OutdoorKnit

Warm cuddles for Petone

2011-06-13T16:34:00.006+12:00

We had loads of fun on Saturday! If you came here via the Dom Post, we didn't do the tripod leg warmers (very cool though) and they have their dates wrong - we've already been out knit tagging.

Most of what we put up on Saturday is still there, so you can always follow the knit graffiti from the bus stop outside ANZ on Jackson St down to Holland Road Yarn Company :D

International Yarn Bombing Day

2011-06-08T17:23:00.002+12:00

International Yarn Bombing day is so close! How did that happen?

Grand plans required!

We're going to step out and give the lamp posts of Jackson St, Petone, a bit of a woolly cuddle. We'd love for you to join us!

What: Knit Graffiti expedition

When: 1pm, Saturday 11 June

Where: meet at Holland Road Yarn Company, 281 Jackson St, Petone

With: a darning needle, some scissors, and any suitable knitted item(s) to tag with. This may be a scarf, thrifted blanket, strangely shaped thing you gave up knitted years ago, or waylaid peggy squares. If you want to specifically knit something, rectangles about 20 - 40 stitches wide are the way to go.

See you on Saturday!

Wellywood - or wouldn't

2011-06-01T17:04:00.003+12:00

Well, latest word on the street is that Wellington Airport is pulling back on the idea of the 'Wellywood' sign, and are putting together a panel to decide the best way forward.

There is a plot afoot in OutdoorKnit towers to put together our own idea of what should go on the hill - and all will be revealed at Handmade on Sunday.

Want to take part? You can join us for free if you are taking a Handmade class over the weekend, or a teeny wee $5 will get you into the knit lounge if that is your thing. But you should check out the classes - there is a crazy huge range to choose from and i'm sure it will be a blast.

If you'd like to be prepared, we are after second hand knit or crochet blankets to form the base of our installation - so hunt through your wardrobes, garages, laundry cupboards and op shops and join us for some fun!

Oh and if you like knitty secrets, Knitsch has just opened up her secret yarn club!

Good Morning!

2011-05-31T12:01:00.002+12:00

Hey, did you spy Tash on Good Morning today? Welcome!

If you would like to take part in Handmade, pop over to their website for more info.

We're going to be busy installing a new project on Sunday afternoon - follow @knitsch on Twitter for more info.

Fuzz, Felt & Fur

2010-09-01T11:20:00.003+12:00

Warm fuzzies - Civic Square, Wellington

'How are you feeling' - outside the Hutt City Library

The New Dowse has a new touchy-feely exhibition on, aptly named Fuzz, Felt and Fur. Which of course lent itself perfectly to a spot of knit graffiti.

Taranki ahoy!

2010-08-17T14:34:00.002+12:00

Cherie and I had a wonderful time up in the 'naki for the weekend. It was such an honour to be asked to take a workshop at the Govett-Brewster - one of NZ's best contemporary art galleries.

I'll leave the pictures to say all the words! And a big thanks to the G-V, and the freaking awesome Belt Road Holiday Park we stayed at. Their motel cabins are simply gorgeous - we honestly didn't want to leave!

Friday Love

2010-07-30T15:48:00.002+12:00

pic thanks to Greer

It's a glorious Wellington Friday, and what better day than to say awww, thanks!

Apparently 'You are doing ok' has been taken down - but I want to resurrect it. I'll need a crew to get up though - anyone keen?

You are doing ok

2010-07-08T14:02:00.005+12:00

Thanks to Enjoy Gallery, Nikki came down from Auckland a couple weeks ago for the Secret Project.

And here it is...(thanks also to Cherie for giving us a hand on a rather grotty Sunday)

We were a bit sad at removing the old 'It will all be OK'...

And wondered how our new fabric would work...

You are doing ok.

It doesn't stand out as much as the red, but it has a nice gold sheen which is caught when you're a bit further up the road, and hopefully by lights in the dark. A nice progression from future tense to present.

xx Knitsch and stiX (and Cherie)

It's a tree! The prize draw done!

2010-06-23T09:18:00.001+12:00

Hooray! We have two winners for the It's a Tree super amazing awesome prize draw!

Catherine M

wins a three month subscription to the Flights of Fancy Yarn Club

and

Tracy

(you know who you are :D) - wins 2 skeins of sock yarn and 2 of 12 ply.

With over 500 contributions I was biting my nails a bit to see who was going to win - and at the last minute decided to do a second chance draw as well - although if I had my way everyone would get something. But the random number generator turned up 158 and 427 (you'll have to believe me - the screen shot doesn't work on this laptop).

Super Duper excited that stiX will be in Wellington this weekend for a Top Secret Project. Hopefully I can drag her out to the Dowse and have a session adding more leaves and things to the trees. Hooray!

It's a tree! The prize draw extended

2010-06-15T22:34:00.002+12:00

Hello!

The 12th of June has been and gone - are you waiting with baited breath to know who has won the Super Amazing Awesome prize draw?

So am I!

As contributions were still being received on Saturday, it was decided to continue taking crafty bits for the trees until Tuesday, 22 June. So you still have time! Keep knitting, keep sending things in, and be in to win a subscription to the Flights of Fancy Yarn Club from Knitsch Yarns.

Hooray!

Finally, the LEDs all lit up

2010-06-14T20:13:00.003+12:00

LEDs are go!

2010-06-09T20:44:00.004+12:00

Well, they went for a fun evening of bubbles, crafting and enhancing the trees.

Yes, it's sideways. But you get the idea...

More photos to come, it looked amazing, and the trees have loads more goodies attached thanks to help from some awesomely crafty people.

If you haven't been out to see them yet, Saturday, and Craft2.0, is the perfect excuse. Pop by and say hello!

Watering the Tree

2010-05-26T12:47:00.003+12:00

Despite all this torrential rain, the Trees are standing strong! Just goes to show how well knitting stands up to the elements :D

On Sunday a few wonderful people came along to a knitting session at the New Dowse and helped add more beautiful flora to the trees.

This coming Sunday, the 30th, we'll be there again from 1pm, and hopefully without the rain so we can add to our hearts' content...

Hearts, hearts everywhere

2010-05-23T20:45:00.002+12:00

My apologies for interrupting the 'It's a Tree' posts but I've suddenly been inspired to get some pics up that I've been meaning to post for aaaaaaaages. Thanks so much to Sarah and Megan for sending these through. You guys rock. So much.Megan, Jo and stealthy company heartified a fence in Kilbirnie, Wellington. Fitting as I used to live nearby and miss that place.
And then Sarah, wow. Their heart weaving for her birthday looked like so much fun! More here

The super secret amazing prize reveal!

2010-05-22T16:50:00.002+12:00

You know that super secret amazing prize that keeps being mentioned? The one where you get an entry for every leaf or flower or thing that is made for the tree?

It is...........dum dum dummmmmmmmm

A free subscription to the Knitsch Yarns Flights of Fancy Yarn Club!

Woohoo! That's over $100 dollars worth of yarn goodness that could be yours, arriving in your mail box every month for three whole months!

Knitsch will also throw in 2 skeins of 12 ply, a new weight to be released at Craft2.0 on June 12.

Are you excited yet?! Snuggle up in front of the fire (or heater), grab your yarn, and get knitting!

Need a hand? In Wellington? Don't forget I'll be at the New Dowse Sunday 23 and 30 May, 1pm - 3pm, knitting, giving tips, and providing yarn and needles for anyone who wants to have a go.

Yay!

LEDs at the Late Lounge!

2010-05-20T11:00:00.001+12:00

In collaboration with Amber over at Smart Crafting, we're doing something special to the tree!

On Thursday 3 June is the New Dowse's regular Late Lounge, with music, gallery tours and a good glass of vino. This round they have they amazing Good Laika playing...

And us! I'll be there with Amber and some other crafty friends turning one of the trees into a glowing wonderland using the amazing (and amazingly easy) technology of soft electronics.

The install will start about 7pm, so it will be good and dark, and then we shall knit and hang out in the Lounge area, giving tips and sharing knitty tricks.

Come along to learn a thing or two about LEDs, knitting, and hear some great kiwi music. It'll be fun, yo.

2010-05-19T10:35:00.002+12:00

The Hutt News came along and took some photos when the tree was just getting started last week, and this week, the Tree (and Me) made it in for the second week in a row!

The article mentions that I'll be at the New Dowse on 23 and 30 May from 1pm - 3pm giving tips, knitting. chatting, drinking coffee and adding to the tree...come along! (Have I mentioned this before? I think so...)

Oh and don't forget, every item posted in gets an entry into the Knitsch Yarns super amazing prize draw! I've been getting lots of parcels with exciting bits in them all week - can't wait to put them up!

Living, growing, breathing...

2010-05-12T15:15:00.003+12:00

It took six hours, but It's a Tree! is now up and growing. Thanks so much to everyone who turned up - and the contributions so far. We still need more - I want both trees to live up to their woolly leafy potential - so keep them coming :D

It's a tree! T- minus 18 hours or something like that

2010-05-11T14:46:00.004+12:00

The plan was to have some pretty photos of the most recent contributions to it's a tree, but my camera battery died. Boo.

So here's just one:

Many thanks to Laura who always goes above, beyond and blows away with her enthusiasm, and to Odette, for her flowers. And yep, that's tree bark! Well, of the knitted kind.

I went to the Dowse this morning to find more people had dropped off leaves (let me know who you are so you can go in the prize draw!) and oversee the preparation of the poles for tomorrow. It's going to be fantabulous.

Right, better get back to the knitting. xx

Crochet Flower And Leaf Patterns

2010-05-09T21:18:00.002+12:00

For those who have been patiently waiting for patterns to crochet flowers and leaves for the It's a Tree project, apologies for keeping you waiting!

The best place I suggest you pop over to is the Slip project, where they have some great suggested patterns.

Even more exciting, is I have the Slip project! It will be installed at the New Dowse reception desk on Wednesday, 12 May, around the same time as It's a Tree! goes live.

I've been knitting my heart out all weekend making leaves and other bits and pieces for the tree. My 11 year old brother is going to make a needle felted creature, and there are photos popping up all over Ravelry of clever creations for the installation.

I can't wait!

One week to go!

2010-05-05T16:18:00.003+12:00

Only one week until the first installation session of It's a Tree - how are those leaves and flowers coming on?

I have a basketful here already, and today received a surprise in the post - sweet wee crochet flowers.

There will be need for helpers on Wednesday morning at the New Dowse - if you're interested in coming along, flick me an email on tash (at) knitschyarns (dot) com

2010-04-30T09:25:00.001+12:00

Woooooo!

Look at us!

Does being on the New Dowse website mean we're artists?

It's a tree! The PRIZE!

2010-04-26T15:46:00.004+12:00

With a fizz and a pop a couple nights ago, I was thinking about it's a tree. It happens a lot.

And with that thinking, I wondered, what else could Knitsch contribute to the project to make it a bit more exciting? (As if it isn't already! What is it going to look like with all the random contributions??)

How about a prize?

An awesome, amazing, but as yet Secret Prize?

How about, every time you contribute an item to It's a tree, you gain an entry to the Secret Prize draw?

Aaand it's done!

Knitsch Yarns is donating a super fabulous amazing Secret Prize to one lucky winner. The prize draw will happen LIVE at Craft2.0 on 12 June, at the New Dowse in Lower Hutt. Each item contributed will gain the crafter one entry into the draw.

yay!

It's a tree! The Felt Tui

2010-04-25T10:19:00.006+12:00

Here's a simple easy to make tui for a tree, many thanks to Sue of Craft2.0 and Supervery...

You don't need to be very experienced to make your own tui, Just the ability to cut felt and sew a simple running stitch.

Plus because the tui is black and lives high up in a tree your sewing doesn't need to be very good because nobody can see your mistakes.

As you can see from the photos my sewing skills are not the best, but at the end of the day it's going to look great on a tree.

Step one: Gather everything you need

- black felt

- white felt

- scissors

- thread

- need

- pins

- stuffing

- pattern (this is a pdf so you can print it off and get stitching!)

1. Cut 2 tui shapes in black and 2 circles in white

2. Sew together the 2 circles

3. Sew together the tui leaving a gap

4. Stuff your tui

5. Sew up the rest of your tui

6. Sew on your white circle around the tui's neck

Now while i've used felt and hand-sewing, there are so many other ways to make a Tui, also i bet other patterns, so have a go make this Tui, or try a Tui with your own twist.

Or maybe a tui isn't your style? don't worry we've got patterns coming for fantails an pukeko's d

or even better why not surprise us with your idea for at native bird or animal that could live in our tree..

Leaves and leaves

2010-04-21T11:11:00.003+12:00

Sitting at my desk watching the leaves fall from the trees in the backyard, I couldn't resist getting the camera out. I have a bunch of leaves and flowers ready to go for it's a tree already, and thought they'd make a nice soft contract for the crisp dry leaves on the ground.

Hopefully with your help there will soon be a pile of knitted leave as big as the pile of dry ones - now won't that be a cool photo!

Patterns, this time!

2010-04-19T15:16:00.002+12:00

Gah, it's one of those days!

Let's try those patterns, again, shall we?

And the pretty pdf versions will be available shortly.

It's a [simple and easy] Flower!

Cast on 40 stitches, leaving a 30cm tail

Knit for 8 - 10 rows

Bind off all stitches.

Using the bind off tail and tapestry needle, do a running stitch along the bottom edge, pulling tight as you go so the fabric gathers.

Pull it all together and make a few securing stitches so it holds. Stitch the free edge to the out side of the flower. Thread both tails through the needle, make a few stitches to carry both to the base of the flower. Leave these so we can attach it to the tree. Done!

It a Leaf!

Abbreviations

CO - Cast on

K - knit

P - Purl

M1 - Using left needle, pick up stitch between needles, knit into back of new stitch using right needle

SL2, K1, P2SSO - slip 2 stitches to right needle, knit 1, pass 2 slipped stitches over knit stitch

Cast On 10 stitches

Row 1: k10, CO 9

Row 2: k19

Row 3: k1, m1, k7, (sl2, k1, p2sso), k7, m1, k1

Row 4: p19

Row 5: p9, k1, p9

Row 6: k9, p1, k9

Row 7: k1, m1, k7, (sl2, k1, p2sso), k7, m1, k1

Repeat Rows 4 - 7 two times

Row 16: p19

Row 17: p9, k1, p9

Row 18: k9, p1, k9

Row 19: k8, (sl2, k1, p2sso), k8

Repeat rows 16 - 19, each time reducing K stitches on each side of decrease by 1.

When there are only 3 stitches left:

Row 41: k3tog

Cut yarn, pull through last stitch, and weave in end. Don’t weave in the cast on tail - we need this to attach it to our tree!

It's a tree! The Patterns

2010-04-19T12:44:00.005+12:00

Soo...

here are the sample patterns for it's a tree!

These really are a guideline only, feel free to get a bit crazy. There is no specified yarn type or needle size - for good reason. Do what you will. Have fun!

Finished samples can be posted to:

It's a Tree!

c/- Knitsch Yarns

PO Box 45 091

Waterloo

Lower Hutt 5042

It's a tree!

2010-04-18T10:37:00.002+12:00

Knitsch, OutdoorKnit, Craft2.0 and the New Dowse are excited to reveal:

It's a tree!

This is a collaborative community project, which means we need you.

The idea is this:

there are a few very tall lamp posts outside the New Dowse in Lower Hutt, and OutdoorKnit decided it would be a pretty fun idea to turn them into something different...trees!

What OutdoorKnit needs is lots of knitted, crochet or even sewn flowers, leaves and native birds to cover these 'trees'. The best medium for this is acrylic - it wears better when the weather gets a bit grotty.

I've been knitting away over the past few weeks to get my pile of leaves and flowers ready. Watch this space for suggested patterns, installation dates and how to get your contribution added to the tree.

Relay for Life - Stitched Up

2010-03-15T12:23:00.001+13:00

There is a wonderful group of crafters who are doing relay for life on Saturday 27 March at Frank Kitts park in Wellington.

They asked if I could join the team and do a knit graffiti session to support them, but unfortunately I can’t make it.

If you are able to offer any assistance - knitting, fence weaving, cheerleading, event being a participant (!) PM me and I can give you the contact details. If not, donate! Every little bit counts. There is someone quite close to my family who is currently battling breast cancer so i’m super gutted I can’t go - but also can’t be in two places at once :(

The donation details are:
Donate here
And the team is:
Stitched Up
Event: Wellington

Loving Auckland

2010-02-14T11:45:00.005+13:00

Parnell got some loving last night from a team of people gathered together by the wonderful Knitty Graffity. They were machines - putting up 105 hearts in an hour and a half!

I've finally perfected the art of the speedy heart, while keeping with my perfectionist tendencies which dictate that the yarn must all be wound the same way. (Smidgeon obsessive compulsive.) But I had nothing on the speed demons with the fluffy yarn. Best use (only use?) for novelty yarn ever.

We had a great time down there despite the threat (and sprinkling!) of rain. The live music from the bar across the road was awesome and so were the drunk people that wandered out to join in! haha

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

More pics on flickr and on Knitty Graffity's blog.

When do we stop?

2010-01-26T19:35:00.003+13:00

First up - CNN! Been meaning to post this for ages, but here it is. Go stiX and the heart fence!

now the thoughtful bit-

Of late i've struggled with whether or not to continue with knit graffiti.

My concept of what knit graffiti is, and why I do it, is pretty strong. I want to challenge, inspire, and do the unexpected. Not only have I not felt that i've been achieving this of late, but the amount of 'knit graffiti' has jumped dramatically.

So I had a conversation with my mother (as you do) about why and how and if. We considered the definition of what I call 'knit graffiti' with 'knit tags'. There are the pieces that are put up because they look pretty, and those that are saying something. The knitted squares that go on trees because it is 'fun', and the carefully considered statement pieces put up to prove that craft can be art.

On the third hand, there are the 'installations' - crafted tags attached with the blessing of an authority, be it in public or in a gallery.

Personally I want to progress OutdoorKnit to keep saying stuff, but say it differently, to continue to find new and different ways to stand up for craft and feminism and thought-provoking public art. Having decided this, I was happy to continue, albeit quietly for the time being.

This week friend in Ireland sent me the link to the video below. I watched it, rolled my eyes and went back to those original thoughts. You can't get more mass media than Vodafone, really.

What's the point if it is mainstream and no longer seen as subversive? And then I thought of Banksy, and even the Wellington graffiti crew who continue to inspire despite the fact graffiti is seen more and more as 'mainstream'. They keep going, so, dammit, will I. But my work will be more considered and carefully crafted. And i'm going to keep saying stuff.

Who's with me?

Spreading the love

2010-01-19T11:16:00.003+13:00

This fence was beautified by the students of Miramar South school after I met one of the teachers when we were mid-crafting on Vivian Street. I love that the idea was taken on and that they added their own touch, each student thinking about something they loved about school, their family, or themselves and then weaving each story into the heart. That fence holds a lot of love!

I've heard there are some hearts also at Thorndon School? I'd love it if someone could send me a photo sometime.

Anyway, here's the deal. I have something in the pipelines for Valentine's Day in conjunction with the uber talented and totally inspiring Knitty Graffitty. But then I thought about it and decided I should get more people in on it... so... I want hearts. Tonnes of 'em!

I ask you (very very nicely) to get hold of a little bit of yarn, wrap it on to a bobbin of sorts (we used an ice cream container cut up into 3cm x 3cm squares), carry it in your handbag or pocket, and go fence hunting.

I would absolutely love to post pictures of hearts woven on fences from around New Zealand... nay! The world!

Do you think you can do it? Get out with a group and make people smile!

Dedicate a heart to your loved one for Valentine's Day. I'm not sure I buy into it usually, but it seems a good enough day as any to express some love to your friends or family.

Pxt 'em through to me on 021 2678658 or email nikki@outdoorknit.com and I'll put them up here. Feel free to include a message if you want and I'll put it up with the photo.

errata

2009-12-19T15:07:00.004+13:00

Dear Next magazine,

There are knit taggers south of the Bombay hills. Next time, if you're going to use one of our photos, at least mention us.

Love,

OutdoorKnit.

PS we did heaps more before the heart fence too, aye.

Also got my grubby mitts on a copy of Yarnbombing. Freaking cool book. Once there is a little spare time on my hands, the convertible cardi is so going on the needles.

Unfortunately it's my fault we don't have any pics in the book (long story, we were asked!). But OutdoorKnit is mentioned, albeit as Australians. Sigh. Bummer. We is most deffo Kiwis.

Had a fabuloso time at The Annual Wellingtonista Awards. We were pipped at the post by Yayoi Kusama for Best Public Art Experience, and Martin Bosley's City Market for Wellingtonian of the year. It was still pretty special to be nominated, and stiX came! Super excited that's she's back in Welly for a week. I'm on a mission to convince her that the capital is the place to be.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. In the very New Year there shall be announcements galore around our Next Big Project.

Love,

Knitsch xx

hello, graffiti alley...

2009-12-15T19:54:00.001+13:00

Slightly underwhelming photos.

First strike of graffiti alley in a while though...seems every time i walk through now there is the smell of fresh paint. Love it.

Eeeeek - 2 days!

2009-12-09T20:59:00.000+13:00

Late notice, I know! My apologies, I've had a distinct lack of internet over these last few weeks. Get knitting for climate change!

Knitters Unite for Climate Change - Monday, November 30, 2009 at 4:53pm

Calling all knitters, we need you - experienced or not!

It’s really simple, you just need to cast 10 centimeters of yarn onto your needles and start knitting. Then send in what you have knitted and we can join all the pieces together. The objective is to peacefully protest around Climate Change and Copenhagen; we will have messages hanging off the very long yarn trail from Auckland's Aotea Square all the way down to Britomart! That's 800 metres to be exact!

There are no aesthetic requirements for your contribution. We just ask that you get it to us by December 11, ready for December 12th's global day of action calling for world leaders at the Copenhagen climate conference to sign a fair, ambitious and binding climate treaty.

For more information, contact Oxfam NZ's climate change Campaign Coordinator Susi Newborn on (09) 355 6852, or susi.newborn@oxfam.org.nz.

2009-12-07T20:32:00.004+13:00

It's been a busy wee while here at OutdoorKnit.

Knitsch yarns had a wonderful soft launch at Craft2.0 on Thursday to the gorgeous sounds of Spartacus R. Thanks a million to the wonderful Sue who does an amazing organising job every time.

Same night I got my dirty little paws on the latest issue of World Sweet World.

It's been a week of great magazines - new Peppermint, new WSW, and the launch of extra curricular...

Most importantly though, there is an article on the one and only stiX in the pages of WSW. Awww.

And again, same night, Kowhai of the Wellingtonista passed on our official looking T4WAs nominations - complete with fanfare. Needless to say it was a little exciting. See the one on the left? Yep, that says Wellingtonian of the Year. What an honour. We're nominated alongside some pretty amazing Wellingtonians so it is pretty special just to be considered for the category. Voting is open from now until 15 December, so get your votes in!

Possibly there are enough superlatives in just this post so shall leave it there. In the next few days the grovelling shall begin - we need help!

Spesh!

2009-11-24T08:23:00.002+13:00

The Annual Wellingtonista Awards are drawing ever closer, as with Christmas and all those other fun December things.

We are always a bit surprised when people get excited about what we're doing - it's just what we do, you know?

But we'll go with this - a nomination for Best Art Experience (up against some pretty awesome candidates); and a little birdy tells me there is a second nomination to come. Ooooer!

Head over to the Wellingtonista to vote for the best of Wellington 2009 and it would be fabulous to see you at the awards ceremony at the splendid Mighty Mighty on December 17.

Knitsch - the yarns, baby

2009-11-19T16:10:00.003+13:00

Well, it's been awhile. How you doin'?

I hope you're as excited as I am.

Why?

Knitsch has morphed into a line of hand dyed yarns.

Yep.

hand dyed woolly goodness.

Check us out!

and don't worry, all is not abandoned on the guerilla knitting front. Oh-ho no. Plans are afoot. Meetings are being had. Official ones, at that. And OutdoorKnit will need YOU.

Peta is amazing!

2009-10-27T12:28:00.002+13:00

Look at the gorgeous photos Peta Mazey took of the cutest kidlet in the world (well, apart from the Devil Child) by the fence full of hearts!

Peta may not know it but I am a massive fan after seeing the work she did with Free Range Baby. Possibly the most gorgeous kiddo photos in the world come from that lady.

Thanks for letting us know Peta

xo

Craft2.0 rocks our woolly world

2009-10-18T14:40:00.002+13:00

Craft2.0 is on again this coming Saturday 24 October, and the lovely Sue has again invited us along for the fun.

We will be knitting and crocheting up a storm by the kids make table with all the tools of the trade - you just need to bring your lovely selves along.

If you would like to prep in advance feel free to get creative with anything of the growing kind - leaves, flowers, fruit, veges, trees, grass, animals...and we'll do a bit of an installation on the day.

As per usual we'd like to thank the truly splendid folks at the New Dowse - whenever we tag in their vicinity they do their utmost to look after our woollen misfits to keep in the place as long as possible.

It's good. Real good.

2009-10-15T08:57:00.005+13:00

The fence pic is part of an article on urban embellishments in the latest Good magazine called 'Pimp your street'.

Seeeee! The fence!
And then a bit of a write up on graffiti knitting including Knitty Graffity and the amazing Slip project from Christchurch.

I love Good magazine for the community building ideas it promotes. So go on, pimp your street! And say hey to your neighbours while you are at it! Speaking of neighbours, I owe mine a lemon meringue pie for some garden tools I borrowed. ;)

Thanks Good!

miscellany

2009-10-09T12:17:00.004+13:00

and we're big fans of the awesome, fun, lovely Wellingtonista crew. Did we mention they is awesome?

Each year they run the TAWAs - or The Annual Wellingtonista Awards. We reckon you should suggest some nominees...and as a bit of shameless self-promotion, would love to be nominated for best art experience. Cos love is always nice!

Check them out here

Of course there are some super duper exciting plans up our knitted sleeves. And plenty of other exciting yarn bomby things going on round the world.

Check out the giant knit poem in the UK for starters.

I also met the lovely lovely Amy from The Loop Knittery in Christchurch. We had a great chat over a cup of tea, and felt up her yummy worsted yarn. Mmmmmm... She's been doing great stuff for Chch knitting in public and hopefully she'll be on board for future projecty fun.

You must be sick of words by now so here is a sneak peek of one of the reasons I came home from London...and must I say it is great to be back!

clockwise from back left - the loop knittery, hazelknits, needlefood, cherry tree hill and artisan yarns...a bit of research...

Staveley stitches

2009-10-09T12:10:00.002+13:00

My lovely maternal aunt runs the Staveley store (just out of Methven, mid Canterbury, not far from Mt Hutt ski field), where i've been hiding out the past couple of days. There's nothing better than sitting in the window knitting, drinking her awesome coffee and feeling like part of the community...so gave her a little 'OK' tag.

OutdoorKnit goes corporate

2009-10-05T16:07:00.002+13:00

Just a little... and for a worthy business...

A fellow crafty mate who happens to work at Ideas Shop asked me to knit a sign to go outside their office. You see, they have a hand craft shop below and were in need of some street cred with the stick weilding types. I hope like heck it worked!

If any other businesses feel the need for a knitted sign - lemme know: outdoorknit@yahoo.com

And in other news... I have moved to Auckland. Watch here for my attempts to win over the hearts of the big city.

Luckily the ever fabulous Knitsch has returned to keep the knit alive in Wellington. She'll surely be able to post some of her latest soon. ;)

stiX

Nanageddony rambling on Sunday

2009-08-25T12:23:00.002+12:00

Lucy from RadioNZ interviewed me for Arts on Sunday (Aug 23rd) as one of the craftists (ha!) exhibiting in the Nanageddon show.

I haven't listened to it (as I have no internet access at home at present)... so if I sound rubbish, please let me know and I'll deny any knowledge of anything. Much appreciated.

Here are a few pics from Nanageddon. I didn't get any from the opening unfortunately as I was flitting from person to person and trying to stop my child from jumping all over the gorgeous crochet work that was displayed on the floor. No mean feat I tell ya!

Ceci n'est pas un Banksy... ou une pipe
Flew all the way from London, sent by the wonderful Kitsch

Nanarchy by stiX

Awesome duck made from plastic bags by Shar Young

The exhibition has some neat stuff in it. Head along to Roar Gallery if you are in the Wellington area... and say hey to Gaelen and Becky. They rock!

Action in Amsterdam

2009-08-23T21:34:00.003+12:00

While stiX has been having lots of fun in Wellington, i'm embarking on the grand tour of europe - first stop - Amsterdam!

Hearts on Vivian

2009-08-15T15:56:00.003+12:00

Finally I have photos! The complete set are here and below are a few of my favourites.

I can't even begin to tell you how awesome it was to have everyone down there doing their fence weaving thing. Each listening to my burbled instructions and words of warning about dropping the little yarn spool on the other side of the fence... and then completely disregarding anything I said and coming up with their own ways of doing things with FABULOUS results! haha

Thank you to my Chief Recruiter, Edmund... to the kidlet for behaving herself the whole day and retrieving our yarn when we did drop it... to the boy for taking the photos... to Pia for talking some guys off the street into sticking around and contributing to the project... to my Dad for his advice about efficiency... to all my freaking awesome contributors for showing up on the day... and to all the people who stopped while we were doing it to ask about the project and to say how cool they thought it looked. (And it totally did/does!)

Stop by and check it out if you are in the area. The fence is on Vivian Street... just before the intersection with Cuba, in Wellington City, NZ.

And finally, Wellington City Council - do something with this land! Extend Glover Park... open it up for art work... community gardens anyone? So much potential for so much community minded stuff now that you've gone and cut right through it with the bypass.

Edited: Thanks Sonja letting me know that my gripe should actually be with Transit NZ, not Wellington City Council. I maintain that they are both a bit crap. haha Surely Kerri could put a bit of pressure on? I'll have words.

Nanageddon!

2009-08-13T16:29:00.003+12:00

Come join us!

Press release from the Roar! types:

Nanageddon showcases artists who are hailing the revival of stitching and knitting, subverting the idea of "Nana-craft" and reclaiming the art of craft in truly revealing ways.

In this exhibition, what might sound like the work of a harmless old lady, turns out to be the act of some edgy, post-modern and radical thinkers such as … Outdoor Knit, Di McMillan, Caroline McQuarrie, Athina Moisa, Ann Moore, Rowan Panther, Matthew Squire, Margaret Tolland, Shar Young, and KIRAN-X.

Nanageddon is a re-take on traditional craft methods as we know them …with artists who are using craft as an art medium. Recent talk of doom and gloom, global warming and recessions has prompted these artists to embrace the act of knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross stitch, lace-making and so on to positively reuse, reclaim, recycle and re-invent. They’re releasing craft from its personal adornment and domestic decorative responsibilities enticing it into the realms of conceptually driven art. Through their work, the Nanageddon artists are all offering a re-look at our social and political values, and the way we respond.

Nanageddon draws attention to a major shift in political emphasis - altering traditional methods of craft as a means of expressing society’s interest in challenging some of the power structures at play.

It highlights the bigger issues by representing the backlash to our current environmental mess brought about by mass and grotesque over consumption … while at the same time presenting what we, the little people can do to about it. Gatherings of subversive knitters are educating Wellington (and now the world!) on the art of craft, and aim to see an increase in knitting as a way of reviving the anti-consumerism of the past: it's environmental, it's thrifty, and it's damn right useful!

Channelling the Dadaists, hunting down materials, rethinking social mores and ardently shredding the traditional fabric of society … Nanageddon is the end of craft as we know it and its not-for-the-fainthearted!

Join us on Thursday 20th August from 5 -7 pm,

for the Opening Celebrations of

Nanageddon: the end of Craft as we know it!

(And artwork that makes up its own rules.)

ROAR! gallery is a vibrant gallery which aims to support and promote Outsider Art. Its focus is not to define this term but to be open to those who feel connected to an art making approach which is unique, honest, compelling and about a persons total connection with their creativity, uninfluenced by external restrictions and conventions. We're proud to bring you this thrilling combination of talent and awareness.

Proud.

2009-08-08T10:45:00.002+12:00

Dom Post today.

Well done, stiX.

And don't forget the fence weaving mish on Sunday...

Inspiration

2009-08-06T16:51:00.003+12:00

Photo just sent by pxt of a fence in Auckland

Fake flower induced smiles.

Awesome.

The fence mission on Sunday

2009-08-05T14:23:00.003+12:00

Contribution thus far from stiX and Drop Stitch

Weather is looking like it may hold up... I'll do my best to keep you all posted on that front.

In other news, walked down Vivian St the other day and see they are doing a whole lotta road worky stuff right outside the fence site. I hope like heck that means they are finally getting their butts into gear to do something about it?!?! (Errr... or maybe not... it might impede the fence weaving process.) I'll go check it out tomorrow and post some news.

And watch the Dominion Post this Saturday as there may or may not be a little feature on us. The website will have a more in depth piece which I will share on here as soon as it appears online.

Andddd the exhbition knitting is well underway. I'm just trying to get hold of some promo material from Roar Gallery.

See ya Sunday! (Hopefully!)

Join the fence decorating movement!

2009-07-30T15:29:00.004+12:00

I've gone all geeky since we got a facebook page and have actual FANS (!!11!1!!!!) so I've made a facebook event for this fence business. But for those who have not been sucked in by bookface then here's the details for getting involved in my army of fence weavers:

Fence-ational Crafitivism

Next Sunday (August 9th) I am going to be at the fence on the corner of Vivian and Bute St in Wellington, featured in this blog post, and I would like anyone (EVERYONE!) to join me in weaving hearts of all sorts of colours into the fence, all the way along the Vivian St side of the fence.

Why? I dunno. It's pretty.

But also because in a happy clappy way, I want people to smile.

And the fence is ugly.

And it seems to be going nowhere.

So this is an attempt to make something awesome out of something that is a big fat waste of land at the moment.

When? Next Sunday (August 9th) from 1pm

Who? Me (stiX)... and apparently 10 others if we are to take facebook RSVPs seriously. I don't... I reply to stuff all the time that I know I'm never going to actually attend! But, if you team 1/2 of the facebook replies with all the people I recruited on the bus this morning (Seriously. It was awesome.) then I think 10 is maybe actually slightly truthful... hopefully heaps more though!

Oh yeah, you totally don't need to know how to knit. And I'll supply the yarn. All you need is fingers. And I'm not discriminating against those that are fingerless... it just might make it a tad difficult ya know?

Email me if you want more details: outdoorknit@yahoo.com

P.S. If it's raining then I'm totally piking. By the way. But cold/wind - still totally there. I am a Wellingtonian after all.

Shite. Put the wrong date at the top. It's next SUNDAY! Definitely Sunday!

Tube stike 2.0

2009-07-26T20:00:00.004+12:00

Just couldn't resist - the opportunity presented itself again.

Tube Strike

2009-07-24T08:58:00.004+12:00

Another goal checked off the london list - a tag on a tube carriage. The Bakerloo line, to be specific.

A bit rushed, simple and probably quickly gone. Quite appropriate, really.

(note: I may have been a little drunk, and my camera battery had no juice left, hence crappy photo)

Bute St gets some love

2009-07-20T15:09:00.002+12:00

The fence art begins

And continues...

Until finally... some love!

More fence art to come, I'm thinking. Because that is one hell of an ugly fence. The Council seems to have made a lot of changes, torn down a lot of buildings, built a gazillion new roads, but completing the projects is taking forever and we are left with quite a few wastelands.

The latest I hear with the area they flattened for the park by the Basin Reserve is that it isn't going ahead due to a funding cut. What are they going to do with the barren land and wire fence?

I suppose I should be grateful that they give us no end of issues to make fence art commentary on. :/

OutdoorKnit does Craft2.0

2009-07-20T11:39:00.004+12:00

This Saturday the 25th of July, at the New Dowse in Lower Hutt, I will be running a knitting circle as part of the ever fabulous craft fair - Craft2.0

So come along to learn to knit, contribute to a graffiti knitting project, or pass on your knitting experience to others... and then venture out into the throngs of people to peruse some fabulous craftiness. You are welcome back into the oasis of calm of the knitting circle afterward to gather your wits about you again so you can return home with plenty of excuses of how that gorgeous little brooch/tshirt/bag/print ended up in your hot little hands.

So from 10am - 3pm at Craft2.0 this weekend, see ya there!

And thank you so much to Sue "make it happen" Tyler. You rock my lady!

P.S. A boring fence got a little yarny action yesterday and may get some more tomorrow night. I'll let ya know

more Magda

2009-07-15T08:27:00.001+12:00

and you should go listen to her here on NZ's very own Nine - Noon

Magda Sayeg rocks the knitty world

2009-07-15T08:22:00.001+12:00

We think you should go check out Knit, Nicole, Knit, and the video she has posted of an interview with our goddess, Magda Sayeg.

Spreading the word

2009-07-09T09:22:00.003+12:00

The graffiti knit kids are branching out!

I've got some work in the pipelines for a workshop (watch this space), an exhibition (also watch this space!), a photo essay in the newspaper, and hopefully a knitting class at the local high school (errr... space will be watched?).

My apologies that it isn't more concrete. You'll be the first to know when it is of course ;)

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I found the most inspirational site ever for the high school graffiti knit stuff - Identity School

I'm thinking my preferred option might be a little less structured; the class will be more of a space/time in which teens can express themselves... talk about love, lives, and struggles... cross social divides... and pick up a few useful skills at the same time.

Am I kidding myself?

We'll see.

WIP - part 2

2009-07-09T08:07:00.004+12:00

The Socktopus project continues...

It will all be ok

2009-07-05T01:05:00.003+12:00

not sure if you'll be able to read the text...(to see the whole picture, click on it)

So perhaps an appropriate time to announce - i'm heading back to wellington. Tough decision, but plenty to be excited about at home right now. Including projects galore.

Just remember: It will all be ok.

WIP

2009-07-03T08:53:00.005+12:00

I've been helping out on weekends at Socktopus, located not far from Chelsea football ground in Fulham. The grill on the window is perfect for some tagging...and so it has begun - a work in progress...

Paris graffiti

2009-06-27T09:51:00.000+12:00

Let's take a moment, and drool...

plus Versailles

2009-06-27T09:34:00.001+12:00

Bonjour, Paris

2009-06-24T09:12:00.003+12:00

Second time round in Paris, the gritting makes an opportune appearance at Le Petit Trianon at Chateau de Versailles and in Quariter Latin, near some of the best paste ups i've seen since leaving Wellington (shall save those for another post).

Sweden and WWKIP

2009-06-17T06:49:00.004+12:00

I was in Sweden for WWKIP day, and was rather looking forward to getting along to some of the yarn shops in Stockholm. Not to mention doing some tags - but the weather conspired against me and it rained. The. Whole. Time. Three days. I made it to one yarn store, just as she was closing the door and the owner was not in the mood to be nice to a kiwi knitter a long way from home. I managed to sneak into another one, but it was nowhere near as good as the first one looked through the window. I did pick up some Swedish superwash merino and some Ekologikal merino that still has the gorgeous smell of lanolin clinging to it.

After all that, walking down a random street, what did i spot? The tag above. It made my weekend.

I shall be in Paris for WWKIP weekend number two, and fingers crossed that the weather cooperates for some knit tagging goodness. I'm going by bus so will even be able to take some knitting with me.

In other news, this exciting project has got my fingers itching, and I have found some new (ish) taggers in London that I hope to connect with, Yay!

The Tit Knaggers

2009-05-22T12:19:00.004+12:00

Last weekend I met up with a couple of knitters keen to get into the graffiti thang. Later that night I was forced to pike but they made it out to show some knit.

Newtown gets some more knitting lurve

The Kninja in action - Upper Hutt's first tag!

Heart by day

For the road workers

Paraparaumu is graced by knitty goodness

Can't wait to see more graffiti knit by the Tit Knaggers. Yusssss. (And how much does their name rock? aaaahahahaha.)

Newtown gets hit

2009-05-19T22:42:00.002+12:00

This one's for Mindy. xx

Rats.

2009-05-14T14:51:00.003+12:00

Just when you think things are looking up (re: It will all be OK)...

Council worker removing Cuba St knitting installation

The knitting kid's equivalent of buffing, I guess.

Thanks PNTR for snapping this.

A new lease of life!

2009-05-14T10:29:00.003+12:00

Wish I could say the same for the land. Still unused.

Thanks to whoever fixed up the "It will all be OK" message. I love that someone else has taken it upon themselves to keep it alive. Yay for community art.

It will all be OK.

Woolly taggers

2009-05-08T15:27:00.005+12:00

YUSSSS! A fellow NZ group.

A woollen "tag" left on a Tauranga park bench by someone calling themselves The Woolly Taggers to make a comment of the case of south Auckland youth, Pihema Cameron, who was killed by a property owner last year for tagging a fence. Several of the knitted sleeves have appeared on the armrests of park benches recently. 27 April 2009 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Alan Gibson.
From here

What I find exceptionally cool about this particular group is their social commentary. It's something I am extremely interested in but haven't found a way to do it that is easily communicable through knitting and without resorting to using words or images. Perhaps it is unavoidable.

They also got RadioNZ talking - second to last segment on that show.

Good stuff Woolly Taggers! I look forward to more of your stuff appearing around the place.

And if anyone else know of any active groups in NZ, could you please forward me some details? outdoorknit@yahoo.com Thanks!

2009-05-07T21:09:00.002+12:00

Errrr... so these are actually my contribution to the Unite for Mother's campaign. But then they got ~3,000 squares so I decide to raise awareness of HIV by tagging a tree and a pole and then directing you to an awesome blog on all things sex and HIV etc.

People's Coffee - Garrett St, Te Aro, Wellington
Defreakinglicious coffee.

Glover Park tree

Downpipe on Riddiford - Newtown, Wellington
The guy from the chinese restaurant and the guy from the indian restaurant both watched me tag the down pipe. They looked more curious than anything so I am hoping like heck they didn't mind.

View down Riddiford toward hospital

Oslo gets knitted

2009-05-07T06:23:00.000+12:00

Knit for change baby!

2009-04-17T11:35:00.004+12:00

So I'm a massive slacker on the graffiti knit front and here I am posting about something other than graffiti knitting but it's just as important! I promise!

Unicef need 1,400 20 x 20cm squares for a campaign they are running to raise awareness about HIV and in particular, transmission from mothers to children.

These squares will be assembled in to 25 baby blankets and presented to motherish members of parliament on May 10th and then sent off to Papua New Guinea for babies to cuddle in to.

So, if you can knit or crochet - get going! We need as many 20 x 20cm squares as you can churn out by May 1st. If you can't then rope in anyone else that you can... or check out the Unite for Mothers website to see of other ways you can help.

Thanks!

2009-03-31T00:43:00.001+13:00

I had a late one on saturday night - in fact, i didn't get any sleep and caught the bus home at 7.30am.

Might have left a sticker in the bus shelter outside my friend's house in Acton.

2009-03-27T21:34:00.002+13:00

Wow.

I'm in big old London town feeling like an itty bitty fish in the sea, and am informed that we made it into the Wellingtonian this week, the graffiti knit kit is mentioned in the craft cartel podcast over at Radical Cross Stitch, and apparently we had some inches in the Capital Times too (which i haven't seen yet - anyone have a copy they can scan?).

Think it might be time to do some more tagging!

Oh, and the Graffiti Knit Kit will hopefully be available to purchase in pdf form sometime in the near future.

International!

2009-03-22T23:43:00.006+13:00

OutdoorKnit made its first international mark on Saturday, 21 March, adorning the fence at the public entrance to Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.

Knitsch would like to thank:

Her travelling companions for suggesting the site to be tagged
Her travelling companions again for insisting she do it 'right now'
The security guard who stuck his head round the internal door, but didn't come over and get grumpy
Dublin, for providing the colour inspiration

Oh, and lots of little birdies tell me that WE WERE ON TV! well, not us per se, but 'It will all be ok' had a starring role on 60 Minutes in NZ. Should one skip through to about the 10 minute mark, you'll see it here.

2009-03-11T05:46:00.003+13:00

A london store window after my own heart!

The lovely Rayna of Radical Cross Stitch gives us props over here - I can't wait to see what she comes up with!

I did another radio interview with a journo student a couple weeks before I left, that you can listen to over here - I can't bring myself to listen to it yet - there's nothing odder than the sound of one's own voice.

I'm going to play round tonight in an attempt to come up with my first London knit tag - ooooh!

News and stuff

2009-03-06T21:32:00.003+13:00

There's been a bit of press around knit graffiti of late, thanks to the pending release of 'Yarnbombing' the book.

Here is the grumpy reaction of one knitter to the original story in the Vancouver Sun.

OutdoorKnit has had criticism of its own - we had someone suggest on our flikr site that our time would be better spent sewing up dolls to send to Africa for children in need.

Yikes.

stiX and I had a great old rant about this issue when we were putting up 'It will all be ok'. I won't get all ranty here because I like to keep the knit positive, but one of the best things about what we do is that, more often than not, it makes strangers smile. For some reason people feel completely at ease approaching us when we're putting our tags up - something i suspect wouldn't be the case if we had spraycans in our hands.

In other news - we got linked from The Guardian. Oooer!

Rayna requested more pics of 'It will all be ok' - you can see them on our flikr site.

xx Knitsch

Day four...

2009-03-02T13:39:00.003+13:00

Fare thee well, Wellington! I have left you some free art...

Day three...

2009-03-01T19:58:00.003+13:00

You are pretty

Day two...

2009-03-01T13:58:00.001+13:00

Love is OK

2009-02-28T13:34:00.003+13:00

Four days of farewell: Day one

Yesterday, there were stickers...

Four days of Farewell

2009-02-27T08:27:00.003+13:00

Finally have to admit it...I leave the country in four days, in the completely inside-the-box-stereotypical-kiwi way. Off to London, in an attempt to take over the world. heh.

OutdoorKnit shall continue, of course, with stiX in Wellington and myself in London-town.

Before I leave, there will be Four days of Farewell, starting today. Left Bank gallery (aka the smelly lane) plays host. Keep an eye out, and i'll work on my denial!

Branching out

2009-02-25T09:56:00.003+13:00

It will all be ok

In honour of Rayna, of Radical Cross Stitch, being in town, stiX and i decided to branch out...

2009-02-23T16:03:00.009+13:00

knitsch: hmm, where do we start, stiX? i'm still recovering...I can hardly move...but oh, what a day! From the moment I arrived and started setting up, i was blown away by the response. First there was millie (of Pink Paper Pinafore fame) who turned up with her HUGE pre-knitted cosy. And then there were the sweet Christchurch pair - which saw the first boy of the day taught to knit. Collaboration of the coolest kind. I think that was when you arrived, wasn't it stiX?

stiX: 'Twas. And immediately sent for caffeine. Copious amounts. A workmate of mine turned up, hook in hand, and set to work to create a piece of crocheted goodness to adorn a tree. About that time, the crowd started increasing and a couple of younguns tracked us down and after a couple of minutes spent mulling the concept of graffiti knit over, decided they wanted to learn to knit as well. James and Emma picked it up in a few minutes (naturals!) and then managed to drag 6 of their other friends to join in too. Their enthusiasm was totally infectious... can't help grinning ridiculously when I think about it.

knitsch: Around then i was kept busy teaching a little girl, i think she was about 8 or 9, to knit. Man she caught on quick! Her mum sat off to the side and chatted to a friend for about an hour, and said little girl's sister decided she wanted a go, so i taught her, then their older cousin (who knew how to knit) turned up, grabbed some needles and got stitchin'. Ah, bless.

stiX: From here it turns into a bit of a blur as we taught so many people to knit throughout the day. My flatmate Claire turned up and crocheted another impressive bricky design and I finally got my piece finished and stitched it up on the tree. What should have taken me about 10 minutes to knit took close to 2 hours due to having to give the graffiti knit spiel to everyone that was curious enough to ask... and I started to lose my voice. I may have wandered off to find food for myself and the kidlet post-seaming (which was quite atrocious... long knit pieces are hard on the old arms!) and when I came back I found that Knitsch had kept up the crowd and there were even more people contributing to the project!

knitsch: Same for me - so many people, so much knitting, and after explaining the concept so many times, I got the sound-byte down-pat. A woman from Toi Poneke came and told me how much the staff love their pink and blue tag, and someone else was horrified that 'the one with the 80's jumper' had been removed from Oriental Bay. My grin must have looked idiotic by then. Eventually I had to find food, and wandered past where all the spray graffiti kids were playing on Garrett Street. Must admit to getting all star-struck and wussed out from introducing myself to any of them, and didn't make it back later to chat, as much as I wanted to.

stiX: Ah yes, following our conversation about the awesome street art going up on Garret St I wandered over with needles in hand and made an absolute fool of myself confessing all the stalking I've been doing of DrypNZ. I did also meet the man behind Peepshow and realised I knew him from "back home". Their work was so amazing and inspiring and all the rest. I can't believe how much they put into it! After drooling over the street art, I headed back to the knitting and we were once again visited by James and Emma, who came back to finish their work and add it to the growing collection of cosies on the trees. I think at that stage someone from the Dominion Post dropped by and we had quite a thrilling chat.

knitsch: Hey let's blow our trumpet - we were media whores. Creative Fibres took photos, as did Capital Times, we spoke to the girls from RadioActive, and a business card from a lovely Dom Post lady is in stiX's hot little hands. Which is probably why, by late afternoon, i had to stop every once in awhile, stand back, and feel completely overwhelmed. Never in a million, zillion years did i think that the response would be so huge. The moral of the story: Put yourself out there. We made it to the Carnival thanks to the wonderful Chris Morley-Hall, and the simple act of sending one email to him with an idea. I can say, without a doubt, the best day of my life.

stiX: Right there with ya Knitsch. It was all I could do to stop squealing with delight... though I'm pretty sure there was actual jumping for joy at several points throughout the day. Everyone was just so freaking rad! So a huge thanks from me to the Cuba St Carnival organisers and everyone who came along, took photos, stopped to chat, cosied a tree, and smiled as they walked on by. You guys rock.

And this is how it looks today, without the people, less the bunting and crochet spiderweb.

Did you take photos on the day, or the night? Did you pinch our bunting? Do you want to join the crew? Email us at outdoorknit (at) gmail (dot) com or leave us a comment.

xx Knitsch & stiX

A few more pics...more to come!

2009-02-22T21:55:00.003+13:00

2009-02-21T22:09:00.005+13:00

I'm having a little cry. Right now the Carnival continues, loud bright and brash, without me.

Simply too tired from an amazing, incredible, overwhelming day.

Thank you to everyone. Drop by later on sunday for photos...

2009-02-21T08:10:00.002+13:00

Moving a little slowly this morning...

but it's Carnivale time! and it isn't raining! Well, ahem. May be in denial.

See you shortly - stiX and I absolutely can't wait!

2009-02-20T08:17:00.000+13:00

Isn't rain wonderful? Good thing the skies are emptying today, just in time for the Carnival tomorrow! Should it be showering as the paper tells me it will, we shall be located inside the Bristol, and running out regularly to adorn the trees. Which may mean we shall be drunken. Of course, if it is sunny, we will be in the planned spot outside the Hotel Bristol. And quite possibly also drunken. Can't wait to see you tomorrow! Knitsch xx

Another sneak preview

2009-02-19T20:33:00.001+13:00

They have started setting up for the Carnival. And mannn does it look awesome.

I can't wait for the trees to be able to join in!

2009-02-19T18:44:00.004+13:00

We do Webstock...

and a wee sneak preview for Saturday!

2009-02-18T20:54:00.004+13:00

I have myriad things I should be doing right now, all in the name of OutdoorKnit. But three glasses of rose in the sunshine has successfully thwarted those plans.

Showing someone the site this morning, i realised that our front page was lacking in images.

Duly amended.

There is some fantastic work going up in Left Bank, off Cuba Mall at the moment. I love, love, love the woman in victorian dress. Not so sure about the er, appendage she appears to be spraying. What do you think? is it woman claiming that she is comfortable with her sexuality, or is she being marginalised by the artist with the addition? I'm pretty pleased that 1. there is attention being drawn to women in graffiti and 2. the amazing amount of time and effort that has gone into this.

Poop-poo to to Don McKinnon and his belief that Left Bank is an example of all that is bad and evil about graffiti.

2009-02-17T16:05:00.002+13:00

Not long now til Cuba Street Carnival! Hope everyone has their needles at the ready, and are doing warm up arm stretches...

2009-02-11T10:11:00.002+13:00

Righty-ho, we have a facebook event!

RSVP right here

and because we love all things carnivale, here's some Tutts to brighten your day.

2009-02-10T19:28:00.002+13:00

Lost.

Yes, but is it art? is now missing in action.

As is Graffiti is art.

My hope is that they disappeared because someone absolutely hated them, or completely loved them.

2009-02-09T16:40:00.002+13:00

Should one have picked up a copy of the Dom Post today, out would have fallen a map and set list for the Cuba Street Carnival. And we're on it! Woo! Can't really tell in the scan above, but no matter. Woo all the same!

I'm rather looking forward to seeing the Tutts, The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra, the Batucada Clash, oh and so many more! and of course the night parade...

2009-02-06T12:52:00.002+13:00

Something to look forward to next week!

And go visit Yarnbombing - i'm there!

2009-02-04T19:36:00.003+13:00

dum dum dum dummmmmmmmm

The big announcement is:

actually, there are two.

One. I am outing myself. in the name sense, not like the closet kind. My name is Tash.

All this is due to a wee interview i did a while back for Radio New Zealand. You'll be able to find it for the next few days here. We're down the bottom, under home economics make a comeback or something like that.

Oh yeah, and then somehow i ended up in a radio studio recording an ad for...

Two. We are going to be at Cuba Street Carnival! Woo!

This is your super special invitation to join stiX and myself in a public knitting session so we can cosy up the trees in Cuba Mall.

We will be outside the Bristol from 11am - 4pm on Saturday 21 February (that's the day of all the Carnival fun stuff), knitting* our little hearts out.

If you or anyone you know wants to come along, but don't have the skills, or the yarn or needles, for a koha we'll give you all three to take with you!

Plus we will love you forever if you tell your friends, family, colleagues, supermarket check out chick, and dog. We hope to cover all the trees in the copse where we'll be sitting - and we can't possibly hope to do it all ourselves! And of course there is the chance that maybe you'll be snapped knitting with us and be eternally famous.

If you want more info, please send us an email at outdoorknit (at) gmail (dot) com.

*Or lamely attempting to crochet. We welcome anyone to come and show us how it's done!

2009-02-02T12:27:00.002+13:00

Sorry, no knitting today...but I have found a coolio blog by a couple of peeps who aren't sticking to the knitting either -

Deeply Superficial People

AND a big announcement coming this way on Wednesday - drop by!