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.
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.
What a busy day! Full house for Craft Club in the morning, and enthusiastic peg loomers in Ards Arts Centre in the evening.
Have you ever wondered how linen material is produced?
Here are the steps on the process – photo is of flax processed through to the hackling stage.
This has been grown and processed by Mallon Linen.
Cosy puppy keeping me company while I am on a zoom call, taking part in ‘Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Practice for Destinations’.
The Blackberry stitch, also known as the Trinity stitch, derives its name from its resemblance to clusters of blackberries.
Its textured, raised design is formed by knitting three stitches together and then creating three new stitches in the same spot, mimicking the appearance of small berry-like bumps.
Shepherd’s knitting, also known as slip-stitch crochet, is a precursor to modern crochet. It originated in northern Europe and was practiced in regions like Scotland, Estonia, Sweden, and Romania. This craft involved looping yarn with a hooked tool called a shepherd’s hook, which was thicker than modern crochet hooks and resembled a shepherd’s staff.
The exact origins of crochet are somewhat unclear, but historians have pieced together a fascinating history of this craft. Crochet as we know it today is believed to have emerged in Europe during the early 19th century.
The first definitive evidence of crochet appeared in 1823 when the Dutch magazine Penélopé published a pattern for a crocheted bag. This pattern included instructions for three different styles of purses using various crochet stitches, marking the earliest known publication of crochet instructions.
Here’s a little story about spinning dog hair or ‘chiengora’ as it is also known.
Once upon a time, in a small mountain village, there lived a woman named Lian. She was known for her remarkable skill in spinning and weaving, creating the warmest and softest garments anyone had ever worn. But her secret wasn’t wool from sheep or fur from rabbits—it was something far more unusual.
I have been involved in helping to facilitate a few workshops over the last week or so, funded and delivered by the Department for the Economy, and Ards & North Down Council.
The aim is to help develop and enhance numeracy skills within the adult population using events and workshops such as knitting and crochet, rather than formal numeracy training.
