Yarns with Knitsch

Shuffling and moving

2010-10-11T16:34:00.000+13:00

With the new online shop, and it all being in one place, i've decided it will be waaay easier to just blog over on the new site rather than here. For some reason a little beyond my IT expertise, posts here don't always pop up over there.

So from now on, you can find the Knitsch blog in the same place as you can find all the yarny goodies.

Hooray!

If you want to pick it up in your google reader or rss feed, hopefully it should show up if you search for knitsch.co.nz - correct me if i'm wrong, anyone!

A bit fo Vogue knitting

2010-10-04T18:37:00.000+13:00

I don't personally subscribe to Vogue (or Designer, depending on where you are from) Knitting, but keep thinking I should.

Until I read Samurai Knitter's HI-larious review.

Dare I say, ew, yuck? I like parts of those stockings - stockings are on my current love list - and the ones featured have moments of great, moments of, um, what?

Anyway. Go read it.

And let's hope Vogue ups the quality of patterns in the next edition.

Flights of Fancy Yarn Club - Round 2!

2010-10-02T18:10:00.000+13:00

Ding ding!

Are you keen? Are ya? Well, here's the details:

The important info - what will I get?

The second yarn club will see four installments of yarny goodness sent out over a period of 5 months, at approximately 2 month intervals. Hold on, that doesn't add up... well, one of those packages will contain bonus yarn! Hooray!

As with the first yarn club, you will receive approx 120grams of sock yarn in each of the 3 parcels, and the bonus yarn could be...well, anything! The bonus yarn will be of the same value as the other packages.

You will also get an extra knitty-themed treat and a pdf pattern designed by...could be anyone! I have a few designers in mind, so it will be a special surprise each month.

All yarn colourways will be exclusive to yarn clubbers only.

Mystery Escape vs Plan Ahead

Again, you will have the option to choose a Mystery Escape or to Plan Ahead, with all the excitement of a variegated or semi-solid colourway each month.

Postage dates

Parcels will be sent (approx):
15 January
15 March
15 May

And, um, the cost?

Cost? Isn't Christmas coming up? Can't significant others spring the cost? :D

It will be....

$125.00 for the 4 installations

plus:
postage in NZ: $15
postage Australia: $20
postage ROW: $35

Bear in mind that NZ GST is going up on October 1, which inevitably means a rise in the cost of...everything. Including postage, sad face.

For Australia and overseas, 15% will be removed from the cost of the yarn club.

But, um, don't I have to pay now? And wait aaaaages?
Nope! If you let me know that you're in, i'll add you to the magical list. On November 15 (or thereabouts) I will email out an invoice and payment needs to be received within two weeks.

I'm in! How do I sign up?!

Send me an email, and let me know if you would like a Mystery Escape or to Plan Ahead, and if you would like to pay by PayPal, credit card or bank deposit.

Get in quick, i'm only going to do a restricted number, and you don't want to miss out this time!

Happy one year home!

2010-10-02T09:19:00.000+13:00

I've been back in NZ for one whole year, which means a celebration!

20% off everything (except Hazel Knits) until Monday!

discount code: HAPPY1YEAR

have a great weekend, i'm off to the wedding of a friend of the boy - enjoy the sunshine!

xx tash

The new Knitty! Hooray!

2010-10-01T10:02:00.000+13:00

Goodness, normally I don't scroll into the reviews section of Knitty, I just jump straight to the patterns.

But then I realised, something important was in there...

I was super super lucky to have a sneak peek at the whole entire amazing book the other weekend, and it truly is a stunner.

But look what Knitty has to say:

"I don't think it would be
overstating it to say it's a masterpiece of the genre."

Now that is something to be proud of. Well done Grandma! And I can confirm we will be stocking this in the online shop somewhere just past the release date (1 November).

If you would like to read the rest of the review, you need to go here, and scroll a wee way down for it. Take note of Cookie A's Knit. Sock. Love while you're at it!

BIts of awesomeness

2010-09-30T17:59:00.000+13:00

It is the boy's birthday, and while he is not yet home, that does not prevent me scoffing blue cheese, ganache from his birthday cake and wine in celebration.

Let's also celebrate some awesomeness people have been linking to on Twitter in the last couple of days - graffiti moss and a camoflage crochet car.

Yesterday was a day of dyeing mayhem, in which I dyed so much yarn I had to stop as I couldn't fit any more on the drying rack - in fact had to bring half of it home to take over two drying racks here.

But still, I need more, and I need new colours. I want you to come up with them. Go on, dream something up, leave it in the comments, and if I like it i'll dye it and name it after you.

Go on. Do it.

Free Pattern! The Coffee Cowl

2010-09-27T12:46:00.000+13:00

Yonks ago, when I was first playing with 12 ply, I knit up this infinity cowl as a product knit - something I wanted, so just made it up as I went along. It's picked up 'the coffee cowl' name as a lady spilled her coffee on it at the June Craft2.0, apologised profusely, and it honestly wasn't a big deal. It's the perfect cowl to throw on for those 'not quite sure' days, when the weather looks like it could be promising, but the it could also turn hideous. Wrap it up nice and tight for the chilly days, and hang it loose for the warmer ones.

Yarn: 4 skeins of Knitsch 12 ply in Silver Lining
Needles: 6mm on a 100cm cable
Gauge: bah! gauge! forgeddaboutit!

Cast on about 350 stitches, or until you get *really* bored.
Row 1: Knit, and join in the round at the end of the row, being sure not to twist the stitches. Although if you do, it won't be the end of the world.

Knit ad infinitum, round and round, until all your yarn is used up.
Cast off.

Weave in ends, and wear.

Hooray! Easy as that. A great in front of the tv, don't have to think too much knit.

New Shop, Hooray!

2010-09-18T08:02:00.000+12:00

Finally, after lots of late nights, frustrating moments (i've learned a lot, that's for sure!), and bursts of elation,

the new shop is here!

In it you will find, alongside the usual suspects, Knit Pro needles! And fingers crossed today will see the arrival of my Hazel Knits order...yum!

Happy knitting and have a wonderful weekend - the whole fam-damily is in Wellington for my little bro's 21st.

Hoot-twooo!

2010-09-15T21:55:00.000+12:00

Hooray! An FO! I'm so pleased with my Owls - such a fast knit, and hardly any thinking at all :D
I quite like the owls sans buttons. I think if I were to knit it again, for me, I'd go down a needle size and up a fitting size, just to give it a slightly denser look.

All the same, for only the second top i've knitted, it's a winner.

Speaking of winners, keep the nominations of Canterbury knitters and spinners heading this way. Where the week has gone I don't know, but tomorrow is apparently thursday, and the last day for entries.

xx tash

The warm comforts...

2010-09-10T21:41:00.000+12:00

After watching the news, I thought how very very lucky it is to be able to sit on the couch, watch crappy Friday night tv, by the fire, with a glass of wine, and knit.

All the warm knitted love going out to not only Christchurch, but Pakistan and San Francisco. All three things truly break my heart, and makes me feel so powerless in the face of nature's force.

It seems a bit frivolous to share pics of a recent FO and a current WIP...but we all need something to cheer us up, right?

Below, Alice's Doddle pattern from the last installment of the yarn club, in new colourway Popeye (a luscious seaweedy green that normally I wouldn't go for, but have fallen in love with)

And above, 'Just another' Ishbel (my first, admittedly) in Hazel Knits Jay Blue. Divine yarn, that is...

Keep those nominations coming in for Cheer up Chch - I've had several worthy nominations come through already, and am lining up some other awesome crafters to take part. Flick me an email with name and address of a knitter in Canterbury who may need a bit of letter box love and i'll add them to the list.

Cheer up Chch

2010-09-09T18:09:00.001+12:00

Sitting at my laptop, chatting to mum on google chat, talking earthquakes, reading blogs about earthquakes...

something must be done!

Do you know a knitter in Christchurch who needs cheering up? Who may need an unexpected surprise in their mail box?

I'm putting together 3 'Cheer up Chch' packages ready to go (all surprise and hush hush like) to people who need a smile.

Send me an email with your nomination, and i'll put names in hat. Emails required by 5pm Thursday, 16 September. And an address, if you please. That would be lovely.

xx Tash

Mountains, etc

2010-09-08T14:58:00.000+12:00

I'm continuing with the lazy blog theme - photos from last weekend up the mountain. Sadly my altitude sickness prevented me from really enjoying the snow (gah!), but plenty of knitting took place.

Waking up on Saturday morning to news of the big earthquake in Christchurch made it hard to relax - luckily everyone I know down there is safe and unhurt. The continuing aftershocks have all on edge and my thoughts constantly turn to those who live in the middle of the disaster. I'm trying to come up with a productive way to support those who need assistance, so watch this space for info.

Being in Wellington, the traditional centre of earthquake fear, all we had were a few small jolts to indicate anything was amiss, which means there isn't any interruption to Knitsch Yarns.

Right, here are the pics...

It snowed! Right down to National Park where we stayed. Pretty magical...

Catch Up

2010-09-01T11:19:00.000+12:00

Whoops...time has got the better of me.

Here's a very fast run down of what i've been up to the last couple of weeks:

Knit graffiti for the New Dowse

having a nosey around design spun in Napier

Relaxing at Port'o Call in Napier (in between having an amazingly inspiring time at Knit August Nights)

And dyeing some fabbo new colourways! Hooray! They will be in the online shop a bit later today :D

oooh and mustn't forget - Knit Pro needles! I have an office full of them, and they'll be available for purchase once the new shop goes live (any day now, fingers crossed!)

Road trippin'

2010-08-17T14:33:00.000+12:00

A few snaps of this weekend's jaunt to Taranki to take a knit graffiti workshop at the Govett-Brewster. It was wonderful to get away, meet a few fabulous yarnies, and indulge in some beautiful views and great food.

For more photos of what we got up to, pop on over to the Outdoorknit blog.

xx Tash

Talking, knitting, and stuff

2010-08-13T19:36:00.000+12:00

Hello!

boy it doesn't take long for the old blog to be neglected. The past few weeks have seen all sorts of things going on - projects completed, projects started, and a whole lot of talking.

One of the awesome things about being involved in knitting in Wellington means the opportunity to meet so many fantastic people. I'm a bit sad that Kreachr is off to the big smoke. Even though i've only met her a few times, I love her unending enthusiasm, and Auckland should count itself pretty damn lucky.

The Blendy book launch went wonderfully despite the huge slip preventing some from making it out to the Hutt from Wellington. In fact it went so Belinda and I hardly had the chance to have a good gossip - which just gives yet another reason to head up that way for a visit.

And yours truly managed to squeeze five minutes of time into a pretty packed schedule to talk knit graffiti at Ignite Wellington. A great knit of some pretty inspiring talks - and a pretty cool coincidence that Nathalie was speaking - we were in the same class back when we were little wee 12 year olds.

I'm not brave enough to watch it myself! :D

This weekend i'm off to the land of my youth - New Plymouth - for a workshop at the Govett-Brewster. The plan is to cruise up visiting op shops and meet lots of lovely knitters. So if you're in the 'naki, pop by and say hi on Sunday!

xx

Giveaway! Hooray!

2010-08-07T08:05:00.000+12:00

The very clever Sheryl is giving away some Knitsch yarn!

Pop on over to her blog, check out her gorgeous pattern Epicene - anyone who comments on her blog with a finished pair in the next month is in the draw!

xx

Blendy Knits Socks! Here!

2010-08-04T21:01:00.000+12:00

Hooray!

The darling darling Belinda (can't possibly say darling too many times. She really is) arrives in only a matter of days for the Blendy Knits Socks launch on Sunday 8 August, at the New Dowse from 3 - 5pm.

I'll be there with piles of yarn, coffee, cake, Belinda, books, yarn, needles, knitting, yarn, coffee, cake (you get the idea...)

Making Mascarpone

2010-08-02T12:36:00.000+12:00

After the great Tiramisu competition at the last Craft2.0, i've been mulling over making mascarpone from scratch.

At long last I had a go, and it went okay - not perfect (cooked it too long, methinks) but still pretty tasty on toast with honey.

Mmmm, yum!

Taking time

2010-08-01T21:01:00.000+12:00

hello! It's been awhile!

I sound like a broken record but, goodness life is busy. Busy to the point of, well, something will have to give. I'm one of those people who simply can't refuse a good project idea, and all it takes is one small suggestion from someone to get me excited and enthusiastic and start getting carried away. This is necessarily a bad thing, but it is something I need to rein in a little bit just so that each week doesn't merge into another with no stop or sense of project completion.

In fact, just thinking of all the things on my plate simply exhausts me.

So how about a wee list of things that I have *finished* lately?

the July yarn club - all gone off to lovely people :D
the yarn club pattern (although the pics aren't behaving and so it hasn't gone out yet. Damn technology)
Lots of orders - the post office lady and I are great friends!
tidying my bedroom (hey, it's a big one!)

Ok so the list isn't huge, but by the end of this week it's going to be much longer. The week after that will be dedicated to some r&r before heading to New Plymouth for some knit graffiti action, and then Knit August Nights a couple weeks after that.
Right - back to knitting yet another secret project!

xx

Gratuitous gorgeous baby post

2010-07-23T19:30:00.000+12:00

Over at Never not Knitting, there are some super duper adorable baby pics that nearly made me pee my pants.

Cute overload.

Go have a look!

Spinning a Yarn

2010-07-20T10:47:00.000+12:00

Jessicah of Spinning a Yarn totally blew me out of the water with her awesome swap...gorgeous fibre for me to finally have a play on my spinning wheel, tim tams, and hot chocolate - yum!
The printed fabric it's all sitting on is from In My Backyard - you can find her on felt, it is the cutest wee fabric print i've seen in ages.

I also had a great time meeting people on Saturday on the Frank Kitts market. It was wonderful to have real conversations with lovely knitters and crafters. I splurged on more fibre to play with - I just need to schedule in a day soon to sit down with the wheel and have a go. There are a few spinners around that seem ready to be talked into doing a central wellington spinning group, so let's see if there is time to squeeze that into the schedule too.

Now i'm off to bed with my knitting - i've got the lurgy. Today should be a dyeing day but getting better is slightly higher on the priority list...have a great day!

xx

Knitting with kitties

2010-07-19T08:21:00.000+12:00

Thanks to Megan for the pic of her kitty with Silver Lining. Boy, that looks snuggly!

Flying to Diagon Alley

2010-07-17T08:13:00.000+12:00

Another Yarn Club - oriented post - but oh, how much I love this yarn club. If perhaps I was feeling a little jaded from market preparations and wholesale orders over the past couple of months, this yarn club has got me way inspired.

Like, crazy inspired. Is it too much to say that I *love* all the people in the yarn club? The emails, the Rav board discussions, the feedback - just makes me all warm and fuzzy. And in return I just want to go even further, wow their socks off, give them my yarny heart and soul.

And how lucky is it that Alice is designing our patterns? (with a little help from yours truly this month)

As pretty much everyone, as far as I can tell, has now got their parcels of goodness, I just had to share pics of my first Diagon Alley mitt in Peacock in the Parlour (a yarn club exclusive).

Notice how the knitting is on the bias? *swoon* Once the second mitt is done, there's some Mystery Machine destined for the same fate. The pattern is designed with variegates in mind, so a bit of green and purple should be just the ticket.

Funny for Friday

2010-07-16T07:24:00.000+12:00

had to be shared...

Yours truly at Ignite Wellington

2010-07-14T18:05:00.000+12:00

Have you ever been to a 60 minute talk and lamented that there was only five minutes of content? Imagine if you could hear only that five minutes... that's Ignite!

Come along to this free event to be inspired, amused, educated and amazed by an array of Wellington speakers.

Ignite talks are jam-packed with inspiration and information. Speakers are given just 5 minutes and have to display 20 slides for 15 seconds each. Every 15 seconds the slide will advance, whether they are ready or not.

The next Ignite is on the 3rd of August, and i'll be there! Speaking about knitting as rebellion, alongside some pretty damn amazing people, like the guy who started Ponoko. eeek!

Cutest Stitch Marker Ever

2010-07-14T08:07:00.000+12:00

The Yarn Clubbers all received a set of stitch markers in their first installment, thanks to the amazing Sue of Supervery.

They are, quite simply, awesomesauce.

I'm pretty damn excited that we'll be the exclusive online sellers of The Best Stitch Markers Ever. Keep an eye on the online shop this week and they'll be up shortly.

Hooray! (that's the Owls in the background - ~~slowly~~ quickly getting there..

Pretty Knitty!

2010-07-12T17:56:00.001+12:00

oooh, has everyone check out the new Knitty yet?

I think Winnow needs to get on my needles (after i've finished Haruni, Owls, and the Yarn Club pattern)

The yarn specified for Winnow is rathermightyexactlythesame as Knitsch, so it's a perfect match :D

Actually, i'm curious - what's on your needles right now?

Unconventional Knitting no.2

2010-07-10T12:06:00.000+12:00

The lovely Sue of Supervery sent me this link today, after the knitted knickers post.

Awesome. I love sculpture, the way it can be textural and strong and soft all at once. Much like knitting, really.

When I finished secondary school I planned on being a fashion designer, so started a Bachelor of Design at Massey. While writing and analysis clearly emerged as a stronger skill than drawing, I learnt heaps and met some amazing people.

I didn't meet Ming Wei Li, but he was in the same year and I remember going to the 2005 graduate fashion show to support friends and being blown away by the dimension of his knitted work.

And here is a man who could make the hard appear soft. Canova is my Favourite (with a capital F) sculptor.
Somehow he manages to capture a gaze, a hand on flesh, a movement, in stone.

And then there's those that cover hard things with knitted things, like the ever fabulous Jacqueline Greenbank...

(h/t to the The Physics Room)

Knit graffiti got me very curious about the concept of art vs craft, and I love that more crafters and artists are challenging this incredibly old argument. Once upon a time artists were paid for their works according to the cost of the materials, not for the artistic merit. Craft is still judged on the terms of material costs, but with people like Greenbank making acknowledged art from traditionally defined 'craft' processes is hopefully going some way towards changing that perception.

Art interlude over (for now, at least...)

Markets, book launches, other awesomely fun things

2010-07-09T17:50:00.000+12:00

Huzzah!

Knitsch is going to be making appearances at a few places in the next two weeks:

Saturday, 17 July, 10am - 4pm
Wonders of Wool
Frank Kitts Underground Carpark (underground = dry. yay!)
I'll be there along with lots of other lovely yarny types, with Knitsch yarns - lots of limited editions, the new 12 ply, and stitch markers from the wonderful Supervery.

Sunday 18 July, 2.30 - 4.30 pm
Blendy Knits Socks book launch
Alleluyah Cafe, St Kevin's Arcade, Auckland
Belinda is behind the Blendy Yarn Sampler, among other things. Her latest adventure is a book! Of socks! And she uses Knitsch! Hooray! If you're in Auckland, go say hello. Belinda will have a pile Knitsch, a pile of books, and a pile of other indie hand-dyed yarns just perfect for chilly winter days.

(image thanks to Belinda)

Saturday 24 July, 11am - 3pm

Auckland Art & Craft Fair

Auckland Art Gallery
Again, Belinda will be selling Knitsch Yarns - this time in packs with her books, alongside other indie yarn dyers.

So there are plenty of opportunities on these cold winter days to fondle yarn, say hello and go home with something snuggly.

xx Tash

Knitted Knickers...

2010-07-09T08:07:00.000+12:00

Thanks to here for the vintage knickers

and thanks to here for the nordic knickers by NZ's own Stolen Girlfriends Club

Holy frick it is cold! Get thee some knitted knickers, stat!

I'm actually really tempted to knit some. With a frilly bottom. I've been meaning to blog about these since I picked up the Winter Fashion Quarterly about 6 weeks ago. Ah, best of intentions. A bit odd, perhaps.

Not sure about these ones from Knitty ... although the model does look very happy to be wearing them

Oh my goodness, if you have Ravelry, go check these ruffled babies out!

Hrrmmm can't seem to find the pattern I was really after...never mind. Have you knitted knickers? Would you be keen for a knit along? Anyone?

Keep cosy xx

Crazy La-la

2010-07-08T14:00:00.000+12:00

It is truly crazy-la-la land here at the moment. Busy busy busy!

So I though i'd share some photos from the amaaaaazing lunch I had in Sydney, at, of course, Cafe Sydney. It was stunning - well worth every delicious penny.

No, we didn't eat dessert first, but it certainly was a major highlight. As was the awesome views of the Sydney harbour bridge on stunning Sydney day. It really was like a mini summer holiday. Of course I bought yarn. But i'll save that for another post.

xx Tash

Workshops! Hooray!

2010-07-06T08:57:00.002+12:00

Craft2.0 is hosting some splendiferous workshops.

However, best place to find out about it is over at the Craft2.0 blog.

Yours truly is hosting a series of 'How to Knit Socks' workshops, complete with stash bag, yarn, needles, pattern, and all the fun things you need.

However Yours Truly is also running late, so pop over to Craft2.0 to check out the details.

Hooray!

Wool nuts

2010-06-29T08:44:00.000+12:00

Last night the boy was hassling me for not paying him enough attention, and joked that he should hang himself up with my wool so that I focus on him just for a minute. He said I was 'Wool nuts', to which I replied, what like walnuts?

It is pretty nuts right now - all hands on deck to get the Yarn Club out (there are a few places left, if you're quick, you might nab one!).

So here is a warm fuzzy story to keep you entertained in the meantime...though I was trying to spot some Knitsch yarns in there as they panned around the shop ;-)

Knowing me, knowing you...

2010-06-24T13:04:00.000+12:00

Taking a brief moment away from knitting, i'm catching up on reading some of the 200-odd blog posts sitting in my Reader that have been building up.

Once upon a time, when I was new to blog land, I spent hours reading blogs, going far back into histories to understand who each blogger ticked. I would eagerly anticipate new posts, commenting left right and centre. It was how I got to know Nikki, Louise and Martha, among lots of others.

These days I lament not having the time of attention span to 'get to know' all the bloggers I follow - mainly I focus on beautiful images, colours and short snippets of words.

Which started me thinking - I would like to get to know you better. What are your blog-reading habits? Can you admit to being a blog stalker? What are your favourite colours, yarn bases, patterns? Where are you from?

Shall I start?
Blog habits - i'm a skimmer right now. But I used to be an investigator - looking deep!
Blog stalker - yep!
Fave colour - yellow in life, green or orange in yarn (not together)
Fave yarn base - merino! Merino and silk, merino and cashmere, anything just a bit luxurious
Fave pattern - Cookie A's Monkeys, and anything in my Ravelry queue!
Where from - Wellington, NZ. But I was born in New Plymouth, NZ, have lived in Melbourne, Australia, Methven, Canterbury NZ, and London.

Off you go! Share!

It's a tree! The prize draw done!

2010-06-23T09:09:00.000+12:00

Hooray! We have two winners for the It's a Tree super amazing awesome prize draw!

Catherine M

wins a three month subscription to the Flights of Fancy Yarn Club

and

Tracy

(you know who you are :D) - wins 2 skeins of sock yarn and 2 of 12 ply.

With over 500 contributions I was biting my nails a bit to see who was going to win - and at the last minute decided to do a second chance draw as well - although if I had my way everyone would get something. But the random number generator turned up 158 and 427 (you'll have to believe me - the screen shot doesn't work on this laptop).

And - the Flights of Fancy Yarn Club goes on sale today!

Flights of Fancy Yarn Club - are you ready?!

2010-06-18T12:10:00.000+12:00

Flights of Fancy Yarn Club is up on the online shop!

It looks sold out...but it most certainly isn't. It's waiting for Wednesday morning...

There will be 2 releases:

15 subscriptions will be released at 9.30am, and another 15 at 8pm NZ time.

Have a great weekend everyone - i'm off to play in Sydney before coming back to dye all your yarn club goodness!

Craft2.0 for the win

2010-06-14T20:11:00.000+12:00

What an amazing day.

Wow.

For those who came along and said hello - it was fantastic to meet you! I only wish there had been more time to have proper conversations with people.

yours truly doing the selling thing. Thanks to Brock for the pic and Mum for the beret knit in our 12 ply

Now for getting on with wholesale orders, pattern designs and the yarn club!

Tiramisu time!

2010-06-11T21:43:00.000+12:00

Amongst all the craziness that is Craft2.0 preparations...somehow I got tied up in a tiramisu competition.

It was all a bit of friendly banter, until the infamous Catherine, of Jam-off fame, picked up on it.

Now, suddenly, we have a time, a place, judges, an MC, a sponsor, and a prize.

How do these things always end up bigger than intended?

So at Craft2.0, today, at 2pm, the New Dowse, Lower Hutt, you will find:
Judges Hon Trevor Mallard, MP for Hutt South, and Megan Whelan, Radio New Zealand journalist
MC The amazing wonderful Jo of the Wellingtonista and SoContent

All sponsored by the fabulous Wendy of Cultured Petone (they make the best tiramisu. Ever. Which is how this all started)

So if you're out this way for some yarn, grab a taste of tiramisu, too. Brought to you by all the goodness of the hutt (and none of it paid for by Ministerial credit card!)

Knitsch Yarns at Knit World!

2010-06-11T10:32:00.002+12:00

Whew…what a crazy week!

Which meant i’d completely forgot to announce - Knitsch Yarns is being stocked at Knit World!

Artisan Lace has been found in Knit World stores for quite some time, and so it was a natural progression to provide them with a selection of Knitsch Yarns colourways. It did take a bit of arm twisting (mine), but i’m pleased we’ve gone with it.

It means that anyone who has yet to fondle the gorgeous merino can, and there will be some shining brightness amongst the sock range available in stores.

With wholesale inevitably comes a good hard look at costs and pricing. Another hard decision was to nudge up our prices for both the online store and bricks and mortar shops so that we can continue to provide a high quality product. Knitsch Yarns really is a labour of love (I don’t get paid!!) but it’s all for our wonderful, inspirational customers - well, friends, really. You!

So from Monday 14 June our online shop prices for sock yarn will be edging up to $12.95 for a 50g skein. Prices at markets and fairs will remain $12 a pop, and we will still have special offers and discounts for those on our mailing list. OH, and the Flights of Fancy Yarn Club prices will stay the same - which means even more value for money!

Like I said, we really wouldn’t be here without you wonderful people! Thanks so much for all your continued support, lovely emails and photos of WIPs and FOs.

Now head on over to the online shop to place an order before the price rise! Or, if you’re local, come along to Craft2.0 tomorrow!

xx Tash

WWKIP

2010-06-09T20:20:00.000+12:00

Hello!

Weekend away was fabulous. One of these days I'll put some photos up.

The lovely Cherie has organised a World Wide Knit in Public day event (though really it's more like World Wide Knit In Public fortnight) event, and Knitsch Yarns is a sponsor!

Woohoo! We've donated a couple skeins of sock yarn for the pile of giveaways on the day. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it, but will do my best to get a pic of yours truly knitting somewhere out in the wild world - Syyyyydneeeeey in fact.

And I just noticed that there is another Wellington event, on the same day as Craft2.0. While everyone should be heading out to the Hutt, if you can't make it, you should head on over...

Apologies....

2010-06-05T11:39:00.002+12:00

Apologies for being a little quiet lately - I'm super busy!

And just moved house yesterday (with an office! For me!), now i'm off to goodness-knows-where for the long weekend.

Happy Queen's birthday everyone, drive safely, knit lots, and hopefully I will have a pre-craft2.0 post for you when i'm back!

xx Tash

Duvet days

2010-05-31T20:11:00.000+12:00

With all the average weather in these parts lately, there has been much talk in the Kiwi interwebs of days spent in bed, with dvds, or knitting, or tea, or chocolate, or all of the above.

I'm yet to have the luxury of a duvet day this winter - 2 large wholesale orders, the upcoming craft2.0 and part time work means early starts and being chilled to the bone.

In background news, i'm also moving house, again, this friday. The boy and I are rather excited that our new bedroom is massive, and won't resemble a tool shed as it currently does. So we've been looking at buying a great big new comfy bed - just the ticket for scheduling in a duvet day when all this work allows.

Which means, daydreaming:

(photos from over at the ever-beautiful Decor8 blog)

May have to block day in the diary for this quality, cosy, knitty duvet day....

Sharing is caring & Yarn Club sale dates

2010-05-29T10:33:00.000+12:00

Quick yarn club update!

Sale date: 23 June
First shipment: 1 July

Cost (all NZ $):
No postage (for if you see me regularly) $90
NZ $100
AUS $110 (this includes GST, so will be a bit less than this in real terms)
ROW $120 (this includes GST, so will be a bit less than this in real terms)

AND the amazing Sue of Craft2.0 and Supervery is giving me the coolest stitch markers ever to put in at least one installation of the yarn club - hooray!

I can also confirm that each month you will receive 120 grams of yarny deliciousness :D

And I just have to share some more beautiful things with you -

Ariane over at Falling Stitches writes about knitting so beautifully, and takes gorgeous photos, and has the most amazing blogger background EVER. Think i'm in love. Seriously.

I work at Wanda Harland in Petone a few days a week, and Martha is the best boss ever. Seriously. Except for one thing - she keeps teasing me with this bag. I want it. I must have it. Seriously (Really must stop using that word). I may have to mortgage like, my camera or something to buy it, but it will be mine. One day.

Inspiration and beautiful things

2010-05-27T12:57:00.000+12:00

As soon as I saw this, I had to run over here and share it with you. How beautiful is this nest?

Hopefully Louana doesn't mind that I pinched her photo! She sent me some leaves for the Tree last week and i've now become an avid follower of her blog.

Are there any beautiful crafty things you've spotted in the interwebs lately? I'd love to see...nothing like a bit of inspiration to brighten up a rainy day!

Rainy Day Woman

2010-05-26T14:55:00.001+12:00

Apologies for the mini hiatus with blog posts the past few days! Life is gearing up in preparation for Craft2.0 - which means lots of dyeing, winding, labelling and other odd jobs.

Thanks to the wonderful amazing Sue, i'm now officially a half partner with Craft2.0! I've always loved the work Sue has done promoting the value of handmade, and now I have more excuses to hang out with her and talk crafty goodness.

Here is the awesome Craft2.0 image for the June fair...

If you're in the area, you should come along and say hi!
[ETA: I know the pic's a bit cut off at the side, but i'm feeling to lazy to fix it. Soz.]

With all the rain we've had lately, I'm sure lots of people in NZ are feeling a bit sodden, least of all me. Last night, on the way back from Craft Up at Blondini's, my car's windscreen wipers decided on the motorway that it was the perfect time to stop working. Awesome. Luckily I had Elisabeth (aka the Sewphist) with me, and she is member of the AA. One half hour wait a tow truck later, we were home.

Reading this blog post this morning, and running around avoiding puddles, put me in the mood for some Bob. Because he makes everything better.

It's a Yarn Club!

2010-05-22T16:47:00.001+12:00

Flights of Fancy Yarn Club - Running for 3 months from late June to August

From the feedback so far, lots of people would like some sort gauge as to the ‘mood’ of the colours for the yarn club, so they have an idea if they will fall in love with the colours.

For this reason, I am creating a mood board that will inspire the colour ways for the Flights of Fancy yarn club. As many of you will know, I came home from my world travels to start a hand-dyed yarn line. So it is inevitable that the colours will be inspired by images of far away places. However, take note – the mood board isn’t to be taken literally! There will surprises, quirks and fancies…

There are also some new twists to this Yarn club.

There will be TWO colour ways each month!

There will be a semi-solid and a variegated dyed especially for the yarn club each month.

From here, you have two options:

Mystery Escape: Each month I will close my eyes, pick a colour and post it on it’s merry way.

Plan ahead: Each month I will email you what the colour ways are, and you can pick which one piques your interest. Note – these won’t include images, just a description of the colour.

These yarns will be completely exclusive to the Yarn Club, and will not be sold at any point online. If there are any remaining skeins, they will be available to Yarn Club members to purchase, or will be offered for sale at Craft markets as limited editions.

Do you feel special yet?

I’ve also heard some don’t like surprises. So the extra treat in the Yarn Club will always be a coordinating stash bag, to keep your yarn organised.

Last, but not least – the part I am most excited about. Alice Yu, of Knit Nation and Socktopus fame, is designing patterns! And they won’t just be socks, there will be a few surprises, and knowing Alice, some gorgeous patterns.

Alice has loads of experience designing patterns, and know how to aim them at just the right level so they are interesting and beautiful but not completely scary if you’re only new to knitting. If you do have any trouble with the patterns, I’m available to answer questions and give tips to help you on your way.

Pricing and sales dates to be confirmed - but it will be around mid-june, with the first out not long after. Hooray!

Manic, manic week.

2010-05-21T16:42:00.000+12:00

So i'm cheating.

Hop over and visit bliss in a teacup - pretty, pretty.

I have ummmm 3 things stuffed up my sleeve that I can't tell you about (and no, it ain't used tissues!). But anticipation will have to continue a little longer.

Oh, hey, maybe, i'll just give you one thing (not of the three), that i've already hinted at - we're doing 12 ply! You won't be able to get it until Craft2.0, but it's scrummy and knits fast and I loves it.

Have a great weekend xx

Attendance = fail

2010-05-19T17:42:00.001+12:00

Let's count all the knit/crafty group meet ups in the general Wellington area each week:

Southern Cross Knit Night
Monday night, Southern Cross, from 7pm

[New!] Lower Hutt Knit night
Avalon Baptist Church
774 High Street, Lower Hutt, Monday evenings from 7pm ($2 to cover tea, coffee, etc)

Craft2.0 Craft Up!
Blondini's, The Embassy, from 6pm Tuesdays

Lower Hutt Knitters
Various homes of Hutt Knitters, from 7pm, Wednesday nights

Crafty Foxes,
Katipo Cafe, Wednesday nights

Craft2.0 Craft Up! in the Hutt
The New Dowse, from 11am, Friday mornings

Knitting in the Gardens
The Begonia House, Botanic Gardens, Sundays from 12pm

How many does this slacker make it to each week?

Normally 2, sometimes 3. I think the boy would break up with me if I tried to go to all of them. On the one occasion I've made it to the Southern Cross, I left with the biggest dumbest smile because it was such awesome fun. My bad that I haven't made it back - the main excuse being the cost of petrol to get in there (lame, yes. but true).

The wonderful Cherie goes to Southern Cross and blogs about it, and her adventures of learning knitting. Hopefully I will get back there soon and have a load more laughs, and teach some new dogs old tricks!

Along with ALL of these, i'm going to be at the New Dowse on Sunday 23 and 30 May, 1pm - 3pm; teaching, giving away yarn for It's a Tree, and enabling all knitters and crocheters. So come along, and say hello, and have a yarn. If not, I forgive you, because I totally fail at going to all the knitty things I should, too!

xx

People love Pewter

2010-05-18T12:28:00.000+12:00

Pewter is one of our most popular colourways. And it's no surprise, really, when you see cute wee socks like this:

(thanks to Lisa for the image! xx)

Lisa is otherwise known as Supurlative, a great custom knitter, and she has the most gorgeous puppies in the world (i've seen her doggies irl. too cute).

Anyway, back to pewter. It's one of the Knitsch colourways derived from Artisan Lace, and it is the perfect combo of silver and sky blue. Our skeins our only 50g, which means that to make itty bitty booties and socks for itty bitty people, you only need one skein. If only more of my friends started to have babies so I actually had a reason to knit little things...

Sneaky peeks

2010-05-17T16:17:00.000+12:00

There is a torrent of rain falling, putting a brief (hopefully) halt to an afternoon of intensive dyeing.

Seeing as I don't have anything super interesting to talk about just yet (yet! :D) I thought i'd share the blog of super awesome crafters Sweet William.

I have got to know Shelley quite well recently, and you may remember I designed her an egg cosy pattern for her to knit.

Clever clogs Shelley also knit up an open/closed sign for her brother's cafe, and it is the cutest thing ever!

(Thanks Shells for the pic xx)

And see that chunky blue yarn? That's Knitsch! Coming soon... :D

Breathing, and carrying on

2010-05-15T22:33:00.001+12:00

It has been a bit of mayhem around here lately.

I work primarily from my parents' house, and they are on the verge of relocating to Brisbane. In fact, Dad is already there, while Mum wrangles tradespeople and relocations. It's a bit of a disaster zone (honestly, not even mum can deny it).

This past week I wanted to get a pile of dyeing done in preparation for the next Craft2.0, but it didn't happen. The painters were painting in an area I use quite frequently. It was hard to concentrate on doing anything solid and worthwhile when being constantly interrupted by the need to move something or someone. Focus was non-existent, but the situation was unavoidable as, really, family always comes first.

There were plenty of interesting developments during the week, though. And a couple exciting enough things that are now hiding under my hat that will hopefully be announced in the next week or so.

The Knitsch operations are moving to (hopefully) a steady workshop/studio; It's a Tree! has been installed and continues to grow, Slip now adorns the New Dowse reception desk (photos to come). New colourways are waiting in the wings, trips being planned, lists being written.

I ended the week feeling as if nothing had been achieved, when really it had. It can be hard running a small business, when external feedback is a little lacking, and life seems to run in a bit of a vacuum. Which is where you come in - the little treats in the mail for it's a tree, the comments on the blog, the tweets, or the emails that make me smile for a whole day when going might be a bit slow. Thanks to you all - It's more than enough reason to keep on keeping on :D

It's a tree! Today!

2010-05-12T07:26:00.000+12:00

I'm a little bit nervous about the installation today...but here goes nothing!

Slightly dodgy upside down camera shot from Craft

Up last night...

Happy Mother's Day Giveaway!

2010-05-08T11:03:00.000+12:00

Happy Mother's day everyone!

How about a little giveaway to celebrate?

Every Knitsch Yarns order from 5pm Friday 7 May to midnight Sunday 9 May receives a free stash bag! That's along with the free set of 5 cards that already get tucked in with your order. What a treat!

Have a wonderful weekend and look after those knitting, crafting hands of yours xx

Would you like a sock club?

2010-05-04T13:16:00.000+12:00

I’m humming and haa-ing over whether or not to do a yarn club. The main reason for this is that I know there are quite a few around already, and it is quite the commitment.

There have been some great suggestions from the Lower Hutt Knitters about what they love in a yarn club, and now i’m teetering on the edge.

Can you help push me over and commit to it? I have a plan forming of one that is a bit different and incorporates an element of choice…

Thoughts? Suggestions?

WIP update - Haruni

2010-05-03T16:34:00.001+12:00

I'm on Chart B.

OGN SG GVAMHGK.

There may be some expletives in there.

Instant Gratification

2010-05-02T16:33:00.000+12:00

For those who have popped by the online shop, you may have noticed that we don't have 'In stock' numbers.

There's a reason for that - I dye *all* the time. Like, constantly. Which means most colourways are stored safely in their plastic bins waiting to be wrapped in tissue and delivered safely to the post shop as soon as it is ordered.

Which means, importantly, instant gratification. I'm an incredibly impatient person. I want everything yesterday - and i'm no different with yarn! I've made a promise to myself, and you, that all orders will be in the post the next working day at the latest - the same day if possible.

So when you place your order, it will be with you tout de suite*. Yay!

*Unfortunately I don't have control over delays due to erupting volcanoes, flooding, and punctured postie bike tyres. If only!

WIP - Haruni

2010-04-29T14:25:00.000+12:00

I have to admit - shawls, in the past, haven't been my strong point. Sometimes it really is that hard to count to 5. Or 8. Or whatever.

But I am determined. Shawls are that much more interesting than scarves, and yet I can wear it like a scarf. To be honest, i'm not a big fan of drape-it-round-your-shoulders-like-in-the-1800s way of wearing them. Although that could always change - i'm not one to stand completely fast in my fashion opinions.

So, it is with baited breath I knit Haruni. Normally I am a product knitter - I knit stuff because I want it, and I want it yesterday. The thing that attracted me to Haruni, though, was the large leaf edging. Hmmm, that looks like a tasty challenge, I thought.

Haruni, by Emily Ross, knit in Knitsch Yarns Beauregarde

I haven't reached that part of the chart yet. I'll update you once I do!

Food for thought

2010-04-29T10:26:00.000+12:00

Over at Scoutie girl, there is a very well-thought piece on paying the true value of 'stuff', and being more considerate of the 'stuff' we buy.

Though my involvement with Craft2.0, this issue comes up constantly. About the people who poke and prod our crafters' precious things and say 'I could make this myself' or, 'Wow, that's a bit expensive.'

I'm curious as to if said people do go home and make the item themselves. Or, if they consider the time and effort gone into creating beautiful things. From the concept, to buying or making the materials, to the careful attention given to the small details, to the packaging, the emails, the customer service...

There is so much we don't see of the process of making - in fact, the majority of the time all we see is the finished product. Surprise is often the first reaction when I tell people what I do. The second question they ask is, 'oh, so you knit stuff and sell it?'

Most tend to be taken aback when I explain how much I would charge for a pair of hand knit socks if I were to fully value my time. Somewhere in the region of $400.

I suppose the point I am trying to make is - what we create is of value. Everything you knit (or sew, or crochet) is of value. In fact, it is the unique and one of a kind qualities push that value up even further. We invest ourselves in everything we make, and should be proud of what we produce. Even if we feel it is imperfect - think of the value of the lessons learned through making mistakes. Virtually everything I sew, or knit, or whatever, has something wrong with it - but that is just part and parcel of the hand made process.

Moral of the story: everything you create is worth something - don't devalue it. And recognise the hard work of others.

Disclaimer: This isn't a rant, or something I needed to say to prove a point to anyone. Just puttin' it out there :D

It's a tree! The PRIZE!

2010-04-26T16:06:00.000+12:00

With a fizz and a pop a couple nights ago, I was thinking about it's a tree. It happens a lot.

And with that thinking, I wondered, what else could Knitsch contribute to the project to make it a bit more exciting? (As if it isn't already! Whatis it going to look like with all the random contributions??)

How about a prize?

An awesome, amazing, but as yet Secret Prize?

How about, every time you contribute an item to It's a tree, you gain an entry to the Secret Prize draw?

Aaand it's done!

Knitsch Yarns is donating a super fabulous amazing Secret Prize to one lucky winner. The prize draw will happen LIVE at Craft2.0 on 12 June, at the New Dowse in Lower Hutt. Each item contributed will gain the crafter one entry into the draw.

yay!

My dad in colour

2010-04-24T11:07:00.002+12:00

Sometimes it is really hard to be imaginative and creative because it takes a certain level of emotional energy which with all that has been going on around here lately is in short supply. But there is also a point when you think you have to be to actually help yourself re-create.

My dad (Tash's Grandad) is in hospital with pneumonia. He's been having chemotherapy the last couple of months and picked up a cold bug - quite possibly from us - a few weeks back at my Mum's birthday party.

This morning I was thinking maybe I'd make him something - a scarf or some socks - even though he is loosing all his hair I know he doesn't want a beanie. And I was thinking about a colour - and I realised there is a difference between "what is your favorite colour?" and "what colour/s are you?". When I think of a colour and my dad - I think of him taking a photo of a native tree wearing a rust colour polo shirt with the spring greens and deep brown of mountain beech behind him, I think of him walking in the door in khaki/olivey green trousers and a dark swandri, I think of oil on his hands from fixing engines, the brown of boot leather and a particular yellow of his prescription sunglass lens.

I'm not quite sure what the wool will look like when I dye it but somehow it will remind me of all those colours - and it will be gentle to the touch, but durable and strong just like he has been for us.

So what colours do you think of when you think of the special people in your life?

Labels etcetera

2010-04-22T16:18:00.000+12:00

Cinque Terre, Izzy, Cherry Ripe and Hanny Pants waiting to be labelled

There are some things I put off doing all the time. One of those things is labelling skeins. The downfall of this is that I end up having piles to do and it takes frigging ages.

Thank goodness for podcasts!

More leaves, and leaves

2010-04-21T11:23:00.000+12:00

And again, the leaves continue falling from the trees and my camera begs to be taken out.

I thought the soft knitted leaves for It's a tree would be a nice contract for the crisp, dry leaves on the ground.

I can't wait for more leaves to arrive so the pile of knitted leaves is as big as the real ones!

Autumnal Yellows

2010-04-20T13:15:00.000+12:00

I've done quite a bit of knitting with Kowhai lately. It's so lovely and warm - nothing like a bit of golden yellow to warm that slight chill in the air.

This morning I noticed that the backyard was covered in leaves...so the camera came out...

I hope that where ever you are at the moment, you are enjoying some sunshine!

PS - on the subject of trees, the patterns for it's a tree are up. I'm knitting a leafy storm!

I heart Wellington

2010-04-19T17:00:00.000+12:00

I do, really.

I love how these Para Matchitt poles stand against the sky on the City to Sea bridge. Inspiration for a colour, perhaps?

One of those days...

2010-04-19T15:46:00.000+12:00

The laptop got cranky. The car got cranky.

So off for a walk for coffee and some time out.

Some days, you just have to leave the knitting alone.

It's a tree!

2010-04-18T10:32:00.001+12:00

Knitsch, OutdoorKnit, Craft2.0 and the New Dowse are excited to reveal:

It's a tree!

This is a collaborative community project, which means we need you.

The idea is this:

there are a few very tall lamp posts outside the New Dowse in Lower Hutt, and OutdoorKnit decided it would be a pretty fun idea to turn them into something different...trees!

What OutdoorKnit needs is lots of knitted, crochet or even sewn flowers, leaves and native birds to cover these 'trees'. The best medium for this is acrylic - it wears better when the weather gets a bit grotty.

I've been knitting away over the past few weeks to get my pile of leaves and flowers ready. Watch this space for suggested patterns, installation dates and how to get your contribution added to the tree.

For the love of Endpaper Mitts

2010-04-16T17:40:00.000+12:00

Because they're pretty. My endpaper mitts don't match - one is in Silver lining and Chelsea, the other in Silver Lining and Kowhai. They're a tad small for me so will probably just be used as samples. I love how Silver Lining complements each colour, and the single colour stitches bring out the slight changes in tone.

For those who think fair isle is tricky - it really isn't. It's all about finding how to hold two colours that is comfortable for you. I started out with a colour in each hand, but couldn't quite get the rhythm down. Holding both in one hand, with silver lining held normally, and the second colour sitting just below it to be picked up when needed, worked for me. The good thing with the Endpaper Mitts pattern is that you don't need to worry too much about twisting at the back to carry a colour across, so it's a good project to learn on.

And it's pretty.

Did I mention it's pretty?

Cinque Terre - Part 2

2010-04-15T15:00:00.000+12:00

As Cafe Chick asked in the previous Cinque Terre post, 'What does it look like?'

Well, here is my Jekyll and Hyde in Cinque Terre:

It's a pretty full-on colour, which is why Jekyll and Hyde was kind of the perfect pattern - i'm in two minds about this colour way. Somedays I love it, the way the pinks, blues, yellows, greens mingle with each other. Somedays, I find it much less appealing. Check out the heel and how the colours match up, compared with in the pattern stitch how it gets all mushed together.

If I were to knit with it again, I'd probably go for a less 'busy' stitch. But hey, i'm still pretty pleased with how it turned out. For today, anyway.

Shop Update!

2010-04-14T10:01:00.000+12:00

A few days ago there was a shop update (yes, i'm a little tardy in blogging it).

There are some scrumptious new colours, my faves being Beauregarde (as in, 'You're turning violet, Violet!'), and Harvey Wallbanger.

Dyeing new colours has got to be one of my favourite things about this wool business. I'm already plotting more - it simply never ends. But I'm curious - do you prefer more, or less choice when it comes to colours? Are there any colours you are lusting after in sock weight but I haven't dyed it yet? Let me know!

Crafternoon Tea with Granny G - the Knitsch episode

2010-04-12T14:12:00.000+12:00

After many attempts to both be free on one evening, Genny and I finally managed to have a bit of a chin-wag about all things knit graffiti, hand dyed and fibre arty.

I was determined that I would not listen to it, as I was certain i'd said the same thing over and over again.

Seeing as I had a lazy Sunday afternoon ahead of me, armed with laptop, knitting and a dash of apprehension, listened to my interview. It wasn't so bad as expected, and the interview itself was more like a chat with a new friend about shared passions.

Crafternoon Tea with Granny G can be downloaded (for free!) through iTunes or through her website. It really is worth tuning in each week, each interviewee is so fascinating and Genny is rather inspiring herself. There is something rather mesmerising about Genny's voice, so it's not hard to get lost in her podcast and suddenly realise several hours have disappeared.

So grab a cuppa, your knitting and a quiet corner, and enjoy.

Brownies make the world go round

2010-04-11T18:51:00.001+12:00

Last night a friend hosted a bit of a get together for dinner, and I was put in charge of pudding.

As a result of the dinner, and the following escapades, today has been a rather slow and lazy Sunday.

So, here is the recipe for the most fantastically rich brownies ever (and they can be gluten free - just switch for GF flour)

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups sugar (I only used 1 3/4, but i've heard they're fine with only 1 cup too)
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
4 eggs
225g butter, softened

Sift together all the dry ingredients in one bowl, and mix together all the wet ingredients in another. Make a well in the centre of the dry, add the wet, and mix until combined.

Bake at 180 degrees celsius for about 25 minutes. Yum!

Monkey Business

2010-04-10T17:40:00.001+12:00

I've blogged before about the continuing obsession with Cookie A's Monkey socks. So of course, here is, yet another, Monkey.

Mystery Machine is right up there in my favourite Knitsch colours, and as this Monkey grew, the more I loved it. The purple seems to peek in to see what's going on, and then retreat again in the heel.

I've seen photos of a pretty fantastic Jay Walker in Mystery Machine, too - and it looks different again. Seeing the yarn knitted up is so exciting - so please add TashB (that's me!) as a friend on Ravelry so I can see, or better yet, join the Knitsch Yarns group and share with everyone :D

Extra Curricular

2010-04-09T16:45:00.001+12:00

How wonderful is it to receive exciting mail? You know, the kind that isn't a bill or bank statement or some such?

Today my copy of Extra Curricular volume 2 arrived. EXCITEMENT. I've seen it in a few shops now and managed to refrain doing anything than having a quick peek at the pictures.

I'm rather looking forward to sitting down with a cup of tea, the last Easter eggs and having a proper read.

Cinque Terre - the place behind the name

2010-04-08T15:26:00.000+12:00

Seeing as i'm currently knitting with Cinque Terre, the colour, how about a few photos of the place that inspired the name?

See those houses? They were a vision of colour - warm oranges, yellows, pastel greens and blues, all perched on the side of massive hills.

Cosy CraftUp

2010-04-07T10:47:00.001+12:00

Once upon a time, I lived in Wellington. I loved it - loved walking the streets, popping in to Midnight Espresso or Deluxe to loiter over a coffee and read, mooching around looking at beautiful things and spying great graffiti. I'm now resident in another great place, the one and only Petone, but I do so miss being close to central Wellington.

Last night I had the great pleasure of joining some crafty types for a CraftUp at Blondini's, upstairs at the Embassy. Driving in, the city showed me all the reasons why I love it - moody winter clouds, grey buildings and shining yellow lights. I adore being so close to the hills and the sea, and being able to walk from one end to the other.

(That's a sock in Cinque Terre on the table...almost done!)

It was a perfect evening for red wine, brownies, crafting and talking about crafty business and general gossip. The craft community really are so open and welcoming, and I always go away from catch ups with a big smile on my face. Last night in particular, a few plots were planned...so there is plenty to go on with in the background!

Mainland mission

2010-04-03T18:29:00.000+13:00

I hope you're all enjoying a lovely relaxing Easter weekend. This year seems to be a perfect demonstration of why Easter trading should stay just how it is in New Zealand - all shops closed on Friday and Sunday. Having caught a bad cold there is nothing but to sit on the couch, watch movies and knit.

To continue the week of Grandma, here are a few photos of the weekend away to celebrate Margaret's birthday. Have a great weekend, and travel safe if you are heading away xx

The best chocolate cake EVER

The cows were quite keen on having cake

Drive out from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass

View of the beautiful Rakaia River

Crafternoon Tea with Granny G

2010-03-31T18:05:00.000+13:00

In continuing the Week of Grandma theme - the wonderful Granny G interviewed Margaret Stove at the end of last year. Having only just listened myself a couple of weeks ago, it certainly is inspiring - sometimes it's easy to forget we're related and just marvel at what talent she has.

So sit back, relax with a cup of tea and a hot cross bun, and be inspired.

Week of Grandma: Artisan Lace

2010-03-30T16:06:00.000+13:00

Welcome to a week of Grandma!

As Margaret Stove is celebrating a milestone birthday this coming weekend, what better time than to spend a week celebrating Grandma.

First up:

Artisan Lace weight merino is now available to purchase online. More colours will be added each day, so by Friday the full collection will be available. For those who are extra game, the gossamer weight is up there too.

You can now also buy both of her books: 'Creating Original Hand Knitted Lace', and 'Merino - Handspinning, dyeing and working with merino and superfine wools'.

Perhaps now is the time to finally tackle her yarn myself - it is quite different to working with sock yarn!

2010-03-23T16:44:00.000+13:00

Those who have received an order from Knitsch may have noticed an extra treat in their parcel - a set of 5 cards and envelopes.

We're popping these in with orders at the moment as our way of saying thanks! They are from a former crafty life of mine, and what better way to use them up than to send them off to you?

Credit where credit's due: Tiki, by Tim Strickland, and The Harbour is an ironboard, by yours truly.

Au coin de ma rue

2010-03-22T08:32:00.003+13:00

On the corner of my road...

There are lots of street fashion photographers floating around the interwebs these days, following the footsteps of facehunter.

(Photo credits: Made, by Tuinwoman, Au Coin de ma rue)

Au Coin de ma Rue has to be the prettiest and most considerate of its subjects yet.

I love the scarf on Made, above. And the palette of greys. Mmmmm.

Plus there are lots of Dutch people, which will always win me over.

Golden Skeins

2010-03-21T10:49:00.000+13:00

On Friday a box of cuddly deliciousness was sent to Belinda to be placed in the upcoming April Blendy boxes.

And, rather Charlie and the Chocolate Factory like, there is a golden ticket! Or rather, a skein of Knitsch Kowhai with a super prize for one lucky person. There are 5 skeins of golden bright Kowhai, but just one of them has a special tag. Who will it be? oooohhhh....anticipation!

There are, in fact, over 90 mini 10gram skeins on their way north - so everyone who gets in quick and nabs themselves a Blendy box should have a baby Knitsch to play with.

Putting the tags on Kowhai, and thinking about golden tickets, the song Golden Skans by the Klaxons was doing circles in my head. So here, a musical interlude...enjoy!

Relay for Life - Stitched Up

2010-03-15T12:22:00.000+13:00

There is a wonderful group of crafters who are doing relay for life on Saturday 27 March at Frank Kitts park in Wellington.

They asked if I could join the team and do a knit graffiti session to support them, but unfortunately I can’t make it.

If you are able to offer any assistance - knitting, fence weaving, cheerleading, event being a participant (!) PM me and I can give you the contact details. If not, donate! Every little bit counts. There is someone quite close to sonjanz and I who is currently battling breast cancer so i’m super gutted I can’t go - but also can’t be in two places at once :(

The donation details are:
Donate here
And the team is:
Stitched Up
Event: Wellington

Online!

2010-03-14T15:10:00.000+13:00

It's official - you can now buy Knitsch Yarns online!

*squeeeeeeeeee* Pretty gosh darn exciting.

Go on, have a nosy. And let us know if there is anything you love or loathe about the site - feedback is most welcome.

Knitting is art

2010-03-13T16:58:00.000+13:00

More often than not, I feel like one of these knitterly ladies.

Daniela Edburg really does capture that wonderful slightly crazed obsession we all enjoy.

OutdoorKnit is revolting against er, knit graffiti, as some of it has evolved into something we don't love. It's going to be more about art, and less about decoration. Watch this space.

Your new favourite socks

2010-03-11T16:37:00.000+13:00

Loads of people asked us at Craft2.0 on Saturday 'Where can I find a good sock pattern?'.

Well, here is the link to your new favourite socks: Cookie A's Monkey.

I've knitted two pairs: one in Hazelknits High ocTANG (I gave these away) and a second pair, all for me, in green Wollemeise.

It really is a wonderful pattern - in fact, I think it's time to cast on another pair. Even if you haven't knitted a pair of socks before, these have a wonderful rhythm and a great base pattern. 64 is the magic sock number - it's perfectly versatile.

Do you have a favourite sock pattern? What is it? Please share or else i'll end up with a drawer full of monkeys!

2010-03-08T12:41:00.000+13:00

Finally, Knitsch yarns has officially lifted off and entered the great wide world of wool.

Craft2.0 was the best fun - there was plenty of attaching names to faces, and as per usual it was a struggle not to spend all my money on the gorgeous goodies made by the other crafters. Thank you so much to everyone who came along, being able to wax lyrical about a shared passion is really what it's all about.

Mama (right) and I (left) with our table of deliciousness and some lovely yarnies

This week the focus is on getting the online shop live, just for you. If you pop along and subscribe to the e-newsletter, anyone on that list will be the first to know when our woolly goodies are ready and waiting.

2010-02-12T19:46:00.000+13:00

Would you like a sneaky peak? Would ya? Hmm? Hmm?

Top to bottom: Punky, Mystery Machine, Chelsea, Cherry Ripe, Paua

We're dyeing with all cylinders blazing in preparation for Craft2.0. My poor fingers are getting rope burn from twisting skeins...

2010-02-08T19:39:00.000+13:00

Grey's Anatomy has got to be my favourite series du jour. It serves as fantastic therapy - it makes you laugh, and cry - perfect for releasing pent up emotions.

In one episode, Nurse Rose says to McDreamy "I am an imperfect person". Boy I love that line. It rings so true - I am an imperfect person. I'm also a very imperfect crafter, and skill improvement is up there on this year's to do list.

One goal is to get the hang of fair isle.

Endpaper mitts is the project, and yep, there are mistakes, but I feel they tell a story, and so shall leave them in. The mitts are for me - happily a selfish knitter - and the mistakes remind me that sometimes my incredibly high standards require a bit of extra practice to reach. It's ok to be imperfect.

(Knit in Knitsch Yarns 'Chelsea' and 'Silver Lining')

2010-02-01T22:42:00.000+13:00

I am obsessed with green.

My favourite colour is yellow - bright, sunshiny, happy. Nothing can be sad with yellow, really.

But green, damn that green.

I have quite the collection of orange yarn - it started in London. About the same time as the green obsession. It seemed that every skein of yarn that found itself in my hand was either green or orange.

The problem with that is, every dye colour I dream up, a spot of green sneaks in. Oh, I think, if i do this, and this and this, and then what else will go with it...oh, i know, green!

And then do you think it is easy to achieve that subtle shade of emerald? Or the iridescent colour of a beer bottle? oh no. No. Green has to be one of the frigging trickiest colours to get just so.

The moral of the story is: if you like green, Knitsch is for you. You may look forward to enjoying the benefits of my misery!

2010-01-28T14:05:00.000+13:00

Over the past couple of weeks great trouble has been afoot - a misbehaving yarn skeiner.

The skeiner originates from the Artisan Lace asset list, and was lovingly built by my Grandfather. However, it was build with bits and bobs and some clever engineering, and was looking a tad worse for wear. Also, there was a problem: it winds gossamer and lace weight perfectly, but supertwist merino has a tendency to, well, twist when it is wound on the skeiner.

Frustrating.

So after lots of trial and error, plenty of brow-furrowing, the boy and I spent an afternoon fixing it. We had to add new eyelets in order to create more tension, and so rebuilt the entire cone holding section. After a couple of hours, and lots of testing, we were pretty proud with the results. There are still a couple niggly bits but winding ten skeins at once is infinitely more satisfying than one at a time by hand!

Besides that, I have been rather on the unwell side of late. After finally giving in and going to the doctor, apparently it was a bug. A two week long one. Feeling 100% again still seems like a fairytale, and there is plenty of brainstorming as to how to regain previous energy. The resolution to abandon coffee has completely fizzled - it is certainly less enjoyable than it used to be but it is the one thing that gives a bit oomph to the day. Lucky there are plenty of other exciting woolly things going on to keep plodding along...

2010-01-25T13:46:00.000+13:00

The wool has arrived!

We celebrated with the Lower Hutt Knitters group, some champagne, and plenty of knitting.

It is rather surreal to finally have something tangible and space-occupying. Four months ago I sat in my Uncle's lounge on a steamy Kuala Lumpur evening and told him all about my grand plans for the future. He was one in a long list of people i've regaled with my dreams of wool, colour and fulfilment. Every time the words were said aloud, there was always that niggling thought questioning if it will actually happen.

And here it is.

7 and a half great boxes of sock wool.

Resolutions for the New Year

2010-01-02T19:42:00.000+13:00

This will be the only blog post with a title.
Knitsch Yarns will be big, bright, and boisterous all year long :D
No coffee shall be consumed (uh oh).
More time shall be allocated for fun knitting (as opposed to work knitting).

Happy New Year everyone! I've decided to put the Knitsch Yarns blog over here on blogger so that comments may be shared - it all gets a bit boring if one can't interact on a blog.

I saw in the New Year with a bunch of wonderful friends at Waitarere beach, while Sonja was enjoying it in the Napier sunshine. 2009 was an amazing year for me, and I was sad to say farewell. 2010 has plenty of reasons to be excited - our giant wool order arrives in a few weeks, we're doing some special work on Margaret Stove's lace weight, and there's even a few travel plans in the mix.

My hope for this blog is to share patterns, tasty things, beautiful things, and everyday things. Because that is what it's all about, really.

xx Tash