Allan Christine

Article from Cassandra Taylor , Standard-Freeholder

Newly-published author Christine Allan is determined to bring a new trend to Cornwall.

Allan, who runs her own shop in Lancaster, released her first self-published book this month called Christine’s Fun and Fast Swedish Weaving: ‘Christmas Patterns’.

Swedish weaving, a craft involving stitching yarn into Monk’s cloth, is fun, relaxing and for all ages, she said.

“It’s a wonderful craft. My goal is to have everyone weave," Allan said.

She said the heavy, bulky yarn makes it easy to handle, unlike sewing, and can be used to make afghans, placemats and many other crafts.

Allan worked for nearly a year on the book, which contains 11 original patterns ranging from beginner to advanced levels as well as detailed instructions and color photos.

A graduate of LaSalle College in Montreal, Allan taught at the school for about five years after graduation before she began her own sewing business doing repairs and alterations, which
continued for 10 years.

After suffering from tendonitis in her left arm, Allan had no choice but to close her sewing ‘shop in August 2008. She then came out as, what she calls, a "closet weaver" and opened her new weaving business in January 2009.

Allan now teaches Swedish weaving in her shop to both men and women and all ages. Her youngest student is seven and her oldest is 92.

Allan designed so many pat-terns over the years that a second book is already in the works, but will probably not be published until late 2011.

There will be a book signing event at Allan’s shop, which is located at 151 Military Rd. in Lancaster, on October 3rd from 2 to 4 pm.