12 April 2013 - 2 special Friday knitting/crochet groups for the Crouch End Festival
As part of the Crouch End Festival (7-16 June 2013), Crouch End will be blitzed with colour in the form of knitting and crochet. The plan is to decorate railings, lampposts, seats or anything else you fancy (the Clock tower anyone?)
Pieces can be as long or as short as you want, since they can be placed next to each other until an object is covered, but the width of your piece(s) must be either 10cm or 12cm.
To help get the yarn bombing underway, here at Nest we're going to hold 2 special knitting/crochet groups on Friday 10th and Friday 17th May, 2-5pm. We will be providing free materials and asking people to make pieces to contribute to the event.
30 November 2012 - Christmas jumper day
The charity Save the Children who do such vital work around the world had a brilliant idea this year to raise awareness and funds. They are inviting everyone to join them on Friday 14th December in wearing their favourite Christmas jumper (however tasteless), and make a £1 donation to support their work with vulnerable children. Already 300,000 people have signed up to take part. So don't be left out. For more info see www.savethechildren.org.uk/Christmas-jumper-day.
To help spread the word a bunch of London's knitters and bloggers were invited to an evening of socialising and (of course), knitting. Debbie Bliss provided us with a pattern and yarn for a teeny weeny Christmas jumper to keep our fingers busy. The weather was foul but the company, in contrast was very cheery, and conversation flowed as the pins got to work. Kathleen and her team from Save the Children were great hosts and there was plenty of knitting inspiration in the air, (including some for Rose's Christmas jumper 2012 which is well on schedule for wearing on the 14th).
16 August 2012 - £300.94 raised at the Nest Games Day!
Thank you to everyone who got involved with the Nest Games Day. We had a fantastic time and most importantly we raised a fantastic £300.94 for p/hop and Medecin sans Frontieres. We send out a special thank you to Adrienne, Julia and Alice for their great work on the tombola and lucky dip.
We had some great entries into the Best in Show. The deserved winners of first place people's choice, were Sarah and Bella for their giant ice cream titled 'Calypso'. We also had fun playing yarny games - here is the honours list...
Feel the fibre: Rob and Julia (joint winners)
Guess the length of the yarn: Chris
Speed Knitting: Janet and Julia (joint winners)
Best in Show - People's Choice: Bella and Sarah (1st place), Janet (2nd place), Emily (3rd place)
Photo copyright: @Dimitris Amvrazis
31 July 2012 - 2nd Nest Games Day
Due to popular demand the Nest Games Day is back!
Be part of it - put Saturday 11th August in your diaries...
We will of course be hosting another 'Best in Show' and this year the theme will be Seaside. We are asking for entries of handcrafted items on this theme - these can be in the form of knitting, crochet, felt, sewing, painting, drawing, poetry - you name it, but it must be handmade and linked to the theme.
Entries are requested by the end of Thursday 9th of August. We will then create an exhibition instore of all the entries and will ask the public to vote for their favourite in the following categories:
most creative
most skillfully made
most humorous
most handsome
So get your thinking caps on and get crafting! Here are some ideas to help you on your way...
seashells, crabs, starfish, sea anemones, waves, buckets and spades, punch and judy, deckchairs, ice cream, mermaids, poseiden, sand castles, anchors, sailing boats, snorkeling, rubber rings, beach ball, parasol, wind break, sandy sandwiches, bikinis, jelly fish, sardines, lobsters, seahorses, rocks, seaweed, barnacles, fishing nets...the list goes on.
There will also be plenty of crafty games taking place such as the 2nd speed knitting championship, guess the fibre, guess the weight of the cake, guess the length of the yarn and more...
plus a craft tombola and plenty of afternoon tea and cakes, money from which will be going to p/hop and Médecins Sans Frontières.
The timing of each event will be announced closer to the date but in the mean time why not get busy with your best in show contribution and share ideas with others in a special forum within the Nest Ravelry group. After the amazing entries last year we can't wait to see what you come up with!
17 July 2012 - Support St Mungo's
Help support St Mungo's by getting your needles out and making an orange bobble hat.
Here's a word from the good people at St Mungo's, and more inof can be found at their website: www.woollyhatday.org
“We’re appealing to knitters to help us make a big impact for the Woolly Hat Day on Friday 26 October. As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, life becomes even more difficult for anyone sleeping on the streets. By getting your needles and yarn out and creating a ‘mountain’ of hats, you’ll be helping us to raise awareness and funds for our work supporting homeless and vulnerable people.”
2 July 2012 - Nest Summer Sale
It's official the 2012 Nest Summer Sale will begin on Saturday 7th July at 9.30am.
Lots of gorgeous luxury yarn will be on sale so come early to grab a bargin!
25 June 2012 - 10% off parties booked for June, July and August 2012
Nest hosts a range of parties for children and adults and we're currently offering a special 10% discount for any party booked for June, July or August 2012.
Why not do something different for your birthday, hen party or even baby shower. We have a rnage of activities available such as felt making, corsage making, patchwork quilt and cushion making.
16 April 2012 - Upcycling events on 12th May
On 12th May there is an upcycling event at our local Community Centre - they're looking for volunteers to run events....anyone interested? Perhaps a sock monkey workshop?? Get in touch if you'd like to take part.
16 April 2012 - A special woolly knitting group
On Monday 7th May we're going to have an extra special knitting group. Our regular knitting group is moving over to Stationer's Park (just around the corner from Nest), to be part of May Day in the Park. We'll be there 2-5pm amongst lots of woolly activity including a visit from the lambs of Church Farm plus spinning and knitting events.
Don't worry about rain, if it does arrive we'll be in the Hornsey Vale Community Centre (next to the park entrance).
Oh and course tea and cake will be available too :)
View photos of the event here.
12 April 2012 - Designer Jennie Atkinson to visit Nest
Knitwear designer Jennie Atkinson will be joining us on Saturday 5th May at Nest. She will be discussing her new book A Handknit Romance, looking at the design process and knitting techniques involved, including beaded knitting. Samples will be on display and Jennie will be happy to offer advice and answer your questions. Of course signed copies of Jennie's book will also be available to purchase. Using fine yarns, small stitch details, delicate embellishments and beads - the designs are inspired by vintage fashions and I'm sure you'll agree with us that they're gorgeous!
The discussion will start at 2pm and tea and cake will be available - come early to grab a spot on the sofa!
28 March 2012 - 3 new Nest kits
We've been busy behind the scenes at Nest and now have 3 new knitting kits available. First up is another cushion to join the Mirleft cushion, it is called Hugo and it features a slip stitch design using british sheep yarns. It really plays with texture whilst maintaining a clean modern look.
We also have a classic baby blanket which again uses yarn from a british sheep - the Bluefaced Leicester. The yarn is undyed, it is super soft and has a beautiful subtle lustre, plus as a bonus it's also machine washable - perfect for babies!
Last, but by no means least, we have our Moss n' Twigs knitted bird's nest. Made using 100% wool yarn which is then felted it is softly gnarled and makes the perfect home for real life birds :)
All kits are now available instore.
28 March 2012 - Let's Get Crafting!
We were really chuffed to see that our new pattern for the Mirleft Cushion made it into a feature for Let's Get Crafting magazine (www.letsgetcrafting.com). It feels really nice to see it in print :)
2 March 2012 - brighton pavilion
Spotted this in the window of a cafe during our trip to Brighton. It makes me feel inspired to try some architectural knitting too!
2 March 2012 - Q&A
Micro G a friend and the blogger of United Knitdom has asked me to take part in her Q&A, so here we go....
1. How old were you when you first started knitting/crocheting?
This is hard to answer as I'm not actually sure. My mum taught me to knit and I took to it in a stop/start kind of way. I'd say about 8 years old ish.
2. What is the best thing you've ever made?
This is very tricky - each project has it's merits and it's emotional associations. However my brother and his partner just had a baby (born on 29th feb!) and they were very pleased with the knitted stegosaurus I gave the baby, so that probably tops the list at the moment.
3. Choose: Cats or dogs?
Probably cats but I'm not an extremist.
4. What's your dream holiday destination and why?
I've always dreamed of going to India (all those lovely textiles!) but haven't made it yet.
5. What's your #1 tip for beginner bloggers?
Don't think too much about it or you risk seeming contrived. Just let is flow naturally.
6. In life, who is your biggest inspiration?
My mum naturally as she's taught me so much.
7. Are you going to any music festivals this year, if so which ones?
I was thinking about Lattitude or Glastionbury but don't think I have time this year.
8. What inspires you most when knitting or crocheting?
I rather like simple patterns that use colour or texture to great effect. I never tire of seeing the colour combinations people choose in the shop. It really inspires me and makes me consider options I would immediately choose myself.
9. Choose: City or country?
Both!
10. Choose: Shoes or handbags?
Handbags
11. What's your favourite dessert?
In summer I love pavlova with whipped cream and fresh berries :)
12. What's your best tried and tested recipe?
Oh, we have so many at Nest! The spiced apple sourdough (aka Herman) is one of my current favourites. Plum and almond is also one of our best.
20 January 2012 - Mirleft cushion
This is our new Nest pattern! It is a striking colourwork cushion - the front uses a colour fade yarn in a single colourway but striped in two sections. The back contrasts with an elegant rib. Very effective but surprisingly easy.
I started designing the cushion whilst in Mirleft (Lahcen's home town in Morocco). The colours really make me think of the coast so I thought the name would be appropriate.
The pattern is now available on Ravelry but will also be coming out as a kit at Nest soon.
29 December 2011 - touchy feely felt
Another great customer project. This knitted and felted bag is so tactile with its great snowball-like bobbles. I'd really love to design a cushion cover using this idea - if only there was more time in the day.
29 December 2011 - mmm..cookies!
I just rediscovered this photo! One of our customers came into the shop a while back, she had with her a cupcake from a fair at the local community centre.
After having completely stuffed myself at Christmas, this photo seems very appropriate!
24 December 2011 - Christmas Eve
A beautiful sunset on Christmas eve. Great inspiration for a colourway.
Merry Christmas to all our customers!
13 November 2011 - Susan Crawford at Nest
It'll be a weekend of double fun as Susan Crawford will be visiting us on Sunday 13th November, 2pm-5pm to showcase her new book, A Stitch in Time Volume 2. The book is bursting with 80 beautiful vintage designs and Susan will be bringing along made up garments so you'll get a great opportunity to try on your favourite designs. And don't forget to get your book signed too!
12 November 2011 - Natural Dye Studio Trunk Show
On Saturday 12th November the Natural Dye Studio will be at Nest for a trunk show 11am-4pm. This is a great chance to see their full range of fabulous yarns dyed in a rainbow of colours (using only natural plant dyes). There will be tea and homemade cakes available and you're very welcome to bring your knitting or crochet and relax in the Nest snug whilst perusing the yarns and having a natter.
2 August 2011 - We'll have to wait for Ysolda
It is with regret that today we were informed that Ysolda will have to delay her visit to Nest. However she will be coming to say hello when she can so we'll keep you posted...
6 July 2011 - Nest Games Day timetable
10.00am - 1.00pm:
Make your own felt flower brooch (allow at least 15 minutes) - use merino wool and a wet felting technique to make your own felted flower (£5)
Make your own badges - bring along an image or draw your own, then transform it into a badge (£1.50)
2.00pm: Spinning demonstration
3.00pm: Speed knitting competition
3.30pm: Country v. city honey taste off results and guess the weight of the yarn cake results
4.00pm: Best in Show, people’s choice results
4.30pm - 6.00pm: Make your own felt flower brooch and make your own badge
all day long: Refreshments available including a range of homemade cakes and fresh fruit smoothies.
30 May 2011 - Nest knitting event to take place on Saturday 9 July
HOT OFF THE PRESS: the first Nest knitting games will take place on Saturday 9 July. We will be hosting a whole range of knitting games and activities from the Nest shop in Crouch End. Click here to find out more.
12 May 2011 - pre-order Ysolda's new book Little Red in the City
Pre-order your copy of Ysolda's new book Little Red in the City from Nest to receive patterns and sneak previews by email ahead of the published book. This includes advance yarn and pattern information for each design (a summary of the requirements, construction etc), a file about fitting and taking measurements and the first pattern, Laika. You will get each new pattern by email as they are released and the full book as an ebook once the printed copy is available. The retail price of the book (including both the hard copy and ebook version) is £18.
The release of the book is much anticipated and promises to be a great collection. Ysolda will also be coming to Nest in person with a range of her garments. Full details will follow soon!
Pop into the shop or call us on 020 8340 8852 to take advantage of this special offer.
20 February 2011 - Celebrate World Book Day at Nest on 5th March
To Celebrate World Book Day we have collaborated with one of our customers, Tania Glynn, and will be giving away 48 free copies of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's novel Half of a Yellow Sun. To receive your free copy please come to Nest on Saturday 5th March between 2pm - 6pm, please note that the books will be given out on a first come first served basis.
Here's a note from Tania:
I have been chosen, along with 20,000 people in the UK and Ireland to distribute copies of a book I loved reading on World Book Night. I chose to do this in my local community and in particular in Nest, a new local business I personally feel is enhancing our sense of community. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's novel is a profoundly moving and beautifully written book. It is written not only from the heart but through the conscious and unconscious communications of her family and community. If you haven't read it, do!
25 January 2011 - Feltmaking Workshop
Jill Denton will be back at Nest this half-term running a series of feltmaking workshops. Feltmaking is really hands-on and you get to see results quickly - great for kids. With practice you can also create detailed pieces, like the one here, by varying colour and texture.
3 December 2010 - Free Feltmaking Demo at Nest on Saturday 11th December 11am - 1pm
On Saturday 11th December we're hosting Jill Denton who will be doing a free feltmaking demonstration. Come along and see what feltmaking is all about and the techniques involved. Jill is also running our feltmaking workshops: Landscapes in Felt (beginners feltmaking), Kids Feltmaking and Parent and Kids Feltmaking.
Also click here to take a look at Jill's work in our gallery.
3 December 2010 - Christmas shopping at Nest on Sundays
To help out all you Christmas shoppers we will be opening our doors every Sunday from now until Christmas. Our Sunday opening hours are 11am - 5pm. Pop by and see our Christmas gifts alongside all our lovely yarns.
10 October 2010 - Ally Pally Knitting & Stitching Show
This weekend we treated ourselves to a break from building work and spent two glorious days at the Ally Pally Knitting and Stitching show. Two days was absolutely necessary as there were so many inspiring people to meet and beautiful things to touch and feel. We also picked up some great things for the shop including Kate Haxell’s voodoo bunny pin cushions, flower corsages and vintage cotton reel tassels. We also found a great range of making kits to get you thinking - experimental silk works and rethink rubbish. We’re now busy knitting up some of our new yarn from Buffalo Gold. This contains bison fibre which is super soft. Buffalo Gold Lux Sport will be in store on opening so come in and see. Right, paintbrush at the ready, time to get back to some hard work.
2 October 2010 - Nest building
Work is well under way for the opening of Nest. Whilst working in the shop we’ve had lots of encouragement from the local community and it’s nice to feel so welcomed. We’ve also been lucky to have some great friends on hand to help out with all the work; a big thank you to them all.
There’s still lots to do but it’s starting to come together and we’re now enjoying the fun part of choosing all our delicious new yarns. It’s been lovely to talk with small scale UK producers about their work and to share in their enthusiasm for their craft. We’re planning to open our doors at the end of October, the exact date is not quite set but we’ll keep you posted…