Knit a donkey and help out the Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary is appealing for keen knitters to come forward to help create a herd of hand-knitted woolly donkeys to raise funds for the centre.

The knitted donkeys, which are individually made by supporters of the sanctuary, are sold both in the visitors centre in Sidmouth and online at www.donkeyworld.org.uk.

"We are thrilled that these little characters have been so successful," Marian Gumbrell, community fundraising manager, told H&H.

"We've been selling them for about a year, but this is the first time we've promoted them outside of our newsletter. We need more knitters just to keep up with the demand!"

For anyone wanting to test out their knitting skills, the sanctuary provides a knitting pattern, which originally came from a 1954 edition of Women's Weekly magazine, and additional instructions.

The sanctuary, which has taken more than 13,600 donkeys in the UK, Ireland and other areas of Europe into its care, is also looking for volunteer guides to run walks during the summer.

"We are a very popular tourist attraction as we are dog friendly and don't charge for parking or entry," explained Marian.

"We think a guided walk, where visitors can learn more about the history of the donkeys and the different breeds, will be very popular."

Volunteer guides will be given full training, including background information about the donkeys and the sanctuary.

For further information about the Donkey Sanctuary, visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org

And to receive a free copy of the knitting pattern, contact Ruth in the community fundraising department on 01395 578222 or email Sarah at Knit and Sew: sarah@knitandsew.co.uk

Lottie Butler, Horse and Hound newsdesk

22 February, 2010

Knitting & Sewing Storage - perfect Christmas presents

Here at Knit and Sew we have a huge stock of knitting and sewing storage solutions.

Choose from a wide range of work boxes, either fabric covered or wooden in a selection of sizes and designs. We also have a range of matching accessories such as pin cushions and sewing kits.

For knitters we have a fantastic selection of knitting bags, accessories and more.

Order now to avoid disappointment!!

Click here to enter our online store: http://www.knitandsew.co.uk/

Coming soon - Snowball from Sirdar...

In early September we're expecting delivery of 'SNOWBALL' from Sirdar.
Snowball is the latest to appear in the range of pom-pom yarns currently on sale at Knit and Sew, such as Spirit River and Pompadour.

Sirdar are promoting Snowball as their "sensational new winter scarf yarn!"
Each 200g ball in enough to make one adult scarf and comes complete with easy-to-follow instructions inside the ball band, using 8mm needles and just 5 stitches!

The super-sized pom-poms make Snowball slightly different from the other pom-pom yarns on the market, and the result is a softer texture for the ultimate cosy winter scarf!

Available in 12 tantalising colours, this 40 minute knit is sure to be a big winner this autumn, so be quick to order yours when we announce the delivery!

Colours: Snow White, Bunny Tail, Hot Pink, Glamour Red, Berry, Rosie Pink, Vivid Violet, Neon Blue, Black Velvet and Magpie, Tutti Frutti and Leopard which are variegated options.

10% Off during August

In our Swansea store and at our online store http://www.knitandsew.co.uk we are offering 10% off wuith every purchase over £10.00.

See our newsletter for details...

NEW Sublime Luxurious Woolly Merino

Available now in a range of 8 delicious colours - gorgeous texture (shown here in Pink Floyd and Moody Blue)...£4.70 a ball

Fabulous patterns!

Knitting social group for over 50s starting up

July 2009

From the Exmouth Journal:

A CHARITY that fosters closer ties between young people and the over 50s is appealing for new members who can knit for needy children to join a new for a new social group.

Littleham's Howard Witts is the East Devon coordinator for RSVP, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme, the only UK wide organisation that offers the opportunity to everyone over the age of 50 to volunteer. And he is calling for new members to start up a new social group, to meet weekly in Withycombe.

The group will start up in about a month and members will get to have a cuppa and a chat while knitting clothes, toys and other accessories for underprivileged childrenHe said: "We want people over the age of 50 to come and join us, get together weekly in Exmouth, enjoy themselves and knit for children."

It could be for children in neo-natal units, hospitals, from poor countries and they could be items like garments or cuddly toys."We would provide the venue and all the materials and refreshments."

He said it would be ideal for people who liked knitting but didn't go out as much they would like and wanted to meet like minded people.He added that if the group was successful he would go start up other groups possibly in Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton.

Mr Witts also thanked volunteers who applied to the last programme - giving up their time to help children with literacy in schools - and thanked residents who had doubled the amount of volunteers since the appeal went out in February.

For more information call Howard on: (01395) 273692.

Wendy celebrates 110 years with new yarns...

We have mentioned these new wools previously, but now they are available at our online store, we feel they are well worth flagging up!

There's a prediction for the coming season, the prediction is BIG! The coming trend for big and chunky knitwear is no more pronounced than at Wendy, where they have introduced two new yarns in honour of their 110th birthday, including Viva - a super chunky knitted on 10mm needles.

Viva is a roving yarn with 8 subtly printed colours including Lipstick (shown), Vanilla, Skylight, Crocus, Delph, Lichen, Cranberry and Cinders. The yarn has a super soft feel, ideal for cosy winter wear or just to take the chill off a summer evening out. The yarn has a 20% wool content and over at Knit and Sew is retailing for just £3.39 per 100g ball - a real steal!



The second yarn just introduced by Wendy is Skye - a double knit tweed yarn, made from a blend of mohair, acrylic and polyester. Again, there are 8 colours to choose from: Birch, Hazel, Willow, Blue Spruce (shown), Chestnut, Mahogany, Violet and Scree. Cardigans and waistcoats are tipped to be winners this coming season, and with light-weight, easy to knit yarns such as Viva and Skye - start knitting and get ahead of the trend!

At just £2.33 at our online store, Skye will prove to very popular. There are pattern leaflets and books to support both yarns too - these will be available on our site any day now from £2.25 each, so check back regularly to find them online.

New Patterns due in stock July 1st

A wide range of NEW Sirdar patterns is due in stock on July 1st.

With the introduction of new yarns such as Crofter Chunky, Nomad and Persia Sirdar have also designed a range of exciting new patterns to go with these and existing wool ranges.

There are also additions to may other ranges including Snuggly Baby Bamboo, Snuggly Snowflake DK and Chunky, Crofter DK, Big Softie and more!

Many of these ranges have had new wool shades introduced too, so make sure you check out our site to see everything!

You may browse some of these patterns online already, but if you do order, there will be a little wait until they arrive next month.

Sirdar Price Increase in June

Due to the continued situation regarding the strength of the Euro against GBP (£), the prices of Sirdar yarns are set to increase in June.

It would be well worth buying your Sirdar yarns now to avoid the price increase...

Visit Knit and Sew to order now!

New 'Spirit River' pom-pom wool now in

Now in stock Grundl's Spirit River Wool - a pom-pom textured wool in a range of 6 beautiful colours. This yarn knits into a fabulous, unusual bobbly textured scarf, or a cushion or throw.. the only limit is your imagination!

6-7mm needles, £2.25 per 50g ball

Kirstie Allsopp presents...

Kirstie Allsopp (of Location, Location, Location fame) has a new show on Channel 4 - Kirstie's Homemade Home.

Packed with ideas for your home, tackling different rooms of the house each week, Kirstie shows us how to reuse, recycle and create. She visits skilled crafts people and artists who teach her new skills. Save money and keep your home 'on trend', as handmade items become the new 'designer labels'.

Check out her page on Channel 4's website for full instructions on how to make a lampshade, an envelope cushion, how to decoupage and more!

With the current economical climate, anything we can make or re-use helps us save money and goes towards a healthier planet too. So any craft fans should make the most of this current trend and get crafting! Whether its for your own home, as gifts or to sell, handmade items are the hot trends in fashion, interior design and toys.

Don't forget, if you're tempted to try any of Kirstie's ideas, Knit and Sew has plenty of supplies to make the project easier - fabrics, threads, needles, scissors, wool, fabric paints, ribbons and buttons, adhesives, kits and more!

Coming Soon - Evita from Patons

Due in at Knit and Sew this summer is the exciting 'Evita' yarn from Patons.

Evita is a multi-textured yarn made up of acrylic and wool mix. It contains ribbon, twisted, wavy and metallic strands, giving it a highly unusual and unique appearance.

Each 100g ball is enough to make up a scarf and the wool band has full instructions for making a stunning scarf.

Evita is available in a range of stunning colours including: ruby (pictured), cream, steel, black, navy (teal/petrel) and lilac (purple).

Check our online store later in the summer for this exciting new wool!

New Knitting Kits now in

Knit and Sew now has a selection of new knitting kits available, including 'Shaun the Sheep', 'Winnie the Pooh', 'Grey Bear in a Bag' and much more!

All are great fun to knit and each kit contains everything you need - priced from just £6.20.

First Knitting Kits

For all the budding knitting enthusiasts out there, we now have a brand new kit available to make knitting easy!

Including full instructions, 10 balls of wool, needles, French knitter and bodkin, the First Knitting Kit contains everything a child needs to get started and become inspired.

With instructions for casting on, increasing and decreasing, knit and purl stitches and casting off, as well as simple patterns to make this kit makes knitting fun!

(for children over 3 years)

New Colours in Stylecraft Life

We've just introduced new colours in the ever-popular Stylecraft Life range. In double knit and 4 ply, the new colours include subtle shades such as Duck Egg, Cobalt, Mint, Taupe and Silver Grey.

The Life range contains 25% wool and is very economical at only £1.92 per 100g ball!

Click the picture above to link to the Stylecraft range of yarns in our online store...

Announcing the arrival of new yarns

We're pleased to let you know that we have received our range of Peter Pan double knit yarn today.

Every new born baby deserves the best and we now stock these hand knitting yarns designed for babies and toddlers.

The range of yarn colours includes white, pretty pastels and a dazzling array of bright colours. Choose from stunning brights with pretty names such as 'poppy' or 'summer pudding', or more subtle shades such as 'freckles' or 'ballet pumps'. There is also a 'speckled' range including such colours as 'speckled rose' and 'speckled blue'. As well as these, there are also random mix shades (pictured) like 'rose surprise', 'tropical surprise' and 'denim crush'.

The yarn contains 55% Nylon / 45% Courtelle and is fully machine washable and tumble drier safe. Knitting up on 3.25-4mm needles, Peter Pan dk contains approx 170 metres per 50g ball.

A wide range of patterns is also available for both babies and toddlers.

We have also taken delivery of new shades in Peter Pan's 'Cupcake'.

Cupcake is a super soft handle tots-teen yarn. We have lovely shades for you to choose from and it is easy to care for as it is mild machine washable and cool tumble dry. Knitted on 3.35 and 4.50mm needles the tension is 19 sts to 26 rows. It is made of 50% acrylic and 50% nylon.

Cupcake is a beautifully soft yarn in subtle colours, some plain and some with the pretty speckled effect (pictured).

Choose from delicious-sounding shades such as 'fruit salad', 'glacier mint', 'jelly tots', 'sherbet lemon' and 'rainbow duet'.

SUMMER IS ON THE WAY!

At Knit and Sew we're looking forward to summer as much as you are, and with the seasons changing we're stocking up on ideal yarns for summer knits...

Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK has been introduced as a new yarn for spring - this yarn comes with a great range of colours, patterns and outstanding benefits. Simply the softest naturally - Baby Bamboo is Sirdar's new incredibly soft snuggly double knitting yarn. Made from natural bamboo and wool it is perfect for wearing next to babys delicate skin. There are 10 yummy colours to choose from with names that add to the relaxed nature of the yarn such as Waterbaby, Little Lilac and Sleepy Blue. The pattern designs are modern and work equally well for small babies and children up to six years. It is so soft to the touch that everyone will love to knit with Baby Bamboo.
As Baby Bamboo is a true double knitting yarn it will knit to all Sirdar DK patterns (the yarn feels so good, we think ladies will want to wear it too) and it can be worn all year round. Bamboo is breathable and cool so baby will not get too hot. It is the latest 100% natural yarn under the Snuggly brand.

For the summer knitters, our range of Sirdar Juicy yarns and patterns are selling fast! A lovely light summery yarn, Juicy Dk is made from the silkiest blend of 80% bamboo and 20% cotton and comes in a mouth watering palette of deliciously fruity, summer colours - including Watermelon, Papaya, Citrus and of course, Coconut White. Juicy Dk is a true, rounded summer yarn and has an incredible softness, making it fabulous to knit and to wear. Choose from a lovely array of summer patterns for Juicy, for men, women and children.

The relaunch of Sirdar's Snuggy Snowflake Dk (25g) is proving a very popular decision. In an array of exciting luscious colours such as lime, aqua blue, pink, creamy, milky and lemon, and with the famous oh-so-soft feel, it's a joy to knit with and babies will feel so snug and comfy! Choose from our choice of Snowflake Dk patterns, including a gorgeous baby girl's cardigan - perfect for wearing over pretty summer dresses!

WOOL SALE CONTINUES - New lines added

More yarns have been added to our Spring Sale - make sure you don't miss out!

Sirdar Ocean is on offer in stunning colours for summer including Scallop Pink, Oyster, Black Pearl and Echo Blue, plus we're offering Ocean patterns for summery fashion so there's plenty to inspire you!

At less than half price, Sirdar Vegas (pictured left) is not to be missed! A glamourous yarn with metallic strands for a hint of luxury and glitz, Vegas is only £1.99 a ball.

A popular yarn, Sirdar Confetti is back for a limited period in Playtime Blue. A soft and cuddly yarn in speckled shades of blue, ideal for many projects and machine washable.

We are also offering the ever popular Wendy Chic on sale at the moment - usually £4.29 and now only £1.75 a ball - an amazing saving! Chic is a gorgeous and luxurious version of the extremely popular eyelash yarns, and it has a highlight of glitter running through it with the long eyelashes interwoven with metallics, perfect for scarves and hats, ponchos and shrugs. An extremely soft long-haired yarn, very much like a fur, which when knitted is gloriously soft and light - like an angora rabbit!

Sirdar Surfer is still a popular choice during our sale, with the summery feel and look of the yarn it is making everyone think of the summer and holidays to come!
Make sure you act fast and order your sale wools while stocks last - some colours and yarns have already sold out!

Knit and Sew - a Brief History

About us: The business was first established in 1972. Back then, the store was a tiny traditional knitting and sewing shop based in Neath, South Wales. In those days knitting was a pastime enjoyed by a largely older customer base and was not being taken up as a hobby by the younger generation.
To increase trade, the Neath shop founders ran sales in local church halls and expanded sales through local clubs and groups.

In 1974 the store amalgamated with a Swansea firm and became Knitters and Sewers World. By the 1980s the firm had also established a strong wholesale arm to the company, supplying all wool, haberdaashery and sewing stores within a 50 mile radius of Swansea. In 1985 the some of the proceeds were invested in a second store.

By the 1990s, knitting and sewing were becoming dwindling minority crafts, despite this the company was turning over a six figure sum, but margins were becoming increasingly squeezed. It became obvious that the company would have to make some changes in order to survive. The obvious choice was internet sales as the items we sell are mainly light and unbreakable, making them ideal for mail order. This seemed a daunting undertaking for the company as the range of items for sale is huge, but with the help of 'Shopfitter' a risk-free, pay-as-you go solution, Knit and Sew was established online.

By December 2005, the turnover was 30 times more than the preceding December and a colossal 112 times the monthly turnover from eighteen months ago.

Together with the strength of the online shopping market and also with the increase lately in crafts the store goes from strength to strength. Knitting has become more popular in the younger generation, celebrity knitters have been spotted and photographed and more and more knitting clubs and classes are starting across the country.

Our store, often nicknamed 'Aladdin's Cave', is full of interesting and unusual ideas and is visited by over 20,000 customers who enjoy browsing our vast product range.

Our extensive stock provides all materials and accessories to complete any project large or small relating to knitting and sewing, as well as other crafts such as jewellery making, rug making, cross stitch, tapestry etc.

We hope you will find browsing our site as fascinating and interesting as our customers who visit us regularly.

We hope to see you soon! Do let us know if we can help you with your project.