French Knitting Masterclass with Teri Howes

I have been on a couple of Teri's Courses before to learn how to Crochet with Wire - so when I heard Teri was doing a French Knitting Class I was in!

(Photo  above Courtesy of Teri Howes)

My only previous experience of French Knitting was one of those Child's Learn to Knit (with Wool) Kits many years ago now! 


But even if you haven't had any experience at all this class is fine for a complete beginner.

The class covered all aspects of French-Knitting with Pure Silver for the purpose of jewellery making!

We learnt how to use the wooden spool and a Crochet Hook to work the stitches. It only took a few rows to get the hang of the technique.

We were then confident enough to add beads to our knit - this was achieved by placing them in the middle of the spool or by threading them onto our wire and working them in.

The shape of the knit can also be manipulated by stretching it as with Viking Weave.

Below is my finished Bracelet!

Get in touch with Teri Howes if you are interested in any of her classes.

Better still - if you pop along to one of the Cockpit Arts Open Studios  this summer, you can meet Teri in person along with lots of other Designer-Makers and get to see behind the scenes. 

You can also buy stuff directly from the designers themselves!!

Blog Giveaway!

I am quite partial to a Tunnock's Teacake from time to time - being married to a Scotsman it's compulsory!

A while ago now I bought a fantastic bag from designer Gillian Kyle featuring a massive Tunnock's Teacake!

I managed to pop along to Cockpit Arts for their Open Studios with 4 year old Twin B in tow! The deal was he'd behave and keep his hands to himself near all the Designers' lovely stuff and I in return would take him to The London Transport Museum.

Twin B was good and even had a go at some hands on designing at Cockpit Arts. He made his very own badge courtesy of Jo Sheffield the woman behind the Busbie label.

I was particularly drawn to these lovely badges - can you guess why?!!

GIVEAWAY COMPETITION!

If you would like to win a pack of the badges* above you can enter simply by:

1. posting a link to my competition on a social networking site, blog or forum of your choice

OR

2. Signing up to my blog if you haven't done so already!

Please leave a comment below telling me you have entered.

I have two packs so there will be two winners. Entries will be drawn on Friday 19th June!

*Tunnock's Teacake not included!

Wire Crochet

I had a wonderful day on Teri Howes' Crochet Jewellery Course on Saturday at her studio based at Cockpit Arts. Teri is a Jeweller who makes the most intricate pieces of work using wire crochet in pure silver and gold and her work is available in numerous galleries.

I hadn't done much crochet before even in wool let alone wire! I soon got the hang of it. I'm still amazed at the intricacy of Teri's work! (see pictures on left and below. Pictures Courtesy of Teri Howes)

Teri assisting a classmate!

Work in progress!

There was a vast array of different coloured wires to choose from - it was hard to make a choice!

The fruits of my day are below. I made a lovely necklace with matt pink wire and an eclectic mix of beads. The fastening is a lovely Vintage button. My next make was a flower which I will probably make into a brooch.

The results are very effective and very pleasing!

If anyone is interested in having a go at Wire Crochet Jewellery, Teri runs regular classes throughout the year. Visit teri's website for more details.

Cockpit Arts is having its Open Studios on Friday 12th - Sunday 14th (Holborn) and Friday 19th June - Sunday 21st June (Deptford). You can see the designers behind the scenes in their studios and have the opportunity to buy a few things too! Visit the Cockpit Arts website for more details.

Learning new stuff!

I had a delivery of Cathedral Glass for my Stained Glass Panel project. I realised I had too many Opaques in the last batch and needed more transluscent ones as they are easier for a beginner to work with as you don't have to use a light box to see your design beneath your piece of glass!!

I was pleased to see an interview with Teri Howes in the latest issue of Beads and Beyond. She is a Crochet Jewellery Artist whose studio is based at Cockpit Arts in London. I met Teri on a Viking Weave Course run by Jean Power of Bead Magazine a few months back. I quickly signed up to one of Terri's Wire Crochet Jewellery classes which I will be attending next month. Have a look at some of Teri's creations, they are so delicate and beautiful! I love going on courses because you get to meet like-minded people, learn new skills, pick up tips you can't find in a book and find new inspiration!

I am trying to stock up my Misi Shop with some new things. It's hard to get anything done with the kids at home and not a lot of kid-free spare time. I did manage to make this bracelet today - a mixture of Pink Agate and Rose-Quartz. I think it looks quite summery amidst all the drizzle outside!