Yarn Bombing is the best!

Hurray for Yarn Bombing!

We are so excited that the word is out and that the entries are rolling in! Thank you to all of our global – yes, GLOBAL – yarn bombing friends for reposting and writing about this project.

Thank you to YarnBoming.com (THE source for any thing and everything yarn-y) and Meadowstitch for the mention!

Some entries so far:

Magpie and Cake was kind enough to submit this beautiful sparkly and textural square:


Grandmother’s Legacy has treated us to this rainbow beauty:


A special thank you to the Savvy Girls for donating this mountain of felted goodness. Please stay tuned – Deborah was kind and super enough to interview me about this project for an upcoming episode of the Savvy Girls Podcast! I will keep you posted as to when you can take a listen.


Please seek out Tamaralda on Ravelry who has been kind enough to figure out how to crochet letters, here is her crocheted version of the best word in the English language:



Please keep checking the Textile Museum Volunteer blog for updates and info and keep an eye on this blog too!

Another bit of news is that I have started my own little yarn dyeing business. I’m sourcing all my products from local farmers and producers. It’s in the beginning stages but I do have a blog specific to Fibre Lab – keep your eyes peeled for updates there.

Yarn Bombing at the Textile Museum of Canada

Hello Fellow Yarn Bombers,

We are excited to announce a special project we're working on with the Textile Museum of Canada. As patrons of the museum we've noticed that there is fairly low visibility from street. After talking with one of the museum Board Chairs, and observing the many city bike racks and planter in front of the museum we decided that it would be fun to form a crew and "yarn bomb" the racks and planter.

Yarn Bombing is the act of re-claiming boring, sterile areas by creating colourful knitted, crocheted, woven, macrame, etc. covers or cozies out of yarn. Usually a group of yarn lovers will form a group or "crew", make the cozies, and do the installation late at night - creating an overnight transformation of a space.

We have taken pictures and planned a large project for the front of the museum Here’s what the planter looks like now:


Our plan is to decorate it with a large cozy made up of a multitude of swatches.

Here’s what the bicycle racks look like now:



Our plan is to adorn them with a fantastical arrangement of adornments.

Here’s a work in progress:

If you are interested in submitting knitted, woven, quilted or crocheted items such as flowers, swatches, granny squares, amigarumi, etc., please mail them to the address below by May 15th! We would love to get this project up in time for the Museum’s annual Yardage Sale.
Please be advised that your submissions cannot be returned to you.

If you are interested in sending swatches please do not send any that are bigger than 7" square. Please have fun with textures, colours, fibres and applications.

We installed a "teaser" at the museum earlier this week:


If you have any questions, we invite you to contact at: fibrelabyarns@gmail.com

Address for submissions:
Alisa McRonald
23 Murdock Ave
Toronto, ON M4C 1E3
Attn: Yarn Bombing

You may include your name… or you may remain anonymous, if you wish.
Contributions and participation will be acknowledged on the Textile Museum Volunteer Blog.

To read more about yarn bombing please see the link below:
Yarn Bombing Wiki

Thank you!
http://fibreperson.blogspot.com/

PS- I just want to add, that this project is open to anyone, anywhere! You don't have to live in Toronto or Canada to participate... I wanted to make that very clear so , send away!

May Classes at Passionknit

May Classes at Passionknit
3355 Yonge St. 416-322-0688
info@passionknit.ca

Absolute Beginner Knitting
If you are interested in learning the basics of knitting this is the class for you!
This class is for those of you who have never knit before and want to get started.
We will learn how to cast on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. We will talk about different ways of knitting as well as knitting terminology. (Peachy) $30 plus materials. Wed. May 5, 7 – 9pm

Continental Knitting
Continental knitting (picking) along with English knitting (throwing) are the two predominant ways of knitting. The picking technique is gaining in popularity for those who are interested in augmenting their techniques repertoire. Knitting in this way is very efficient and facilitates colourwork . This class will go over the basics and get you practicing knitting the continental way! You must have a basic knowledge of knitting to take this class. (Peachy) $30 plus materials. Wed. May 12, 7 – 9pm or Thurs. May 20, 7 – 9pm


Cast On Methods
There are many methods used to cast on for a project. If you are interested in learning what cast on is best for what project as well as hands on basic and decorative methods, this is the class for you! (Peachy) $30 Please bring a medium weight yarn and appropriate needles.
Wed. May 19, 7 – 9pm


Finishing Techniques – Seams, Sleeves and Picking-up Stitches
This class is for those who are interested in augmenting their finishing skills. We will go over seaming techniques, how to set in sleeves and how to pick up stitches for necklines. Students will be required to make a small sweater (pattern will be provided) and block the pieces of the sweater in time for the class. Please note that the homework is to be done independently and no instruction will be given prior to class. $30 plus materials. (Pinchy)


Passionknit Stitchers’ Night
This is a special night out for our Passionknit customers to come and socialize. Come join us to “unwind” the last Wednesday evening of every month for a fun knitting night. Come and let our array of amazing new yarns and patterns inspire and push your knitting to the next level. (Free)
Wednesday May 26, 7pm - 9pm

Registration Information:
We keep classes small in order to be able to spend one-on-one time with each student. Please register in advance either by coming into the shop or calling us. Payment in full for the class is due upon registration, please check your schedule and class description carefully, registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. We also do not offer make up classes.

If you must cancel a class you have registered for, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance, we will issue you a credit toward another class.

Two-hour classes are $30, which is for the class only. Materials and applicable taxes will be in addition unless otherwise noted. If a class does not run due to low registration or extenuating circumstances, you will be refunded in full.

A 10% reduction on materials costs is offered once you are registered. You may pick out your materials anytime after registration.

Doors will open 15 minutes before class and class will start promptly. Please be on time.

We also welcome suggestions for class ideas – just send us an email or give us a call!

For up-dates on Passionknit events and classes please join our mailing list by calling or emailing us.

Class Rating:
Peachy = Easy
Pinchy = Medium
Persnickety = Difficult

Alisa McRonald, Fibre Arts Teacher
Alisa McRonald has been teaching fibre arts techniques classes and curating textile related gallery shows since 1998. Her own work has been shown in shops and galleries in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Montreal.

She continually augments her experience through attending hands-on workshops and lectures on various techniques including dyeing, handspinning and other yarn arts. She is currently working with the Textile Museum of Canada on a “Yarn Bombing” project.

Since moving to Toronto from Los Angeles in 2008 to take a job at Wellington Fibres Yarn Mill, she has maintained memberships with the Downtown Knit Collective, the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners Guild and the Textile Museum of Canada. Says McRonald, “Being a part of the fibre community energizes me! I like to challenge people’s preconceptions of the yarn arts and love talking about the various processes of these crafts. I even take my holidays specifically to attend fibre related events!”

Her personal artwork has been featured in various magazines and publications such as “Harper’s Bazaar Japan”, “Giant Robot”, “Nyoln” and “Time Out New York” as well as a featured artist in “By Hand: The Use of Craft in Contemporary Art” and colour forecasting publication, “View on Colour”.

In 2001 she had the honour of being invited to be a guest lecturer and critic at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore.

In addition to teaching at Passionknit, she currently she maintains her own blog: http://fibreperson.blogspot.com/ and her new online venture, “Fibre Lab” will be launching later this year.

Fibre Fun in San Francisco!

I think this post will mostly be pictures! I went to visit my wonderful friend Jenne in San Francisco. She researched and scheduled us a full schedule of amazing fibre fun and events.

I finally got to visit A Verb for Keeping Warm. Kristine and Adrian are wonderful women who dye their own fibre and yarns from plants from their own garden! I was so inspired by their dye studio and shop. We were also lucky enough to meet Marcel - the freshly plucked angora bunny! Please look at their website from "cover to cover"! I sure did load up on some amazing fibre during my visit...


After telling Jenne about another friend Meredith who organizes Knitting Cruises
I was treated to a funny little "cruise" of our own! We took the ferry from the Port of San Francisco to Sausalito knitting and enjoying the beautiful views for a whole half hour each way! We did get to visit some neat shops in Sausalito including a sticker store, amazing cafe and cute little knitting shop.



I think the best part of the whole trip was taking a perfume mixing workshop with Yosh. For me colour, texture and scent are all very interchangible in how I personally perceive and process things. For an example the smell of Jasmine is a very loose, soft texture the colour would be over exposed yellow like taking a picture directly into the sun... Strange but it works for me when I'm dyeing yarn and now it works for blending scents. Yosh had us smell several oils and had us rate them. We then elimiated based on how we rated each scent until we had a personalized concoction! Mine happened to be: mint, pear, fig, lily and cedar. I can't wait to start building my essential oil collection so I can customize scents for myself!



I can't wait to go back and visit again! But more so, I can't wait for Jenne to visit Toronto so I can plan an amazing time for her!

Please check out all the links, they are amazing! Oh, and check out Sarah Lavoie's blog, she's an amazing textile designer here in Toronto.

April Classes at Passionknit

March Classes at Passionknit
3355 Yonge St. 416-322-0688
info@passionknit.ca

Felting 101 – Slippers Adult/Baby
This class is geared toward those interested in how to felt their knitting. Participants in the class will be working on a pair of slippers or baby booties while the instructor demonstrates and explains the principals of felting knitted items. The pattern for the slippers/booties is a great pattern for learning short rows. Please know how to knit, purl, read a pattern, cast on and off. (Peachy) $30 plus materials. Thurs. Apr. 8, 7 – 9pm or Wed. Apr. 14, 7 – 9 pm



Understanding Increasing and Decreasing – Cotton Face Cloth
This class focuses on the importance of various increases and decreases in knitting. The pattern is very adaptable and can be used to make a baby blanket or lap blanket. Please know how to cast on/off, knit, purl and read a pattern. (Peachy) $30 plus materials. Wed. Apr. 7, 7 – 9pm or Thurs. Apr. 29, 7 – 9pm



Short Rows – The Scowl
This is a wonderful transitional garment! It can be worn many ways and is a quick knit out of one skein of Malabrigo’s new yarn – Rasta. The class focuses on learning short row techniques. The pattern and design was created by local designer Kate Atherley.
(Pinchy) $30 plus materials.
Thurs. Apr. 15, 7 – 9pm or Thurs. Apr. 29, 7 – 9pm





Passionknit Stitchers’ Night
This is a special night out for our Passionknit customers to come and socialize. Come join us to “unwind” the last Wednesday evening of every month for a fun knitting night. Come and let our array of amazing new yarns and patterns inspire and push your knitting to the next level. (Free)
Wednesday April 28, 7pm - 9pm

Registration Information:
We keep classes small in order to be able to spend one-on-one time with each student. Please register in advance either by coming into the shop or calling us. Payment in full for the class is due upon registration, please check your schedule and class description carefully, registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. We also do not offer make up classes.

If you must cancel a class you have registered for, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance, we will issue you a credit toward another class.

Two-hour classes are $30, which is for the class only. Materials and applicable taxes will be in addition unless otherwise noted. If a class does not run due to low registration or extenuating circumstances, you will be refunded in full.

A 10% reduction on materials costs is offered once you are registered. You may pick out your materials anytime after registration.

Doors will open 15 minutes before class and class will start promptly. Please be on time.

We also welcome suggestions for class ideas – just send us an email or give us a call!

For up-dates on Passionknit events and classes please join our mailing list by calling or emailing us.

Class Rating:
Peachy = Easy
Pinchy = Medium
Persnickety = Difficult

Alisa McRonald, Fibre Arts Teacher
My love of the fibre and textile arts came as soon as I was old enough to sit on my mother’s lap at her sewing machine.

I have been fortunate enough to exhibit my work at galleries and shops in New York, Los Angeles, Asia, England and Canada. It was in the late 1990’s when my work as an artist became solely fibre based.

My interest in hand spinning came first from my love of animals and wanting to learn about yarn production from start to finish. I was able to gain hands-on experience during a two year internship at a small fibre mill / angora goat farm in Elora, Onatrio. During this time, my fibre knowledge was expanded exponentially.

I have been teaching fibre arts classes to both children and adults for several years and I am excited to bring my teaching skills and fibre knowledge to Passionknit. I feel fortunate to be working with a group of people who are amazing knitters and believe in helping people with their endeavors.

Making it Your Own and for Someone Special

I recently completed Tanis Fiber Art's Baby Shane Blanket. Her colours are amazing and quite "adult" for a baby blanket - which I love! I made my blanket for my little niece in strong colours in hopes that she will cherish it into adulthood and it won't look silly.



Making a project your own is very important. Adding a different edging or a special personal flare gives it a personal signature. I decided to crochet the border around the blanket instead of picking up and knitting the border. It gave it a different texture and I was able to use up every bit of the Tanis' beautiful hand dyed yarn.



It's nice to be able to make something for someone with my own hands. I thought about my niece through every stitch and was so excited to give it to her. A handmade gift no matter how big or small is like giving someone a little piece of yourself....

March Classes at Passionknit

March Classes at Passionknit
3355 Yonge St. 416-322-0688
info@passionknit.ca

Sock Knitting!
This is a two-part class where students will learn the basics of sock knitting. We will be working on four needles from the cuff down. Please know how to work on 4 needles, read a pattern, cast on/off and be available for both classes. (Pinchy) $50 For both classes; materials additional. Wed. March 10th AND Wed. March 24th, 7 – 9pm



Cast On Methods
There are many methods used to cast on for a project. If you are interested in learning what cast on is best for what project as well as hands on basic and decorative methods, this is the class for you! (Peachy) $30 Please bring a medium weight yarn and appropriate needles
Thursday March 25, 7 – 9pm

Short Rows
Short rows are used a lot in knitting. They facilitate the shaping of a garment and turning heels in sock knitting. This is a great project full of short rows! It is a lightweight hat that can be worn under a bike or ski helmet! You’ll be an expert at wrapping and turning after you experience this class. (Pinchy) $30 Plus
materials.
Wednesday March 3, 7pm - 9pm



Passionknit Stitchers’ Night
This is a special night out for our Passionknit customers to come and socialize. Come join us to “unwind” the last Wednesday evening of every month for a fun knitting night. Come and let our array of amazing new yarns and patterns inspire and push your knitting to the next level. (Free)
Wednesday March 31, 7pm - 9pm

Registration Information:
We keep classes small in order to be able to spend one-on-one time with each student. Please register in advance either by coming into the shop or calling us. Payment in full for the class is due upon registration, please check your schedule and class description carefully, registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. We also do not offer make up classes.

If you must cancel a class you have registered for, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance, we will issue you a credit toward another class.

Two-hour classes are $30, which is for the class only. Materials and applicable taxes will be in addition unless otherwise noted. If a class does not run due to low registration or extenuating circumstances, you will be refunded in full.

A 10% reduction on materials costs is offered once you are registered. You may pick out your materials anytime after registration.

Doors will open 15 minutes before class and class will start promptly. Please be on time.

We also welcome suggestions for class ideas – just send us an email or give us a call!

For up-dates on Passionknit events and classes please join our mailing list by calling or emailing us.

Class Rating:
Peachy = Easy
Pinchy = Medium
Persnickety = Difficult

Alisa McRonald, Fibre Arts Teacher
My love of the fibre and textile arts came as soon as I was old enough to sit on my mother’s lap at her sewing machine.

I have been fortunate enough to exhibit my work at galleries and shops in New York, Los Angeles, Asia, England and Canada. It was in the late 1990’s when my work as an artist became solely fibre based.

My interest in hand spinning came first from my love of animals and wanting to learn about yarn production from start to finish. I was able to gain hands-on experience during a two year internship at a small fibre mill / angora goat farm in Elora, Onatrio. During this time, my fibre knowledge was expanded exponentially.

I have been teaching fibre arts classes to both children and adults for several years and I am excited to bring my teaching skills and fibre knowledge to Passionknit. I feel fortunate to be working with a group of people who are amazing knitters and believe in helping people with their endeavors.