Felting at Kiri Cottage Crafts Club

Thanks to Karen for her expert felting tuition on our last Craft Club meeting. Photos below, plus a selection of what other club members were working on.
Celtic Braids

Some photos from my last two Ards and North Down craft classed in the Ards Arts centre.
We made Celtic Braids, using lucets to make the braids, which were then attached to linen squares to make wall hangings.
On the second evening we made pretty, beaded flowers from wool.
Felting at Kiri Cottage Crafts Club

I was asked to host a crafty birthday party a few days ago, and the ladies and gentleman participants agreed to have a go at peg loom weaving. We used rovings, washed and dyed fleece, and various balls of yarn.
With a little time left, between morning coffee, some, buns and cake, later helpings of the same, and sandwiches and birthday cake at lunchtime, we had a go at learning to use a lucet – to great effect.
Estonian Braid

The Estonian Braid, also known as the Vikkel or Lateral Braid, is a traditional knitting technique from Eastern Europe. It creates a horizontal chain of “V” stitches across the fabric, often used as a decorative border on hats, gloves, mittens, sweaters, or other garments. This technique is valued for its ability to add both structure and visual interest to knitting projects.
Braiding with a Lucet – New Workshop

Discover the art of lucet braiding, an ancient craft with Viking roots that found its way into Celtic culture. This three-hour workshop teaches you to create beautiful round braids for jewellery or decorative cordage using a simple tool rich in history. Explore your creativity with various yarns, beads, and charms. Kiri Cottage is set near Strangford Lough, enjoy views of Scrabo Tower and the Mournes while crafting. Savour homemade refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere.
More Shepherd’s Knitting

I am using a 3D printed shepherd’s knitting hook to make a head band.
Deadly Dye

While researching, I came across this article about green dye that was used in the Victorian age. It is most certainly not for the squeamish.
History of Knitting

Knitting likely originated in the Middle East or Egypt between the 11th and 12th centuries. The earliest known knitted artifacts are Egyptian socks, which demonstrate complex techniques like colorwork and purl stitches, suggesting an older origin than archaeological evidence can confirm.
The Lovely Zeus

History tells us that honeycomb stitch originates from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland, where it was developed in the early 1900s as part of traditional Aran knitting.
The stitch apparently symbolizes hard work and dedication, inspired by the industriousness of bees.
Honeycomb Stitch

History tells us that honeycomb stitch originates from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland, where it was developed in the early 1900s as part of traditional Aran knitting.
The stitch apparently symbolizes hard work and dedication, inspired by the industriousness of bees.