Knitting is no longer stuffy and old-fashioned.
Today, knitters of all ages are downloading patterns from hip new websites, chatting on craft-dedicated blogs and stretching the boundaries of this age-old craft.
The Surrey Museum is joining in, too.
On Aug. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., join other knitters, crafters and suppliers for the annual Pic-Knit event at 17710 56A Ave.
Shop for your stash with local vendors, meet members of Fraser Valley fibre arts guilds and sign up for a workshop.
Bring the family by to say hello to visiting llama Treasure and cashgora goat Crystal.
Owner Carol Funnell, of Fun N Fur Fibres takes her people-friendly pets to public events around the Lower Mainland to showcase the unique qualities of these beautiful, fibre-producing animals.
“Exotic fibres are becoming more and more popular as they become readily available and the public discovers their special qualities,” said Pic-Knit coordinator Linda Montague. “Llama fibre, for example, is soft and lustrous like silk, warm and strong like wool, yet less likely to cause allergies.”
Many other yarns and fibres will be available to inspire and tempt visitors, including exquisite handspun yarns for those special projects, luscious silk and silk blend yarns from The Silk Tree, and soft, ready-to-spin fibres for spinners to create their own unique yarns.
During this event, the Museum will host an Easy Lace Knitting workshop with accomplished knitter Lynne Russell.
She will show you how to create lace in any weight of yarn, and how to unravel the mystery of charts for easy or intricate patterns.
The lace workshop is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Museum. The fee is $30. Pre-register at 604-592-6956.
Visitors are also invited to browse the Hooser Textile Library’s extensive collection of rare books and patterns. The Museum’s Textile Studio, which houses a rare Jacquard loom, will be the place to watch demonstrations of heritage crafts and try weaving on demonstration looms.
Admission to this event is by donation.
Admission to museum’s exhibits is sponsored in 2011 by the Friends of the Surrey Museum Society – although donations are still accepted.
For more information, call 604-592-6956 or visit www.surrey.ca/heritage