Tuesday 21 May 2013

I'm excited to announce

that I have agreed to contribute to NFU Countryside's 'The Countryside Knitting Project'. In celebration of British Wool, NFU's resident wool merchant blogger Martin Curtis has provided us with the finest of 2 ply jumper yarn from Shetland, in an array of colours with which the contributors are knitting squares in order to construct a patchwork blanket.

British wool from Shetland
Photograph originally uploaded by Abby Swanwick

Anyone can take part, (T is even having a go!), including the most inexperienced of knitters, as this is an excellent project to get you started. I'll be using 'The Countryside Knitting Project' as the perfect excuse to trial some new stitches, as a patchwork square is an ideal size. So, if you fancy getting involved, visit 'The Countryside Knitting Project's' blog, fill in the online form (at the bottom of the page) and get your needles at the ready!

Patchwork square in progress, knitted in Moss Stitch for 'The Countryside Knitting Project'
Photograph originally uploaded by Abby Swanwick

You can keep up to date with my progress on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram and see the work of the other contributors via 'The Countryside Knitting Project's' blog, Facebook page and/or their Twitter page.

Besides knitting, the day job has been manic lately, so I'm taking a well-deserved day on Thursday, as I'm itching to visit local craft workshop and exhibition space: 'Unit Twelve', to see the 'Traditional Twisted' exhibition before it ends on Saturday - I cannot wait! If you've not seen it yet, then get yourself down there between Thursday 23rd and Saturday 25th May 2013, 10am-4pm.

Thanks for dropping by...

Abby x

Friday 3 May 2013

It's been a quiet few weeks...

what with my having been unwell, therefore, there's not a great deal to report on.

Production on the bag front is a little slower than I'd like it to be at the moment, as work (supply teaching) has been busy and I spend my weekend's with T, (as he lives 30 miles away) so spare time is at an all-time low... but, hopefully that's about to change ;-)

Although, I have managed to spend a little time working those gorgeous remnants from Hole in the Wall fabric store in Walsall, into Shoulder Bags... the interior pockets are sewn in and the embellishments on the exterior aren't far off, so construction will shortly commence!

Snood in plum
Photograph originally uploaded by Abby Swanwick

What's more, I've finished knitting another snood!

Those of you who follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter, will have seen that I've been partaking in a little market research of late, to help determine a colour palette for next season's/my launch range.

Response was disappointingly slow to begin with, but encouraging my friends and family to join in helped. Upon talking to them, I realised I should have considered my wording a little more carefully, as the term 'tote' was proving a little ambiguous and to mention 'autumn' before spring has properly sprung, was rather off-putting... therefore 'Totes' will now be referred to as 'Shoulder Bags' and the 'A' word will no longer be mentioned!

Facebook Poll Results
Photograph originally uploaded by Abby Swanwick

Regardless, the poll is taking shape and decisions about my colour palette have been aided... so watch this space. Thank you to all who voted... although there's still time if you haven't...

https://www.facebook.com/Kefluti/posts/456941851050372

Thanks for dropping by... have a great week!

Abby :)