sew quick

I am growing in confidence with my sewing thanks to the new fabric I bought at the Stitch and Knit show. I surprised myself by whipping up two cushion covers in less than 30 minutes last night. Admittedly they aren't perfect, but they look just fabulous to me.

I have also begun a slouchy tee, so keep your eyes peeled for that, as I am really looking forward to finishing it, although I am going to take my time with the sewing and make sure I get it just right. Fingers crossed.

gallery

Here are some lovely, creative pictures sent to me by people who have loved making projects from my books and patterns. Please feel free to send me any pictures of your favourite projects and I shall pop them here for all to see! I especially love to see adaptations.

easy kids knits



laurie's non-roll neck top!



trixie's non-roll neck jumper with matching accessories

Poppy's cable yoke sweater

easy baby knits

Lisa's double breasted coat

trixie's simple sweater

dungarees

kimberley's booties

izzy's wrap top

bess' coat with matching beret

loop pretty knits and vintage crochet

rose's pretty maud

sandra's syd

rachel's syd

big bunny

I am slap bang in the midst of teaching a beginners knitting class at City Lit at the mo. One of the nicest things about teaching there is being so close to Covent Garden market and walking around it to relax at lunchtime.

Last week, there was a massive Jeff Koons inflatable bunny hoisted in the rafters to promote the Tate Modern's Pop Life exhibition. I saw Koons' show at the Serpentine in the summer and loved that too, so I shall have to scoot off to the tate to see more of his and other great modern artists' work.

Will post some pics from the City Lit class soon.

knitting classes

Below are some of my upcoming beginners knitting classes and craft workshops in London, the South East and the rest of the world!


Hand knitting for improvers April/May 2010
City Lit College

Textiles Jewellery - Innovative Knit and Yarn techniques, 30th April - 2nd May 2010
West Dean College, Sussex

Knitting classes in the South of France! Next class will be in May 2010 and will be designing your own knitting. Contact Les Soeurs Anglaises for details

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to arrange your own bespoke knitting, crochet or craft classes in London.

If you want to book classes for groups, please check out my alter ego, Make.Do.Mend

knit and stitch

While it may have been very quiet for montyknits on the internet front, I beg you please do not assume I have been lazy while away! It has been a hectic month or so and not least because I spent a very busy long weekend at the Stitch and Knit show at Ally Pally, manning the loop stand.
It was beautifully warm and clear early Autumn weather, just perfect to view the city from Ally Pally's summit (walking up every morning from my house felt like a mountain climb, believe me!)


Loop's stand was very busy, so I only managed this quick snap of the prettiest wall - notice Syd rabbit in pride of place!



The habu stand is always a highlight of the show and this year was no exception. My only trouble is, however much I love their yarn, I always want to keep it on the cone or skein and maybe box mount it so I can stare at its loveliness always...! Unfortunately my budget does not allow for such frivolity, although I do have some of their silk steel which will hopefully be prised from its cone very soon!



Just down the lane from the loop stand was the wonderful Woolfish, where I spent a happy break from loop's madness watching the fabulously chunky roving sold there being literally hand knitted - or should that be arm knitted?

I always make time for the graduate and art exhibits in the show and this year was not a disappointment.
I loved the work of Sarah Burton from Manchester Met University, who was inspired by knots and ropes and produced very fine, structured knits with fantastic details.

In contrast, the natural, organic chunkiness of George Strood's garments was irresistably fun and interesting.

It was a fun, if tiring weekend and at least working the show meant that I did not have a whole day to go round spending my money! I did however come away with piles of amazing fabrics from Fabrics Galore, where the fabulous motto is 'Champagne fabrics at lemonade prices!' and so it is understandable that the the entire loop staff succumbed to its charms. I shall hopefully be using these purchases to further my sewing skills and will post the results asap.

I also bought some tatting shuttles and threads to enable me to add yet another craft to my list of thread skills, more on that soon too.

What temptations did you give in to this year? Would love to know.