craft Archives - Page 5 of 5 - East London Knit

The Podcast.

7th March 2017/4 Comments/in podcast /by elk_adm

Hello!

Well, this is it. I have decided to make a podcast.

I am thinking of it like this: what’s the big deal? If I fail and everyone hates it, I can quit anytime and move on. If I succeed, I will have a place to share tutorials and a place to regularly ‘meet’ with my knitting people. Either way, the only things I’m risking are time and pride, right?

Unlike many other podcasters, I won’t really be able to share what I am knitting all the time, because I am almost always knitting on a new design of my own. So what will I talk about?

First of all, I’ll share tutorials and tips regularly. I forget sometimes how it feels to be a beginner knitter, when there is everything to learn and no knowledge can be taken for granted. I have made photo tutorials, but I think having video will really help to make techniques clear and understandable.

Of course I will talk about upcoming events, new (and occasionally older) designs, and other people’s designs I wish I had time to knit… of which there are many!

To that end, here is my (bizarrely earnest!) introduction to the podcast:

Please do tell me what you think, if you like things or don’t. What are you interested in hearing about, seeing with regard to craft and knitting?

I like structure and the idea of having a regular (I’m thinking fortnightly) deadline to hold myself accountable for having something to show for my 2 weeks. The first episode will come out a couple of weeks after Edinburgh Yarn Fest, hopefully giving me enough time to recover and organise myself, and make a great first go of it:) Wish me luck… !

Happy knitting,

Rx

Starflower Sweater

28th February 2017/0 Comments/in Hand knit patterns, Handmade Wardrobe, Knit Along, patterns, Tutorials /by elk_adm

Because you are great, I have a 30% discount on my new sweater pattern for you!

Hello!

Spring is sprung, at least according to the flowering cherry trees around my way. There is light in the sky when I get up and I feel the promise of warmth in the (still rare) sunshine.

So I think to myself, what better time to release a pattern for a chunky sweater! haHA!

In my defense, I wear sweaters all year round and will wear this sweater well into the spring, trading my coat for the breathable warmth of the sweater when the spring really kicks in.

The Starflower Sweater is a modified raglan pullover knit in beautiful chunky wool for a cosy hug of a sweater. Designed to be a beginner-friendly knit, Starflower is worked from the top down, so you can try it on as you go to get a perfect fit.

I used Hill View Farm Yarns Pleasingly Plumb wool for the sweater and I love the squishiness of the Bluefaced Leicester fibre.

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BKkzyIxA9WI/?taken-by=eastlondonknit]

I was honoured to be the recipient of the very first batch of yarn from Hill View Farm. It is a lovely yarn and I know that Natasha, the owner, has some amazing plans for crafty retreats, workshops, and yarn-based goodness.

You can buy the Starflower pattern here, and if you sign up to the EastLondonKnit newsletter, you will get a code for a 30% discount on the pattern with your confirmation email.

Happy knitting,

Rx

p.s. I have some podcast (!) based plans in the works, and I would love to know if you listen to/watch podcasts. If so, what do you really like or dislike about them? More on this next week, but it would great to hear your opinions!

A new kind of sweater pattern

30th January 2017/0 Comments/in knit, knitting machine, machine knit, patterns, sale, Tutorials /by elk_adm

Hello!

Today I’d like to introduce the pattern I wrote for the Machine Knitting, Sweater Basics. I have to say that I was really pleased with this pattern, and I hope it will be useful for both hand and machine knitters.

My idea was to create a worksheet that could lead a knitter through making a pattern based on a fabric of any gauge. I wanted it to be super clear and easy enough for even a beginner knitter to understand and work through. It was particularly important for me that it would be easy to customise.

Sweater Blank worksheet by Renee Callahan

Peek of the Sweater Blank Worksheet courtesy of Craftsy.com

Initial indications suggest that the pattern has been really successful for the people who have used it and I am so excited about seeing the finished projects–sometimes a very first project for the knitter (!) coming through.

I knit several versions of the sweater, modelled here by the lovely Craftsy model:

A Sweater Blank Sweater by Renee Callahan

Photos courtesy of Craftsy

I have started a Ravelry project page for the sweater and I really look forward to seeing the projects progress.

If you haven’t signed up, but are interested in learning more about machine knitting or getting the Sweater Blank OR you would just like a 25% discount on any Craftsy.com class, please have a look at my website.

Happy knitting,

Rx

Wool Tribe 2017

24th January 2017/2 Comments/in edinburgh yarn fest, patterns, Uncategorized /by elk_adm

Hello!

How is your knitting season going? I hear that mid-January is considered the most depressing time of the year. Do you find that to be the case? For me, once I have had a tiny tantrum about Christmas being over, really over, I get excited about the New Year and new resolutions and plans and fresh starts, etc. I had the launch of my Craftsy machine knitting class to keep me on my toes, and the pleasure of seeing the latest publication from the Edinburgh Yarn Fest ladies, so I didn’t feel the blues.

You may have seen the previews for Wool Tribe 2017 are up and the magazine is available for pre-order now!

There are 6 lovely accessory designs from indie designers, including Amanda B. Collins, Jane Crowfoot, Francesca Hughes, Clare Devine, Donna Smith and my contribution; Belsyde, an asymmetrical triangular shawl worked with Kettle Yarn Co. Baskerville in Dawn and gorgeous Islington in Siren Call teal.

The shawl uses 3 different types of geometric lace to create a unisex shawl with lots of interest.

To get all 6 patterns, you can pre-order your copy of Wool Tribe here!

The shawl will be available as an individual digital download in June.

I hope you are knitting the blues away!

Happy knitting,

Rx

Machine Knitting: Sweater Basics, live!!

17th January 2017/4 Comments/in knitting machine, machine knit, Tutorials, Uncategorized /by elk_adm

Hello!

It is live!! Machine knitting:Sweater Basics is up and ready for casting on!

machine-knitting-sweater-basics-by-renee-callahan

photo credit: Craftsy

I am really pleased to be able to offer you a whopping 50% discount on the purchase of the class! Just follow the link above or go to my website for more information and a link for 25% off any other Craftsy class you may like to take!

In Machine Knitting; Sweater Basics, you will learn everything you need to know to knit a sweater on the machine: from basic machine maintenance, how to cast on, making fabric you love, to seaming, blocking and everything in between. The class includes my Sweater Blank–a worksheet that will lead you through making your sweater in any gauge or fabric you want and making it easy to customize. I will post more about the Sweater Blank later, but I have to say I am pretty pleased about it and I hope you will be too.

Although it was excruciating for me to watch this the first time, here is the trailer, for your amusement!

Happy knitting,

Rx

A new Craftsy class: machine knitting; sweater basics!

9th January 2017/3 Comments/in knitting machine, machine knit, Tutorials /by elk_adm

Hello!

It is nearly time!! My Craftsy class is in the final stages of preparation and I am really excited to share it with you!

I know not all of you are machine knitters, but if you are at all interested in machine knitting, I think this class will give you a lot of information and help, not to mention a great pattern for a simple sweater.

Photos courtesy of Craftsy

Although I am really proud of the whole class, I am particularly proud of this sweater pattern which will enable the knitter to knit this drop shoulder sweater in any gauge with any yarn and any stitch pattern. I will post more about this later, but I hope it will be an incredibly useful pattern for the beginner or intermediate knitter.

You can enter to win this Craftsy class by simply clicking the link below. The winner will be chosen at random when the class goes live.

Win a free class! Enter by clicking here.

Happy knitting!

Rx

Happy New Year!

4th January 2017/0 Comments/in beginnings, instagram, Knit Along, Uncategorized /by elk_adm

Hello!

Welcome to 2017! How’s it treating you so far? I am off to a flying start. I have made lists by the shed-load and the post-it notes have proliferated, but I am happy with that. This feeling is probably something to do with having had a good, lazy holiday break with lots of movie-watching and naps. I did have a tiny tantrum yesterday just before I accepted that Christmas was really over and Ben really was going to go back to work and I had to get up at 6am AGAIN!?>! but then I set the alarm and got on with it.

Which brings me to the first order of service for the new year: last year’s EastLondonKnit knit-along. It is officially over, but just in case you have knit an EastLondonKnit design and would like a chance to win one of the fabulous prize packages…

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BO2eKhug_uQ/?taken-by=eastlondonknit]
[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BO1w7fIgVnu/?taken-by=eastlondonknit]
If you would like to win of these lovely packages, please post your finished EastLondonKnit project over on the thread in the ELK Ravelry group. I will choose 2 prize winners at the end of this week.

So, let’s talk about resolutions!

If you know me, you know that I love a New Year’s Resolution. Honestly, I am not restricted to New Years to make my resolutions–I make them regularly throughout the year with unnecessary zeal, but I have a real soft spot for the beginning of January. This year, in addition to the usual promises to self: more exercise, less sugar, no booze this January, I also wanted to add some different things: find somewhere to regularly volunteer, don’t be angry about the world, do things to make it better, and something completely unrelated: learn to play the guitar, because, well, why not?

I know that I should have started with the musical things a lifetime ago, but I’m one of those people who thinks it is never too late. If I start now, in 10 years I might be pretty good. If I don’t start now, in 10 years, I’ll just be 10 years older and still not playing any instruments.

And until I figure out where to volunteer (suggestions welcome!!), I am going to knit some hats and things for KnitAid. If you haven’t heard of KnitAid, please do have a look. They are making a big collection on 20th January if you would like to participate too!!

Do you make resolutions? If so, do you keep them?

Happy knitting!

Rx

Happy Holidays!

19th December 2016/4 Comments/in Christmas, Hand knit patterns, hats, knit, knitting machine, machine knit, patterns /by elk_adm

Hello!!

How are you? I love Christmas and am now in full holiday mode, but I do have a ton of exciting plans for 2017 that I can’t wait to share with you. Until then, I hope your holidays are wonderful and here is just a peek at what is coming up:

This January, Craftsy will have a new class in machine knitting! Stay tuned for announcements and special discount codes!

If you are still looking for a holiday knit, I might have just the thing for you: the Boreal Hat and Cowl patterns are now available for individual purchase!

Happy Holidays to all and to all a good knit!!

Rx

The Asterisks Shawl

2nd March 2014/0 Comments/in Hand knit patterns /by eastlondonknit

My pattern for February!

The Asterisks Shawl info:

I was recently feeling the need to knit something substantial that would wrap around me and then some. I
wanted an easy, satisfying knit; something that was interesting but easily memorised and didn’t require too
much attention to the instructions and charts. This shawl is just the thing for comfort knitting: it begins with
a top down garter tab cast on, and then grows from plain stockinette stitch to a dual-coloured open stitch,
ending with a super-simple lace border.

The Asterisks Shawl in all its bum-covering glory.

I was really keen to make the increasing in the shawl as simple and repetitive as possible, and I think I have managed that. One of the things I like about knitting is the aspect of physical meditation. There are times when I want to be challenged by the knitting, to pay attention and to make something that looks really amazing, and there are times I want to enjoy the knitting for the physical act of knitting. What I hope to have achieved here is an enjoyable knit that looks good. Y’all will have to let me know if I managed it.

YARN
MC: Artesano Alpaca, Inca Cloud 100% Alpaca, 131 yards (120 m) per 50g ball.
4.23oz (120g) 312 yards (286 m) used.
CC: Kona Superwash 100% Merino, 70 yards/oz (228m/50g)
8.1oz (231g) 560 yards (512 m) used.
Note: The two yarns used here are are not exactly the same thickness: the merino is slightly thicker and
has less halo than the alpaca. Neither yarn is readily available now, but luckily the shawl pattern is forgiving,
and any fingering or 4 ply weight yarn can be substituted.

The shawl is generously sized at 62 inches (182 cm) across and 33 inches (83 cm) deep. The pattern includes instructions to easily increase or decrease the size.

Asterisks Shawl in East London sun

The Asterisks Shawl Pattern on Ravelry.

Talk about getting in under the wire. Everything I do is a little last minute at the moment, but that will all change this month, when surely things will get done early and efficiently. A girl can dream…

ps do you ever get used to seeing your own face on patterns and websites? I assume the weirdness/discomfort passes?

Outlaw Craft

16th February 2014/0 Comments/in Outlaw Craft Fair /by eastlondonknit

Hello!

My second blog post! Two weeks running, and I am sooo patting myself on the back for this amazing accomplishment. It’s not literally winning a gold metal or anything, but I take the little prizes when they come. There is a saying about beggars and choosers, but I had a glass of wine with dinner and am no longer sure of the exact wording.

Anyways, I have news! I have every intention of going to the Outlaw Craft Fair www.outlawcraftfair.co.uk on 5 April in Penzance. I say ‘intention’ because part of the rail line between London and Cornwall (aka me & them) has washed away in the recent flooding. Check out the drama: www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Violent-weather-leaves-trail-destruction/story-20631838-detail/story.html

If all goes to plan and I am able to make the trip, I am really excited to be teaching 2 workshops, ‘Revamp Your Jumper’ (a shortened nomenclature: I wanted to name it ‘Revamp that Jumper and Learn to Love Again’ but it doesn’t fit the title space with all that hyperbole) and ‘It’s the Knit! A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting’. I will also have a stand selling ‘Learn to Knit’ kits, and pom pom making kits, among other knitterly things.

Please let me know about your ‘Sweater Saves’! I would really love it if you would share your story of saving a beloved sweater from ruin, or rescued a fugly jumper from a horrible death. I am looking to inspire people to put a little work into something and come out the other side with a garment they will wear! Save Our Sweaters! I am thinking about embroidery embellishments, steeking to make cardigans out of pullovers, fancy darning, that sort of thing.

It will be only my second ever trip to Cornwall. My first was many years ago, and we had a wonderful time with perfect summer weather. I know I shouldn’t get my hopes up, what with the flooding and wind storms, but I can’t help but think of sunshine and holidays when I think of Penzance. Here’s hoping…..

Til next time,

R

p.s. if anyone knows about how to make proper hyper-links in wordpress posts, and actually put pictures in, I would be totally grateful for the advice.

p.p.s.s. 6 music is playing a Morrissey playlist. I am not listening to it in order to write this. I fear I may be missing ‘How Soon is Now’. I am going to download the Craft now.

Posts