New (to me) Spinning Wheel!
For a few months now, I’ve wanted an antique (or at least older than my 1980’s Ashford) spinning wheel. If I get a fiber display for living history going, I won’t want to take Aurora, since she looks so new…not “oldy-timey” at all.
Well, I found this beauty online and she arrived here yesterday
She arrived almost entirely intact and when I got her set up and oiled she was ready to go!!
I spun quite a bit of the 50% silk/50% merino that I dyed with left over Easter egg dye a couple of years ago. I think I’ll ply it with the left over single that I used to make the 2 ply yarn that I’m knitting into a scarf for Adam…
This wheel has a card affixed to it that says she is a Flax Wheel, Restored by William Ralph in 1990.
I LOVE her!!!
Updates abound
Dusting off my online spaces, getting things tidy…
Boy! I’ve neglected this blog for a few years now!
Since June 2016 I’ve been posting to the Red Heart Blog.
Most of my time is spent knitting projects for Coats.
I’ve also undertaken interpreting antique patterns for modern knitters.
Find me on Facebook (phunknits) or Ravelry (phun).
Phun Knits Workshops come to Michael’s @ Stonecrest
I will begin hosting workshops and teaching classes at Michael’s in Stonecrest this May!
Every Thursday in May I will host a Knit and Crochet Drop-in Class/Club from 9:00 -11:00AM. This class/club is intended for knitters of all experience levels to come in and get quick tips, pointers, help with stubborn patterns and projects, OR just sit and stitch! There will be a $5 fee.
But the really fun exciting news is that I will be teaching 3 beginner workshops at the end of May.
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May 22nd – Crochet Beginner 1 – Phone Cover or Skinny Scarf PREREQUISITES: All you need before taking this class is an interest in learning to crochet. Here’s where the fun begins! Techniques to be taught are: slip knot, foundation chain, single crochet, turning chain, sewing seams together, reading instructions and gauge. |
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May 26th – Knit Beginner – Knit Headwrap PREREQUISITES: All you need before taking this class is an interest in learning to knit. Here’s where the fun begins! Techniques to be taught are: slip knot, casting on, knitting, binding off and sewing seams together. |
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May 30th – Crochet Beginner – Crochet Flower Beanie PREREQUISITES:To attend this class, you should be familiar with chain stitch, single crochet and double crochet. Techniques to be taught are: double crochet, half-double crochet, treble crochet, working in the round and changing yarn colors. Finally, a crochet a flower will be sewn on the beanie. |
ALL MAY 2014 Workshop Classes run from 6:00 – 8:30 pm and cost $25 (which DOES NOT include the materials, which you should purchase prior to class and bring with you.)
Join a Phun Knits Workshop today!!
Once a teacher, always a teacher…
I have made arrangements to teach knit and crochet classes at a local Michael’s store!
I’m very excited for this opportunity and have lots of plans but first I have to pick a project and a couple of days when I can teach. I’m also hoping to create a “drop in needlecraft club” wherein I will be available for a few hours during the workday for folks to drop in and get help with projects they’re currently working on (or get a little encouragement to try something new!)
My career, before becoming a stay at home mom, was corporate computer training so I believe my background should translate nicely!
Once I have a few dates and projects picked out I’ll be sure to post them here!
Phun Patterns
If you are not a member of Ravelry, you should be…that way you can see my patterns and projects!
Patterns: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/laura-bain
Projects: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/phun
2013 Flew By…
Since I last posted so much happened! To sum up, I’m writing patterns for Coats (the makers of Red Heart Yarn) and have gotten to work with brand new yarns while they’re in development. My first pattern went on their website during “Christmas in July.” A project I made will be on the yarn wrapper of an awesome brand new new yarn that should be in stores next month (I’ve done a project for Joanne Fabric and for a NY photo shoot, also)!! I’ve done a couple of spinning demos at The Museum of the Waxhaws and continue to refine my spinning skills when I have some spare time (haha!). The kids are growing like weeds and always keep me on my toes, but I LOVE having a creative outlet and creating patterns for Coats. I feel very blessed to be able to work for them in this capacity.
Here are a few patterns I’ve published to Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/laura-bain though I have a hand full more that I just haven’t uploaded yet. Some day… ;o)
First Published Pattern!!
This is the first pattern I have designed for publishing! I posted it, for free on Ravelry as well! Phun Stuff!!
Wine Bottle Cozy Trio
Designed by Laura Bain
Difficulty level: Easy
Directions are for a 12 inch tall 750mL wine bottle.
Knitting Needles: 5 mm [US 8, DPNs]
GAUGE: 17 sts = 4”; 25 rows = 4”. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles/hook to obtain the gauge given.
NOTE
This project is worked in the round, from the bottom up.
Linen Stitch = K1, S1 with yarn in front
ABBREVIATIONS: A = Paddy Green; B = Soft White; C = Cornmeal; D = Burgundy; E = Tea Leaf; F = Mistletoe K = knit; P = Purl; St st = Stockinette stitch; K2tog = knit two together; [ ] = work directions in brackets the number of times specified.
Striped Wine Bottle Cozy
STRIPED COZY BODY:
Using A, Cast on 42 sts (if working with DPNs cast 14 stitches on each of 3 DPNs).
Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
Rounds 1 & 2: K
Round 3 – 5: Switch to B, K
Round 6 – 8: Switch to C, K
Round 9-13: Switch to D, K
Round 14 & 15: Switch to A, K
Round 16 – 21: Switch to D, K
Round 22-24: Switch to B, K
Round 25 – 30: Switch to E, K
Round 31 – 33: Switch to C, K
Round 34 – 38: Switch to A, K
Round 39 & 40: Switch to D, K
Round 41 – 45: Switch to A, K
Round 46 & 47: Switch to B, K
Round 48 & 49: Switch to E, K
Round 50: Switch to D, K
STRIPED COZY DECREASE:
Repeat across the round.
Round 1: [K5, K2tog]
Round 2: K
Round 3: [K4, K2tog]
Round 4: K
Round 5: [K3, K2tog]
Round 6: K
Round 7: [K2, K2tog]
STRIPED COZY NECK:
Switch to A
Round 1: K
Round 2-13: K2, P1
Round 14: Bind off tightly.
STRIPED COZY FINISHING: Weave in ends. Sew yarn A around neck, make and attach pom-poms in D.
Solid Wine Bottle Cozy
SOLID COZY BODY:
Using D, Cast on 42 sts (if working with DPNs cast 14 stitches on each of 3 DPNs).
Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
Work St st for 8 ½ inches.
SOLID COZY DECREASE:
Repeat across the round.
Round 1: [K5, K2tog]
Round 2: K
Round 3: [K4, K2tog]
Round 4: K
Round 5: [K3, K2tog]
Round 6: K
Round 7: [K2, K2tog]
SOLID COZY NECK:
Switch to B
Round 1: K
Round 2-13: K2, P1
Round 14: Bind off tightly.
SOLID COZY FINISHING: Weave in ends. Sew B around neck, make and attach pom-poms.
Linen Stitch Wine Bottle Cozy
LINEN STITCH COZY BODY:
Using F, Cast on 43 sts (if working with DPNs cast 14 stitches on each of 3 DPNs).
Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
Work Linen Stitch for 8 ½ inches.
LINEN STITCH COZY DECREASE:
Repeat across the round.
Round 1: Switch to B, K2Tog, K
Round 2: [K5, K2tog]
Round 3: K
Round 4: [K4, K2tog]
Round 5: K
Round 6: [K3, K2tog]
Round 7: K
Round 8: [K2, K2tog]
LINEN STITCH COZY NECK:
Switch to B
Round 1: K
Round 2-13: K2, P1
Round 14: Bind off tightly.
LINEN STITCH COZY FINISHING: Weave in ends.
