HRYC

The lovely Sofia is our guest blogger today: she has been busy teaching absolute beginners here at the shop over the past couple of months. Every single one of her students has come out of the classes with great big smiles of success. You can sign up for her Amigurumi Vintage Rabbit class at Handmade 2012 here (it's under the World category, rather than yarn).

Take it away, Sofia!

I love Amigurumi

The word is said and spelled ‘A-mi-gu-ru-mi’.  It’s not as big a tongue twister as you might think, though I have to admit to taking weeks to get it right myself.  The reason I love Amigurumi  so much:

1. I love toys.
2.  I love that it doesn’t take much yarn.
3. I love that it’s so easy for a beginner crocheter to make something so CUTE

It’s possible to knit Amigurumi toys, (the word translates literally to crocheted or knitted stuffed toy) however I’m a total newb at knitting and the knitted toys I’ve seen often require a LOT of short rows.  Crocheted toys are generally worked in the round, you only need to know how to create a chain, single crochet stitch and how to thread yarn onto a needle to sew in the ends and attach the various body parts.  But oh, the results are so cute.  Here’s a few Amigurumi projects that make people ooooh and aaaah the most.

monkey!

Dino!

Ballet Bunny!

I dream of making these in the future...

Lollo the African Flower Bear by Heidi Bears

Padma by Dawn Toussaint

Fish to Sushi by Irene Kiss

Dreamy Giraffes by Irene Strange

Amigurumi has opened up the world of ‘yarn’ to me, I am now also learning to knit and spin.  I have a queue that’s forever growing with various projects I dream about.  Non-toy projects are taking more of my attention as my various crochet and knitting skills increase, however those toys will always be my first yarn love.   So now getting others ‘hooked’ is one of my spare time activities, I can’t wait to see what others create and how their own yarn addictions develop as they too gain more confidence.

Hooray! Present this coupon either at our stall at Wonders of Wool tomorrow, Saturday 12 May for $1 off every single skein or ball of yarn you buy!

You can also use it in store at Holland Road Yarn Company - hip hip hooray!

The coupon only applies to wool products, does not include accessories, books, notions etc. It must be presented to redeem the discount. Offer only valid 10am - 4pm Saturday 12 May.

When I first started looking at Spud & Chloe, still uncertain as to if I'd order it for the shop, it made me weak at the knees just looking at pictures of it. The clear, bright colours, the smooth yarn with a touch of shine and some obvious bounce....oh, what dreams are made of!

It hasn't failed to deliver. An unusual mix for us kiwis, it is a superwash mix of 55% wool 45% cotton. The cotton gives it an interesting feel - smooth, sturdy and super, super squishy.

After watching some of the regulars pick it up and start blankets with it, I finally gave in and joined them. Spud & Chloe Sweater is an honest to goodness delight to knit with. The excuse for casting on was that I needed shop knitting - something easy to pick up and put down and chat over. But really, I just wanted the pure and simple enjoyment of knitting with something so gorgeous.

Quick round-up: Spud & Chloe is divine. Squishy, soft, excellent drape, good stitch definition. Bright, clear colours that work for kids and adults alike. With the added bonus of being superwash (note that I haven't washed it yet!). I have heard from a few people that some knitters aren't that stoked with how it wears in adult garments. My advice: seeing as it contains cotton, try to avoid using it on the three bumps: boobs, bum, elbows. If you can't avoid them, go for a pattern with positive ease (i.e. loose fitting). It will stretch downwards due to the weight of the cotton - so if you're taller, don't worry too much about adding extra rows for length. A customer mentioned reading advice to throw it in the dryer after washing - not until it is completely dry, but enough to get 90% of the moisture out. Just like your jeans, the cotton will shrink a bit and pull back to its old shape. Then block out as you usually would.

I'll be writing up the pattern for the blanket i'm knitting as soon as it's done. It's been selling super fast but we have plenty on the shelves still and more due in a few weeks. Come and have a squish for yourself!

In the run-up to Handmade 2012, we've put together a list of classes that will be super awesome and we KNOW will sell out fast. If you're in two minds about any, book! Trust us, these teachers are fantastic and you will come away being a better crafter for it.

Twice the Fun - Two Handed Stranded Knitting

Expert level class taught by Morag McKenzie

If you've ever wanted to improve your colourwork skills, GO TO THIS CLASS. It's that simple.

Spinning A Yarn

Beginner level taught by Frances Strachl

Lots of people have been asking about spinning classes lately, and I must say i'm now addicted to spinning. Learn how to use a drop spindle - the best, most portable way of entering the world of spinning yarn.

This is my spinning, on a spindle made by the amazing Frances. Don't judge me, i'm still learning!

Just Add Beads

Skilled level taught by Stella Lange

A class i'd take if there was a chance to run away from the Knit Lounge for a couple of hours. I've a pretty strong suspicion beads in knitting is one of those trends that will start to emerge over the next couple of years so this is the perfect way to get in and learn early.

Have you booked in yet? What are you going to? Are you trying something completely and totally new or taking the leap to upgrade your skills? Let us know!

Tash's super talented Grandmother, Margaret Stove, featured on local tv show 'Hearts and Crafts' this past weekend.

Unfortunately we can't embed the video into this post, but if you click here it will take you to watch the show.

Enjoy!