Under cover - Knitting & Crochet Guild
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Issue 171 June 2021
Blooming
lovely
Rachel Wigram
celebrates nature in
crochet
Under
cover
Tricia Basham explores
knitted underwear
Wire
jewellery
Stunning knitted pieces
by Erica Thomson
Un
Convention
2021
Details inside
The Journal of the Established in 1978 for
Knitting & Crochet Guild
Education, Innovation
and Preservation
p. 1 SlipKnot 171
Rachel Wigram’s crochet brings nature to life p. 6 Jennifer Freestone remembers Patricia Roberts p. 32
Alison Simpson’s husband’s original ‘jummy’ p. 7 Alison Simpson’s update on an old favourite p. 7
Patricia Scott’s Lozenge sweater p. 30 East London Branch report p. 23
p. 2 SlipKnot 171
... From the CONTENTS
Editor
Features
A garden for life 6
‘Are you sitting comfortably?’ 7
We have gradually been emerging, slightly
Artful knitting 8
blinking, into the light. Buoyed by longer
Book Reviews 12
days and increasing sunshine, we are more
Did you know? 9, 27
than ready to see friends and family again
and to embrace experiences that were Highland Threads 18
forbidden for many months. Knitted underwear 10
Patterning on a knitting machine 38
This issue of Slipknot exemplifies the
creativity and imagination that have helped Shared aims 30
us all get through: the shared projects; the Sue Blacker, 1951–2021 17
friendships old and new sustained through Using wire on your knitting machine 28
online Branch meetings; the ingenuity of Visual design approaches on machines 36
virtual exhibitions and events programmes V-stitch mini shopping bag 31
that have enabled us to explore and learn Your memories of Patricia Roberts 32
from the comfort of our armchairs. Whilst
starting to resume the sociability of daily life, The Guild
I’m sure we will hold on to much of what we 200 Club 35
have discovered over the past year. As Rachel Branch reports 22
Wigram’s lovely crochet (p. 6) reminds us, Contributions to Slipknot 37
we have learned to value our crafts more Directors and post-holders 4
than ever for the sense of peace they bring From the Editor 3
and we have welcomed the space to learn
Message from the Board 4
new skills and to deepen our knowledge. It
The Guild on social media 40
will be very interesting to see what we bring
UnConvention 2021 20
of this experience into the future, both as
individuals and as a Guild.
Cover image:
Have a good summer and I look forward to Rachel Wigram celebrates
sharing experiences at the UnConvention in nature in crochet
...
September!
Denise The views and opinions expressed by
contributors to Slipknot may not necessarily
Download a full-colour pdf of this issue from the reflect or represent those of the Knitting &
members’ area of the website. Crochet Guild.
SlipKnot 171 p. 3
Directors and post-holders of the
Knitting & Crochet Guild
The Board is elected by Guild members The directors’ and post-holders’ names and
both as directors of the company and of responsibilities are listed on the Guild’s
the charity. The whole board is responsible website: kcguild.org.uk/about-guild/our-
for the strategic direction, governance and board-and-officers/.
management of the Guild.
Slipknot team
Editors Denise Cripps & Elspeth May slipknot@kcguild.org.uk
Machine Knitting Editor Liz Smedley knit.machine@smedley.f9.co.uk
Designer Lindy Zubairy skdesign@kcguild.org.uk
Book reviews Rita Taylor K2togp1@btinternet.com
Branch reports Anne Scahill annescahill@aol.com
Did you know? Lesley O’Connell Edwards GaladrielNOF@yahoo.com
Proofreaders Patricia Denne, Lesley Lougher,
Sally Kentfield, Clare Griffel,
Pam Mitchell, Sue Thomas
Message from
the Board
Greetings from your Board! We hope that members over the past few months. We
you are all keeping well and safe. I’m writing had decided some time ago that we should
this on 12 April, the date on which, among expand the size of the Board so as to be able
other less important changes, many of our to cover all the work needing to be done,
great local yarn shops will be re-opening for and we’ve been fortunate that a number
business. I’m sure we’re all looking forward of volunteers have come forward, with
to being able to squish those lovely hanks skills which will be invaluable to the Board.
instead of just viewing them on a screen You will have the opportunity to meet all
– and of course, supporting LYS after the the members of your Board at the online
difficult year they’ve had gives us the perfect Convention, of which more in a moment.
excuse to add to our stash!
The move of our membership records and
The Board has welcomed several new associated processes to Sheep has yielded
p. 4 SlipKnot 171
all the benefits for which we had hoped, in remote working. Feedback from last year’s
particular reducing the very heavy workload online Convention indicated that many
of the Membership Secretary. Thanks to people who for financial, health or other
the work of several Board members (work reasons would not be able to access a
which would have cost the Guild a good face-to-face Convention really welcomed
deal had we had to pay a consultancy) the the opportunity to take part in the virtual
changes have gone smoothly, and we are still event. Attendance at the AGM was also
discovering aspects of our work with which much greater than we would ever get at
Sheep can assist. a ‘real’ meeting, which is excellent for the
democratic running of the Guild. So we are
The attention of our IT experts has now
planning, even when face-to-face events
moved to the website, which will be
are possible again, to include more online
undergoing a major update in the near
activities for members. The Board will also
future. The new version should be easier
continue to meet virtually once a month,
to navigate, and the changes give us the
with just two face-to-face meetings per year
opportunity to give the site a more up-to-
– leading to a big saving in travel expenses,
date look and feel.
and reducing our environmental footprint.
We’ve had very helpful visits to Board
As always, if you would like to get more
meetings by members of the Collections
involved in the running of your Guild, or if
team, and by your Slipknot editors;
you have ideas you’d like us to consider, do
quite apart from being interesting, these
get in touch – contact details for all Board
discussions help to ensure that the Board is
members are on the website. We look
fully informed about important aspects of
forward to ‘meeting’ many of you at the
the Guild’s activity. They will also help inform
Convention – meanwhile, stay safe and enjoy
our Business Plan, currently in the course of
your crafting.
development, which will guide the operation
of the Guild over the next few years. Clare Griffel
On behalf of the Board
Planning is now in full swing for the next
online Convention, to be held in September. Slipknot is published by the Knitting &
More information about the programme is Crochet Guild and printed by Dearneside
contained in a separate article elsewhere Press, Huddersfield.
in this Slipknot. As last year, the AGM will Slipknot 172: Copy date 30/6/21
take place via Zoom during the Convention
weekend – you’ll be receiving information
about nominations and voting nearer to
Knitting & Crochet Guild
Part First Floor, Britannia Mill,
the event.
Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5HE
Strange as it may seem, there have been Company No. 05457452. Registered charity no. 1113468.
some advantages to our period of enforced
SlipKnot 171 p. 5
A garden
for
life
Rachel Wigram celebrates
nature through crochet.
I am disabled and housebound and I find
that crochet gives me a wonderful outlet
for creativity. I am never happier than
with a crochet hook in my hand, a fresh
ball of yarn at my side and my head full
of creative possibilities. Crochet centres
and settles me when life is choppy and,
ordinate with the style and designs of the
through this coronavirus pandemic, it has
different teacups.
been nothing short of a lifeline.
Like many of us, I found the beginning
Anything that connects me with nature
of this year particularly tough-going, so I
and the outside world really lifts my
decided to crochet an indoor spring garden
spirits and I’ve found myself particularly
to help me embrace the unfolding season
drawn to crocheting flowers through this
and the hope it brings. The snowdrops
past year of lockdowns and isolation.
came first inspired by a little bunch a
Puzzling out how to create them leads me
friend brought me to encourage me that
to spend many happy hours looking at
spring was really coming. Then came the
photos of beautiful flowers and gardens,
crocuses as another friend sent me photos
which is a pleasure in itself. Then comes
of carpets of them seen on her daily walk.
the process of experimenting with shapes
Next came the primroses as I spied a shy
and techniques to make a particular type
clump emerging outside my window.
of flower until it looks just right or right
Finally, it was time for bold, sunshiny
enough. Then there is the joy of making
daffodils and miniature narcissi. In the
each flower and arranging them together.
midst of it all, I couldn’t resist including
Last summer I particularly enjoyed the cheeky robin who kept me entertained
creating teacup flower arrangements as day by day bobbing around our garden.
gifts for some wonderful neighbours who The whole process nurtured hope and
had been extraordinarily generous and joy within me and now I have an indoor
caring through the first lockdown. It was garden that doesn’t need watering. Thank
fun choosing colours and flowers to co- goodness for crochet!
p. 6 SlipKnot 171
Are you sitting succumbed to age and a hole or two had
appeared in the fabric.
comfortably? ‘Oh, my favourite Jummy!’ he wailed, with
a tear in his eye, ‘What am I to do?’
Alison Simpson’s story to warm
the heart. His wife promised that she would knit him
a new jumper.
Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll
begin… ‘What would you like?’ she asked.
A long time ago there was a kind and ‘I want the same pattern’ he replied.
generous woman who had three sons.
So the wife hunted through all her knitting
She’d been brought up on a farm, so it
patterns, knowing that she hadn’t disposed
came naturally to her to knit and crochet.
of any that had come from his mother,
One day, when her youngest son was and couldn’t find the pattern. Six months
reaching manhood, she sat down and of searching on the internet and in charity
knitted a complicated jumper for him. shops finally unearthed a copy.
She poured all her love into her knitting
and when she gave the jumper to him, he ‘What colour would you like?’ the wife
cherished it. asked.
A few years later, her youngest son got ‘I want it in the same colour’ he replied.
married and soon after that had children So, another long search took place for
of his own, and his mother knitted for her a (reasonable) match for the colour
grandchildren with the same care and in a suitable yarn. This was eventually
love that she’d shown her own children. successful and the wife sat down to start
Sadly, within a short time, the woman fell to knit with love in her heart for her
ill and died. Her husband offered all her husband and her mother-in-law.
knitting and crochet products to the wife
of the youngest son as she was the only Eventually, with many rests, mistakes
one of his daughters-in-law who pursued and picking up smaller projects to knit in
those crafts and she accepted them between, the jumper was finished (see
with pleasure. photos on p. 2). The wife, happy with her
efforts, handed it to her husband with
Many more years passed and the youngest
the admonition ‘I hope that will last you
son continued to wear the jumper that his
another 45 years, because I don’t think I
mother had made him. He claimed it was
have it in me to knit another like that!’*
his favourite garment until the day, about
40 years after it had been created, that *From finding the first hole to completion
he went to put it on and found that it had the jumper took about four years…
SlipKnot 171 p. 7
Artful knitting
Denise Cripps explores the work of artist Sam Meech.
I stumbled across Sam Meech’s innovative
design work on Twitter (@videosmithery),
attracted by a card game he had designed.
Fair Isle 40 is a pattern-matching game
where players compete to knit the best
pattern over four rows of cards, unlocking
pattern bonuses as they go – it’s fun and
rather addictive! The idea for the game
arose from Sam’s need to make something
away from the screen over the past year
and he chose knitting because it ‘provides
aesthetic goals as well as the idea of
“building” something’.
Sam’s work is about a lot more than
fun and games though. He is an artist,
educator and videosmith whose work
Tim Berners Lee wearing one of Sam Meech’s
combines projection design, interactive
knitted scarves
video installation, community engagement
and digital textiles. He is interested in the a data-visualisation scarf telling the story
‘overlap and interplay between digital of 25 years of the World Wide Web and
and analogue hybrid design processes one design contained a quote from Sir
and the possibilities of combining the two Tim Berners Lee’s 1989 Cern memo: ‘The
in production and performance’. These system must allow any sort of information
interests have led him to use machine to be entered. Another person must be
knitting in a number of his projects (see able to find the information, sometimes
http://portfolio.smeech.co.uk/category/ without knowing what he is looking for’.
projects/knit/), often combined with Sam enjoys using domestic knitting
typography. machines in his collaborative projects as
The ‘Binary Scarves’ project was informed people get to knit whilst also learning
by the ASCII text system of encoding text about digital design. Alphaknit is a
to binary. Sam was commissioned to create collection of knitting patterns created
p. 8 SlipKnot 171
Did you
know?
by young people in Liverpool Libraries,
working within the standard 24-stitch
punchcard system for machine knitting.
Creating a unique letter-form in pixels, Compiled by Lesley O’Connell
each pattern was manufactured as a Edwards.
physical knitting pattern sample to take
home. The designs and workshops were Knitters against malaria
also combined in a pattern-zine which can is an initiative by Melanie
be found on Sam’s website. Developing Berg and Rosy Green
from that project, Tricotype, explores the Wool, to raise funds
constraints – and opportunities – offered for insecticide-treated
within the space of a standard machine- mosquito nets through
knitting punchcard to design typefaces and the Against Malaria
letterforms. Foundation. It has run an
annual appeal for the past three years
Originally from Huddersfield, Sam now from 24 December to 31 January. The
lives in Montreal in Canada. He is starting 2020/21 appeal raised over 20,000 euros,
to prototype some new ideas for his which will provide almost 11,000 nets.
knitting machines and is particularly The nets last for three to four years.
fascinated by the amazing colour palettes,
patterns and architecture of the metro Woola produces a substitute for bubble
stations in Montreal. I can’t wait to see wrap for packaging, based on leftover
what he comes up with! wool, not suitable for the textile industry.
It has been used in this country: a friend
had his Valentine present protected by it.
The packaging is a layer of wool between
two layers of recycled paper: all are
potentially recyclable, when separated
out. Recipients are advised either to
compost the wool, or to get creative with
it – although Woola don’t give any ideas!
The company is based in Estonia, but is
currently using British wool, though they
hope to set up contracts with Estonian
farmers. See www.woola.io for more
details and to request a sample.
SlipKnot 171 p. 9
Knitted
for bodices in llama or cashmere, including
some knitting patterns for children and
underwear
crochet patterns for ladies’ underslips.
Next came Weldon’s Practical Knitter
Tricia Basham goes and, from the 39th series, illustrations
undercover… of children’s petticoats (these could be
Setting aside childhood memories of itchy recreated as dresses), lady’s combinations
knitted vests, I was keen to see Joyce and a vest for a three-year-old child.
Meader’s collection of patterns and knitted Joyce is busily recreating items from the
items and she didn’t disappoint at her talk WWI period and showed us a gentleman’s
for the Knitting History Forum in March. vest. She noted that WWI vests seemed
Joyce collects commercially printed knitting to be all short-sleeved, with long sleeves
patterns and she started by mentioning being confined to long johns; she pointed
Eleonore del Riego de la Branchardiere’s out that the long john pattern suggested
The Useful Knitting Book published in 1864 to ‘knit gusset if required’ which conjured
and showed us the ‘cover’ that she had up a marvellous mental picture. Most of
made following the pattern noted in the the patterns Joyce uses for WWI items
book as a ‘Lady’s Under Vest’. Although she come from Odhams publications, including
knitted her version in DK yarn (as opposed Knitting for All Illustrated and Practical
to the 4-ply noted in the pattern), she was Knitting Illustrated.
still amazed at the tiny size of the waist in Patons Knit & Crochet Book, originally
the finished garment. costing 1 shilling, again had pretty
We were then directed to The Lady’s children’s petticoats. Lots of the
Knitting Book published in 1875 by Elvina underwear in these books was made with
M Corbould (first published in 1874), a artificial yarns, mock silk, etc. and we
book with several patterns for bodices started seeing some of Joyce’s amazing
and vests; Joyce noted that any early collection of period yarn.
illustrations must always be viewed with Joyce followed up with a huge selection
caution: they may not be reliable as the of pattern booklets – Fancy Needlework
artist may not have seen the garment at
Illustrated, Scotch Hosiery & Wool Shop
any stage.
leaflets, Penelope (a French publication)
Manufacturers’ price lists were an and Bestway were just a few – and
unexpected source of patterns. There was commented that some of the cami tops
a price list from Fleming Reid where you are great made with luxury modern yarn
could order yarn and knitting instructions for evening wear.
p. 10 SlipKnot 171We moved on to the 1940s when only No1 ‘for use in the Everest expedition and
24 clothing coupons were allowed and, our troops in Korea’. Patterns for thermal
with 18 needed for a winter coat, the underwear made from Falcon Thermocrill
remaining coupons needed to be eked 20% acrylic and 80% chlorofiber were
out over the year. Joyce mentioned that claimed to be ‘indestructible’! Chlorofiber
blackout material was not on ration is made from PVC and is now used for
and that knickers made out of it were dental implants and in matrix printing.
terribly uncomfortable. We were still knitting underwear in the
Joyce showed us some WAAF’s knickers 1960s and we saw an example of Patons
with removable elastic. Elastic, although Beehive Vest Wool and pattern SC134.
not on ration, was in short supply so Finally, bringing us more up to date, was
needed to be used for more than one pair. Joan McGowan-Michael’s book Knitting
One attendee mentioned that it reminded Lingerie Style, published in 2007 – copies
them of the shortage of elastic at the are expensive but individual patterns are
start of the lockdown when everyone was available online via
making their own masks! http://whiteliesdesigns.com/patterns/
String underwear is Joyce’s pet project. llingerie.html.
Often described as ‘healthy’ and providing A full list of all the publications mentioned
an insulating barrier in the winter and is available on the Knitting History Forum
allowing air to circulate in the summer, she mailing list; the video will also be posted
showed us numerous examples of vests, online. Contact Tricia directly for more
boxer shorts and two washing baskets details (pbasham87@gmail.com). See also
full of examples for all ages. Apparently Joyce Meader’s website:
string vests were invented in 1932 by a http://historicknit.co.uk/.
Norwegian colonel and they are still used
Lady’s bodice
today by the military when
sending troops to cold climates
and for those involved in ‘hot
fuelling’ aircraft.
Many yarns were produced to
serve the market in healthy
underwear and we were
treated to examples from
Halls, Acorn, Starlite and Coats
‘Musica’. Joyce showed her
treasured skein of Twilley’s
SlipKnot 171 p. 11BOOK REVIEWS
Edited by Rita Taylor.
such things as intensive
A Short History of the World
farming. Sally Coulthard
According to Sheep, Sally Coulthard,
doesn’t try to solve all
Head of Zeus, 2020. Hardback, 308 the challenges associated
pages, £16.99. ISBN 9781789544206 with sheep rearing but she
A simple search for ‘books about sheep’ leaves us with something
on Amazon came up with two thousand to ponder.
results. Many related to books about
sheep breeds, raising sheep or just
celebrating them. This book is different Elspeth May
in that it aims to provide a narrative of
sheep’s contribution to our world. There Knitted Space: a collection of
is an eclectic collection of chapters, no galactic toys to knit, Sarah Keen.
doubt influenced by the author’s direct GMC Publications, 2021. Paperback, 120
experience of keeping a small flock of pages, £14.95. ISBN 9781784946050
sheep on her smallholding in Yorkshire. This is a delightful book, full of patterns
There is much to enjoy here from the early for a spaceman, Martians,
attempts at domesticating wild sheep planets, stars and even
through to contemporary discoveries a space dog, with lots of
about sheep’s intelligence. If you don’t colour photographs on
believe the latter attribute, there is an every page.
example of sheep working out how to
The pattern instructions
get across a cattle grid by rolling on their
are easy to follow and
backs, ‘…like SAS commandos’. I loved that
there are no complicated stitches, just
visual image.
plain and purl. There are comprehensive
Other subjects which are dealt with ‘How to’ instructions at the back, so even
include the development of spinning a beginner should be able to make one of
techniques, the life of a shepherd and their the cute characters. A UK/US needle size
sheep dogs, wartime knitting (not just in comparison chart is included too, together
the UK), and the economics and politics of with abbreviations, hints on choosing
cloth making. yarns, tension/gauge, safety, sewing up
and finishing a project.
The book ends with a brief consideration
of the future of sheep and the impact of I would recommend this book to anyone,
p. 12 SlipKnot 171especially those who, like myself, have equivalent. They range from very simple
grandchildren, or are looking for attractive, things such as a balaclava and a snood
but easy patterns to knit for charity. to much more intricate, full garments
There are other books in the series too: featuring cables, lace, colourwork and
Knitted Cars and Trucks and Knitted embroidery. All the patterns are in the
Noah’s Ark. written-out form – there are no schematics
other than graphs for the colourwork.
Brenda Smith Following the original publication format,
the patterns are only given for one size,
Knitting Fashions of the 1940s: typically 36–40 inch chest but using
Style, Patterns and History, Jane modern yarn weights, often 4-ply or DK.
Waller. Crowood Press Ltd., 2021. Jane stresses that ‘the old 2- and 3-ply
Paperback, 160 pages, £16.99. ISBN wool was heavier than today’s: what
9781785007897 was then a 2-ply will be the equivalent
of today’s 3’, so some of the modern
This is a paperback reprint of Jane Waller’s
reconstructions do not seem to fit in the
classic 2006 book on
way a 1940s garment would.
vintage knitting based
upon patterns from the This book is well researched, engagingly
era of the 1940s. Jane written and presents a useful ‘history
notes that ‘authentic of wartime Britain and America, often
1940s garments were using the actual words of the knitters and
made from pure wools designers used by the fashion magazines’
in a fine ply on fine of the time.
needles and made to last’. There are seven
chapters presenting the knitting history Linde Merrick
chronologically from the outbreak of
World War II towards the 1950s, covering
Knitting from Fair Isle, Mati
the topics of wartime knitting (both for the Ventrillon. Kyle Books, 2020.
troops and on the home front), glamour, Paperback, 144 pages, £18.99. ISBN
intricate stitches, Fair Isles, and children. 9780857837486
The patterns celebrate a decade of Mati Ventrillon has lived on Fair Isle since
imaginative, stylish knitting, often figure- 2007, when she gave up her architect’s
hugging, adding Fair Isle and embroidery job in London for a complete change of
embellishments to overcome the scarcity lifestyle. With no experience of knitting,
of wools. she has learnt to knit and design Fair Isle
Each chapter tells a tale and each item garments having joined the Fair Isle Crafts
is illustrated by both the original pattern Co-operative. With such a background, you
photograph or drawing and its modern might expect her first book of patterns to
SlipKnot 171 p. 13...BOOK REVIEWS (CONTINUED)
be different to others’ and it is. who want to learn more about the island
and how its unique knitting heritage is
This is a beautifully designed book, printed
continuing to this day.
on high-quality paper and copiously and
colourfully illustrated with pattern charts Elspeth May
and wonderful images of the island’s
distinctive scenery. There are 15 patterns STAR WARS: Knitting the Galaxy,
to knit, including jumpers, scarves, hats The Official Star Wars Knitting
and fingerless gloves. Divided into three Pattern Book, Tanis Gray. Pavilion
sections of five patterns each, the sections’ Books, 2021. Hardback, 208 pages,
titles give clues to what you can expect: £22.99. ISBN:978011663577
‘Inspired by tradition’; ‘Playing with
backgrounds’; and ‘Past and present’. Not so very long ago, in a galaxy far, far
away… Tanis Gray has written another
Jamieson’s Spindrift yarn is used for each
official movie-themed knitting book.
design and patterns are presented in the
This one follows hot on the heels of her
same three colourways throughout – mid-
successful Harry Potter Knitting Magic.
grey and white, traditional colours (red,
blue, gold and white), and blues and white Tanis Gray is the author of nine knitting
with red accents. This enables the reader books and has over 500 published knitting
to appreciate how a particular design designs. She features regularly on Knitting
will look in different colours which I think Daily TV and teaches knitting worldwide.
would be helpful if you wanted to choose For Star Wars fans this book is definitely
your own palette. Each design features worth a look. It contains 28 projects, each
all-over colourwork and is suitable for both one with snippets of information and trivia
men and women. from behind the scenes of the films.
As an avid You can choose to knit cuddly toys,
fan of including a Porg, a pocket Yoda and
traditional a Chewie. There are four options to
Fair Isle, knit replica costumes, including Luke
I would Skywalker’s flight jacket and Princess Leia’s
recommend Hoth Snow Gilet. There is an excellent
this book to selection of ‘Inspired Apparel’, including
others who hats, scarves, mitts, socks and sweaters.
enjoy such The Yoda Mitts are strangely appealing
colourwork but a challenge to wear unless you are
or those in fact a three-fingered 900-year-old Jedi
p. 14 SlipKnot 171Master! The projects in the book are very
Switch & Knit Stitch Dictionary:
appealing, nicely designed and encompass
Choose any yarn and any of the 12
all levels of knitter with a range of different
patterns for cowls, hats, sweaters
techniques, including cables, colourwork,
& more, Tabetha Hedrick. Stackpole
double knitting, lace and beading. Projects
Books, 2020 Hardback, 200 pages,
are marked according to difficulty, with
£14.95. ISBN 9780811738262
some being
straightforward The title of this book is very misleading.
(such as the If you were expecting a stitch dictionary,
Chancellor you will be sadly disappointed. It’s hard to
Palpatine Scarf, know exactly what the author was trying
and the Ewok to achieve here, but I think it’s more of a
Hood), to the manual for a beginner to be able to knit
more complex from what the author calls recipes. She
Rebel Alliance offers a series of recipes to make a cowl-
Shawl, a neck jumper, scarf, sleeveless tunic, socks,
multicolour lace and beaded shawl, and cardigan, stole, hat, fingerless mitts, cowl,
the stranded colourwork of the Wookie tee and shawl. There are charts, tables
and diagrams galore, which, if you dislike
socks. There are plenty of projects in
maths, will put you off.
between so there is truly something for
everyone. There are some stitch patterns in this
book, all for multiples of four stitches,
There is a useful list of the yarns used at
but they don’t appear until p. 102. There
the end of the book, with websites, and a are chapters on finishing techniques and
note that the yarn weights used within the special techniques, however, photographs
book refer to UK weights. There is a helpful
section explaining each of the various
techniques used within the book so, if you
are looking to learn a new skill, this book
both instructs and inspires.
This is a really fun book which could
keep you knitting for quite some time
depending on how many Star Wars fans
there are in your tribe! May The Force be
with you!
Helen James
SlipKnot 171 p. 15...BOOK REVIEWS (CONTINUED)
are not the best way to explain these The patterns are divided into three
techniques and a series of short videos categories, beginner, very easy and easy.
with links might have been better. I would find it difficult to decide which
category to put them in as several of the
The book is very USA-biased, with
easy ones just use basic stocking stitch
American conversion charts. The
and minimal shaping. All the patterns
abbreviations list is incomplete and some
use US yarns and there is no guide to
of its contents have been put into an index
yarn substitution, but there is a chart for
of techniques. This book is aimed at the
standard yarn weights at the beginning of
beginner who is ready to branch out from
the book.
basic knit stitches. If I’d bought it because
of the title, I’d be very disappointed. If I like the large pictures and the fact that
you like sticking to rules and recipes, its the book doesn’t go into so much detail
fine, but it does not allow for independent that could put off a beginner; my only
thought or those who want to do it their caveat is that the size of the pictures has
way, or the way they’ve been shown. All in necessitated a small font for the text. But,
all, not for me. for someone who has never knitted before,
I think this could be a useful guide.
Natalie Tidy
Rita Taylor
Vogue Knitting; the learn to knit
book. Sixth & Spring, 2020. Paperback,
144 pages, £20. ISBN 9781640210639
This book is aimed at complete beginners;
it contains links to various videos as well
as large diagrams of how to cast on and
work the various stitches. The illustrations
are very clear and usually quite detailed,
although I was surprised not to see how
to start off on circular or double-pointed
needles. There are five chapters, the usual
‘getting started’ with information on the
‘tools of the trade’. There are a few pages
of stitch samplers with written instructions
but no charts, a short chapter on finishing
techniques and then the bulk of the book,
62 pages, is devoted to the patterns.
p. 16 SlipKnot 171Sue Blacker
1951–2021
The Slipknot team was so sad to
learn of Sue Blacker’s death in
April this year.
Sue Blacker made a huge contribution to
raising awareness of the qualities of breed-
specific yarn, not least through her iconic
book, Pure Wool (Bloomsbury, 2012). Sue
and Rita (whose patterns feature in the
book) had planned to write a new edition
for the current range of Blacker yarns – a
Sue was an active member of the Guild,
plan that would be a fitting tribute to
full of knowledge and generous in sharing
Sue’s legacy.
it. She gave a fascinating talk on the
Sue championed British sheep especially, economics of wool at the 2019 Convention
farming her own lustrous Gotland flock, and contributed articles and material for
and built Blacker Yarns into a distinctive Slipknot (most recently in issues 166 and
and much-loved brand. At yarn shows she 169). Sue will be a much-missed member
was a charming and welcoming presence of our community and our best wishes go
and, as Elspeth remembers, one of those to her family and wide circle of friends.
rare people who gave you their full
We’re sure many members have memories
attention when speaking to you.
of Sue they would like to share. Please
send any contributions to
slipknot@kcguild.org.uk and
we will feature them in a future
issue.
Denise Cripps, Elspeth May,
Lesley O’Connell Edwards,
Rita Taylor
SlipKnot 171 p. 17Highland Threads Denise Cripps reports on a virtual exhibition. The past year has been a time of worry and financial crisis for many businesses, dependent on visitors. Especially true for museums, many have shown wonderful creative energy, putting in place innovative collaborations with their local communities and reaching out through highly imaginative online exhibitions and events. Highland Threads, a collaboration between fourteen museums from across the Highlands, is no exception. This virtual exhibition opened in April 2021 and showcases clothing items through a 360° video presentation of each piece, alongside close-up shots of stitching, pattern and texture, providing an experience close to viewing each This all provides a very rich experience and item in real life. In the museums have also built programmes truth you can look of events around the exhibition: the in more detail and Groam House Museum held a lecture on for longer than you the Rosemarkie Pictish stones and their often manage in a links to illuminated manuscripts, following museum gallery! The up in May with a talk by designer Lucy pieces, which include Hague on translating Pictish key patterns Gairloch stockings, into cable knitting. In April I also happily a fisherman’s participated in the Groam House Celtic gansey, a knitted swimming costume and Knit-along to make a lovely hat designed a jumper designed by George Bain, are by new Guild member Barbara Pritchard, also supported online with interviews, Bain’s Toorie Bunnet (available on Ravelry additional photo galleries and lots more and LoveCrafts) in a beautiful Gotland/ detail on all aspects of the garments. alpaca DK blend from Black Isle Yarns. p. 18 SlipKnot 171
A visit to this Gairloch stockings (Gairloch
exhibition is highly Museum)
recommended –
Gairloch stockings were knitted in a wide
and will leave you
variety of patterns and colours, some
longing to head
imitating tartan. A double-diamond design,
north to see more
known as the Gairloch Pattern, became the
of the museums’
favourite. It was applied to waistcoats and
collections.
other garments, as well as stockings.
Jumper designed by George This pattern was developed in the middle
Bain (Groam House Museum) of the nineteenth century and was unique
George Bain was to Gairloch. Unlike many Scottish estates,
an artist and the lairds of Gairloch supported work
educator whose schemes for inhabitants during the 1840s
instruction potato famine. Knitting was encouraged to
manuals provide an income for the women, using
wool from local fleeces, home spun and
(Celtic Art: The
dyed with local plants. Lady Mackenzie of
Methods of
Gairloch employed an expert in spinning
Construction,
to instruct them to a higher standard. It
for example)
has been estimated that the annual value
have inspired
of the exports from the area was at least
countless artists and craftspeople since
£500 by the end of the century. Towards
their publication in 1945. Bain was
the end of the 1800s
captivated by intricate Pictish stones, early
a national ‘Home
medieval illuminated manuscripts and
Industry’ Society was
ornate metalwork from Britain and Ireland.
established.
Bain wanted others to able to use his
The pattern was
methods to create new designs in
revived in the 1970s
a Celtic style, promoting a uniquely
by Becca Macaulay
Scottish national art, and stimulating the
of Opinan, who was
rural economy.
known as an expert
Bain produced hundreds of designs in a knitter. In 2015,
Celtic style, for everything from carpets Gairloch Museums
to teapots, and from knitting patterns to published a modern pattern for Gairloch
handbags. The woollen jumper above is Pattern Stockings based on stockings in the
one of those pieces. collection.
SlipKnot 171 p. 19SAVE THE DATE! 11–12 Sept • A craft book club session led by
Board member Clare Griffel, where
Following on from last year’s extremely
you can share your favourite and
successful online Convention, known as
most inspiring hand and machine
the UnConvention, we’re running a similar
knitting and crochet books with other
event this year.
members.
• Two days of online talks and
workshops on a variety of craft topics
from a range of speakers, including
Guild Patron Lorna Hamilton-Brown,
designer Emma Vining and the Guild
Collection curatorial team.
• Workshops and talks will be a mix of
member-only and public events.
• The AGM, where you’ll hear directly
from the Board and elect new Trustees
and Directors. Papers will be sent out Key dates
in good time directly to members.* Mid July: Full details of the programme
• Free to attend. and how to book will be emailed to
members*
• Easily accessed online, enabling more
of you to attend and participate (from Mid August: Booking closes
the comfort of your own home!). Late August/Early September: Handouts
• Also featuring social activities for and details of any preparatory work
all members to join on Friday and required for workshops will be emailed
Saturday nights. to attendees*
• An opportunity for members to share 11 September: AGM held
their favourite and recent projects 11–12 September: UnConvention held
in our show and tell, facilitated by
* Members without email will receive
Guild Chair, Janet Collins. This event
UnConvention and AGM documents in
promises to be a wonderful insight
the post.
into the breadth of workmanship and
skill of members.
p. 20 SlipKnot 171Programme Highlights
An overview of pattern leaflets in the and books to either add to your library or
Knitting & Crochet Guild Collection with take off your shelves for a refresher.
Publications Curator Barbara Smith.
Join Guild Textile Archivist Angharad
A preview of designer Emma Vining’s Thomas for a show and tell of lace
forthcoming book, A Knitter’s Guide to samplers from the Collection, followed
Shawl Design, where Emma encourages by a workshop using vintage lace knitting
knitters to explore and experiment with cards for participants to explore various
shawl shapes and stitch patterns. lace stitches. Choice of stitch, needle size
and yarn will be personal and the various
An insight into Bohus Knitting, a project
effects considered.
that started in the 1930s to create job
opportunities for the women of Bohuslän An overview and demonstration of the
in Sweden. This talk from Collection techniques and methods of natural yarn
volunteer Maureen Wheeler will include a dyeing, and the vibrant colours that can be
short history of this fascinating project, an achieved through dyeing British wool yarn
opportunity to study some of the Bohus with responsibly foraged, home-grown
items held in the Knitting & Crochet Guild plants and food waste with Ria Burns.
Collection and a pattern to try out the
Learn different knitted cast-ons from
technique.
tubular to temporary, to two-colour and
An introduction to machine knitting with methods suitable for toe-up socks, plus
Ria Burns, equipping you with the skills to a smaller number of cast-off techniques
begin your own machine knitting journey from Rachel Lemon.
(and you don’t need a knitting machine to
A look at how different
attend!).
colour changes can give
Learn how to use crochet to make pictures a completely new look
and 3D models. This session with Anne to crocheted granny
Flanagan will focus on making pictures. squares with Anne
Flanagan.
A broad look at different knitting traditions
from Nordic and other cold countries
with Rachel Lemon. There will be sheep,
slippers and stars, alongside a bit of history
SlipKnot 171 p. 21Branch Reports
Compiled by Anne Scahill.
Bath Currently, our attention is being given to
sorting a large donation (eight bulging black
The Bath branch has continued its Zoom sacks!) of yarn, patterns, unfinished items,
meetings on the second Saturday of the needles and notions.
month at 10 am. We discuss work in
progress, pass on tips for patterns, yarn By the time this is in print, summer and, I
shops, online workshops, good books and hope, happier times will be here.
Netflix series! If you’d like to join us – no Helen Nulty
need to be local, we’ve welcomed visitors
from far and wide – keep an eye on the Guild Birmingham
Facebook page where Zoom link details In January I gave a talk on Estonian knitting
are posted each month. And we are just – similar to the one recorded for the 2020
beginning to think about the possibility of Convention but with added pictures. In
returning to face-to-face meetings... February Sue Cleaver explained crochet
Clare Griffel charts to us, and provided a Crochet Heart
pattern to practice on, given our meeting
Bedfordshire was so close to Valentine’s Day. Some had
made this in advance and some did it during
Our Zoom meetings continue and members
the meeting. Sue, as ever, was clear in her
from other branches have joined in. Advice
explanations and her answers to queries.
and help with projects is being maintained
In March Barbara Smith joined us from
albeit virtually. Many of our members are
Huddersfield to talk about the Miss Silver
making hats, jumpers and other garments
murder mysteries by Patricia Wentworth.
for homeless persons and refugees. These
The author was obviously as skilled a knitter
activities prove to be doubly beneficial in
as her invention, as the books contained
that they are also an excellent way of using
descriptions of knitting style (continental),
up stashes.
coupons during WWII, and progress made on
As we look forward with anticipation to being her projects (so conveniently finished just as
able to venture out, it is a waiting game as to the book ended). We very much enjoyed her
whether – and how – our groups will reform. talk. In addition, at all meetings we had our
Our Regional Day, usually in May has been usual show-and-tell where everyone shares
put back to 2 October with the plan being something, whether a work-in-progress
to have a real live one! More information or finished article. We all make impressed
will be available on the Guild website events or sympathetic noises, depending on the
page in due course. success or amount of fiddliness!
p. 22 SlipKnot 171We are looking forward provisionally to beautiful rhubarb tart and I made a small
gathering again in person in August at a new tartlet version from his pattern. One set of
site – St Martins in the Bullring. This is still charts is for the whole alphabet in Gothic
Birmingham city centre, which makes either lettering. This is not the easiest style to chart
bus or train travel convenient and is still the in double filet crochet, but Hilary Denny did
third Saturday in the month. it and made a blanket. A pretty bag, featuring
a medieval motif, was designed and made by
Rachel Lemon
Rose Bowers.
Bromley For the workshop part of our gathering we
After meeting on Zoom every month since were split into smaller breakout rooms on
the summer, a few of us got together in Zoom. We chose which project to work on
Queens Park in May – it was great to see and we caught up on our news. As always,
people face to face again! the hours just flew by.
One of the topics of conversation was our
residential workshop at Belsey Bridge, which
is normally held in August. This year it will
be in October with 11 different workshops in
various crafts. It is very popular, so there are
only a few places left. After a year of virtual
meetings and staying at home, that is not
surprising. We cannot wait!
Do come along to a real workshop in Ilford,
when we are free of lockdown restrictions –
you will be very welcome. The group’s details
East London are on the Guild website.
We had a meeting and workshop by Zoom on Dianne Chan
the first Saturday in March. This year’s theme
is ‘Back to the Future’ and this workshop was
dedicated to ‘Textiles – ancient to medieval’.
Our expert members had taken inspiration
from ancient textiles to design double filet
crochet patterns. The motifs lend themselves
to our charts and have provided us with
plenty to do until summer. We were spoilt
for choice from the beautiful selection – the
photos show just a few. One favourite of
mine is not based on a textile at all: Michael
Mann found his inspiration in a rather
SlipKnot 171 p. 23Branch Reports Milton Keynes/Braunston
Crochet Group
continued
After getting bombarded by requests for
Huddersfield introductory tutorials, we decided to launch
our ‘total beginner learn to crochet’ sessions
Our January meeting, when for the past
on Meetup.com delivered by Zoom. The
few years we have had a quiz, was this
sessions run over four weeks and introduce
year postponed until February. Marie
the basics of crochet to help people get
and Jen adapted the quiz for Zoom, and
grounded in the essential techniques and
set the questions. In March, we started a
learn to read a pattern/chart. We just
‘WIPaholics Anonymous’ programme, to
finished our first round and have some new
help those of us who have difficulty finishing
happy crochet-lovers added to the Knitting
projects (based of course on the Alcoholics
& Crochet Guild family! An introduction to
Anonymous programme, not altogether
Tunisian crochet was also planned for April.
seriously). Our show-and-tell session
uncovered some projects that had been In our general group, we have learnt lots
languishing for a long time – sometimes of new techniques and applied them to
because they weren’t turning out as well as patterns to test our new skills. We have
we hoped, or sometimes just because it is so learnt the basics of plaid and mosaic and
much more exciting to start a new project. In made some lovely book covers (these
the next months we will, we hope, learn to make fantastic gifts). We had a go at
manage our projects better, or at least will be crochet earrings (fiddly but fun on a
able to finish some of our WIPs! 1.2mm hook!) and made an Easter wreath/
table centrepiece ready for our tables on
Barbara Smith Easter Sunday.
Merseyside It has been tough organising everything
Whilst the post-Christmas lockdown was over Zoom (especially when people are new
tough and drained motivation from many to it), but we have come on a lot. We are
of us, our branch meetings helped keep me getting better at planning and writing out
going. My day was brightened up hearing demo sheets to use to take the stress out
of presenting. We have also been creating
from everyone and sharing our creative
learning materials using Canva.com to share
ideas and inspirations. Our fortnightly Zoom
after sessions with participants.
meetings have continued and I am thrilled
that a few new ladies have joined us this Online classes are great, but we are all
year, which has added even more interesting looking forward to meeting up in person
things to talk about and projects to share. after the summer, as there is nothing like
Stay safe and happy stitching, everyone. crochet, chat and coffee with friends!
Marianne Penny Gill Jeffery
p. 24 SlipKnot 171Mapperley Knit & Natter – Oxford
Nottinghamshire We were privileged in February to have
We’ve been unable to meet in person since a sneak preview of the research Leslie
March of last year, but since the autumn, O’Connell Edwards and Angharad Thomas
those who normally attend our meetings are undertaking into knitted ecclesiastical
have been meeting by Zoom at our usual gloves. For Leslie this has meant charting
meeting times instead. The meetings are intricate patterns, working on 1.5mm
fairly short and are mainly Show & Tell. It’s needles. The gloves were commissioned
good to see those who are able to connect for bishops and the higher echelons of the
in this way, but we’re really looking forward clergy. This was a fascinating session and
to getting back together in person as soon as highlighted Leslie as the skilled knitter we
we are allowed to, and the venue reopens. know she is.
Alison Peck The following month Jacky Ridgill instructed
us in double knitting via wizard technology,
Norfolk Branch some borrowed from her son. It was a useful
session with a simple pattern to experiment
Members of the Norfolk Group are much
with. We marvel at her expertise.
looking forward to meeting up before too
long. Our meeting room in the WI Federation The Zoom meetings have proved increasingly
House in Norwich is reserved for our use in popular and have enabled us to reach out
the future. to members who would only occasionally, if
ever, be able to attend in person. Although
We are continuing to keep in touch through
lockdown is easing, we have decided to
newsletters sharing our current projects,
postpone the planned Regional Open Day in
although our creativity seems to have
July to 2022. Instead our meeting on 3 July
diminished lately. Once meeting in person
will be a super Show and Tell combined with
again, however, we shall enjoy sharing
a virtual strawberry cream tea. What is not
our work in actuality as well as renewing
to like?
friendships formed over the years.
Details will be posted on the website.
Rosemary Brown Meanwhile, enjoy the freedom we have
North Norfolk Knitters been granted.
North Norfolk Knitters hope to be able to Jane Barton
start up again in June if we can find a venue.
Rossendale Lancashire (Weir)
Rita Taylor Since our last report we have continued to
meet on Zoom every Wednesday morning
and on the last Thursday of each month in
the evening for Knit and Sip.
SlipKnot 171 p. 25Branch Reports scarves to stretch the equivalent length
of the Cumbria Way, to be donated to the
continued homeless in Cumbria and elsewhere.
Over the past year during lockdown we At our March Zoom session we held a soup
have maintained many of our ongoing group social lunch to support the work of the M3
projects including: project, a specialist charity in East Lancashire
that provides help to single young people.
• Traffic Light baby hats for Oldham
Hospital’s Neonatal Unit. These colour- In order to maintain contact with our ‘hard
coded hats are a great visual aid for the to reach’ members we produced and posted
midwifery and neonatal teams to easily out a paper newsletter, meaning that
identify babies that may need a little members who were unable to access our
more help or care within the first few Facebook page were kept up to date with
hours. what the group was doing.
• Angel baby outfits for infants that pass We love nothing better than an opportunity
away during pregnancy or soon after to celebrate and, although our activities have
birth, also for Oldham hospital. been curtailed somewhat, we have become
quite good at continuing to participate in
• Trauma teddies for the local Fire Service. socially distanced group projects. We have
They are given to children in need of all enjoyed this as it has given us something
comfort, when they have suffered a to get our teeth into and has proved that
traumatic experience such as being we can work well with each other even if
involved in a car crash or a fire. it is only remotely. We were able to mark
• Blankets for the homeless. Christmas with a ‘Random Act of Kindness’
drop of tiny Christmas-themed people
• Clothing and blankets for ‘Fish and Chip all ready to hang on Christmas trees and
Babies’ in the poorest part of Africa Valentine’s Day by leaving lots of little hearts
who would otherwise be wrapped in around for people to find. We also ‘Heart
newspaper, hence the name. Bombed’ the village. For Easter we plan to
In addition we have made another video dress a number of trees with knitted and
which can be viewed on YouTube (search crocheted eggs, bunny rabbits, and chickens
on ‘Weir Knit and Natter’) and co-hosted hoping to raise spirits after a whole year
a knitting and crochet event, via Zoom, of lockdown.
for a ‘Wellbeing at the Whittaker’ event in
Glynis Page
January.
A good number of members have signed
up to the Cumbria Way Homeless Scarf
Challenge 2021 to knit or crochet enough
p. 26 SlipKnot 171Did you
know?
South West London
What a year it has been for us all! The
branch last met in February 2020, over a year
ago, little realising that it would be the last Compiled by Lesley O’Connell
physical meeting of the year. Since then, I Edwards.
have sent out a monthly ‘Keeping in Touch’
The latest issue of the Archaeological
email to the branch members, with photos of
Textiles Review came out in February
our makes, and snippets relating to knitting
2021, and has four items on knitting.
and crochet gleaned from the media. When
Lockdown 1 eased, some members met up Sylvie Odstrčilová writes about gloves
in Kingston but others were shielding and found in the tombs of 18th-century
staying safe. Karen kindly offered to host free abbesses in Prague. Christine Carnie’s
Zoom meetings for the branch and we have report on the Texel stockings conference
met monthly online since July. Tracey and held in Leiden in 2019 includes
Penny have also hosted meetings. It has been photographs of the recreations of these.
a great way to get to know each other better. Lisa Little writes about the Heritage
We have talked about our favourite patterns, gansey knitting network project, including
books and yarn shows, had ‘show and tells’, details of the bequest of Michael Harvey’s
and supported each other from the comfort researches to Sheringham Museum,
of our homes. Stashes have been used up,
and a discussion of ganseys. Finally,
and members have supported a number of
there is a paper on the ‘Holy hands’
charitable causes.
project of Angharad Thomas and Lesley
We shall continue to meet on Zoom for the O’Connell Edwards, which examines
foreseeable future. I may even master the knitted liturgical (aka bishop’s) gloves.
ability to schedule a meeting for the branch.
The issue can be downloaded from www.
Mary Gordon atnfriends.com (click on ‘Download
issue’) – or a printed copy can be ordered
from the University of Copenhagen web
shop.
In late March 2021 ChiaoGoo reported
that their Red and Blue Shorties
sets were being counterfeited, and
advised potential purchasers to buy
only from reputable dealers, such as
local yarn stores or specialist online
needlework sites.
SlipKnot 171 p. 27Using wire
on your
knitting machine
Erica Thomson conjures intricate realised that, in order to create something
jewellery from wire. of enough substance, I would need several
strands of fine wire (0.2mm) together, just
I began playing with knitting like using industrial knitting yarn. I found the
with wire on my knitting optimum number of strands was four, knitted
machine over 20 years ago, at stitch size 6 or 7 which would create a
but the choice of colours substantial piece that would stand up to
and types of wire were handling and could
limited. I used a Brother be manipulated to
710, a machine I still use
form interesting
today, but you can use any standard gauge
shapes.
machine with a metal bed. I made myself
some earrings and did much experimenting Enamelled copper
to see the limitations. wire now comes in
I found that although I over 30 colours and
could thread the wire is available on 175m reels. You can have a
through the tension mast lot of fun combining colours which do blend
as usual, wire behaves together like paint, yet on closer inspection
very differently to yarn marble together
and you need to treat it maintaining the original
with respect! colours. I often use thread
or fine yarn to mix and
I use enamelled copper wire, though it needs
change the colour. I like to
to be quite fine to work on
blend colours to match my
the machine safely. Too fine
clothes.
a gauge breaks when knitting
and too heavy is difficult or I also use a plastic-coated, silver-plated
impossible on the machine. At copper wire which is made for the aircraft
the time, I was concerned that industry and is perfect for making jewellery,
I may damage my machine, though sadly it is now only available in
but I can honestly say I have never had any limited colours. It is soft and can be used just
problems. As I was interested in making like 4-ply yarn and knitted at stitch size 6 or 7
jewellery – mainly earrings at that stage, I very easily.
p. 28 SlipKnot 171You can also read
