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Picking Up Stitches

Knitting, crochet, cross stitch and more - the wonderful world of working with wool

inspiration

Autumn colours come round again

September 19, 2018 by Annie Leave a Comment
Crocheted autumn leaves acorns and flowers

 Autumn is a welcome relief

Autumn is finally here, thank goodness. The summer was so hot that I rarely felt like knitting. Lily my dog found it all too much too, and spent lots of time lazing in front of the fan dreaming about the park!

White and black Staffy lying on a bright coloured sofa

Lily is bored with all the sunshine

So, now that autumn is in the air again, Lily’s enjoying finding sticks in the park, and it’s time to get back into knitting and crocheting with a vengeance!

turning colours of autumn leaves

Noticing that the leaves were changing colour gave me a burst of inspiration. I soon came up with some new leaves and flowers to create an autumn wreath. Here’s the original inspiration…

Autumn leaves and acorns

And here’s what I came up with: a special sunflower, acorns and three different types of leaves. I particularly love the oak leaves I created eventually.

Crocheted autumn leaves acorns and flowers

I used Stylecraft Special DK as there’s such a huge choice of colours. Then I decided to add some Michaelmas daisy-type flowers, too, and crocheted a jade background. I made the background in Deramores Studio DK to fit a 17cm polystyrene wreath. The technique I used,  I found on the  Attic24 blog. I love this blog and the wreaths Lucy makes on there.

Positioning and sewing the items on the wreath took as long as crocheting some of the motifs. Eventually it was all in place, though. I love the result. So much so that I’m going to run classes on how to make one in Crouch End in October. I’m running an autumn wreath class at The Village Haberdashery West Hampstead mid October too. But, this September, I’m teaching simple autumn leaf and flower classes here in North London.

Here’s the finished wreath…

Autumn wreath

Keep the coffee cozy

This month, I discovered some Sirdar yarn I’d forgotten in my stash, and it was perfect autumnal colours. (Sadly, it’s now discontinued, otherwise I’d have bought some more). I used it to crochet some autumn takeaway coffee cup cozies, which were popular at last month’s Makers Market…

Mug cozies in autumn colours

For knitters, I’ve come up with a basic knitted cup cozy and coaster which I’m teaching at my beginners knitting classes throughout autumn in Crouch End. In October. I’m also teaching them at an afternoon course at Fringe in Muswell Hill.

Mug cozy and matching knitted coaster

Not wanting to leave out the crocheters, I’ve also designed a couple of simple crochet mug cozies too. Don’t worry, I’ll put the pattern up on the website very soon! Classes for these this autumn too! 

crocheted mug cozies

Be prepared for autumn winds

Realising that it’s soon going to be gloves and hats season, I decided to knit a new hat. I chose a WoollyWormhead pattern called Toph which is a really interesting to make.

This is me modelling my finished hat. You may notice that I used the rest of that Deramores Jade DK for the motifs.

Annie wearing her Toph hat by Woolly Wormhead

It’s knitted from side to side and uses a technique called German short rows, for which I’ll be adding a ‘How to’ section soon. By the way, I’m going to be putting up a lot of knitting video and pictorial tutorials as well over the next few weeks, as lots of people are coming along to my knitting classes at the moment.

Black and white staffy cross smiling

Happy again!

And finally, just in case you were wondering, here’s a picture of our Lily looking a lot happier with the temperature!

Posted in: crochet, inspiration, knitting Tagged: craft, crochet, crochet classes, German short rows, knitting, mug cozies

Martin Storey – knitwear designer

July 19, 2018 by Annie 5 Comments
Martin Storey in white cable jumper

Annie Windley speaks to top knitwear designer Martin Storey, who just happens to be an old friend of hers!

Martin Storey and Annie Windley on Rowan stand at Knitting & Stitching Show

Martin Storey and Annie Windley

I love knitting patterns and designs. Always have, since the moment my grandmother taught me how to cast on at the age of 6 and started me on a lifetime of knitting adventures. Over the years, there have been certain designers whose patterns jump out and demand to be made.

So it was that I was immediately drawn to the intricate cabling, glorious colourwork and wearable shapes of certain designs I came across in a Rowan Magazine some years ago.

I was delighted to discover that Martin Storey was the designer, because he and I go back a long way… from before Martin even thought of studying fashion…

We caught up when he visited Crouch End one weekend, and chatted over a coffee or two at Edith’s House Cafe…

Martin Storey cafetier cosy

Martin Storey cafetiere cosy from his book Learn To Knit Arans

Martin Storey – the early days

Like me, Martin learned knitting and needlecraft early.

‘Mrs Cross taught me to knit at infant school when I was about 6. All the boys and girls learnt basic sewing, and cross stitch, too.

‘Our first project was a dishcloth. And I’ve still got the tie-dyed beach bag that I embroidered on at school when I was about 7.’

Again, just like me, Martin went on to knit clothes for Sindy dolls, which were all the rage back then.

Sindy patterns from 70s

Sindy outfits from vintage knitting pattern books

‘The oldest knitted project that I have is from when I was about 9 or 10 – I made an outfit for Sindy’s boyfriend Paul. He’s still got his knitted sweater and trousers!’

SIndy and Paul knitting pattern skiwear

An old Sindy and Paul knitting pattern

And Martin’s kept hold of some of those original patterns.

‘I’ve got various patterns from the 60s and 70s. They almost need framing. I still buy vintage patterns when I find them in second-hand shops, too.‘

vintage Sindy knitting patterns

Vintage dolls knitting patterns

Picking up the knitting again

Martin didn’t continue knitting through his teens, though. At the time we first met, when I was at college in Lincoln in the late 70s, he’d only recently begun knitting again, in mohair – that being the yarn of the moment back then.

At that time, I was going out with one of Martin’s best friends – Jonathan – for whom I’d knitted a special Patricia Roberts tank top covered in grapes and bunches of cherries. I was delighted to hear that this garment seems in some way to have had an influence in Martin’s choice of career direction…

Fruit machine pattern by Patricia Roberts which influenced Martin Storey

Fruit Machine top and jumper by Patricia Roberts

‘It was when I saw the Patricia Roberts Fruit Machine top you’d knitted for Jonathan that I became really interested in her designs and it launched me into serious knitting.

‘I thought, “This is great”.

‘I’ve never had a problem with reading charts and patterns, you see. If you gave me an equation, I wouldn’t have a clue. But with knitting, I can visualise the stitches on the needles and how they work.

‘Before then, all the patterns being published in magazines were mostly just boring shapes, but suddenly there were all these colours, and quirky shapes and textures. Patricia Roberts was a pioneer and her patterns really got me hooked on hand knitting.’

Career choices loom

A career in fashion was still not at the forefront of Martin’s plans for the future.

‘At that time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. My dad was a pig farmer and a friend of his suggested me getting some experience in an auctioneering firm in Driffield, concentrating on the agricultural side, and markets.

‘I went to auctioneering college, but lasted a term. I came home with my tail between my legs.

‘In the end my parents told me to just come home and work on the farm.

‘But that year, a friend had just started doing a Fine Art course and encouraged me to take up art again. I began an evening A-level art course, but then someone who was studying fashion explained I could apply for a foundation course instead. I went in for an interview with all my knitting and photos of things I’d done, as, at that point, I didn’t even have a portfolio!

‘After explaining to my mum and dad that my heart wasn’t in farming, they gave me their blessing to go to Hull to do the foundation with the view that I’d “get it out of my system”.

‘Unfortunately for them, I didn’t!’

Fashion takes centre stage

‘Even though, by that time, I was 22, and thought I may have left it too late to pursue a career in fashion, I applied to Middlesex to do a fashion degree and got in.

‘I nearly swapped onto the constructive textiles course, which covered knitting, but I’m glad I stayed on the original course, as it taught me to go out and do research and to actually look around, rather than trying to pluck ideas out of the ether.

‘We had quite rigorous training, learning how to illustrate, etc, working quickly, producing collections. I admit, all the projects I did had a knitwear element to them, though. For my final degree show, I showed hand knits as well as sewn garments.’

Martin Storey cushion

Homewear, too – Martin Storey cushion from Learn To Knit Arans

Life after college

By the time he left with his degree, Martin knew he’d like to pursue something knit-related, however, like many new graduates wasn’t sure where to go next.

‘At first, I worked for a costume designer, with a view to maybe working for the BBC. I was also helping my old tutor, who lived nearby, with his Maxfield Parrish design range. His wife was a PR for Fashion Week, and, when I mentioned knitting to her, she suggested a few people to approach.

‘The things you do when you’re young and naïve – I just took a portfolio to Fashion Week and saw a couple of people on their stands. They were very encouraging and liked my work, but didn’t have any vacancies at the time.’

Buoyed by the positive response to his work, the next day, Martin took an important step.

‘I rang Artwork, who were designing knitwear that I liked. I spoke to one of the owners, Patrick Gottelier, and asked if I could bring my portfolio in. He said that their assistant had just handed in her notice and asked, “Can you come in tomorrow?”.

Old Artwork pattern from a Rowan book

Artwork cream jumper in an early Rowan book

 

Luckily they liked my work, so they spoke to my tutor for a reference, and I started the following week!

‘It was just a little chain of events and coincidences, which is what my life’s been like throughout.’

Another introduction

It was through Artwork that Martin was introduced to Rowan.

‘We were using Rowan handknit cotton yarns at Artwork and one of Rowan’s founders, Stephen Sheard, used to come and visit regularly during the development of the indigo yarn that Artwork was known for. He used to talk with me about knitting and told me that if ever I got to the point of going freelance, it would be nice if I could get involved with Rowan. Though I did briefly go freelance, I ended up working for Artwork for 15 years, as they were doing really exciting and unusual handknits.

old rowan knitting book

Artwork was featured in early Rowan books

‘Then, one day, I bought a Drapers Record magazine and Rowan were advertising for designers. By then Stephen was a director. Kate Buller had become the brand manager and was responsible for recruiting.

‘Coincidentally, she lived round the corner from me. She came to have a chat – one of their designers, Louisa Harding, was going on maternity leave and they wanted someone to cover, working on Jaeger hand knits. They agreed that I could work from home, so that’s what I did.’

Martin Storey at Edith's Cafe in Crouch End

Martin Storey at Edith’s House Cafe in Crouch End

 

And that’s who Martin’s been working with since 2001, now, of course, one of their major name designers.

Ordie by Martin Storey knitwear designer

Ordie jumper by Martin Storey knitted by Annie 

Quilt jumper by knitwear designer Martin Storey

Quilt cardigan by Martin Storey knitted by Annie

Design inspiration

This year, it’s Rowan’s Ruby anniversary, and they’re celebrating with a range of events and new and revisited collections, so it’s been a busy time for Martin.

Wrap by Martin Storey

Wrap from Martin Storey’s Easy Aran Knits book modelled by Matin’s niece Harriet

‘When I’m asked to come up with a collection, I often know straightaway what I’m going to do from my research and observation, both out and about and online. It’s really natural, almost subconscious.

‘As I’ve come from fashion where you have to work very quickly, it becomes a way of life. At college we had to come up with a collection every week. It taught me always to have banks of ideas in the background. I’m always observing what people are buying, making, wearing, following trends on the catwalk and out and about.

Martin Storey cable hat

Hat from Martin Storey’s Easy Aran Knits book

‘And I do a lot of vintage research, too, and go back to things and old designs… just like those of Patricia Roberts from all those years ago!’

Martin Storey and niece Harriet

Martin Storey and his niece Harriet modelling two of his designs from his Easy Aran Knits book

Martin’s also been busy writing new books, soon to include a Learn To Knit Arans book and sister publication Easy Aran Knits, published by Berry & Co. And he’s been setting up a lovely new website where you can find his books plus projects using Rowan yarns, upcoming events and more, so do head over and check it out – martinstorey.co.uk

There’s even a free pattern for this gorgeous Chain Cable Wrap…

Chain Cable Wrap by Martin Storey

And, finally, don’t forget, you can also vote for him in the British Knitting & Crochet Awards, where he’s nominated in the Best Knitwear Designer category.

Posted in: inspiration, knitting, knitting patterns Tagged: interview, knitwear designer, Martin Storey

Sunny days and crochet

April 23, 2018 by Annie Leave a Comment
bright coasters

Sunny days arrive!

After my last post when we were shivering in chilly London, it’s strange that we’ve just had the hottest April day here since 1949! We’ve been sweltering our way through the sunny days, eating nothing but salads and sipping buckets of ice-cold drinks. Poor Lily the dog has been panting every time she steps outside – even though we’ve been sticking to  the shady paths around the woods that thankfully are just a few minutes’ from here.

Lily the dog in the woods

She’s been arriving home and rather than running around trying to distract me from my crocheting with her toys, she’s been heading straight for the spot in front of the fan, where the breeze even manages to blow her “down” ear up for once!

Lily the dog lying on a grey carpet

A craft for the sunshine

I always find crochet far more appealing craft than knitting during hot spells, don’t you? At least you can easily carry around small items, rather than having swathes of knitting draped over your knees.

It’s easy to take crochet out and about as well, so plenty of options to craft under the trees in the park (or even in the pub garden!). There’s often inspiration around too, like this pretty blossom I spotted while heading for a spot to sit…

blossom next to a cricket field

And talking about being in the park and the great outdoors, I’ve been working on a whole range of items that would look perfect if you’re eating al fresco. I think they’d be a brilliant way to brighten up picnics – gorgeous sets of crocheted cotton coasters.

bright coasters

I find cotton yarn a really summery choice to work with (even though, technically, I know it’s still spring and it’ll probably be raining and chilly next week!). Cotton comes in such a mouthwatering range of shades as well.

New designs

First off, I thought I’d dig into my existing stash make some simple round mats in the peachy Sheepjes Catona I bought last year, with slip stitch overstitching in pink Rico Essentials DK cotton…

salmon and pink coasters

Then I spotted some Aran weight cotton, and next came some bright and cheerful, simple round coasters…

bright crocheted coasters

Luckily I found some colours that were ideal for a watermelon colourway, which I thought was fun, as melon’s always welcome on sunny days, isn’t it?

watermelon crochet coasters

However, after ordering a whole new palette of shades of Rico Creative Cotton Aran from The Wool Warehouse, it sent me off in a new direction. I loved the fact that the yarn arrived in an organza drawstring bag, which is now in use as my coaster project bag. Here are just some of the colours!

Rico Creative Cotton Aran

Lacy days in the sun

The pattern I came up with next is more lacy than the bold circular ones, and I’ve made up lots of sets in different colourways.

Here are just a few…

retro crochet coaster set

Vintage shades

paster retro crocheted coasters

Pastel hues

crocheted coasters

Bright colours

I think the bright ones are such fun, and the vintage set would be lovely at a retro picnic or street party. And the pastels would be lovely at a at a christening party, or perfect for a summer wedding, especially outdoors or in a marquee.

Pastel coasters in organza bag

Off to market

The sets will be heading to my Etsy shop very soon. However, if you’re in North London in a couple of weeks, they’ll definitely be on sale at my stall at the next Makers Market in Crouch End.

Makers market poster

Did I tell you about the Makers Market? It’s a new collective of local craft makers that I’m part of, and we’re putting on a market every first Saturday afternoon of the month. It’s been great fun so far, and it’s lovely to show what I’ve been creating to everyone who comes along. Lots of interest in my crochet and knitting classes too! Here’s last month’s stall…

Blink Makers Market in April

Talking of classes, lots of people have been asking to learn how to make crochet flowers, and there’ll be more floral classes soon, but, in the meantime, I’ve been planting out my window boxes again, so am getting plenty of inspiration for some new crochet designs. I mean, just look at some of these beauties…

yellow flowers

Yellow is such a happy colour!

violas

And it looks so striking with purples.

daisies

Daisies are always a must…

And how could I finish my Sunny Days post without sharing Lily among the dandelions?!

Lily among the dandelions

 

 

Posted in: craft fair, crochet, inspiration Tagged: cotton yarn, crochet, floral inspiration, inspiration, spring, sunny days
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