Mixed Media Knitted Birds Workshop

Everyone hard at work at Grace & Jacob, York

Had a lovely day on Saturday taking the Mixed Media & Knitted Birds Workshop at Grace & Jacob in York.  It was just like having a crafty day with friends - so thank you to the fab ladies who came along to have a go!  Thought you might like to see the wonderful results ....

Heather's Wire Bird & Nest

Heather's Woolly Bird

Kate's Wire Bird & Nest

Kate's Woolly Bird

Suzanne's Birds in their Nest

Suzanne's Woolly Bird

And when all was finished ...

Fibre Storm in Fife - Twist Fibre Craft Studio Celebrate 10 Years

Twist Fibre Craft is 10

I can't remember how I came across Twist Fibre Craft Studio in Newburgh, Fife but I'm very pleased to have discovered them. They sell all sorts of yarn, felting fibres and equipment and have an extensive workshop programme.  On my annual sojourn to Fife I pop in and always come away with something fabulous!  This year my trip north of the border coincided with their 10th birthday celebration which was held at The Steeple in Newburgh.  Outside The Steeple was an impressive fibre storm - I would have said yarnbomb but I think fibre storm may be a better description! Looked like the whole community had contributed to it. Here are some of my photos ...

Fibre Storm Fish

Fibre Storm Galleon & All the Trimmings

Fibre Storm Mermaid

Fibre Storm Fish & Snake

Inside, there was an exhibition of customer's work (and very talented they were too!) and you could "have a go" at spinning, wet felting, needle felting - or, as was completely new to me, hula hoop weaving.  Of course I had to have a go at that and I can't wait to try it out at home.  (I'll share when I've got something to show!).  There was also tea and birthday cake.  I had a fantastic time and it certainly looked like all the other folk there were enjoying it too. Happy birthday & thanks, Twist Fibre Craft!

http://www.twistfibrecraft.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/twistfibrecraftstudio 

Grace & Jacob - Felt Making & Textile Supplies, York

 

 

Fat Quarters

If you haven’t yet ventured down Walmgate in York (just past Melton’s Too) to the Aladdin’s cave that is Grace & Jacob then I suggest you get down there right now!  It is a treasure trove of fabric, fibre, yarn and haberdashery.  There’s a really great choice of fabrics including Moda, Rowan, Hantex & Free Spirit and you don’t just have to buy it off the roll – there are fat quarters too.  But if you’re looking for something really cute - pick up some Moda Candy.  These are packs of 42 x 2½ inch squares of lovely patterned fabric for you to make something wonderful with.  

Fabulous Fabrics

Luscious Yarns

If you’re a felt maker or spinner there are merino, Shetland, Blue Faced Leicester & Icelandic tops, silk blend mixes and silk tops too including hand-dyed.  Yarns include a fabulously extensive range of Lang, Erika Knight, Aslan Trends and Grace & Jacob’ s hand-dyed yarns too (a specialty!).  And as if that wasn’t enough there are VV Rouleaux & East of India ribbons, patterned bias binding, embroidery threads, machine threads, patterns, kits, needles and so much more.

Yarns & Silk Tops

VV Rouleaux Ribbons

Fiona Hirst who owns Grace & Jacob is very knowledgeable so if you need any help or advice just ask.  There is a programme of workshops and a spinning group that are all run on the premises.  Take a look at the website for more details – or pop along in person and say hi - open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

http://www.graceandjacob.co.uk/ 

Wool House - Somerset House

Yarn & Needles

After exhibiting at the Selvedge Spring Fair (or visiting for that matter) what better way to relax than to visit the Wool House - a transformation of the West Wing of Somerset House into a showcase for wool presented by the Campaign for Wool.  (Several Selvedgees were spotted there!)

Amy Sommerville's Mammoth Chair

Hooked, as I walked through the door, by the balls of yarn on the table, I had not yet seen the greater delights on view.  But feeling a little tired I relaxed in Amy Sommerville's Mammoth Chair & could have fallen asleep but for the polite but obvious queue to also try it out. 

Hats by Barbara Keal

The hats by Barbara Keal were quite something although I'm not sure I'd like to have bumped into their owners!

Hummingbird Wallhanging designed by Alexander McQueen

There was an impressive Hummingbird wallhanging designed by Alexander McQueen.




 

But one of my favourite pieces was Claudy Jongstra's Composition Blue & Composition Yellow (and the chairs were cool too and very comfy!)

Infinity by Zuzunaga

The runner lining the corridor was designed by Zuzunaga and was called Infinity and looked like a pixellated image - very effective!

 

Damson & Slate Moodboard

Damson & Slate Moodboard

There were some interesting moodboards put together by Damson & Slate

There were also 7 designer rooms. My three favourites were the Modern Room by Anne Kyyro-Quinn, the Nursery by Donna Wilson, & the Bedroom by Kit Kemp.

Curved Laine, 3D Acoustic Panel & Cushions by Anne Kyyro-Quinn

Donna Wilson Nursery

Pippa Caley Headboard in Kit Kemp Bedroom

For more info check out the websites:
http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/wool-house

http://www.campaignforwool.org/wool-house/