Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Inklette weaving

Warped inklette loom & finished band




Close up of weaving in progress

My newest obsession, is inkle weaving. The above images are of weaving on the inklette loom, a small portable version of an inkle loom. I can't wait to give my regular size inkle loom a try. If I knew how easy it was to warp an inkle loom, I would have done this years ago. I love to weave handbags of all types, so I see inkle band straps in my future.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Modern Quilt Wrap by Mags Kandis

Lot's of yummy colours will be arriving for this easy to knit wrap. I will be adding a class for mitered knitting, so lot's of us can have fun knitting it. I'm thinking that a pastel version might be a fun choice as well.

Saturday, September 08, 2007

Knitting Daily

Do you Knit Daily?
If so check out Interweave Presses new internet offering. Wonderful articles, patterns and advice. http://www.knittingdaily.com/ I am waiting for yarn to come in for the Modern quilt wrap. Watch for updates on it. But really you have to KNIT DAILY, it's wonderful. There is a link to a how-to on knitting in your ends.Very useful.

More Fair images




Goshen Fair







Last weekend was the perfect weekend for the fair! I went on Monday, and of course checked out the sheep (loved up a couple). I also love to see the goats. I think I have to love them the most. They can be like puppies, following you around. I always enjoy the Historical building which houses antique tools of all sorts upstairs as well as demonstrators in costume downstairs. There was a lovely woman , Joan who was spinning, as well as a gentleman who was carving wooden figures and his wife who was knitting. There also was a quilter and basket makers.






Friday, August 31, 2007

September Classes

You may call or stop by to pre-register for classes. It's appreciated that any supplies needed are purchased through the shop before classes.
Please note that private classes are always available by appoinment
860-482-3979

Knitting

Quilted Squares for knitters- Create a knitters version of three quilt squares, in three one hour sessions. $ 30 includes pattern. Students may bring in scrap worsted to sport weight yarn and appropriate needles. Sept. 12, 19, 26, 4-5 pm

Easy knitted animal toys-This can be a fun “get back to knitting class”, or maybe a great Mom & Child class. Yarn may be picked out before class. This is a two session class, one for knitting and one for finishing. $30.00 includes pattern. Sept. 22, 10-12, Sept 29, 10-11am

Finishing 101 - Bring in a knitted project that you want to finish to learn on. Learn the appropriate seaming to use, working in ends, sewing on buttons, and more. This is a one hour session that may be scheduled during shop hours. $10.00

Socks- We will knit a small sock ornament while learning basic sock techniques. Sept. 13 or 27,
3-5 pm. $20 per session. Pattern included. Students may bring in scrap yarn.

Learn to knit in the round-Quick and easy ear flap hat in chunky yarn. $20. plus supplies.
Sept. 1-2 pm.

Learn to knit- Students will choose a project, and learn as they go in this beginner’s group class. On going Tuesday evenings, begin Sept. 18. 6:30- 8:30 pm.$10. per session.
Crochet

Crochet Borders- Learn how to add a beautiful crochet edging to your knitting. Students will bring in a large knitted square to practice single crochet, ruffle, and picot edgings on. One hour sessions $10 per session, that you may come in for as needed on the following dates: Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 10- 11am.

Felting

Needle felting -Students will learn how to embellish their knitted & felted creations with this fast, fun, & easy technique. Choose a one hour session during store hours. $10 per session, plus supplies.

Felted Soaps- Want to get a feel for making felt with fibre? Here’s a great way! $10. per session plus supplies. Choose a one hour session during store hours.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Knittting for the Troops in the Hartford Currant

There was a very nice article written in the Hartford Currant about knitting for the troops. I'm really looking forward to our first meeting to knit for the troops. I hope that you can join me at the Shop Thursday, June 21, 6:30 -8:30. There will be refreshments, as well as the good company.

http://www.courant.com/features/lifestyle/hc-knitforsoldiers.artjun19,0,153455.story?coll=hc-headlines-life

Monday, June 18, 2007

Weaving and spinning at Gallery on the Green in Litchfield

I can't believe that its already been almost 2 weeks since the Gallery on the Green Crafts show!
I thought we would get rained out, but instead we lucked out. My fearless Aunt Jan came along for support and help. She wove a scarf on the rigid heddle loom, while I spun on my wheel and talked with onlookers and customers. The kids had a great time trying out the loom while Aunt Jan showed them what to do. KIDS LOVE WEAVING. They are facinated by the process and the results. Put any child at a loom and just watch them go at it. By the end of the show a man stopped by with his giant white furball of a dog and asked about getting yarn spun. What a great project that will be!
Well people enjoyed the demos as well as purchasing my handwoven scarves, shawls and felted items. Aunt Jan finished the scarf at the end of the day, and it looks lovely! It was a great day and I look foward to going back next year. Of course in all the excitement I forgot to take a single picture, although the newspapers took some of the kids at the loom.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Shawl pins at In Sheep's Clothing


I found these shawl pins at a show recently. They are one of a kind, and look very nice as a closure for a shawl or sweater.

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Gallery on the Green in Litchfield

Fabric for cotton towels



I finally got word that I will indeed be showing and selling my work at the Gallery on the Green, June 9th, 9:30-4:00 pm. It's a day long juried arts and crafts on the green. Depending on the weather, I plan on bringing a loom for demonstation as well. Typically, it's super hot and humid, and worse the following day for the annual Road Race. I always feel sorry for those runners trying to make it up the steep Gallows Lane.
So anyway this means that I will be working like crazy to get as much work done in time for the show. I plan on lots of placemats, towels, and scarves. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it doesn't rain!

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

In Sheep's Clothing Fibre Arts Studio is Open!

After 10 years at the Wool Connection, I am going it on my own! This all started because I still wanted to continue teaching weaving and selling looms, so now I have the whole thing, knitting yarns, bamboo needles, great pattern books from very cool companies like Maggie Knits, and Ella Rae. I plan on getting in the Maggie Knits yarns as well, as J. Knits, gorgeous, wools, mohairs and silk all beautifully hand dyed. I also am carrying a gorgeous aran weight kid mohair and a machine washable dk weight merino from Sublime, with really lovely pattern books.
I just got in great ceramic buttons for the perfect finishing touch for those special sweaters or handwovens.
Being an Ashford dealer, I have all the products availabe for sale , as well as looms and wheels on the floor ready to give a test drive.
I have a nice selection of knitting and weaving publications as well.
So when I'm not helping customers choosing their projects, you will find me behind the loom, creating new handwovens for sale.

Friday, February 23, 2007

New Ashford Wheel Magazine

This is the new issue of the Ashford Wheel Magazine. It actually came out sometime in October, but I'm just getting around to this now. The Wheel for those who don't know, is a yearly publication by Ashford. (world known for their spinning wheels) It features articles about spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing and so on. In the beginning it was a black and white newspaper style publication, but now is available in subscription form in a beautiful glossy magazine. I've enjoyed the magazine for many years in all its versions, so I'm especially pleased with this issue that my felted totes were featured in this year's issue. Check at my previous post.