Controversial Woollies

London Fashion Week is one of the "Big Four" apparel trade shows, keeping company with Milan, Paris and New York. And perhaps it is also the show most likely to have some really wacky outfits. One show that received a lot of attention for wackiness was by Yorkshire wool specialists, Sister By Sibling.  Enormous knitted berets with bobbles, floral crochet ponchos with giant flowers, huge scarves, and super-sized knitted sweaters/dresses appeared on the catwalk.  

Here's how the Daily Mail described the fourth outfit above: "One particularly bizarre beige creation looked as if it had been inspired by Wallace and Gromit's Shawn the Sheep, complete with an oversized white beanie that almost completely obscured the unfortunate model's face." You can read the Daily Mail's article on the overall show at this link (but be aware, some designers sent their models down the runway wearing not much at all....so, NSFW, perhaps).

But here's the upside of having rather outlandish woolly fashion shown in London...it's a sign that all things knitted and crocheted are going to be very popular this season and beyond. Good news for us creators of well made, hand made, one of a kind Powell River fashion! 

Carol Can Crochet Too!

Here is another star graduate of Marlaine's Learn to Crochet class, and the Crochet A Beanie class. Carol reports "I was able to get two beanies from the beautiful yarns I used (Merino & mohair) One for my daughter and one for me." 
Carol used Malabrigo for her beanie, just as Jeannie did, but you can see the fuzzy halo that the mohair added to her gorgeous effort.

It looks great, Carol! 

Yes, Jeannie Can Crochet!

Jeannie is wearing the beanie she made yesterday -- starting it at 1pm in Marlaine's 3 hour class. And she is a recent grad of Marlaine's Learn To Crochet class. She used Malabrigo 100% Merino Superwash, and we have to say it fits perfectly and looks absolutely stunning! Definitely suits her. 

She mentioned at the yarn swap today her son thinks her beanie is pretty swell. He asked if he could have one too.

Update On Classes

Crochet - Learn to crochet - Friday Jan. 18th, 1 - 3 pm with Marlaine.  (3- Fridays)  followed by Crochet Bum Warmer class on February 8th, more details later.
Lynda's BSJ class starts on Jan 19th - there maybe one space left in this popular class! Please pre-register. Or, if you're already on the list but haven't paid please confirm that you want to take it.
Lynda's Slouch Hat Class coming soon, starting on a Tuesday at 10 am.  Date to be confirmed.
Make a pair of socks together on 2 circular needles from the toe up - our "Sockista" classStart any Tuesday at 2pm.  Classes last till the end of your socks and beyond.........with Roisin
New! - Thursday Night Drop In  - Just $10. Learn to knit, continental style.  Start a project, get help with one, read a pattern, WHATEVER!!Plus, for those of you who usually can only get to the store on lunch hour or Saturdays...this means the store is open to 7:30 pm on Thursdays!

Crochet A Beanie Class - Update

Here's the details, and a preview of the very cute beanie you will make in this one afternoon class. Imagine the satisfaction! 

In fact, I think it is time for me to learn to crochet (I love beanies).

Friday January 11: 1 - 4 pm - with Marlaine.  One afternoon, 3 hrs, $30.00 
Yarn not included. Please use yarn purchased at the store.

Regular Crochet Class will start following week, Jan. 18th.

Please pre-register...thank you!

The Tree, The Tree

Here's the growing stash of donations of decorations for the GBOW Festival of Trees entry...the mitts and socks can be carriers for candy canes. 

Brigitte gave those gathered in the Loopy Lounge yesterday afternoon a lesson in making these cute little folded paper stars...for the tree as well. 

Festival of Trees

Calling all knitters, crocheters, fibre arts persons...Help us decorate the Great Balls of Wool Tree in the 17th annual Festival of Trees.
This is a fundraising event for Powell River Association for Community Living, November 23 - 30, at the Town Centre Mall (in the space across from WalMart).  The Lighting of the Trees will be on Friday, November 23, at 6:30pm.

Suggestions:
Seasonal decoration patterns for knit and crochet on the web - (try www.ravelry.com for starters).  Or, we have patterns to be picked up at the store. Or, felt some wool and just cut shapes out!We will provide patterns,  yarn and assistance, or use your own scraps, ideas, inclinations or combinations of...whatever!



Join the group of happy yarners on Thursday afternoons at the Loopy Lounge at 1 pm.

We would like to receive finished items by Nov 17th.

Phone or drop by for more information. 

Tea Cozy Classes?

As well as being a fan of knitting dish cloths and spa cloths, I also like knitting tea cozies, for similar reasons. They are small(ish) projects, fun, and gratification comes quickly. I'm knitting one that will be felted, and this led to conversations at the store with Roisin, Lynda, Marlaine and Elly about the possibility of offering tea cozy classes. 


Tea cozies can be made in just about any kind of yarn, can use all sorts of knitting and crocheting techniques and stitches, and can be as fanciful or traditional as you like. 


What do you think? Have a look at a few pictures from my two tea cozy books to spark your imagination. And let us know if tea cozy classes would be of interest! 


This one is an old-fashioned yet very practical style--the yarn that is pulled tight to form the folds makes the cozy thick and warm--and can look fresh and fun in up-to-date colours.

But how about this one? Not traditional at all, very whimsical, but still practical, as it is felted, and so nice and thick.

Or this? A great way to learn to knit loops and make something for that friend who loves sheep.

Or if crocheting is what you like, how about this pretty, colourful effort? And Marlaine says it is easy to do. 

And if you don't like them as tea cozies, sew up the spout and handle slits and, voila!, you have hats.