Debbie Abrahams is well known for her extremely successful Mystery Blanket club which has enthralled knitters all over the world and is a complete sell out.  For knitters that still want a treat Debbie has developed a new offering – the Debbie Abrahams Bead Club.
Using the finest Japanese beads Debbie has asked four of her favourite designers to contribute an accessory design to the club, including Jane Crowfoot, Sarah Hazell, Sarah Hatton and Alison Crowther-Smith. Every other month members will receive an exclusive, seasonal pattern and an average of 3 packs of beads to create gorgeous projects such as a bag, a shawl and a beret. That’s a fantastic chance to sample 9,000 of the most gorgeous beads available.
The club is now open and costs just £75 but book now because places are running out fast. You can book your place at http://www.debbieabrahamsbeads.co.uk/bead-club
For press information contact Nicky Hale at Bluebear on 01707 320274

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28^th January 2013

Luxury knitwear brand CASH CA is delighted to present its collection of ultra-stylish yet comfortable knitwear for the Spring Summer 13 season. CASH CA is all about colour; vibrant hues and contrasts are key elements in every collection. The main palette is a balance of saturated darks, a large range of neutrals and tinted linen colours, infused with unusual, intense brights offered in the brand’s unique blends.

Subliminal inspiration for the SS13 collection comes from a recent Miro exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The sculptures and drawings underpin features for the SS13 collection; strong primary colouring, subtle detailing and a playful, almost childlike aspect with structured pieces reflecting some of the more abstract Miro working drawings.  Creative Director, Craig Alexander explains: “The way the obscure sculptures sat in the natural landscape provided the perfect backdrop for our photo shoot.  The garment shapes become almost sculptural within the beautiful natural background.”

CASH CA’s SS13 collection lives in 4 distinct lifestyle groups:

DAY / TOWN:

Aimed at women who need to be comfortable but not casually dressed during the day, transitional outfits that move effortlessly from day through to evening. The collection features a cool high summer ice blue, a vivid summer mix of cool acid green, flattering orange and milky ecru.

WEEKEND / COUNTRY:

Features softer, fuller shapes for an easy weekend; relaxing at home or an informal lunch. Natural shades are the base here, with around 10 neutral colours covering soft greys, natural browns and tinted linen shades all of which can work together in a number of ways.

LOUNGE:

For cooler summer evenings or early Sunday mornings, CASH CA have introduced a completely new fabric – a fine cotton with a just a hint  of wool to give a luxuriously soft handle that suggests simple cotton jersey fabric but with a more modern and much more expensive look.

EVENING:

CASH CA has created a dramatic evening  story in black, dark navy, syrup brown, carbon grey and milk. Soft shaped knitwear in clean elegant silhouettes with fine detailing such as hand stitched pointelle, self coloured beading and sequins.

For press information or to request samples contact

Juliet Bernard

Bluebear

01707 320274

About CASH CA

Established in 2000, CASH CA offers Cashmere and Merino Knitwear collections using only traditional high quality knitting techniques and noble fibres. The company has grown rapidly in the UK and more recently in Japan and China.

The CASH CA knitwear collections include a full range of styles from classic cashmere sweaters and cashmere cardigans to contemporary, fashion forward cashmere and merino gilets, dresses and tops. CASH CA accessories cover a wide range of beautiful designs from cashmere gloves, hats and scarves to quirky cashmere and merino nightwear such as trousers, eye masks and slippers.  Both collections are sold in many of the finest department stores and quality independents throughout the UK, Japan and South East Asia.

Although a relatively young company, the founders have more than 60 years combined experience in high quality Cashmere Knitwear and Merino Knitwear design and manufacture.

It is through the integration of this experience, skill and expertise allied to a commitment to using only the highest quality techniques and fibres that CASH CA has grown and developed into the celebrated brand that it is today.  Their knitwear factory is in Shanghai, positioned to use locally produced yarn such as fine spun cashmere, superfine merino, linen/silk following recognised European standards both in terms of quality control and workers conditions

UK Stockists include Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Liberty’s, and over 70 other quality independent retailers. Retail partners in Japan and China include Isetan, Juice, Shine and Lane Crawford.

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The finished flag will be unfurled at Kings Cross on 18^th October at about 5pm and I will be blogging and posting pictures on twitter as we go  @julietbernard.

Luxury women’s wear brand CASH CA has unveiled its collection for Autumn Winter 2012 inspired by the natural elements – fire, earth, water and air.

The collection features garments in finest cashmere, superfine merino wool and fine pima cotton with hot shades such as furnace and flame, contrasting with earthy colours such as bark and water colours such as aqua.

As well as classic solid colours, the design team at CASH CA have been inspired by microscopic plant life to create repeating patterns of superfine stripes in contrasting colour and micro textured knitted fabrics in big voluminous shapes reminiscent of windblown plant life and wild seascapes.

An idyllic barn-house in Yorkshire provided the perfect setting for the AW12 photo shoot. The roots of tradition and heritage, which the collection is inspired by, were reflected in the choice of location. The fire-inspired colours such as furnace and flame provided a warm tone to the open surroundings, and the sense of rural charm was evoked by interesting, rich textures in the red brick and fire logs. The final shots had a traditional feel with a modern edge and completely captured the ultra stylish and effortless nature of the CASH CA collection.

Look out for the new AW12 collection and discover which element will inspire you to pick up a gorgeous new garment; fire, earth, water or air.

For press information contact

Juliet Bernard juliet@bluebear.co.uk

Bluebear

01707 320274

Gomitoli’s the Italian luxury hand knit brand, is looking forward to an elegant autumn with a range of exotic high quality camel yarns which are both beautifully soft and durably warm.

Made from 100% Mongolian camel fibre, the yarns come in natural blends and a range of specially selected colours that ensure the characteristics of this truly noble fibre really shine through. The natural shades (col. 10064 – col 10065) have been certified by SGS, the world’s leading Certification Company as 100% pure a very important achievement.

Available in 4-ply with a generous 175metres, and 2ply with 350metres per 50g ball, the yarn can be ordered from the Gomitoli’s website for that perfect project.

Gomitoli’s camel yarns retail at €9.40-9.20 (approximately £7.50/ball), a very reasonable price for such a high quality handcrafted yarn, and are also available in a special kit.  This gorgeous cowl can be knitted in just 2 balls of 4 ply camel yarn.  The kit is available for €18.80 and comes complete with the yarn in your choice of colour and full pattern details.

For more information contact

Nicky Hale at Bluebear

nicky@bluebear.co.uk           

01707 320274

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August 2012

Herdy Wool

The magnificent seven!

It had to happen – the sheep loving home and giftware company Herdy has branched out into yarn. The Harrogate Home and Gift show saw the launch of HerdyWool – balls of 100% British wool yarn in the company’s trademark vibrant colours. The Lake District based company has always been keen to support the fell farming communities in its area, so launching a bespoke range of yarn seemed like a natural step.

Herdy wool is available in 7 colours: blue, green, grey, purple, orange, pink and ecru. The chunky weight and vibrant colours make it perfect for knitting or crocheting accessories, home furnishings and outer wear. The two ply yarn comes in 100g balls with over 100m of yarn, so 1 ball will make a hat and 2 balls would make a scarf, cowl or slippers. The versatile yarn will also felt well in the washing machine, opening up a world of possibilities for bags, purses and other decorative items.

The composition of the yarn is extremely important to Herdy. “We aim to support UK industry wherever possible, and being in an area with a long wool tradition like the Lake District, it had to be 100% wool and it had to be British”, said Spencer Hannah, designer and joint owner of the company. After much research, Herdy has managed to achieve this AND the yarn is processed and spun entirely in the UK – in Yorkshire in fact.

Herdy are brand partners of the Campaign for Wool, and the team had the pleasure of meeting the Campaign’s figurehead HRH Prince of Wales in 2010 when they won the prestigious Small Company of the Year award from Business In The Community. Each ball of Herdy yarn carries the Campaign for Wool logo. Get knitting in time for Wool Week 2012 (15-21 October) and show your support for British wool.

Details

Yarn Ball Weight: 100g

Yarn meterage: over 105m

Tension / Gauge stitches: 14

Tension / Gauge rows: 19

Care instructions: Iron on low heat, do not bleach, do not tumble dry, hand wash normal, do not dry clean, dry flat in shade

Recommended knitting needles: UK 6.5mm / US 10.5

ENDS

Herdy Wool

 Debbie Abrahams has just announced that applications for The Mystery Blanket Club 2013 are now open.  The club has a limited membership.

The Mystery Blanket Club is a unique knitting experience which invites knitters from all over the world to join. Over ten months, subscribers receive patterns and materials to knit individual squares which join together to make an exquisite blanket. The theme of the project is kept secret, only to be discovered as the squares are completed and the blanket takes shape. This year Debbie has given us a bit of a clue by revealing the yarns used will be Rowan Tweed, Felted Tweed, Kid Classic and Rowan Pure Wool DK – an interesting combination of yarns and so intriguing.

Through the club, friendships have been made, techniques have been mastered and many happy hours of knitting have been had. Each design is exclusive and will not be published in any other format when the club has closed. This is a one-off project that is a must-have for knitters of all abilities!

So make sure you sign up now www.debbieabrahams.com prices start from £205 for UK membership.

For press information contact

Nicky Hale at Bluebear 01707 320274

About The Mystery Blanket Club

How many months will the project run for?

The project will begin on January 15th 2013 and will run for ten months.

New to 2013

Patterns will be sent monthly by email.  The first email will be sent on January 15th with subsequent emails sent on the first of the month (Feb to October).

Yarn and beads will be sent in three parcels (post date January 15^th/1^st March/1^st May)

-ENDS-

“Paul Martin’s Handmade Revolution needs you!

The producers of BBC Two’s hit show Flog It! are on the hunt for hidden talent. We’re searching for the brightest and best British designer-makers to take part in our new BBC Two series.

Are you passionate about your craft? Would you like a chance to present your work to some of Britain’s most discerning masters and makers?

We’re looking for amateur designer-makers to take part in this brand new TV series.

From textiles to leatherworking, glass-blowing to greenwood furniture making, if you love nothing more than to design and create wonderful decorative objects, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: amateur refers to anyone whose sole income does not come from sales of their craftwork.”

Here is the link for you to apply and good luck.

If you are a crafter, designer or retailer with a craft business we want to help you grow and flourish. After all you are passionate about what you do and so are we.

When the full version of our site launches:

• Retailers will be able to find the latest and most exciting projects from talented designers and makers.
• Designer/makers will have access to lots of business help and advice while being actively promoted to retailers, journalists and stylists. To access these services there will be a small monthly fee.
• Together we will raise the standards and standing of the Craft industry in the UK

To be sure we are offering you the services and support you need, please can you take time to answer one of the questionnaires below – the closing date is 31st  May 2012.

If you are a retailer please follow this link

Designer/makers  please follow this link

Any problems do get in touch.

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