S A S Knits It Again

SPRING COLORS

2012-01-14T17:05:00.002+01:00

Where I live it should be winter, but it feels like fall. Meanwhile spring colors are slowly peaking around the corner of the fashion world.

Picture above: ASOS spring fashion
Picture below: SAS Knits It Again Studio spring colors in Phildar, Drops, Kinki Amibari & Storm Op Zolder

IDKWIGBIWTBT

2011-12-17T10:23:00.000+01:00

Today, at the I DON'T KNOW WHERE I'M GOING BUT I WANT TO BE THERE symposium, the cowl I designed commissioned for the MOTI (Museum Of The Image) is presented in Paradiso, Amsterdam.

They wanted a hand knit scarf design that bore the title of the symposium. For a hand knit design I didn't have a lot of time but it was such a fun assignment to be working on.

I started experimenting with different techniques and finally I decided to try to screen print on the knitted fabric. It works! Such a nice contrast, the black textured wool and the strong lines of the letters and words.

Here's a look at the finished prototype.

It will be presented at the bookshop and worn by one of the organizers. Interested buyers can sign in on a list to get one too. After the symposium it will travel to the MOTI museum store in Breda, where you can get a look at it and sing in.

If you don't know where to go today, go to Paradiso, it's such an interesting theme:

The image in the age of visual obesity

http://www.motimuseum.nl/nl/activiteiten/agenda/symposium-idkwigbiwtbt/838

Le Chien de la Mode

2011-11-10T10:30:00.003+01:00

This is Tommy,

Tommy loves, a lot of things.

Tommy loves the sound of ticking needles,

the small surprise of a ball of yarn tumbling from the sofa onto his back

when he's in state of maximum relaxation...

But most of all Tommy loves his boss.

It must be love... to do this...

or his hidden ambition to be

LE CHIEN DE LA MODE

Beware of Tommy & S.

These to may go far in knitting fashion!

JULE KULE of 'Oh... gaan we zó beginnen...?'

2011-11-07T17:19:00.001+01:00

It's all the rage in Europe...knitting Christmas balls. Arne & Carlos took the knitted Christmas ball, dolled it up Norwegian style and made a genius book featuring themselfs in Norwegian sweaters with a twist (fair isle space invaders), their dog, their home and dozens of knitted christmasballs.

The trend is taking over big time and Arne & Carlos are everywhere, on the net, in your LYS, in the bookstores, in workshops all over the place and this weekend they are HERE, in the Netherlands promoting their book. As if it needs more promotion... than this:

Two weeks ago there was some serious ball-knitting done at the SAS Knits It Again Studio. Some of my students took their guts, mothers and friends and got to it. It took about an hour of swearing (I shall not go into details) but after the first couple of centimeters the fun grew and grew and turned into addiction for some. (Check out the pictures below).

Two days ago I got a text message from fellow knitter Bianca: 'Do you want to come knit on national TV at the PAU!L show?'. I wasn't jumping at the idea at first, the host, Paul de Leeuw, is known for his blunt and rude stylein interviewing guests and audience. My friend Jol's baffled face after I cried out: 'NO WAY!' made me think again. It might be a great way to promote the studio or at least knitting in general. And so I went home, took my brand new Lily Scarlet dress (she's got a new brand, for us 'curvies'!!), my Elle Aime 'I heart Knitting' brooches, all the guts I could find and took off. But not after mailing the Christmas ball workshop gals. Dianne B, knitting homey, took the bate and tagged along. Thank god for Dianne! (Dianne, you know why!)

After an adventurous car ride, we arrived at the studio's a little late (knitting diva's as we are) and were put to work immediately. Hundreds of adorable mini knitting balls, double pointed needles, cake and coffee were spread over three tables. About 20 women were knitting their balls off. We felt like we were on a school trip. I heard myself say; 'This seat is taken, it's for my friend!'

Our assignment was to set up about 450 knitting balls, just the three first rows. They were then put in goody bags, a pattern and some stuffing were added and the bags were placed under the seats in the audience. The idea was to get the whole audience to knit while Arne & Carlos were being interviewed.

It didn't take long until we made some friends, Jansen & Jansen, made the experience very entertaining. And we decided to confront the talk show host with the phrase: 'Oh, gaan we zo beginnen...?' (Oh, you want to be like thát...?) if he was going to be brutal to us. We thought it was hilarious and from that moment on it was our reply to almost everything.

It was time, we were called into the studio. I didn't want to sit in front to minimise the chance of an interview. And off course... we sat in front.

The show was fun, for a long time we were safe. Until Dianne B was picked to kiss her neighbor in an item that earned money for a good cause by people having to kiss each other. Full Frontal earning the most points. I sat next to Dianne B.

....

But I wasn't the only one that sat next to her. Phew! I got away!!

The show went on and on and finally a huge onion shaped form opened and there they were, now dubbed 'the Victor & Rolf' of knitting; Arne & Carlos! Surrounded by a mini Norwegian house interior set. Very cool looking! (in my opinion)

The item was finished before I could knit three rounds and so was the show. But... this is what happened next:

Arne (right) & Carlos (left) obviously thrilled by our little rendez-vous!

If you missed it...

watch it here:

Bekijk de video in andere formaten.

some screenshots (not linking to the video!)

the packages, the audience and a happy knitter...

PUSH TO OPEN

2011-10-28T23:30:00.001+02:00

Please enter my new site:

www.sasknits.com

it's the same info in another package & form.

The new site will inform you on:

- knitting lessons and workshops

- my yarn store

- my designs (download patterns and or buy ready to wear)

- my blogged knitting adventures

I will keep this blog and aim to update it regularly. The blog can also be read on the new site. This way I hope to inform those who are interested in the SAS K.I.A. Studio and entertain the others with my knitting adventures. Keep business and pleasure together and separated at the same time. Sort of thing ish...

Oh and, it's both in English and Dutch!

Piggy Pret a Porter

2011-09-17T19:57:00.013+02:00

English below

Tijdens het Rotterdamse Oogst Festival was SAS Knits It Again aanwezig met een kinder workshop: Piggy Pret a Porter.
We maakten touw met zogenaamde breivorken en dat touw veranderde in varkensoortjes en varkensstaartjes.
Vorig jaar bedacht ik een workshop voor volwassenen die eigenlijk vooral door kinderen werd bezocht. Dit jaar bedacht ik deze workshop met koters in mijn achterhoofd. Omdat ik zelf met mijn eigen kinderen de workshops bij Rotterdam Zaait Festival (van dezelfde organisatie) bijwoonde leerde ik dat je het lekker overzichtelijk moet houden. Het werkte. Het was een super dag. Iedereen vond het heel leuk om met de breivork te werken, simpel, snel en leuk.
Hier zie je een aantal varkentjes. In totaal moeten het er ongeveer 60 zijn geweest. Dit kleine varkentje ging naar een festival, en daarna moe en tevreden naar haar bed...

At the Rottterdamse Oogst Festival, a celebration of the farmers in and around our city, SAS Knits It Again hosted a children's workshop: Piggy Pret a Porter. We worked with knitting forks and made pink ropes that we transformed to Piggy ears and Pig tails.
Last year I hosted a workshop at the same festival, meant for adults but visited by mostly kids. This time I worked out a workshop with kids in mind.
It was a fantastic day and the kids loved working with the 'knitting fork' most of them (and their parents) had never seen the small wooden device and were amazed by the simplicity and fun.
Here's a look at some of the little Piggies. In total I think there must have been about 60. This piggy went to the Festival and then straight to bed...

Mini Hats

2011-09-10T21:39:00.008+02:00

Still quiet, but...

SAS K.I.A. Studio is RRRReady to RRRRRumble...

Some old friends came, some new friends came...
There was input....
...

quickly followed by output...

fitting sessions...

happy faces...

fun and laughter...

and mini hats...

lots...
and lots...

and lots...

of...

mini hats!

!!!

A saturday afternoon of mini-hat-knitting at the SAS K.I.A. Studio... Such fun and quick projects. We've let our imagination run wild. I had a great time. Thank you knitters!!

If you want to knit mini hats to support meals for lonely elderly people at Christmas. Go here.

Free Mini Hats Workshop @ SAS K.I.A. Studio

2011-09-01T23:59:00.005+02:00

English Below

SAS Knits It Again zag een aankondiging van de goedgemutste breicampagne van een van haar lievelings drankjes. Breien voor een goed doel met humor én vers fruit. Nou, da's een heleboel goeds op een bergje. Dus vandaar.... Doen jullie mee? Als je ooit in je leven gebreid hebt, kun je meedoen. Verder geen restricties. Het wordt geen échte breiles, maar er is hulp als het even moeilijk gaat. Neem je restjes en naalden mee als je ze hebt, maar er is ook materiaal aanwezig om -gratis- te gebruiken.

Er is koffie/thee/lekkers. Je moet je harde werk wel af kunnen staan dus neem je camera mee om je project(jes) op te slaan voor het thuisfront en het nageslacht!

Neem ook breinaalden en restjes mee. Hoe meer spul hoe meer inspiratie!

Nog meer leuks: voor elk ingeleverd mutsje krijg je alvast twee stempels op een SAS K.I.A. brei-materialen-strippenkaart. Waarmee je spaart voor gratis garen.

ZATERDAG 10 SEPTEMBER
15:00-18:00
ROTABS STYLE CENTER

Van de Innocent site:
De Goedgemutste Breicampagne is een actie voor het goede doel. Samen met het Nationaal Ouderenfonds willen we proberen om zoveel mogelijk gezellige kerstdiners te organiseren voor eenzame ouderen.

In Nederland voelen meer dan een miljoen ouderen zich af en toe eenzaam. Eén op de vijf brengt de kerstdagen alleen door. Speciaal voor deze mensen organiseert Het Nationaal Ouderenfonds kerstdiners. Voor een beetje gezelligheid en warmte.

Zo werkt het: in november zetten we op al onze kleine flesjes een klein wollen mutsje. Voor elke verkochte gemutste smoothie doneren we 20 cent aan de kerstdiners van het Nationaal Ouderenfonds.

http://www.innocentdrinks.nl/DeGoedgemutsteBreicampagne/
op facebook:
evenementpagina met meer info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128300227266645
http://www.facebook.com/innocent.Nederland
http://www.sasknitsitagain.blogspot.com/

--------------------- SAS Knits It Again is organising a mini-hat-knit-workshop for Innocent Smoothies' the Big Knit Campaign. Join us! It's free. Small hats! Help lonely elderly people out. For every sold bottle with handknit hat Innocent will donate 20 cents to the National Fund for the Eldery (free form translation...)

Treasuries

2011-08-09T08:53:00.006+02:00

Have you heard of Etsy?! If you haven't I'm about to give you the key to a wonderful new world! Etsy is an online marketplace for home made and vintage items and supplies of/for all different kinds of 'makers'.

Although Etsy in general has a high level of home made stuff, the scale mostly tips over to the 'design side', sometimes there are funny, awkward or downright ugly things put up for sale. There's a site that collects these items called Regretsy. Sooo funny!

Some of the sellers at Etsy make so called treasuries, collections of Etsy items in one theme. My Joan of Arc pattern has been 'treasured' a couple of times. I feel very flattered and Joan looks great in the good company of other designs.

I have an Etsy shop myself, but at the moment it's kind off empty, I'm working on getting more patterns up there so they're available to a wider audience. Want to make a treasury yourself, it's addicting! Go here.

Pet Fur Fashion

2011-07-23T13:50:00.000+02:00

If you love it, why not wear it? Freaky or Fashionable? Pet fur knitted into clothes & Cat Fur made into jewelry. Not for the allergic I guess.
Read more about this here.

Autumn '11 H&M (knit accessories)

2011-07-21T12:22:00.005+02:00

Hennes & Maurits focus on fine knits, loads of cowls and wrist/arm warmers. Colors are: camel, dark grey, blush pink, steel blue. A cowl knit is so easy to make, Take 2 lessons and you're there!

A/W '11 Humanoid (chunky knitwear)

2011-07-21T12:10:00.006+02:00

Inspirational knitwear in the A/W '11 collection @ Humanoid. Yum, Yum! The chunky look is great for hand knitting, fast and easy! You can do this too!

HOT HOT HEAD

2011-07-10T22:22:00.004+02:00

As seen on ASOS...Knit one of these stylish headbands in two SAS K.I.A. lessons if you know the basics or in four if you're a virgin!

probably a bit early to be thinking about hot hot heads right now, but here at the SAS K.I.A. Studio we're always anticipating and dreaming of winter. Start your winter wardrobe in time for the snow, that's all I'm saying...

reminds me of this:

A/W '11 forecast

2011-07-10T20:00:00.000+02:00

predicted by ASOS: The pullover has come into it's own season, featuring eye-catching motifs, OTT detailing or a slouchy silhouette. This is knitwear on style steroids. Just so you know...

A NEW COURSE (pt.3.: whaddayasellin'?)

2011-07-08T22:00:00.000+02:00

The 'Storm in the Attic' yarns are stealing the show. Hand-dyed, Blue Faced Leicester bulky and sock, Alpaca bulky and Alpaca/Silk mix bulky sock. BFL bulky and Alpaca bulky also come non dyed in off-white.
De 'Storm op Zolder' garens stelen de show. Hand geverfd, Blue Faced Leicester bulky en sokgaren, Alpaca bulky en een Alpaca/zijde mix sokgaren bulky. De BFL bulky en Alpaca bulky zijn ook in naturel verkrijgbaar.
A big pile of pure silk at half price; 25 grams for € 5,-. Bamboo straight needles.

Een bak met pure zijde voor de helft van de prijs. 25 gram voor € 5,-. Bamboe rechte naalden.

Different types of Lana Grossa yarn, mostly Bingo (merino), bulky Ragazza Lei and Feltro to felt. A wide range of Phildar yarns. Mix yarns, cotons and tweeds. Knit Pro needles, needle sets and accessories.

Verschillende soorten Lana Grossa garen, vooral Bingo (merino), dik Ragazza Lei en Feltro om mee te vilten. Een uitgebreide collectie Phildar garens. Gemixt, katoentjes en tweed. Knnit Pro naalden, naaldensets en accessoires.

A small collection Ready To Wear by SAS K.I.A., knitted accessories.

Een kleine collectie Ready To Wear by SAS K.I.A., gebreide accessoires.

Inspiration from different books and patterns. SAS K.I.A. patterns in print. Inspiratie uit verschillende boeken en patronen. SAS K.I.A. patronen los te koop.

A webshop will probably follow soon but for now y'all welcome @ SAS K.I.A. Studio!
Opening hours:
tuesday night: Knitting lessons
Wednesday
Saturday
1st Sunday of the month: Workshops
and on appointment

Een webshop zal waarschijnlijk niet lang op zich laten wachten, maar voor nu zijn jullie allemaal welkom bij SAS K.I.A. Studio!

Openingstijden:
dinsdagavond: Breilessen
Woensdag
Zaterdag
1e zondag van de maand: Workshops
en op afspraak

(check in for new opening hours in september)
(check in voor nieuwe openingstijden in september)

A NEW COURSE (pt.2.: live and learn)

2011-07-07T12:30:00.002+02:00

Thanks to two little helpers and one big one (who chooses to stay in anonymity) I got the SAS K.I.A. Studio ready in only 4 days!

Dankzij twee kleine helpers en één grote (die liever anoniem blijft...) had ik de SAS K.I.A. Studio klaar in 4 dagen! I started teaching there right away. The studio opened the 21st of june but I wanted to show you some pretty pictures so I waited to tell you a little bit.

Ik begon meteen met lesgeven. De studio opende de deuren de 21e juni maar ik wilde jullie mooie plaatjes laten zien en heb dus nog eventjes gewacht om erover te posten.
The first weekend I was there was all about 'Route du Nord' a cultural festival that highlights the North of Rotterdam and it's great little shops by turning them into small museums and galleries for the weekend. It was lovely. Loads of folk and poetry accompanied by music (and my knitting).

Het eerste weekend begon meteen goed met 'Route du Nord', een festival dat de aandacht vestigd op het leuke Noorden van Rotterdam met zijn creatieve winkels en horeca door ze te veranderen in kleine musea en galleries. Het was super. Veel mensen en poezie op muziek (met het tikken van mijn naalden op de achtergrond).
At the ROTABS Stylecenter, where SAS K.I.A. Studio resides, they make killer coffees and sandwiches so this is how you can find me mostly:

Bij het ROTABS Stylecenter, waar de SAS K.I.A. studio zit, maken ze geweldige koffie en broodjes, dus dit is hoe je me meestal aantreft: More shots of the store and the goods in the next post...

Meer plaatjes van de winkel en de waren in de volgende post... Working with other artists, makers & sellers make for creative tea drinking: sewing, embroidery and knitting...

Als je met andere makers, kunstenaars en verkopers werkt krijg je creatieve thee sessies: naaien, borduren en breien....

Please come visit!

Kom je langs?

A NEW COURSE (pt1.)

2011-07-06T21:41:00.012+02:00

SAS K.I.A Studio @ ROTABS Stylecenter
stay tuned for more...

NEW (and old): BAMBOO BAG PATTERN

2011-06-21T10:43:00.006+02:00

I've designed this (beginner)pattern a while ago and it has seen a few transformations. My latest variation is knit in a hot pink La Droguerie Lin, has a long strap and is lined with amazing Liberty fabric. I got both fabric and yarn at Julija's Shop in Antwerp. My favorite shop in the world!

Originally it came as a Knit Kit, but it's a great summer project and I've decided to put it up on Ravelry so it's more widely available.

I named the pattern Bamboo, because the slip stitch ('lazy gal's stitch' in Dutch) reminds me of bamboo in more than one way. Bamboo grows like crazy, this bag does too. It's a super fast knit! The structure of the stitches looks a lot like the bamboo stems, longer parts divided by a horizontal knot. It's also very breezy, like swaying bamboo in the wind. Oh I know... I'm letting myself go. It's just a cool knit and so easy to make!

This bag can be knitted with any yarn. If you’d like to get rid of some yarn that isn’t suitable for clothing, this is your project. If the yarn isn’t very strong you can line the bag with a nice fabric. Or choose linen, cotton, hemp or even acrylic for a strong openwork bag. Knit it, use it, love it!

The pink lined version is knitted with a single strap. Just knit one of the two straps to desired length and re-attach it to the other side. (the instructions for lining are not included in the pattern)

This pattern will be translated in English asap. Please mail me at sasknitsitagain@hotmail.com if you are interested!

Knit On!

WW KIP Day REPORT

2011-06-11T21:24:00.021+02:00

And so it came and went... WW KIP Day, the Rotterdam edition. As intended it started on a square in the North of Rotterdam. In a neighborhood that is old and genuinely Rotterdam-ish and on the other hand up-and-coming-urban-design-shop-ish. A great mix for new innocent souls that can be pulled into our favorite craft. Unfortunately, we weren't able to draw new blood from those non-believers. The cold soon led us to our plan B shelter, NICHE, a nice, bright flower/gift shop with a huge table, coffee, tea and a loo (let's be honest, you can't do without it). Suus, the owner was kind enough to let us sit there for the afternoon. And when the sun showed her face again, we were so comfortable there that we kept put.

It was a full house and all kinds of knitwear had been brought to the table. Most of the knitters are known members of the Rotterdam Stitch 'n Bitch group, but we've also had a few new gals attending, some tagged along with the S'nB members, others responded to my spamming on-line. So even though we didn't actually pulled people from the public into our group, we were able to teach others some new insights into knitting 2011.
I hardly ever get to go to our Stitch 'n Bitch group, so I was very pleased to get a lot of them there to catch up.
I declare WW KIP Day: a success!

If anyone in the neighborhood (the Netherlands) wants to go for another Knit Event this Monday, go check out the 'Markt van wol enzo' in Zeeland. More info here on Facebook en here on the weblog. Go check out Ballee's spindles from Peru and great vintage buttons.

WW KIP Day SALE!!!

2011-06-09T16:01:00.006+02:00

For my Dutch Readers: Aanstaande zaterdag, tijdens WW KIP Dag, verkoopt SAS Knits It Again Phildar & La Droguerie garens bij Niche Rotterdam. De bloem- en kadowinkel aan de Zaagmolenkade 42, is op 5 minuten loopafstand van de KIP Dag locatie aan het Noordplein. Bij regen en hoge nood is Niche onze uitvalsbasis deze dag.

Vanaf 3 bollen garen ontvang je 30% korting op het Phildar garen. Er is ook een 'euro mand'. Verschillende diktes katoen en bio-katoen, tweeds en mixgarens met super mooie kleuren. Ook is er een bescheiden collectie La Droguerie garens waaronder merino, baby alpaca en pakketten met genoeg materiaal voor een ruime omslagdoek/sjaal:
In dit pakket: gerecyclede wol en kid mohair, die samen gebreid een zeer warme en zachte cocon oplevert waar je in de winter heerlijk in kan snoezelen. Ja echt... ik zei 'snoezelen'! Beginners breien hem rechtoe-rechtaan en gevorderden kunnen er hun fantasie op loslaten.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Next saturday, during WW KIP Day, SAS Knits It Again will sell Phildar & La Droguerie yarns at Niche Rotterdam. The flower and gift shop is located 5 minutes walk from the KIP Day location at the Zaagmolenkade 42.

SAS Knits In Flair Magazine

2011-06-03T18:20:00.000+02:00

WW KIP Day

2011-06-03T15:07:00.004+02:00

WW KIP DAY, world wide knit in public day. It's coming up next week! I love WW KIP DAY, it gives me the chance to hook up with my old Stitch 'n Bitch friends. I never get to go to our meetings since I teach classes every tuesdaynight, their hangout night. And so I get a condensed S'nB day once a year. Lot's of catching up, swapping books & Yarn and showing off our latest projects. This year I'm hosting a KIP Day in our city. For those who can make it, these are the details as posted on the original WW KIP Day site:

Netherlands, Zuid Holland, Rotterdam
Hosted by: SAS Knits It Again
Location: Noordplein, Rotterdam Noord
Time: 12;00
Date: June 11, 2011

How to get there:
Het evenement vindt bij mooi weer plaats op het Noordplein in Rotterdam Noord. Het is het plein tegenover de winkel 'Kookpunt'. Een paar honderd meter verderop, aan de Zaagmolenkade 42, langs het water, zit Niche, onze uitvalsbasis. Deze woon-, cadeau-, bloemenwinkel heeft een toilet waar we gebruik van kunnen maken.

Please bring:
Lekkere snacks en drinken voor eigen gebruik en om eventueel uit te delen. Een stoel of krukje voor eigen gebruik. Alles wat je extra mee kunt nemen om op te zitten is handig. Er zijn ook bankjes om op te zitten aan de rand van het plein. HET BOLLENGEVECHT:1.Neem max 4 bollen garen van hetzelfde type/kleur/bad mee waar je afstand van kunt doen (het liefst wat mooier garen, zodat de ontvanger er ook echt iets aan heeft)2.Bind de bollen aan elkaar zodat je er in z'n geheel mee kunt gooien. 3.Als het signaal klinkt begin je je mede brei(st)ers ermee te bekogelen. 4.Dit houden we twee minuten vol, 5.Als het signaal weer klinkt, pak je de dichtstbijzijnde bollenkluwen op en die neem je mee naar huis of je start er meteen een nieuw project mee.

The backup plan is:
Bij slecht weer kunnen we terecht bij het eerder genoemde Niche en nemen we plaats rondom de grote tafel in het midden van de zaak.

This KIP is not knitting exclusive
There are free bathrooms available nearby

If you need directions in English, or need help otherwise, please mail me here, I'd love to help.

ALTERNATIVE STREET ARTS

2011-05-17T17:39:00.004+02:00

click for larger image

In this piece I was interviewed to talk about the knitting variation of the new street arts: yarnbombing.
I love the guerilla gardening idea! Might take that up one day. Sounds like your cup of tea Tijm?!

YARNBOMBING & WILDBREIEN

2011-05-11T11:19:00.008+02:00

The last couple of months I've been interviewed by a handful of journalists talking about my yarn bombing activities. Suddenly something I did on the side became a small label, a (knit) tag if you will.

Thing is... I haven't been extremely active lately. All around me, everywhere people have decided this form of street art is a fun, cool and creative way to spread some joy and wonder. My scraps were calling me from the attic and so I spent my weekend working in 3 small yarn bombs. I started one and made it an exercise in 'letting go'. it was a challenge.

And I'm not making the story better. I seriously found it hard to just let go and knit without thinking about the looks of the item. I had to correct myself several times and keep myself from 'designing' it too much.

As I finished 'the therapeutic bomb', I found myself knitting another one. It was a reaction. I couldn't help it. I knitted 'something'. A figure. I can't be cured, it's a curse....

Another small piece I whipped up in a couple of minutes just to have an extra yarn bomb to make the group complete and have more recognition chances with the public.

I made 'Berkely M.' my accomplice and at 22:30 we took gaffer tape, scissors and a needle and got to work.
We were joking around each time a car arrived. Not taking it all too serious. Two minutes after we left the scene, 3 police cars drove by. Now let me explain. I live in a village. There is only one copper.... so they must have called for backup from the city. Just saying...
This morning I spotted 2 of the 3 yarn bombs, still in place. Tonight I'm checking the third. Hope they'll be there for a while. Gotta go, the scraps are calling....

Gisteren heb ik samen met 'Berkely M.' in ons dorp, Berkel en Rodenrijs, 3 wildbreisels opgehangen. Wildbreien is zo populair aan het worden dat ik onmogelijk mijn eigen dorp 'ongebreid' kon laten. Zeker niet omdat ik de laatste tijd veel interviews heb gegeven over het fenomeen wildbreien. Mijn restjes op zolder riepen steeds harder en dit weekend heb ik een therapeutisch stukje breien gedaan. Een wildbreisel moet vooral vrolijk zijn, maar ik kan het niet laten om er (te) hard over na te denken en er meteen maar echt iets tofs van te maken. Maar daar was geen tijd voor, ik heb mezelf gedwongen om gewoon maar te breien en niet na te denken. Leuk joh!
Twee minuten nadat alles hing kwamen er 3 politie auto's langsrijden. Bizar, want volgens mij heeft Berkel maar één politieman. ;-) Toch wel spannend. Niet omdat ik bang ben voor een discussie, maar omdat ik het zo zonde zou vinden als het breiwerk erafgehaald zou worden. Maar we waren op tijd weg van de 'crime scene'. Moet gaan, de restjes roepen me weer....

SPOTTED!!

2011-05-06T22:59:00.002+02:00

click to see larger image

picture: Zita B.

MY BFFL

2011-04-01T23:08:00.009+02:00

Do you feel neglected? I'm sure you do. And I'm really sorry. I should be posting more. I should be posting more about my life, about knitting. But when I scroll down my last posts it looks like I've mostly been bragging. It's just... I'm so proud. I don't want to brag at all I just want to share the jumping frogs (and some butterflies too) in my stomach with you.

I'm working hard to get my little company running and I just love doing it. But since I have a limited amount of time I have to choose the things I want to focus on. Most of my energy has gone into publicity and shouting out loud in every which way I could.
There's been a lot of knitting too and -as ever- the designs keep piling up in my *Moleskine notebooks and I can't find the time to work them into patterns. I NEED AN INTERN!! One that doesn't need payment, a workspace and can turn up at extremely flexible times. (Spare Elves anyone?!)
So choosing.... I've slimmed down my knitting focuses to two:
1. designing for the beginning knitter,
2. teaching new blood how to knit.
That seems like a fairly clear plan to me.
So now the next step. I want to professionalize my appearance online (I'm already seeing a beautician each month so that's covered...) and so I've decided to put a big chunk of my earned dough into a new website that more clearly shows what SAS Knits is and does. In two languages: Dutch for my students and English for the pattern buyers.

So next week I have a meeting planned with my personal graphic designer (and good friend) Job. Next a meeting with this cool new studio that's making my new site: Rox Media. (I'm getting good prices, so there you go guys, links and labels and a twitter post and a Facebook post!)
Talking about personal designers... I love working with other designers to use combined talents to get a new item, shape or idea. Dianne B once mentioned leather needle bags and I swooned at the mention of it. I kept the idea in my head and when I met Christina K. of Tarra-g (an extremely cool & nice gal/leather bag label) I mentioned the idea and she jumped to it.

This is the result of her work and my needs: I'm in love. That's all I'm saying. My own CUSTOM MADE leather needle case by Tarra-g. This is going to last a lifetime and I'll be able to give it to my son or daughter one day. There's so many things that make this needle case perfect I can't even mention them all. Ok, one more: It's green! Ok, enough ranting! Mail her if you want one too!

Down Under Radio

2011-03-16T20:40:00.004+01:00

SAS Knits It Again was interviewed for Australian radio show.
Listen here. (it's in Dutch...)

The Bandwagon

2011-02-27T12:51:00.003+01:00

click to view bigger picture

SAS Knits It Again got a lot of press this week. Thursday a national newspaper (Algemeen Dagblad) placed an interview with Francine Oomen and me talking about yarn bombing (aka knit tagging or in Dutch; 'wild breien').
Francine is the author of a series of childrens books on 'How to Survive...' different things in life. Her last book covers Yarn Bombing. I thought it was kind of a weird choice in the series but I love the fact that she's promoting knitting to the next generation. One way or another I got on the bandwagon of the media hype that she started and I was happy to join in.

In a reaction to the piece one of the most popular morning shows on National radio called me and spent quite an amount of time talking to me about the same subject. In spite of having worked in marketing and communication for years, I still suffer from stage fright. I used to promote the bands that played at the venues where I worked on the radio on a monthly basis. I even got myself to present an arts & culture talk show for a while to get over my fear. But when I used to DJ I still had to kill a whiskey before I could start playing. It's the main reason why I never started a band. (I love to sing) I start to shiver, can't eat, feel sick to my stomach and can't function right.
Strange thing is, when I'm in the middle of 'the thing' I'm fine and most of the time I can look back on a good interview, show or whatever.
It's a strange thing...

Listen to the radio interview here

NEW LESSONS (lessen) NEW LOCATIONS (locaties)

2011-02-04T13:29:00.006+01:00

English below

De breilessen van SAS Knits BREIden zich gestaag uit. In Delft aan de VAK kun je je nog steeds aanmelden voor een uitgebreide cursus voor beginners. De lessen gaan in maart van start.

Op Katendrecht in Rotterdam starten 18 februari lessen bij IZMOOIZO, een duurzaam warenhuis met vreselijk leuke spulletjes en gezellige luitjes. Elke vrijdagavond van 19:00-21:00 kun je er terecht voor breilessen SAS Knits stijl (lees hier meer hierover). Uiteraard mét drankjes en gezelligheid. Meld je aan via IZMOOIZO, stuur mij een mailtje of bel even.

Je kunt dus nu in Delft, Rotterdam Noord, Centrum en Zuid terecht voor lessen. Workshops kunnen altijd in heel het land (en zelfs in mijn geboorteland Belgie). Kijk hier voor meer informatie over workshops.

IZMOOIZO op Katendrecht, Rotterdam Zuid

Woon je in Berkel en Rodenrijs, mail dan eens om te informeren, bij voldoende deelname start ik ook workshops en lessen aan huis. De serre wordt omgebouwd tot leslokaal as-we-speak.

foto's van een nieuw SAS Knits ontwerp in de maak, makkelijk voor beginners en heel leuk om te maken. Binnenkort meer info.

--------------------------------------------------
SAS Knits is expanding and going for world domination... with new knitting classes starting 18th februari at IZMOOIZO, an eco-friendly giftshop with benefits. The shop is located at Katendrecht, the south of Rotterdam.

The knitting course in Delft at the VAK is starting next march.

So with classes in Delft, the North of Rotterdam, Rotterdam centre and the south area of Rotterdam. SAS Knits is expanding 'Knitting 2.0', knitting in 2011, a modern view on an ancient technique.
Workshops can be booked all over the Netherlands and Belgium.

If you live in Berkel en Rodenrijs, please contact me, I'm planning on teaching from home. We have a hot-house (serre) that's being redecorated as we speak to accommodate knitting students.

English speaking students are very welcome to join classes. I know English (and French) knitting terms so join in and get to know the locals in the meantime!

Mail or call me if you want more info.

pictures are of a new SAS Knits design in-the-making, keep posted for the pattern, it's really easy to make, perfect for beginners.

The Holy Grail

2011-01-19T11:34:00.009+01:00

This is what I saw after leaving my children behind, 5 hours in the car a couple of hours walking after at least 3 metro switches...

The holy grail... with a fence!
Bummer...

Hey, but I'm not a quitter. A couple of museums, miles in too narrow shoes and the obligatoire pastries (...) later I returned to find this:

Complete and utter chaos dans la boutique.
La Droguerie (best metaphore a jewelry box) in Paris was chuckfull of people awaiting help.
Help? Why would you need help?
This is why:

way, way, way too many choises...

This is what happened to me:

And then I needed this:

Boyfriend dear came to the rescue and pulled me right back to reality with his non-believer remarks.

And so the story ends...
I didn't buy anything at La Droguerie in Paris.
NOT A THING!
yes
NADA
...

No worries though. About 4 hours closer to home, in Antwerp, there's a lovely shop called Julija's where the same yarn can be bought, in a much more relaxed atmosphere with nice people to help you (you still need help choosing) and great pastries in the neigbourhood.

Antwerp, I'm on my way!
(it's sale there too!)

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

Did take home a lot of inspiration though!

PICTURE PERFECT

2011-01-12T17:09:00.005+01:00

Click to enlarge

For an item in a regional magazine a photographer shot SAS Knits at work.

BIRTHDAY GIVAWAY!!

2010-11-25T09:55:00.004+01:00

To celebrate the fifth birthday of SAS Knits It Again, the blog that became a (small) brand, I'm giving away a surprise package with... well, it's a surprise. (and that gives me more time to think about it!)

The quickest/closest answer wins.

What kind of yarn did I use for my Jackll & hide (Jackll & hyde) design?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOGGIE!

2010-11-24T22:25:00.002+01:00

Today is my blog's 5th birthday, I almost forgot about it.
In 5 years time, my hobby has become my job/life/love. I can't believe it... 5 years...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOGGIE!

I'm thinking of a good way to celebrate.
Will keep you posted!

Hey Teach! Whattchadesigning?

2010-10-16T20:54:00.007+02:00

It won't be long until I'll be officially teaching at the VAK (Free Academy of Arts) in Delft. Yep, the city where the famous Dutch blue white china is made. (but that's besides the point). I am very flattered and excited to be the knitting/crocheting teacher at the new Fashion/Styling school.

To promote the start of that specific course/school, a Day of Fashion was organized. During this well visited day those that were interested in starting lessons could sign up for short workshops while the teachers work was showed on the catwalk. It was first catwalk show. I have to be honest, I was slightly emotional seeing my work showed by the very cool and charming models (most of them students of the VAK). Loud music and black basic outfits framed my work and I realized in a split second; 'I'm a designer.' A very proud and weird moment at the same time.

As a teenager I dreamed about being a fashion designer. I enrolled Art School thinking and believing I was going to be one. But then I fell in love with the photography lessons and stepped on a different path. Photography was certainly great (and still is) but Art School and the teachers didn't quite match with ... eh... me. I didn't get expelled as such, but I was very critical of the organization and slowly but certainly was made clear that my place wasn't there.

After another try at another Art School I this time realized that I just wasn't a photographer at heart. At least not in the way that they build and delivered them. And so I started working in a jeans store, just to buy myself some time to figure out where I was going with myself.

After a year of getting annoyed by my co-workers, that seemed to find noting more important than dating and clubbing, I started an education that fitted me like a glove. Cultural Social Sciences I think is the translation; CMV. It's a school where you learn all about how to become a professional in the spare time consumption of your fellow human. I chose the path of culture and arts (go figure) and specialized in media and communication.

After an internship at a now famous festival (Motel Mozaique) I stuck to the music bizz and was a PR/marketing manager for almost all the music venues in Rotterdam. After I re-organized the communication department of one of the smaller venues I finished growing in that area and stepped up the ladder to become marketing manager of the organization that is responsible for promoting all Rotterdam festivals as a whole.

A year later I expected Wee One and they let me go when my pregnancy leave already started... (it's a little more complicated than that, but it still feels that way to me) And so I had no choice but to focus on the coming baby and made my job something to start thinking about later on.

A few years before I picked up knitting after years and years of not even thinking about it. And before I could say 'K2tog' I started a knitting group. I was planning to start the first Stitch 'n Bitch group in Rotterdam, but my fellow knitters were more comfortable knitting at home. A few 'Breieenkomsten' (knit-alongs) followed but it didn't stick with most of the gals. For me, it was too late. I was hooked (excusez le mot) and started picking projects that had at least 3 new techniques at a time. I learned from books and the Internet and by transforming into a knitting pit bull. I just wouldn't let go.

When my friends' aunt opened a sewing cafe I jumped to it and shoved myself and my knitting skills under her nose and claimed (I guess I did exactly that) to be the knitting teacher. Meanwhile my first real design was accepted by Knitty and turned out to be a very popular project amongst knitters all over the world. I was asked to design for online yarnstores and I designed for myself under the brand name I took from the blog I started to keep track of my knitting: SAS Knits It Again. Spelling out my first name Saskia and linking to 'I did it again', not knowing that that might not be a perfect brand name for the future. It just grew that way.

Meanwhile I started giving workshops at babyshowers, bachelorette parties and other fun get together like festivals. An Etsy shop followed, some fairs where I sold knitwear and knit kits and then a period of reflection where I decided on a path to choose. I couldn't do it all, build a strong brand and be a mother at home at the same time. It took me a while... But I've become what I wanted to be at 16; a fashion designer and (as a bonus) a teacher! My career plans for the future? Teach and design! Passing the craft on to others and staying true to myself (and my family) while designing.

I'm not a fashionista, I design what I like, what I need or what I think knitters like and/or need. I don't confirm to the fashion business and I hope I can keep it that way. I'm building my brand (with the not-so-good-name) and... I'm loving it!!

You can enroll the 'knitting for beginners' 6 lessons course now. Go here!

What to be and where to go; designing decisions

2010-10-16T20:49:00.004+02:00

I recently designed for a well known store that sells clothing and home products at extremely low prices. It's called Zeeman. They started a campaign to promote their yarns. They mostly sell cheap acrylic, but sometimes you get good deals on mixed wool yarns. It's a place where loads of beginning knitters go to buy there starter kits.

I was very flattered to be asked to design some patterns for their online campaign keeping their target group in mind. It's a pretty clever setup. You get to choose from around 20 free patterns and either download the pattern and shoplist and get to work using the Tutorial (written by yours truly) and/or watching Youtube films OR forwarding your choice trough Twitter, Hyves (dutch Facebook) or mail and ask a befriended knitter (or family member) to do it for you.
Big Boom Bow, Orly, Pom Pom Vintage and Lima are my designs (the choise of names isn't).
It's in Dutch so you'll have to find a free language course online to get the full benefits of the campaign if you're not fluent in Dutch...

Zeeman is also organising a big knitting event where they want to break the world record of 'knitters in one place knitting'. It's all a big publicity stunt of course, with Dutch soap actrice/presenter Nikkie Plessen hosting it and the national press covering it, but it's still a good idea to promote knitting in general as well.

I was asked to teach the workshop during the event. My eyes got big and I replied with a greedy YES and then it slowly dawned on my what they were actually asking of me and I decided it wasn't what I wanted to do/be or what I wanted to connect my 'brand-in-building' to. Not because I look down on their brand or the type of press coverage, but because it just doesn't fit with what I want to be and become.
It's like a car designer is asked to drive in a formula one race. All very exhilarating but just not his thing...

If you still have non-believers around you, this campaign might just work! Just slip them the link during a chat session.

Designing and Teaching

2010-10-16T20:00:00.006+02:00

Bright and early on my way to the fair.

Gosh, I really don't know where to start. Should I make separate posts to keep you reading or one big, huge newsflash post? There's so much going on that I just keep postponing writing about it all. And, for a change, I'm also actually knitting.
I'm knitting my ass off to be exact. (and in my case, that a WHOLE lot of knitting!)

I'll just take it a step at a time.

One of the latest trends in crocheting/knitting; Zpagetti.
A bulky yarn made from left overs in the textile industry.

Today I went to the annual needlecrafts fair in my hometown Rotterdam and got home with:
- a bag full of Options goodies including a (excuses le mot) set of crochet (...) needles. More on those later, cable needles, a new pair of 3.5mm's (they are strong but can't handle beeing sit on...), a shawl pin (gotta have at least one) and the chunky set to complete my interchangeable set. I now feel like a real pro with a bag full of matching hardware.
- 4 cones of wool/angora mix taupe yarn (so I can finally start knitting a huge cardigan for ME!) for an amazing price.
- A big box full of lush green SILK (for sale during my lesson for at least 50% of normal silk prices!!)
- An amigurimi book (again, more on that later!) - Loads of lanolin cosmetics made by my friend Yvon at Storm op Zolder. I mistook the lotion for the cream and accidentally spilled it all over me and Boyfriend dear. I can tell you it smells like a dream!

the ugliest yarn I've ever seen.
It comes with little plucks of fake fur.
Yikes!

I did some hardcore bargaining on a new sewing machine (I still use the 1960's one my mother got at her wedding) and caught up with fellow knitster Dianne B. A very successful day!

Posters for an upcoming knitting event sponsored by Zeeman, a cheap yarn/clothing store.
More on this in my next post.

Rotterdamse Oogst Festival

2010-09-20T14:08:00.008+02:00

picture by Storm op Zolder

This Saturday I spent surrounded by sheep, teaching kids and some adults how to knit and finger crochet (don't know if I can translate this term literally but I'll just go for it...). The specially designed knitting temple was situated at the Rotterdamse Oogst Festival, a festival that celebrates the local farmers and food makers of the city Rotterdam. It wants people to know that just around the corner there's a lot more and a lot better food to get than you would think. Great starting point for a festival if you ask me!
There was music, food, workshops and overall a fantastic atmosphere. I enjoyed myself immensely even though I didn't have a second to get out of the knitting temple, let alone say hi to the many old friends, new friends and family that visited. Sorry about that! It was lovely to see you all (read: get a glimpse of you).

picture by Storm op Zolder

I was expecting more adults to come knit with me, as they are my usual target group, but as soon as the knit spot started filling up with kids, it attracted only more wee ones. They were wonderful though. I can't believe how two kids especially tried so hard and just couldn't master it. But they wouldn't give up. I was very impressed by them! A father and three sons came and all took a shot. Dad was mumbling that knitting was more suited for women but kept going at it. I had to suppress quite a bunch of laughs. I think two kids (out of about 50) were dedicated enough to finish the chestnut bags I designed for the day on the spot. They spent half their afternoon with me and did a super job!

Everyone could walk in and step into the class and in that form I could teach knitting from an age of about 10 years and older. Most of the kids were much younger so I let them play with the all natural yarn and tried to teach them about sheep and yarn and knitting and how to crochet a chain with their hands. Meanwhile they got to meet the sheep from up-close and see the Shepard work with them and his dog. Very educational stuff!

It was a very full and warm and lovely day packed with lovely people, followed by lovely food with my own beautiful family and topped of with a couple of beers! Perfect!

(If anyone sees him- or herself on the pictures and wishes to be removed from the blog, please mail me and I'll take the picture off in a second! I have no intention to harm anyone by placing their picture. I ask for as much permission as I can but there's always a crowd on a festival and that makes it a lot harder to get everyone's permission.
------
Als iemand zichzelf op de foto's ziet en liever niet op deze blog wil staan, mail me dan en ik haal de foto er zonder pardon af. Ik wil alleen een beeld van de dag geven en niemand kwetsen. Ik vraag zo veel mogelijk toestemming, maar zo'n dag is druk en er zijn veel mensen.)

Big Heads!

2010-07-19T22:07:00.002+02:00

Check this blog post out: Julija's Shop...: A drummer in a tree some amazing stuff on the other end!
(no picture, but click and ... yes, they're there!)

A Donkey...

2010-07-12T09:46:00.005+02:00

... doesn't bump into the same stone twice. Or.... As stupid as a pig's behind. Just two Dutch sayings describing.... ME!
Look what I did last winter
And look what I did now

There's two upsides:
- WeeWee's doll is getting a very chique handmade collection of FELT outfits
- I've discovered a yarn that felts easily and beautifully (Manos Silk Blend)

(It wasn't completely dumb ass by the way, I washed it at 30 degrees Celsius in a wool program, all other knitwear came out just fine.... have no clue what happened!)

Jaune

2010-07-05T13:57:00.006+02:00

And again, yellow seems to be the theme color in our lives...

Le Grand Depart du Tour de France in Rotterdam

Note how even my little boy is dressed in yellow.

The garden is joining the theme.
From little specks of yellow...

to big and bold yellow...

overwhelming yellow,

to our future dinner.

My favorite T
(though 2 sizes too small and so I never actually wear it),

drying in the garden.

The kid's toys.

And, yes, some knitting too.
Swatching for a new design.
(the yellow is actually about 500% brighter,
but I can't seem to get it right using photoshop, so I'll just leave it to your imagination.)

Wool waiting to be cleaned and plucked

to be used as filling for a knitted toy.

The old wooden shoes (klompen) I used to wear my son's age.
He can't seem to get used to them but I just leave them hanging around for memories sake.

Hot Hot Heat

2010-06-28T07:20:00.008+02:00

Yesterday we (SAS & Dianne B) spent our day in Amersfoort at Kraftic. At a fantastic location on the waterside in the middle of the city. While we sold knitwear, yarn, lessons and a lot of smiles our feet burned in the sun (the rest of us was covered by the sign hanging from the booth.

Last winter we spent a day at a market at -10 degrees Celsius and yesterday it was about 30 degrees. Thats a difference of 40!! But I'm not complaining!
It was a great day and we've met a lot of nice and cool designers, got 100% positive feedback (except from the old lady that complained about politics, but I'm guessing she was suffering from a heatstroke)

Thank you visitors for your positive reactions and purchases!

For your information:
- here's the Joan of Arc pattern for downloading;
- this is my mail if you want to get the Joan Knit Kit or for other questions;
- this is my web shop, but please mail me if you've seen an item that's not in the webshop;
- and here's were you find more information about Workshops.

After a full sun packed day my BF had a show with his band. It's been proven again: he rocks!

another band I like, in theme with the heat:

Hittin' the Streets

2010-06-26T20:59:00.003+02:00

All this...

Led to this:

Bazar Bizar in Rotterdam, Charlois. It was a successful and fun day. With the help of Dianne B. we sold a couple of thousand stitches made into various items, at least a few kilometers of yarn and a lot of smiles and enthusiastic (but true) stories.

All is packed up now and ready to unpack tomorrow at Kraftic in Amersfoort. Come check us out!

And to all of you who visited the stand, bought a SAS Knits It Again original and took a card or flyer: it was lovely to meet you, hope you'll enjoy your purchase and we'd love to see you again in class, online or at another fair!

Yoga-lalala

2010-06-18T11:00:00.006+02:00

Perfecting a design for yoga/meditation cushions. They will be 100% wool, filled with buckwheat hulls in a 100% cotton liner bag. I'm working on adult and children's sizes. Hopefully I'll have some for sale at Bazar Bizar the 26th of June.

Meanwhile I'm doing everything at once, it makes me feel like an octopus with multiple personality syndrome! I'm totally chaotic all the time which results in weird clothing choices, cleaning up and leaving things where they are randomly.Too much bread and no toppings or too much toppings and no bread.
Weirdly I'm at my most productive like this. Imagine what my house will look like the day I'll do this full-time...

I missed my yoga class yesterday, and it was much needed. Should squeeze in a quick greeting-to-the-sun? Or is that a contradictio in terminis?

Knit In Public Day (KIPday)

2010-06-13T14:21:00.007+02:00

Yesterday I took the whole family to KIP day. I only took 3 pictures because I was extremely busy feeding the children, eating a grilled sausage and in between uttering a few words trying to get out a coherent story. Needles (...) tot say I didn't get any knitting done...

more pictures here (check out our bike & bbq!)

YELLOW

2010-06-03T13:33:00.003+02:00

This picture sums up a lot of good things in life; sunshine, knitting & coffee.

SAS Knits It Again was asked to help knit some yellow squares for this project. It's still a big surprise what it's going to be so check in regularly if you'd like to know more about the urban knitting project.

An Apple a Day...

2010-06-02T11:04:00.007+02:00

Frantically working on designs for Bazar Bizar. This is one of the luxury products: A 100% silk iphone cover in gold! Badabling! I have to get a friend's iphone to model though, I still live in the dark ages with my 5 yr old mobile. So for now just the cover without a model. For sale at Bazar Bizar the 26th of june or by mailing me.

ps Please note that the color is a bright orangy gold, much brighter than these pictures show.

A Morning at the Zoo

2010-06-01T14:45:00.008+02:00

This morning, the kids and I had an important mission. It was al very multi-task-ual. While I lured the wee ones into my conspiracy with animals and a big sandbox, I shot a couple of pictures for my updated Bamboo Knit Kit. I even got in some cappuccino and two rows of knitting. (that's a luxury!).

'dude, I'm telling ya, there's a tropical surprise up there
and I don't want it, help yourself!'

'Hey, this kid wasn't kidding, yum!'

I've designed the Bamboo Knit Kit (consisting all materials you need for making a mash market bag) a while ago and sold it with cheap but funky yarn. Times change and I like my yarns to be a little more sophisticated now and so, with the help of this knitting friend, I found a yarn made of 60% hemp and 45% organic cotton. It's an amazing yarn that I carry in two colors; off white and a grey mix. It's very strong and can be washed at 60%, perfect for a bag.

The new and improved kit will be for sale as soon as I update the packaging and pattern. If you're interested, just mail me.

Yarn Therapy

2010-05-31T15:13:00.005+02:00

Today I'm a little sad. It's a specific sad, a peculiar feeling I remember having when I was about 8 or so. I don't really remember exactly, I was a child and I found out that things pass, things change, people go away, and it stays that way, they don't come back.

It's the consuming feeling that I don't get to 'make' everything the way I want to. I simply have to deal with it.

I'm sad because things pass. It's been a long time since I had this feeling.

But there's one thing I can make into what I want (most of the time):

YARN! I'm off... knitting!

Nothingness & Big Bold Coton

2010-05-26T21:30:00.009+02:00

This might be the worst title so far...

Anyhoo...

This sunday I spent with Dianne B. and some of my S 'n B friends at a wool & more market (Markt van Wol Enzo). We drove from the center of the city to the middle of nowhere, got our knitting out, had our coffees, spent some money on one or more drugs of choise (yarn/ strawberries/ organic food), bathe in the sunlight and hopped on back to the city. It was a very friendly gathering and a perfect day in the sun.

Today I finished a 'Joan of Arc' in bulky coton. The client is allergic to wool and so I altered the pattern and knit it with a double strand of Phildar Coton 7 in color 'denim'. It looks fab and I'm very pleased.
Please note that I do not only sell the pattern for this big and bulky cowl, but also Ready-to-Wear in black, sand, hot pink, grey, off-white, reddish brown and bright red. I've also got enough material for two more coton/denim ones. I'll be selling them in my Etsy store next season (starting september 2010). Please mail me if you're interested.

SAS Knits It Again @ Bazar Bizar

2010-05-25T23:49:00.004+02:00

SAS Knits It Again will sell designs, yarn & Knit Kits at Bazar Bizar.
Here's some info (in Dutch):

26 juni 2010
BAZAR BIZAR kunst- en muziekmarkt

Lokatie: Wolphaertstraat, Rotterdam Oud-Charlois

Markt: 12:00 – 18:00
Muziek & theater: 12:00 - 21:00

Zaterdag 26 juni de 3e editie van BAZAR BIZAR!
Bazar Bizar heeft zich in de afgelopen 3 jaar ontplooid tot de leukste en meest eigenzinnige markt van Rotterdam. Voor één dag is de Wolphaertstraat dé
plek voor kunstenaars en designers. Tientallen marktkramen staan vol met o.a. kleding, schilderijen, designertoys en tal van andere vreemde creaties en rariteiten. Naast de markt is er muziek, theater, eten en drinken.

Kom langs en laat je verrassen op BAZAR BIZAR!

www.bazarbizarrotterdam.nl
www.myspace.com/bazarbizarrotterdam

Confession

2010-05-11T13:52:00.003+02:00

Bless me fellow knitters, for I have sinned.
It's been, well... forever since my last confession. This is my sin:

I hate it.
No wait, I love it.
No wait, I just want it to not exist.

I know of people that use facebook to it's full extend and benefit from it. While still finding time to live a life, do their craftacular stuff and blog about it, they post about all the previously mentioned on facebook thus connecting all the bits in their life like a multi functional spiderweb.

Not me.

Don't give me cake when I can't have it, I'm the type that goes face first and devour all what's in front of me missing out on the lobster and saffron soup on the left and right of me.
I just spent way (way) too much time on facebook, doing nothing that's worth mentioning. And while I'm devouring, there's no knitting, no cleaning, no cooking and certainly no blogging going on.

I have sinned.

I pledge to be a better blogger and hope you will forgive me.

One question.
Do you thing I should open a SAS Knits It Again page on facebook?
Just to be sure...

Knitting Workshop

2010-05-02T20:12:00.002+02:00

This saturday I did a workshop in Utrecht. A great group of young women with stamina and humor got to it and learned all about the (un)usual materials, different techniques and contemporary knitwear while knitting at their very first hats and mittens.

They screamed and hollared when I made them rip out a needle and drop a stitch on purpose.
It was so much fun! ;-)

Other uses for knitting needles

2010-05-02T16:33:00.000+02:00

sorry, in Dutch this time.

Knit Graffiti Crew (a few more shots)

2010-04-13T16:27:00.002+02:00

Thank you Daniel!

Knit Graffiti Crew in Action

2010-04-11T20:55:00.009+02:00

Today, at the Schouwburgplein in the pounding heart of Rotterdam, SAS Knits It Again organized a Knit Graffiti Crew workshop at the Motel Mozaique festival.

We had a blast. Protected from the wind in a temporarily build greenhouse we kept warm and knitted our behinds off.

There were old knitters, young knitters, virginal knitters and trick-of-the-trade knitters. Boys, girls, men, women. Everyone got together cuddled up in the small house and made small squares and rectangles.

After about an hour of knitting we were asked to join a yoga lesson. We put aside our needles and yarn and minutes later found ourselves on the floor of the wooden church that was build there for the duration of the festival.

Relaxed and mindful we returned to our task and finished the squares. The atmosphere was great (as it always is at the most welcoming festival in the Netherlands!) Everyone helped each other out and of course Dianne B. was at the scene lending her hands and expertise.

The pieces all blended into one big 'Mozaique' of yarn and color.

Then were sewn together...

...and put up on the lamp post right in front of the theatre (Schouwburg) for everyone to see, enjoy and wonder about.

The counting begins...
How long will it stay there and be part of the 'Soft City', the theme of Motel Mozaique 2010?

SAS Knits It Again programmed at Motel Mozaique Festival

2010-03-30T15:34:00.003+02:00

English below

Knit Graffiti & Brei Taggen met SAS Knits It Again tijdens Motel Mozaique

Iedereen die zich inschrijft voor deze workshop sluit zich aan bij de Knit Graffiti Crew. Met z'n allen breien we jasjes, dasjes en lapjes voor fietsen en auto-antennes van nietsvermoedende Rotterdammers. Helemaal in de traditie van Motel Mozaïque geven we deze warme cadeautjes weg en krijgen er een vrolijkere en zachtere stad voor terug. Niet getreurd als je niet kunt breien of twee linkerhanden hebt, Saskia van SAS Knits It Again leert je binnen een handomdraai de kneepjes van het oude (en toch zo nieuwe) ambacht!
Tag along dus!

Datum: zondag 11 april 2010

Tijd: 11:00 - 16:00

Locatie: Festival Motel Mozaique, Schouwburgplein

Inschrijven: via de website van Motel Mozaique, menu GIDSEN, kopje Knit Grafitti Crew

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

SAS Knits It Again is teaching a knit workshop at the Motel Mozaique Festival. We're knitting little scarves and coats for bikes and car antenna's. Completely in the Motel Mozaique theme, we're tagging the town warm and colorfull.

Want to join? Go to the Motel Mozaique site to register (menu GIDSEN, header Knit Grafitti Crew)!

HAPPY BIRTH DAY SWEETIE!

2010-03-15T11:09:00.000+01:00

wow...

2010-03-10T19:54:00.000+01:00

The Shop Is Open!

2010-02-24T22:23:00.005+01:00

I finally opened up my Etsy store and I'm thrilled. There's a lot more to upload, but it's a start. From now on you can buy original patterns, knit kits, ready to wear and embroidery kits from SAS Knits It Again with just a few mouse clicks. (start by clicking the side bar that says 'Etsy'!)

Untill the shop is fully loaded (so to speak) I also sell by e-mail. That means, just mail me what you'd like and I'll give you the specifics.

Now in the Etsy Store:
- Knit Kit 'Octopussss' (original design merino neckwarmer and wristwarmer with one of a kind glass beads)

- JOAN OF ARC Knitting Pattern, very bulky cowl for wo(men)
- Embroider-your-own-glow-in-the-dark-neon-Space-Invader-button

The Half Reality of Blogging (part 2)

2010-02-16T16:01:00.004+01:00

About a week ago I commented on one of Abi's (Spiderwoman Knits) posts. In turn she took my comment and blogged about it. Read it and then look at my pictures. Those are 100% real. I'm a master in making things look better then they are. Isn't that part of the fun though?

Blogging is like daydreaming your own life.

I will stand behind a person to make myself look slimmer. I will push away the clutter to one side and photograph a project in an apparently clean and tidy house. I will photograph myself 10.000 times until I am slightly satisfied.

I would never photo-shop myself or my kids though. Boyfriend dear once opted: 'I love that picture of Wee One, let's enlarge it. I'll just 'shop' that crumb from his face.' My jaw dropped down. There's a lot of ways you can photo-shop your life, but you'll have to make real memories. With real memories go real pictures. With real people on them.

(I was planning to post a picture of my face early in the morning, I hope you'll forgive me for chickening out...!)

'my photo studio'

'photo studio 2'

'crisis centre'

'messy kitchen 1'

'messy kitchen 2''little helper'

Going White

2010-02-01T22:34:00.005+01:00

Who likes white? Clean, fresh, friendly?
Who likes black? Sophisticated, rocky, original?

My aim is to slowly turn my blog into a website that contains a blog instead of a blog that wants to be a website. I'm questioning the look and feel and so SAS Knits It Again is going white just for the time being.

A trial period of pristine crispness.

Be honest!

Is it Handknit?

2010-01-28T11:11:00.008+01:00

Tonight at 20:25 CET @ NL3,

Keuringsdienst van Waarde -my favorite TV show- is researching, in their own charming way, if their bought handknit sweater is really handknit.

SAS Knits It Again on the radio

2010-01-20T17:26:00.006+01:00

Today, totally unexpected, SAS Knits It Again starred on 3FM (National radio) at the Stenders Eetvermaak Show. There's an item where you send in your job titel and Dutch Artists from the collective Op Sterk Water! freestyle a song about it and serenade (is that a word?) it to you live on air.

I text 'brei juf' ('knitting teacher') and got a call back!! From 25 other jobs, mine was picked. I was on my way to teach and had to park the car in order to get sung to. A weird way of spending minutes I tell ya...

Here's the piece. Start listening @ 36 mins.

I act really giggly because I'm nervous, also because it's just really clever and funny. Was amazed by the fact that this dude knew how to knit stockinette stitch....
If you don't understand Dutch...
you won't be able to understand.

Going with the Flow

2010-01-19T15:36:00.007+01:00

Flow Magazine and website featured SAS Knits It Again Knit and Embroidery Kits. I love Flow, it's a very well designed and well made magazine full of 'me-time' stuff. Gotta love it.

If you're here because you've seen SAS Knits It Again in Flow and you want to order please mail me or call +31(0)6-41759707. Or go here and here for more info about the Embroidery or Knit Kits.

LizBiz

2010-01-04T22:23:00.006+01:00

I love it
I love it
I love it!!

Got Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Without Tears and I'm amazed by her talent, wit and clearness. I want to be her. No, wait... I want to be like her. I want to knit like her. I want to write a book and I want to be able to explain things that clear to my students.

Liz, you rule!
And my wee one agrees if only because the book works great with semi-adhesive stickers... (SEMI adhesive, phiew...!)

Welcome DianneB!

2010-01-04T22:17:00.002+01:00

This is me posing with one of DianneB's scarves and my new H&M Home pillow with knit print. DianneB is my first 'employee'. She's the extra pair of hands that I need to knit my ideas into 3d reality. She's got excellent taste and a very good eye for color. Check out her Etsy shop and knitting inspiration blog! Welcome to SAS Knits It Again, Dianne!

What's the Fuzzzzzzzzzzzzz?!

2010-01-04T22:12:00.004+01:00

Look at this fuzzyness! They are two sheep's wintercoats waiting for me to clean and comb and use for stuffing something I will reveal later. (be patient, it might be a while...)

Cursing in the Church

2010-01-02T22:52:00.004+01:00

Here's something we Dutch like to call 'Cursing in the Church' (vloeken in de kerk) I'm showing you a sewing project. A WHAT? SEWING?!?!?!?! How DARE you...
Well, it's just one project...
I'm copying a bag that I love using a very sturdy piece of scrap fabric.

Speaking of churches... I've found a wonderfull world below the church in our street. It's a thrift shop in the basement of the Church. I've lived here a year now, and only just discovered this amazing place. All the benefits from sales go to charity. And -at the risk of sounding really arrogant- in the small town I live they like other stuff than city folk (I still feel like the later). So this means there's so much more opportunity here to find cool stuff.

The shop is huge and very well organised. I've spent 2 hours the first time, made a friend in the process, and wasn't finished by a long shot. So now, after returning home with a woolen blanket and a piece of very sturdy tentcloth, I have two new projects on my hands that aren't knitting. A bag and a baby blanket and floor pillow. I'm SOOOO inspired. (Imagine me singing this!)

Sew you soon!
(oops...)

HAPPY KNIT YARN

2010-01-01T13:58:00.007+01:00

I vaguely recall having used this title before... around a year ago. (my sense of humor hasn't changed during the year, it's as bad as before...)

I wish you all happy knitting and all the things you want in life. Enjoy 2010 and if it's hard to enjoy it, grab a brand new skein and a brand new pattern you've wanted to knit forever and cast on!

Here's some of the things I've been getting myself into in the last couple of days.
In case you were wondering... The first picture is a close up of the unjoined piece that has to become a hat. But it's not becoming anything. There's a movie out here in the Netherlands, a Dutch movie. 'The Hell of '63', about a long and inhumanly cold ice skate marathon called 'The 11 City Ride' (de Elfstedentocht). A well known brand of soups, sausages and other winter foods is sponsoring it and hand out old fashioned 'devil's hats' to promote their goods and the movie. There's, as with all big project marketing, a promotional website on which you can find the pattern of this ow-so-cool hat. I was over the moon, and cast on immediatly, using a fine set of dark grey and beautiful green/blue Drops Alpaca. As it turns out, the pattern is probably written by a surely lovely but very, very old lady that used to knit it way back in 1963. It's totally incomprehensible if you ask me.
And so it happend that I knit the whole darn thing stubbornly believing that it just looked weird unfinished.That it would be fine once joined and finished. Well... this is what it looks like.

And this is what it should look like.
I spend hours knitting on 3 mm needles. (I'm more into the 5mm's and up usually) and I love the yarn and how the colors work. So you can imagine how frustrated I am.
If you're feeling adventurous, this is the link to the pattern. On You Tube you can watch the hat being knitted by an old lady, real time (REAL TIME!!). Here's the link to the fast version. I can hardly tell what she's doing. (s0 frustrating...) I figured out that it shouldn't be in st st, but otherwise, I'm lost... I have so many other ideas and projects in my head that I'm not sure if I want to start over. But it could be such a pretty hat!

ADVENTUROUS KNITTING

2009-12-28T20:23:00.005+01:00

well, not thát adventurous, I just never knit two items on one circular before. My wee girl needed mittens and so I had me a perfect opportunity to learn a new skill. (thank you, for getting me started!) After the initial stream of curse words and putting (read: throwing) it down a couple of times (especially during casting on)
... I LOVED IT! I'm definatly doing this again. I've always been a latent sock knitter (as in: I love sock knitting but it just never happens) and now I really need to make myself and my wee ones about a dozen pair of socks.

JOAN FOR MEN

2009-12-28T20:09:00.003+01:00

Buy Now: JOAN OF ARC pattern & OCTOPUSSSS pattern/knit kit

2009-12-23T23:38:00.003+01:00

Finally...
I've done the work and have now two designs for sale on Ravelry. (Working on an Etsy shop for all of you that aren't on Ravelry or don't want to sign up -although I think you should-)

Also...
The Octopussss complete Knit Kit is now available from SAS Knits It Again too. Go here for more info. So mail me if you're interested. It comes in spectacular colors of Manos del Uruguay worsted with hand made glass beads! Pure Luxury!!

We're in business!

Crafty Christmas Fair

2009-12-23T10:00:00.004+01:00

Last saturday SAS Knits It Again put on her handknit socks, wrap and hat and took of to a Christmas Fair in Rotterdam. Me and DianneB stood in -5 degrees (celcius) for 5 hours, freezing our behinds off. But it was such a lovely atmosphere, we hardly noticed our freezing extremities. (it took 15 mins to warm up my feet in warm water, taking care of the white and numb spots)
We were taking care of as if we were queens, hot food, hot drinks and styrofoam to stand on. Thank you dear organizers. This is a left over sip of tea, frozen... A very well known Dutch actress/singer (Joke Bruijs) sang Christmas Carols and typical local songs. She was very cool and not a diva at all. A very entertaining and bubbly personality, made us all feel a little bit warmer. Before sunset, just finishing off the booth. In full working order.

French Creepy Crawlies

2009-12-04T15:00:00.003+01:00

CATERPILLAR (winter-play-sweater for wee ones)

and
JEANNE D'ARC (hood/wrap/ shawl)

I've been working on two designs. I'm working to get the patterns downloadable soon. I'm aiming to get 6 sets of patterns on Ravelry, hopefully by next month. But my aim might be a little off. Can't promis anything, it beeing december and the fact that two little ones have dibs on my attention. I have a lot of plans for the coming year. like finally starting an Etsy shop and incorporate the patterns on Ravelry ánd the Etsy shop into this site.
In short the year 2009 is for professionalising. Writing it down makes it a promise. So there you are.

Does it come with a tool?

2009-12-03T10:08:00.006+01:00

Hilarious, an Ikea workplan for a gingerbread house. Find it here. I'm making one!

On knitting:
Finishing off two designs, working them into patterns and trying to get fotoshoots going in very dull grey and wet weather...

Hang in there, I'll be back.

NEW: SAS Knits It Again Embroidery Kit (borduurpakketten)

2009-10-28T22:00:00.004+01:00

I couldn't sit back and do nothing. Picked up embroidery, just a teeny weeny project and well... if it's quick and fun, gotto make a kit. So here it is: Embroider-your-own-glow-in-the-dark-neon-Space-Invader-button!

€ 12,50 Send to you by mail, all over the world.
(with an additional small amount for shipping)

Mail me!

At the Fair

2009-10-17T21:27:00.005+02:00

The second day of the fair is over. Tomorrow's the last. It's been a wonderfull learning experience so far. The feedback, the compliments, loads of people that understand your partly weird obsession and some dear friends you haven't seen in a while. I'm enjoying it immensely.
Here's a peak at my booth. I'm sharing one with my friend and knitting collegue from HolyWoly!

Today I've had a special guest at the booth. My wee girl decided that she couldn't be without mom for more than 3 hours and started demanding me (read: screaming her lungs out). A ride home, a ride back to the fair with baby in the back and a sling with experienced help took care of that 'problem'. I hoped she would fall asleep while I was carrying her, but little miss thang just had too much to see, hear and smell and so she was awake during the rest of the day. She attracted a whole bunch of people though. Free publicity!
Can't wait to go again tomorrow. New knitting adventures gleaming on the horizon!

Tomorrow's your last chance to visit us at booth 155!!!!

Sneak Preview

2009-09-28T10:59:00.004+02:00

I give you...

the
SAS Knits It Again
'Home Deco'
Kit

A kit suitable for beginners but when finished you'll be beginner-no-more. Fancy an owly cable?

The kit and all other SAS Knits It Again kits and HolyWoly! fair trade yarn will be available from friday the 16th of october at the ' Handwerkbeurs' (needleworks fair) at the SAS Knits It Again/ HolyWoly! booth. We'll be there 16-18 oct. Come see us, we're at booth 155!!
She gave me this beautifull hat when my wee girl was born and now, 6 months later with the season starting she fits it perfectly. Talk about an experienced knitter... How cute can a baby get?
The knitted suit is a SAS Knits It Again original ;-), with pants that fit her now and a cardi that is almost too small. I can use a little more experience myself...

This little garden gnome is also wearing a SAS Knits It Again original. It was a swatch I used to help me prepare for a lesson in Fair Isle knitting (not my favorite technique...) I used a Lions Brand pattern for a christmas tree ornament, a ball, and instead of finishing it as a ball, I decided to knit it as a hat when I saw the size it became. Perfect for my wee boy's head!

I love it when things come together!

(In the Netherlands they've started a campain that warnes the internet user not to give away too much personal information. I've thought about it a long time and decided that I'll have to keep believing in the good will of most people. Blogging without pictures of recognizable faces would be a lot less interesting. But I'm paying a little more attention these days. But don't count on pictures of me in a bathingsuit any time soon!)

Exit TV

2009-09-20T15:47:00.005+02:00

What's missing in this picture, is our TV. We've got rid of it. Not to buy the newest, biggest, flattest new picturebox, but to replace it with things we find worth doing. Like this:

Our grape harvest has turned into juice (no pictures yet). Also, my to do lists are getting shorter and shorter. And that's great because the lists were taking over my head. And they should never do that!

The TV has been gone for almost a month and it's great! If you have doubts, don't, just get rid of it!

More on knitting soon!

Summer knitting

2009-08-02T14:06:00.003+02:00

I have a love-hate relationship with summer. For one, I really, really don't like to sweat. Sport related sweat mostly, but summer-hotness-sweat... nope, not my favorite either. I love spring weather, when it's just hot enough to leave your jacket off and you can sit outside in perfect neutral temperatures, a little breeze maybe. Love-it!
Don't like beaches in summer either. Beaches are for long walks and short dips in the water with bare feet when it's actually a little too cold. Lying on a beach (sweating...) ruining your skin, getting extremely bored because you can't find a good and comfortable way to lie down and read, walking over to a way too long line for ice cream that's melted even before you return to your sand infested towel. No thanks...
I do love sitting in the garden and spotting the birds (I know, I'm a nerd... I knit, so what's new...) watching my wee one play in the sandbox and my wee-er one playing on my lap. Harvesting and eating our first home grown lettuce, eggplant, strawberries and beans!
Knitwise, what can I say... Knitting with sweaty palms is very annoying. After the birth of my wee-er one, I took about a month off of knitting and when I got my energy back it was too hot to knit. So I've mostly been in a conceptual fase the last couple of months. Although I have been working on a new knit kit during the (cooler) nights. Here's a sneak peak:
The summer is in full bloom and there's going to be lots more sweating, sandbox playing, harvesting and concept forming. But in about a month's time things will be a little different, the concept will turn into produce, the sweat into labour and the sandbox into a puddle most likely:
AND IT'LL BE KNITTING SEASON AGAIN!
From the first week of september I'll start teaching at the sewing café and if all goes well, I'll have a day extra for working on my designs and webshop. I can't wait!! It'll be sooo much fun getting a whole day to myself, working in my (yet to be completed) studio in the attic! May all those concepts turn into yummy knitiing...Yay!

So, if you're interested in knitting lessons or want to book a workshop (I also do bachelorette parties, birthdays, baby showers, you name it) . Here's were you find information about the classes, dates, times and prices.

Have a lovely summer!

This is me!!

2009-07-20T15:35:00.007+02:00

It's been a while... I know. I've been busy designing, beeing a mommy and getting all kinds of stuff done around the house and my new studio.

Meanwhile my story was featured in a women's magazine. You'd say I was flattered, and I was, but something went horribly wrong. First of all my 'story was one of three and in a whole other league than the other girls that have had horrible things happen to them. I just had a little setback, losing my job and getting back on track. But the people of Flair Magazine thought the story was worth telling and I thought it would be nice to talk about my new life as a creative mom. (and meanwhile get a little publicity for SAS Knits It Again... let's be honest...)

So the balance was off from the start but then they switched my picture with one of the other girls and now it looks like I lived her life. Such sad things happened to her and although she should be applauded for beeing brave enough to talk about it in a magazine, it's very shocking to read that story with my picture next to it. And that's not the only thing. I know -from working in the field- that stories tend to get over-dramatised when written down. So did mine. Because I have a brain somewhere in my head, I've asked the reporter to mail me her text before printing to approve. She did, than I changed some crutial things and she promised me that they'd print it with my corrections. But they didn't... And now it's all very dramatic and it's not completely fair on my former employer.
Is this a lesson for beeing to vain/greedy?

So for every one who've come across my name or picture and got confused...
This is me!
I'm the knitting girl that lost her job. (I do like the picture!)
And this is the 'right' story with the right picture.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Deze week staat mijn 'verhaal' in Flair. Leuk, zou je denken... Helaas zijn er wat dingen fout gegaan. Om te beginnen zijn de verhalen van de andere 'Power Vrouwen' veel dramatischer dan dat van mij, ik ben alleen maar mijn baan kwijt geraakt en ben daarna gaan doen wat ik het allerleukste vind. Ben niet misbruikt, heb geen hele nare ziekte gehad... Dus die combi is al een beetje raar. Maar nu hebben ze ook nog mijn foto naast een van die andere verhalen geplaatst! Zo komt het allemaal helemaal verkeerd over. En omdat ik niemand wilde kwetsen met mijn verhaal en het wilde vertellen zoals ik het beleefd heb, heb ik gevraagd om de tekst voor het afdrukken te mogen lezen. Ik heb hem een beetje aangepast en de journaliste beloofde mij dat ze het aangepaste verhaal zou publiceren. Nee hoor, de dramatische versie staat er nu in, bij de verkeerde foto.... Zucht...
Een lesje omdat ik misschien een beetje te ijdel/hebberig was? Ik dacht een beetje publiciteit te kunnen krijgen voor mijn tokootje.
Balen hoor!

A small Hi!

2009-04-27T09:21:00.006+02:00

'hi!'

It's been a while, I know. I've been exercising the art of mothership. It's a real wonder and I feel blessed with two very beautifull and sweet children. But -in all honesty- it's not a breeze, a piece of cake or a walk in the park... man, this is hard work. I knew it would be (actually thought it would be a little worse than it actually is) so I'm enjoying it with all it's challenges but I hardly get anything done outside caring for the two sprouts and making sure our house stays liveable and clean(ish).

The biggest challenge I had to face in a long time is taking Iep and Line ('Eep and Lee-na') to their check up at the childrens buro (it's a Dutch thing...) where they get measured, weighed and get some general check ups. Gosh, I don't think I've ever lost more sweat than in those 2,5 hours (...) Keeping them both happy and getting the 1,5 yr old to do certain things while holding a 4 wk old that's screaming... oi oi oi...

Anyhoo, knitwise, obviously not much news. I'm in a state of concept. That means that I'm mostly 'thinking' about knitting without actually doing it. I've got a lot of ideas for new designs and projects so I'm turning myself on with ideas and possibilities.

'One possibility; let them entertain each other...'

Meanwhile, my new studio looks more like a dump at the moment . All the unpacked boxes that are left over from the move have been dumped there untill further notice. So not much creativity going on there. Well, I guess some spiders are figuring out what outrageous webs they can make in the chaos...
It's ok though, I officially have maternity leave untill I say I don't anymore (quelle luxury!). So I'm of the hook. That is, just untill I get sick of the conceptual state I'm in. And I'm guessing that won't be too long. Got to go now, as soon as I get that 'motherhood of two thing' under control(ish) I'll start some spectacular knitting....

Note to my students: I'll send you an email well in advance to let you know when the lessons start again. I'll post a message on my blog too.
Notitie voor mijn studenten: Ik stuur jullie ruim van te voren een mail om te laten weten wanneer de lessen weer beginnen. En ik zet een berichtje op de blog.

'another possibility; just clear up one of the kids
while you're doing something with the other...'

She's here!

2009-03-21T09:07:00.002+01:00

Our beautifull daughter: LINE (pronounced Lee-na) Born at home, the 15th of march on a beautifull sunny day. We're undescribably proud and in wonder of this beautifull girl! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Onze prachtige dochter: LINE Thuis geboren op 15 maart, een prachtige zonnige dag. We zijn onbeschrijflijk trots en verwonderen ons elke dag een beetje meer over dit prachtige meissie!

Breaky Breaky

2009-01-27T11:06:00.006+01:00

These are some crazy and hectic times. I'm in my 34th week of the pregnancy and a week before we're moving house... Can you imagine? My little boy has become sick too so I'm getting my energy from wherever I can find it. Read: taking mini-naps while he's asleep and taking baths every morning. So far it's working. A lot of my energy comes from teaching. The ironic part is that this week are my last lessons before I go on maternity leave. But I guess if I plan it well, I'll just use that time to do more creative stuff at the new house and I'm sure that will boost my energy levels as well.
The BSJ I knitted using Manos Silky. I did a lot of math and swatching to make sure I could make it with just one skein. And I did it! I barely had enough material to sew op the seams (luckily there are just two...) it was a close call and very nerve wrecking at the end. But there was always this, a mouseclick away, so I was never in any real desparation... ;-)

In between the midst of dozens of boxes I've knitted the new baby a log cabin blanket and the baby surprise jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman. The blanket was made by using this great guide and just winging it (read: knit, frog, knit, frog again, finally knit it right). I knitted it in stockinette stitch and added a hood so I can use it as a wrap as well. The yarn is a Kaffe Fasset design for Rowan, expensive but fantastic.

If you're interested in the details of these knits, you'll have to wait a wile or mail me, since I don't have enough time to 'ravel' them. But I will, some day...

For now, onto my last tuesdaynight lesson for a while.

here's the BSJ without the buttons.

NEW KNIT KIT: Octopussss aka the other neck/wrist piece

2008-12-29T22:13:00.014+01:00

A while back I was asked to design a Knit Kit especially for a soon to be opened online yarn shop focussing on environmentally friendly and fair trade materials; HolyWoly!. How could I resist?
This is what I came up with:

Octopussss aka the other neck/wrist piece
Design: SAS Knits It Again
Level: Starter plus

The patterns in this Knit Kit are unique, versatile and eyecatching. They are not just a neck- and wristwarmer, they're woolly warm jewelry. Make them for yourself or to give away as a present.

It's all about the materials with this kit;

Beautifull pure 100% handspun fair trade wool from non-profit organisation Manos del Uruguay which assembles over 400 artisans in cooperatives scattered throughout the countryside of Uruguay. The aim of the organization is to bring economic and social opportunities to rural women.
Each piece unique, hand made Venetian glass beads and buttons from the crafty hands of Mei Tan, who lives and works in Italy and the Netherlands. Beads and buttons go directly from the designer into this kit.
Brittany hardwood needles made by a small very envorinmentally aware company. All wood used by Brittany comes from strictly regulated forests or small woodland owners in the United States ensuring proper environmental logging practices and selective cutting for maximum reforestation.

When all these things come together, they make for a very positive and relaxing knit project.

Octopussss (€ 27,50) is available only through HolyWoly ! a very friendly new online yarn shop. Go here if you want to order.

Enjoy!

S A S Knits It Again

SPRING COLORS

IDKWIGBIWTBT

Le Chien de la Mode

JULE KULE of 'Oh... gaan we zó beginnen...?'

PUSH TO OPEN

Piggy Pret a Porter

Mini Hats

Free Mini Hats Workshop @ SAS K.I.A. Studio

Treasuries

Pet Fur Fashion

Autumn '11 H&M (knit accessories)

A/W '11 Humanoid (chunky knitwear)

HOT HOT HEAD

A/W '11 forecast

A NEW COURSE (pt.3.: whaddayasellin'?)

A NEW COURSE (pt.2.: live and learn)

A NEW COURSE (pt1.)

NEW (and old): BAMBOO BAG PATTERN

WW KIP Day REPORT

WW KIP Day SALE!!!

SAS Knits In Flair Magazine

WW KIP Day

Netherlands, Zuid Holland, RotterdamHosted by: SAS Knits It AgainLocation: Noordplein, Rotterdam NoordTime: 12;00Date: June 11, 2011

ALTERNATIVE STREET ARTS

YARNBOMBING & WILDBREIEN

SPOTTED!!

MY BFFL

Down Under Radio

The Bandwagon

NEW LESSONS (lessen) NEW LOCATIONS (locaties)

The Holy Grail

PICTURE PERFECT

BIRTHDAY GIVAWAY!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOGGIE!

Hey Teach! Whattchadesigning?

What to be and where to go; designing decisions

Designing and Teaching

Rotterdamse Oogst Festival

Big Heads!

A Donkey...

Jaune

Hot Hot Heat

Hittin' the Streets

Yoga-lalala

Knit In Public Day (KIPday)

YELLOW

An Apple a Day...

A Morning at the Zoo

Yarn Therapy

Nothingness & Big Bold Coton

SAS Knits It Again @ Bazar Bizar

Confession

Knitting Workshop

Other uses for knitting needles

Knit Graffiti Crew (a few more shots)

Knit Graffiti Crew in Action

SAS Knits It Again programmed at Motel Mozaique Festival

HAPPY BIRTH DAY SWEETIE!

wow...

The Shop Is Open!

The Half Reality of Blogging (part 2)

Going White

Is it Handknit?

SAS Knits It Again on the radio

Going with the Flow

LizBiz

Welcome DianneB!

What's the Fuzzzzzzzzzzzzz?!

Cursing in the Church

HAPPY KNIT YARN

ADVENTUROUS KNITTING

JOAN FOR MEN

Buy Now: JOAN OF ARC pattern & OCTOPUSSSS pattern/knit kit

Crafty Christmas Fair

French Creepy Crawlies

Does it come with a tool?

NEW: SAS Knits It Again Embroidery Kit (borduurpakketten)

At the Fair

Sneak Preview

Netherlands, Zuid Holland, Rotterdam
Hosted by: SAS Knits It Again
Location: Noordplein, Rotterdam Noord
Time: 12;00
Date: June 11, 2011