Have yarn will Travel - 3 tips for knitting on the go!

Over this holiday period, a lot of us will be travelling with our knitting and crochet projects. To help keep the stress to a minimum, here are three top tips to help you work on those projects during your travelling time AND while you are relaxing at your destination.

seven | quince & co sparrow

seven more patterns inspired by Quince & Co Sparrow

1. Irokata Tee by Olga Buraya-Kefelian (knit)
2. Jane's Tunic by Leigh Radford (knit)
3. Camelia Tee by Anna Nilsson (knit)
4. Medano Beach by Heidi Kirrmaier (knit)
5. Clarice by Kim Guzman (crochet)
6. Marseille by Marie Wallin (crochet)
7. Storm Cloud Shawlette by Hanna Breetz (knit)




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seven | quick Christmas gifts to make

 

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seven quick Christmas gifts to make:

1. Hampstead Wreath by Wendy Baker and Belinda Boaden (knit)
2. Counterpane Accessories Pouch by Carrie Brenner (knit)
3. Sunflowers Satchel by Asami Kawa (crochet)
4. Foliage by Emilee Mooney (knit)
5. Lesezeichen Blatterreihe (Row of Leaves) bookmark by Gisela Bayer
    (knit with simple crochet edge)
6. Dear Liza by Annie Watts (knit)
7. Bead Necklace by Joanne Loh (crochet)

magazine review | pompom quarterly winter 2013 edition

It's back!

Hot off the press, the latest edition of pompom quarterly | winter 2013.

This magazine never fails to deliver, let me tell you. This edition contains 10 modern and edgy patterns, including a beautiful colour work hat worked using MadTosh merino light, a crochet cardigan, THE most stunning shawl…and so much more.

Plus there is a recipe for Mushroom & Ale Pie, which fits perfectly with the article about 'pub knitting'.

pompom quarterly is published only four times a year and issues sell out super-fast.

--> Click HERE to grab your copy.

5 ways to keep your knitting COOL this summer!

Do you knit all year long?

Yep thought so…me too!!!

It is a truth universally acknowledged, for us seriously addicted knitters, that it is never too hot to knit.

So how can you indulge in your craft so that it doesn't leave you even more hot and sweaty in our Australian summer?

Here are 5 ways for keeping your knitting COOL this summer...

1. Choose small and /or lightweight projects
    Summer is a great time to knit socks or lace - no heavy projects to sit in your lap

2. Choose "summer" yarns
    Cotton and linen are great choices for summer knitting, both for projects you can wear (summer tops      for example) and are also cooler in your hands. And sand washes out of cotton so much easier than it does out of mohair!

3. Consider modular projects
    Such as blankets made of squares - so you can make a bunch of smaller parts during summer, and  then join them all up just in time to have a new blanket for autumn or winter.

4. Keep your hands cool 
     If you suffer from sweaty hands, wash your hands in cold water regularly. Another trick is to dust your hands with talcum powder.

5. If you haven't already, try crochet! 
    From someone who is "multi-stitchual", I find crochet lends itself to summer crafting moreso than knitting - it will open up your options for modular and small projects especially. There is nothing like crocheting a Christmas snowflake to make you think it is cooler, even if you aren't!

Have you ever wondered why LINEN is so tough?

BE LINEN MOVIE IN ENGLISH from Linen and hemp community on Vimeo.

Strong, durable and very, very tough. Linen is one of the world's most ancient fibres.

Watch this video to understand why linen has stood the test of time.

seven | debbie bliss cotton dk

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seven patterns inspired by Debbie Bliss Cotton DK

1. Lindis by Amanda Scheuzger (knit)
2. Petrie by Beautia Dew (knit)
3. Twirly Girly Skirt by Elena Nodel (knit)
4. Float Vest by Robyn Chacula (crochet)

Ad because it's never too early to do some Christmas gift crafting
5. Stegs by Jennifer Thurston (knit)
6. Fiesta Tea Set by Annie Modesitt (knit)
7. Starfish Washcloth by Deja Jetmir (crochet)

suzy hausfrau podcast | episode #13 | knitting with linen

Click below to listen directly or download and subscribe in iTunes by clicking here.

I am talking about your summer knitting projects in this week's podcast, specifically knitting with linen and cotton. My friend Jane, is chatting with me about how to best work with these great fibres, what patterns you should select and technical information such as needle selection and how to block your project.

Check out this episode!

seven | quince & co sparrow

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seven patterns inspired by Quince & Co Sparrow

1. Strathcona by Jane Richmond (knit)
2. Hélène by Veronik Avery (knit)
3. Queen Anne's Shawl by Rebecca Velasquez (crochet)
4. Lineal Cardigan by HannahFettig (knit)
5. Swallowtail Cowl by Pam Allen (knit)
6. Brise Cardigan by Hannah Fettig (knit)
7. Outing Shawl by Pierrot (crochet)

HELP...I need your feedback!

Please help me redesign my website...I need your feedback!

I am always looking at ways of improving your shopping experience, and making sure that my website is exactly what my customers want is part of that.

Please take the time to complete this survey. You will receive a $10 voucher for your efforts.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS SURVEY

Responses close 31 October 2013.

Thanks in anticipation,
suzy xoxo

PS: All responses are confidential, so feel free to be as honest as you can be.

suzy hausfrau podcast | episode #12 | yardage design

Click here to play

Talking textile design with Yardage Design in episode 12 of the podcast. Nicole from Yardage Design was my co-collaborator in design and screen printer of the suzy hausfrau tote bags and tea towels. Nicole shares her thoughts on inspiration, design and creativity.
Stay tuned for details at the end of the podcast about a special suzy hausfrau giveaway.
Links can be found at www.suzyhausfrau.com.au/pages/podcast12

Check out this episode!

Yardage design on the suzy hausfrau podcast this week!

Remember the suzy tea towels, and the awesome suzy tote bags? Well the also equally awesome textile designer, Nicole from Yardage design, who designed & printed them is this week's guest on the podcast! (try saying that after a few glasses) Out on Wednesday night this week...

seven | quince and co finch

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seven patterns inspired by Quince & Co Finch

1. Arcadian Shawl by Kristen Hanley Cardozo (knit)

2. Honey by Amy Miller (knit)

3. Boteh Scarf by Kathy Merrick (crochet)

4. Calanthe by Susanna IC (knit)

5. Fulmar by Veera Valimaki (knit)

6. Window to my soul by Joji Locatelli (knit)

7. Bear's Rainbow Blanket by Purl Soho (crochet)

Grazing on the greenest pastures of home

Early last Saturday morning I joined the team at Mix 106.3 for the launch of the Canberra Local Supports Scarf journey. Twenty bedazzled merinos were let loose to graze on the greenest of Canberra pastures.

From Glenroy Station, north of Bredbo, these sheep will be shorn in about 12 months time, and the wool will be scoured, spun and dyed. The result gorgeous local merino yarn.

Then the suzy hausfrau community comes in. You see it's my job to rally an army of local knitters to create the local supporters scarves in the ACT's beloved Raiders and Brumbies colours. The once in a lifetime scarves will then be given to Mix 106.3 charities to be auctioned off at fundraising events.

I think it's pretty amazing to be involved in the journey of these scarves, right from the very beginning, don't you?

You may recall that I was a guest of Cam & Ben on Mix 106.3 back in June, and managed to teach the odd knit and purl stitch to the guys. Well, Cam was keen to show me that he still had the knitting skills, and I spotted his case complete with cast on project in the stadium.  Keep practising Cam, you may even be good enough to help with a scarf next year!

Happy knitting folks,

suzy xoxo

suzy hausfrau podcast | episode #11 | The Craft Sessions

Click below to listen to this week's podcast, or here to download through iTunes.

In this week's episode of the podcast I am joined by Felicia Semple of The Craft Sessions, scheduled to be held in the gorgeous Yarra Valley (VIC) from 25-27 of October 2013. In the podcast we discuss the journey to creating this wonderful crafting retreat, as well as the amazing teachers and workshops that are scheduled for the weekend.
Registrations close on Thursday 10th of October for this wonderful weekend, so you may want to listen to the podcast sooner rather than later!

Check out this episode!

seven | one skein wonders

Quince & Co Lark

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seven patterns that use only one skein...spring cleaning at it's best.

1. Yorkshire Shawl by Judy Marples (knit) in Malabrigo Arroyo or Quince & Co Lark
2. Crow by Larissa Brown (knit) in Quince & Co Puffin
3. Scalloped Cowl by Lion Brand (crochet) in Quince & Co Puffin
4. Bartek by Jesska Hoff (knit) in Cascade Eco Cloud
5. Jacoby by Berroco Design Team (knit) in Shibui Knits Sock 
6. Cullin Cowl by Pam Allen (knit) in Quince & Co Puffin
7. Alpine Frost Scarf by Amy O'Neill Houck (crochet) in BC Garn Baby Alpaca

Everyone loves GREY | my top five

In all brands, all ranges...it seems we all *LOVE* grey! Light grey, dove grey especially!

So let me feed your grey addiction just a little bit more...

1. Relax by Ririko (knit) in MillaMia Putty Grey

2. Cold Breath by Joji Locatelli (knit) in Quince & Co Osprey Kumlien's Gull

3. Trapeziod (of course) by Kirsten Johnston in Shibui Merino Alpaca & Staccato (both in Graphite)

4. Chaleur (of course again) by Julie Hoover (knit) in Cascade Eco Cloud Dove Grey

5. L.1. by Antonia Shankland (knit) in Shibui Linen in Ash, Ivory with a pop of colour

BTW don't forget that the DOUBLE DISCOUNT (20% off orders $75 or more) ends midnight tonight.

seven | quince & co tern

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seven patterns inspired by Quince & Co Tern

1. Parquet Tiles by Rose Beck (knit)

2. Hamilton by Megan Goodacre (knit)

3. Claudia Scarf by Rebecca Jackson (crochet)

4. Pendulum by Amy Miller (knit)

5. Ashton Shawlette by Dee O'Keefe (knit)

6. Wee Brock by Gudrun Johnston (knit)

7. Festival Shawl by Lyn Robinson (crochet)

Click here for 'seven' more ideas for Tern.

suzy hausfrau podcast | episode #10 | Knit Camp!

In this week's episode of the suzy hausfrau podcast, I'm chatting with Kris Howard from the Knitters Guild (NSW) about their upcoming Knit Camp. Kris shares what's in store for participants, including some secrets!

Check out this episode!

seven | spring

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seven patterns inspired by spring

1. Sand and sea shawlette by Alana Dakos (knit) in Shibui Staccato
2. Flutter by Susanna IC (knit) in Shibui Staccato & Silk Cloud
3. Boxy by Joji Locateli (knit) in Quince & Co Tern
4. Fox glove wrap by Robyn Chacula (crochet) in Malabrigo Silky Merino
5. Spectra by Stephen West (knit) in Shibui Staccato
6. Angel Wings Pinafore (crochet) in Debbie Bliss Cotton DK
7. Pacific Shawl by Michele Bernstein (knit) in Quince & Co Tern

suzy hausfrau podcast | episode #09 | Editor Yarn Magazine

In this episode of the suzy hausfrau podcast I am interviewing Michelle Moriarty of Australia's Yarn Magazine. Michelle takes us through her journey to publishing the magazine, as well as her top tips for budding designers wanting to get their designs published.

Check out this episode!

suzy hausfrau podcast | episode #08 | lace knitting

In episode #08 of the suzy hausfrau podcast I'm talking with my friend Fiona, from 'Miss Fee Knits' blog. Fee shares her tips for knitting lace, right from the best patterns to begin with, the best cast on and cast off techniques and how to block your finished project.

Check out this episode!

pompom quarterly | latest edition | autumn 2013

A visual feast for the eyes...some of the gorgeous patterns from the latest edition of pompom quarterly.

seven | cascade eco cloud

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seven patterns for cascade eco cloud

1. Chevron Colour Block Blanket by Espace Tricot (knit)
2. Ghost Cone Scarf by Sue Perez (crochet)
3. Neighbourly by Jennifer Casa (knit)
4. Conifer Shawl by Kate Gagnon Osborn (knit)
5. Half Log Cabin Ombre Blanket by Purl Soho (knit)
6. Market Jacket by Tanis Gray (knit)
7. Vintage Crocheted Blanket by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas (crochet)

suzy hausfrau podcast | episode #07 | Textile designer - Louisa Cromptom

Recent UK graduate, Louisa Cromptom is already showing a masterful use of colour and pattern in her designs. Louisa's speciality is knitted textiles which made her a perfect candidate for the suzy hausfrau podcast. In this episode I interview Louisa about her recent studies, her graduate collection and how her gorgeous designs come together.

Check out this episode!

A roundup of Ravelry 101

Sometime back I began putting together a Ravelry 101 series which featured tutorials on how to get the best out of the website Ravelry.

Topics that I've covered so far include:

• why you need to be on Ravelry now
• how to tag within your queue
• how to add your stash to your Ravelry profile
• 3 steps to choosing an alternative yarn using Ravelry

In my list of upcoming blog posts I have:

• how to add your blog post to a project
• how to use the library function
• browsing for patterns, what are the options
• uploading a picture to your project
• how to sort through your Ravelry stash

This blog is about providing the suzy hausfrau community with the information, knowledge and inspiration that they want. So I'm going to ask you!

If you would like me to cover any other topic in my Ravelry 101 series, please leave a comment below.

Come on, don't be shy!

suzy xoxo

seven | quince & co tern

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seven patterns perfect for Quince & Co Tern

1. Sugar is Sweet by Rose Beck (knit)
2. A little romance by Dani Berg (knit)
3. découverte by Julie Hoover (knit)
4. Haiku by Rebecca Velasquez (crochet)
5. Coleus by Kirsten Kapur (knit)
6. Thayer by Leila Raabe (knit)
7. South Bay Shawlette by Lion (crochet)

Photos courtesy of Quince & Co.

suzy hausfrau podcast | episode #06 | Knitting and the war effort

This episode of the podcast I'm joined by Jessie Webb from the Australian War Memorial. Jessie has recently curated an exhibit highlighting how knitting played its part in supporting Australian troops during times of war. Knitting throughout history, fascinating stuff!

Check out this episode!

suzy hausfrau podcast | episode #05 | joolsy woolsy designs

In episode #05 of the suzy hausfrau podcast I am talking with Juliet Moody of Joolsy Woolsy designs. Juliet is a Canberra-based designer who has had desgined featured in Interweave Knits & Australian Yarn Magazine. Juliet shares her journey from knitter to published designer.

Check out this episode!

seven | malabrigo silky merino

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seven shawl patterns for Malabrigo Silky Merino

1. Fly me to the Moon by Diana Rozenshtyn (knit)
2. Just enough Ruffles by Laura Chau (knit)
3. Betangled Shawlette by Jennifer Weissman (knit)
4. Double Agent by Mary Lawson (knit)
5. Treenah by Megan Marshal (crochet)
6. Sophisticated Boho Lace Eternity by Sweaterbabe (knit)
7. Klamath Shawl by Sarah Kukucheck (crochet)

Top 5 knits for a royal baby boy

OK so I admit it, I'm hopping on the royal baby bandwagon. It's the perfect reason to trawl Ravelry pattern databases.

So I present to you 'Top 5 knits for a royal baby boy'...

1. McDreamy Jumper by drops design in MillaMia

2. A Simple Baby Pullover by Erica Kempf in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran

3. Gavyn by Amanda Blackford in Quince & Co Osprey

4. Little Fisher Pullover by Andrea Sanchez in Quince & Co Lark

5. Bjorn Tank top in MillaMia