Designing and Teaching

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.

Nothingness & Big Bold Coton

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.

Crafty Christmas Fair

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.

At the Fair

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!!!!

SAS Knits It Again goes to the fair

So it turns out that a little last-minute-gutsy-action can get you places. Instead of sharing a booth with my knitting entrepreneur friends Storm op Zolder and Ballee, I'll be 'owning' my own booth at the Rotterdam Needlecrafts Fair this weekend. It's a tiny booth but perfect for my knit kits.
So if you're looking for a daytrip, or even a weekendtrip, why not skip and hop to Rotterdam and come visit me at the fair? I'll be in booth 182. While you're there don't forget to check out the Storm op Zolder and Ballee stuff at booth 175!!

And ...
I've got a nice Fair Deal for you; 20% off the 'Breien met Voorkennis' kit, so grab it while you can!
This kit contains yarn, two patterns, bamboo knitting needles, cable needles, a huge and beautifull button, a darning needle, a special SAS Knits It Again label and a 'basics' tutorial. All this comes in a snazzy chinese take-away box.

(picture above is the 'Enfant Terrible Knit Kit')

See you there!