Yarny Weekends

A few days before I went down to Dorset at the end of July I packed my bags, hopped on and off a couple of trains and journeyed across to West Yorkshire to spend a few days with the Stylecraft team and some of my gorgeous fellow Blogstars. We are lucky enough to enjoy two get-togethers a year (one in the winter and one in summer) and it's something I really, really look forward to. Over the years that the Blogstars have been meeting I think it's fair to say that we've all become very good friends. We obviously have a huge amount in common in that we are all crochet/knit designers and bloggers and I love being able to chat about all things yarn/crochet/blog to others who not only get what I'm on about, but who are willing to share their own thoughts, projects, advice and experiences so freely. It's a nurturing, uplifting and super-kind group to be a part of and I value these yarny friends very much. You can see who all the Stylecraft blogstars are and find links to their blogs {{here}}

After a fun social on Friday night and a relaxing stay in a local hotel, we made our way to the Stylecraft mill for some serious yarn chat on Saturday morning. The team at Stylecraft gave a detailed presentation to us, showing new yarns and patterns that will be coming in the season ahead (Autumn/Winter 2019). We were given a little insight into fashion influences and design/colour trends (which fascinates me beyond measure!) and shown new yarns and new colours coming to existing ranges. I absolutely love all this - much of it isn't directly relevant to the way I work (a lot of knitting patterns and yarns that are more suited to garments) but I still get a real buzz out of seeing how design collections are created and photographed and how themes and colour palettes work their way through from concept stage to finished item. It's an insight into the yarn industry that I feel very privileged to have.

Usually we all make our way home after the day spent at the mill on Saturday, but this particular meet up was a little bit special. As well as the Blogstar get together, it was also party time! Stylecraft are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year and as part of their celebrations there was a going to be a much anticipated Sunday tea party. A part of the working mill had been cleared and spruced up and the Stylecraft team did an amazing job of making it all look very welcoming. It was to be a very busy day with 60 guests (winners from a competition) and 30 local yarn shop owners invited to the party.

I loved the schedule of the day which included yarn-themed party games, prossecco and birthday cake, I mean, how can that not make anyone giddy?!

One of the games involved this wall of mini jumpers made from Stylecraft Special DK - there were fifteen colours missing and I can tell you I had a load of fun with the blogstars attempting to nail down the missing ones. I know these colours inside out, but it was still quite a challenge!

There were a couple of other really fun games too, including "Stylecraft Special DK Bingo" - the winners of a full line and full house were gifted with these beautiful yarny bouquets which I thought was amazing.

photo credit : Stylecraft Yarns

Oh, did I mention that there was cake??????? There was cake!!!!!!!

You can read more about the purl party and see more photos on the Stylecraft blog {{here}}

After lunch, it was time for some workshops. The blogstars who were teaching had each set up a little display area - as I had traveled by train I was limited with what I could carry but I was really happy to give some of my blankets a little outing. It's always so nice to see people enjoying my blankets and telling me about their own crochet makes, I love our creative crochet community very much.

For my workshop I had chosen to teach a simple mandala using Stylecraft Classique cotton DK.

I had ten gorgeous ladies at my table..... 

.....and a whole lot of colourful yarn. The pattern I designed uses 8 different colours and it was great fun to see everyone making their choices and working out which order to place them in.

I say I was 'teaching' a workshop but honestly, these ladies were all very, very good crocheters and picked up my pattern with ease. I gave a little bit of colour advice, but mostly I just watched in awe as the most beautiful mandalas grew in front of my eyes.

Oh......there might have also been cake involved........did I mention cake already???

Cakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!

The workshop lasted for two hours so it was quite speedy and before we knew it, the afternoon was wrapping up. I managed to get a quick snap of the mandalas made by all the ladies, it was one of the most fun (and fast) workshops I've ever done. Don't they look amazing?

x

 

photo credit : Wool Warehouse

This coming weekend also promises to be very, very yarn filled as I am heading south to Leamington Spa to visit Wool Warehouse for the very first time. Over the years I've met the WW team on many occasions but I've never had the opportunity to actually go to the very building where all the magic happens....I'm so excited to see it! There is a beautiful new showroom which I am really looking forward to exploring, but best of all I get to share the day with a whole heap load of yarny friends.......................

.....yipppeeee!!!!!!!!!!! You see, this isn't a personal, private visit for me on my own-some, but a whole OPEN DAY where you are all invited too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so sorry for the very short notice, August has kind of crept up on me a little and suddenly it's nearly blanket show time.

But if you are able to come along, it would be fabulous to see you - it's this coming Sunday 11th August, 10-4. I'll be there with ALL my blankets, and guess what? There. Will. Be. CAKE!!!!!!!!!! 

Yes, I have it on good authority that there will indeed be tea, coffee and homemade cake, and of course there will be yarn, loads and loads of yarn. You can browse and shop and have a chat with me if you like, and generally have a really lovely day out I hope. There is a page on the Wool Warehouse website with all the visiting information (including local pubs where you can have lunch or park the other half for a few hours) - click {{here}} for the details.

I've spent much of today running up and down the cellar stairs with armfuls of blankets, giving my entire pile a wash and a spruce up. That's one of the beautiful things about Stylecraft Special DK, it washes like a dream. I put three blankets into the machine at a time on a short wash (40 degrees) with my usual laundry liquid and fabric softener. I gave them an extra spin to loose as much of the water as possible, then popped them in a cool tumble drier for around 30 minutes. They come out feeling sooooooooooo soft and delicious, I just wanted to cuddle up and snuggle them to bits. I love my blankets so, so much.

So I hope to see some of you on Sunday, and I'll be back in the Attic next week to share some more yarny goings on and some general summery chit chat. 

Have a fabulous weekend, I hope there is yarn (and cake) involved xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Margareta]

Hi Lucy, a big hello from Australia! I was just wondering if you might be able to share your gorgeous Mandela pattern on your blog? It looks wonderful, and I’d dearly love to make some as Christmas presents. Loving reading your blog, as usual. With thanks, Margareta

[Lynne Stankard]

Hi Lucy - what a lovely, colourful, friendly, yarny(!) party. What a shame there wasn't any CAKE!! Oh silly me, there may have been the odd crumb. xx

[M.]

Hi, Lucy. It looks like it was a fun event.

Is there any chance you'll be offering that mandala pattern on your blog here? It's very pretty.

Thanks and have a lovely day.

[Nora Mcgrann]

Lovely blog as ever Lucy..hope you are enjoying yourself today, 11th...xx

[Ann]

I love all those little jumpers! How many of you got all the missing colours?

[Maxine]

Hi Lucy - how do you stop your blankets going all staticky? I made a Ripple in Stylecraft special DK, and the first time I washed it, it became almost electric and clung to me and crackled. :(

[Andrea Johnson]

love your blankets , i wish i could have been there at the workshop and iwould so much love to meet you at the wool warehouse ,,but im in the US too far away

[Teresa Kasner]

I hope you have a great turnout and lots of fun at WW and what a huge event at Stylecraft! You are indeed a yarny crochet rock star.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

[lynn mccullough]

meant to say Lucy ... am loving your blog and your projects!

[lynn mccullough]

oooh so sorry i will miss it ... just finished my crafting room and have lots of projects on the go ... patchwork, cross stitch and of course crochet! ....

[Mary W]

Sure looks like fun. When like minded creatives get together it magnifies their creativity and I'm sure you will came home with your head swimming with colorful ideas. I think that is the main reason many go to these get togethers or have smaller ones they visit regularly. It really lets the magic soak into your soul. Thanks so much for sharing these events.

[Charlotte.]

What a great weekend!

[Vicki B]

Thanks so much for sharing all the fun! Making cupcake for the summer - will need some cake!

[Kristine]

OH! LUCY! SOOO wish I could have taken up my "winning" a spot! That cake looks almost as scrumptious as your blankets & mandalas! Hope to catch up again sometime - big hugs x❣x K

[Elise]

That cake!!!!! Oh my goodness! It was so amazing with the yarn balls and knitted fabric draping over the side. Wow! Looks like it was such a nice time for everyone there.

[Silvia]

What a wonderful weekend you will have!! I wish I could go but I am in Argentina...so I ll have to wait ...I promise myself I'll go to meet you when I visite England...
Enjoy cake and yarn! Perfect match!!!;)

[Dianna]

What a party! Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos. Those colors feed my soul.

[Karen]

I love your blankets - you have gotten me "hooked" back into crochet - I am making your Granny Stripe Blanket right now (with variegated yarn not changing colors) and I just love it - thanks for sharing your patterns and excellent tutorials - I learn with photos better than written instructions and you do so well that way

[Sally Spragg]

Your blankets look glorious all stacked! Bet they smell delicious!