Knitters' Guild NSW - A Good Yarn November 2022

Kni ers’ Guild NSW

FibreFest 2022

From the Executive Committee

The knitting certificates are currently undergoing a major overhaul. Robynn recently took this on, and a er much thought and discussion we have an outline for the three knitting certificates. Certificate 1 will be for a complete begin ner and will focus on knitting a beanie. Certificate 2 will focus on knitting a jumper. Certificate 3 will be gloves or socks and a cardigan or shawl. There is still quite a bit of work to do but it is progressing well.

We are very excited because Lee Taylor has been working on setting up a new group in Wollongong. If you are interested in attending a Wollongong group please contact either Pat via secretary@knittersguildnsw.org.au or Hannah via president@ knittersguildnsw.org.au and we will pass your details on to Lee. Our treasurer, Raewyn, is heading the website committee. Our website needs a complete overhaul. Kate has done a won derful job but we have now realised that it is a very big job, and too big for one person to do alone so we are looking at options to get a company to build us a new website. If you would like to volunteer to help, please contact Raewyn via treasurer@ knittersguildnsw.org.au.

We hope you enjoyed FibreFest and thank Sharon Holstein, who organised this wonderful event for us through all the di iculties of Covid and bad weather, and we are very grateful for all her e orts. If you made the shawl or cowl we hope you enjoyed making and wearing it.

Hannah Smith, Vice-President

Can you please tell us a bit about your business?

Castle Handmade is a small boutique yarn store devoted to the timeless cra of crochet. I o er cro chet classes, a place to collaborate and learn, as well as a wide range of quality crochet supplies including yarns, hooks, patterns, kits and more. Located in the small village of Wingello in the Southern Highlands of NSW.

How did you come to open a yarn store?

I began teaching crochet classes at a local community college and saw a need for quality supplies and wool/yarn. I opened my online store first. Then a er moving to the Southern Highlands I began running 4-5 classes per week from my home studio and slowly it evolved into a full store.

What are the fun parts of your job?

I have lots of fun working with large range of fibres and creating patterns and workshops that help customers learn new skills and use the yarns to the high est potential. I have some new patterns

that are coming out in December that use paper yarn (ra ia).

What are some of the benefits of running a local yarn store in regional NSW?

There is a real sense of community here and I have some very loyal encour aging customers. I meet some amazing people from all walks of life and being surrounded by such cra y like-minded people is brilliant.

ing even though you work around it all day?

Absolutely I still love crochet. I savour the moments of time that I get to sit down and relax and work on my own projects.

What’s your favourite yarn right now?

Cottons and linens are my favourites right now. I am totally smitten by Erica Knight’s Gossypium Cotton. I stock the full range of colours in my store and love working with it. Also BC Garns' Lino is so luxurious. It's 100% linen and is great for light summer projects.

What project are you currently working on?

An ongoing project that I have been slowly working on this year is a crochet blanket made using the technique of Mo saic Crochet. My son turned 10 this year, and my skills have progressed since that first granny square blanket I made him, so this one will be for him. Something I hope he will treasure and use well into his adult years.

Any other comments/suggestions?

Crochet has come such a long way in recent years. While traditional granny squares are lovely and are o en the place many people start this cra , please don't stop there. Delve a little further and dis cover all the wonderful stitches and tech niques that are out there. I encourage my customers to try new stitches, ones that are textured or lacy, learn techniques like broomstick crochet and discover crochet colourwork such as tapestry crochet. Crochet is more than just granny squares, it truly is an art of its own.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Do you knit or crochet or both? Who taught you?

I crochet only. My mum had original ly shown me how to crochet a granny square when I was about seven-yearsold. I made about four squares and didn't touch the cra again. 20 years later and pregnant with my first child, mum arrived with a bag containing those four squares and suggested I finish the blanket for my son. She couldn't remember how to crochet so I taught myself and haven't stopped crocheting since.

Do you still enjoy knitting / crochet

Guild Events 2022

The Gathering

The Gathering was held at The Tops conference centre, Stanwell Park, in August 2022.

Attendees enjoyed workshops on a variety of topics, a retail market as well as the stunning local scenery and each other’s company. The next Gathering will be in 2024 and suggestions are welcome for venues.

The Guild's youngest member - Maya Kelly, 12 (Newcastle) - and the oldest - Gladys McInnes, 93 (Southern) (1)

FibreFest

Over 40 stall holders greeting visitors to our favourite festival of yarn returning post covid and La Niña's floods in a new venue, the historic Winbourne, Mulgoa. Entertainment was provided by the The Blue

(The Blue MUGs).

Mountains Ukulele Group

Modelling their creations, our members show o their skills in making the FibreFest shawl or Cowl

Meet Erinna

LeeBy Robynn Ross

Going by the handle of @littleaqu agirl on Instagram, Erinna Lee is a crochet amigurumi pattern de signer who creates predominantly pastel coloured cute characters as a side hustle to her present job as a cancer researcher.

A er finishing her education in Singa pore, Erinna moved to Australia in 1999, then le for London to pursue her dream to become a professional classical ballet dancer. She then traversed the globe again to move to Melbourne to study at the Australian Ballet School’s Teacher Training Course. In case her ballet career did not work out, her dad encouraged Erinna to attend university where she discovered the world of science. This led to her present position based at La Trobe University and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute where she leads a laboratory. Erinna has not picked up a pair of pointe shoes since. Erinna’s background in the performing

arts and in the biological sciences today, have most definitely influenced her cro chet work, as she has been able to draw on the methodical nature of scientific ap proaches in putting together a detailed crochet pattern, as well as appreciating the beauty of visual art. Crochet started as a hobby to wind down and relax a er a day at work, and she was drawn to crochet amigurumi as she loves plushies

and all things sweet and adorable! A er an initial phase of crocheting from beau tiful patterns created by other designers, she decided to give pattern design a try, unaware of the success she would attain.

Her motivation comes from fellow makers who tell her how much they enjoyed constructing her design and how the finished product brought the recip ients so much joy. Positive feedback is evidence that makers connect to Erinna’s designs, as there is definitely a calming sense of gentleness about her little characters. She has a humble attitude to her work and appreciates it when her de signs are chosen to be made, as there are many patterns available on the market.

Currently, Erinna is working on her third book to be published in 2023 with Meteoor Books who run the website amigurumi.com. She feels extremely priv ileged to have already published her first two books – Amigurumi Treasures 1 and 2 with them, and these have been interna tionally recognised. (The first book was Highly Commended in the 2020 British Knitting and Crochet Awards, whilst the second was a finalist in the 2021 Frankie Good Stu Awards.) Being published now adays is a true labour of love, but there is no better feeling than to hold that physical book in your hands at the end of it.

A pastel palette with the ‘kawaii’ aes thetic of sweetness is actively pursued by this designer. Recently, the Scandina vian light neutral tones that focus on a clean, minimalistic aesthetic is providing inspiration. Erinna loves using cotton yarn as the fibre lends itself very well too creating firm yet cuddly shapes for ami gurumi creations, such as Krea Deluxe Organic Cotton yarn which originates from Denmark (and which she retails). Erinna is also a fan of other cotton yarns like DMC Natura Just Cotton, Yarn and Colors Must-Have and Ricorumi.

Erinna’s first amigurumi made was a pattern for Snoopy! Her first design was a little penguin inspired by the San-X Sumikko Gurashi range of characters. Looking back at her designs over the years, her style has definitely evolved and now she feels she has settled into a design aesthetic that resonates with her personality. Having a tendency to over complicate designs, Erinna o en reminds herself that there is beauty in simplicity and to stop making things harder than they need to be.

Juggling a career with a design business is complicated, as it is not just creating patterns but the need to be on social media and to manage inventory,

marketing, accounting, photography, helping customers with queries etc. She finds it hard to say no to requests as she does not like letting people down – but she is learning to do so!

Rosemary, Erinna’s mum (@petite_tini on Instagram) runs the business with her. They started to crochet together and as the dolls started accumulating and the yarn budget exploded, decided to start an Etsy business. The first shop opened was ‘BubblesAndBongo’, which began by selling their finished items. As the design side of the business started to expand, they opened a second shop called ‘TheLittleHookCrochet’. Now, Rosemary’s handmade finished dolls are sold through BubblesAndBongo, whilst TheLittleHookCrochet sells patterns and crochet supplies.

In 2020, their website www.thelittle hookcrochet.com was launched. Here they retail digital patterns, amigurumi supplies, yarn, pattern and yarn packs. This site represents a significant mile stone in the journey that this mum/ daughter pair embarked on to create a lit tle cra ing space in the world. In addition to Etsy and the website, Erinna’s patterns are also available through other crochet platforms such as Amigurumi.com and LoveCra s. Her excitement levels rise as she talks about her crochet kits that are now available for sale through the Melbourne Museum store. These special edition kits were launched to coincide with the remarkable Triceratops exhibi tion that opened earlier in 2022 at the museum. Who knows where else we shall see Erinna’s future crochet kits available for sale in various suitable retail outlets?

Email: contact@thelittlehookcrochet.com Instagram: @littleaquagirl Website: www.thelittlehookcrochet.com

Epping Group Weekend Getaway

Back in 2019, some of our members attended the Guild Gathering for two days and reported back to the group about how they had enjoyed themselves. Some long-time members then reminisced about when Guild camps went for three days over a long weekend. New members were enthused about the idea of a three-day camp and I, as Convenor at the time, said I would investigate venues and a ordability. Online I found Hartzer Park Retreat and Conference Centre in Buradaroo, just out of Bowral and three of us set o to have a look at it. All the rooms were single with electric blankets and a li between the three floors, with no need to go out in the weather to access meals or workshops. It was a lovely tranquil place in the country. The group voted for us to go ahead with organising a camp in 2020, a year in between Guild Gatherings. “Weekend Getaway” sounded better than “Camp” to us and so planning began. We started with three local groups: Epping, Epping Cro chet and West Ryde with the intention of inviting some other groups if needed for numbers. Then came Covid! We rescheduled for 2021 and then resched uled again for 2022. In September we finally got to go to our Weekend Getaway. 30 ladies were to attend, but three had to pull out at the end due to health or family reasons. There were people from the original three groups invited plus some from Kiama, one from Southern and two from EWES (Epping Weavers Embroiderers and Spinners), a local hand weaver and spinning group that several Epping Group ladies attend. There were some workshops in which local Epping ladies shared their skills or there was always the option to work on their own proj ects, do some spinning or to walk in the beautiful grounds or in the Labyrinth. Some of us went to Sunday Mass in the Convent Chapel with the four resident nuns and people from the local area.

On Friday evening Belissa Cashmere gave us a wonderful description of their cashmere goats, shearing them and processing their fleece before they sold some of their yarns. Jill Rowling also had some of her Marlyn Alpaca yarn for sale. On Saturday evening we had a very entertaining fashion parade, wearing something we had made for ourselves, even if it was 50 years old, and a Show and Tell. Those who had knitted or crocheted a Camp Scarf, patterns courtesy of Yvonne Fazzolari, laid them out to show the various colours and techniques for a group photo opportunity. On Sunday eve ning we played some word games and trivia games. The list of celeb rities who knit, crochet or do both where everyone had to guess what they did proved educational as did the knitting, crochet and other yarn cra s trivia game.

From the feedback received, everyone enjoyed themselves, the venue and the activities with a cou ple of people finding minor faults. There was interest in having anoth er Weekend Getaway, but that will have to wait for a couple of years and we will schedule it in a year without a Guild Gathering so those going to both will not be broke at the end of the year.

Asher the ox free crochet pattern - www. thelittlehookcrochet.com/patterns/ ashertheox

Anne Moore, Epping Convenor.

Epping Group camp scarves

Stellar Star Snowfake by Elizabeth Castle

DESCRIPTION

Here's a quick little make that is perfect for the upcoming Christmas season. This Stellar Star Snowflake can be hung on your tree, attached to a gi or glued onto a card.It's a great way to add some handmade cheer to your celebrations.

MATERIALS

Yarn and corresponding hook (I used DMC Happy Cotton and a 4mm hook) wool needle scissors

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

10cm x 10cm

CROCHET TERMS (UK Terms) ch - chain slst- slip stitch st- stitch sts - stitches dc – double crochet tr – treble crochet sk – skip fo – fasten o

PATTERN

Round 1: Make a slip knot then ch 6. Slst into the first ch to form a ring.

Round 2: ch 1, 11 dc into the ring, slst into the 1st ch.

Round 3: ch 3, tr into the next st, ch 5, *tr into the next 2 sts, ch 5* repeat 4 more times, slst into the 3rd ch.

Round 4: ch 1, dc into next st, * (3dc , ch 3, 3 dc) into the ch 5 sp, dc into the next 2 sts * repeat 4 more times. (3dc, ch3, 3dc) into the last ch 5 sp, slst into the 1st ch.

Round 5 : slst into the next dc, *dc into the next 3 sts, ch 3, (dc, ch 5, dc) into the ch 3 space, ch 3, dc into the next 3 sts, ch 3, sk next 2 sts* repeat 5 more times, slst into the 1st dc, fo. Weave in ends.

Stellar Star Snowflake by Elizabeth Castle www.castlehandmade.com.au www.fb.com/castlehandmade.com.au www.instagram.com/castlehandmade

Road Trip shawl

By Sarah Boulter

The pattern is written for a large shawl in four colours (200 x 90 cm when blocked) or a small shawl in three colours (135cm x 60 cm when blocked). The patterns are written as recipes with the key information in the notes.

Yardage

Large shawl :

Colour 1 : approx. 21 6m Colour 2: approx. 320m Colour 3: approx. 240m Colour 4: approx. 336m

Small shawl: Colour 1 : approx. 110m Colour 2: approx. 45m Colour 3: appr ox. 320m

Yarn and Materials

Designed for 4 ply yarn. Samples use: Malabrigo sock, Hedgehog Fibres Sock, Woolen Boon skinny

Knit on 4mm needles through out. Knit flat, but use a long cable (80cm) to accomodate width

Notes

Cast on: Using Colour 1 cast on 2 stitches.

Knit 10 rows on these two stitches. Next row: K2, rotate work by 90 degrees, pick-up and knit 5 stitches, rotate work by 90 degrees, pick-up and knit 2 stitches (from cast-on edge). You should have 9 stitches on your needle now.

Set-up row: K2, PM, P2, PM, P1, PM, P2, PM, K2

Row 1 (RS): K2, SM, M1R, knit to marker, M1R, SM, Ktbl, SM, M1L, knit to marker, M1L, SM, K2 Row 2 (WS): K2, SM, Purl to marker, SM, P1, SM, Purl to marker, SM, K2. Stranded colour work: Remember to keep your strands loose enough that when the shawl is blocked into a triangle these sections won’t pucker. I like to slide my work down the right needle a bit so there is a natural stretch for your strands. Where a colour strands across more than three stitches catch that strand with working colour. Make a picot: Cast on 3 stitches, k2, slip furthest stitch on right needle over first stitch of right needle to cast o , *K1, slip furthest stitch on right needle over first stitch of right needle to cast o *, repeat * to *twice more, slip stitch on right needle back to le needle.

Cast o : *K2tog tbl, slip stitch back onto le needle*, repeat * to * 13 more times, make a picot, *(K2tog tbl, slip stitch back onto le needle), repeat ( to ) 11 more times, make a picot*, repeat* to * 10 more times, (K2tog tbl, slip stitch back onto le needle), repeat (to) 25 more times, make a picot, *(K2tog tbl, slip stitch back onto le needle), repeat ( to ) 11 more times, make a picot*, repeat* to * 10 more times, (K2tog tbl, slip stitch back onto le needle), repeat ( to ) until one stitch remains, cut thread and pull through the loop.

GROUP REPORTS

BLACKTOWN

Over the last few months, the Blacktown Group has welcomed some new members and also enjoyed a variety of workshops.

In August, Caroline Craig taught us how to make Dorset buttons with a ring and thread. At our September meeting, Sue Hobbs instructed us in the continental purl stitch, and in October, Wendy Healy demonstrated how to make two di erent crochet bags.

A number of our members are also taking part in charity projects, including knitting poppies for the Sydney Eye Hospital’s Remembrance Day display; and the annual yarn bombing of Blacktown CBD to raise awareness for domestic violence prevention.

We are all looking forward to FibreFest this weekend (at time of writing) as well as some more interesting workshops in the months to come.

Katherine Flanagan, Secretary

BLUE MOUNTAINS

No report received.

CAPITAL REGION

The Capital Region Group's members are enjoying some of our regular happenings. In September we could hold our annual destash event in person, complete with yarn squishing. We've held modified versions of the event in the past couple of years to make sure we were following Covid safety rules but this year it was back to normal. Members can destash yarn, books, tools, patterns and other cra supplies. Members then also restash these items - it feels like we're participating in the circular economy right there. The group receives a small commission and members go home satisfied, with new goodies and/or cash for their stash.

Teresa Morey, Secretary

CLARENCE VALLEY

Our annual get-away to the Clarence

Valley B&B was most enjoyable. The weather outside wasn’t the best so we sat around the open fire and knitted – while glasses of wine and cups of co ee appeared by magic. What could be better! Unfortunately, the train trip to Hive & Gobbler had to be postponed, but it is still going to happen.

We went to Jenny’s home to refresh our skills making Dorset buttons – they really are interesting and practical to make. In August we made knitted jewellery with silver wire. It was a bit hard on the hands, but some good results were achieved – Judy’s bracelet was stunning. Marg knitted a beautiful jumper from Bendigo Alpine yarn; it was so so and lovely to wear. Jenny always has socks on the go, and a couple of members have been doing wraps and shawls. We always enjoy our meetings, with lots of laughter and fun.

Cynthia, from the Hunter Valley Wool Shop, made the trip to Gra on for a weekend, and it was a lovely break for all of us. We sat and knitted and talked and nibbled. She, of course, brought lots of goodies with her, so it was a wonderful opportunity to replenish our stashes – good wool shops are very scarce in our area.

Evol King, Convenor and Helen Ada, Publicity

CROCHET TURRAMURRA

We’ve had a great few months despite the awful weather. August was The Gathering, and a few of us had a wonderful time there, as well as purchasing more yarn, which we brought in for Show and Tell. September and October were the busiest meetings we’ve had since Covid. The word got around that we only had a few members at each meeting, but the last two months we’ve had 15 ladies. In September Lana demonstrated and taught her version of a lacy Tunisian Scarf. It was so popular we’ve extended it to the October meeting as well. It is interesting how the di erent yarns produce such di erent e ects, and I took a picture of a few in progress to show the di erence.

Di Scaysbrook, Convenor

EPPING

The group continues to enjoy a good turn up of both regular members and

visitors with numbers around 30 each Monday. Our monthly Show and Tell is inspirational, with the standard spectacular and full of variety. A large amount of charity knitting is handed in throughout the month and distributed by our charity person, Maria Stagnos, who assures us they are gladly received.

Recent monthly optional mini workshops have been well attended. The participants for our dyeing workshop are now winding their dyed hanks, and some have even started a project using their dyed yarn. A special thank you to our member, Brenda Horne, and Marie Clews from the Epping Weavers Embroiderers and Spinners (EWES) group for this workshop.

The Judy’s Magic Cast-On mini workshop was well attended. Under the guidance of Maria Stagnos, participants were able to successfully master this cast-on. The wellwritten coloured notes, and the demonstrations provided by Maria, made a di icult skill achievable. I’m sure we will see a few toe-up socks being completed in the near future. It was good to have notes, and links to YouTube videos provided. Judy’s Magic Cast-On is a skill that can be easily forgotten.

Shirley Gregory, Publicity

Epping Brenda Horne spectacular creation

Epping Finished items

EPPING CROCHET

At our September meeting, we lined up all the versions of Sophie’s Universe for a group photo. They range in size, ply and current stage of work; from a small one just started to a square one finished to fit over a lounge chair. A creative one, where Janine stopped following the pattern to do her own freelanced take around the rest of her rug, and all the way up to two finished rugs. We shared them at the Epping Group Show and Tell in the morning before our Crochet Group meeting. Whether they are in a single colour, muted tones or highly colourful, no two are the same and everyone agreed that they are all impressive works of crochet. For most of us, the concentration continues as we work towards getting ours to the end stage one day and the encouragement received from everyone has helped a lot.

Anne Moore, Publicity

GOULBURN

This group has been busy with some members enjoying the Cra and Quilt Fair and The Gathering at Stanwell Tops in recent times. Members Bev and Narelle assisted in the manning of the Guild stall at the Cra and Quilt Fair. During October the group held a stall with the local quilters for the Goulburn Lilac Festival, and on another occasion attended a crocheting workshop at Castle Handmade at Wingello, despite the rain. There are wonderful cra supplies at this venue, too.

may well inspire us to try it out to be ready for next winter.

Judy Lawler, Secretary

Our group numbers recently grew to 30 and we are enjoying monthly workshops, learning new stitches under the tutorials run by Karen Gaspardis. We may possibly end up with a group rug to ra le. Happy cra ing Wendy Allen, Secretary.

INNER CITY

No report received.

INNER WEST

Everyone is welcome to come and join us on the 3rd Monday of the month at Camperdown Commons. We start at 10.30 a.m. with lots of chatter and admiring of items for Show and Tell.

We had the pleasure of Jane Downey joining us to speak about the different aspects and styles of crochet. Jane had brought along many different items for us to have a look at.

As a follow on to the sessions on stranded and Fair Isle knitting Asa spoke on the Gansey style of knitting. It was very interesting and

KATOOMBA

Katoomba group has continued to meet at the lovely Katoomba RSL, where every meeting someone comes up to have a look at what we are working on; a great opportunity to promote membership of the Guild. The last couple of months has seen our group members complete some interesting projects beyond our usual

Epping: Charity Knitting

Goulburn Castle Handmade excursion

Epping Crochet Sophie's Universe

Inner West Colleen's blanket

Katoomba: Ronah amazed us with her crochet skills making Mario and Goomba for her Grandson

Katoomba: Anne Stanly and her knitted bolster

shawls, scarves and socks, including bolster cushions and amigurumi. As I am writing this it is on the eve of the FibreFest market day. It’s been so many years (well, two) since we have been able to get together and enjoy the fun and community that are the fibre arts

Margaret Hardwick, Secretary

KIAMA

We have enjoyed being able to meet over the last few months without Covid or bad weather causing disruptions. Our Convenor, Anne Phillips, has set up a Facebook page for our group with most members quick to join.

At our September meeting, we were fortunate to have Kay Beynon introduce members to corner-to-corner crochet. This was a lively session with most participants able to master this technique.

Patterns and yarn have been distributed to members for the making of a blanket to be used as a lucky door prize at our birthday celebrations next year. We look forward to seeing the results at the October meeting.

Jean Shelley, Secretary

The group has continued to grow in number and in supportive friendshipsa testament to the power of a common interest - knitting.

Gayle Parker, Convenor

MACARTHUR

The ladies in the Macarthur group have once again shown what an amazing talent pool we have to rely on.

In August, one of our members, Sue Smith, continued her classes in 'Mosaic Crochet'.

Her passion is contagious, with members getting involved and having a go! Sue provided numerous notes plus samples. Her enthusiasm for learning, then teaching others is amazing. Thanks again, Sue.

In September Alex and Delia (our dynamic duo) gave lessons on 'Knitting with Beads'. This course was twice cancelled - due to Covid and our original teacher being unavailable - so Alex and Delia spent some time learning the cra in order to teach it. Once again they presented great lesson notes and samples were provided.

We were all impressed with the samples we created during the lessons. Thanks again to these ladies.

KU-RING-GAI

Another busy three months for the group with monthly meetings, monthly social knitting and some small excursions.

We have had workshops on double knitting and Dorset buttons presented by a talented group member and a visiting member from Pittwater.

Both presenters were willing to share their extensive knowledge, with the group adding to and enhancing group skills.

At the September meeting everyone brought along a shawl or a scarf - an incredible and inspiring display of colour and talent.

Small groups have travelled to The Gathering and to The Dungog Tea Party.

October lessons were provided by our convenor, Janice Ferrett, who guided us through various slip stitch knitting techniques. Samples and notes were provided to enable us to create a variety of samples and learning to play with interesting colour combinations using slip stitch techniques. Many thanks to Janice.

During the latter part of the year we have welcomed back our Life Guild member and former tutor Raelene McAdams - and thanks to Raelene’s daughter, Jennni, for bringing her to our Monday group to catch up with old friends and enjoy the vibe.

As our year draws to a close we are planning our combined AGM and

Kiama: Kay Beynon corner to corner crochet

Ku-ring-gai: At cafe

Ku-ring-gai: Colourful shawls

Macarthur group: Sue Smith- mosaic crochet workshop

Christmas function in late November. We are also starting to plan what lessons we can schedule for 2023, knowing they will be fun, creative and inspirational.

Alison Wootten, Publicity O icer

MAITLAND

Members of the Maitland Group have been busy learning new techniques and then sharing that knowledge with other members. Techniques have included mosaic crochet, and tips have included using larger needles for stranded colour work. We have even had discussions over the pros and cons of bottom-up vs top-down. In September we managed an outing to Hive & Gobbler in Dungog, a er which we found a lovely café to sit and knit away the a ernoon.

Cynthia Mulholland, Treasurer

enjoyable a ernoon.

Our October meeting had to be moved to the fourth Saturday of the month as our usual meeting day clashed with the FibreFest weekend, with some members wishing to attend. At the October meeting Janet will show us the di erent techniques using garter stitch.

Members of Mudgee Group wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Barbara Gow, Convenor

NEWCASTLE

Each year Newcastle Group selects a charity for the next two years and any funds we raise during that time is donated to the charity. Our charity for 2022-24 is the Mentor Support Network, which provides scholarships to students in significant financial di iculties. These funds allow them to pay for educational items (computers, excursion fees, eyeglasses etc).

Throughout the year we receive many donations of yarn, which is either sold at little cost to members (funds raised going to our charity) or given free to those who will use it to knit/crochet items for charity.

time to time. However, they have not ceased their knitting, and have produced a variety of lovely projects. Following World Wide Knit In Public Day, several members continued with knitting and crocheting squares, which were assembled into blankets and sent to Lismore for flood victims.

Design of our next group project for the 2023 Armidale show is underway. We have also changed the location for our meetings to a more suitable site.

Ingrid Chaku, Secretary

PITTWATER

MID NORTH COAST

No report received.

MUDGEE

Our members have been very busy doing charity knitting; knitted squares - these go to ‘Wrap with Love”, beanies that we send to the Seamen’s Mission in Newcastle, leprosy bandages that are collected and passed on by the local Anglican Church and knee rugs for Macquarie Home Stay in Dubbo.

At our August meeting we had the usual Show and Tell with lots of discussion. Janet showed us how to make a Twisted Rose. We all managed to master the technique and went home with a rose that we could use as a brooch or decoration.

For the September meeting members were asked to bring an interesting knitting or crochet book or pattern. Members brought an interesting selection, and we had a lovely time looking through them and listening to the members explain why they found those books very useful. We certainly had an interesting and

In August, member Melissa shared her knowledge about The Fruit Garden Crochet Blanket, and in September, member David arranged a private tour of Newcastle’s Christchurch Cathedral. Among other items, the fibre art in the Cathedral is most impressive. Also in September, member Catherine challenged us to take part in knitting and crocheting for AKWAK for the remainder of the year (For more about AKWAK see the August 2020 issue of A Good Yarn),

Several of us made a presentation about the Newcastle Group with lots of knitting and crochet to show to the Tuesday Club – a group of women at The Place Charlestown – a local community centre.

Guests continue to find us and attend meetings; many of whom then become members. A Saturday group was started a few years ago and it is now coming into its own with around 15 participants each month.

Katherine Heinrich, Convenor

NORTHERN TABLELANDS

The last few meetings of our group have been very quiet as several members have been away from

The Pittwater group continues to grow in numbers, particularly given our new additional meeting being held on Saturdays. Also growing is the tally of our charity knitting and crocheting contributions by members. Many work tirelessly towards these important donations, for which we and the recipients are most grateful. As always, our talented members also continue to work on many exciting creative projects. The group has a display cabinet in Mona Vale library, where we exhibit work by our members. The displays are a great way to showcase the talents of our members work, as well as promoting the group and craft.

We continue to have a variety of wonderful workshops and presentations by members of the group. Judy Thomas and Janelle Grange presented a wonderful talk recently on Stephen West shawl designs. They are among a number of our members participating in this year’s Stephen West Mystery KAL. The picture of the black lace shows progress by Cathy Aggett on a testknit of a 1924 Shetland lace tunic recreated by Paula Kibildis.

Cathy Aggett, Convenor

Pittwater Progress by Cathy Aggett on a Shetland Lace Tunic test knit

Maitland a ernoon knitting

SOUTHERN

Southern Group has been the recipient of quite a few yarn donations lately and has busily been sorting, sharing and sending spare yarn and equipment to The Sewing Basket at Caringbah. They have all been well received.

We have spent some time learning di erent crochet joining techniques to use to join knitted and crocheted blanket squares. Some of the donations we’ve received include bags full of knitted squares which we will use to practice what we’ve learned by preparing blankets for charity in the coming months.

We have updated our library resources with new books on knitting, crochet and Tunisian crochet.

Southern Group has been joined by some new members in the last few months and it’s been lovely to see their new faces in our meetings (which are starting to get pretty lively!).

Abbey Bongers and Sheridane Kumanidis, Co-Convenors

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

During winter, our clever members have tutored us in broomstick crochet to try something different, and flip top mittens where we learned Emily Ocker’s cast-on to minimise a gap at the fingers. Both lessons stretched our usual calmness. We have welcomed new members who are keen to learn techniques and try simple patterns to knit for their family. Our Show and Tell sessions are always inspiring as we are all on different knitting paths, but share a passion for extending our knowledge and creating beautiful products.

Robynn

Ross, Convenor

Berni for their winning entries. It was also a time to display our new banner - thank you Toni for your expertise - it’s gorgeous!

We wish all members in our group and beyond, happy crafting and much joy in the coming season.

Prue Smee and Sue Page, CoConvenors

THE ENTRANCE

Our group continue to meet the first Saturday of each month at the Halekulani Bowling Club in Budgewoi. We have an active social group and love visitors. The year is coming to an end and we can reflect on things we have done: helping our two charities, AKWAK and We Care Connect; as well as sharing and learning new skills. We have so many talented ladies and are never disappointed. Our venue is accommodating us with a more private section and our workshops will be active again in the coming months. Christmas is coming and we’re looking forward to sharing a festive luncheon. Our devoted members busily knitted and displayed our wares at the Wyong Orchid Show in September. Congratulations to Caroline and

WEST RYDE

West Ryde Group recently donated two blankets to Ronald McDonald House. One blanket was a group effort, with individual squares done by group members and then joined, and one was donated by Beth Clothier. Both blankets had been completed a few years ago, but Covid restricted us from visiting any potential recipients. Both blankets

Southern Highlands Maria Stanley crocheted rug great eye for detail

Pittwater The toy display in the group’s cabinet in Mona Vale Library

Pittwater Judy Thomas and Janelle Grange during their Stephen West presentation

The Entrance group at the Wyong orchid show

were warmly received.

A group of ladies also met for a train trip to Kiama in October on seaside market day, with nearly five hours of knitting and laughter on the way down and back, not to mention shopping.

Beth Clothier, Convenor

WOY WOY

Now we’re regularly meeting face to face after Covid disruptions, and had a couple of stalls in the local shopping centre, our membership is gradually re-building. We’ve also been able to return to our favourite venue, the CWA hall in Woy Woy, which recently had a kitchen renovation.

Sally shared with us her list of very helpful and interesting knitting tips and tricks. Our collection of baby mittens for AKWAK was generously donated, and we’ve adopted a local charity, We Care Connect, which supports vulnerable children.

Ruth Herman, Convenor

Vale Jeanette Sell

Jeanette was a very talented lady, she had trained as a teacher. In the 1990s she and husband Bill were living in Cherrybrook and Jeanette joined the Epping Group in 1991. When the Guild celebrated its 10th birthday, as part of the celebrations held in Darling Harbour, a ernoon tea items were crocheted. Jeanette made a pink birthday cake with a stand and ten candles; it won the Exhibition prize.

In 1999 Jeanette and Bill moved to Ilford for a quieter life on a farm. The closest group was Canowindra - this was a twohour drive - never the less she transferred to this group and drove the four hours each month to attend the meeting. When Jeanette was visiting Sydney she would also attend the Epping Group meetings.

Jeanette was also part of the Federation 100 years – 100 years of Knitting and Crochet, reproducing garments from an earlier era. Also for the display she made a Tunisian crochet wall hanging of the Southern Cross and the Floral Emblems of each state. The wall hanging went on to be judged champion piece at the St Ives and Castle Hill Shows.

Jeanette contributed to the Guild 20th birthday display, dressing a doll, and again for the Guild’s 25th Celebrations, making silver leaves.

Mudgee Group was formed in 2006, however Jeanette con tinued to attend both the Canowindra and Mudgee meetings, transferring to Mudgee when the Canowindra Group closed.

Jeanette had a vast knowledge of knitting and crochet, she was always willing to pass on this knowledge to members, through holding many workshops for us. Jeanette entered her handicra in many shows and, of course, won many prizes. She was also called upon as a Judge, judging at local shows as well as through the CWA.

Jeanette was made a Life Member of Knitters’ Guild NSW in 2016; she was a great Ambassador for the Guild.

Mudgee Group members miss Jeanette as a friend, member of our group and for all the knitting and crochet knowledge that she brought to our members.

West Ryde Ronald McDonald house donated blankets

Meet the New Committee (part 1)

Raewyn Tippett

You notice a small mistake – do you rip back or carry on?

It depends on who the project is for and how big a mistake. If for a client, yes

I would rip it back and redo. If it is for myself and it will not be seen by others, I would leave it if it is a small mistake that you cannot see too easily. If a big mistake, I would rip it back and redo.

What are your favourite colours?

My favourite colour is green. I wear other colours but green is my all-time favourite.

When you’re not knitting or crocheting you are….

When I am not knitting or crocheting I am either sleeping or working in my husband’s business.

I have a couple of Shelley Husband’s books and had tried to do her imi tation tr (treble) starting stitch but never felt like I was getting it right. At the Gathering I did one of Shelley’s workshops and it turns out that I was mostly getting it right, but I need more practice to ensure my tension is consistent. I was doing OK by the end of the session.

What’s next on your ‘learn to do’ list?

Probably brioche, but my list is al ways long.

What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you start ed out?

Raewyn is the Treasurer of the New castle Group. She has been actively involved in the Guild for a few years including holding a position on the executive committee. She joined the Newcastle Group four years ago a er moving from Sydney when she and her husband temporarily semi-retired.

How long have you been knitting/ crocheting?

I have been knitting for over 45 years. I also learnt to crochet but did not do much of it. In the last two years I have gone back to crochet and learnt di er ent techniques.

What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you started out?

I wish that I had known some of the di erent methods of casting on and where they are used. Also, I wish that I had known how to do mattress stitch for sewing up to give the garments that I made a better seam to them.

WIPs (work in progress) – do you like to focus on one or two projects at a time or do you have more projects on the go than there are days in the week?

I like to do one or two projects at a time to give me a bit of diversity. Of late, I like to do a knitting project and a crochet project to give me di erent things to do.

Hannah Smith

I’d buy better needles sooner.

WIPs (work in progress) – do you like to focus on one or two projects at a time or do you have more projects on the go than there are days in the week?

Currently I am working on the follow ing:

• A very simple stocking stitch knit ted jumper for my daughter

• A 4-ply version of a knitted cres cent shawl that I want to publish

• A crochet baby blanket and is using up odds and ends

• A pair of fingerless mittens for a friend knitted with an owl motif worked in cables

• I have a pattern charted and yarn purchased for a Fair Isle beret

• I’m part way through a crochet table mat that is all motifs

• I’m planning a jumper for myself, based on a pattern from Moorit

• And I’ve yarn for at least two more shawls, and two cardigans.

What’s your knitting/crochet su perpower?

I’m not sure that I have a superpow er. I both knit and crochet, and I like learning new skills. I have published a few times and I was particularly pleased to have my Tory’s Daisy Cardigan on the cover of Homespun Crochet #3. It is size inclusive and has nice little details.

What’s the most recent technique/ tip you have learnt?

• There are not enough hours in the day.

You notice a small mistake – do you rip back or carry on?

It depends on how small. If it is genuinely insignificant and won’t be noticed I will leave it, but I pull things out all the time.

What would we see in your stash?

I have limited myself to one cupboard and I’m on a (permanent) mission to reduce the stash. I normally buy better quality branded yarn because if

Joint Vice-President Hannah Smith is a member of the Inner City Group. She has been actively involved in the Guild for many years, including holding positions on the executive committee.

I publish a pattern the yarn needs to be readily available. I have some 8-ply, but I find it too heavy for garments, particularly if they are crocheted. I do have enough Rowan DK for a cardigan. There is also the economical 8-ply acrylic that I have specifically bought for edging blankets for school, but that doesn’t count. There are some 5-ply remnants that I want to make a cardigan with a slip stitch pattern, I have a reasonable amount of 4-ply that I bought at the Inner City de-stash and some lace weight yarn for two di erent shawls I’m yet to cast on. I also have some silk that will proba bly become a shawl and some indigo dyed 4-ply cotton that didn’t swatch the way I imagined so I’m waiting for inspiration. And a couple of bags of odds and ends of cotton that will become baby blankets…

Secretary.

Why I joined the committee?

I have always believed that if I belong to an organisation of any kind and enjoy doing so I will try to give some thing back when possible, so when asked if I would consider the Knitters Guild committee I said “yes”. The role of Secretary was vacant and that is a position of which I have quite a large experience, so was happy to take that on. I have had the opportunity to meet so many lovely people too.

Ricci is a member of the Blacktown Group. She has been actively involved in the Guild for seven years including hold ing positions as the workshop coordina tor for the group. She is currently on the executive committee.

What’s your knitting/crochet super power?

Perseverance - to finish what I started.

What’s the most recent technique/tip you have learnt?

At the Gathering I learned about the tubular cast-on which gives a fantasti cally flexible, elastic cast-on.

What’s next on your ‘learn to do’ list? I want to perfect my understanding of reading crochet charts. I’ve started, but still need some help.

How long have you been knitting/ crocheting?

I’ve been knitting since I was seven, and crocheting since the first Covid 19 lockdown. I’m le -handed so it has sometimes been di icult for others to help me there, but YouTube has been super helpful.

What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you started out?

How to read knitting charts. I love them now, (thanks to a workshop run by Merrin Marks at our group) and o en prefer a chart to written instructions.

WIPs (work in progress) – do you like to focus on one or two projects at a time or do you have more projects on the go than there are days in the week?

I’m quite a slow knitter so it takes me a while to complete a garment, and they

can be di icult to take around with me if the pattern is complex, so I o en have one or two smaller projects on the go that I can take with me.

You notice a small mistake – do you rip back or carry on?

I always rip back, unless I know how to fix it by using a crochet hook.

Why do you enjoy being a member of the Knitters’ Guild NSW?

Meeting new people and learning new skills. Even though I’d been knitting for more than 60 years I’ve still learned so much more about the cra .

What are your favourite colours? Pink, red and the teal shades of blue.

What would we see in your stash?

Too much - mostly wool as I prefer to use wool rather than acrylic. I tend to buy more yarn than necessary simply because I’m slow and worry about not being able to match the dye lot. That means I now have lots of single balls of di erent co lours, perfect for crocheting blankets!!

When you’re not knitting or crochet ing you are… Reading, talking to others or organising social events for the village where I live.

Robynn Ross

Tentatively, I put my hand up for the job of Committee Member for the Guild Exec utive at the AGM as I could see and hear the frustration of the outgoing Executive members when nobody else was o ering to stand. For the Guild to be successful, it must be represented by people from across the state and with various talents. My lack of updated computer skills can hold me back from volunteering and for me to attend a meeting, it is an all day a air with travel, BUT the Zoom meetings make everything easier to stay connect ed. Once I pulled back from my magazine editing and fixing other people’s patterns, I really had no excuse, so to keep my brain active and my connection intact, I volunteered to help the Executive.

They are a wonderfully kind, talented, giving bunch of people who love to create just like you do, but give up some of their time to make sure YOU are catered for happily within the membership. Think about adding your name to the Execu tive next year and have some input into this brilliant organisation. Robynn Ross (Robynn-El), Sthn Highlands.

Patricia McGregor

Gerri

Retail members

Maker Moran

Specialises in small batch hand dyed yarns influenced by nature and the emotions evoked by the amazing variety in our NSW landscape.

Contact: makermoran@gmail.com Website: www.makermoran.etsy.com Instagram: MakerMoran

Marlyn Alpaca, Thornleigh

Quality alpaca yarns, carded alpaca top, alpaca felts and blankets from our much loved flock of individually named alpacas. W: Marlyn Alpaca P: 02 9481 0949

Obsession Yarns

Obsession Yarns – home of gorgeous hand dyed yarns and unique, beautiful handmade stitch markers for knitting and crochet. Based in Canberra and online. W: Obsession Yarns E: obsessionyarns@gmail.com

SipKnitYarn

Knit wonderful rugs from our downloadable patterns, pattern books and knitting kits. Explore our video tutorials for techniques and stitches. We stock cra -themed tote bags, rotating yarn butlers, Amish style swi s, knitting counters & quirky magnets. W: SipKnitYarn

Skein Sisters

Skein Sisters is Sydney’s home of fabulous yarn with a huge range of all you need to knit or crochet. Shop online or visit us in Dulwich Hill. Skein Sisters P: 02 95547444.

Spinners' Cotton

Premium-quality, 100% Australian cotton fibre. Spinning and carding tools, books, DVD tutorials, accessories, demonstrations and workshops on hand spinning and dyeing cotton. W: spinnerscotton.com.au P: 0439 408 159

Spunout Fibres, Hill End, NSW

Spunout Fibres are suppliers of natural coloured fleece and fibre, tops and yarns made from coloured sheep and alpacas for spinners, weavers and knitters. E: spunoutfibres@gmail.com

P: Ann: 0409 823 045

This Lush Corner

A socially and environmentally responsible yarn store. You’ll find a variety of handcra ed goods, kits, yarns, patterns, tutorials and more. W: This Lush Corner

Three Cats Yarn (previously DownUnderDyer) email: info@threecatsyarn.com.au website: www.threecatsyarn.com.au Post: PO BOX 632 Newtown NSW 2042 /

Three Mums’ Yarn

Established by Queanbeyan Guild members, Three Mums’ Yarn produces quality hand-dyed yarn. Find us at W: Three Mums Yarn.

Virginia Farm Wool Works, Castle Hill Everything for the spinner, felter, dyer and weaver. Spinning wheels and classes, looms, wool, silks, selected fleeces and blended fibres. | W: Virginia Farm Wool Works | P: 0448 866 789

Waratah Fibres and Yarns, Bundanoon Hand–dyed fibre and yarn. Workshops in skein painting. Open day first Tuesday of the month, also by appointment. Discount to Guild members. E: helen@ waratahfibres.com.au P: 02 4883 6138

The Wool Inn, Penrith

Visit us instore or online. Wide range of products (7,500+) including yarns, needles, books, accessories, and looms. 10% discount for current Knitters' Guild members. Group visits welcome. W: The Wool Inn P: 02 4732 2201

Wool 2 Yarn, Mornington

Luxuriously so alpaca yarns and hand spinning tops from our beautiful fibre. We specialise in colourful silk blends and natural colours. Australian Grown Australian Spun Australian Made. W: Wool 2 Yarn P: 0404 753 840

Woolshed @ Manuka

We welcome everyone. We love natural fibres: their beauty, adaptability and individuality. We support small businesses supplying specialty yarns and accessories and o er something truly unique, including a range of classes. W: Woolshed P:02 6295 0061

The Yarn Bar

Online supplier of yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks and project bags. Brands include Brown Sheep, Cascade, Zealana, Knoll, Fleece Artist, Juniper Moon Farm. W: The Yarn Bar E: info@theyarnbar.com.au

YarnHub

Hand–dyed yarns in wool, linen, cotton, silk. Unusual yarns such as Habu stainless steel, paper yarns, leather, hemp, nettle. Invite us to your event. W: The YarnHub P: 0401 693 409

Yummy Yarn and Co, Dubbo

All your favourite yarns such as Patons, Cleckheaton, Panda, Debbie Bliss, Noro, Heirloom, DMC, Vinnis Colours Nikkim, KPC Yarn, Lily Sugar ‘n Cream and more. W: Yummy Yarn and Co P: 0431 754 909

Guild Information

Executive Committee Meetings are held online (via Zoom) from 10.00am on the third Saturday of the month, except December. Any member is welcome to attend but please advise the Secretary. secretary@knittersguildnsw.org.au.

Executive Committee

President Vacant president@knittersguildnsw.org.au

Vice–Presidents

Julie Hogan (Macarthur), Hannah Smith (Inner City)

Secretary Patricia McGregor (Pittwater) secretary@knittersguildnsw.org.au

Treasurer Raewyn Tippett (Newcastle) treasurer@knittersguildnsw.org.au

Committee Members Robynn-El Ross (Southern Highlands), Margaret Harra dine (Inner City), Jayne Kelderman (Mid North Coast), Maureen North (Pittwa ter), Gerri Ricci (Blacktown)

Sub–Committees

Guild Collection: Merrin Marks (MidNorth Coast) curator@kgnsw.org.au

Information Management: Lesley Diskin (West Ryde) membership@kgnsw.org.au

Magazine: Editor: Marianna Thomson (Blacktown) editor@kgnsw.org.au

Design & publishing: Burkill Media Design www.burkill.com.au

Publicity O icer: Sharon Holstein (Blue Mountains) publicity@ knittersguildnsw.org.au

Website: Kate Semler (West Ryde) web@kgnsw.org.au

Workshop Convenor: Sally Ogilvie (Woy Woy) workshops@knittersguildnsw.org.au

Public O icer

Stefanie Vogt (Inner City)

Charity Maureen North (Pittwater) charity@knittersguildnsw.org.au

Contact

Guild telephone: 0437 239 391 PO Box 460, EPPING NSW 2121 www.knittersguildnsw.org.au

Retail members

24 Mile Hollow Yarn Co, Blue Mountains

Hand Dyed Yarn & fibre. Dyed with low impact acid dyes and a mix of immersion, dip dyeing and steaming. Bases from Australian suppliers. Available from selected yarn stores or online. W: 24mile hollow yarn

Australian Alpaca Yarn/ Alpaca Ultimate, Yass

100% Australian Alpaca yarn using fleece from our own and other Australian breeders. 1 Ply (with silk) 2,4 & 8 ply & Boucle. 50 gram balls and cones for 1,2 & 4ply. W: australian alpaca yarn P: 02 6227 3158

The Australian Wool Store

Specialising in unique, colourful handdyed yarns and a carefully curated range of commercially dyed yarns available only from The Australian Wool Store. KnitPro accessories. W: the Australian woolstore P: 0408 880 441

Batik Oetoro, Gateshead

An Australian, family-operated business, Batik Oetoro has been providing dyes, fabric paints since 1972. W: BatikOetoro P: 02 4943 8808

Beadoodads

Specializing in stitch markers and progress keepers. Around 90 di erent ones to suit all tastes. Choose large or small nylon coated wire loops, rings or lobster clasps. Knitting and travel kits available too. W: Beadoodads

Bendigo Woollen Mills

Quality Australian Yarn. Natural Fibres 212 Ply. Made in Bendigo, Victoria. Contact us for a free shade card.

W: Bendigo Woollen Mills E: info@bendigowoollenmills.com.au P: 03 5442 4600

Birdhouse Fibres

Creating beautiful hand-dyed yarns from Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Specialising in responsibly sourced luxury yarn bases in a large range of tonal and variegated colours. W: Birdhouse Fibres E: hello@birdhousefibres.com

Blackwattle Yarn

A carefully curated selection of luxury yarns and fibres, hand-dyed on our farm in Murrumbateman, NSW. Inspiring and catering to knitters, crocheters, spinners & fibre artists. Online or at local selected yarn stores. W: Blackwattle Yarn

Castle Handmade

For all things crochet - Classes, Supplies,

Patterns and more. We host a range of crochet classes and sell a large variety of crochet supplies. Located in the Southern Highlands, NSW. W: Castle Handmade

Convent & Chapel Wool Shop, Rylstone Artisan brands, luxury local and imported yarns and knitting accessories. Hand–dyed yarn and lace specialists in a rural atmosphere.

W: Convent and Chapel Wool Ph: 0409 564 747

Cra y Frog, Kambah, ACT

A specialty shop with good quality yarns, fibres and tools from suppliers worldwide. Bricks-and-mortar store with friendly, knowledgeable sta and integrated online shop. Always happy to try and source products. W: Cra y Frog

Fibre Arts Shed, Central Coast Suppliers of raw materials and tools to fibre artists, incl. wool, luxury and plant fibres as yarns and tops. Locally grown/ processed fibres available. Fibre (wool/ alpaca) processing service available.

W: Fibre Arts Shed P: 0422 160 506

Fibre Frolic, Kurrajong

83A Old Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong NSW 2758. We stock a beautiful selection of Australian Indie dyed yarns, quality commercially produced yarns, accessories, patterns, kits and gi s. W: Fibre Frolic

glenheavenknits

Hand-dyed natural fibres for when only the best will do. www.etsy.com/au/shop/ glenheavenknits email: glenheavenknits@ gmail.com

Glenora Weaving & Wool, Gerringong

Mail order specialists. Weaving yarn for knitters! Wool, cotton, linen, silk and alpaca yarns, felting and spinning fibres, weaving yarns and equipment. W: Glenora Weaving P: 02 4234 0422

Great Southern Yarn

Great Southern Yarn is 100% Australian merino and alpaca yarn with fleece, single-origin sourced from ethical producers. Our yarns are hand-dyed across 45 colours. We also have great patterns. W: Great Southern Yarn

Greta’s @ Roseville

At Greta’s @ Roseville, you will find a range of fabulous yarns, including “Greta’s Hand Dyed Yarn”, beautiful hand dyed yarns, in extensive colours & bases!

A: Greta’s @ Roseville, 72 Pacific Highway, Roseville NSW 2069

Hive & Gobbler

Destination store in the Hunter Valley nurturing mindful creativity, slow-living and sustainability ideas. Open 7 days in Dungog. SUPPLIES - WORKSHOPS - EVENTS - ONLINE SHOP. W: Hive and Gobbler

Hodgepodge Skeins

Hodgepodge Skeins is a creative dye studio located in the heart of the Blue Mountains. I hope you love the colourways as much as I do. Enjoy! W: Hodgepodge Skeins E: kaz@hodgepodgeskeins.com

Hook & Co

Commissions undertaken for crocheted items: baby blankets, Amigurumi toys, jumpers, cardigans and throws etc. Natural hand-dyed wool and cotton coming soon. Patterns for my designs for sale. P: 0400 679 068

The House of Wool, Leura

Australian hand spun, hand–dyed yarns and well–known quality yarns. Workshops available. 10% discount to Guild members. www.thehouseofwool.com.au P: 0474 439 759

I Wool Knit, Bungendore

Online yarn shop for quality yarns, patterns and accessories from Australia and Europe. Fast and secure shipping Australia-wide. Free local pick-up. W: I Wool Knit E: sales@iwoolknit.com.au

Jokamamo Textiles

Sumptuous hand-dyed merino, silk, BFL and cashmere yarns. Self-striping yarns ready to ship and dye-to-order and matching mini-skeins. Free winding service on request. We stock quirky, fun project bags. W: Jokamamo Textiles

Kaalund Yarns

Kaalund Yarns manufactures in Australia luxury yarns produced from Australian wool and Australian alpaca. Products can be purchased online or from select local yarn stores. W: Kaalund Yarns

Little Bird Makes

Hand-dyed luxury yarns inspired by the unique and vibrant colours of flora and fauna of Southeastern Australia. Custom orders available. W: Little Bird Makes

Lyrebird Yarns (was Handmade by Hellkeen)

Helen Keenan, fibre artist in the Blue Mountains, selling my unique yarns, shawl pins, buttons and knitted and woven accessories at local markets, Fibrefest, Ironfest and Winterfest. Spinning classes at studio. W: Lyrebird Yarns