Just Unwind

Yarndale 2016

Well here we are again. Yarndale in all it's Woolley glory has happened!

Setting up the stall had all its usual excitement and challenges, but I was really pleased with the end result:

Earlier designs mingling well with my new offerings

I managed a quick look around just before we opened. So many beautiful and inspiring stalls.

Not to mention the cute animals

The 'Ewe Makes' craft group, of which I am a member, put on a stunning display of their work

Then of course there are the other very, Very important people. You, the public.

Without you, the show could not exist. So thank you all so much for coming, and purchasing, and in turn inspiring us. We look forward to serving you again next year.

Jo

 

The Great Yorkshire Show - Harrogate - 2016

Well, it is hard to believe I am sat back at my cosy kitchen table, coffee to hand, and everything back where it should be. Was it only last week I was up at 4.45am (yes am) to be at my stand before the public began streaming in, finally returning home about 9pm. Luckily for us the weather was amazing, and we had some very nice journeys over the hills.

The show runs from Tuesday to Thursday, so the Monday before found me and one of my very helpful sisters (I have two, both amazing when I need them) setting up my stand. I haven't done may shows yet, so quite pleased with the result:

I was in one of the brand new halls, and with lots of other lovely colourful and creative stands around me it was an inspiring place to be. During the less busy periods I popped out with my camera. These were just a few of the other things on offer:

This lady has her own sheep, and spins, weaves and dyes hew own wool, than make these wonderful things:

Needless to say, animals in all crafts were on show everywhere. From pencil drawings to paintings to stuffed fabric heads, all beautifully crafted by some very talented people.

Even though the days were so long, the week just seemed to fly by. 

I have to say I am pretty sure I was missed by certain members of the family, and when I could finally focus correctly, by Saturday I think, the house was in need of a proper clean and some cushion plumping! I mention cushions as in my absence my lovely hubby had ordered me a couple of delicious new cushion I have been coveting for some time, (all lovely embroidery on the front, and checked fabric on the back, totally yummy). These are now properly plumped on my kitchen sofa, and have caused a sudden burst of inspiration for a new seat cover for my Lloyd Loom inspired kitchen chair. (Sketches now in my note book for when I find a little free time!)

Bye for now.

Jo

Skipton Sheep Day

This Sunday saw me on the cobbles of Skipton's 'High Street' with the lovely ladies and gentlemen of the Ewe Makes craft group, plus Carol and Lucy (of Attic24 fame), who are two of the organisers of Yarndale. Together we are creating a 'Woolly' item to raffle at Yarndale to raise funds for local charities.

The day started off well, if a bit nippy, with 3 spinners and lots of volunteers to 'card' the fleece, and knit squares.

The spinning wheels  drew great interest from both old and young alike, the talented ladies and gentleman making it look effortless (which course it is not).

Lots of chat and laughter made the day just fly by 

Warm woolly blankets were required at times, as Skipton High Street can be quite draughty.

But the sun came out and so did the crowds.

Lots of fascinated questions were posed to the spinners, who did their best to give a helpful answer. 

As the day progressed a pile of interesting and beautifully knit squares began to emerge. From Garter Stitch, to Cable to FairIsle. Turns out we are quite a talented lot!

So another get together is now being planned to complete this mystery item.

I will keep you posted, when I know more.

Jo

Lists, Lists and more Lists

Life is very busy at the moment with lots of different things viaing for my attention, so lists have once again taken over my life.

My Diary is my lifeline, along with an old-style 'Shorthand notebook' which is now permanently out on my workstation.

So, what is coming up!

Well next weekend sees me at a Craft Sale morning at Choice Baskets in Skipton on the Saturday.

Sunday I am teaching a Sock Course at Messengers Cottage, also in Skipton. Details are on my Web-site. 

July sees 'Skipton Sheep Day' where I will be part of the 'Ewe Makes' craft group. We are making our raffle prise for 'Yarndale'. It all starts with a sheep's fleece! Call and see us if you can get there.

Then there is the 'Great Yorkshire Show', where I will be exhibiting my designs for the first time, a big venture for me. Wish me luck!

Plus the usual Knit & Natter sessions and all the other bits and pieces every mum has to fit in! I am sure I don't need to list those.

So time to take a deep breath, stay away from the TV, and keep checking the lists. 

Jo :)

P.S. Don't forget to tick things off as you achieve them, it is great for keeping you going.

 

Knit & Natters are good for you, I guarantee it!

Well, what a lovely, Lovely, LOVELY evening.

Last night was our monthly Knit & Natter at the Black Bull Pub in Sutton-In-Craven, and what a great evening. Around 11 of us turned out and had a good old chin-wag (bet you haven't heard that term for a while!), comparing notes on Knitting, Crochet and life in general. 

If you haven't joined one yet, you really must. Not only are they a good source of inspiration, but the are a great support network too. If life is going great, you share it, if something is not quite so great, you share that too, and the range of topics we can cover in one session is quite mind-blowing.

So search out one local to you and give it a go.

If you would like to join me at any of the groups I attend, join the 'Just Unwind Yarns' Facebook and Twitter pages, I will put regular reminders on there.

Have a great day (we have sunshine forecast all day :), Yipee).

Jo 

A Handmade Mother's Day

Life feels a very commercial thing at the moment, and although I have to admit I love shopping, I also really appreciate when someone takes the time to hand-make a gift, or find something inexpensive but personal. So my family is well aware that I would not really appreciate an expensive, production line gift on Mother's Day.

My husband has always made the effort, but it is really special when the kids present things that obviously come from them.

A handmade card from my daughter

Quite 'Molly Makes' if you ask me.

Accompanied by a miniature daffodil which I shall plant in the garden when it has finished flowering.

A little posy presented to all the mums at church.

My son is too old to make cards but the one he gave me had definitely been picked by him, which really did make me feel appreciated.

My husband had bought bunches of daffodils, which are now sat in a vase just waiting to burst into colour. 

They made lunch, and washed up, while I sat on the sofa alternating between my Knitting and my current Cross-Stitch, plus I had control of the 'TV Remote'. We did go out for tea as well, a totally spoilt day!

Today is back to normality, except the sunshine is out and I am looking longingly at the garden (which I know is still too wet to venture into).

Normality is good, as it makes the special times just that, 'Special'.

Take time to appreciate the little things, they really do mean such a lot.

Jo

Socks, Socks and more Socks!

February has seen me busy teaching. I love passing on skills as I get immense pleasure in seeing that 'Light Bulb' moment when people suddenly get 'It', whatever 'It' may be. 

Socks are one of my great knitting pleasures, I like to make other peoples designs and also create my own. I currently have 3 new creations on the needles, and several more in my notebook still waiting to be cast on. So teaching people to knit socks really does tick most of my 'happy' boxes.

These are just a few photos from my last class:

We drank tea and ate cake, laughed, sighed, and tutted,

But we also created socks!

Everyone went home with sock needles, a pattern and some yummy sock yarn, plus bags of enthusiasm.

They are portable, fun and make great gifts, so why not give them a try.

I have another class running on Sunday 27th March at Messengers Cottage, details of which you can find on my website www.justunwind.co.uk/shop, then click on 'Courses'.

Or if you would like a fabulous weekend away I will be teaching a beginners and improvers class in France in April. Details of this one can be found on jakibogg.artwebb.com under French Knitting and Crochet Workshops.

Happy knitting!

Jo

 

A Welcome Change

Rain, rain and more rain. It feels as though we have been stuck under a grey and frequently torrential rain cloud for months. Lazy winds blowing sideways, lashing the rain against the windows (called 'Lazy' winds not because they are slow or easy, but because the try to go through you, rather than around you!). So when the weather forecaster said cold and sunny, I almost cheered.

Out can come the warm coat with jazzy lining, rose buttons and matching scarf. This scarf was the prototype for my 'Diamond Reversible Scarf in DK' which can be found on my web-site. I often find my best designs come from creating an item which I personally need.

So a few welcome days off from the rain coat with its very practical hood, and velcro!!!!!

I might even get out in the garden this week. The snowdrops and miniature daffodils have survived being waterlogged for months, so there is hope.

Funny how spring-like sunshine inspires hope!

Jo

 

Freeing the Needles

Ages ago I set myself the task of freeing my knitting needles from some of my many 'works in progress'. You know how it happens, you start something wonderful, get a good way through it, then something breaks you off and the project ends up in a bag in your craft corner all forgotten.

Well I have taken up the challenge again, and here is the first of what I hope will be many completions this year.

I already have some gloves and a handbag to match it, but as I have a little of the wool left I may need to make a hat and scarf to complete the look!!! I already have the inspiration for it. Now would this class as a completely new project, or does using up the left over yarn make it ok? What do you think? Ok or Not? A tricky question all you 'yarnies' will totally understand.

I will of course let you know what I decide.

Jo :)

 

Knit & Natters, have you tried one yet?

Knit & Natters. Do they make you think 'Yes!!!!!' a lovely couple of hours out, or do you cringe at the thought of knitting/crocheting in public?

Personally I love them.

You get a great mix of people, who you might not otherwise ever meet. They are creative, inspiring, and unless you have been to a few, you would not believe the range of topics you can cover in a 2 hour session, I have been known to blush!

They are a great time to move along that project that is sticking a little, or get help if you are stuck completely. 

These are just a couple of the finished projects from the Monday group I help coordinate.

Yes she does have a face, but is a little shy!

This little guy has been made by Brenda, it is for a young friend, but she spends most of her spare time on charity knitting.

These are some of the ladies in action

As you can probably tell, this one is being held in our local library. It is in our super little meeting place in Cross Hills, and won Library of the year for North Yorkshire, way to go Ladies!

One word of advice, if you are really going for the social side, don't take anything you really need to concentrate on, it will only end in disaster!

If you haven't tried one, then give it a go. They are usually really friendly places.

Keep smiling!

Jo