Celebrate Wool

May 18 - 24 is Australian Wool week.

Of course for most knitters, I hear you say... "every week is Australian Wool week".

But seriously, next week the Australian Wool Innovation and Campaign For Wool are creating a showcase for wool in fashion.

Just in time for winter, shoppers will be treated to glamorous displays of woolen garments and even a wooly art installation at the Macquarie Centre in Sydney.

For those not in Sydney there is a social media opportunity to get involved.

Simply get a photo of yourself surrounded by wool and post it using the #woolweek hashtag and @campaignforwool tag. 

This will give you the opportunity to win $1000 to spend at a Wool Week Fashion retailer. Yay!

 

Find your way to celebrate all things Wool next week and feel free to tag us @whatjaneknits in your Social media.

 

 

 

KNITTED MEMORIES ON MOTHERS DAY

As a child of the 70s I have quite a few of these photos with rounded corners, taken on my Instamatic camera. This particular photograph is a favourite and the story of this knitted jumper has stayed in my mind.

 

I remember my Mum knitting this with a huge bag of yarn and giant grey plastic needles. They were Rocket needles. Such a cool name I thought, Rocket needles!

It must have been school holidays and we were staying at my Uncles farm. My Mum was knitting away creating this awesome jumper using what she said was Carpet wool.  Oh wow, I thought, Carpet wool and Rocket needles this is cool.

I'm guessing that my Mums knitting did not go exactly to plan. I think this very on trend chunky cowl handknit was intended for her. What a boon for me then, that the finished item was obviously too small. I was given the amazing jumper. How exciting. I felt like such a grown up! After all this was the height of fashion in the 70s  all the glamour models were wearing this style. Yes, funny isn't it 2015 has the same trend!

Look at that smile as I hoist my little cousin on my hip, proudly modelling the chunky knit in front of the family Cortina. I was only about 11 years old, but I thought I was very mature.

As a knitter now, I can see the folly of this project. Carpet wool!! Are you kidding ?  This was never going to end well. And guage... don't forget to measure the gauge!

I can tell you my smile soon faded as this jumper was the heaviest and scratchiest thing I think I've ever worn. In fact I think this may have been the only time it was worn.

I'm sure my Mum was really disappointed she couldn't wear this jumper. However the photo of her daughter, so happy to sport this garment, must have made her feel a little better and at least she finished it and it was being worn.

 

What knitting memories do you have of your Mum? I'd love to hear. Let me know in the comments.

 

 

 

 

 

AUSTRALIAN ALPACA WEEK 2 May - 10 May

Alpacas... crazy cute odd creatures that provide the most lovely soft yarn.

This week the Alpaca community in Australia have held a number of functions and open farm days to promote this growing industry.

The micron count of the alpaca wool is the reason for the softness. Most alpaca fleeces shorn from yearling alpacas have a micron count in the 15 – 19 range. Baby alpaca wool is incredibly soft and a delight to wear.

Hailing from South America, these animals are now farmed successfully in Australia.

If you are looking for a day trip this weekend, check out the open farms in your area on this Australian Alpaca website link.