Showing posts with label Ubuntu CAL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ubuntu CAL. Show all posts
My little world of crochet has exploded. Into numerous colors, new acquaintances and emotions. Last weekend the first ever public appearance of my life happened. An appearance as a crochet designer, I mean. Black Sheep Wools*, one of the largest yarn shops in the UK hosted a Scheepjes Day last Saturday. I was invited as a guest designer together with Dedri Uys of LookAtWhatIMade, an author of Ubuntu CAL, Sophie’s Universe blanket and many more wonderful crochet designs. And everything felt surreal.
This was my second visit to UK this summer. Me and my husband have only recently gained an EU citizenship, and United Kingdom was the first destination on our wish list. The July was all about Liverpool and Beatles. We went to Strawberry Fields, and Penny Lane, and to Cavern Club of course (three times in two days). And I discovered UK to be a wonderful country. With amazing clouds (really, all shades of grey you can ever think of – all of them are carried by the clouds in UK), charismatic weather (I learned that umbrella might be my best friend for a while), and absolutely lovely and friendly people!
And last week I flew to UK again. This time to the village of Culcheth (Warrington, Cheshire) where Black Sheep Wools, the largest knitting store in the country, is situated. It takes only 30 minutes to drive to Culcheth from Manchester, and you get into the… yarn heaven.
Black Sheep Wools* was established in 1983, and from the very beginning it has been a family business, run by a team of dedicated people. And once you enter the shop, you can feel the love and care about everything. The store is big! And you can easily get lost among the isles with yarn of different brands, fabrics, craft tools, embroidery kits, and other. Many people come here for a day trip. And some of them whispered to my ear that they come regularly not only because of the yarn, but also because of the most delicious home-made cakes at the recently opened Tea Bags Full! And I can confirm – they ARE delicious.
But it’s not only yarn and craft accessories of different kinds you can find here. Black Sheep Wools host workshops and drop in sessions* on a weekly basis – all with known designers and professional tutors. Just to give you an idea, the coming workshop are the Art of Fair Isle with Melanie Boocock, Anatomy of Knitted Shawls with Heike Gittens, Beeded Crochet with Sophia Reed, and many more.
Here is what Sara Mulvey, the director of Black Sheep Wools is saying:
“The store was set up by my mum. Stephen joined her two years later and opened six more stores. All the stores have now been merged into one large Craft Barn, but still in the village where we started. We believe we are the biggest yarn store in England but still try to keep the ethos of a small shop. The shop is staffed by keen knitters, crocheters and stitchers who love enabling other crafters!”
Last Saturday a Scheepjes Day was hosted at Black Sheep Wools. It was also a launch party for an Ubuntu CAL, which officially started today! (Did you miss something? Hurry up to grab your own kit, make a gauge swatch and begin with thousands of other crocheters all over the world).
The shop was decorated with crochet projects by Dedri and me. The centerpieces, of course, were made by three Ubuntu blankets. And then visitors could see my Spirits of Life wraps* (the kits are still available, yay!), Brioche and Nya Mosaic blankets, Grinda shawls and Indigo Shrug*, my Lilla Bjorn sweater and several mandalas. Everything looked fabulous with the background of isles with Scheepjes yarns, and Black Sheep Wools carries LOTS of Scheepjes yarns.
Because it was my first ever public appearance as a crochet designer, I felt very excited and nervous at the same time. I didn’t really know how everything would go and what was expected from me. But as soon as first visitors arrive, I could breathe out and relax.
You know, there is something surreal about meeting people, who follow your blog and recreate your designs. My daily life consists of a small corner in my living room with a small computer desk and a sofa where I usually crochet and design watching TV. And then I am blogging (sitting at the same small desk by the window, with a cup of morning coffee)… And then… I suddenly meet real people, who are actually reading my blog! That’s feels very, I don’t know, happy! And surreal at the same time.
I met Karen and Bev. Karen was studying Russian language in Saint Petersburg, and we chatted in Russian a little bit. And then a lovely lady Jane came in. she brought me a box of chocolate just to thank you for my Spirits of Life CAL… Seriously, I have never felt anything like this before. It all felt like I found a new family. Dedri met some old friends, too. They came to Black Sheep Wools on that particular day to see her, and to hug her.
We were talking about crochet, smiling and laughing, eating delicious cakes, making Friendship bracelet (I’ve received the tag “Be kind. Always”). We taught each other crochet tricks, we were fighting gauge and choosing the right hook for the right yarn. It was fantastic! And time flew fast.
That was the best experience of my short crochet life :) And I am very grateful for this opportunity.
It was time to fly home the next day, and because I had a few hours left before my flight, I decided to take a walk to Manchester Art Gallery. Museums and art galleries are free in the UK, and that was another nice surprise.
Guess what a found among oil paintings from 18-19th centuries? A yarn bombed sculpter of a head of a horse. Looks mysterious, doesn’t it?
And then I found my favourite place. A large painting of the sea and two comfy chairs in front of it. I think I spent at least a half an hour in one of them. Looking at the waves and thinking of wonderful days I had. And realizing I would love to come back… One day.
All my crochet samples will stay at Black Sheep Wools for a while. So if you are in UK and would like to see them for real - feel free to come. And I wish I could join you.
Subscribe to a newsletter not to miss a single post. You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
Disclosure: this blog post contains affiliate links, marked with *
This was my second visit to UK this summer. Me and my husband have only recently gained an EU citizenship, and United Kingdom was the first destination on our wish list. The July was all about Liverpool and Beatles. We went to Strawberry Fields, and Penny Lane, and to Cavern Club of course (three times in two days). And I discovered UK to be a wonderful country. With amazing clouds (really, all shades of grey you can ever think of – all of them are carried by the clouds in UK), charismatic weather (I learned that umbrella might be my best friend for a while), and absolutely lovely and friendly people!
And last week I flew to UK again. This time to the village of Culcheth (Warrington, Cheshire) where Black Sheep Wools, the largest knitting store in the country, is situated. It takes only 30 minutes to drive to Culcheth from Manchester, and you get into the… yarn heaven.
Yarn Heaven and Black Sheep Wools
Black Sheep Wools* was established in 1983, and from the very beginning it has been a family business, run by a team of dedicated people. And once you enter the shop, you can feel the love and care about everything. The store is big! And you can easily get lost among the isles with yarn of different brands, fabrics, craft tools, embroidery kits, and other. Many people come here for a day trip. And some of them whispered to my ear that they come regularly not only because of the yarn, but also because of the most delicious home-made cakes at the recently opened Tea Bags Full! And I can confirm – they ARE delicious.
 |
| Happy me waiting for a cake :) |
But it’s not only yarn and craft accessories of different kinds you can find here. Black Sheep Wools host workshops and drop in sessions* on a weekly basis – all with known designers and professional tutors. Just to give you an idea, the coming workshop are the Art of Fair Isle with Melanie Boocock, Anatomy of Knitted Shawls with Heike Gittens, Beeded Crochet with Sophia Reed, and many more.
Here is what Sara Mulvey, the director of Black Sheep Wools is saying:
“The store was set up by my mum. Stephen joined her two years later and opened six more stores. All the stores have now been merged into one large Craft Barn, but still in the village where we started. We believe we are the biggest yarn store in England but still try to keep the ethos of a small shop. The shop is staffed by keen knitters, crocheters and stitchers who love enabling other crafters!”
Scheepjes Day, Ubuntu and Dedri
Last Saturday a Scheepjes Day was hosted at Black Sheep Wools. It was also a launch party for an Ubuntu CAL, which officially started today! (Did you miss something? Hurry up to grab your own kit, make a gauge swatch and begin with thousands of other crocheters all over the world).
 |
| Dedri and her medium Ubuntu blanket |
The shop was decorated with crochet projects by Dedri and me. The centerpieces, of course, were made by three Ubuntu blankets. And then visitors could see my Spirits of Life wraps* (the kits are still available, yay!), Brioche and Nya Mosaic blankets, Grinda shawls and Indigo Shrug*, my Lilla Bjorn sweater and several mandalas. Everything looked fabulous with the background of isles with Scheepjes yarns, and Black Sheep Wools carries LOTS of Scheepjes yarns.
 |
| Isles with Scheepjes yarns, Indigo shrug and Lilla Bjorn sweater |
Because it was my first ever public appearance as a crochet designer, I felt very excited and nervous at the same time. I didn’t really know how everything would go and what was expected from me. But as soon as first visitors arrive, I could breathe out and relax.
You know, there is something surreal about meeting people, who follow your blog and recreate your designs. My daily life consists of a small corner in my living room with a small computer desk and a sofa where I usually crochet and design watching TV. And then I am blogging (sitting at the same small desk by the window, with a cup of morning coffee)… And then… I suddenly meet real people, who are actually reading my blog! That’s feels very, I don’t know, happy! And surreal at the same time.
 |
| Dedri teaching crochet |
I met Karen and Bev. Karen was studying Russian language in Saint Petersburg, and we chatted in Russian a little bit. And then a lovely lady Jane came in. she brought me a box of chocolate just to thank you for my Spirits of Life CAL… Seriously, I have never felt anything like this before. It all felt like I found a new family. Dedri met some old friends, too. They came to Black Sheep Wools on that particular day to see her, and to hug her.
 |
| River's Walk shawl |
We were talking about crochet, smiling and laughing, eating delicious cakes, making Friendship bracelet (I’ve received the tag “Be kind. Always”). We taught each other crochet tricks, we were fighting gauge and choosing the right hook for the right yarn. It was fantastic! And time flew fast.
That was the best experience of my short crochet life :) And I am very grateful for this opportunity.
 |
| We are making friends and Friendship bracelets |
Early Morning at Manchester Art Gallery, and a crochet horse
It was time to fly home the next day, and because I had a few hours left before my flight, I decided to take a walk to Manchester Art Gallery. Museums and art galleries are free in the UK, and that was another nice surprise.
Guess what a found among oil paintings from 18-19th centuries? A yarn bombed sculpter of a head of a horse. Looks mysterious, doesn’t it?
And then I found my favourite place. A large painting of the sea and two comfy chairs in front of it. I think I spent at least a half an hour in one of them. Looking at the waves and thinking of wonderful days I had. And realizing I would love to come back… One day.
All my crochet samples will stay at Black Sheep Wools for a while. So if you are in UK and would like to see them for real - feel free to come. And I wish I could join you.
Subscribe to a newsletter not to miss a single post. You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
Disclosure: this blog post contains affiliate links, marked with *
It’s being that time of the year, exciting one. When a new Scheepjes CAL is coming! CAL’s (crochet-a-longs) have become extremely popular recently. And not only because it’s fun to crochet together with people from all over the world – to get help and support if needed. But also because when we join the CAL we get this special feeling of belonging. Belonging to a bigger (much bigger!) crochet community of friendly, crafty and dedicated people. Every CAL hosted by Scheepjes is a very exciting event! And this year is not an exception. And – yay! – this year’s designer is Dedri Uys! A legendary person in many ways, and the creator of epic blanket Sophie’s Universe. Which was actually the first CAL of this kind, launched back in 2015.
As you know I am honored to be one of the official Scheepjes bloggers. Today we are the team of 17 people including a mystery Simy Somer, a creative director of Scheepjes. We call ourselves The Tribe. And we ARE the tribe, indeed. Supportive, friendly and sharing. We chat every single day and share our ideas, concerns, fears and success. But even being so close to each other we have absolutely NO idea what the next CAL will be. And who is the designer. :)
When approximately a month ago Dedri posted a sneak peek of her Ubuntu blanket, my jaw dropped down. I suspected something was going behind the scene, but I couldn’t even imagine what a beauty would come out. Though, knowing Dedri, who would hesitate she would come up with a masterpiece again. So ta-dah! Here is Ubuntu CAL by Scheepjes and Dedri Uys. And we begin on September 12th, 2018.
Ubuntu – (n) the belief that we are defined by our compassion and kindness towards others.
You’ll find complete information about the idea behind the blanket, materials needed and kits on Dedri’s website HERE. Some stores already have the kits for presale, but officially they will go live on August 22nd, 2018 (or around this date). So if you want to have a kit you might need to hurry up and “book” one for yourself – now! As no doubt they will be sold out fast! Please, support Dedri and purchase the kits via link on her blog. As she might receive a tiny compensation for each purchase, while for you it will not cost a penny. But before you jump to Dedri’s blog to read everything, I would like to share something personal. About me and Dedri.
We got acquainted virtually three years ago. At the time her Sophie’s Universe CAL was running. But I started to follow her blog earlier, and Dedri was number one among my crochet idols (and she still is). Later the same year I was honored to join Scheepjes team, and I got the chance to know Dedri personally.
I don’t know how I sound on my blog and what you think about me as a person. As every blogger, I might have a certain “image”, or something… I don’t know. And when I met Dedri for the first time, she appeared not the same as I had been imagining her for 2 years. She was, like, different! Alive :) and very human. I am a total introvert and for me it’s difficult to get along with new people. And Dedri made everything possible for me to feel comfortable. And I fell in love with her. Again!
“Ubuntu” CAL is about spreading love and friendship. It’s about support to each other… And this is all about Dedri.
Right now I am trying to save a small homeless puppy I found in the streets of Minsk (in Belarus – my home country). Her name is Milana, she has not found a new home, yet. But I believe we will be a success. You can read Milana’s story HERE, and maybe help, if you wish. When I shared her picture with my Scheepjes Tribe, Dedri fell in love with Milana, and even wanted to adopt her. Unfortunately her landlords came back with a long list of requirements which means Milana cannot travel to UK. But these three days of waiting for their reply were filled with hope. And strong feeling I was not alone. That there was someone out there, in the bigger world, caring as much as I did. And it was Dedri…
Come and join us for Ubuntu CAL. And let’s spread a little bit more of love and caring to the world.
Subscribe to a newsletter not to miss a single post. You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
As you know I am honored to be one of the official Scheepjes bloggers. Today we are the team of 17 people including a mystery Simy Somer, a creative director of Scheepjes. We call ourselves The Tribe. And we ARE the tribe, indeed. Supportive, friendly and sharing. We chat every single day and share our ideas, concerns, fears and success. But even being so close to each other we have absolutely NO idea what the next CAL will be. And who is the designer. :)
When approximately a month ago Dedri posted a sneak peek of her Ubuntu blanket, my jaw dropped down. I suspected something was going behind the scene, but I couldn’t even imagine what a beauty would come out. Though, knowing Dedri, who would hesitate she would come up with a masterpiece again. So ta-dah! Here is Ubuntu CAL by Scheepjes and Dedri Uys. And we begin on September 12th, 2018.
Ubuntu – (n) the belief that we are defined by our compassion and kindness towards others.
You’ll find complete information about the idea behind the blanket, materials needed and kits on Dedri’s website HERE. Some stores already have the kits for presale, but officially they will go live on August 22nd, 2018 (or around this date). So if you want to have a kit you might need to hurry up and “book” one for yourself – now! As no doubt they will be sold out fast! Please, support Dedri and purchase the kits via link on her blog. As she might receive a tiny compensation for each purchase, while for you it will not cost a penny. But before you jump to Dedri’s blog to read everything, I would like to share something personal. About me and Dedri.
We got acquainted virtually three years ago. At the time her Sophie’s Universe CAL was running. But I started to follow her blog earlier, and Dedri was number one among my crochet idols (and she still is). Later the same year I was honored to join Scheepjes team, and I got the chance to know Dedri personally.
I don’t know how I sound on my blog and what you think about me as a person. As every blogger, I might have a certain “image”, or something… I don’t know. And when I met Dedri for the first time, she appeared not the same as I had been imagining her for 2 years. She was, like, different! Alive :) and very human. I am a total introvert and for me it’s difficult to get along with new people. And Dedri made everything possible for me to feel comfortable. And I fell in love with her. Again!
“Ubuntu” CAL is about spreading love and friendship. It’s about support to each other… And this is all about Dedri.
Right now I am trying to save a small homeless puppy I found in the streets of Minsk (in Belarus – my home country). Her name is Milana, she has not found a new home, yet. But I believe we will be a success. You can read Milana’s story HERE, and maybe help, if you wish. When I shared her picture with my Scheepjes Tribe, Dedri fell in love with Milana, and even wanted to adopt her. Unfortunately her landlords came back with a long list of requirements which means Milana cannot travel to UK. But these three days of waiting for their reply were filled with hope. And strong feeling I was not alone. That there was someone out there, in the bigger world, caring as much as I did. And it was Dedri…
Come and join us for Ubuntu CAL. And let’s spread a little bit more of love and caring to the world.
Subscribe to a newsletter not to miss a single post. You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
