Stitch Up: Knit a Snood

A couple of weeks ago Jen from Stitch-Up asked me to come along to a snood knitting workshop she was running, to lend a hand and take some photographs! The workshop was at the newly-relocated Duke Studios which I was incredibly excited to see.

We met all the ladies who had signed up for the class in the wonderful Sheaf St Cafe, crapped a coffee (or tea) and went to the Not-Bored room in Duke Studios which was to be the most beautiful meeting room I have ever seen (look at that wall colour!!). It worked absolutely perfectly for the workshop; a nice community table where Jen could show everyone what to do, and then people could chat, get to know each other and ask questions as they went.

The majority of the workshoppers there were total beginners and Jen did the best job at giving everyone the skills they needed to finish their own snood. We started off with a simple bracelet which taught everyone how to cast on, cast off and the knit stitch. A really simple way to learn the basics and have a practise before starting the main piece. Myself and Kendall (of Trends with Benefits) were on hand to help everyone out, so no-one dropped behind or where left unsure what to do next. I was sooooo impressed with how fast everyone picked it up and how enthusiastic they were to learn more. Jen did an amazing job! I think a few people left with dreams of knitting their own jumpers. 

Everyone that came to the class got their own Knit Kit, which had a tote bag, 15mm needles, the Snood pattern, two balls of yarn (each person choose their own colour too!), yarn needle and, of course, a Stitch Up badge.

Go give Stitch-Up a follow on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with future workshops you can get involved in!

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Stitch-Up: Pom Pom Bomb

Last weekend was the Leeds Arts Party! A day to celebrate and promote arts education. There were talks, a market and workshops. I went down to help out Stitch-Up for a day of pom pom making! All the yarn we used was donated, or cast off from producers who would have other wise just thrown it away. It was an awesome, colourful day! We got a whole load of different people coming and learning different techniques. Kids and adults were all super excited to see what their finished pom looked like. We had everyone attach their creations to a giant S U (for Stitch-up!) to make a pom-pom bomb! It looked amazing at the end. There weren't any that were anywhere near alike, everyone had some really cool ideas on what they wanted theirs to look like. A few people couldn't bring themselves to part with theirs, I don't blame them, they were all so good! I don't want to write too much because I think the photos tell it way better!

^ This was one of mine, it was supposed to be a koala. I think its more like a dog?

A poke-ball one of the girls made, so good! v

Stitch-Up is an awesome enterprise that aims to bring communities together and teach them the benefits of yarn crafts! You can find out more about them on twitter, instagram and Facebook! 

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Stitch-Up: Knit as you Feel

Earlier this week I headed down to the Real Junk Food Project in Armley, Leeds to help out with the first of four  'Knit as you Feel' beginners knitting lessons! They're run by Jen Sharp of Stitch-Up which is an awesome new project which is dedicated to teaching the basics and benefits of traditional craft skills! Such an amazing idea!

Such an awesome mix of people came along too; some brought work colleagues, daughters, friends, the old and the young. It was great to see a packed room of people all super eager to learn a craft. As the group was pretty big Jen had this great idea for everyone to chat about how experienced they were with knitting and have the experts sit with the total beginners. It worked out perfect! Jen went over the basics with everyone and if anyone got stuck they had a pro right by them. Everyone was helping each other out, chatting and having the best time.

I had no idea what to expect at the start and I was kind of nervous at the prospect of taking photos. But it went great and I had the best time! Everyone took home their yarn and needles to practise and bring back next week; it's going to be so good seeing everyones work. AND, if all goes to plan we're thinking of stitching together everyones pieces to use in some yarn-bombing. I know everyone will be so proud when they see the finished thing.

If you're just starting out knitting or thinking of getting into it I would seriously recommend looking for a class near to you. Even better, if you're in Leeds look up Stitch-Up! I'll hopefully be helping out more in the future too.

// You can find more about Stitch-Up on Facebook and twitter //

  

       

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Homage to Bundobust // Vegan Blogs

 

I don't think I am exaggerating when I say that Bundobust is my favourite place in Leeds. Its been around only a year or so now, and I am obsessed. If you combined everything I love into one place, you'd get a Bundobust; beautiful vegan-friendly Indian food, an amazing (ever changing) craft beer selection, dog-friendly, awesome people and a lot of yellow. It's perfect. So, when I found out they had added some new bits to their menu I had to go give them a try. 

My absolute favourite addition was the Veg Rice Dry Fry, it reminded me a little of paella but spiced with Indian flavours and packed with veg. I could probably eat that until my stomach burst. We both couldn't stop eating the Far Far (little rice puffs) either, they were pretty perfect dipped in the black lentil Dhal (which was my second favourite!). I really really love a salad when I'm having Indian food, I use it as a a little crunchy palette cleanser so Kachumber Samharo was a welcome addition with its lemony dressing. Only two of the six new dishes aren't vegan; but I had Dixon there to give them a try. He seriously loved the Egg Bhurji and the Vada Pav (a spicy potato burger in a brioche fun! Incredibly jealous.)! The Vada Pav came with two fried and spice dusted green chillies which looked so so good. It all went hand in hand with one of my favourite beers; Five Point IPA!

One of the other great things about Bundobust is the portion size. They're perfect for sharing, Dixon and me usually get 3 or 4 dishes between us for a light meal. Bundobust is the perfect place to get a group of friends, have a few snacks, a few beers and an amazing time. If you're near to Leeds and haven't already been,  you have to make the trip, you will not regret it! (Find Bundobust on Instagram, Twitter and 6 Mill Hill, Leeds, LS1 5DG).

 ^^ I loved the Kachumber Samharo; A fresh, citrusy and crunchy salad ^^

 ^^ Egg Bhurji, Dixons favourite! Spicy egg scramble. ^^ 
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Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair

I went to my first ever vintage fair this weekend. Oh man, so so many beautiful things. I could probably have spent my entire life looking through everything there. I'm not sure why it has taken me so long to get to something like this; I love vintage stuff. I need to find some more events like this, really soon! One of the best thing about the whole fair though? It was SO cheap. I tentatively turned the tag over on a beautiful, massive, brown bag and it was £12! I couldn't believe it. Records for £3, beautiful dresses for £20 and books for pennies. (This isn't an advert, I swear).

There were so many more amazing things I should have photographed. Loads of antique rings, the knit-wear, piles of books and a little dog in a cute jacket. But, I get so nervous taking photos in places like this, I'm trying to get better but I'm a serious wimp. I'm never sure if I should ask before taking a photos!? And I don't want to get in the way...

I will definitely be going back to Judy's Vintage Fair when it comes to Leeds again (especially if its held in the Corn Exchange, my favourite Leeds building!), this time I'll make sure I have some spare money. If you're in England check out their website and see if they're coming close to you! You wont regret it.

I'm gutted that I didn't bring that tiger brooch home . 

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