Liz travels to Birmingham, all for the love of Craft!
I have been having lots of fun organising the knitting and craft projects for summer and a few weeks ago I went to a trade show at the NEC where I was able to see all the lovely new knitting yarns up close and meet some of the talented people who help me create these lovely designs.
One thing I noticed was that there were a lot of cottons around as well as soft, silky yarns. Pastel shades were everywhere but there were some really strong colours out there, too. Blues, greens mochas and greys all blending so well together.
Meeting the designers
I was delighted to meet designer Jo Allport at the NEC and we spent time together choosing a selection of Rico yarns for new garments. One of them features three shades and we had great fun mixing and matching to get the ideal blend.
How did it turn out? Well, you will have to wait and see. There is a lovely selection of garments sitting in the office in a big cardboard box (well protected by tissue paper) awaiting delivery to the photographer.
While I was wandering around the show I came face to face with King Cole’s giant unicorn! Imaging crocheting this magnificent creature! There were lots of toys on display, foxes, caterpillars, owls, monkeys . . . they were all there.
Look out for the next issue
If you are interested in knitting toys, look out for Special No. 159 which has a soft toy to knit. And if there are golfers in the family, keep an eye out for our fun golf club covers appearing in both the weekly and a Special soon!
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Liz O’Rourke I am part of the Features Team and my hobbies include knitting and crafts, reading and foreign travel – which are also my main responsibilities on the “Friend”. If you walk into the office you will soon spot my desk, it’s the one piled high with knitwear and balls of yarn!
