HRYC

Happy November! While i'm in an eternal state of wondering where the year has gone, i'm also rather looking forward to Christmas this year. It's the best time to catch a break, relax and get crafty. 

December and Christmas is a time for being with good people, having time away from the busy-ness of work and reflecting on the best things in life. And usually time for treats. If you're hankering after new toys this Christmas, you're in luck!

From today until 21 November we've got 15% off ALL Ashford hardware. The discount has already been applied to all eligible products so you don't need to worry about discount codes. 

The best part? We'll order in anything at all for you if it isn't already in-stock or online. Have a nosey and daydream through the Ashford product range and give us a yell if you need prices or advice. I rather fancy the idea of treating myself to a 50cm Knitter's Loom. Perfect way to churn through the stash and make some super gift-able scarves.

The sale applies to Ashford hardware only - looms, spinning wheels, drum carders, swifts, wool winders and accessories. Yarn and sliver are excluded. And there's free shipping on all NZ orders over $50! Hooray!

P.S If this post seems to be lacking a little joie de vivre, it's because I had to write it twice. You missed out on the first round of over-excitement. Boo!

Yesterday Bridget collected her brand new shiny Ashford Knitters Loom and 10dpi reed. Last weekend Lindy picked up her Ashford Lace Flyer and spare bobbins. Julia is over the moon with her Ashford Joy spinning wheel. 

One of the most rewarding parts of being in the shop is sharing the excitement of new tools with you. As much as big piles of squishy yarn gets us all excited, there's something extra special about finally deciding that yes, it's time. Time to order in that loom you've been thinking about for months. Time to treat yourself to a new craft, a new way of discovering meditation through making. 

As Bridget walked out the door with her arms wrapped around a big box with Ashford printed all over it, I was thinking about how she'll get to experience the fun that is opening that box. Of unwrapping each component, of learning all the details of the loom through the process of putting it together. I can't wait to see what Bridget makes first. I hope she doesn't mind my using her to paint a picture of what it's like to be a new owner. 

Not so long ago I put together the shop's Ashford Traveller. There's something really special and rewarding about rubbing each piece with wax polish, and figuring out how all the pieces connect and play a part in the process. 

I guess it must be like someone who loves cycling buying a brand new bicycle (a bike shop has just opened across the road, by the way). Or someone who loves sewing buying and using an overlocker for the first time. Taking that step up, and exploring a new way of using yarn or fibre to create different outcomes is so thrilling. 

Now I know purchasing some new hardware can be a bit daunting. It's also not a decision to be made lightly - it is an investment. While we don't have any looms set up at the shop right now, we do have an Ashford Joy spinning wheel, a Traveller wheel and a drum carder for you to try out. It's best to set up an appointment with us so we can have everything ready to go when you arrive - it's a good idea to try out a couple of options before settling on any decision. Everyone has different preferences and it's good to have a bit of time to figure out exactly what it is that will work for you.

And yep, we totally do layby. Hooray!

 Anyone following me on Twitter a couple of weekends ago will already know that I've fallen head over heels in love. With a weaving loom. As I warped up the new Ashford Sample It Loom, my Tweets all read much like this:

I'd put off warping this baby up for too long. I was nervous, worried about my first ever foray into adding the warp threads - something i'd not done before. 

'This will be tricky!' I mused, and procrastinated. The assembly wasn't so hard, helped along with a handy philips screwdriver. 

'But surely, the warping will be a challenge! I shall put it off, and do it someday that i'm not terribly busy with other (less important) tasks.'

I'm not sure why that morning struck as the perfect time to give it a go, but try I did. 

True and honest surprise, half an hour later, when the job was mostly done. All that was required to finish up was a hand from my flat mate to tie everything off. 

Not only was it much, much easier than anticipated, it proved worthy of a photo shoot:

Now we have a fully assembled and warped loom in the shop for you to play with - and it's already attracting a lot of attention. Ours has Knitsch Sock in Kelly and Georgina & the Jellyfish on the go. The instruction booklet has a very guide to assembling, warping and weaving, with loads of photos. We're also happy to lend a hand with warping up if it's needed. 

If you happen to order online (or even in store), we'll ship within NZ for free! Hooray!