Wool&More – January 2017 Newsletter
In this issue:
- New Year – New Beginnings
- Community Project Program
- Hints & Tips – new regular insert?
- Crochet Lessons
- Bag Competition (reminder)
- Some great sites to visit
New Year – New Beginnings:
There seems to be a strong, universal feeling that this 2017th year will be a really good one – a year in which we can make more headway in achieving new goals, reaching new heights and attaining what we personally yearn or strive for. That’s my wish for us all – New Beginnings and new successes, topped with a generous dollop of Peace, Good Health and Kindness.
Personally, it’s a very exciting time for me – Finally, I will become a Grandmother (albeit a “Skype” one)! My daughter and son-in-law in London are expecting their first baby in May this year … I will be oohing and aahing at the computer and cell phone screen for the first few months then hope to take my “annual break” and visit in October to really cuddle and get to know my grandchild!! Many thanks to all the ladies who have thus far given me sage and interesting snippets of advice … I appreciate it!
Needless to say, besides the excitement and anticipation of the new arrival, I have had a real AHA Moment or two: For the first time, I am now going through the patterns and yarn at wool&more with a whole new perspective – that of Knitter for Baby rather than store owner/manager! Am truly seeing the shop, yarn selection, knitting and the emotions that come with them, in a very new and exciting light!! Yes, I am knitting crazily, though not sure whether the baby will be allowed to wear “hand knitted” garments, or whether the Labelled garments will be my daughter’s choice …. watch this space!
Community Project Programs:
Winter is but a couple of months away – please bring us beanies (new born sizes, for kids and for adults) and blankets, knitted or crocheted for our collection. We are still chatting to various groups about their requirements and will let you know soonest – meanwhile, your items will be very welcome. Strip blankets: reminder from previous months: “and the strips for blankets: any width, any colour but all need to be 1 metre long. These are sewn together to make fabulous, colourful and warm blankies for babies, kids and rugs for adults for winter. If you are feeling particularly generous, we would love to get some finished blankets too … any size, colour, knitted or crocheted.” Huge thanks to all the ladies who have already brought in their contributions: always very appreciated.
Hints & Tips:
We have been considering a format for this idea for a couple of months – and since we are in a New Beginning year, now is the time to put the idea forward:
We ask that many of you share your favourite tricks, short cuts, and concepts for knitting and crocheting so that we can share these, far and wide, through the newsletter. Only two conditions apply: that your idea (or trick) is a tried and tested one, and that you are happy for us to republish it – with your name, or anonymously, as you wish. Just send us an email clearing giving your ideas, irrespective of how simple, basic and ordinary they may seem to you – it’s a promise that someone, somewhere will benefit from your idea and will be grateful for having a new trick to make yarn work easier!
So: I get to go first (am blushing at the thought!):
– After many disappointments on cast on and cast off seams, particularly when it comes to sleeves, I have finally now learned that using a needle a size bigger than used for the project, just for those two rows, cast on and cast off, gives a really comfortable seam that doesn’t pull in and make for awkward sewing together.
– And whilst this may sound obvious, pulling the yarn from the middle of ball is way easier than using the yarn from the outside of the ball. Except when the inside strand can’t be found – which is another whole challenge!! !
Crochet Lessons:
Our in-house crochet teacher, Annette, is back from her well-earned rest and has some fabulous news and exciting tricks up her sleeve. Should you wish to hone your skills, or learn as a beginner, Annette offers two hour classes at wool&more and will work with you at your pace “meeting you where you are”, I believe is the term! Just phone and book your slot, and bring a buddy or two if you wish. We are also finalising a workshop on Demelza crochet work and Fantasy Blanket work … we will let you have details once finalised.
Demelza Crochet:
Another style of crochet (or is it a blend of knitting and crochet?) that’s gaining popularity is Tunisian Crochet (also called Afghan Crochet). Annette is a whizz at this technique too and is offering lessons from Beginner to Advanced in Tunisian Crochet. It’s easy and goes really quickly – grab your spot soon – just call to book a time convenient for you.
Ella Kritzinger, a hugely creative and inspiring crochet teacher from Pretoria, is wanting to bring some of her students down to Plett and together, we will all join for a workshop featuring Bavarian Afghan work – The workshop will probably be held in May – all details, when finalised, will be published in good time including a picture of what to expect.
Bag Making Competition (reminder):
Criteria, dates, prizes to be given in our next newsletter: watch this space!!
Because we are always wanting to use less plastic, Lin has suggested that we hold a bag making competition to encourage us all to use non-plastic bags … reuse over and over and over again! We will be giving you details early next year. Meanwhile, Carol, the “Plett Queen of Recycle” (!!) has brought in some fabric bags for you to buy when you buy your yarn … they are brightly coloured, made by locals and hold a lot of groceries, yarn, etc. Get yours soon (at a very reasonable price) and remember to always bring in your own reusable bags – wherever possible. Many thanks.
Some Great Sites to visit:
Nurturing Fibres, the folk who produce Eco Cotton, Eco Fusion and Eco Bamboo, only yesterday launched another Free pattern – their yarn is fantastic and their patterns are great – thank you for your generosity Carle!! Have a look at their site for patterns:
http://nurturingfibres.com/product-category/nurturing-fibres-patterns/free/
Here is yesterday’s launch: Casablanca using Eco Cotton – gorgeous!
A few months ago, we did mention the surprise visit we had from Ester, a crochet designer from Holland. It was great to chat to her and to compare notes on yarns, prices, projects, etc. Below is a link to her Mandala pattern, worked in a chunky yarn, but would be just as effective in a double knit. She does also have some free patterns – subscribe to her blog, Happy in Red, so you don’t miss anything. By the way, her blog comes out in Dutch and English and her writing style is delightful!!
http://happyinred.blogspot.co.za/2016/09/sunny-mandala-free-crochet-pattern.html#more
Another really great blogger is Attic24.com – have a look at her patterns, ideas, etc.
Knitting is becoming more and more popular – if for nothing else, read about the health benefits below (thanks for sharing Christine).
And so we end this month’s newsletter journey by asking two questions: “How can we make a difference?” and “How can we better serve you?”
Please let us have your ideas and suggestions – from both a wool&more perspective and a personal one. We re-iterate: May 2017 be a truly special year for us all …. Healthy, Happy, Prosperous and very Creative.
Sent with much love to you all.
Joy Sachs
All past newsletters are on our website – please do have a look.
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wool&more, 7 Gibb St, Plett 044 533 3182
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