A Good Yarn Knitters’ Guild NSW
Fibrefest Shawl
Fibrefest Workshops Meet the Members Group Reports
February 2022 Vol. 37 No.1
From the President
In this issue...
I Cover features FibreFest shawls, scarves and cowls modelled by Isabella Walker
Index February 2022 FEATURES FibreFest: 4 Stallholders 5 Workshops 6 PATTERNS FibreFest 2022 Knitted Shawl
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FibreFest 2022 Scarf or Cowl - Crochet
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REGULAR ITEMS From the President
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Guild Information 7
t’s sad to see that many groups have had to stop meeting again as Covid still rips through the community but we’re assured by The Powers That Be that we are probably over the worst of it. I do hope you’ve all managed to keep safe and well. I’m sure you’ll agree that everyone needs something to look forward to and all being well, that will be FibreFest for many of us. On Saturday 19 March, we have a number of really interesting workshops, and that evening we meet up to knit, crochet and eat. On Sunday 20 March there is our famous fibre festival where 50+ of the best yarn sellers in the country gather to tempt us with their wares. Do get together with your friends and group members to come along and join in the fun. And don’t forget to wear your knitted shawl or crocheted scarf/cowl (not compulsory of course but it’s wonderful to see everyone’s creations). If you have any questions about FibreFest, just drop a line to Festival@knittersguildnsw.org.au. Unfortunately for the Guild, this is the last issue of A Good Yarn edited by Sally Webersinke, who I’m sure you’ll all agree has done such an outstanding job over the last 3 years. She moved back to Germany in 2020 and has continued to manage the magazine from there but now finds this is no longer possible. If you think that you’d like to volunteer to fill her shoes, please contact me. In fact, if there is anything you can do to help the Guild, do consider volunteering. Managing an organisation this size, with workshops, FibreFest, KGBytes, A Good Yarn, the Guild Gathering, the website, the membership database, the accounts and the general administration takes a lot of time and energy, so the more members who can help, the better for us all. Just contact me if you would like to make a contribution. Here’s hoping that 2022 will be a better year for all of us (yes, I know – I said that at the beginning of 2021 too!)
Sally Ogilvie
Group Reports 8 New Members 14 Meet the Members
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WANTED – EDITOR
Retail Members 16
If you like connecting with people, this is the
Retail Profile – Kaalund Yarns
opening for you!
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Collaborate with groups, retailers, pattern Ravelry: /groups/knitters-guild-nsw-inc
designers, and members to collect content, and
Instagram: knittersguildnsw
liaise with proofreaders and our layout designer
Twitter: KnitGuildNSW Facebook: kgnsw
Craig Burkill to create A Good Yarn. Templates, material and support available. Questions? Email Sally W: Editor@knittersguildnsw.org.au.
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Retail profile Kaalund Yarns Kaalund Yarns handspun alpaca yarn
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aalund Yarns is a family run boufleece journey the tique fibre mill in the Sunshine fibre maybe dyed or Coast Hinterland. Back in the overdyed and thus 1980s we started hand spinning and helping to add those weaving and developing our unique special touches to hand dyeing techniques. In 1997 we the final product. We launched our own range of hand dyed also design our own embroidery yarns and from there proknitting, crocheting gressed to artisan dyeing hand knitting and embroidery yarns and hand weaving accessories. projects that compleThese days with commercial spinning ment our yarn. After many hours of hard machinery we dye and spin more yarn, work, the raw fleece that arrived has faster, with the same ideals of creating now been transformed into beautiful, beautiful yarn. Soft natural fibres and soft, artisan yarn. Spinning our yarn is inspirational hand dyeing are still the more than just adding twist to fibre. basis for what makes our products great. Our yarn has been showcased around We love the look of handspun yarn the world both in retail settings and with its undulations and nuances, so events. It is regularly used in publicawe have set about creating mill spun tions, competition and exhibition entries yarn from hand dyed fibre that emincluding in our own work featured in a braces this traditional concept, with previous exhibition at the Handweavers every skein being unique. Some of our Guild of America Convergence. products are fulled singles with a thick If you asked every one of us what and thin look, some yarns are plied, is the most enjoyable part of the fibre and others are just crazy, gorgeous art yarn waiting to be snatched up and knitted. Our yarns can be used for knitting, crocheting, weaving, abstract embroidery or textile art and our fibre products such as rovings or batts can be felted or handspun. So, what do we do in the mill? After the bales of fleece arrive, the fibre is sorted, washed, dyed (if required). It is then that the mill transforms into a kaleidoscope of colours. Armfuls of coloured fleece are processed through a series of machines which align the fibres. The fibre now resembles fairy floss like cob-web clouds ready for pre-spinning. These fibre webs are again further processed until the fibres are arranged (not necessarily uniformly) in a format that form the bases for our yarns. At each stage of the Jodie Inglis (L) and Jean Inglis (R)
Kaalund Yarns carder processing journey, you would receive a different answer. However high on the list is choosing the new colour combinations. I also should mention this is probably our most challenging and even frustrating process as we have so many ideas that we could not possibly produce every one of the colour melts that we dream of. Running our fibre mill is not a job, it is an adventure. Our range of yarn and fibre can be purchased at selected LYS, online at www.kaalundyarns.com.au or see us in person at selected wool shows.
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FibreFest FibreFest and the FibreFest Shawl
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ibreFest first took place in 2016 as a one-day event with workshops, speed knitting, raffle prizes, informative talks, tours, music, retail opportunities and of course, time to knit and crochet in beautiful surroundings. With over 900 visitors and enthusiastic stallholders, the resounding success meant that FibreFest was recognised as a potential signature event for the Guild and has been held almost every year since, growing into a weekend event with extensive workshops and a knit-night. In 2018 Sharon Holstein, FibreFest organiser, came up with the idea of having a shawl that members could make beforehand and wear to FibreFest. The idea was to have a pattern that would show off great yarn, would be easy enough for a beginner knitter, but at the same time keep the seasoned knitter interested. Many retailers jumped on board and offered yarn kits.
The inaugural FibreFest shawl (specially designed by Dominique Trad) proved to be a great ice-breaker with attendees comparing shawls and admiring each other’s work. Since then, the FibreFest ‘Shawl’ has become an integral part of the event and in 2019 members could knit Debra Kinsey’s FibreFest Shawl 2019 or crochet Ruth Buchanan’s cowl, Gathering of Friends at FibreFest 2019. Sadly, FibreFest had to be held online in 2020 and was cancelled in 2021 but we’re very pleased that FibreFest is taking place really soon and that we have specially commissioned accessories once again. So take your pick and crochet a FibreFest 2022 Scarf or Cowl by Sharon Holstein or make FibreFest 2022 Knitted Shawl by Kathryn Trippett at The Australian Wool Store and wear them to FibreFest at Winbourne, Mulgoa on Sunday 20 March 2022.
Knitting Pattern
FibreFest 2022 Knitted Shawl - Designed by Kathryn Trippett This shawl is a knitted half circle with 5 separate lace patterns and pretty rows of shaping eyelets. It can be knitted as a luxuriously large 3-skein shawl OR as a smaller 2-skein shawl that has all the same lace sections, just not as many repeats. It uses 4-ply yarn, 800-1200m, depending on the size you choose. The FibreFest 2022 Shawl is a fun and interesting knit, suitable for both adventurous beginners and seasoned knitters. It’s the perfect pattern to show off a beautiful gradient or pretty set of co-ordinates yet looks stunning knitted in one colour. Why not add some pretty beads along the hemline for some sparkly bling? The pattern is very extensive and includes full instructions, photos, charts, and separate row-by-row tick sheets (with full stitch counts) for each size. Here's what some test knitters have to say: Antonella – 'I enjoyed knitting all the different patterns with the anticipation of what the next colour will be'. Beth - 'The patterns flow nicely and the half circle design results in beautiful soft drape. The wool/cashmere blend was lovely to knit with. Soft and delicate'. Lesley – 'This shawl was such fun to knit - every time I thought it was about to get tedious, the pattern changed and I was anticipating the next row with glee. I worked my shawl in a colour gradient and was forever admiring how the pattern affected each colour. The finished garment is large, but not too large, light and drapes beautifully. I'm contemplating a second using a collection of mini skeins ....' Visit: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fibrefest-2022-knitted-shawl to download this free pattern. Kathryn Trippet, Blue Mountains group member, is the owner of The Australian Woolstore, a boutique business that specialises in beautiful, unique hand dyed yarn. Although it is an internet based business, Kathryn tries to attend as many face-to-face events as possible. https://www.theaustralianwoolstore.com
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Crochet Pattern
FibreFest Scarf or Cowl - Designed by Sharon Holstein This design is crocheted using 400-800m of 4-ply yarn. It incorporates 5 different stitch patterns: Honeycomb Trellis Noughts and Crosses Pyramid Stitch Lace Blocks Shell Stitch If you decide that one of them isn’t for you, you could swap it out for one of your own favourites or just do an extra section of one of the other patterns that you like. The idea is to just have fun! The pattern is written using UK/Australian terminology. Both the scarf and the cowl have been made in Hodgepodge Skeins sock yarn, however any four skeins of 4-ply yarn can be used and this design works well in linen or cotton too (see projects on Ravelry). The pattern includes full written instructions, photos, and a row-by-row tick sheet. Quotes from some testers: Antonella – 'I enjoyed crocheting the cowl and the different patterns included in the design, looked forward to the forthcoming sections and the completed look. Being a cowl it didn't take long to complete'. Valrie - 'My first test crochet, I made mine in 8-ply so it's nice and chunky. Straight forward easy to follow pattern. Really enjoyed making it'. Lesley – 'I have worked a variation on the pattern, taking into consideration all aspects of the original pattern but changing
it all up to my aesthetic. I was stretched in my stitch knowledge and skills and have produced a very satisfying garment. I strongly recommend stepping outside the box and having some fun with this. The patterns lend themselves well to modification and the result will please and surprise you'. Visit www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fibrefest-2022-scarf-or-cowl to download this free pattern. Sharon Holstein, Blue Mountains group member, is the owner of Fibre Frolic, a yarn shop located in Kurrajong. She is also the mastermind behind FibreFest and you can read more about Sharon in this issue's Meet the Members feature. https://fibrefrolic.com.au
FibreFest Stallholders 2022 24 Mile Hollow Yarn Co Ann Lemon Art Australian Alpaca Yarn Batik Oetoro Birdhouse Fibres Blackwattle Yarn Come in Spinner Castle Handmade Convent and Chapel Drover and Classer Elizabeth Calnan Textiles Fiber Lily Fibre Arts Shed Fibre Frolic Glenheaven Knits Great Southern Yarn Hodgepodge Skeins Jeanie Loves Yarn Jokamamo Textiles Kaalund Yarns Little Bird Makes Lyn Abbott Lyrebird Yarns Marlyn Alpacas Mile High Merino Obsession Yarns Pirate Purl Pleasant View Fibres Sew Good Project Bags By Zena Skip Rope Yarn Sip Knit Yarn Spinners Cotton Spun Out Fibres Sugar and Spice Gourmet Foods Swish Yarns The Australian Wool Store The House of Wool The Wool Inn The Yarn Bar Three Mums Yarn Virginia Farm Wool Works Waratah Fibres Wool 2 Yarn Yummy Yarn and Co Knitters’ Guild NSW Magazine
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Fibrefest Workshops
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Guild Information FibreFest workshops incl booking links Workshop 1 Meg's Fine Lace Scarf www.trybooking.com/BWNII
Workshop 2 Crocheted Pineapple Bag www.trybooking.com/BWNIJ
Workshop 3 Broomstick Lace Crochet Infinity Scarf www.trybooking.com/BWNIK
Workshop 4 Introduction to Drop Spindles www.trybooking.com/BWNIL
Workshop 5 Macrame Earrings or Necklace www.trybooking.com/BWNIM
Workshop 6 Woven Table Runner www.trybooking.com/BWNIN
Workshop 7 Two Handed Knitting www.trybooking.com/BWNIO
Workshop 8 Super Easy Crochet Planter www.trybooking.com/BWNIP
Workshop 9 Felting Workshop www.trybooking.com/BWNJC
Executive Committee Meetings are held online (via Zoom) or at the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Art, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney from 10.00am on the fourth Saturday of the month, except December. Any member is welcome to attend but please advise the Secretary who will let you know whether the meeting will be a virtual or in-person one. secretary@knittersguildnsw.org.au.
Executive Committee President Sally Ogilvie (Woy Woy), 0404 165619 president@knittersguildnsw.org.au Vice–President Maureen North (Pittwater) Secretary Patricia McGregor (Pittwater) secretary@knittersguildnsw.org.au Treasurer Merrin Marks (Mid-North Coast) treasurer@knittersguildnsw.org.au Committee Members Lesley Diskin (West Ryde), Ruth Herman (Woy Woy), Julie Hogan (Macarthur), Hannah Smith (Inner City)
Sub–Committees Guild Collection: Merrin Marks (MidNorth Coast) curator@kgnsw.org.au Information Management: membership@kgnsw.org.au Magazine: Editor: Sally Webersinke (Inner City) editor@kgnsw.org.au Design & publishing: Burkill Media Design www.burkill.com.au Publicity Officer: Sharon Holstein publicity@knittersguildnsw.org.au Education and Judging: Sara Aylett (Mid North Coast) standards@knittersguildnsw.org.au Website: Kate Semler (West Ryde) web@kgnsw.org.au Workshop Convenor: Julie Hogan (Macarthur) workshops@knittersguildnsw.org.au Public Officer Stefanie Vogt (Inner City)
Contact
Secretary: 0437 239 391 PO Box 460, EPPING NSW 2121 www.knittersguildnsw.org.au
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GROUP REPORTS BLACKTOWN
Our Group was pleased to meet in person again after months of Zoom meetings. During lockdown some improvements have been made to the area surrounding our meeting hall which will give us more flexibility for meetings and workshops. We are currently formulating our workshop plan for 2022. In December we held our annual Christmas competition congratulations to the winners! - and enjoyed morning tea. Many of our members participate in a weekly charity knitting/crochet group at Blacktown Library, which contributed to the recent yarn bombing of Blacktown to raise awareness of the problem of domestic violence; and also created an amazing Christmas banner for the Max Webber Library. Members of our Group have finished several Wrap with Love blankets in the last couple of months, and a few of us have already started on our FibreFest shawls! Katherine Flanagan, Secretary
BLUE MOUNTAINS
The final quarter of the year had us meeting in person again in our new
meeting location at the Glenbrook Bowling Club. It has been wonderful to see people face-to-face and to see the creativity of our members in person instead of through a screen. Our November AGM saw us farewell Elizabeth Le Breton, Yvonne Cookson and Jan Perry from the committee. They’ve truly done an exceptional job steering us through the pandemic and keeping us connected as a group. The new committee members have some big shoes to fill but are excited for the challenge and the year ahead! In December we took full advantage Capital Region - cakes for high tea of our new venue with a Christmas lunch organised by Jan Marshall and Fran McDaid, who have clearly missed extravagant afternoon tea and a celebration of what we have achieved their calling in event planning. We in the past year. Early in the year we also exchanged gifts in our traditional set crafting goals and in December we one-skein swap, where gifts are have our last check-in, to see how we all handmade using a single skein of progressed. Some of our members' 2021 yarn in a Secret Santa style exchange, goals were 'finish three cardigans', 'knit and our one-skein challenge a top down garment', 'knit a pattern as competition. Congratulations to our it is written' and 'remember to change challenge winners Mavis Bilinge, Ruth needle size'. We are very generous with Buchannan, and Susan Stephens. We the chocolate rewards for those who enjoyed seeing the gifts and other have set goals for themselves, whether projects, both complete and works in they have achieved them or not. progress, in our Show and Tell. In January, we set ourselves some With so many fibre events on the new goals for 2022 and spent a bit of horizon this year, we can’t wait to time talking about our plans for the share as many of them as possible with year ahead. These include a bus trip to our members! The Blue Mountain’s FibreFest and a lead role in the Royal Guilders wish all a safe and fun 2022. Canberra Show's craft pavilion. We have Luke Shilson-Hughes, Secretary taken on management of the knitting section and Fran Browne (our convenor) CAPITAL REGION (formerly is the head steward. Much planning is Queanbeyan) underway and this includes knitting The Capital Region group ended 2021 pieces to match the craft pavilion theme in style with our traditional Christmas of 'High Tea'. We're using some Jean meeting. We have a wonderfully Greenhowe patterns for cakes and biscuits to create a really fun display. Viv Haley brought her cakes, biscuits and even a knitted sausage roll along to the January meeting. Teresa Morey, Secretary
CLARENCE VALLEY
Our last meeting in December was our Christmas lunch at the Crown Hotel overlooking the river which was on the rise. Because of all the rain we received our meetings have been a bit light on members as some couldn't attend due to road closures. We hope this year will be better and we can get lots of knitting done. Looking forward to getting back and catching up with knitting friends. Helen Ada, Publicity
Blacktown - yarn bombing Knitters’ Guild NSW Magazine
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CROCHET TURRAMURRA
Well, it’s been another quiet three months without a face-to-face meeting since we meet in a small room at the church. Our crochet group is small, very casual and prefers not to have Zoom meetings, so we stay in contact with a few emails occasionally. When we do catch up again, I know everyone will just want to chat and have a big Show and Tell. Not much to tell from the other members so here's a bit from me this time. I’ve been lucky enough to go away a few times, once up to the Blue Mountains at the end of November, visiting a few yarn shops and buying some beautiful things. I’ve even started crocheting the FibreFest cowl with some of it.
EPPING
A most enjoyable festive meeting was held by the Epping group in December, for our Christmas luncheon. We knitted and chattered and now there seems to be lots of items each meeting for Show and Tell as our members return to face-to-face meetings. Shirley Gregory, Publicity
Epping - Christmas meeting to resuming meetings in February and learning new skills as we work on bigger projects this year. Anne Moore, Publicity
EPPING CROCHET
When we returned from the lockdown, we had a lovely Show and Tell. On show were two complete and two almost complete project bags that can dangle from your wrist while you are crocheting. Other items included mittens, shawls, baby items and blankets. We are all looking forward to a year that does not include Covid interruptions and that sees us all safe at the end of the year. We look forward
Epping Crochet - wrist bags
GOULBURN
Meetings are slowly getting back to normal and we had our AGM in November. Bev Artiss was elected as our new Convenor. Workshops are
Crochet Turramurra - temperature blanket Then over Christmas I went away again for a few weeks. I took a huge bag of different projects to do (just in case I ran out) but only got to finish off knitting another pair of socks. And being January I’ve started another Temperature Blanket. This is a photo of last winter's project that I finished off in September in the Outback. I have always loved fringing and fine details on things and the fringing on this rug took hours but I’m pleased with the finished item. Di Scaysbrook, Convenor
Goulburn - group postcard Knitters’ Guild NSW Magazine
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being planned e.g. crocheted string bags and special card decorations for the 2022 Goulburn Show. Lots of talent was evident in our Show and Tell section of our November meeting including a wonderful purple cardigan in 5-ply Bendigo Wool; 3-ply (doubled) ripple check jumper; handbags; shawl with magic squares and checks; socks; hot water bottle cover (stranded garter stitch); vest as a thank you; crocheted shopping and vegie bags; intricate shawl in the round; beanies for charities; snood for a rescue dog; crocheted reading blanket for grandson in bright colours; garter stitch throw – just wonderful! Why did I list the above items made by members? Well, it just shows what a talented bunch this group is and always ready to share their talents. We now have our own postcards designed by Lauren Shinfield (including the photographs) for members to share with friends and for distribution at Shows. Full group details are on the reverse side. New members always welcome! Wendy Allen, Acting Publicity Officer
INNER CITY
Our Convenor, Secretary and Treasurer were re-elected at the AGM in November, and we had another 'real' meeting in December, our last at Redfern Town Hall. We will be meeting in Alexandria, when we next meet in person. January's meeting was online,
and we reviewed some of the 2021 knitting goals of those present, and discussed 2022 aspirations and plans. There are always techniques to learn or brush up, and we will again be trying to present some of the mostrequested. We had a mini-KAL group of Stephen West aficionados present their work at our December meeting: it was spectacular! Margaret Harradine, Secretary Katoomba - crocodile crochet hangers
INNER WEST
The Inner West Group is hoping to resume our meetings at Camperdown Commons on Monday 21 February. Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month at 10.30 a.m. We are looking to hold some interesting workshops. Creative darning for those of us who cannot bear to part with our favourite garment that is in need of a repair. Jane (from Skein Sisters) will speak on various aspects of crochet and MaryHelen on Fair Isle knitting. Some of these workshops were deferred from last year. Notice will be given as to when these workshops will take place. Keep well and happy knitting Judy Lawler, Secretary
showed us how to make a crocodile crochet coat hanger cover. It was lovely to learn a new skill and see Ronah’s examples. Our meetings have lately been small and friendly affairs where we have been catching up on each other's knit and crochet projects and those always interesting works-in-progress. We are of course, hoping that as time passes and Covid again diminishes that more of our members will be able to join us. We have now turned our minds to FibreFest in March and are planning our trip to attend as a group. Which pattern will you be making for FibreFest? will be the refrain for February. Margaret Hardwick, Convenor
KATOOMBA
KIAMA
Katoomba Group has had an excellent time since our last report. We held our first mini workshop where our Convenor Ronah Tuite
The Kiama Group met face-to-face in November, the first time since June. This included our AGM and we maintained the same Committee as in 2021. Congratulations and thank you to Anne Phillips, Convenor, Thea Blanch, Treasurer and Jean Shelley, Secretary. As you can imagine, there was quite a big Show and Tell and it was great to see what members have been working on during lockdown. It would seem some 'stashes' have been reduced considerably. Our 20th Anniversary falls in February, however, due to the current situation we hope to celebrate with a tea later in the year and look forward to some of the original members attending. Jean Shelley, Secretary
KU-RING-GAI
Inner City - Stephen West mini-KAL Knitters’ Guild NSW Magazine
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The Group was able to meet in October and for our last meeting of the year in November. It was wonderful to meet faceto-face and to share our projects,
friendships and ideas - a reminder of how powerful Guild Groups can be in offering support, friendship and pleasure in shared activities. At each meeting we had amazing and inspiring Show and Tell. At the November meeting, the rugs made from squares and mattress-stitched together after a workshop, were displayed prior to presentation to the Guild. We ended the year with a Christmas morning tea and lunch and with hopes of a brighter 2022. Gayle Parker, Convenor
MACARTHUR
The Macarthur members met up on 27 November 2021 for a combined AGM and Christmas lunch at a local Italian restaurant. Current convenor Alex Vainauskas and secretary Delia Sidler both stood aside from their respective roles after three years. The group thanked them for keeping our group connected, informed and safe especially during the last two years of this pandemic mayhem - phone calls, visits and newsletters were much appreciated by us all. Our new convenor Janice Ferrett has previously held roles in our group so takes on the convenor's role with a wealth of experience. Her passion and dedication will both serve us brilliantly into 2022. Janice will be assisted by a relative newcomer to our group Kathleen Wall as secretary. We welcome Kathleen and thank them both for taking on these roles. Alyssa will continue for one more year as our trusty treasurer.
Hopefully our lesson plan for 2022 will start to happen in February with knitted and crocheted scrumbling taught by one of our members, Sue. Hopefully a creative way to kick off 2022. Janice Ferrett, Convenor
MAITLAND
Things have been quiet … again. We just started back in the swing of face-to-face meetings and once again Covid put a stop to those plans. Thank goodness for knitting and crochet as that remains the constant in our lives. Members have been busy working on all kinds of projects from the large to the small. We are also grateful for the reprieve from the traditional hot weather over the last few months as I for one have enjoyed finishing a garment or two. We are looking forward to 2022 as we start to make our tentative plans for outings and visits. We wish everyone a Happy (crafty) New Year! Cynthia Mulholland, Treasurer
MID NORTH COAST
Our September meeting was via Zoom and we shared and discussed our favourite podcasts, blogs, vlogs and YouTube channels. In October we were able to meet face-to-face at the Port Macquarie Library again and Show and Tell focused on our lockdown projects. Our final meeting for the year in November was our AGM held at the library. Current office bearers were happy to continue in their roles as there were no other nominations and a draft program for 2022 was
discussed. A small group of members met for a Christmas gathering in early December to round off the year. Chris Durward, Convenor
MUDGEE
At our December meeting we held a workshop on making Nupps; very interesting in trying the different ways that you can make Nupps and incorporate them into your knitting. At our December meeting members contributed Christmas fare to an afternoon tea. This was our last get together for 2021 and it was an enjoyable and relaxed afternoon. The Group has not as yet planned a program for the coming year; we will do some planning at the February meeting. Hopefully by then all our members will be fully vaccinated as well as having had their booster dose. Members continue to knit for charity and we recently sent a bag of beanies to the Seamen’s Mission in Newcastle. We are looking forward to being able to attend FibreFest in March, it of course will be very dependent on the Covid situation. In the meantime, we will continue to knit and crochet and try to learn new techniques. If any Guild members are in Mudgee, please feel free to join us at the Lions Shed in the Showground on the third Saturday of the month. A belated Happy New Year and Best Wishes for the year. Barbara Gow, Convenor
NEWCASTLE
The Newcastle Group was fortunate to be able to hold our annual Christmas lunch in early December prior to the latest Covid outbreak. Many members attended and enjoyed knitting and crocheting with friends. Thanks to Kate for organising a very challenging trivia. It was a positive end to the year. Katherine Heinrich, Convenor
NORTHERN TABLELANDS
Macarthur (L-R) - Delia, Alex, Janice, Kath
Our group had a productive last quarter with several members completing their own projects that they had been working on during the year and also adding to our items for our group entry at our local show. Our final meeting for 2021 was a Christmas dinner accompanied by fabulous homemade and knitting-oriented Christmas crackers, and a good supply Knitters’ Guild NSW Magazine
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of chocolate while we made some decorations. Due to prevailing Covid restrictions, we resorted to Zoom again for our first meeting this year. This was very productive in taking stock of our group's local show entry pieces and trying to finalise our display requirements for the show which will be held in early March. Our second meeting this month falls on Australia Day so we will wear Oz colours. Ingrid Chaku, Secretary
With COVID lurking, attendance was not as high as usual but we have still been connecting through email and our Facebook group. We have a few new members on the list and we hope we can meet them in 2022 – our first meeting back will be on February 5. Abbey Bongers, Convenor
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
Since the AGM, we have been monitoring attendance and preference of our members. Covid has affected this group quite badly. To this end, we are looking at changing our meeting place and maybe the day of our monthly meeting. Plans are in progress this month for some changes to suit the remaining members. Robynn Ross, Convenor
THE ENTRANCE
In December, the Southern group was able to have a small Christmas gathering with morning tea. Beryl Mercieca, our life member, sent in a huge parcel of hand knitted babywear for the premmie and new babies born at St George Hospital. Carolyn Rose Schellenberger brought in her latest Christmas baubles designed by Arne & Carlos – they will have looked wonderful on her Christmas tree!
It’s the beginning of a brand-new year with lots of possibilities. Our first meeting is scheduled for the first Saturday in February at a new venue. Due to Covid restrictions we will continue to meet at the Halekulani Bowls Club, Budgewoi. We celebrated our Christmas meeting on December 4 and enjoyed a delicious two-course meal at the Halle. Members also enjoyed a few activities to celebrate. Secret Santa and a guessing competition, some games and Show and Tell made our meeting a fun place to be. Prue was unable to attend as her new grandson was born in Melbourne and Nana duties took priority! Our group held our AGM and our committee members will remain the same for the next twelve months. Our committee will be meeting in
Southern - Christmas baubles
Woy Woy - crocheted blanket
Northern Tablelands
PITTWATER
No report received
SOUTHERN
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the next week to discuss our plans for the coming year. FibreFest will be an event not to be missed. We will be looking into getting a bus for our members this year, Covid-willing. We have welcomed some new members and look forward to social chit-chats this year. Our committee are gathering our thoughts on workshops and activities for the year. We look forward to continuing our support of We Care Connect (our local charity), and our garments to support children in war affected areas. Prue Smee and Sue Page, Coconvenors
WEST RYDE
We had a small group meet in November, our first back since lockdown, and held our AGM, where a new convenor and treasurer were appointed. The group had a nice Christmas Party at the West Ryde Hotel in December, replacing our meeting for the month. In light of recent Covid conditions we cancelled our January meeting, and will re-assess for February. We may look at park meet-ups or Zoom as alternatives. Beth Clothier, Convenor
WOY WOY
It was great to see our members face-toface for our Christmas party with lucky door prizes after four months meeting online. As usual, members brought along a variety of their inspiring projects for Show and Tell. Like many others, we're looking forward to life returning to normal very soon. Ruth Herman, Convenor
MEET THE MEMBERS A E layne Alvis is the current Treasurer of the Inner City Group. She has previously been convenor and co-convenor of the group. Alayne is a conservator and has given highly informative talks on pest prevention to the group.
trying to get my garden into order as it has run wild. And I'm very fond of an afternoon nap on the weekend. leanor Goldfinch is a founding member of the Guild, beginning her guild involvement with Northern and is currently convenor of the Epping Crochet Group. Epping Crochet needs the numbers to survive (almost all of Epping Crochet attendees are members of other Groups) and Eleanor also regularly attends Epping and West Ryde Groups. She is also involved in the Machine Knitting Guild. Eleanor was awarded Life Membership in 2021.
What's your knitting superpower? I don't think I have a super power, though I enjoy the ability to knit, chat and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine simultaneously.
What's the most recent technique/tip you have learnt? I've learnt to do a crochet provisional cast on and love the neat edge it gives to a garment. It's a great alternative to a ribbed edge and it gives a lovely smooth finish. What's next on your 'learn to do' list? I think the afterthought heel as I struggle with getting a nice finish to the gusset on the pattern I use now. How long have you been knitting/ crocheting? Seriously from 2003; I had bought a copy of Vogue Knitting and started knitting a jumper. I had no idea about what I was letting myself in for. Luckily it was a fairly simple pattern but did have some intarsia. I relied on library books to learn what I needed. I knitted most of the back during the Canberra bushfires and I found it soothing to have a useful and distracting task as I sat at home listening to all the emergency reports. What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you started out? Gosh, where to start! Understanding different types of terminology, how to read a pattern, the ability to see techniques demonstrated on YouTube, and the ability to consult the 'hive mind' of other knitters. 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 generally have one larger project that I concentrate on. I also have a few
Member Alayne Alvis projects requiring varying levels of skill and attention depending on how I'm feeling. Of course, it also depends if a deadline for a gift is coming up - that tends to concentrate my mind. You notice a small mistake – do you rip back or carry on? It depends, if it is easy to fix or I know it will annoy me, I will definitely fix it. Otherwise, I prefer to think of mistakes as part of the individuality of the project. Why do you enjoy being a member of the Knitters' Guild NSW? First and foremost, the members! I have learnt so much and gotten so much encouragement from them. I come back from every meeting with new information and ideas. The Guild's workshops are wonderful, with the ability to learn from great teachers, they have improved my knitting no end!
What's your crochet superpower? Although I have only been crocheting for a few years, my skills are still at the beginner stage and my preference is for Tunisian. 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 try to finish one project at a time. You notice a small mistake – do you rip back or carry on? I don’t like mistakes so am often ripping back both crochet and knitting. Why do you enjoy being a member of the Knitters' Guild NSW? I enjoy Knitters' Guild meetings for the companionship and the education possibilities available.
What would we see in your stash? A lot of sock yarns, which are great for so many projects. While I try to buy with a project in mind, my resolution is always tested at events like FibreFest or our Inner City Destash. When you're not knitting or crocheting you are…. Trying to improve spinning with a drop spindle. So now, I look at both yarn and fibre at yarn festivals! I'm often on Ravelry, adding more and more to my favourites list. In the real world, I'm
Member Eleanor Goldfinch Knitters’ Guild NSW Magazine
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New Members Blacktown Charlotte Parker Emily Sprod
What are your favourite colours? All shades of purple. When you're not knitting or crocheting you are…. When I am not knitting, I play computer games.
S
haron Holstein is a member of the Blue Mountains Group. She has been actively involved in the Guild for many years including holding positions on the Executive Committee. Sharon is the mastermind behind FibreFest, organising the location, the workshops, the retailers, refreshments and more. She is also a Guild retail member and owns the Fibre Frolic shop at Kurrajong.
Blue Mountains Marta Smerechuk DeeArn Dawe Catherine Marceau Kate Cruchley Capital Region Christianna Cobbold Judith Nettleingham De-Arne Crawford
What are some of the challenges to organising FibreFest? Like for most events over the last couple of years, Covid has been the biggest challenge. However, generally, trying to make sure you cover different interests with the workshops, and have a good variety of stallholders because you just want everyone to have a great time.
Epping Cate Grace Inner City Kerrie Girdo Akin Sunay Interstate Tanya Harris Maisie Gibson Vivienne Henderson
What are some of the fun parts? One of the fun parts is working with a great team of knitting friends who help tirelessly the whole weekend to make it all come together. You do know, however, that you have worked them too hard when they tell you their eye lashes are tired. Another fun part is always knit night – it's so great to see a venue taken over by so many knitters and crocheters. It's also funny to see the looks on the faces of regulars to the venue as they try to comprehend what has happened to their pub!
Katoomba Patricia SwiftHunter Kiama Suzanna Clissold Mid North Coast Julie Sillince Newcastle Nellie Gibson Lyn McLachlan Helen Willoughby Jennifer Dempsey Judy Shultz
How long have you been knitting/ crocheting? My beautiful grandmother taught me to knit when I was about five using long nails and string. She also taught me to crochet when I was around ten years old. 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 usually have at least a couple of both knit and crochet projects on the go at the same time - usually one that is simple and doesn't require a lot of concentration for when you're out with knitting friends, and then maybe something more complex that requires quiet and concentration to work on at home. I could safely say that I have more than seven project bags and they would all have something in them that is a work in progress, so the answer is yes. You notice a small mistake – do you rip back or carry on? I would most probably rip back. What would we see in your stash? Lots of single skeins that I have collected from different indie dyers all waiting for that special project. Mainly in shades of purple and green. When you're not knitting or crocheting you are…. Working at Fibre Frolic, organising FibreFest, planning the next social get-together, cooking, I like trying new recipes.
What's your knitting/crochet superpower? I don’t think I really have a knit or crochet superpower, however, I do like to organise get-togethers: lots of social knitting and crochet in public with friends at clubs, cafes or at the park. So maybe that's my superpower.
Northern Tablelands Lucelle Sauer Pittwater Lene Knezevic Denise Galligan Southern Shan Watts
What’s the most recent technique/ tip you have learnt? I recently tried mosaic crochet; I love the look of it. I'm not sure if it's really for me but will probably revisit and give it another go.
The Entrance Lesley Farrell West Ryde Jessica Blackburn
Member Sharon Holstein Knitters’ Guild NSW Magazine
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Retail members ry L ebird aY rns aw( s aH ndmade yb eH llkeen) 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
Waratah iF rb es and aY rns, u B ndanon o 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
Marlyn lA ap ac , rohT nleigh 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
ehT Wolo n I n, eP nrith 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
sbO ession aY rns 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
Wolo 2 aY rn, Mornington Luxuriously soft 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
SipKnitYarn Knit wonderful rugs from our downloadable patterns, pattern books and knitting kits. Explore our video tutorials for techniques and stitches. We stock craft-themed tote bags, rotating yarn butlers, Amish style swifts, knitting counters & quirky magnets. W: SipKnitYarn
Wolo shed @ Manuka We welcome everyone. We love natural fibres: their beauty, adaptability and individuality. We support small businesses
supplying specialty yarns and accessories and offer something truly unique, including a range of classes. W: Woolshed P:02 6295 0061 ehT aY rn aB r 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 aY rnHub 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 uY ym aY rn and ,oC u D ob 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
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. Spunout iF rb es, iH ll nE d, 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 ihT s u L sh roC ner A socially and environmentally responsible yarn store. You’ll find a variety of handcrafted goods, kits, yarns, patterns, tutorials and more. W: This Lush Corner rhT ee Mums’ aY rn Established by Queanbeyan Guild members, Three Mums’ Yarn produces quality hand-dyed yarn. Find us at W: Three Mums Yarn. iV rginia aF rm Wolo Worsk , aC stle iH ll 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
Knitters’ Guild NSW Magazine
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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 different 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 2 12 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 0409 564 747 Crafty Frog, Kambah, ACT A specialty shop with good quality yarns, fibres and tools from suppliers worldwide. Bricks-and-mortar store with friendly, knowledgeable staff and integrated online shop. Always happy to try and source products. W: Crafty Frog DownUnderDyer Beautiful yarns dyed by hand in Sydney's Inner West and shipped all over Australia. Order now at W: downunderdyer 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 gifts. W: Fibre Frolic glenheavenknits Hand-dyed natural fibres for when only the best will do. W: Glenheavenknits I:@ glenheavenknits P: 0419 898 397 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. W: www.thehouseofwool.com. au P: 0409 458 901 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
