Tag: Ards Peninsula

Easily Join Yarn

Kiri Cottage Join Yarn 1

Here is a way to easily join yarn. This works really well when you want to join 2 pieces of yarn, with no ends to sew in.

Japanese Knitting at Kiri Cottage

Kiri Cottage Japanese Knitting 1

A while ago I bought myself the ‘Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible ‘. It is a beautiful book, with patterns for many intricate stitches. Think Aran knitting but much finer and more complex. I came across it the other day and wondered how many people are aware of this knitting style?

Worsted and Woollen at Kiri Cottage

Kiri Cottage Spinning

When spinning wool, we often talk about 2 different techniques – worsted and woollen. The difference between worsted and woollen spinning techniques lies mainly in fiber preparation, yarn structure, and final fabric properties.

Kiri Cottage Back in the Saddle

Kiri Cottage Riding 1

Back on the horse again after hip replacement surgery mid December. Out for a hack last Thursday evening with my sister, and not an ache or pain!

Green Sustainability in Tourism

Kiri Cottage Tourism 1

As a member of a group undertaking the University of Ulster green sustainability in tourism qualification, we had an away day to the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark in Enniskillen.

Felting at Kiri Cottage Crafts Club

Kiri Cottage Felting 1

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

Kiri Cottage Celtic Braids 2

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

Kiri Cottage Lucet 1

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.

Brother Drum Carder

Kiri Cottage Brother Drum Carder 1

It is European Wool day today.

Here is a short video of the batt being carded on my electric Brother Drum Carder.