Special issue 20141031

merci Your Lifestyle Magazine Special Issue 2014

merci magazine

1

Merci - Your Lifestyle Magazine Specia Issue 2014

CONTENTS About the Monster 4 KPC Yarn Journey 6 Time to Crochet 8 Family-friendly craft workshops at TTTT

18

A day with KPC Brand Consultant

20

Your farvourite Yarns 26 Art Direction/Graphic Design Merci Design Workshop Sales & Marketing marketing@merci-magazine.com Marketing Executive: Halwin Yuen Halwin.yuen@merci-magazine.com For advertise Interested in advertising in merci?

Simply email to advertising@merci-magazine.com.

We will be contact you in shorty with our media kit and rates.

For Press releases We are looking for more up-to-day press release.

Please send your information in details to enquires@merci-magazine.com All right reserved 2014Š merci media

2

merci magazine

The Monsters And Mushrooms Treasure Hunt!

Kpc

Has Hidden A Variety Of Crocheted Monsters And Mushrooms Around Wanchai And It Will Be Up To You To

Find Them To Win Great Prizes! merci magazine

3

Monsters!

Mushrooms?

Where are you?

Treasure Hunt Please RSVP by commenting on the post or on the Instagram post to reserve your place!

4

merci magazine

About The Monsters and Mushrooms treasure hunt!

How will it work?

There will be 2 ways to win!

OPTION 1

The details:

On Saturday, Nov 1, KPC will officially launch the treasure hunt in Wanchai. You can enter as an individual or as a family/ team. You will be given a booklet showing you what the Monsters and Mushrooms look like.

Price: FREE!

You have 1 hour to: • Find each and every one of the Monsters and Mushrooms • Take a photograph • Upload to Facebook or Instagram and tag KPCYarn • Meet back at the collection point for

the KPC team to verify your finds

Date: 1 November 2014 Time: 2-4pm Place: Meet at Dominion Garden Wanchai https://www.google.com.hk/maps/place/ Dominion+Garden/@22.276759,114.16891 8,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x34040 05d41530ce1:0x608a8502cfa943b2

The first person back with all the Monsters and Mushrooms found and verified, will win some great KPC prizes.

OPTION 2 If you cannot attend the event on Saturday, no problem! The Monsters and Mushrooms will stay hidden around Wanchai for 1 month until the end of November. Go out on your own time, find and photograph all the Monsters and Mushrooms and upload to Facebook and/ or Instagram tagging KPCYarn.

The first person to find all the Monsters and Mushrooms will be the winner and will be contacted by the KPC team!

Happy Hunting!

Sarah Coates Creative Brand Consultant KPC Yarns

merci magazine

5

6

merci magazine

KPC Yarn KPC Yarn journey starts over seventy years ago in Shanghai. After a move to Macau in the 1950s, the successful family tailoring business grew into Novetex, one of the first completely vertically integrated textile companies in Asia.

In other words, through KPC parent company Novetex they oversee and manage the entire yarn production process allowing KPC an unrivalled attention to detail and quality control.

KPC raise their sheep in Gostwyck in New South Wales, Australia where they have been producing wool since 1834. KPC know that their sheep, goats and their environment are properly cared for. This means superior fleece producing an exceptionally high quality fibre.

Their impeccable care and attention is not just limited to the well being of our livestock. Their commitment to the highest industry standards carry on throughout the production process.

KPC Yarn spin and dye all our fleece and oversee where every ball of wool is wound and packaged.

KPC Yarn is proud to be the only company in the world to use merino wool of this superior quality for their hand knit yarns.

merci magazine

7

Time to cro

Crochet and Knitting: An Art and Fashion That Sh Text: Winnie Ng Photo by: Roger Lee by Roger Lee Production Ltd.

Fashion is an ever-changing world and things are moving very quickly, no matter if we talk about trends, colours, materials or cutting. However, there is something else timeless which should not be forgotten in the fashion industry: Crochet and Knitting!

8

merci magazine

ochet

hould Not Be Forgotten

merci magazine

9

Crochet versus Knitting

10

merci magazine

merci special issue 2014

Crochet is an art and a process of creating fabric from yarn, thread, or other material strands using a crochet hook. The word is derived from the French word “crochet” which means hook.

Hooks can be made of materials such as metals, woods, plastic, or bamboo. Knitting is on the other hand a process of using two or more needles to loop yarn into a series of interconnected loops, to create a finished garment or fabric. The word knit is derived from knot, likely originating from the Dutch verb knutten, which is similar to the Old English cnyttan, meaning to knot.

Crochet, unlike knitting, incorporates wrapping the working material additionally around the hook one or more times and meanwhile only one stitch is active at a time for most styles.

Stitches made with the same diameter of yarn are comparably taller, and a single crochet hook is used instead of two (or more) knitting needles. On the other hand, most of the knitting patterns can be accomplished by machines; while many crochet stitches can only be crafted by hand. Crochet is therefore a pure handcraft.

In the past both were connected to very basic human needs – knitting was needed to produce clothes that were essential for protection; whilst crochet had been one important way of earning money, especially the crocheted lace. However, both ways of hand knitting have nowadays become more like a hobby than a necessary skill.

The history of both crochet and knitting is still a mystery. Crochet was believed to originate in Iran, South America, or China. However there is

no evidence of appearance before its popularity in Europe during the early 19th century. The development of crochet was fast due to the good availability of inexpensive machine spun cotton (cotton is a perfect material for crochet) during the early industrialization period. After World War I, most of the crochet patterns were simplified versions of the early 20th century patterns. There was a rebirth of interest in home crafts, particularly in the United States, with many new, colourful and imaginative crochet designs published for doilies and home items during late 1940s to early 1960s. The craft remained primarily a homemaker’s art until the late 1960s and early 1970s with a trend worked in the round and incorporating bright colors.

The handcraft fell out of fashion in the 80s but is becoming more and more popular again now.

Knitting has another similar story but appeared much earlier than crochet. Socks and stockings were believed to be the first pieces produced using techniques similar to knitting, making multiple knots or loops with a single needle and thread to produce fabric. The widespread of knitting technique to Europe was traced back to between 13-15th century via trade routes. Knitwear became commercial and fashionable in the 1920s, with Coco Chanel making prominent use of it and Vogue Magazine featuring knitting patterns. At the World War II period until the 60s, knitting was a great success to make items for the Army and Navy. All the girls were taught to knit in school to know this useful skill. Later on, it has been periodically on and off from the fashion trend. merci magazine

11

12

merci magazine

Both crochet and knitting are something undoubtedly not to be forgotten.

Most of people will think of crochet and knitting when winter is arriving. They are creating something thoughtful, caring and warm - scarf, hat, socks, gloves, or other knitwear, to protect the owners and keep them warm during the cold days. Crochet and knitting create unique pieces of art, with their own combination of colour, pattern, thickness and materials of yarn. A hand knitted or crocheted piece is be the best and the most intimate gift ever in the world. Some organizations around the world will nowadays knit and crochet for specific charity purposes, such as crocheting for homeless shelters, cancer treatment centers for those undergoing chemotherapy with crochet hats (known as “chemo caps�), or knitting for orphans and elderly.

To continue this traditional and meaningful handcraft, Knit Purl Crochet (KPC) started their journey over seventy years ago in Shanghai and later moved to Macau, then to Hong Kong. KPC raise their own sheep for wool production in Australia to ensure that yarns are to the highest industry standards throughout the production process.

They spin and dye all fleece and oversee where every ball of wool is wound and packaged. merci magazine

13

Your own design KPC is the only company in the world to use ultrafine quality merino wool for their Novomerino hand knit yarns. All the smooth yarn balls are packaged in a special way created by KPC- they are using distinctive ribbons instead of papers that can be reused to retie the ball of yarn and then sewn into the finished project as a label. Labels with all necessary yarn information are attached to the yarns. KPC also supplies all the essential equipments and accessories like needles and crochet hooks via their website, and their stockists in Hong Kong.

Quality and colour is the most important for KPC. They developed a yarn that particularly suits the Hong Kong summer, Glencoul wool cotton. By increasing the percentage of merino to 70% the yarn has the elasticity and durability of wool whilst retaining the practicality of cotton. 60 glorious colours are available for this new line so that knitters can play around the colour for own design. KPC also has cashmere and plan to introduce a sustainable bamboo yarn and 100% organic cotton later in the year. In addition, they are developing a yarn using yak hair to fulfill everyone’s needs in terms of materials.

14

merci magazine

merci magazine

15

16

merci magazine

Special created

by KPC Apart from crochet hooks and knitting needles and yarns, KPC also organizes regularly crochet and knitting workshops, and provides trends and inspirations on their blog www.knitpurlcrochet.com and website www.kpcyarn.com.

You can create many things from crochet and knitting for your home, for your own accessories and for the newborns: cushion case, cup mats, coin bags, clutches, cell phone cases, blankets‌ Just make use of creativeness and imaginations to bring you a more colourful and funny life and home to be shared with your beloved ones!

merci magazine

17

18

merci magazine

Photo Courtesy By Stylebrief

KPC IS NOW OFFERING FAMILY-FRIENDLY CRAFT WORKSHOPS AT DAVID TANG’S ELEGANT WANCHAI BOUTIQUE: TANG TANG TANG TANG. From now until the end of the year Tang Tang Tang Tang will be hosting a selection of craft workshops for you and your family,organised by Stylebrief Hong Kong and sponsored by KPC yarns.

Learn to make your own knit pom-poms, wreaths, tassels, dream-catchers, garlands and everything you need to adorn your home with colour, creativity and Christmas cheer!

For more information and to book your place, please go to www.stylebriefhongkong.com or www.kpcyarn.com merci magazine

19

20

merci magazine

A day with KPC Brand Consultant at her home office!

Text: Peggy Lui

Photo: Jenny Ho

Meet Sarah Coates, the creative brand consultant of KPC Yarns, who designed a traditional, classy and friendly home in a rental apartment complex located in the heart of Hong Kong central district.

When Sarah moved to Hong Kong about 2 years ago, she had lived in a number of cities, such as New York, Beijing and London. Her house is full of British style, with natural dark wooden floor. It is also furnished with intersperse pieces of crochets, such as coasters, blankets, cushions, storage baskets, doilies and rugs, which are all created by Sarah.

merci magazine

21

Home office could be stylish and fun at the same time!

Her home office design is so original, which reflects the personalities in a beautiful way.

Sarah spends most of the time in her office using KPC yarns to create all variety of projects. The inspirational mood board is the main core in the office, which keeps schedules, deadlines and inspiration in view and a quick way to personalize and get the creative juices flowing. With the modern industrial look of the cabinet, filled with all samples and sketches, we can feel her professionalism and personality.

Believe it or not, we saw some Aliens (made

22

merci magazine

merci magazine

23

24

merci magazine

by Mary from Belle Epoque) in her home office, hiding in the penholders, bookshelves and even yarns. I believe that it shows the abundance of creativity she is playing around in her office.

Don’t be afraid to using different colors for home dÊcor. You can use little details to make big differences in a place however it looks originally. Paint, furnishings and lighting are important but using and adding cozy crocheted details can change the mood of the environment and it could be fun!

merci magazine

25

Add your favourites to the mix & match basket to play around with color combinations.

26

merci magazine

The ultrafine pure merino is incredibly smooth and gentle against the skin. This is the first time fibre of this length and quality has been used for a hand knit yarn, and it is a pleasure to work with, and to wear. novomerino 4ply

novomerino DK

Novomerino 4ply is perfect weight for babies and children, as it won’t tickle or scratch. It’s also wonderful for socks – make them stripy so you can use as many of our beautiful colors as possible.

Novomerino DK is the most versatile yarn weight, ideal for sweaters, scarves, hats, clothes, blankets, toys – pretty much everything really.

novomerino aran

novomerino chunky

Aran is great for quick projects such as hats and scarves, as well as cosy sweaters and handsome blankets.

Chunky is quick to work up, so it’s great for beginners and weekend projects.

novomerino 4ply

novomerino DK

novomerino aran

novomerino chunky

Specifications Blend:

100% Ultra Fine Merino Wool

Ball weight:

50g merci magazine

27

Glencoul wool cotton is a blend of 70% merino and 30% cotton. It has the feel and subtle sheen of a cotton yarn, but with the stretch and durability of wool. It is also machine washable, so it is practical as well as beautiful.

Glencoul 4 ply 4 ply is ideal for summer clothes projects, as well as toys and accessories.

Glencoul 4 ply Glencoul DK Glencoul DK is ideal for summer sweaters, dresses, skirts, shorts, blankets, cushions, toys - anything you can think of.

Specifications Glencoul 4 DK

28

merci magazine

Blend:

70% Merino Wool 30% Cotton

Ball weight:

50g

Pure Cashmere originates in the mountainous plateaus of Mongolia, where tribesmen still herd hundreds of goats. The goats have thick coats of soft hair to protect themselves from the cold, harsh climate. Cashmere uses the soft downy undercoat of these cashmere goats to create a beautifully soft and versatile yarn.

cashmere lace Lace weight yarn is perfect for creating delicate openwork shawls and scarves.

cashmere 4 ply 4ply cashmere is perfect for babies and children – your creations will be heirlooms of the future.

cashmere dk DK is for you to treat yourself with. Perfect for everything.

Blend: 100% Cashmere Ball weight: 25g

cashmere lace

cashmere 4 ply

cashmere dk merci magazine

29

www.tangtangtangtang.com 30

merci magazine