VIU Knit and Spin in Public a hit with the unsuspecting public

Great fun was had at the almost impromptu Knit and Spin in Public at VIU.  Laurel of the Java Hut (makes the best Canadiana coffee on campus) who is a beginner spinner and protege of Melody, brought two wheels, a basket of needles, balls of wool and a bale of roving, along with a huge amount of enthusiasm.  Liz brought a spindle, Sharon who only heard about it hours before brought encouragement and support, and at least 5 knitters turned up as well.
Within minutes of setting up people started to gather.  One student stopped by to learn how to knit with needles (her Grandmother had taught her to knit using a knitting machine), an English instructor who hadn't spun in ages was thrilled to be able to sit down at a wheel and spin again.  And a staff member learned how to spin.  Five days later and people are still talking about it.

There was general agreement we should do more of this...in fact we thought maybe again in August.  This time we'll plan it in advance.  Look at those smiles!  Click here for more pictures of the event.

Late breaking news - knit and spin in public at VIU

I know it is last minute but a small but eager group of knitters and spinners are organizing a Knit and Spin in public event.  Thursday June 17th at Vancouver Island University, noon - 1pm in what is known as the 'quad' right in front of the Library.  Feel free to come and join in.  Bring a chair and your tools and enjoy an hour of knitting or spinning with others.

Victoria Fibre Fest

Check out today's article in the Times Colonist about the Victoria Fibre Fest.  They have some great photos of Stephanie and Ryan - who by the way is a fantastic art yarn spinner--who own and run Knotty by Nature a fibre store for spinner's, weaver's, knitters and other fibre fantatics.  The story also provides more information about the week's events.  Read the story here....Knitting Revival Fuels Fibre Fest

The annual pot luck

The sky cleared and the sun managed to finally come out for our annual pot luck held at Anne's beautiful house. The food was great - a huge BBQ'd salmon and an incredible orange and rosemary cake were highlights.  The show and tell was inspiring.  Take a look at Karin's hand dyed, hand spun, hand knit, jacket of many colours that she designed herself!

And look at the colours that Pauline achieved for her dyed sock blank.  And Heather's colour gamp which when felted became a vest for a grandchild.

 

Betty made a awesome friendship blanket was made with woven sample squares. And here is some stunning alpaca/wool and alpaca/firestar yarn made by Kathy.
There are more pictures on the web, just click here for a slideshow of the evening.

Wrist yarn holder gizmo

At the last Guild meeting Jeanette B. showed us her nifty knitting gizmo.  No one had seen one before. It keeps your yarn of wool handy yet out of the way and off the floor.  A few of us tried to find one on the Internet to no avail but Jeanette found where you can purchase one.  Check out the Woolery 2/3 down the page.  We were going to make them but at this price it may be cheaper to buy them.....