The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Coffee Lounge => Topic started by: ellisr on January 10, 2012, 08:09:21 pm

Title: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 10, 2012, 08:09:21 pm
Well as some of you may know I have some of my crafts in an exhibition http://www.bricksandbread.com/index/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DSC_0353.jpg (http://www.bricksandbread.com/index/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DSC_0353.jpg)

On the 4th and 18th of February I will be holding workshops as well :thumbsup:

If anyone is around the area pop in and say hello on one of those days.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: princesspiggy on January 10, 2012, 09:36:58 pm
where abouts are you?
good luck xx
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 10, 2012, 11:21:12 pm
The exhibition is being held at the Bricks and Bread centre in Aldershot, as far as I'm aware I will be the only demonstrating on those days
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 11, 2012, 03:10:00 pm
I have just spoke to Trudy at the centre and she thinks it will be very busy, now I'm scared
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Bionic on January 11, 2012, 03:14:18 pm
Ellisr,
Busy is good.  There is nothing worse than standing about like a spare part.   ;D

You know your stuff so I am sure as soon as people come up to talk to you there will be plenty to say.

Wishing you all the best for the exhibitions.
Sally  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: SmallTimeSmallholder on January 11, 2012, 08:45:04 pm
Good luck Ellisr,
I have seen some of your marvellous creations in 'crafts' and frankly am in awe of what you create! You'll be fine- if I was closer, I would have loved to come long and see  :)
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 12, 2012, 10:08:00 am
That is such a sweet thing to say thank you.

I think I've just got a few nerves and I'll be fine I know I will ::)

Now doing the hard bit of costings and sourcing materials to be able to do kits that people can buy so they can have fun after the demos.

I haven't got a clue what to charge for these sessions
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: princesspiggy on January 12, 2012, 10:33:54 pm
our local wool shop does evening classes and charges £35-£50. not sure if thats one night or a few.
good luck
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 13, 2012, 08:06:14 am
our local wool shop does evening classes and charges £35-£50. not sure if thats one night or a few.
good luck

You are so lucky to have a wool shop local.
Could I be really cheeky and ask you to find out for me. I have always done day courses and don't really have a clue on prices for classes.
I have decided to do the taster sessions at the exhibition for free and just charge for materials if they finish a piece and want to take it.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Sandy on January 13, 2012, 09:46:31 am
I shall take a look, I like craft stuff but not done anything for ages.....I did think about usint the house/B&B for people to gather for a weekend course with food etc but then I put the idea out my head. Home made stuff is very IN at the moment, what with Kirsty on TV...I just love it!!
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: SallyintNorth on January 13, 2012, 02:24:04 pm
ellisr, I was pleased to see more jewellery on your website.  I bought some off you last year, and the piece I got for my SIL she loves so much she has hardly stopped wearing it!  And all the more because it's hand made, individual and unique, of course.  You're a very talented lady  :bouquet:
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 13, 2012, 02:52:57 pm
It is very busy at the moment and has taken  me a while to get things on the website, there is more to go on so hopefully there is something for everyone.

Sally I am so pleased she loves it, I have a piece like that it is never off even though I have quite a large collection.

I have lots of gifts that are handmade from friends and they mean so much to me they are like little treasures.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 15, 2012, 09:08:24 pm
Just had some feedback from the centre I am demoing at and it looks like it is going to be busy for my demonstrations, if you are coming along to join in please get there on either day early so that you can get a space http://www.bricksandbread.com/index/creative-exhibitions-2012/ (http://www.bricksandbread.com/index/creative-exhibitions-2012/)
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on January 16, 2012, 12:26:26 am
When you're rich and famous, will you still talk to us?
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Miss Piggy on January 16, 2012, 07:22:48 am
Wishing you all the best Ellisr, you have a great talent, I have every confidence the exhibitions will be a roaring

 success. Looking forward to hearing all wbout how they went. If I was nearer I would be there in a flash.

Good luck. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 16, 2012, 08:42:36 am
When you're rich and famous, will you still talk to us?
Of course I will, without the support from here I probably would have just knit for myself and friends and never ventured into other things like extreme knitting. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Mel Rice on January 16, 2012, 10:32:53 am
Good luck....Demoing at shows is exhausting but can become addictive....have fun.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Blinkers on January 16, 2012, 12:04:24 pm
Oooooooo how EXCITING - well done you  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:   You'll be great and you'll love every second of it  ;)  :trophy:
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on January 17, 2012, 12:24:14 am
When you're rich and famous, will you still talk to us?
Of course I will, without the support from here I probably would have just knit for myself and friends and never ventured into other things like extreme knitting. :thumbsup:

and now you've got us all at it.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 17, 2012, 08:51:53 am

[/quote]

and now you've got us all at it.
[/quote]

It is so much fun so I had to share
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: princesspiggy on January 17, 2012, 02:50:00 pm


You are so lucky to have a wool shop local.
Could I be really cheeky and ask you to find out for me. I have always done day courses and don't really have a clue on prices for classes.
I have decided to do the taster sessions at the exhibition for free and just charge for materials if they finish a piece and want to take it.
[/quote]

check out www.woolforewe.com (http://www.woolforewe.com)

its a lovely little shop in aberdeen. sells wool from british breeds which i thought was great.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on January 18, 2012, 12:05:12 am
I was given dozens of cones of wool by a friend whose wife (now dead) had been a keen machine knitter.  I took all the four ply - there wasn't any thicker - so will be using multi strands to do extreme knitting.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 18, 2012, 08:12:39 am
I was given dozens of cones of wool by a friend whose wife (now dead) had been a keen machine knitter.  I took all the four ply - there wasn't any thicker - so will be using multi strands to do extreme knitting.

OOOOOHHHHHHH 4 ply you will be able to use about 20 strands on 24mm needles to get a nice finish :love:
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on January 19, 2012, 12:15:20 am
Just about to start a scarf.  I've wound in into balls then wounds 3 balls together so I'll only need 7 balls.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 19, 2012, 08:05:48 am
gosh you're efficient, I pop all the balls in a box grab the ends and start knitting. You could do an i-cord and then knit that another great effect.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 20, 2012, 10:05:45 am
The countdown has started officially nowhttp://www.bricksandbread.com/index/news-2/ (http://www.bricksandbread.com/index/news-2/)
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on January 20, 2012, 11:42:27 pm
gosh you're efficient, I pop all the balls in a box grab the ends and start knitting. You could do an i-cord and then knit that another great effect.

It sounds efficient but some of the strands seem to be longer than others in the same ball so I keep having to untangle it as I go.  Think I''ll go for single balls in boxes next time.  I have some shoe boxes so I can make holes in the lids.

What is an i-cord?
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 21, 2012, 09:34:58 am
i-cord is where you take the strands and knit a 4 stitch round and then take that to knit with
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Bionic on January 21, 2012, 10:52:38 am
Wow, never heard of that before.  I bet it gives a nice chunky effect though
Sally
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on January 22, 2012, 12:01:36 am
i-cord is where you take the strands and knit a 4 stitch round and then take that to knit with

I presume you do this on four needles.  It sounds very fiddly.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 22, 2012, 11:18:17 am
just 2 needles and don't turn the work just push to other end of the needle and continue, it isn't as fiddly as it sounds
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on January 22, 2012, 11:49:56 pm
Sounds fiddly but I'll give it a go.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 23, 2012, 08:29:24 am
It is quite relaxing once you get going as there is no real thought process in it, just plain knitting
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 27, 2012, 08:02:09 pm
only one week to go http://cutletcountrycrafts.weebly.com/news.html (http://cutletcountrycrafts.weebly.com/news.html)
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Bionic on January 27, 2012, 08:05:11 pm
Are you getting excited?
Sally
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 27, 2012, 08:40:55 pm
Still in a state of panic trying to get everything done really.
We only have 50 looms made and 30 pieces to exhibit, I haven't even started weaving yet.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on January 27, 2012, 11:27:34 pm
The speed you work that shouldn't be a problem.   :D
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 29, 2012, 10:39:43 am
Well all the talk of working with icord gave me an idea and I have just about finished a spiral rug from it, just need some backing to finish it off
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Bionic on January 29, 2012, 11:05:42 am
Sounds nice. Can we see it when its finished please?
Sally
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 29, 2012, 11:40:44 am
Of course, finding it a bit hard to find mesh backing so it will probably be on canvas or hessian
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 30, 2012, 09:41:25 pm
I have had a panic over the exhibition as there may be a guy from the BBC there :-\
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Bionic on January 30, 2012, 10:55:47 pm
Well don't forget to put your lippy on  ;D
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on January 31, 2012, 12:05:40 am
And smile.  ;D
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on January 31, 2012, 07:20:14 am
Is it possible to panic and smile at the same time
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 02, 2012, 10:12:11 pm
I'm still panicing, with thoughts like 'what if no one turns up' and 'will anyone like my exhibit'

but

Trudy from the centre has setup a cool way of knowing how many are turning up http://extremeknitting-estw.eventbrite.co.uk/ (http://extremeknitting-estw.eventbrite.co.uk/)

Only 1 more day and I have to sleep sometime
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 02, 2012, 11:22:54 pm
You will be fine.  You have the talent and they will see that.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 03, 2012, 03:32:50 am
Ok sleep isn't working.

I don't know what is wrong as I have done loads of fairs and never had a panic I wonder if the word exhibition is just playing with my mind
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Bionic on February 03, 2012, 07:54:46 am
Ellisr,
I hope you got back to sleep eventually.  Even if you are tired adrenalin will keep you going on Saturday.

I was going to drive down to see the exhibition but OH has brokern his thumb and I will need to ferry him around instead.

Good luck (I know you don't need it)

Sally  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 03, 2012, 07:58:25 am
Hope OH is ok. Such a shame you can make it. I didn't get back to sleep but managed to tidy wool and found some samples I have made on the looms
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 03, 2012, 09:56:46 pm
Well I'm all packed. it feels like somebody has cut mr arms off without my needles to play with. I actually never realised how boring friday nights could be without my knitting.

I have just spotted some felt and my hot glue gun.... I could make some flower brooches I suppose ;D
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 04, 2012, 05:53:47 pm
Go for it.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 04, 2012, 09:32:46 pm
that went well :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 04, 2012, 09:36:31 pm
Told you so.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 04, 2012, 09:38:10 pm
I know I know I just worked myself into a fizz
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 04, 2012, 09:40:54 pm
Now you can stop worrying and enjoy the rest.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: TheGirlsMum on February 05, 2012, 12:18:51 pm
So tell us all about it
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 05, 2012, 01:27:25 pm
sorry I have been busy catching up and writing patterns for the next one, also have to make double point extreme needles as the couple of sets I had made sold before I could really show them (not good with my wooodworking skills)


there are some great photos here
http://www.bricksandbread.com/index/2012/02/04/extreme-knitting-peg-looming-workshop/#.Ty0WucAKdHg.twitter (http://www.bricksandbread.com/index/2012/02/04/extreme-knitting-peg-looming-workshop/#.Ty0WucAKdHg.twitter)

Everyone was very shocked at how fast they could actually make something useful when knitting and other played with looms and made table runners etc to take away with them.
Everyone was smiling and the chat was fantastic, coffee and cake what more could you want.

I also felt very proud on the feedback from people on my looms,needles, patterns and garments.

I will get round to updating cutlet country crafts website just a bit short on time at the moment and still very exhausted from the drive in the snow
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Bionic on February 05, 2012, 03:12:29 pm
It sounds as if you had a very successful day. Its good to see the pics too.
Well done
Sally
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 05, 2012, 04:50:55 pm
You must excuse the state of me in the photos I wasn't feeling to good with my liver problem and I think it shows as tiredness on my face
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 05, 2012, 11:48:14 pm
Lovely photos.  I didn't realise you sell the extreme needles as well.  How much are they?  couldn't find them on your website.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 06, 2012, 06:49:58 am
I have a friend that makes them but unlike the ones one at these are made from hardwood they are £16
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Bionic on February 06, 2012, 08:13:27 am
Ellisr,
Are we able to buy extreme needles from your friend?

Sally
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 06, 2012, 08:19:45 am
I have a few pairs but don't have access to them until the 18th as they are at the exhibition, I will see if she has anymore in stock give me a few hours to get intouch with her and see what we can do.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Bionic on February 06, 2012, 08:46:10 am
Ellisr,
There is no rush.  I need to wait until I move. OH wouldn't take to kindly to buying in more things while we are packing up.
thanks
Sally
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 07, 2012, 11:51:20 pm
I'm interested as well.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 08, 2012, 11:03:55 am
She doesn't have anymore ready so I will have to wait until I get to the exhibition on the 18 th to get what I have in stock
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 12, 2012, 03:36:30 pm
Anyone wanting double point extreme needles I now have 10 pairs for sale, see ad in marketplace. These will be going with me to the next exhibition on 17th Feb
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 12, 2012, 11:32:59 pm
I do but if I wait until you have some single point long ones as well, will it save on postage?
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 13, 2012, 08:21:59 am
It will a little and that helps these days. I will ring OH and ask him to finish the normal sets today. The normal sets are 600mm X 24mm with a dowel stop and are £13. I will get photos when they are done.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 15, 2012, 12:17:19 am
Every little helps.  I want to do some rugs and wall hangings to sell.  I've just finished a scarf on 24mm needles with 20 strands of 4-ply and it looks great.  It's for my granddaughter and I'm just making some wrist warmers in the same colours to go with them.

Please let me know when needles are available.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 15, 2012, 06:30:32 am
It sounds like you have caught the bug.

You have just reminded me I need to felt the rug I knitted for this weekend exhibition
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 15, 2012, 07:06:42 pm
The Extreme needles are now available £13 + p&p
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: SmallTimeSmallholder on February 15, 2012, 10:51:45 pm
Hi Ellisr, I'm so pleased your first knitting ex went well. I've been wondering how you got on. I've been knitting for about 30 years (love it) and found found you such an inspiration I'm about to take up spinning  :D
What size are the needles you show in the last post?
Good luck with this weekend's exhibition!
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 15, 2012, 11:10:40 pm
They are 600mm X 24mm
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 17, 2012, 08:45:37 pm
Well we are all packed up to do it all again tomorrow.

There will be lots of laughter, cake, chat and coffee again :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 17, 2012, 10:38:31 pm
How do I order the needles?  I would like a pair of each please.
Title: Re: Exhibition
Post by: ellisr on February 18, 2012, 04:40:59 am
I have put yours to one side I will pm you with details as I can't post them until next week.

Well better get breakfast and see to all the animals before the 2 and a half hour drive to see those lovely peeps that want to play with my needles