Knit Hook Sew

Shara Lambeth is our expert at Crumbz Craft when it comes to blocking – here’s what she had to say about it.   When did you first come across blocking Shara? People have been blocking for probably as many years as they’ve been knitting, but it’s more popular and well known now. About 7 or 8 years ago it became the ‘in’ thing and everyone began talking about it. As soon as I tried it and realized what an amazing difference it made to my finished work, that was it, I was hooked. Here are 3 snapshots of blocking my...

...but since joining Crumbz' Knit Hook & Natter group on a Thursday evening, she's picked up the craft and now there's no stopping her! At Knit Hook & Natter on a Thursday night people come and sit together in our craft room and work on whatever project they’re knitting or crocheting, over a cuppa and a biscuit, with a bit of tuition when required and plenty of laughter thrown in for good measure.   It appeals to a really diverse mix of people which makes it a lot of fun and interesting.                    Babette for example...

You may know it by another name?  It seems different countries around the world call it by a different name - Grafitti knitting – yarn bombing – yarn storming – guerilla knitting - but whatever you call it, the outcome is the same - colourful displays of knitted or crocheted street art, sewn around inanimate public objects such as bike racks, statues, lamp posts, telephone boxes, trees, even buses in Mexico and this tuk tuk in Cambodia!   Why do it? Naturally each artist who ‘bombs’ has their own reasons but it’s generally accepted that the overall purpose of yarn...

I thought it was time pick up the needles again after the Christmas break and as it's still pretty warm and humid outside, I’ve decided to do a small project using one of our lovely light wintery yarns. I absolutely love Paton’s Soufflé yarn (42% mohair and 58% acrylic) – there are some cool colours and it’s light and soft to work with. I’ve chosen the colours teal, mustard, stone and red for my project and I’m knitting with two strands together on 8mm needles, so it’s quick to knit. My plan is to knit a striped blanket using the...

A few weeks ago we had a knitted Peppa Pig in the shop on loan from Alison, our knitting teacher. Peppa Pig - the knitted version in the Crumbz Store Unbeknown to me, Peppa Pig is a huge celebrity in "kids world" and she caused quite a stir in the shop, with every little person wanting to take her home.  Understandably, a few tantrums were thrown and tears flowed when they realised she wasn't for sale - it felt terrible saying no to so many sweet kids. So....as I'm a far better crocheter than knitter, I decided to do some...