HRYC
Knits for hot days
I really, really love Scheepjes Organicon. I know i've waxed lyrical about it before, but really it's impossible to overstate how much I love this yarn. Not only for it's wonderful softness and drape, but also for it's ethical production standards.
As many of use grow ever more concerned with climate change and the impact our lifestyles have on the environment, making conscious decisions about the yarns we buy is increasingly important. Making is central to lives of many of us: it feeds our brains and wellbeing and forms an important part of who we are.
So if, like me, you're looking to reduce your household waste, create for the long-term and make better choices for the planet, here's some key facts about Scheepjes Organicon:
- "Scheepjes Organicon holds the GOTS certification which guarantees through traceability that the cotton has been grown on organic certified fields without the use of chemical fertilisers, farmed in a sustainable manner and in a way that ensures the continuing fertility of the land it is grown on. The dyes used are also GOTS-certified and have the highest sustainability index possible for textile manufacture.
- By harnessing a 100% biological wastewater treatment approach in the production process of Scheepjes Organicon, wastewater from the production of this yarn is safely recycled and repurposed.
- A vegan friendly yarn is one that contains no animal products or by-products. From the dyes used to colour this yarn, to its 100% plant-based fibre, Scheepjes Organicon respects the welfare of animals and offers a high-quality alternative for all conscious crafters."
Lots of words, I know, but it's important.
So, what to make?
Knit up some effortless washcloths:
Soft cotton washcloth pattern from Purl Soho
Or linen stitch tea towels, pattern also from Purl Soho:
Or maybe you know someone expecting a baby and want something extra gentle for their skin:
Fingering Entrechat Bonnet by Lisa Chemery
I'm still working on my hand woven facecloths, but they are off the loom and waiting for me to cut and sew the edges. I'll update on those soon!
Little Women Knits
I originally wrote this for our regular newsletter, enjoy!
When I was on holiday I didn't knit a single stitch for a week. I read books, went to the beach and worked on a puzzle. As a compulsive maker it was a very strange occurence for me, but now that I think about it, I needed that time away from stitching in order to come back to it with renewed enthusiasm.
Along with lots of reading, i've been watching a lot of movies - including a trip out to see the new Little Women. It's full of fantastic knitwear, quilts and scenery, so of course I did some googling for patterns when I got home.
Beth's shawl has been released by the film's knitter, Jenn Monahan, and all proceeds from the pattern sale go towards a charity which trains women from rural communities to be solar engineers.
You can also make your own version of Jo's shawl - while it's designed for 4ply, I think it would be fantastic worked up in Quince & Co Chickadee Organic Heathers!
If you fancy a bit of crochet, there's an adorable pattern for Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth in amigurumi form:
Little Women by Carla Mitrani
Read more about Jenn Monahan's work - she's also knit for The Darkest Hour among other films, so chances are you've seen it on-screen before.
It's time to say farewell ...
Ten years ago this October, I arrived back in New Zealand with a plan. I planned to start dyeing yarn, with the goal to use the funds generated to open a yarn shop.
At that time, our local options were limited. The number of indie dyers were few, and i’d frequently walk in to my then LYS and back out again empty handed. Being in the UK and travelling Europe opened my eyes to what a yarn shop could be. I was determined to build in their mould, a place centred around people and the yarns crafters would delight in.
Fun times in Petone
Even then, I knew this wouldn’t be my forever job. I didn’t have an exit plan, aside from ‘well if it doesn’t work i’ll sell everything’. I had very little to lose except time. When I started I didn’t really think that much about making money, except needing to pay myself enough to cover rent and food. My growth plan was to push everything as far as I could without borrowing much and in turn increasing the risk level.
The last few years I have often thought about what’s next. I’ve gone from a shop with barely any stock to shelves packed full. From it being just me and the support of friends and family to a number of staff.
Our first Grand Arcade Store window
Every time I mulled over closing up, I kept getting stuck on one single point: what about the customers? Where will they go for company, yarn fumes and care? I feel a responsibility to everyone who feels at home at Holland Road Yarn Co, those of you who have shared your difficulties and joys with us. It’s an enormous privilege and I have a duty of care.
This year I have been thinking about closing more often than not. Particularly with all the discussions around anti-racism and diversity in the knitting community, it’s really struck me that I have more I want to offer the world. As I hear arguments that we aren’t doing enough to take care of marginalised groups in our community, I agree absolutely. It’s time for things to change.
So I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to change. I have skills that can be used for deeper and more meaningful change than I could ever hope to achieve through supplying you with yarn. It no longer sits comfortably with me to encourage consumerism in a world that is in climate crisis, where we should be making do with what we have, being more thoughtful in our buying, and considering the impact our lifestyles have on the world.
It also comes down to some pretty hard facts: running a retail business means I never get time off. It demands being constantly available on social media, working every single day, and always having to-do lists running through my head. The impact it has had on my relationships and my mental health has been severe.
Packing in to Lyall Bay with Elliott
So, what's next?
Business as usual for the moment! Come and see me at Knit August Nights this weekend if you're coming, I can't wait to see you!
I will be finishing up dyeing Knitsch, unless the mood to throw colour around strikes me. If you want some - get it while you can.
Once i'm back from KAN and had some recovery time, we will start up with some sales. Before that, you can let us know if you have any special requests, particularly for Brooklyn Tweed and Cascade. The last orders for those will be sent off on 4 September, so get in touch if they are on your to-knit list.
The plan is to be all finished up on 13 October. I will continue on with some yarn online, namely Scheepjes, Lopi and Quince & Co. So HRYC will still be around, just a bit smaller and less visible.
I want to thank each and every one of the people who has walked through the shop door, either in-person or online since 2011. You have enriched my life in ways I can't even begin to communicate, and I won't ever forget it.
xx Tash
PS Craft Camp and Knitters Dinners will continue! Because we still need to hang out <3
Come work with us!
With Kate due to go on maternity leave in June, we are looking for someone to join our team!
Holland Road Yarn Co isn't just a shop, it's a place where we build a community of knitters and crafters. We really love our customers and bend over backwards to bring them the best possible yarn buying experience. We are a 21st century business who use all the technology at our disposal.
Our ideal colleague is:
- a true yarn-lover, a passionate knitter and well-versed in all things woolly
- can talk about knitting and projects until the cows come home
- knows Ravelry backwards and believes technology is essential to daily life
- can wrangle google docs and share inspiration in 140 characters
- crochet and /or spinning skills would be a bonus
- constantly looking to learn more about the craft
- comfortable with money handling and sales
- and, most importantly, have amazing people skills.
Our kaupapa is:
- We take care of the environment and work to be as low-waste as possible
- We are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming environment for Māori, Pasifika and people of colour, LGTBQI+, disabled, and those new to crafting
- We receive feedback with humility and always strive to improve
There is one position available, on a fixed term 6 month contract to cover maternity leave. There is potential for it to become permanent, depending on how 2019/2020 turns out for us. The role is sole charge, so we need someone who can take the initiative but isn't afraid to ask questions if unsure about something.
General Duties:
- Provide excellent customer service, both in-person and online.
- Pack and ship customer and wholesale orders
- Maintain a tidy and well-organised store
- Receive and process stock
- Knitting / crochet expertise
Administrative Duties:
- Complete rolling stocktakes as required
- Schedule classes, liaise with teachers and students
- Responsibility for ordering from specific suppliers
- Enter accounts payable invoices in Xero
Ease into knitting - fingerless mitts
If you're new to knitting, or need a bit of a refresher, these fingerless mitts are a great project to start with. I recommend giving mitts a go over a scarf as a first project; they are (relatively) instant gratification and give you the chance to practice without a huge commitment in terms of materials.
I've included links for each technique mentioned along the way, so get set up with your laptop or device, somewhere nice and comfortable. If you get frustrated, it's good idea to put your work down, walk away and come back to it tomorrow.
What you need:
1 ball of Bandit DK (or about 50g of 8 ply yarn)
4mm knitting needles
Darning needle
The making:
Cast on 30 stitches
Knit every row until the fabric measures about 17cm long.
Cast off 30 stitches, leaving a long tail of yarn after you cut it.
Make a second identical rectangle.
Using a darning needle and the long tail of yarn, sew 10cm of the long sides together. Leave a 5cm gap, then sew together the remaining 2cm. This gap is for your thumb!
Repeat on the second rectangle.
Weave in the ends and wear!
