Angelknits (London Group)

Where did 2009 go?

2010-01-04T19:17:00.002Z

In a flurry of not-blogging about the group it seems!

So, seems a good time to remind everyone that We are on the 1st Tuesday of every month, and that means that the first AK of 2010 is tomorrow!

See you there! Details are over there on the left, in the Side-bar.

Cresting the year...

2009-08-03T12:18:00.002+01:00

Well, we are truly more than half way done with 2009 now (Where has it all gone!)

The July 7th AK meet was a giggle, Dave & Nikki knitted and nattered, Dave's recently got into Amigurumi so was showing off the Cthulhu he'd crocheted, as well as workign on a nice chunky-weight hat on Circs.

Nikki's Sideway bobble is nearly done, pretty much the last push will be made at AK tommorow!

Yes, we'll be there, knitting and nattering from around 18:30 tommorow, August 4th 2009.

Looking forward to it already! :-)

Last AK was a Blast

2009-06-08T12:45:00.002+01:00

Hi Guys,

The Last AK was a giggle, Our Pub's Landlord (Matt) has just finished Varnishing teh Floors, so the NEw Rose was looking all new and shiny. Matt also said that for Next time, the Secret Garden should be lovely for us, as they are re-vamping it as well

Nikki was there, Knitting a Wormhead Orginal "Sideways Bobble Hat" pattern, Jude came back with her Debbie Bliss Wonderful Cashmerio Jumper, and we had a new lady called Laura who Currently Crochets, but is a beginner Knitter, owns Angora Bunnies, Shears them for Spinners, and wants to learn to spin as well!

Hope to see people on July 7th, which is our Next Tuesday meet!

It's AK tomorrow!

2009-05-04T11:50:00.001+01:00

Hi guys!

Just to remind you all the Angel knits is on this Tuesday (5th May)!

As always, on a table under the Big Front Windows at The New Rose, 84
Essex Road, from 18:30 until we want to stop.

Before we meet again after that,
Spitalfields City Farm annual Sheep & Wool Fayre
is happening!
Sunday 24 May 2009 12-4pm
free fun for all the family
www.spitalfieldscityfarm.org tel: 0207 2478762
sheep shearing, have-a-go crafts, refreshments, stalls,
The Annual Sheep Stakes & other competitions.

And after that, The Camberwell Arts Festival 20-28th June are looking
to have a turn up & drop in section to the Festival. we'll keep you
posed on that one...

Hope everyone is having a chilled out Bank Holiday, and see you all tomorrow!

Just to remind you all, We've gone Monthly!

2009-04-02T10:06:00.002+01:00

No big shake this week, as it follows from last week...

But after the 7th April, do remember that the next meeting is 5th May!

See you all soon! :-)

Change in Frequency to AK - We're going Monthly

2009-03-17T09:55:00.003Z

From April 7th, Angelknits is to go Monthly.

I.e. We will go to holding AK on the 1st Tuesday of the Month going forward.

This Website will change shortly, and all other Sites we know of that advertise us will be notified of the change shortly.

However, if you are directed here from somewhere that is out of date, please do drop us a Line with the details of where you got the information, so that we can write and ask them to change it!

AngelKnitsLondon AT Googlemail.com

See you all soon!

Progressing into the new year...

2009-01-13T13:04:00.005Z

Last week we had lots of fun. New year, new people, lots of new yarn and new projects for the knitting.

Coming back into the knit is always good thing. :-)

Nikki finished her wristwarmers last week (although, she discovered as she put them on at the bus stop, that the beginning tails still have to be to weaved in!), but the grumpy Rowan Cocoon really doesn't want to become the Pointy skiing hat she's trying to make it into!

Rebecca was there with her thin-strip Kidsilk haze blanket project, which is progressing very well on those 10cm 2mm needles she made herself (gasp!), Annna with an short-row shaped scarf to compliemtn that berret and newbies Suzie and Louisa with a teacosy and blanket squares respectively.

So, we hope to see you all tonight, and of course, every Tuesday you can mange coming along into 2009! :-) We'd love to see some old faces again!

See below and to the left on the sidebar for Full address, contact and timing details.

Festive Season Break

2008-12-23T12:33:00.002Z

Yep, we've decided that as most of the regulars are away for the Festive Season, that the Next Angel Knits is Tuesday 6th January!

Have a great time, and see you all in the new year!

Settling in for the Long Dark of Winter.

2008-11-19T12:35:00.003Z

As per usual, we sitted and knitted through a jolly evening of chatter.

We are still sitting in the front of the pub, in the snug, by the Window, as that gives us the best light opportunites (When they turn the lights down, we just have to ask for Light 6 to get turned back up!), and it's generaly the most cosy place to live. :-)

We welcomed 3 new people Adel, Ruth and Katy, as well as Nikki, Anna and Stephanie being there with all manner of goodies.

Adel showed us some prints from a lovely website shes discovered: TechKnitting

Anna's just finished a Sideways knit berret using Noro Kureyon, looks very good.

Nikki sat and tried to work out just how she made the first wristwarmer, so she could do the same for the same for the second one...

and a good time was had by all.

See you all Next week!

Did we have a Summer???

2008-09-02T12:34:00.002+01:00

All too briefly it came and went this year it seems, and the light we get from the BIG front windows is now slowly disappearing! :-(

Still, just because the Sun isn't shining is no reason for us to not inhabit the "Sunny Corner" though, so look for us there a while yet.

Quite a few new people have rocked up over the summer months, and our outing to StokeFest was very sucessful.

Our Next Outing is "IKnit Day" this Saturday, 6th September! It's looking to be very exciting, packed with yarn, fun and other loony things, so maybe see you there!

Also on the Yarngasm horizons is The Knitting and Stitching Show, 9th - 12th October at Alexander Palace.

So, see you somewhere soon!

Angelknits going to Stokefest

2008-06-03T14:18:00.005+01:00

As the Local knittery types, We've been asked to attend Stokefest and teach people to knit!

We will be there from 13:00 until 15:00 with both a formal "class" on knitting an iPod or Mobile Phone cover, and also an informal "Sit and Stitch" area as well!

There is LOTS else to see, do and hear as well, so why not come down and join the fun?!

Or if not, just come join us at the New Rose, every Tuesday from 18:00 ish, where the usual knitterly thing that happens every week is still happening... ;-)

Is it Spring or wot?

2008-04-08T13:56:00.003+01:00

The weather this week seems to be very confused, sunny one minute, then SNOW!!! It's lulling us into a false sence of security...

However Spring does mean that we are now sitting in the front part of the pub, where the big glass windows are, enjoying knitting with the natural light from the later evenings.

We've settled back into being a group of around 10 people again, and it's all very merry and chatty.

Also, the pub has a new chef that was awarded "Best London Burger 2006" and it's usual selection of good beer, wine and amusing bar-staff ;-)

So, see you all there!

Book Launch event!

2008-02-01T14:14:00.000Z

The team for 'Going Straight' and meself will be invading the knitting group on tuesday 12th feb (the day after my birthday ;) It won't be a huge party as I'm just too pregnant and tired (Baba is due on the 29th feb) but I'm hoping there'll be a few people turn up!

Everybody is invited and it would be fab to see you all - this is likely to be my last outing before I become a mother ;)

I'm hoping to have some spare copies for the book to be able to sell on the night if anyone is interested.

Tuesday 12th feb
From 6.30pm

See you there!

Festive arrangements

2007-12-17T13:46:00.000Z

I'm sure you can guess this, but for the first time since we started 3 years ago, the 25th December is a Tuesday! So AK are not going to be at the New Rose that day! ;-)

As to the the next week, well, it's the 1st, so I reckon we will all be nursing hangovers and dreading the return to work... How do we feel about turning up? If you are really bored/want to get away from inforce Jolity, I can't see any reason why we don't, so speak now or I'm inclinded to say that we will leave it.

So, last before Xmas is the Tomorrow, the 18th December, then unless we decide otherwise, back on the 8th I reckon.

Leave us a comment...

Waves to the world...

2007-09-10T17:48:00.000+01:00

It's been nicely busy the last few weeks, old faces are popping back out of the wood work. We saw Carole two weeks ago, and The Other Anna last week, as well as Elle, and last Tuesday, Choral Carol turned up, with a particularly bright sock OTN!

Both her and Lynsey are going for their first socks, and we all held our breath as Lynsey started her heal flap off!

I've also heard from Brooke@Yarnsmith, who said that as much as she still loves us all, she's now doing a class on a Tuesday... How dare the world organise such things to thwart the knit!

Abi wrote as well, she's back and looking to settle in Berks somewhere, and loved travelling the world. She won't be back to us anytime soon, but hopes to Visit around Xmas. :-)

If you are coming tomorrow, I think it is time to start digging out the headlights and little earlights again... as the evenings are drawing in on us (poo!)

See you then!

"Knit a Natty Key Ring" Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

2007-08-21T11:58:00.000+01:00

We received an invitation to take part in "Knit a Natty Key Ring" to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Victoria Else is a Breast Cancer Survivor, and has asked pretty much all the knitting groups in the UK to help her to knit up 850 key rings, which would be one key ring for every person diagnosed with Breast Cancer in one week in the UK.

She will then sell them to raise Funds. Closing date for receipt of keyrings is November 1st.

Further details and the pattern are in the "Knit a Natty Key Ring" PDF file.

UK S'n'B day

2007-08-12T18:44:00.000+01:00

I Knit are organising The first ever UK wide S'n'B day! Debbie Stoller will be coming over to promote her new book, and no doubt knitters from all over the UK will be there as well!

As a registered group, We can apply for 20 discounted tickets...

So, if you are a group member, and e-mail angelknitslondon@googlemail.com we'll put you on the list!

And a mellow time was had by all...

2007-08-07T23:52:00.000+01:00

Yep, we seem to be very much back in the swing of things. Lots of knitting and nattering. 6 seems to be a good number for us, myself, Jenni, Lynsey, Anna, Steph, the return of Lydia and a flying visit from Ruth to cheer our day.

Next week, if the weather holds, I propose we camp out in Matt's newly opened "Secret Garden" area!

We have a GoogleGroup!

2007-08-07T23:23:00.000+01:00

One of the things that has been mentioned in the past is that it is quite difficult to keep up with each other when we are not at AngelKnits!

It isn't exactly user friendly to leave comments for each other on blog posts, so, using the wonder of "Joined up Technology", we've set up an AngelKnitsLondon Google Group.

To subscribe to angelknitslondon, Fill out the box below!

Or just visit the group

Now... A Plea

2007-08-03T10:43:00.000+01:00

Matt the Landlord wants to write an article about us for "The New Rosette" and to fill out the "knitting club" page on their website!!

He asked us about how we got started, and any other snippets we might have to give... So, if anyone remembers "The Origin of AngelKnits", please e-mail into angelknitslongonATgooglemail.com
and I'll pass it on!

Hi everyone

2007-08-03T08:20:00.000+01:00

Haven't managed to get to Angelknits for the last 2 weeks and it looks as if I shall probably miss the next one too; but will definitely be there for the 14th. Haven't been idle though as have made 4 hats (for grandchildren), 1 bag (for me) and a scarf (birthday present for niece) in the last month. I am still persevering with my 1940s sweater which is becoming a labour of love and also making a 'throw on' thing from mohair as light relief!

It was jolly dee and lovely on Tuesday...

2007-08-03T01:49:00.000+01:00

... as there were 6 of us. Anna and Italian friend, Elle, who we haven't seen since last year, myself and newcomers Lynsey and Jenni (who originally hails from LA!)

As per usual, we knitted and nattered and ate pizza in the sun.

The Pub is of course now non-smoking, and it is so nice to leave the place not smelling.

This Tuesday coming is Ladies' Night at the New Rose so there will be Tarot reading, vintage clothing for sale, cocktails and a chocolate fondue.

See you there!

It's been very quiet...

2007-07-03T17:06:00.000+01:00

So this week, I'm hoping for a little more company than just a Glass of Soda with Lime!

As always, we officially kick off around 18:00, although I won't be able to be there until around 18:45, so grab a light and airy spot around the Front side with all the glass, and I'll see you later!

Tonight...

2007-06-26T10:54:00.000+01:00

Well, it is the Last Tuesday of the month, so that mans at the New Rose, it is "Ladies Night"!

So, apart from coming for a Knit and a Natter in the light from the long summer evenings, eating some wonderful Pizza and/or some chunky chips, and grabbing a drink or two, you can also see the Vantage Clothes stall, the Tarot Reader or grab a Cocktail or some of the Chocolate Fondue.

As always, we kick off around 18:00, although I won't be able to be there until around 18:45, so grab a light and airy spot around the Front side with all the glass, and I'll see you later!

Photos of You!

2007-06-04T15:04:00.000+01:00

Hi Angels, I have been contacted by Chloe on behalf of a photographer who wishes to to take some photos of clubs in and around London just for his portfolio. His name is Matt, and he will be asking the other Matt's (landlord's) permission to take some pictures of a small group of you knitting tomorrow night (5 June 2007)

Just out of courtesy really, I have asked them to approach each individual to ask for permission, just in case someone has a really secret project or a very bad hair day, or a piece of knitting that could bring them shame!

Hope that there are enough of you there to make a group. As always, I keep trying to get there and finding that my knitting projects keep me glued in one place and I can't get the time to come. The photographer will be able to give us a disc of his photos to use on the website if we like.

I am also applying for adoption of a couple of racing greyhounds, and it is like being a new Mum of anything really, a lot of paperwork and preparation before they arrive. I am going to start a hounds website , one of my new 'babies' has been abused and is very spooked by everything, so I am keeping a diary on how to unspook a spook to help other rescued hounds.

I might even bring my little spooky pet to the New Rose, if I have permission, and she can get used to people. She loves women and hates men, she doesn't knit.....yet. But, she has very thin skin and so will appreciate being knitted for.

Can't wait for a moment to see knitting people before dogs take over my lives, so will try to make it tommorrow but already behind on my Vogue Knitting project.

Erssie

Again, Jolly knitting.

2007-05-24T17:30:00.000+01:00

Last week, it was a lovely crowd at AK. 6 of us knitted and nattered in the sunshine coming through the big window.

Tonight, I won't be there, but it is Ladies night, so there will be Vintage Clothes, Chocolate Fondue and Tarot readers... As well as a band of Knitters secreted somewhere in a corner!

enjoy!

New books, new Hat

2007-04-04T15:33:00.000+01:00

I have just received some new but alternative knitting books which you may enjoy, go and look at my blog here if you want to find out about them.

I have also just finished knitting up a hat in Ruth Paisley's (Woolly Wormhead's) yarns, the Wensleydale in blues/greens so you can take a look at that if you were wondering whether to purchase her yarns. If you let her know, I am sure she will bring along her wares to Angel Knits.

Looking forward to a summer of Tuesday nights knitting in the last of the daylight.

Has anyone thought of asking Mat (New Rose landlord) if we can take advantage ofLadies' Night and set up a stall of our own? We could sell our yarns and hats and any other vintage stuff whilst knitting at the same time! What do you think? Ruth has her wares, Nikki has hers, I've got loads of stuff plus a collection of Hipknits yarns to sell, it could be a success even if we just sold stuff to each other.

It was ladies night...

2007-03-29T11:54:00.000+01:00

Which means Cocktails and lots of people. Ladies Night at the New Rose is the Last Tuesday of the Month. They sell Vintage Clothes, have Cocktails & Chocolate Fondue and not a great deal of Room for us...

So, Myself, Ann, Maggie, Kate and SkinheadPrincess (So sorry I didn't catch your name!) sat by the open door, under the huge window, enjoying the last of the daylight and not being killed by cigarette smoke!

All very jolly. :-)

It's Tuesday again!

2007-03-27T13:09:00.000+01:00

Will defo be there this week, Although, I've forgotten to pack the Alpaca which Ann brought back from Texas to show Anna! D'oh!

See you all around 18:45, although, of course, the Event Starts at 18:00.
{Mutter grumble, having to work until 18:00 these days...}

Do grab the big table under the Chandelier. :-)

Oh, and here's some rather too dark pics I took two weeks ago...

Here is Vikki's Crochet...

And here is my saddest site ever, as regards Knitting:

Role-Call!

2007-03-20T11:48:00.000Z

I won't be there tonight... I've been offered 4hrs of Overtime (Time x 1.5!), getting one of our Libraries back to spec after it's refit.

So, I'll be earning money to buy a shed to dye yarn in, a noble cause if ever there was one!

Do leave a comment if you are going though! :-)

Amy R Singer in London? Demand it!

2007-03-12T17:30:00.000Z

More Grouping........................

2007-03-10T12:20:00.000Z

Angel Knits London comprised of Maggie, Nikki, myself and guest (BF) and Ruth. ruth brought some goodies along, this laptop is not up to me putting links on but do take a tour around ww.woollywormhead.co.uk for some newly dyed Wensleydale in sunset colours or greens/blues and other goodies. I bought one of each of the Wenseydale skeins for less than a round of drinks (which Ruth bought a couple of thus cancelling her profit!). I think I might try and felt it although a newsboy style cap crocheted has been on my mind for a while. Oh dear, so much to do, so busy and not allowed to tell anyone why!

Had some really good discussion with Ruth about design, she is my mentor (although I am a novice I am a bit older than her though). would love to see Ruth again, the weather is getting better and we are more able to see our stuff at the New Rose.

Nikki was busy trying her hand at crochet and seems to have mastered all basic stitches, increasing in the round, and increasing on a flat piece to cause a 'flare', so, what else does she need to know? With her felting skills she should be coming up with some nice little bowls and the like.

Maggie was working with rug wool and was making a hall runner in a broken rib zig zag pattern (sorry not good with stitch names, perhaps she will correct this!)

Not long until Abi is back from her travels (next month) and I am bursting to talk to her about loads and loads. Hope she is reading this, if she is, drop me a message from New Zealand. Do visit Kaikoura (good cheap hostel there near a seal colony) and do visit the Abel Tasman park and if you do Abi, charter a boat from Rod Stewart (not ,the, Rod Stewart but same name) who has a luxury yacht that he takes people out on for the same price as some of the other boat tours that are packed. He took two couples including us out and it was fantastic. I am so jealous of you guys etc. BBC has a Castaway series started on the island next to the one we stayed on for New Year, I do believe they have better facilities as well than us! Not exactly deserted, thewy could go over the fence and down the road for a cappucino if they wanted so don;t be fooled.

A nice little grouping...

2007-02-28T12:05:00.000Z

Well, we had fun last night! There were 5 of us, Myself, Ann and 3 new ladies, Maya, Gina and Anna.

All good fun, knitting, nattering and teaching, as always.

See you all next week!

Tomorrow

2007-02-26T12:40:00.000Z

Hi

Thanks to Nikki for giving us her details. If you are reading this but can't post to the blog, just email me at erssiemajor@yahoo.co.uk OR angelknitslondon@gmail.com and I will up a post up for you (provided it isn't offensive or SPAM)

Anyway, as I said before due to unmentionable health reasons, I won't be at Angel Knits but I know Nikki, new member Maya and possibly Maggie will be there tomorrow night plus others who haven't let us know yet.

I am hoping that my 'housebound' spell will end soon so I can get back to an AK night. See you next week hopefully and have a good night tomorrow if you are going.

Try to let us know if you are going by leaving a post on the blog or emailing me so I can put a list up.

Just so we have a pic on a blog to look at, these are my current WIPS and for animal lovers, this is Marnie Maclean's dog. Marnie Maclean also has interesting free patterns etc on her blog. See my blog www.erssie.blogspot.com for a link to Marnie and other crafters.

This hat pattern is available in the on line magazine www.spindlicity.com
they are looking for submissions so if you spin, or write patterns and articles involving hand spun yarn then do contact them, see their website for submission guidelines.

Also, I have had an email from For The Love of Yarn on line magazine and they are looking for designs for their Spring issue of their online magazine. Even if you are a beginner, have never had stuff published, if you have a design you think would be suitable or an article on a particular yarn subject then do look them up and contact the editor. Their submission guidelines are available at their website http://www.fortheloveofyarn.com

I will keep you posted on any other knitting news

Member Intro: Nikki

2007-02-23T12:40:00.000Z

Angel Knits London Questionnaire

Name: Nikki
Email address: NikolaAnne AT purplekitchen DOT org DOT uk (Spam-free version!)

Area in which you live: South East London
Website/blog/page URL:
1)http://www.purplekitchen.org.uk
2) http://www.fluffenstuff.co.uk

Textile interests: Knitting, Crochet, Dyeing, Sewing
How long have you been practicing your craft?: 3 years, 2 months!, 1 year, 6 years
Knitting or Crochet level: Very Advanced "Beginner" Knitter, Beginner Crocheter, Intermediate/Advanced Dyer, Intermediate Sewer.

What are your favourite types of projects? Small projects (just love those hats, scarfs and bags!) with BIG yarn and fat needles. / Not sure yet, I seem to get good results wiht thinner yarns for Crochet. not done enough to decide! / "Point-and-Squirt" Microwave Space-dye technique on Wensleydale! / Flouncy or Circle Skirts.

Do you follow patterns or do you design your own items?: I suspect that what I does counts as "freeform!" ;-) I started out followin patterns, but now I either "just knit" and see what happens, or take a pattern I like, and then normally use a completely different yarn, needles size ands scale! One reason I don't like garments is that I just don't want the hassle of "making gauge!

Have you ever studied for a qualification in a textiles related subject or worked in this field or been published? Nope. Cookery is where my "hobby" Qualifications are!

Do you or would you like to work on group projects in the future?: Sounds like a giggle! Up for that, but it depends what it is. I've worked on a Secret Afghan for Liz from NW London KTOG group in Golders Green, and Blue squares for "knit a river"

Would you be happy sharing/teaching a skill to new members?: Oh gosh yes!

Are there any skills which you would like to acquire from another member?: Not thought about it.

What are your favourite magazines, books websites or craft links?:
http://knitty.com
http://www.knittinghelp.com

How often do you attend Angel Knits: As often as I can, at least three times a month unless "life" is happening!

How long have you been a member?: I think its been about 18 months now!

Do you belong to any other knitting organisations? If so which ones?: Used to regularly attend NWLondonKTOG, but having moved Southwards in both Work and Home, the trip isn't that viable anymore :-(

What are your current WIPS (works in progress)?: 3 scarfs, 2 bags, some random crochet and the unpacking of a house!

Which FO's (finished objects) did you complete within the last year?: Some wrist warmers, a felted "boogabag" and not a lot else. I knit for the process and the fun, not always for the results. :-)

Can you tell us about your worst knitting/crochet/textiles disaster?: Luckily, haven't had any :-)

2007-02-22T15:02:00.000Z

Introducing another new member.......... Maya Bing is coming to our group for the first time next Tues.

I, for one, am looking forward to having a Scandinavian perspective and seeing if I can pick up any tips for my colour work. (But I won't be showing her the back of my Fair Isles eeeek!)

Here are a couple of her WIPs Please make her feel welcome, and here is what she has to say about herself

Name: May Linn Bang, I normally use Maya
Email address:on file, to share with AK members only
Area in which you live: North London (address on file)
Website/blog/page URL: http://www.maya-b.com
Textile interests: Knitting and crochet
Knitting or Crochet level: Somewhere between intermediate and advanced
How long have you been practising your craft? My granny taught me how to knit when I was 6, my Mom taught me crochet when I was 9, but for the last 4-5 years it has become a passion.
What are your favourite types of projects? It depends very much on my mood, and how fast I want to get finished. After finishing a large project I prefer small ones, and the other way around.
Do you follow patterns or do you design your own items? Both
Have you ever studied for a qualification in a textiles related subject or worked in this field or been published? No
Do you or would you like to work on group projects in the future? Absolutely
Would you be happy sharing/teaching a skill to new members? Yes, very much so.
Are there any skills which you would like to acquire from another member? Nothing that comes to my mind right now, but I love to learn new techniques so I have to answer yes on that one.
What are your favourite magazines, books websites or craft links? I’ve just started buying magazines like Vogue Knitting, and it is a shame it is really expensive, because I can’t keep myself from wanting to see and knit all the beautiful projects in there. I have a lot of books, mostly in Norwegian and a long list of blogs and other links. Too much to mention them here, but if anyone is looking for something particular, I’m sure I can help.

How often do you attend Angel Knits? Well, I’m planning to come every Tuesday.
How long have you been a member? I just joined
Do you belong to any other knitting organisations? I belong to some Norwegian web-communities, but haven’t attended a group before now.
What are your current WIPS (works in progress)? Oh my God... Well there is the Pink Cardi, the Seablue Sweater, the Pinwheel Jacket, the Purple Dress, all being worked on at the same time. And of course some UFOS back in the closet which probably never will be finished.
Which FO's (finished objects) did you complete within the last year? Some shawls, some sunhats, some bikinis, a dress for my daughter, a lot of fingerless gloves, more shawls, caps and the list goes on and on (I told you this is my passion).
Can you tell us about your worst knitting disaster? Well, right now the Seablue sweater looks like it’s turning in to a disaster, and I also made a green sweater once where the neckline ended up so wide that nobody (I really mean nobody) could ever wear it. But isn’t that a part of the knitting experience....making something really ugly and still having the nerve to start a new project? (BTW I never tell my Hubby how much I spend on yarn.

Here is a closeup of the Basket Knit stitch Maya is using

2007-02-21T14:35:00.000Z

Who is going next Tues?

We have some new members and old who have said they might be going to our club night next week. Could you leave a comment to say whether you are going or not?

Also, I am going to an I knit club night. details as follows:

Where? The Phoenix, Cavendish square nr Oxford Circus so very central
When? 18 March evening see website news section for more details. Here is what G has said

After the fabulous night at the Old Vic in December we've been sorting out the next soirée for knitters and their cohorts. On Sunday, March 18th we'll have more knitting debauchery in the basement of The Phoenix, Cavendish Square (just off Oxford Circus) with live acts, music and celebrity DJs, plus Gerard's homemade cakes. Knitting in a club most definitely allowed!

An Established Member Introduces herself

2007-02-21T13:29:00.000Z

Hello Angelknits

Maggie Peake is the 2nd person to fill out my members questionnaire but the first person who has said she wouldn't mind sharing these details on the blog.

Here are some WIPS she is working on.

Here are the details she has given me
Angel Knits London Questionnaire

Name: Maggie Peake
Email address: maggie.peake@popmail.bta.com
Area in which you live: North London - N1
Textile interests: e.g. Knitting/crochet
Knitting or Crochet level - advanced
How long have you been practising your craft? More years than I would like to remember!!
What are your favourite types of projects?
larger projects i.e. bigger than a hat
Do you follow patterns or do you design your own items?
Design own patterns and also modify others.
Have you ever studied for a qualification in a textiles related subject or worked in this field or been published? Have a BA in Textile design. Sold designs via an agent.
Do you or would you like to work on group projects in the future? Yes
Would you be happy sharing/teaching a skill to new members? Yes
What are your favourite magazines, books websites or craft links? Rowan and free knitting patter sites. The V&A also have a few vintage knitting patterns on their website.
How often do you attend Angel Knits? As often as possible
How long have you been a member? About 18 months
Do you belong to any other knitting organisations? If so which ones? No
What are your current WIPS (works in progress)?
Have just finished a largish project and will be starting to knit a rug for our hall way when I am satisfied with the design.
Which FO's (finished objects) did you complete within the last year? Baby and children's clothes for my grandchildren. Toys. Project at Central St Martins using a suguaro cactus as inspiration.
Can you tell us about your worst knitting/crochet/textiles disaster?
My first attempt at lace knitting when I was 15 - just couldn't manage the increasing/decreasing AND the lace pattern.

I will store her details, make a note of the fact she is quite willing to share her skills, and the fact that she has a vast amount of experience too! We often chat about our ideas and I find her one of the most interesting people at AK. She is putting together a portfolio for further studies as well so she is a great inspiration to me on many levels.

If you want to view all members information, I will put a label of Angel Knits London Members Introduction on all posts containing our info and you can click on the label to get all members info so far. See also other labels such as etc at the bottom of posts because if you click on this, you should be able to view all posts which are linked.

New Blog

2007-02-13T13:52:00.000Z

New Blog? Old Blog?

Hi Angels. I have updated the blog to run on the new blogger system. Ah but it looks the same you might say. This is true, the style that Anna designed for us and our template are all the same. However, posting should be faster and pics easier to upload.

We also have a new email address essential for running blogger which I will try to moniter as best I can, so anyone who wants to register as a member who has not given their details to any other Angel, could you send me an email? I will also work on trying to get links up to all of our blogs, websites and pages.
I Need to talk to Anna about that because blogger has templates that are easy to manage but she has a customised version she designed for us.

This does mean that signing in to make a posting has changed ever so slightly so now you need to sign in to

The New Blogger
Name: angelknitslondon@gmail.com
Password: Not changed, same as before (only a few members have this and this will not change at the moment)

However, if you don't know the password to contribute don;t let that stop you! You can email me at either
erssiemajor@yahoo.co.uk OR angelknitslondon@gmail.com
If you wish to contribute to the blog, send your Word Doc of what you wish to say and JPEGs as attachments in an email and I will copy and post up as fast as I can.

We can chat on gmail as well, so perhaps we can have live discussions!

Anyway, members new or old, do contact me at the following address

angelknitslondon@gmail.com

with the following information

Angel Knits London Questionnaire

There is no obligation to give all details but if you would like to introduce yourself to other members fill out this form and give it to Erssie or email to her angelknitslondon@gmail.com

Name:
Email address:

Area in which you live: E.g. Enfield or North London (do not put full address see below)
Website/blog/page URL:
e.g. http://www.erssieknits.com,

Textile interests: e.g. Knitting/crochet/spinning/weaving
Knitting or Crochet level: e.g. Do you consider yourself beginner/novice/intermediate/advanced

How long have you been practicing your craft?
What are your favourite types of projects? E.g. small projects hats and socks

Do you follow patterns or do you design your own items?
E.g. I use patterns for inspiration but like to adapt them for my yarn choice and colours and shape

Have you ever studied for a qualification in a textiles related subject or worked in this field or been published?

E.g.

Do you or would you like to work on group projects in the future?

Would you be happy sharing/teaching a skill to new members?

Are there any skills which you would like to acquire from another member? (We could have group tutorials given by members on a particular night e.g. How to crochet a flower or How to do Kitchener stitch (on a sock toe), I would be willing to teach for a pint!

What are your favourite magazines, books websites or craft links?

How often do you attend Angel Knits

How long have you been a member?

Do you belong to any other knitting organisations? If so which ones?

What are your current WIPS (works in progress)?

Which FO's (finished objects) did you complete within the last year?

Can you tell us about your worst knitting/crochet/textiles disaster?

Lastly, would you be happy to share the information above? (In accordance with the DPA)
a. Not at all, totally confidential

b. with other members only via email or at AK Tues night

c. Quite happy, please put up on the AK blog

Could we have a jpeg of you and your current WIP (work in progress)?

Also, not to be shared or put up on the website i.e. confidential

You do not have to give these details and they will not be used or given away for marketing or any other purpose than keeping in touch with Angel Knitters.

Your telephone no:

Mobile No: if different from above Address:

Post-Xmas... A new year for new knits!

2007-01-31T13:19:00.000Z

Hi Guys!

As Erssie says, there isn't much activity here! Mind you, I suspect this is because there are only so many pictures you can take of the same group of knitters, and it not get monotonous, and not that many people are "contributors" to the 'blog! If you want to get connected to the team, please e-mail Erssie, who will be able to add you.

Over the last couple of Months, Angel Knits has become a small and intimate grouping, so I'm wondering where have you all gone!

Now, I know that Shane and Abi are off traveling, Anna K went off you University, as did Julie!

But there are 35 odd people on out mailing list, so you cannot all have found other things to do on a Tuesday night! :-)

So, just to keep you up to date about what's been happening...

The group has been small the last 3 weeks or so,which we can partly blame on the Xmas Aftermath... It is February now, so no excuses!

Last week, we had visitors from NWLondonKTog in the shape of Jill and Natalie, a lovely new person called Isobel, Ruth, Anna, and me! I learned Spiral Crochet, we nattered, drank, ate chips and stated until quite late.

This week, it was just myself and another newbie, Clara. Both Isobel and Clara found out about Angelknits via a 3-week knitting class at Loop! which is all good stuff.

See some of you all next week I hope!

L&s
Nikki

NO NEW POSTS

2007-01-12T16:34:00.000Z

Hey Angels

No new posts since 15 Nov and that was mine! I have been in New Zealand since 2 December 2006. I am back now and have a lot of paid work going for knitters to knit up other people's designs for a variety of publications. If you would like to share the work with me and get paid for our knitting then have a look on my blog Skeinspotting - A World of Erssie Knits at www.erssie.blogspot.com.

Do let us know what you have been up to. If you are not familiar with loading up your adventures to this blog, then email me erssiemajor@yahoo.co.uk send Word docs and jpegs and I can load up your text and photos for you. We must keep in touch with each other and fill the blog with interesting things. For those of you with blogs and websites of your own, put up the links or on this blog or send me the blogs.

I am thinking about starting a visitors' book for Angelknits so that you can log your name and put down your contact details (not everyone has an email or blog address), current WIPS,FO's and any other knitting news on a Tues night. It will alleviate the problem of endless photos of people knitting without any text or info.

Hopefully it will help me at least to learn some names of people I speak to regularly whose names I don;t know or have forgotten. As a start, here is a pic of me, my name is Erssie.

Looking forward to seeing you or hearing from you

Erssie/Angelknitter

Competition to win some Debbie Bliss yarn

2006-11-15T14:59:00.000Z

Go to my blog 'Skeinspotting' on www.erssie.blogspot.com or www.erssieknits.com click on blog. Identify the contraption in the photograph and win 5 balls of Debbie Bliss yarn. Also patterns and tips and photos of knitting and crochet plus a few links to other sites of interest.

2006-11-01T14:37:00.000Z

Hello for those of you who saw me knitting the Silvanus bag, I eventually managed to finish the project and it is in the following magazine. Here is an extract from my blog www.erssie.blogspot.com. I also included some instructions on how to design a Fairisle Chart in Excel in my section How To Design..... if you remember the discussion last time I was at Angel Knits.

The Anticraft Magazine - Samhain Surprise

At last my pattern is in the Samhain issue of The Anticraft, better late than never! The Anticraft 'surprised' me by publishing their issue early as I was working on this but they decided to have my pattern put in later as a halloween surprise.

For anyone who doesn't know the Anticraft, it is one of my favourite online magazines. It is the only one for which I am proud to donate free patterns without a designer's fee. Their house style tends towards the darker side of knitting but does include a degree of alteterative belief systems like Paganism. Even at their darkest moments there are tongues hiding in the sisters' cheeks. I also like the idea that this magazine is not just a knitting magazine, it incorporates anything which has been crafted and is original work. They publish issues 5 times per year in keeping with Wiccan Sabbats/Celtic Festivals. next issues are:

Imbolc 2007 issue (publishes Feb 1)
Beltane 2007 issue (publishes May 1)
Lughnasadh 2007 issue (publishes Aug 1)
Samhain 2007 issue (publishes Nov 1)
Imbolc 2008 issue (publishes Feb 1)

You can find the free pattern for my bag here http://www.theanticraft.com/archive/samhain06/silvanus.htm

I'm bursting to share...

2006-10-17T12:43:00.000+01:00

...my new project.

I brought some hand dyed yarns with me to Angel Knits last week, and everyone loved them. Also, I'm sure that you all know I make jewelery standard stitchmarkers as well.

So, I've set up a proper professional shop to sell from:
http://www.fluffenstuff.co.uk

I've got this setup in time for the start of the Secret Pal 9 swap session, so if you use the Checkout code SP9, I'll give you a 10% discount.

See some of you tonight!

Forgive me, but I have to boast...

2006-09-21T20:46:00.000+01:00

Take a look: http://www.annarella.co.uk/blog/2006/september.htm#163

Anna xx
www.annarella.co.uk

More free patterns

2006-09-10T17:31:00.000+01:00

Hey Angels,

I thought I'd let you know that I've posted a few free patterns designed by yours truly on my site. Hope you like them, and they're straight forward enough. Any probs/questions, do let me know.

Happy knitting,

Anna xxx
www.annarella.co.uk

New Knitting Blog

2006-09-07T15:00:00.000+01:00

Hello. I've got a blog. It will save me putting such long entries on Angel Knits. Come and visit me on www.erssie.blogspot.com or visit my website at www.erssieknits.com where you can also access the blog. I will ramble on about knitting including community gossip,put up photos. and eventually put up my Free knitting patterns which are all ready in Word with full colour photos or in the archives of online magazines. At the moment the patterns of mine that are free are:

Beltane Flame Fairisle Adult Hat
A Maiden's Glory Headdress and Choker
Erssie's Easy Fairisle Beanie
Christmas Pudding Hat*
Christmas Tinsel*
Christmas Baubles*
Christmas Mini Stocking Tree decorations*
Bee Hat and Bootees Set for Newborn-3months
G8 Hats, colourful African influenced Fez style hats for Adult and Child
Under One Skein - one skein baby socks, can be knitted form practically any yarn

*Free for Charity use

Just ask me if you want a copy or link to the above patterns. I've also got a lot more patterns for sale from $2 or £1.50 per download.

I'm still looking for knitters, especially as I had an interesting and ongoing proposition from a publisher yesterday. Contact me if you can knit neatly to a specific gauge and your finishing techniques are up to a good standard for photography.

Erssie

Something I made earlier

2006-08-22T16:39:00.000+01:00

Update: here are the pictures:
So, I have three (yes, three!) sweaters to show you. Well, don't be too blown over, I didn't complete all three of them today, but I just got round to taking pictures now, so I thought I'd share.

Blogger is being an arse and not letting me upload any pictures (anybody else having this problem?), so pls come over to my site to have a look:

Lady Marmalade sweater
Ciliegia sweater
Lacy sweater with peplum

Enjoy! ♥

Anna xxx
www.annarella.co.uk

Sponsor me please!

2006-08-19T12:11:00.000+01:00

Hello everybody!

I shall be running the 5km in the Hydro Active Women's Challenge in support of the Alzheimer's Society on 3rd September 2006.

I would love for you to come and cheer me on, but if you can't then I'd be even happier if you could spare a few pounds and donate whatever you can to the Society. It really doesn't matter how much you give, it's the thought that counts.

I'm hoping that with your support we can help towards care and research in this debilitating illness that seems to be destroying more lives now than ever before.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support. You have no idea how much it means!

Anna xxx
www.annarella.co.uk

Modern Arts & Crafts

2006-08-17T11:47:00.000+01:00

Hello Angels,

Brooke asked me to post the following, which you might like to contribute to. Happy crafting!

Anna xx
www.annarella.co.uk

------------

Modern arts & crafts at 96 gillespie: November/December 2006

Dear all

We're starting to work on an exhibition that explores handicraft, both
within & outside the practise of artmaking.

Our thoughts are to look for artists & craftspeople who generally don't use machines, or who use machines in controlled ways, to produce work that requires a repetitive action. We're interested in modern spins on traditional method. But also on the traditional. Or on things that demonstrate or define 'craft' within or instead of 'art'. (let's discuss!)

We've chosen the November schedule, because it is indeed the beginning of the season of long nights & woolly socks. But as well, in Newfoundland there is an annual crafts fair in the run up to Christmas, that celebrates & promotes craftsmanship & craftmaking. It's a lovely tradition: seasonal & warm.

Do you know anyone who fits the bill?

Best, 96G

melanie@96gillespie.com

Yarny giveaway

2006-08-03T14:20:00.000+01:00

Hello Angels,

It' that time of the month again... competition time, of course! ;)

I am giving away some yarny goodies. For more info and how to enter, take a look here. Good luck + happy knitting! :) Anna xxx

www.annarella.co.uk

Not been for so long...............................

2006-07-29T17:06:00.000+01:00

Jem 1989 - 2006 RIP
Faithful Hellhound to Erssie and Stevie

Hi Guys

I really miss coming along, it has been ages since I did some communal knitting. I spent a lot of June in hospital, then slow recuperation at home. I am very grateful though to Abi and Chris and the lovely Ann who made the effort to come and see me in Barts on the days my partner couldn't make it. Abi had exams as well so she had every reason not to come but she did, and Chris came on his own when Abi was visiting relatives so

Thank You! Not really having any family in this country really shows up when something like that happens so I am very grateful to my knitting community.

Nikki, I'm sorry to hear about your fall, it sounds nasty. I had a similar accident at Seven Sisters once and I was amazed at the rush hour crowds just stepping over me after I tumbled as if I was baggage!

I've also had a very sick doggie (above on his last beach holiday) who sadly was put to sleep a couple of weeks ago. Anyway, I am still knitting a tiny bit (although missing chunk from arm has inhibited this). I still get lots of knitting work coming through though so if any of you fancy doing some knitting up of my designs either for charity (to be featured in print magazines) or for a fee out of the budget I get offered, then do contact me as I am currently hiring two knitters and plan to use more. I've got quite a few knitting adventures in the pipeline, but sworn to secrecy so will let you know when the 'things' are 'out'.

I am off to Devon tomorrow on a last minute holiday with my two friends (who modelled the G8 hats) Fiona and Alice. We are camping but I am still packing some knitting. Will see you all when I get back. Abi, I do hope I won't miss you before your departure! Is anyone going to Fruitstock festival on 5th and 6th of July? Do go, as well as music bands Kerrie/Hipknits have set up a knitting corner. I'll be back then, so see you at the knitting corner or the following Tues as usual.

Lots of love

Erssie
www.erssieknits.com

Must... not... let... it... go... to... my... head...

2006-07-19T15:05:00.001+01:00

I'm in Simply Knitting again this month! They've featured my Web site in their August issue (page 77) which hasn't yet come out in the shops here... am dying to get my hands on a copy, but I guess as the subscribers have already received it I will need to apply some restraint for a few more days.

But, really, isn't this just superfantastically wonderful??? I can hardly believe it!!!

Have a wonderful day, Anna xx

www.annarella.co.uk

Not long now

2006-07-12T16:55:00.000+01:00

In August, I shall be leaving London and jetsetting off round the world (Rachael: we're still relying on your sofa in April 2007). A few old friends dropped by to say hello. More pictures later.

Oh ker splat.

2006-06-19T23:45:00.000+01:00

I took a tumble down the stairs at Euston, so I'm not there this week....

So, thought I would give you some pictures that I took a couple of weeks ago instead.

This is Anna, teaching herself to knit left handed (She is ambidextrous), so that she could teach

The Girl in the middle to knit!

Also, here is Josephina, Still with her hat (although, I think it is long enough to be a bag now!)

June giveaway

2006-06-07T11:29:00.000+01:00

Hello Angels,

I am giving away the necklace above to one lucky winner. For more info and how to enter, take a look here. Good luck + happy knitting! :)

I'm going on hols next week, so I'll see you in a fortnight or so, Anna xxx

www.annarella.co.uk

* Annarella in the press *

2006-06-01T15:49:00.000+01:00

Sorry to hijack this blog with a bit of self-promotion, but I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself... why? Well I've just found out that my stitch markers have received a mention in this month's Simply Knitting magazine (page 11)... how cool is this???

So I thought you Angels might like to know :)

Have a wonderful day, Anna xx

www.annarella.co.uk

Hi Everyone

2006-05-26T15:00:00.000+01:00

It was lovely to meet Robynn last Tuesday. Robynn runs Purlescence and kindly brought along some of her wares. I bought some things the very next day!

The surprises are up in Knitty and look out, there's a new online mag For The Love Of Yarn

We're thinking of putting together an article to submit to Simply Knitting so start thinking about what we should tell them (aside from get some decent desings/photos/yarn etc). What makes you keep coming back? What are the benefits of coming to Angelknits rather than sitting at home or going to another knitting group? Does knitting after consuming beer always need to be ripped out?

See you next week

Abi

2006-05-19T10:08:00.000+01:00

After a bit of a false start we had a great time on Tuesday. We helped ourselves to a different spot which was far brighter and more spacious than where we're normally squeezed in. Let's try to be there next week too!

11th April

2006-04-16T20:12:00.000+01:00

Hello cheeky chappies, Happy Easter.
We had three newbies last week. Katies was resplendent in pink and chocolate. Laura was teaching Margery to knit. I knit a leaf. Jeanning is making progress on her Laura Harding scarf. See you next time.

2006-04-12T18:33:00.000+01:00

Dear Knitters and Crochet People too!

Following a recent disaster which meant doing 3 allnighters in a row and getting it done by the skin of my teeth.............................................

I am going to put together a list of people who can help out with jobs I get offered as sometimes I have trouble fitting it all in or people let me down and I get overloaded.

Would you like to:
knit for a book, magazine following either patterns written by well known authors or helping me out with my designs (it may even lead to you being able to contribute your own designs)?
I always make sure that revenue is split fairly and co-workers names are given to the editor for an inclusion of a credit in the publication.
Can you check patterns over meticulously for errors?
If you think you'd like to help out with any of the above and you can follow a pattern and produce work that is neat enough for photographing, then email me.

I will keep a register of your name, tel no, email address and skills and will call on you as and when jobs pop up. Send me an email with a list of your skillls and experience, it doesn't matter if you are a beginner as I get beginner's projects too. I just want reliable and neat people I can call on.

erssiemajor@yahoo.co.uk

April 4th

2006-04-07T11:59:00.000+01:00

I went photo crazy this week. Hello to Cath and Maggie and Anna.
Hello to Josefina, Carol and Nikki.

Newcomer Morag is knitting a beautiful shawl in Kid Silk Haze.

Sian is working on a secret project.

There's Morag and Juli.

Carol's very coordinated with her knitting today.

2006-04-05T17:30:00.000+01:00

Hello Angelknitters, haven't seen you for ages, miss you all! Will be back next week but in the meantime this is the info about workshops I'll be doing on a regular basis. It's not advanced, I'd call it Beginners to Intermediates so tell anyone who is interested. Craft Central Enfield is in North Enfield just on the border of Herts so it's all country pubs, nice walks, stables and bags of you know what to put on your roses (well, maybe just the knitting bit is haha)

KNITTING & CROCHET

WORKSHOPS

NOW AVAILABLE AT CRAFT CENTRAL

Price £18 for 3 hours (includes £6 non returnable booking fee)

Includes a pair of needles or a crochet hook, a starter pack and some materials to practice with in the workshop or at home
Maximum of 6 students per workshop
Erssie will be tutoring students who can choose what they wish to learn.

These are just some ideas to choose from:

All the basics like casting on, casting off knit and purl stitches

Samples of different techniques to build up a stitch file

Correcting mistakes

Design Challenges – simple patterns that you can write yourself

Making a simple Scarf using various stitch types

Making a Hat knitting in the round and decreasing for the crown
Following any pattern of your choice

Making a mini sock, learning how to turn the heel, shape instep and toe

Making an armband or legwarmer.

Colour work including Fairisle, Intarsia and using knitter’s graph paper

Reading through books and patterns with the instructions de-mystified
Crochet techniques: basic stitches, shaping, crochet patterns

Crochet embellishments: Hems, Flowers and Leaves.

Ask Craft Central or email erssie for more details on the above.

Students can choose from the above list or suggest their own ideas for topics. Contact Erssie at the email address above if you have booked a workshop. Let her know what experience you have and what you wish to learn so that she can bring the relevant materials on the day.

WORKSHOP DATES:

Next workshop Sat 12 April

Other workshops* Sat 22 April

(*Call craft Central or email Erssie for more dates)

There are about two places left I think but I'm going to be doing this on a regular basis so let me know if you or anyone else is interested.

March 28th - bad blogger just lost the original!

2006-03-31T11:02:00.000+01:00

If I sound grumpy now it's because someone with RSI in both wrists and arms and elbows really ought to at least save as draft before trying to publish blogs which then disappear into the ether.

*sigh*

I think I need a holiday.

Anyway, on with the blog.
I had a great time on Tuesday and did not want to leave, even though my dinner was waiting for me at home. Susan was back for one night only from Cambridge. I freak her out a bit with my knitting related disaster arms so she wants to knit more but tries not to.
Brooke kindly popped by with Giotto for me, Brittanys for Susan and tales of Cyrus walking for the first time.

Ann brought along her finished red alpaca silk shrug. Oh, how we stroked and coveted. She also treated us to a petting of some Nickerjac handspun she will be designing with. Ann's had a bad run of health lately so it was extra nice to catch up with her. The shrug will be in Magknits at some point and believe me, you will knit this and wear it till it is no more and then you will knit it again. It is so beautiful and soft and cloudlike.

Nikki and Josefina and Anna were engaged in a debate about the shaping of hats. Josefina's English and knitting skills are limited but she was beavering away and Nikki was scribbling instructions away.

Sian: Are you coming next week? Should I buy Simply Knitting? Is that your pattern on the front cover?

Next time, I will remember to check the camera battery

2006-03-24T10:25:00.000Z

Very nice to see Anna again and our two newest regulars.

I'll be at Olympia tomorrow, along with Erssie and any of you?

Angelknits on Tuesday

2006-03-17T10:07:00.000Z

Q: Hey ladies, why are you having so much fun?
A: We're at Angelknits, that's why!

Q: There's a lot of you here tonight. Why is that?

A: I think it's because of the combination of great company, food, wine and knitting.

Q: Well these ladies seem to agree with you too. Tell me, do other things happen at Angelknits?

A: Well, yes. We also make other knitting related objects.

Q: Where can I get my hands on these lovely trinkets?

A: Nikki's site The Purple Kitchen

Q: Well, thanks for your time, see you next week.

2006-03-16T19:44:00.000Z

KNITTING & CROCHET TASTER WORKSHOP
North London nr BR Station
Saturday April 1st in a Craft Central Shop
Beginners and intermediate knitters/crocheters welcome
£18 for 3hrs includes yarns to practice with and needles to take home

3 more workshops are to follow on in April (tbc depending on students preference for dates)

Topics covered, all beginners stuff casting on and off, changing to new balls of yarn, weaving in ends. Also intermediate skills, understanding gauge and designing/adapting patterns, getting a better control on the size and outcome of your finished garment, Fairisle colourwork and intarsia colourwork, using graphs, working in the round on dpns and anything else anyone really wants to learn.

For more information or to book on the taster workshop
email: erssiemajor@yahoo.co.uk

New season yarns

2006-03-16T09:22:00.000Z

On Tuesday, I mentioned I'd seen the new season booklets from Louisa Harding for sale but hadn't seen the yarns.

Well now you can at Knitting Fever

This website is great for sneaky looks inside pattern books before the UK gets them, even for UK designers.

KNITTING CLASSES

2006-03-13T20:38:00.000Z

Yeah, you're probably going to say 'oh no not a post from Erssie again!'

I'm hoping to teach some workshops in North London. Levels will be from beginner to intermediate and will include some materials to practice with.

It should include all the usual beginners topics but also intermediate subjects such as working with colour,charts,designing, crochet adornments and hems,basic crochet stitches etc. Groups will be approx 8 students and I will try to tailor the tuition to each student's needs although there will be structure in each topic and handouts

If you or someone else is at all interested in this please email me. You don't have to book at this stage, I'll just register your interest and then get back to you with more details when I've confirmed my venue and costs. I will be keeping fees very reasonable as I'm more interested in passing on skills than raking in profits.

Erssie
www.erssieknits.com
erssiemajor@yahoo.co.uk

Hipknits Yarns

2006-03-10T12:29:00.000Z

Angels,

We are selling some beautiful handspun and handpainted/dyed yarns from Hipknits, a yarn company run by Kerrie the editor of Magknits. Here's a pic I did very quickly.

There is quite a bit of recycled Sari silk available as well as 100% silk (some of it lace weight) and 100% cashmere sock yarns. Let me know if there is anything you want by emailing erssiemajor@yahoo.co.uk or visiting my website www.erssieknits.com. I can send a PayPal invoice to anyone who doesn't use cash.

We will be selling the yarns at the Craft Fayre tomorrow. Also Anne Harper (harpera@winchmore.ndo.co.uk) has crochet scarves to sell and great crochet designs if you want her to write up a pattern for you.

Nikki has stitchmarkers see her for prices (www.purplekitchen.org.uk)
Ann (pixeldiva.co.uk) has felted soaps and other goodies.

Annarella.co.uk stitchmarkers are available as well for £6 a set. We're not trying to turn the blog into a massive commercial but the goodies are so enticing we wanted to offer Angelknitters first refusal!

If you are new to Angelknits and new to knitting I have some information packs available for 50p which come with a beginner's Fairisle hat pattern and a list of web addresses for yarn companies and magazines with free patterns.

Erssie
www.erssieknits.co.uk
erssiemajor@yahoo.co.uk

Return of the blog...(photo heavy)

2006-03-10T09:24:00.000Z

Hello everyone! At last, some photos to prove we do meet and do exist. Hopefully I've got my brain in gear to make this a regular occurrence. If you want to post any of your own photos, please do.

Here is Maggie and her finished hat. Nikki and Brooke are either side - very colour coordinated.

Lovely to see Juli again. She is making some fantastic legwarmers. Supersoft merino with buttons so she can put them on over her shoes, thus minimising foot chilledness.

Hello Hilary, Marie and Sara (not shown). It's their first time on the blog. And Josefina, swatching some crochet.

Some familiar faces for you:

Again, I have escaped being photoed. Perhaps next week!

2006-03-08T13:10:00.000Z

If you can make it out to Hertfordshire Nikki, Ann and Erssie have a couple of tables at a Craft Fayre held by the Hertfordhsire Knattering Knitters group.

The Fayre is open from 11 am until 6pm at St Pauls Church Hall, Cranes Way, Borehamwood, Herts. If this is too far out for you to find, you are welcome to come to the other address below and get a lift to the fayre with Erssie, we are leaving at 9am.

Designers you can still sell your patterns, just email them to erssiemajor@yahoo.co.uk as a pdf and I can print off and sell for you at the Fayre.
If you have written a pattern and not sold one before, just type it up and send it with a small photo of the garment and I'll print it properly and try to sell it for you.

Yarn companies eg Brooke at Yarnsmith, if you wish to be part of the information pack I am giving out (includes a couple of free patterns with info about fibre mags,websites and company flyers) please send your business cards/flyers to 32 Sterling Rd Enfield Middx EN2 0LN and if it reaches us by Sat we will include you in the info pack. I will be selling odd balls of yarn as well provided they are intact with a ball band so please feel free to send those to me as well. Pattern kits are also welcome.

Craft Fayre

2006-03-08T12:53:00.000Z

SALE

2006-03-05T16:54:00.000Z

This is your last call to bring things on Tues night which you'd like either Ann or Nikki to sell for you on the 'Angelknits' table at the Craft Fayre next Sat. Anything knitted or crocheted welcome. Also too are your own designs typed up as patterns, 2nd hand books and patterns you no longer wish to keep or odd balls of luxury yarn you just can't afford to go unused. Please stick on a reasonable price you expect to get for it, the lowest you would expect to get rid of it and expect to part with 15% commission for those ladies who work hard all day to sell things on saturday.
I will post up the venue and times later this week if you want to come along. Of course, stitch marker and other notions designers, hand your stuff to us on Tues night as well.

Erssie

Knitting in Films

2006-03-03T10:03:00.000Z

One of my favourite pasttimes before I discovered knitting was watching films. Not even different films necessarily; some films I have the capacity to watch over and over (e.g. Toy Story, The Fifth Element, Spaceballs, all very high brow).

Since learning to knit, and also to knit without looking, I've started watching films in a new light. Those of you on the mailing list might remember me mentioning this sometimes. Below is an abbreviated list of good knitting and crochet content in films:

Charlie and the Chocolate factory (2005 version): The bucket family wear a wonderful selection of handknits and Grandma Georgina crochets. The house is full of crochet blankets and towards the end GG wears a crochet hat very similar to the one in Legally Blonde.

Stuck on You: Very silly film which I find very fun and also, as the twins live somewhere very cold, some great fair isle and winter hats.

I Heart Huckabees: I've watched this three times in a row. It's only mentionable because Lily Tomlin knits in a scene towards the end.

I'm sure I'll add more as time goes by.

See you soon

Friday update

2006-02-17T12:54:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

I'm back and approximately knitting, although my arm is playing up. I'm starting pilates tonight so here's hoping that helps.

The arm problem hasn't stopped me from using the net (although it probably should) and I stumbled upon a new issue of www.spunmag.com
When did that arrive?
Also, the anticraft have their second issue out.

I'm working on something for Magknits at the moment and should have something else out in March.

Votes on the latest Rowan International (a non starter for some)are welcome and any thoughts on their new yarns.

Abi

Long time, no see...

2006-02-02T17:19:00.000Z

Hi everyone

I'll be away for a little while so no email updates but keep turning up every Tuesday, there's always a crowd.

The latest Magknits is up, Rowan 39 is out and many more books by them.

Have you seen www.theanticraft.com ? I think some of you may like it

See you later

Abi

Sell your Handcrafted things on March 11th

2006-01-30T20:02:00.000Z

I will be booking a table at a craft stall run by a local hand knitters group in Borehamwood on 11 March subject to having enough things to sell. Tables are 75cm x75cm for £10 (or a double for £20). Items must be handcrafted and different from other crafters who have already booked tables. A table has been put aside for us to be confirmed on Wednesday evening this week and items I suggested for sale have been provisionally approved (this includes stitchmarkers). Please let me know by tomorrow evening if you wish to have a place on the table and you are willing to share the costs or are willing to pay commission to others if they sell on your behalf. I must know exactly what you intend to sell as well. I'm quite happy to do the majority of stall tending but I think we need two people really if possible (especially for loo breaks!). I will be selling my baby hats, biker hats and bootees and some Erssie Knits pattern kits (cotton silk hats with flowers, Christmas patterns and beanie hat patterns and anything else I have time to write up), possibly some bags knitted or crochet.

I take it all back.....Debbie Bliss/Designer Yarns rock!

2006-01-27T16:24:00.000Z

I have just had a huge parcel delivery. My first thought was 'oh no' what have I bought now!'. You may remember me moaning about the dye run I had on alpaca silk and the problem I had getting an answer from Designer Yarns. Well, they have sent me 45 balls of yarn! 3 different shades of cotton silk aran which I am well pleased with. I can happily use Debbie Bliss yarns now without that sinking feeling. They have also emailed me to let me know they have run tests on the dyed yarns at different temperatures and say they have not found anything wrong so far, perhaps I just had a bad batch. Erssie

Knitted patchwork designer needed

2006-01-16T15:00:00.000Z

Someone has contacted me to ask if there is anyone who can sew her brightly coloured alpaca swatches together to make a dress. If you think you can do this I'll put you in touch with her, apparently she is offering to pay for the work. Sewing is not my thing so I won't be doing it.

Missing you all, will be back to Angelknits tomorrow with new projects (have finally abandoned lace knitting, it defeated me, if anyone has any tips I'll try again)

Ann who I met in Body Shop in Enfield over the Xmas period, sorry I missed you last week, do come again! I'm hoping that you've had a go at knitting but if its not your thing we still welcome people who crochet and your skills would be much appreciated.

See you tomorrow

PS Anna, I'll be bringing the shoes if you are coming too.

Last night

2006-01-11T09:48:00.000Z

If you're still wondering who the man was last night - well, I'm not 100% sure but he claims to have interviewed us for German radio.

No pictures from last night, so if you want to post pictures of your xmas presents or current projects, go right ahead.

See you next week.

Lots of Old Denim going going going.............

2005-12-17T12:42:00.000Z

I'm finally tackling some of the bags of clothes I've been living with. (My stash is taking up the wardrobes). I've discovered dozens of old pairs of jeans, some of them weren't even mine to begin with so you can imagine how old! I know some knitters like to use denim features as part of their knitting. See MagKnits patterns, I think there is one there that uses the waist of jeans at top of bag. If there is anyone that can make use of my old jeans let me know and I'll bring them in. Some of them are very very small, size 8 and under and not good styles so I'm talking about using them as part of your craft work!. That's why they have to go as I wear size 16-18 now! Fortunately I have also found some new bras with DD cups(solves the side boob problem discussed last Angel Knits, honestly we can talk about anything there can't we!) so won't be as droopy as usual but may have difficulty breathing.

Happy Christmas to those who aren't going to be there Tues, to the rest, see you then.
Erssie

Xmas party pics

2005-12-16T13:40:00.000Z

Here are just some of the pictures I took. See the kool-aid? That came over from America via Israel. Very well travelled dye, I say.

Happy holidays from Annarella

2005-12-15T07:43:00.000Z

Hey all,

Most of you know that I shall be leaving for Italy shortly, where I'll spend Xmas and New Year's Eve, being spoilt rotten and generally catching up with my old friends... but not before I have wished you all a fantastic time, whatever you'll be doing.

Click here » http://www.annarella.co.uk/seasons_greetings/

Hope you'll like it! :) See you in the New Year!

Anna xxx

Fuzzy Felt Portable Remedy Much Needed

2005-12-13T14:19:00.000Z

I have been doing some Bigga bag fulling Its quite a successful fulling apart from one thing. Bigga is only 50% wool and it seems the wool element has decided to 'pill' all over the place. Although most of my felting has blocked the washing machine, the bag is still somewhat fuzzy and causing me to have sniffles and a rash. If anyone has a defuzzer or depiller that is quite portable that they could bring to Angelknits tonight I would be very very appreciative if I could borrow it please. I love my bag, its comfortable to carry and HUGE but its giving me a rash. I have tried the parcel tape thing but I'm creating more fuzz by using it, also tried velcro with not much luck. Thanks Erssie

Mummy I'm too old to deliver presents!

2005-12-08T11:21:00.000Z

Jem, affectionately known as Hooter, modelling one of the Santa hats at 3am. Why on earth did I have the idea of making my own fur using ordinary yarn and brushing it out? It takes ages, in fact longer than the thing takes to knit!

British-spun Alpaca available

2005-12-06T11:49:00.000Z

I get regular mailings from a British Spinner who spins alpaca fleece into a 2ply yarn which can be knitted on 5mm needles for a lace pattern or 3mm needles for a tighter gauge. Each hank comes with a little photo of the alpaca who supplied it. You may have seen a previous one I bought spun from fleece from Twinkletoes, she was choc brown. I've now put in a bid for fleece from Katia as it goes within two hours of being up for sale. She is a lovely ginger light brown colour, like brown sugar.

Let me know if you want to buy a hank or two, normal cost is around £6.95 for 200yds which is one 50g hank. 2 hanks are enough to make a lace wrap/scarf. It usually comes with a pattern for a lace scarf. It knits up not unlike kidsilkhaze but with less fluff. Really I have enough yarn but can't resist buying it in case someone else would love it.

See you later
Erssie

Any Old Swatches? Plus thanks to Susan Cropper for free yarn from Loop

2005-11-28T14:45:00.000Z

If you don't have time to knit a square for the homeless then an old swatch can be helpful if you're willing to donate that. Nothing too small though as I am not a great seamstress and it all needs to be joined up to make a blanket. Also, if you have any woollen body parts, like an old sleeve that didn't get frogged or finished, I have ideas for that too. I might continue to collect squares as an ongoing project and then sew up as soon as I have enough so that there is always an Angel Knits blanket on the go. It may work to be able to make a 'scrumbled' i'e patchwork from anything for a blanket and could look very interesting made up of abandoned bits of sweater that haven't been pulled out. The only thing I have to insist on though is that it is all 'hygienic' as I don't have resistance to diseases found in very old yarns, garments or second hand books. got any jumble that would be cool as long as it is freshly washed. Many thanks to Susan from Loop who will be donating some yarns for the blanket project. This might persuade some knitters who can't resist swatching a new good quality yarn to participate! Thanks Erssie

In town from NY - want anything from the states

2005-11-25T06:08:00.000Z

Hi guys...or rather gals,

Rachel here from NY. I'm actually going to be in London in a few weeks time for graduation - I'll be at angel knits on 13 and 20 December - I can't wait to see all of you.

I'm just letting y'all know that if you've seen some wool/yarn that you've been wanting to order from an American website but they don't ship abroad here's your chance, I'll be happy to bring it over for you. I'm going to ask Abi to send out an email with more specific info, but you have to hurry. I'll be going to Israel for the first half of my trip in just one week to see the new nephew for whom I've been knitting the interminable baby blanket - the end is finally near.

Also, I wanted to ask if any of you have good patterns for a scarf y0u can bring on the 13th. I really want to make a nice winter scarf for myself , but as it's going to be in black I want a pattern that's going to be interesting.

Thanks a ton, can't wait to see all of you.

-rachel.

Please help me to help a homeless man right under Angel Knits wing!

2005-11-24T18:48:00.000Z

I am a big softie and on the way to Angel Knits the other eve whilst I was sweating under layers of alpaca silk and Bigga, I met an unfortunate homeless man begging on the streets who has multiple illnesses and was freezing! I swear, if my knits had been any other colour than pink I would have taken them off and wrapped him in them! Putting judgement and cynism aside, regardless of his reasons for being here I felt he deserved a chance of some warmth and so I have bought some Bigga to knit him a scarf, I may stretch to a hat. What he really needs is a big fat knitted blanket. I have done six sad little Aran 8" squares(38stsx50rows) in shade Garnet in textured stitches, I need many more to make a blanket. If any of you can forget the reasons why he got into this state and be kind enough to knit just one square I would be so grateful. I've put a notice on the Castoff info board and I'm hoping knitters will volunteer to knit a square in ANY colour ANY yarn weight and I will sew the blanket together. It could be a chance to swatch, try a new stitch without pulling it out again, perhaps try some intarsia if you've never done it before. I can provide yarn in Aran weight,DK weight, Chunky and have a source for getting more. Please, I'd be so grateful to anyone who can find a bit of time to do a square, just let me know what weight yarn you need if you decide to do this. This is a good cause right under our noses in the Angel Knits manor! Thankyou Erssie

Mittens pattern

2005-11-23T13:37:00.000Z

Here's the pattern we were discussing last night: http://www.kategilbert.com/ms_gifted.html bulky mittens on 2 needles. Have fun!

Anna xxx

HipKnits sells my stitch markers

2005-11-23T12:10:00.000Z

Hi All,

This is so exciting!

Some of you may know that I have been creating beaded stitch markers for a while. I now have my first stockist as you will find them for sale on HipKnits, go and take a look: http://www.hipknits.co.uk/saletwo.htm

Hope you'll like them.

I'd be grateful for any feedback.

Anna xxx

Christmas Decorations

2005-11-21T23:09:00.000Z

Hello just to let you know my Christmas Decorations are available as a free download on the Children's Society website to encourage knitters to knit for charity. Have a peek they can be found in the Fundraising/knitIt Xmas pattern pages on

www.childsoc.org

People have been asking me where they can buy them. Perhaps I'll do a pattern for sale one day then! See you Tues eve. Had a break from knitting (well, a bit I just knitted more slowly than usual) but I'm coming back.

Wips - 5 Santa hats, 3 gothic scarves, 1 boyfriend sweater, 2 warm hats, and a pair of bootees for a babe (there's a song there somewhere if I change the numbers around).

Erssie

From Fleece to Fleece - Part 3

2005-11-15T09:36:00.000Z

So your ball is wound, your needles are ready, what do you knit?
Here are some ideas courtesy of the angelknits crew:

From Fleece to Fleece - part 1 & 1/2

2005-11-13T11:15:00.000Z

This is what Ann's spinning ended up as. She so kindly gave me both yarns as she wouldn't have otherwise used them. I'm already working on the purple/grey one, which I hope to finish in the next couple of days, so look out on my blog for pics.

I've also made some desktop wallpapers based on these two babies, you can find them here: http://www.annarella.co.uk/wallpapers.php

Happy knitting!

Anna xxx

From Fleece to Fleece - Part 2

2005-11-11T09:58:00.000Z

Once you're done spinning you will end up with something like Anna is holding on the left. That is approximately 500grams worth of a very long piece of string.

It's not something you want to start knitting with because you will then end up with a 500gram knot.

Anna spent the previous night winding 250grams into a ready to knit ball. It took hours. So she called in some help from Nikki who brought along her Swift and Ball Winder.

Here it being set up, swift on the left.

And here it is in action. As I explained to my husband, the swift replaces the need for the husband to have the yarn in his hands and the ball winder replaces the need for me to wind the ball and get finger ache.

From Fleece to Fleece - Part 1

2005-11-09T12:56:00.000Z

How do you get from this

to this? (or, what we got up to last night)

The sheep has a hair cut, the hair cut has a bath and a comb and a blow dry and ends up something like this

The beautiful fluff is then spun, for example using a drop spindle as Ann is using:

Here is an example of when fluff is combined with sparkly things, by Khanh

Christmas Pudding Hat

2005-10-31T19:48:00.000Z

Hi Angels,

Just to let you know my Xmas Pud Hat pattern is now available on the Children's Society website. You can find it here
Look out for more Xmas patterns next week.
You can access my online photo album from these pages or go to:
Erssie Knits
See you tomorrow. Erssie

Children's Society Again

2005-10-28T17:14:00.000+01:00

As I said before the Children's Society are still looking for Xmas knitting patterns, especially decorations. Get listed as a supporter if you have a logo or have a link back to your website/blog page It's good practice if you've never written out a formal pattern before. 1000 people have registered to knit, plus more browsing through the patterns. I'm doing it 'cos I've never published a pattern before and don't think I could get anyone to pay for it anyway! Alternatively you can knit to fundraise if you've the time. Failing that, I'd appreciate help as I'm making some Christmas Decorations for the society and would be grateful for ANY scraps of green,red,cream,gold/silver (angels, faeries etc) and especially furry tinsel metallic fancy yarns. Also, if you wanted to knit mini decorations for your tree to keep I'd love someone to test the patterns I've written in different colourways (especially the mini stockings) to get a variety of photos and you can keep your knits. A good oppurtunity to have a go at a very little sock if you've never tried one before. You might hate my design and inadvertently design your own! I'll see you on Tues, let me know then if you want to get involved or visit www.childsoc.org.uk, fundraising, Knit It pages to see/download free patterns for charity use. So far MagKnits, Castoff and BHKC have contributed plus others. Thanks for reading this. Erssie xxx

Last night - comment to come later

2005-10-26T10:47:00.000+01:00