bybecks

As a fanatical hand-knitter nothing is better than sharing this passion and I've come to realise that I can bore for England on the subject so I've now decided to take to the road in an effort to share the love. Armed with a lap-top, projector and screen I'm venturing into the world of public speaking! Had great fun developing a talk illustrated with slides, examples of work and samples of unusual yarns, I want to take a light-hearted look at the history of knitting and its traditions... Read Full Story

Almost a year ago to the day, I began my first Estonian Lace project having attended a workshop on the subject run by the Dutch Knitters, at the I Knit London Weekend! Two years ago I would never have attempted such a project; three years ago I wouldn't have contemplated anything with a chart; four years ago I didn't know anything about knitting socks, ten years ago I didn't use circular needles etc. etc.......... such is the life of a knitter! Read Full Story

So the New Year's resolution bit the dust - Can't believe it's been almost a year since I blogged. No excuses - yes, life's been hectic, but isn't everyone's? So draw a line, deep breath and blog on! __________________________ (the line!) I'm passionate about knitting - I swear it keeps me sane! It dominates my waking and, occasionally, my sleeping moments and I have an obsession to share this love with pretty much everyone I come in touch with. So it's been fantastic to take the Craft... Read Full Story

Really easy "mitt-knit" using 4 double-point needles and soft baby cashmerino yarn. Took just three evenings to make and if you download the pattern from Ravelry, Cranford Mitts , you can make an optional donation to Medecins Sans Frontiers! Read Full Story

For a number of months I've been contemplating stitch markers - yes, a bit sad, but bare with me! I really wanted to find something that didn't use a split ring and had as few "snagging opportunities" as possible, especially when working with lace yarns. Now, I am aware that I could have pinched some of Tilly's tiny braid elastics or even resorted to loops of knotted yarn - but I also wanted something that was pleasing to look at and big enough so it couldn't be "knitted in" by accident... Read Full Story

This project has been a while in the offing, but is now complete and I am really proud of him! Designed to be part of a permanent exhibition at Cressing Temple Barns , Essex, he will join a plethora of other interpretations of the Green Man and also a unique weaving project undertaken by fellow members of the Mid-Essex Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. I think it's quite fitting that not only was the majority of the yarn taken from my stash, but the project transmuted organically as it... Read Full Story

I got an e-mail from the Craft Council at the end of last week asking if I wanted to attend a free training day for Craft Club Volunteers - an excuse to knit all day? Well, I'm not likely to turn that down am I? The training is associated with the "Knit 1, Pass it on" initiative to get volunteers into schools to do something crafty with yarn. It doesn't have to be knitting, but it's quite a good starting place - particularly as the website, " Craft Club, Knit 1 Pass It On ", has some cracking... Read Full Story

Although my life is pretty much dominated by all things yarn, I occasionally allow other areas to encroach, you know; cleaning, cooking, homework............and this year, veg growing. This is partly because I’ve spent the last couple of years watching my neighbour systematically turn his bare, brown winter plots into and mass of colour, texture and taste through early spring to late autumn. Whilst being a year round knitter, I’m proving to be a fair weather gardener so I didn’t really get... Read Full Story

This is such exciting news I need to sing it from the tree-tops! After nine months of planning we are really pleased to announce the opening of the Yarnshed. Our own purpose built sanctuary to house our stock; hold workshops, knitting groups and lessons as well as let the creative juices flow! If you would like to come and browse our sensational yarns and accessories, brush up on your skills or learn new techniques, or just sit and knit in the tranquil North Essex countryside please do not... Read Full Story

I really like the idea of KALs (knit-a-longs); the thought of hundreds of people around the globe knitting the same thing yet creating their own unique project makes me go all fuzzy inside - however, this Mystery Blanket was a bit frustrating with a number of errors appearing in the pattern instructions. After putting this project in hibernation for the best part of a year I finally decided to finish it using my own stitch patterns and techniques and have had great fun, ending up with a 36... Read Full Story