1. hobbies and interests
2. arts and crafts
3. knitting

DK BLUE FACED BLEND
Artesano Ltd
Unit G, Lambs Farm Bus. Pk
Basingstoke Rd, Swallowfield
Reading, Berkshire
RG7 1PQ
+44 (0)118 950 3350
www.artesanoyarns.co.uk
info@artesanoyarns.co.uk
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26 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey, Devon,TQ13 9AD • 01626 836203
www.spinayarndevon.co.uk • info@spinayarndevon.co.uk
Dear Friends
Now is the time to look forward to the New Year and the arrival of Spring again. As usual
Rowan has a stunning new Magazine on sale from the middle of January. New Rowan
yarns include Silkystones, a mixture of Tussah silk & Linen, Truesilk and Pure Linen, all ideal
to create the silky, light-weight and elegant summer knits that reflect a major trend this
coming year.
We are very excited to be able to give you details of two major Fashion Shows which we
are staging at the “Devon Guild of Crafsmen” in Bovey Tracey.
SASHA KAGAN, legendary designer is showing her Classic Collection at the Devon Guild
on Thursday, 10 April 2014. She has support on the evening from some of our favourite
teachers and designers, Claire Crompton, Anniken
Allis and Avril Best. Sasha remains one of Rowan’s
much-loved designers and her latest book, “The Classic
Collection” will be available to buy on the night.
MARTIN STOREY, Rowan’s foremost designer for
over 20 years and ALISON CROWTHER SMITH,
who specialises in Rowan Kidsilk Haze, are combining
again on Thursday, 6 March 2014 to showcase their
wonderful new designs. Please ring the shop to book
tickets. We expect both events to sell out very fast.
We’ll take this opportunity to draw attention to
Rowan’s free online collections of patterns from
designers such as Sarah Hatton, Martin Storey and Kim
Hargreaves. Even Kaffe Fassett’s fabulous “Homeware
Collection” of items such as throws and cushions is available free online.
Meanwhile, Joyce’s personal goal of sourcing yarn from an ever-increasing number of
countries around the world has led her to order yarn from the Faroe Islands. The beautiful
Scandinavian patterns that support their yarns are very much a major trend and will be
very popular with all our customers.
Other new yarns in the shop include Artyarns from the US. These pretty silks with glass
beads and sparkly sequins are stunning. They remain in the stockroom with our Qiviut
until we manage to get a new glass display unit made. (Or it could be that Joyce doesn’t
really want to sell them?!!)
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WORKSHOPS
We have an abundance of workshops this coming term. Claire has a new selection for all
her fans who have been complaining that they love Claire but have done all her current
workshops. Now you have a completely, different range to
select from! Anniken has lots of interesting topics for you
to learn including “Norwegian Selbu” mittens. Her knitted
lace workshops all include patterns and projects.
Lace knitting is really in trend at present, especially as it is
an affordable way of knitting a luxury garment. One skein
of finely spun cashmere, silk or baby alpaca can provide
enough meterage for a beautiful lace shawl or scarf.
Sublime have introduced a wonderful new fine, supersoft
merino lace yarn (350m in each 25g ball) with a free pattern,
which is proving very popular. There are 8 different clear,
bright colourways and the supporting booklet features
simple and more complex lace patterns.
We have too many new yarns coming in for the new seasons
to be able to feature any more in this newsletter. Do come
into the shop, or have a look at the website and ask us to
show you all the new arrivals.
We are open up to (and including Christmas Eve) but are then shut until January 2014.
SPIN A YARN REOPENS ON THURSDAY, 2 JANUARY at 10.00am as usual. We
are taking bookings for workshops from this day onwards.
ANNUAL SALE starts WEDNESDAY, 8 JANUARY!!
Spin A Yarn’s famous January sale starts on Wednesday, 8 January 2014. As is traditional, all
yarns and accessories in the shop will be discounted by 10%. Loyalty card holders will be
rewarded by 20% off all yarns and accessories in stock. This is the perfect time to buy all
those beautiful, luxury yarns that you have been coveting for the past few months!
Please note that since the beginning of the year we have sadly said goodbye to Diane,
Verity and Yvonne. We would like to thank them for all their efforts and wish them well for
the future.Victoria, Suzanne and Esther have joined our team. Esther is looking after the
website as well as helping in the shop.
Thanks again for all your support
Joyce, Ali, Sue, Esther, Patsy, Jane, Suzanne and Victoria xxxxxxxx
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SPRING WORKSHOPS 2014
Workshops sell out very fast. Don’t forget to ring as soon as you get your new
schedule! Participants of workshops will receive a voucher entitling them to
10% or 15% discount on all yarns and accessories, to be used on the workshop
day and during the month after the workshop.
SASHA KAGAN
COUNTRY INSPIRATION - DESIGN & COLOUR WORKSHOP
We’re very excited that inspirational & world-renowned knitwear designer SASHA KAGAN has agreed
to run a design workshop at Spin A Yarn. For over 40 years Sasha has produced an astounding body of
work, “never tiring in her creativity, never losing inspiration, and never failing to impress with her new
designs”.
Sasha remains one of Rowan’s favourite designers and her latest book ‘The Classic Collection’ sees
garments from four decades reworked in today’s softer more luxurious yarns.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday, 11 April 2014
10.00am – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-made lunch and tea-time treats)
CLAIRE CROMPTON’S WORKSHOPS
PROFESSIONAL FINISHING TECHNIQUES WITH CLAIRE CROMPTON
It is often the finishing details that make the difference to a garment and this workshop will show you
techniques to make sure your garment has a professional finish.You will learn how easy it is to sew up all
your unfinished projects using mattress stitch.
Topics include: How to sew up various styles of garment, mattress stitch, blocking and pressing pieces,
shaping to make sewing up easier, picking up stitches, buttonholes and more.
You will need: make four identical samples of stocking stitch to measure 10cm x 10cm (4in x 4in), using a
light coloured, smooth aran or chunky yarn.
If you usually work the edge stitches differently (slipping or knitting on every row), please work them the
same as the rest of the row. Don’t press or steam any of the samples and don’t sew in the yarn ends.
Bring plenty of your yarn for knitting and sewing up. Bring along an unfinished project for help and advice..
Dates: Fridays, 31 January, 21 March, 20 June 2014
Time: 10.00 – 4.00pm
Price: £49.00 (includes home cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
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REVERSIBLE OR DOUBLE KNITTING with CLAIRE CROMPTON
Double knitting is an intriguing technique that makes a double layered fabric which is the same on both
sides. Stocking stitch has two knit sides which means items made in double knitting always show a ‘right’
side. It is ideal for scarves and blankets because it lies flat and it also makes very cosy hats, sweaters,
mittens etc. Colour patterns such as fair isle style motifs and intarsia blocks appear with the colours
inverted on one side so items are reversible with no stranding or ‘wrong’ side showing. It is also useful for
knitting seamless tubes (glove fingers, toys etc) and socks without using double pointed or circular needles.
In the workshop, you will knit a sample of two colour double knitting to learn the basic technique. There
will be patterns to work a reversible headband, hat and scarf as well as ideas for designs for other items.
You can also bring along a double knitting pattern that you would like to try.
Topics include: choosing suitable yarns, casting on, working knit and purl stitches in double knitting, following a chart,
ideas for using double knitting.
You will need: DK weight yarn in two colours, 3.25mm and 4mm needles.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday 7 February 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (including home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
SWEATER REFASHIONING WITH CLAIRE CROMPTON
A workshop for anyone who has knitted a garment that doesn’t quite fit; maybe it’s too loose or too
tight, too short or sleeves too long. Learn how to make it fit, by altering the length, adding waist shaping,
changing the neckline etc. Also how to alter a pattern so you knit exactly what you want. Learn how to
extend the life of a garment by refashioning it; change it from a sweater to a cardigan, add embellishments,
borders and more.
Topics include: lengthening, shortening, adding or reducing width, altering the neck, fixing mistakes, cutting the
knitting and using a sewing machine.
You will need: existing garment(s) to alter, a pattern to alter.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday 21 February 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
COLOUR CONFIDENCE WITH CLAIRE CROMPTON
Use Fair Isle and intarsia, slip stitch patterns, simple stripes to add colour to your knitting. In the workshop
you will learn the basics of each technique, knitting samples of each. We will also explore some basic
colour theory so you can be confident about putting colours together and altering a pattern into another
colourway.
Topics include: stranding fair isle, intarsia, reading charts, slip stitch colour patterns.
You will need: different coloured yarns, suitable needles. Also you can bring along a pattern or chart that you’d like to
work in different colours.
Date: Time:
Price:
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Friday 7 March 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
READING CROCHET CHARTS WITH CLAIRE CROMPTON
Crochet charts are not as daunting as they appear and are often easier to ‘read’ than written crochet
instructions. Crochet patterns from Japan, America and Europe all use the same system of symbols so even
if the instructions are in a foreign language, you can still work the patterns. In the workshop you will work
from charts and build your understanding of how to use them.
Topics include: reading charts for circular patterns, rows and whole garments, understanding symbols, using non-UK
charts.
You will need: yarn to work samples, selection of crochet hooks to match. Also bring along any crochet charts that
you’d like to try.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday 4 April 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
KNITTING IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS WITH CLAIRE CROMPTON
Suitable for intermediate or experienced knitters who have used circular or double pointed needles.
Progress from making garments and accessories in rows and circular knitting to knitting them in different
directions. Join squares or circles worked from the centre out or from the outer edge inwards to make
pieces of knitted fabric, learn how to construct garments from diagonal (bias) knitting and how to use
short rows to distort fair isle. In the workshop we will experiment with the techniques and you will be
able to take away information and ideas for your own designs.
Topics include: diagonal knitting, short rows, applying the techniques to fair isle and other colour patterns, garment
design, ideas for accessories or home furnishings.
You will need: plenty of different yarns to experiment with and suitable needles.You can also bring along ideas or
designs to explore.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday, 25 April 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
EXTREME TEXTURE KNITTING WITH CLAIRE CROMPTON
Experiment with chunky and superchunky yarns to produce oversized loops, bobbles, cocoons, popcorns,
tucks and pleats. These create bold and exciting knitted fabrics that can be used to make sculptural pieces,
gorgeous home furnishings and fashionable accessories for the adventurous!
Topics include: how to work each stitch, design ideas, knitting with many strands of yarn together.
You will need: a selection of yarns ranging in thickness from DK to superchunky, suitable needles including 10mm
and 12mm.
Date: Time:
Price:
Friday 9 May 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
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ADVANCED MODULAR WITH CLAIRE CROMPTON
Suitable for intermediate and advanced knitters who have tried mitred squares before.
Progress from the basic square to shells, straight and shaped strips, triangles, hexagons and more.
Experiment with colour, join the shapes together to construct accessories and garments.
Topics include: knitting the shapes, joining techniques, designing with modular knitting.
You will need: plenty of yarn in different thicknesses with suitable needles.You can also bring along any modular
pattern that you would like to try.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday, 16 May 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
ESSENTIAL TECHNIQUES FOR NOVICE KNITTERS WITH CLAIRE CROMPTON
In this workshop you will learn some of the essential techniques every knitter needs to know to progress
from scarves to garments. You will work two samples trying different techniques and learn how to follow a
pattern while making a useful drawstring bag.
Topics include: how to knit and measure a tension square, basic pattern reading, different increases and decreases
to shape your knitting, finishing techniques such as picking up stitches, blocking, and mattress stitch for sewing up
your garment.
You will need: a ball of some smooth (not textured or fancy) DK or aran yarn and matching needles. Also bring
along any pattern you need help with.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday, 13 June 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
ANNIKEN ALLIS WORKSHOPS
SLIP STITCH COLOUR WORK & FAIR ISLE WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
Slip stitch colour work is an easy way to add colourful patterns to your knitting using just one colour per
row.You will learn how to work slip stitch colour work patterns and how to read slip stitch charts and
written instructions.
Stranded colour work includes both traditional fair isle and traditional Scandinavian colour work.You will
learn how to work with two colours at a time, how to hold two colours, how to strand the yarn, how to
knit in the round using the magic loop technique and how to read a fair isle/stranded colour work chart.
During the day you’ll get plenty of practice working from both slip stitch and stranded colour work stitch
patterns.
All materials will be supplied. Suitable for adventurous beginners and intermediate knitters.
Date:
Time:
Price:
10
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
FAIR ISLE AND STEEKING WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
Learn how to work with two colours at a time, how to strand the yarn, how to knit in the round and how
to read a fair isle chart.
In the afternoon, you’ll learn how to re-enforce the ‘steek’, how to cut the fabric and pick up for edgings.
This workshop will require you to knit a fair isle swatch in the round (pattern will be provided) in advance of the
workshop.
Suitable for competent intermediate knitters.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
NORWEGIAN ‘SELBU’ MITTENS WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
Traditional Norwegian ‘Selbu’ mittens are popular with knitters around the world. Traditionally knitted in
black and white wool featuring traditional Norwegian ‘fair isle’ patterns but these mittens can be worked in
a variety of colours for a modern look.
This workshop will teach you how to knit fair isle, how to knit in the round with double pointed needle
and circular needle using the magic loop technique and how to shape your mittens. We’ll also look at other
accessories you can knit using the ‘Selbu’ patterns and techniques learnt in the workshop.
Techniques taught in this class can also be used to knit traditional Latvian and Estonian mittens. All materials will be
supplied.
Take a look at the ‘Selbu’ mittens patterns listed on Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/patterns/
Suitable for intermediate knitters or confident beginners.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
DESIGN YOUR OWN SOCKS WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
Love knitting socks and want to learn how to design your own socks? We’ll be looking at basic sock
construction, how to get the perfect size, using stitch patterns (knit/purl combos, lace, cables, colour work),
toe up v top down and how to write up your pattern.
Perfect if you would like to take the next step in sock knitting and knit your own designs.
Bring some 4ply or dk weight yarn, suitable double pointed needles and a notebook.You may also need a calculator.
If you have any stitch dictionaries you may wish to being them. Suitable for all knitters who have knitted a few pairs
of socks and are comfortable with very basic maths.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday, 28 February 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
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CROCHET SHAPES WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
Learn how to crochet shapes such as squares, circles, hexagons and triangles. We’ll be using basic and more
complicated crochet stitches. These shapes are fun to make, take relatively little yarn and are perfect stash
busters. Learn how to use these shapes in various designs such as scarves, shawls, blankets, garments and
accessories.
Bring a selection of dk yarn and a suitable hook.
Suitable for various skill levels but as minimum requirement participants must be able to work double and triple
crochet.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Tuesday, 18 March 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
CONTINENTAL KNITTING WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
The continental way of knitting is faster and more efficient than most English styles.You will learn how to
carry your yarn in your left hand and knit continental style, as well as the continental long-tail cast on and
the Norwegian purl. For the Norwegian purl the yarn stays at the back of the work which makes it much
quicker than the standard continental purl when working combined knit/purl stitch patterns such as ribs or
moss stitch.
Bring 100 gr dk or aran weight yarn and suitable needles.
Suitable for all knitters, apart from complete beginners.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
FUN AND FABULOUS CABLES WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
Cables are fun to knit and look elegant.You’ll learn how to knit simple and more advanced cables, work
cables with and without a cable needle, how to interpret cable abbreviations and charts and how to shape
within a cable pattern.
After this workshop you’ll be confident enough to tackle cable patterns in garments and accessories.
In the morning we’ll be working on cable techniques and in the afternoon you will be able to start a cabled
scarf. There will be a choice of 2 scarves or cowls to choose from.
You will need 100-300gr dk weight or aran weight yarn (depending on project chosen), 4.5mm (for dk) or 5mm (for
aran) needles and a cable needle (optional) for the afternoon project.This can be purchased in the shop on the day.
All materials for the morning sesson will be supplied.
Suitable for adventurous beginners and intermediate knitters.
Date:
Time:
Price:
12
Tuesday, 8 April 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
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EASY LACE KNITTING WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
Lace knitting is extremely popular at the moment and is used in shawls, garments, socks and accessories.
This workshop will teach you how to read charts, work the stitches and decreases required for lace
knitting, add beads using a crochet hook and how to shape within a lace pattern.
In the morning, we’ll practice various lace stitches working from a lace chart and in the afternoon you will
be able to start working on a small shawl.You will be given a choice of 2 patterns. Both patterns require
400m/100gr sock yarn and 4mm circular needles (80cms).
Following this workshop you should be able to work simple lace patterns used in garments, shawls or
accessories.
All materials will be supplied for the morning but please bring above materials for the afternoon project. (These can
be purchased in the shop on the day, if preferred).
Suitable for adventurous beginners & intermediate knitters.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Tuesday, 15 April 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
BASIC SOCK KNITTING WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
Socks are incredibly popular and there is something magic about turning your first heel. Discover how
to knit a sock from the top down, knitting in the round on double pointed needles, how to knit a heel
flap, turn the heel and work the toe. We’ll be knitting a mini-sock in this workshop to practice all the
techniques involved in making a sock.You will be given an adult size sock pattern to take home.
Warning - socks are very addictive.
All materials supplied.
Suitable for adventurous beginners and intermediate knitters.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Tuesday, 13 May 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
TOE-UP SOCKS ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
Working socks from the toe up is fun and it’s a good way to make sure you use up all your available yarn
without wasting any. This workshop will teach you how to work a closed cast on, knit the toe, increase for
the gusset, turn the heel and work the heel flap, and how to do a stretchy cast off. In addition you’ll learn
how to knit socks on circular needles using the magic loop method.You can also practice knitting two
socks at a time.
All materials supplied.
Suitable for adventurous beginners and intermediate knitters.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Tuesday, 20 May 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
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SHORT ROW SHAPING WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
Short rows are fun to knit and useful for a variety of purposes. You will learn different ways of working
short rows and how short rows are used to shape knitting including how to use short rows for bust and
shoulder shaping.
All materials will be supplied. Suitable for all knitters with basic knitting skills as well as more experienced knitters.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday, 30 May 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
EASY CHART MAGIC WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
Lots of the latest fashionable patterns use charts and we know that lots of you are nervous about using
them. Anniken has come to the rescue! This workshop will teach chart reading. We will go through a
variety of knitting charts including colourwork, cables, lace and knit/purl charts and discuss what the
different symbols mean, how to use chart keys/legends and how to read charts.
Participants will get lots of practice knitting from charts that are suitable for their skill level. Suitability: All levels from
novice to experienced.
Minimum requirements: Must be able to cast on and off and purl and knit.
Materials: dk or aran weight yarn and suitable needles. Several balls of same weight in different colours if you wish
to practice colourwork charts.
This workshop will teach how to read and knit from the different charts and will introduce different techniques such
as cabling, lace knitting, colourwork as time allows.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday, 6 June 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
LACE IMPROVERS & AFTERNOON PROJECT WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
Knitted lace shawls and garments are very popular and this workshop will teach you the techniques you
need to knit a complicated lace shawl with an applied edging.You will learn how to read more difficult
charts, work the various stitches and decreases needed for lace knitting, add beads to your lace using the
crochet hook method and work an applied edging, provisional cast on and suitable cast/bind offs. In the
morning we’ll practice the various techniques needed to knit an intermediate lace shawl with an applied
edging and in the afternoon you will be able to start working on a shawl.You will be given a choice of 2
patterns. Both patterns require 800m/100gr lace yarn and 3.5mm circular needles (80cm).
All materials for the morning will be supplied but please bring materials as above for the afternoon
project (this can be purchased in the shop on day of workshop if preferred).
Following this workshop you should be confident to tackle a more complicated lace shawl with an applied (knitted
on) border.
Suitable for intermediate and advanced knitters who are familiar with easy lace patterns.
Date:
Time:
Price:
16
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
KNITTING THE MAR MENOR AND DAISY SHAWLS WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS
The Daisy and Mar Menor shawls are both fun shawls featuring unusual stitch patterns.
In this class you’ll learn the elongated and crossed stitch patterns used in these two shawls as well as how
to add beads using a crochet hook, how to work a beaded picot cast off and how to shape both shawls.
In the afternoon you will be able to start your own Daisy or Mar Menor shawl.
You will need to bring 400m/100gr of sock yarn and 4mm circular needles (80cm long). Pattern will be provided.
All materials for the morning will be supplied but please bring materials as above for the afternoon project (this can
be purchased in the shop on day of workshop if preferred).
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday, 11 July 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
ALISON CROWTHER SMITH WORKSHOPS
KNIT THE MAGICAL MOEBIUS COWL WITH ALISON CROWTHER-SMITH
Using the cast-on made famous by Cat Bordhi, Alison will show you how to knit a lovely yet simple
Moebius cowl using DK yarns and edged in Kidsilk Haze. The morning will be spent learning this cast-on
and how to establish the Moebius, which once started, is easy basic knitting and purling. Knitted in the
round using a super-long circular needle.
You will need to bring or buy 2 balls of DK (I used Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK) and 1 ball of Kidsilk Haze.
You will also need a long circular needle, 5mm gauge, that is approx 140 + cm long this is essential as we can’t knit
the Moebius on shorter needles and once it’s started, you can’t swap to another needle. Plus you will need a stitch
marker.
No advanced skills are needed. Not suitable for beginners. 6 persons only
Date:
Time:
Price:
Thursday, 30 January 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
KNIT A SIMPLE HEIRLOOM BABY SHAWL WITH ALISON CROWTHER SMITH
Learn to knit an exclusive Alison Crowther Smith design: a luxurious yet practical half-moon shawl, knitted
in either 3 balls of Rowan Pure Wool DK (washable in the machine) or luxury Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK
(or any DK yarn really), plus 500g beads, size 6 (there are 500 beads in a bag of Debbie Abrahams beads).
You will need to buy or bring 3 x 50g of DK yarn. This design will feature a simple, ingenious construction,
easy to master lace with beads and a simple lace panel.
Level: intermediate, no special or advanced lace skills needed, this is simple knitting.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Thursday, 20 February 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
17
KNIT A BEAUTIFUL CIRCULAR SHAWL WITH ALISON CROWTHER SMITH
Learn to knit a simple yet impressive swirling circular shawl. There will be beads, easy stress-free lace
and lots of twirling.You will need to buy or bring 2 balls of Kidsilk Haze and 500 beads, size 6 (there are
500 beads in a Debbie Abrahams bag). This design will feature a simple, ingenious construction, an easy to
master lace with beads.
Level: intermediate, no special or advanced lace skills are needed, this is simple knitting.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Thursday, 3 April 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
MORE MOEBIUS MAGIC WITH ALISON CROWTHER SMITH
If you have already learnt how to cast on and knit a true Moebius with Alison, this workshop will enable
you to move onto a more advanced (but still very simple) design. Using just 3 balls of Kidsilk Haze (or
similar such as Angel), we will create a colour-washed design, edged with an extravagant frill or discreet
picot.You will need to buy or bring 3 balls of Kidsilk Haze in colours that blend or tone together, such as a
range of blue shades.
Level: no special knitting skills are needed other than having learned the Moebius cast on with me at last year’s
classes! If you need a refresher, that’s fine too!
Limited to 6 participants.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Thursday, 22 May 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
AVRIL BEST WORKSHOPS
NORDIC KNITTING WORKSHOP WITH ROWAN CONSULTANT AVRIL BEST
Knits inspired by the traditions of Scandinavia and the Shetlands have always been popular and at the
moment reflect a top fashion trend.
This workshop will give you an insight into the history, the yarns and the colours that characterise this
style of knitting.
Rowan’s “Nordic Tweed” and the Rowan Magazines 52 & 54 are at the pinnacle of this design trend,
although newer books are appearing the whole time.
We will work on practice pieces based on these collections and consolidate the techniques used – chartwork,
colourwork, twisted knitting , working in the round and steeks and give you the confidence to create your own
northern knit!
Date:
Time:
Price:
18
Wednesdays, 26 February and 21 May 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
FREEFORM CROCHET AND FINISHING WITH AVRIL BEST
You know how to hold your hook; you are confident about the basic stitches and have made a mountain of
Granny Squares – now let’s begin to explore the amazing possibilities that crochet provides!
This one day workshop with Rowan Design Consultant, Avril Best will consolidate your skill set. While
having fun with some freeform crochet, we will start to explore colour and textural work; make sure that
you can read patterns and charts and think about an approach to starting and finishing your crochet that
will ensure your projects success.
Bring hooks with you if you have them; also, scissors, a tapestry needle and a pen. Backing fabric /soluble interfacing
for the freeform project and beads will be provided. If you have a couple of Granny Squares (or similar) to practice
sewing up, then please bring them along.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Monday, 12 May 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
ALTERNATIVE CAST-ONS WITH TERRI BATE
Do you use the same old cast on every time you knit? Do you even toss aside a pattern if it demands
something different? Come along and let Terri teach you some alternatives. Examples are Pinhole cast on
(to start off shawls, bags etc.) and Judy’s magic cast on (to knit socks toe up).
You will also look at the German Twisted Cast on (a variation of the long tail cast on and useful for
preventing rib from curling), Channel Island knotted cast on (a picturesque and elastic cast on which can
be used for top down socks as well as Ganseys), and provisional cast ons (where you might want to knit in
both directions, or graft the two ends together).
Terri will include several patterns for small items and it should be possible to complete at least one project on the
day.This is suitable for intermediate knitters.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday, 28 March 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (including home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
BEGINNERS KNITTING WITH LESLEY CHURCHILL
4 Wednesday morning sessions.
This is a 4 week course for complete beginners to get you started.You will learn how to cast on & cast off,
knit, purl and how to combine these 2 stitches to form stocking stitch or moss stitch.
You will also be introduced to cabling and a simple lace stitch.
You will be given a pattern to knit a simple bag or similar project.
Dates: Wednesdays, 22 and 29 January and 5 and 12 February 2014
Time: 10.30 -1.00pm
Price: £25.00 for 4 sessions
19
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20
CROCHET WORKSHOPS
BEGINNERS CROCHET WITH CELIA BATORJYS – 4 Thursday afternoons
Many exciting new patterns combine crochet with knitting, and crochet is itself becoming more and more
popular.
This is a 4 week course for complete beginners to get you started.
Celia will teach you different crochet stitches during the 4 weeks to give you the confidence to tackle
most crochet patterns.You will learn how to make flowers and similar small items suitable for making a
corsage for a dress or bag.
You don’t need to bring any yarn or hooks along.They are all provided.
Dates: Thursdays, 17 & 24 April and 1 & May 2014
Time: 2.00- 4.00pm
Price: £40.00 for the 4 week course (includes tea-time treats)
INTERMEDIATE CROCHET WITH CELIA BATORJYS
Once the basic stitches have been mastered crochet can be used in all sorts of ways. These afternoon
workshops will cover some of the more advanced stitches to create interesting textures and fabrics for
use in a number of projects.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Thursdays, 29 May & 5 June 2014
2.00 – 4.00pm
£20.00 for the two afternoons (includes tea-time treats).
TUNISIAN CROCHET WITH DIANE STEWART
Tunisian crochet is a combination of both knitting and crochet, worked on a single, long hook instead of a
pair of needles. The overall effect is more compact, similar to a knitted look, and can used to make a range
of items including :- cushions, throws, scarves, bags and garments.
In this workshop you will learn :- The basic techiques of Tunisian Crochet
How to shape work- increase and decrease. Tunisian crochet stitches, including:Simple stitch, Tunisian knit & purl, trebles, clusters and basket weave.
Please bring ( if you have them) an ordinary crochet hook, a Tunisian crochet hook and any yarn that you would like
to use to make a sample or small project.Yarns and hooks are available to buy with your discount voucher at Spin A
Yarn on the day of the workshop.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
21
BROOMSTICK & HAIRPIN CROCHET WITH DIANE STEWART
You will learn the basic techniques of these types of crochet which produce interesting and different
effects. Both types can be used for all types of projects! The techniques are based on double crochet
stitches so are suitable for those who have basic skills.
Broomstick uses 1 20mm knitting needle so if you have one bring it along to the class.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Wednesday, 16 April 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
JUMBO CROCHET BASKETS WITH ALISON WILCOCKS (aka fiddly fingers)
Have fun making a useful basket for all those odd bits and pieces, magazines, stashes of yarn and fabric or
perhaps the cat! Use multiple strands of yarn and HUGE crochet hooks to create a completely unique
basket. This is an ideal project to use up all those left over balls of yarn taking up valuable space in the
cupboard! Let your imagination run wild and bring with you any super chunky yarn, joined strips of fabric,
anything really that can be crocheted! Or, if you prefer, choose from the mind boggling selection of super
chunky yarns at Spin a Yarn. Huge hooks are available for you to use on the day and can be purchased to
take away with you.
Knowledge of basic crochet skills and double crochet will be needed for this workshop.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday, 14 February and Wednesday, 26 March 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
FELTING WORKSHOPS
COBWEB & NUNO FELTING WORKSHOPS - GERDA HATTON-ELLIS - 4 persons only
This is the opportunity to learn all the basics of making fine felt and Nuno felt (applying fleece to silk or
cotton fabric).
For this workshop it is an advantage to have some experience of felt –making. These types of felt are
particularly suitable for scarves. Although we do not have enough space to make scarves during class, this
day will provide you with enough experience and ideas to make one at home. We will make some samples
of Cobweb felt and Nuno felt.
In Nuno felting the wool fibres are felted into a piece of woven fabric.The fabric needs to be fine with an open
weave such as cheesecloth, silk chiffon or painting silk.
A range of fabrics will be available to purchase on the day, or you can bring your own (approx.15” square) that you
want to try. Fleece is also available to buy on the day using your workshop discount.
Date:
Time:
Price:
22
Thursday, 13 March 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£54.00 (includes home cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
MOSAIC FELTING WITH GERDA HATTON-ELLIS - 4 persons only
Gerda will introduce you to this different type of felting in which you have a lot more control over the
pattern. During the day you will make 2 pieces of Shyrdak Felt. These are traditional felts made by nomads
in Central Asia.
Simple shapes work best and Gerda will bring along samples of traditional designs to inspire you.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Thursday, 13 February 2014
10.00-4.00pm
£54.00 (includes home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
NEEDLE- PUNCH FELTING WITH CAROL TIMMS - 4 persons only
With Carol’s expert help you will be taught how to make a small 3D sculpture such as a small animal or a
textured shape on a felted wallhanging or bag.
You will learn basic Needlepunch techniques which include how to wind sheeps’ fleece (with or without
pipe-cleaners) to add fine detail with a barbed needle.You can then leave it “wispy”(making several small
ones for a mobile perhaps), or give it a warm, soapy massage and make a cuddly toy which will survive
rough play!
Small charge for materials used.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Friday, 2 May 2014
10am – 4pm
£54.00 (includes home cooked lunch & tea-time treats)
MAKING A NUNO VESSEL WITH CAROL TIMMS - 4 persons only
Using scraps of fleece, silk fibres, needlefelt and fine silk fabrics you will make a beautiful pot to keep your
treasures in, and a more transparent one which makes a luminous orb when you put an L.E.D. light inside,
showcasing the multicoloured fibres you have combined in an unique way.
Bring any fine silk or cotton scraps you may like to recycle. Carol will bring plenty of fabrics for you to delve into.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
10am – 4pm
£54.00 (includes home cooked lunch & tea-time treats)
WILLOW GARDEN ORNAMENTS WITH JAN BAKER - 4 persons only
During this workshop Jan will teach you to make beautiful willow flowers, fish & snails using local and
different coloured willow. Choose from buff and white willow from the Somerset Levels and locally grown
willow from Manaton and hand dyed cane.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
10.00-4.00pm
£54.00 (including home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats).
23
WILLOW BASKET WEAVING WITH JAN BAKER - 4 persons only
Jan will help you create a small willow basket using different coloured willow. Choose from buff and white
willow from the Somerset Levels, locally grown willow from Manaton and hand dyed cane.
A small charge of £5.00 is made for materials.
Dates: Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Time: 10.00-4.00pm
Price: £54.00 (including home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
TATTING WITH MARY DE SALIS
Mary is an experienced lace-maker for over 40 years. This is the first lace workshop that we have hosted at
Spin A Yarn and we are very excited to be able to do so.
Tatting is a form of Lacework and can be traced back to the eighteenth century in this country.
It consists of double knots that make rings and chains. These in turn are joined to make motifs and edgings.
To start Tatting, you use two different colour threads so that when making the double knot, it slips along
the other colour thread in order to form the rings and chains.
You will be using a tatting shuttle, a small crochet hook, scissors and mercerised crochet cotton size 10 or 20
(wound onto a shuttle). If you have any of these materials please bring them along otherwise a small charge will be
made on the day.
Date:
Time:
Price:
Wednesday, 11th June 2014
10.00 – 4.00pm
£49.00 (including home-cooked lunch and tea-time treats)
KNITTING CLUBS
1st Tuesday Morning in the month from 10.30am – 1.00pm
Dates: 7 January, 4 February, 4 March, 1 April, 6 May, 3 June, 1 July, 5 August
Last Wednesday Evening in the Month from 6.30 – 9.00pm
Dates: 29 Jan, 26 February, 26 March, 30 April, 28 May, 25 June, 30 July, 27 August
SPINNING CLUB
1st Wednesday Evening in the Month from 6.30 – 9.00pm
Dates: 8 January, 5 February, 5 March, 2 April, 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 6 August
24
extra
fine merino lace
New - 8 incredible colours & book 675
17
SHOP OPEN
Thursday to Saturday only
Thursday 9.30-5pm · Friday 9.30-3pm · Saturday 9.30-5pm
Littlecote, Emlyn House, Fore Street, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9AD
01626 830612 @craftfestival
Next Craft Festival 6-8 JUNE2014 Mill Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey
200 of the UK’s finest designer makers
26
DG Spin a Yarn ad 181113 18/11/2013 13:59 Page 1
The largest contemporary
craft centre in the South West
at Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey
features an exciting programme
of exhibitions and events
See www.crafts.org.uk
or call 01626 832223
for your free
events brochure
Open 7 days a week
10am - 5.30pm
Jubilee Gallery, Craft Shop
and The Terrace café
The Devon Guild of Craftsmen
Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, Devon TQ13 9AF
Free Admission · 01626 832223 · www.crafts.org.uk
Aine Venables (in Narrative Remains)
27
We thought we’d give you an early Christmas present of a free pattern – and through
popular demand, we have chosen Joyce’s New York Hat and Scarf pattern again to keep you
lovely and cosy!
MEASUREMENTS
Hat
To Fit Head
53
Scarf
Length
Width (approx.)
56
cm
300
35
cm
cm
YARN
Rare Yarns Brushed - 50g
Qty
Hat: 2 balls
Scarf: 9 balls
NEEDLES
1 pair of 6mm needles and a set of 5.5mm and 6mm double pointed needles.
TENSION
16 sts and 20 rows to 10cm measured over 4x4 rib, using 6mm needles.
Abbreviations
sl = slip
psso = pass slipped st over
K2tog = knit 2 stitches together
HAT
Using a set of 5.5mm needles, cast on 72 (80) sts as evenly as possible onto 3 needles.
Round 1: *K4, P4, rep from * to end.
Last round forms patt for band.
Rep last round until work measures 20 (22)cm from beg.
Change to 6mm needles and knit 15 (20) rounds.
Shape Crown
Round 1: K6 (7), *sl 1, K1, psso, K2, K2tog, K12 (14), rep from * to last 12 (13) sts, sl 1, K1, psso, K2, K2tog, K6 (7). (64 (72) sts
round).
2nd and Alt Rounds: Knit
Round 3: K5 (6), *sl 1, K1, psso, K2, K2tog, K10 (12), rep from * to last 11 (12) sts, sl 1, K1, psso, K2, K2tog, K5 (6). (56 (64) sts
round).
Round 5: K4 (5), *sl 1, K1, psso, K2, K2tog, K8 (10), rep from * to last 10 (11) sts, sl 1, K1, psso, K2, K2tog, K4 (5). (48 (56) sts
round).
Cont dec in this manner until 24 sts rem.
Next Round: *Sl 1, K1, psso, K2, K2tog, rep from * to end. (16 sts round).
Next Round: *Sl 1, K1, psso, K2tog, rep from * to end. (8 sts round).
Break off yarn, thread end through rem sts, draw up and fasten off securely.
Making up: Sew in ends. Fold band twice onto right side.
SCARF
Using 6mm needles, cast on 52 sts.
Row 1: K4, *P4, K4, rep from * to end
Row 2: P4, *K4, P4, rep from * to end
Last two rows form the rib pattern.
Work until the work measures 300cm from beg, or length desired. Cast off in rib patt.
Fringe
Cut lengths of yarn approx. 40cm long. With wrong side facing, using a crochet hook and 5 strands of yarn together, loop and
draw up tightly to form a knot. Continue along each end of the scarf. Trim as desired.
Making up: Sew in ends.
28
17 Rooms Available including Double and Twin bedded
Only 5 minutes by car from Spinning Yarn
located on the edge of The Dartmoor National Park
Quote Spinning Yarn and receive 10% off our published
prices at the time for Bed & Breakfast per night,
no supplement charge for single occupancy
Bar - Restaurant - Tea rooms - Dog Friendly Rooms Available
The Edgemoor Hotel, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot. TQ13 9LE
01626 832466
www.edgemoor.co.uk
29
30
R O W A N
The Art Of Knitting
www.knitrowan.com
Untitled-7 1
15/11/2013 12:30
31
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