Good Things Come To Those Who Knit

There are a couple of things I would like to mention in this post, the first of which being how I spent my Friday:

As some of you may be aware, this weekend is the Stitch & Craft Show, going on from Thurs 17th - Sun 19th.

I spent a fantastic day there on Friday, doing my best to help out at the Knit One, Pass It On stand. We were on hand to teach beginners to knit, answer technical questions and generally chat knitting!

Please visit their website http://www.craftclub.org.uk/ to find out more about their campaign to get knitting back into schools, find crafty things near you and register as a volunteer (like moi!).

I met some lovely new people, discovered a few local knitting groups to me, caught up with some familiar faces and passed on a few of my sock knitting techniques!

All of this is co-run/organised by the UK Hand Knitting Association. It really is worth going onto their website http://www.ukhandknitting.com/ as they are a fantastic organisation!

I first became aware of the UK Hand Knittng Association when I became a finalist (and then a little winner, too!) of the UK Textile Award in 2008, which they were organising.

I spoke to many people over the course of these shows, so it can be an impossible task to recall individual conversions. However, last month I recieved a very lovely e-mail, from an even lovelier lady Pam, whom I spoke to a the Harrogate show.

It started with the usual knitting banter (can't get enough of it!) and turned out we both came from the same town. A few years down the line.... She has moved back there and very kindly offered her Brother KH-881 knitting machine, with an ambundance of accessories, absolutely free!

I cannot put into words how touched I was by this, not only had she held onto my business card (I would have misplaced it a few months down the line!) but all she asked is that I make use of it... Oh, I can certainly manage that! Pictures will follow soon; it has been in my possession for almost a week now and today is knitting machine set up day!

You really do meet the best characters and some genuinely lovely people at these shows. It never ceases to amaze me what a small world it is - very cliche I know, but so true.

So, many thanks to Pam, the UK Hand Knitting Association, Craft Club, Fred Knitty and all the people I spoke to at the show yesterday!

Enough typing from me, I've got some knitting to do!

ONE YEAR ONE @ New Designers

I have just found out that I have been selected to be part of One Year On at this year's New Designers!

Fantastic news - New Designers was the starting point for a lot of opportunites for me last year, so it is brilliant to be able to return.

I will be attending Week One of New Designers - 9th - 12th July, with the Awards Preview Night on 8th July.

For more information please visit: www.newdesignersonline.co.uk

Knit N' Stitch '08 - Birmingham NEC

As a result of getting through to the final round of the UK Hand Knitting Award, I have since exhibited at the first of the Knitting & Stitching shows of 2008. This took place at the Birmingham NEC from 11th - 14th September. This also gave me an opportunity to make a small selection from my 100% Rewearble jewellery range accessable to the public for purchase. I am extremely happy with how well my products sold & were recieved. I would like to say a big thankyou to all who attented and showed support; as well as all who purchased something from my 100% Rewearble range.

Updates and a shopping cart & paypall payment option will be added to my website http://www.laurabaxendale.co.uk/ within the coming week; so keep an eye out for more products available soon.
The next Knitting & Stitching show will be held at Alexander Palace from 9th - 12th October. For more information please see http://www.ukhandknitting.com/ and for more information on my upcoming shows & products please visit my website at http://www.laurabaxendale.co.uk/.