Knit, crochet show to open in New Hampshire

This information was emailed to me recently. If readers are looking for an impromptu summer road trip with a knitting and crocheting destination this might be just the thing.

Activities will crowd the schedule for knitters and crocheters from across the country at the Knit and Crochet Show 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 29-30, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, July 1, at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, N.H.

Education will get top billing, starting Wednesday, June 27. Because The Knit and Crochet Show is co-sponsored by the Crochet Guild of America and The Knitting Guild Association, nonprofit associations dedicated to excellence and creativity in crochet and knitting, the show will feature 92 technique classes with 21 teachers and authors.

Crocheters can increase their skills in Tunisian lace, bead crochet, knooking, socks, finishing and pattern writing.

For knitters there will be sessions in twined knitting, provisional and invisible cast ons, Fair Isle and steeks, set-in sleeves, lace, understanding Japanese patterns and more.

Some classes combine both stitching disciplines to teach computer-aided design, freeform patterns and yarn substitution.

A fashion show at each association’s banquet lets members see their creations take a stroll down the runway. Bids on silent auction items will benefit the Helping Hands Foundation Needle Arts Mentoring Program to help young people across America learn the needle arts. A Crochet Design Competition will culminate in awards and displays.

Chapters will gather to share ideas and to report on what they’ve been doing since the last conference. Designers will have time to meet with publishers and editors.

Crocheters and knitters working through the masters program can get encouragement and critiques on their work.

Members of the associations enter the show floor free of charge. Admission to others, is $10, $5 for each additional day, free to children under 12. Two-dollar off coupons may be downloaded at the show website.

Association memberships are available online or on-site at the show’s registration counter for those who want to join and save.

For information, visit KnitandCrochetShow.com.

Snippets

Parents seeking ideas for nature craft for their children need look no further than familyfun.go.com. Posted on the website are easy instructions for many crafts using materials one can gather outdoors. My four favorites are:
• A mermaid wand made with small seashells glued to a cardboard star;
• Flower fairies made with children’s drawings of people and “dressed” with petals and leaves;
• A note pad bound with an elastic band and a twig; and
• Rings made with sea glass glued to ring blanks available at craft stores.

Also, go to marthastewart.com to find instructions for a nature walk bracelet made from duct tape and plastic wrap.

And don’t forget to spend time with the young ones making sand castles at the beach.

A Christmas in July Craft Fair will be held 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at the Bangor Grange hall, 1192 Ohio St. in Bangor. Table space is available for rental for $10. Refreshments will be available. Call 973-3976 to reserve space or for information.

Beginner’s beading class emphasizing basic stringing and finishing will take place 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 8, The Gifted Hand Shop, 169 Main St. in Ellsworth. Create a pair of earrings and a necklace with instructor Lisa Salsbury. The class is open to those age 8 and up. The cost is $25. To register, call Lisa, at 460-1077 or email info@willowandme.com, or sign up at the shop. For information, call the shop at 460-1243 or email fernhousestudio@roadrunner.com.