Out & About Autumn 2019

Out&About leisure

5 Once tied, pull plastic curves outwards again, and pull the whole pompom maker apart. Give the pompom a good shake, holding it by the tied thread.

6 If the pompom has any long strands give it a quick trim to get a nice round shape.

T he pompom bunting pictured is simply made by tying pompoms onto an I-cord. This looks much like the cord produced when French knitting on a dolly or cotton reel, but so much quicker and easier. To knit I-cord:

1. Using two double pointed knitting needles, cast on three stitches 2. Knit the three stitches

3. Then, instead of turning your work to knit next row, push the three stitches to the other end of the needle in your right hand and move needle to your left hand. 4. Now continue knitting these three stitches, pulling the yarn across the back of your work to start creating a tube or cord. After a few rows you will see the cord shape appearing. 5. Continue in this manner until cord is of desired length. Cast off.

If you want any advice or suggestions or have any problems with your pompom making, do please feel free to come and have a chat with me at Rainbows. I am always happy to give you a quick demonstration if you’re not sure what to do. HAPPY POMPOMING

F iona Crooks Smith is co-founder and owner of Rainbows of Newbury, an arts and crafts supply shop in Inch’s Yard.

Rainbows is a treasure trove of crafting goodies selling a multitude of yumminess, including Decopatch supplies, DMC embroidery threads, King Cole knitting yarns and patterns, Decoart paints and mediums, Gütermann sewing threads, ribbons and braids, buttons, general haberdashery, beads, jewellery- making supplies, foam and silk clay and other modelling mediums, polystyrene, maché and wooden shapes and objects to decorate, and SO much more.

Fiona arranges both children’s and grown-up crafting parties and runs ad hoc workshops and taster sessions on Decopatch, basic jewellery making, needle and wet felting, block printing, mixed media paints and mediums, learn-to-knit sessions and much more. ‘It is always worth asking’ 9 Inch’s Yard, Market Street, Newbury, RG14 5DP rainbowsofnewbury@gmail.com 01635 34180

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O&A AUTUMN 2019