - purl, st(s) - stitch(s), rs - right side, ws - wrong side, rep-repeat.
Get knitting:
Cast on 155 sts stitches loosely.
Bottom Border:
Row 1: k1, p1 rep across the row.
Row 2: p1, k1. rep across the row.
These two rows form moss stitch. Repeat last 2 rows 5 times more (12 rows in total, you will end after a ws row)
Main Section:
Row 1: (rs) k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, knit to the last 10 sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1.
Row 2: (ws) p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to the last 10 sts, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1.
Repeat these 2 rows until your work is almost a square, but less the 6cm or so of your bottom border. Finish after a wrong side row
Top Border:
Row 1: k1, p1 across the row.
Row 2: p1 , k1 .across the row.
These two rows form moss stitch. Rep the last 2 rows 5 times more (12 rows in total, you will end after a ws row)
Cast off loosely. Sew in ends.
Tassels:
You will have approximately 1.5 balls left over; these are for the tassels. I always make voluptuous tassels; I find that trying to economise on the amount of yarn used in the fringed border looks a little frugal and rather ‘make do and mend’ We want ‘full on’ luxury! I aim and use up all my remaining yarn.
Cut a piece of stiff card to 12 cm. Wrap the yarn around the card and cut along one length. Tassels are attached with the use of the crochet hook, in groups of 2 strands along the top and bottom border. I cram the tassels close together; it takes ages to do but is well worth the effort. At this stage a cup of tea and a few biscuits may be required!
Now you are almost finished. I trim any straggling lengths of yarn, as I want a lovely even row of tassels.
]]>
Old Bear is prepared
48 years ago I joined The Brownies. My Mum was Tawny Owl, a figure of great importance. I wasn't the model Brownie, although I remember I was awarded a cloth badge for knitting, or it may have been sewing a button onto a square of cloth. I was a headstrong little girl, and along being totally disorganized and always ill prepared, mum decided I was an embarrassment. She instructed me to stay at home with dad on Wednesday evenings. That suited me fine, Dad was a pushover, and always had a secret stash of sweeties. I do remember he let me go into his shed and have a puff of one of his cigarettes...thank goodness mum doesn't read my newsletters!
]]>
Old Bear is prepared
48 years ago I joined The Brownies. My Mum was Tawny Owl, a figure of great importance. I wasn't the model Brownie, although I remember I was awarded a cloth badge for knitting, or it may have been sewing a button onto a square of cloth. I was a headstrong little girl, and along being totally disorganized and always ill prepared, mum decided I was an embarrassment. She instructed me to stay at home with dad on Wednesday evenings. That suited me fine, Dad was a pushover, and always had a secret stash of sweeties. I do remember he let me go into his shed and have a puff of one of his cigarettes...thank goodness mum doesn't read my newsletters! I also remember him confiding in me that, once, when he was working away from home, he had gone to the cinema to watch Saturday Night Fever...he thought it was a dirty movie. He was most indignant when he discovered it was just a lot of men dancing in rather tight trousers and singing in high voices. Well that's enough background information.
To this day I remember The Brownie Motto...'BE PREPARED'. Well, my family will certainly vouch for the fact that I am still erratic, normally late and definitely not prepared. However, I disagree? I have been at the shop today, obviously under Level 3, it was closed, but I had a whole heap of mail orders to package up. For the final couple of hours I carefully, thoughtfully and diligently selected a huge stash of yarn, patterns and needles. I was getting myself well prepared...after all what does it say about a wool shop owner if she finds herself subject to a possible Level 4 Lockdown, yet having absolutely no knitting wool in the house?
]]>
Self Portrait
slopping around in my slippers and spending quality time with my kidsIt's been a long wait, but finally, our online shop is open, you can now indulge in a little retail therapy. I'm sure many of you have worked your way through your 'stash' and would like a lovely new project to get you through the next few weeks.
Self Portrait
slopping around in my slippers and spending quality time with my kidsIt's been a long wait, but finally, our online shop is open, you can now indulge in a little retail therapy. I'm sure many of you have worked your way through your 'stash' and would like a lovely new project to get you through the next few weeks.
Actually I am rather relieved that I am not allowed to open our Milford shop just yet, I think it would be quite a shock to the system...mine and yours. You see, I have let things slide. My hair desperately needs cutting, my dress sense is 'eclectic' (aren't pajamas comfortable for wearing around the house all day) and I suspect I have a few stray hairs sprouting from my chin.
For me, one huge bonus of the Lockdown was that I had so much time to knit. Despite having the enviable job of running my wee shop, I seldom had the spare time to relax with my own projects. My family were so sick of hearing me moan "I wish I had more time, I never get the chance to indulge in my own knitting". Maybe, in future, I should be more careful what I wish for!
Like many of you I have spent many hours baking, gardening, cleaning the house and walking my Labrador, Harry. I have had my family around me and we have, surprisingly, coped rather well. Unfortunately, I constantly worry about my Mum, who is totally alone, in her little bungalow in England. She did come to New Zealand to visit me late last year, how I wish she were safely here with me now. The situation in the UK is dreadful and I know Mum is feeling lonely and fearful. I talk to her every couple of days and she frequently breaks down in tears and sounds desperate. There are a few light moments though, which I treasure. Mum has trimmed her hair. She mentioned that she had cut her fringe to a quarter of an inch in length. I immediately pulled her up on a technicality and said that she meant to say that she had trimmed a quarter of an inch off the length of her fringe. "No" replied mum, "I've given it a really good chop, but I think I'll wear a bobble hat for a while".
Mum's neighbours are all elderly and are not venturing far from the perimeter of their garden. One neighbour, Mrs. Hyacinth Bouquet (A well earned nickname) has taken it upon herself to organise a daily exercise class for the road's resident octogenarians.. Every morning at 11 am elderly ladies and gents positions themselves at the end of their driveway and prepares for 30 minutes of activity. As an ancient tape recorder is begins to play, a rather hilarious performance begins...there's arm waving, full body gyrating, leg lifting and energetic jumping, all to the pounding beat of ABBA, Village People and Showaddywaddy. I suggested that someone should contact the local newspaper and regional TV station, their antics certainly should not go unreported. Mum wasn't too impressed and muttered something along the lines of "who on earth would want to see a bunch of old codgers making a fool of themselves?"
Enough frivolity! What, if anything, is happening at Woolly...
Now, as you know, I sent out a rather unusual newsletter last month. I explained that I would not be taking advantage of a 'dubious loophole' which would have allowed me to sell knitting wool online, under Level 4 Lockdown. Many of you took the time to write and voice your support and I really am am incredibly grateful for all your kind words.
Only now, as we approach Level 3, have I opened up my online store. You are now able to place orders and I will begin shipping you Woolly Care Packages from Tuesday next week.
Now, I'll give you a brief insight into what I have been knitting during Lockdown, point you in the direction of some of my favourite yarns and also showcase some new arrivals.
I love knitting blankets: no thought required, no sewing up to do, and they keep you warm as you are knitting. Click on the following link to take a peek at my latest offering. I am including a free pattern, a pair of circular 10 mm bamboo knitting needles and a chunky crochet hook with every purchase of wool for this project. My Yorkshire Blanket is made from damn good, no nonsense pure wool. I was born 'just over the hill' from this woollen mill, tucked away in the industrial town of Bradford. This region is also famous for Yorkshire Puddings, Wensleydale Cheese and the literary Bronte sisters. I imagine myself as Cathy, the heroine from Wuthering Heights, my knitted blanket wrapped around me, as I wait, on a windswept moor, for Heathcliff to find me and wrap me in his powerful arms. My husband snorted when he read this...you're no Cathy, your far too old and chubby, your more like the intimidating Norah Batty from Last of the Summer Wine!
I'll explain this photo' later
Can I temp you?
Can I temp you?
Harry being a van guard dog. Yeah right!
I will try not to ramble on too much in this newsletter so here's a quick brief. You can choose what's of interest to you and maybe skip all my nostalgic and nonsensical ramblings.
]]>