Pippablue - Design, Craft, Interiors, Living

Class Schedule - January and February 2012

Well, it's been a busy week getting everything moved and setting up the new space. We are almost done and will be posting photos soon. But, first things first, we want to get our class schedule up for the next couple of months.  We will be adding the workshops to the website over the next week and you will be able to book online.

In the meantime, you can send us an email if you are interested in booking a class. Our phone line should be up and running by the end of the week (We kept the same number, 091 566972).

Unless otherwise stated you should bring your sewing machine with you, if you do not have a machine and need to borrow one, please let us know in advance. All children's classes are hand-sewing.

Sunday 22nd January - 2pm  Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine €25

This is a class for people who have sewing machines but don't know how to use them! We will go over everything from, threading your machine, tension, different stitches etc, while completing a small project. This class runs from 2 to 4 pm but can sometimes run over,  so it would be best to allow yourself an extra half hour just in case...

BYO Sewing machine with all attachments as well as the manual if you have it. All other materials will be provided. Class limited to 5 people.

Saturday 28th January - 11am  A-line Skirt Workshop €60

This is a full day class in which we will draft a pattern to your measurements and make a skirt to fit perfectly.

You will go home after a very productive day with a skirt and a pattern to make more. (11am - 5pm)

This class requires intermediate sewing skills.

You can purchase your fabrics on the day or you can bring your own, in which case you will need approx 1.5 mtrs of cotton fabric, a matching thread and a 7inch zipper.

Sunday 29th January - 2pm Getting to know Your Sewing Machine €25

See above for class description.

Sunday 5th February  - Beginners Sewing Day (Do one workshop for €25, or both for €45)

    11am Make a lined Tote Bag €25 (materials not included): In this class you will learn how to make a lined tote bag, with interior pocket. With instructions to make more when at home. You can purchase your fabric on the day or you can bring your own, in which case you will need approx 0.5 mtrs of heavy cotton or linen fabric and matching thread.

    2pm Applique Bunting Workshop €25: This workshop will show you the techniques needed to make  lettered bunting that you can then button together to spell names and messages. You will be doing applique and buttonholes. You will be provided with pattern pieces to take home with you to continue your bunting at home, as well as your work completed in class.

 Saturday 11th February 2pm: Valentine Sewing and Crafting for Kids €10 (8+, workshop lasts 1.5 hour)

Sunday 12th February - 2pm Applique Cushion Cover €35 (Advanced Beginner/Intermediate)

We will be making a detailed cushion cover using machine applique techniques. You will go home with a completed cushion cover, plus pillow form. All materials are included in the class.

Saturday 18th February 11am - Anna Tunic Workshop €60

This is a full day workshop, in which you will be making the popular Anna Tunic, by Amy Butler. 

This class requires intermediate sewing skills.

You can purchase your fabrics on the day or you can bring your own, in which case you will need approx 2 mtrs of cotton fabric, and matching thread.

Sunday 19th February 2pm - Getting to know Your Sewing Machine €25

See above for class description.

Tuesday 21st February 11am - Make a Zippy Pouch €20 ( All materials included)

Wednesday 22nd February 6:30pm - Crochet for Absolute Begginers €60 for 4weeks.

All materials included. This class will run for 4 weeks from 6:30 to 8pm on Wednesday evenings. Class dates are the 22nd and 29th of February, and the 7th and 14th of March.

Saturday 25th February 2pm - Kid's Sewing (Beginners age 6-9) €7

1 hour class for younger children who are interested in sewing.

Sunday 26th February 11am - Roman Blinds €60

An all-day class to show you how to confidently make a roman blind.

11-6pm (break for food, don't forget to bring a lunch!)

You can choose to make a sample blind

or make one for your window measurements.

Class costs €60 plus fabric and roman blind kit (cost depends on your size)

 

 

Sewing and Knitting Workshops for March and April

Just a quick post with the dates for our upcoming workshop for March and April.  All classes take place at the shop on Sunday afternoons starting at 2 o'clock.  You can book on-line, in the shop or by phone 091 566972.

Sunday 13th March - Beginners Sewing - Learn to make a little girl's skirt.

Andrea from Lushstuff is back to teach this popular class. This class is suitable for the beginner where you will become more confident on your machine while making a little girl's skirt using 2 fat quarters. In this class you will  be cutting your fabric, learning how to gather, put in an elastic waistband, decorate with trim,  etc.  Class runs from 2 to 5pm, but may sometimes run over a bit longer.

BYO sewing machine, as well as any attachments and a manual if you have one. All other materials provided in class. Class size limited to 6 people.

Cost: 45 Euro / 40 Euro concession

 

Sunday 20th March - Sewing for the Home - Applique Cushion Cover (Advanced Beginner/Intermediate)

In this class we will be making a cover for a cushion using machine applique techniques. You will be learning how to use bondaweb and layer fabric to make a funky cushion cover for your home. More details on this class will follow over the coming weeks. All materials will be provided in class and you will leave with a beautiful accessory for your home. Class runs from 2 to 5 pm, but may run over if extra time is needed!

BYO sewing machine.

Cost: 50 Euro / 45 Euro concession

 

Sunday 27th March - Knitting with Colour (Instarsia, Fair Isle, Block Colour)

This 2 and a half hour workshop with Caroline from Learn to Knit Galway will introduce knitters to the techniques needed to work with colour when knitting, be it fair isle, instarsia or block work. A basic knowledge of knitting is needed (casting on, plain, purl) but is suitable for advanced begginers/intermediate.

Bring your own needles (or purchase in shop on the day), wool will be available at the shop to practice with.

Cost: 20 Euro 

 

Sunday 3rd April - A-line Skirt Workshop (Advanced Beginner/Intermediate)

Another great class form Andrea Parry. You will be taken through the steps necessary to make a custom fit A-line skirt for yourself. You will learn how to take measurements, draft your own custom fit pattern, and piece together a basic A-lline skirt, which you could them customize to suit your needs. This is a class jam packed with useful tips and information, and you will leave with your skirt completed! Bring your own fabric or purchase it from the shop at a discount on the day. Class runs from 2 to 5:30, but may run over if more time is needed.

BYO sewing machine. Class sizes limited to 6 people.

Cost: 50 Euro / 45 Euro concession

 

Sunday 10th April - Introduction to Working with Cables

This workshop will run for 2 and a half hours, and will cover the basic techniques needed to tackle patterns involving cable work. Once again, only a basic knowledge of knitting is needed (casting on, plain, purl) and should give you the confidence to understand and work cables into your knitting. This class is taught by Caroline from Learn to Knit Galway.

Bring your own needles and cable needles if you have them, if not they are available to purchase on the day. Wool will be provided in class.

Cost: 20 Euro

 

Sunday 17th April - Getting to Know your Sewing machine

This is a class for people who have sewing machines but don't know how to use them! We will go over everything from, threading your machine, tension, different stitches etc, while completing a small project. This class runs from 2 to 4 pm but can sometimes run over,  so it would be best to allow yourself an extra half hour just in case...

BYO Sewing machine with all attachments as well as the manual if you have it. All other materials will be provided. Class limited to 6 people.

Cost: 30 Euro / 25 Euro concession

 

Get Crafty!

Pippablue

 

Keep Warm this Christmas!

Its still snowing and so cooold in Ireland at the moment.  Here's a little tip to help you keep warm.   I regularly lose gloves and have just bought a new pair that I am determined to keep this time!

Do you remember when you were a kid and your gloves had strings so that you didn't lose them?  Well this technique can be used for adults too!

You will need a length of ribbon in a complimentary color, long enough to go around your neck and down each arm. 

 Then stitch one end of the ribbon to the back of each glove using a few neat stitches so that the ribbon is securely attached.  

This will only take a few minutes and when you are finished, simply feed each glove through the sleeve of your coat.  This is really useful when you are out shopping and go into a warm shop, you can take your gloves off and not worry about losing them.

 You can use any ribbon, however for something special, the lovely range of East Of India Ribbons, which come in 3 meter lengths are ideal.

 

Easy Christmas Decorations for Kids

French knitters (some of you may know them as Knitting Nancies), are really easy to use for younger kids and a great introduction to knitting.

We made these cute little candy canes to hang on the Christmas tree using red and white wool, and pipe cleaners. They were quick and fun to make and best of all my seven year old was able to make them by herself!

For great instructions on how to use a knitting doll, check out this link.

To make the stripes, just cut equal lengths of red and white wool and tie them together to make one long string.

Push the knots where the wool joins into the knitting doll as you go.

Insert the pipe cleaner into the knitted tube when your knitting pops out at the bottom of the doll.

Carry on knitting until the pipe cleaner is fully covered by the knitting and cast off. Shape the pipe cleaner and tidy up your loose ends. We tied a red ribbon around our canes, but you could use googly eyes, little bells or other decorations.

We used Patons Fab Acrylic DK wool which you can get in the shop ( and at 90 cents per ball, it won't break the bank!)

Happy Knitting!

Pippablue 

Christmas Crafting with Drops Yarn

 

Check out these cute ideas for christmas knitting. We love the simple colour schemes and scandinavian feel, and there are plenty of ideas for all ages.

 

You can find all these free knitting, crochet and felting patterns at Garnstudio's Christmas Workshop.

Happy Knitting! Pippablue

Hello from the Knitting & Stitching Show !!

 

 

Knitting & Stitching show, RDS - Advance purchase of tickets

If you are planning on coming to the Knitting & Stitching show at the RDS which runs from Wednesday 28th October - Sunday 31st October, the deadline for booking tickets in advance is Friday 23rd October.

On advance purchased tickets, savings can be made on individual tickets. Also groups of 4 or more people travelling togother can avail of a group discount, for example a mini-group for 4 is €39. See the Knitting & Stitching web-site for details.

Look forward to seeing you there,

Ger & Eva

Pippablue, Stand G9, RDS, Dublin

 

Getting ready for the Knitting and Stitching Show 2010

It's that time of the year again and we are looking forward to this year's Knitting and Stitching Show at the RDS in Dublin. As usual we are bringing the Pippablue shop to Dublin and you'll be able to find us at stand number G9.

This year's show promises a schedule of great workshops in knitting, crochet, patchwork, felting and much more. For more detailed information on times and events pop over to the organiser's web-site, www.twistedthread.com

The Galleries will host exhibitions in textile arts, patchwork and more, from international and local artists, as well as the Graduate Showcase and special displays from the NCAD and Limerick College.

New to this year is the Swishing Salon, where you are invited to bring along quality clothing to exchange with others, as well as demonstrations on how to revamp and 'upcycle' your garments. So you might go home with a new wardrobe!

So, if you are interested in anything to do with textiles and crafts, head down to the RDS from the 28th to the 31st of October. Tickets are available at a discount if pre-ordered or contact us at Pippablue and we can pre-order for you.

Pippablue

Amy Butler Organic Yarn for Rowan

You know when a designer like Amy Butler teams up with a brand like Rowan, only good things can come from it! We already love her beautiful fabrics and her lovely sewing patterns, and now we get to go crazy for her new line of organic yarns and Midwest Modern Knits pattern book.

Midwest Modern Knits is a unique mix of fashion, accessories and home furnishings in Amy Butler's signature style.  Both the double knit and aran weight yarns are beautifully soft and come in  some truly yummy shades. Feast your eyes on these images or come down to the shop to see for yourself!

  

   
 

And last, but not least, the new Autumn Winter Rowan  Knitting and Crochet Magazine is in (No. 48) and as usual is full of inspiring photography and great projects!

 

Pippablue

Charity Knitting

Just a quick mention for Innocent Smoothies' Big Knit. All you have to do to join in is knit some little woolly hats for their innocent smoothie bottles! For every behatted bottle sold in Ireland they will donate 25 cents to Age Action.

You can hop over here to download patterns and for more information on the Big Knit. We also have pattern sheets in the shop that you can pick up or if you send us an e-mail we can pop one in the post for you.

Also, don't forget to  include the kids. It's a great project  for beginners  and little helpers and innocent have some great prizes for the best looking hats!