Tuesday, January 29, 2013

More Than Just Penguins!

Yvonne (left) with her 2 other Queens & Mr. Bee
We love a good cause here at Skeinz & so do our staffers.  Yvonne is our Production Manager - she's that vital cog that makes sure EVERYBODY in the Mill knows what they're doing & when they need to be doing it.  As well as been uber busy at work, in her spare time Yvonne is an accomplished athlete.  This year she is combining her athletic talent & huge heart to participate in the Oxfam Trailwalk.  We are helping support Yvonne & her team mates & thought we would share with you their mission & fundraising efforts.  Proceeds of this event go to help people in our own back yard, like those recently affected by Cyclone Evan in Fiji, Samoa & Tonga.

if you would like to help Yvonne & her team mates you can donate either at skeinz or on the Oxfam Trailwalk website.
Yvonne's team is ‘3 Queens and 1 Bee’.  You can find out more about us at: http://www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz/teams
We will be keeping regular update on their training & fundraising progress here - Good Luck Yvonne!

Oxfam Trailwalk 2013
Oxfam Trailwalker is one of the world's toughest charity team challenges and one of the most rewarding.
Teams of four have to walk – or run – the 100 km course in a limited time in all weather and some rough terrain. But it’s not just a physical challenge: participants are also raising money to help overcome poverty and injustice around the world. It’s a life-changing event.
Four Run/Walk members, Yvonne Faulkner, Glenys Bunning, Sue Geenty and David Hills are walking the Oxfam Trailwalk on April 6Th & 7th 2013.  We will participate as a team, all walking the full 100 k together.  Starting 6 am Saturday morning we hope to finish by 6 am Sunday morning.  The course is off-road, from Kinloch around the hills north of Taupo, along the Waikato River, eventually finishing at Taupo Domain. http://www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz/event-info/trail-info
We have paid our own entry fees, and have arranged and pay for our own food and accommodation. However, this event is a charity fund raiser, and a condition of entry is an agreement to raise money for Oxfam, and our target is $2000.  We hope to achieve much more than this.
Since Oxfam Trailwalker New Zealand started way back in 2006 people just like you from all walks of life have raised an incredible $4,764,954 towards Oxfam's vital work in alleviating poverty and demanding justice for the world's poorest communities.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Trend Watch

Classic Aran knit with a fashionable twist.
I'm not what you'd call a dedicated follower of fashion but part of my role here at Skeinz is to keep a quiet eye on what the upcoming trends are in fashion that then could filter down into the world of hand knitting.  These could be in the form of colour, texture, or a reemergence of a style or technique. 

Trends for 2013 - Vintage 'Oilskin' was inspired from here
However what hits the catwalks or the high streets doesn't always mean instant success or translate into hand knitting or fibre craft in general, so it is a task that is more instinct that science & one I find quite fun.

Contemporary colours with longevity
In the last post I teased you with the three new Vintage colours.  Vintage is a range that I look towards fashion colour trends like those on Pantone to see what contemporary colours are likely to emerge in the coming season.  The trick is to find a colour that has sustainability across many seasons, not just a quick hit.  hence the reason why all the colours selected have to also be symbiotic with each other as a complete range as well as individual stand alone shades.

Stunning 'Silver' Aran 100% wool now in stock
Another trend that has been on my radar for some time is the revival of Aran knits & actually retro knits in general.  With many designers taking the traditional shapes & styles of hand knitted cardigans & jumpers, pairing them with well cut pants, skirts, dresses & jeans to create a modern edgy look.  I can certainly report that from the shop I have had some very busy grandmothers keeping their university aged grandchildren in knits that they themselves never thought they would see them wear. 

Replicate the look....
You can easily replicate the look for a fraction of the price.
Even in this morning NZ Herald's Viva fashion supplement sports a traditional Cardigan made in Scotland & sold here in Auckland for $345.
 3-4 hanks of Southlander yarn will make this cardigan for just $42-$56. 
Get on the phone to Nana NOW or better yet, cast it on yourself!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Back on Deck


The three new Vintage colours for the 2013 season
You know a holiday has done the trick when you feel refreshed & ready to head back to work once it's over.  This week has been exciting as I have started getting my teeth into some new projects that have been bubbling away since last year & have caught up on progress with those about to come to fruition.

On my amble through the mill today I have come across two new Vintage colours I have been waiting for since laste last year - called Grape, Oilskin, Nasturtium they are three bolder colours to go into the range taking their inspiration from the Pantone colour trends. I will have them loaded on to the website once the paperwork has cleared (I literally stole these as they were flying off the balling machine!), so watch this space....