CONSTRUCTION KNITTING PATTERNS on new ETSY SHOP

You can now purchase Construction Knitting Patterns on the new Etsy Shop.

Kuopio Academy of Design. Workshops in Finland

So my weeks in Finland were amazing.  Helsinki is a gorgeous city, and of course inspiring. In the minus degree weather I spent my days ducking in and out of coffee roasters, relishing the local traditions of cinnamon buns and salmon soup.... inbetween visits to the Design Museum, 2 floors of Marimmeko and cool little design shops.  I caught the first Helsinki snow, and was amazed at the fact bikes are parked unlocked.  There's obviously no Damos and Darrens in this part of the world.
Kuopio Academy of Design is in central Finland surrounded by lakes and forests.  I was there to deliver some workshops, and gave a 2 hour public lecture (phew!), and put together a exhibition.  I worked with a group of second year fashion and textile students teaching the concepts of Construction Knitting, and applying these techniques for machine knitting processes.  I loved working with these girls.  With minimal direction, they grasped the concept and channeled the work into their own thing.  While some girls were in it for learning and developing technique, others were working the theme into their designs and collections.  Overall a great experience for observing user participation and co-design potential of Construction Knitting.  The Kuopio Design Academy liked this work; so much, that in conjunction with the Finnish Craft Council they are publishing Construction No. 3 pattern in the Finnish language. 

Construction Knitting

If you're wondering why this blog has been so quiet, it's because most of my year has been spent working on a Master's of Design Research project; amalgamating the Construction Knitting method into a theory bound concept....... this is what my Construction Knitting package looks like now.

So, this neat little academic package is also now off to Finland to the Kuopio Academy of Design, as I've been invited to conduct workshops and lectures to the school!  This condensed box of essentially years worth of practice led research is traveling accompanied by wooli kits, patterns and needles for making exercises with the Finnish students.

New Construction Stockist

This beautiful shop; Poet's Ode in the Adelaide Hills, is now stocking our range of Construction Knitting patterns, Wooli yarn and Wooden Knitting Needles.  Their ethos reads:

"Our aim is to support ethically made/ sourced goods both locally and abroad, we feel strongly about being part of the global artisan market. With a focus on handcrafted, organic and natural, simple classic design and pieces that will be heirlooms of the future...." Poet's Ode

New Collaboration with Patons

I'm celebrating another collaboration with Australian Country Spinners for their Paton's yarn range.  They have have adapted my Construction No 4. triangle knitting pattern for their chunky wool/alpaca blend called INCA which comes in 18 colours. Available at all Spotlight stores in Australia and New Zealand this winter.

PDF Download

The Poncho Construction knitting pattern is now available as a printable PDF download for $3.95 on our web shop.

CONSTRUCTION NO.4 in ONLINE SHOP

My Triangle Knitting Project: Construction No.4 pattern is now available to purchase on our Online Shop, and WOOLI is back in stock.  I'm so excited about this pattern, particularly because it has the free additional Annex to it, which is an extra pattern to creatively use more triangles, with an embellishment project making braids and tassels. Construction No. 4 garments require 15mm knitting needles, and the annex requires 25mm knitting needles to make. 

New Stockist

If you're based in NSW, Australia you'd be pleased to know there is a new stockists of the Construction Knitting Products.  Especially now that Wooli is sold out, and you need to start or finish a project, it may be handy to be near Sydney's southern beaches at Knitting for the Soul.

Melbourne Workshops

Melbourne's Craft Cubed Festival is now officially launched, and I will be participating by holding two-day intensive Construction Workshops at Harvest Textiles.  The Workshops include all materials including Bespoke Wooli, Knitting Needles and Patterns.  Plus exclusive to these Workshops, the NEW CONSTRUCTION NO. 4 TRIANGLE KNITTING PROJECTS with additional Annex Patterns.  The workshops will cover hands-on knitting techniques, how to design knitwear using geometric shapes, adjusting and tailoring patterns, finishing techniques / all using the clear visual aids of the Construction Knitting Patterns as a guide.  They are only small classes so I will be able to give one-on-one guidance, and the classes are suitable for all levels of knitting knowledge, from absolute beginners to advanced.
Bookings at Harvest Textiles.   Two separate workshops:
Sunday August 18 & Monday August 19 2013 10.30am - 3pm
Saturday August 24 & Sunday August 25 2013 10.30am - 3pm

Construction No. 4 & Melbourne Workshops

Announcing Construction No. 4 and Melbourne Workshops.  Construction No 4 is a new pattern in the Construction Knitting Project series, and is a Triangle Construction.  It will be available to purchase in the first week of June on our online store.  Coming up in August, are 2 x 2 day workshops held at Harvest Textiles in Melbourne.  I will be artist in residence at Harvest in the month of August, and the workshop dates are 18/19 August, and 24/25 August.  Details of the Harvest Workshop and how to register are here.  There will be only 10 people per class, and the workshop covers 'how to knit' and 'how to create your own knitting construction'.  So using the Construction Patterns as a visual aid, in the workshop you will be able to design and construct garments using my adaptation of a construction technique.  You get involved in the design process by following a logical progression of design and construction solutions in using graphic shapes.  You get a Workshp Kit, which includes big knitting needles, and my new bespoke Wooli yarn, and a pattern, and over the 2 days I promise you will be able to whip a garment range.  This workshop requires only basic knitting skills, and absolute beginners are also encouraged to register.  This workshop is also perfect as a follow-on from one of my previous workshops as it develops on the knowledge gained from following a construction pattern.

Triangle Knitting Construction Pattern

This is an exciting new project, having collaborated with Australian Country Spinners this winter.  These new Construction Designs are now available at all Spotlight stores in Australia and New Zealand.  While in the past I've designed patterns with squares, and rectangles; this is a different approach using Triangles in the most basic knit stitch; super easy!!  Just knit triangles in Cleckheaton Country Naturals Wool, and follow the diagrams in the pattern to join them which will make an awesome garment.

Selvedge Subscription Offer

Selvedge Magazine have an offer of my Construction Knitting patterns with new subscriptions this month. The current issue is filled with beautiful things; and the first two pages open onto a double spread advertisement of Nikki Gabriel Construction Knitting projects.

Melbourne Design Awards

The Construction Knitting Project picked up an award in the Textile Category for the Melbourne Design Awards. Thank you all who voted for us!!!!!

Vote For Us....

Wow, our entry for these very prestigious Melbourne Design Awards have been accepted. This award entry is a reflection of the integrity and originality that has been injected into our Construction Knitting Project. The complete project is profiled on the link, which explains the process of how the product was conceived. The public's vote plays a big part in the award - so please vote for us here.