Australia’s Crochet expert, Jenny King is setting out to ensure crochet skills are continued for generations with a new program of great workshops and courses.

Jenny has taught crochet around Australia and internationally including the US and operates a range of classes from her Sunshine Coast shop, JK Designs on David Low Way at Marcoola (opposite SurfAir).

Jenny said she was particularly excited to start her Hairpin Lace on Steroids course on 7 April. The class will teach them all the skills they need and see participants walk away with their own handcrafted hairpin lace scarf.

“My classes are suitable for beginners through to advanced, so there is something to suit a range of skill sets,” Jenny said.

“Each class focuses on mastering a specific crochet technique to make a range of garments from scarves to ponchos, hats and even toys,” Jenny said.

Jenny said the Hairpin Lace on Steroids (7 April), Entrelac Tunisian Crochet (on 21 April) classes are both great for beginners as they require students to only know the basics of crochet.

“The classes are fun and interactive, and students get to take home their own work at the end of the class,” Jenny said.

Jenny, who has been crocheting since being taught two simple stitches when she was just 10, has been passing on her love of crochet since the 1990s and is the author of 13 crochet books and countless patters that cover everything from intricate beaded bags and jewellery to swimwear.

“Crochet is a rapidly growing trend and continues to increase in popularity as more and more crochet fashions appear on cat walks around the world,” Jenny said.

“I believe this has, in part, revived the lost art of crochet and prompted people to want to learn the craft themselves and I want to help give everyone the opportunity to learn,” Jenny said.

Jenny King Designs also runs weekly crochet and knitting clinics allowing participants to work on whatever project they like in a friendly social environment while also having help on hand.

The clinic times are:

• TUESDAYS 10am to 12pm – CROCHET CLINIC with Leah Hyndman
• WEDNESDAYS 10am to 12pm – KNITTING CLINIC with Leah Hyndman
• THURSDAYS 10am to 1pm – CROCHET CLINIC with Jenny King

Also being offered on the last Tuesday of each month is Bubs-R-Us, a two-hour workshop where students can learn new techniques to make clothing for infants.

“This will give those with an existing interest in crocheting a chance to learn new skills from certified and experienced instructors,” Jenny said.

For more information and a full class program, visit JK Designs or go to www.jennykingdesigns.com.au

Reflected Image’s Ryan Early is back after 28 days of working away on the recent state election.

Working with Frank and Dixon, Ryan shot and edited over 90 videos for Campbell Newman promoting various LNP policies. The YouTube channel was a new strategy in positive political advertising with ten of the segments being screened on the Ten network to a total audience of over one million people over ten nights.

The YouTube channel attracted 83 000 views over four weeks. The Brisbane Times called the segments the best commercials of the recent election campaign. The channel also helped to reinforce the party’s policy announcements developing a strong following among members of Queensland’s media.

You can check out the final video and the channel here.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is hosting its second annual Monster Garage Sale on Saturday, 31 March following the success of last year.

Held at the Bloomhill Distribution Centre, 1/10 Endeavour Drive, Kunda Park, the sale opens from 7am to 1pm and will offer a wide range of discounts on quality items such as furniture, appliances, clothing, sporting equipment and much more.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said the garage sale is a great opportunity to pick up a bargain and to support a worthy cause at the same time.

“Bloomhill doesn’t receive any government funding, so we rely on the money raised through out op shops, donations, grants and fundraising activities like this one to continue to provide our high level of care,” Jenny said.

The Bloomhill Distribution Centre plays a key part in Bloomhill’s success, collecting and sorting donated goods for allocation to the Bloomhill Op Shops.

“We encourage everyone to come down and take a look; the Distribution Centre is packed full and you never know what treasures you may find,” Jenny said.

“There are lots of great savings on a wide range of clothing, particularly Summer clothes. What better way to stock up your closet for next season!”Jenny said.

“We have received overwhelming support from the Sunshine Coast community in the past and we are sure there will be a great turn out to support us this time as well,” Jenny said.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity and provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and practical help.

“The services we provide at Bloomhill are only made possible by the open-hearted support we receive from the local community and businesses,” Jenny said.

More bargains can be found at the Bloomhill Op Shops at Buderim (Main Street), Maroochydore (First Avenue), Mooloolaba (Brisbane Road), Nambour (opposite the hospital) and Caloundra (Bulcock Street).

To find out more about Bloomhill visit www.bloomhill.com.au or visit a Bloomhill Op Shop.

With the demand for new and exciting crochet from the fashion world continuing to grow, Sunshine Coast crochet expert Jenny King is sharing her knowledge of crocheting techniques by offering opportunities as contract crocheters to make samples of JK Designs patterns.

With 30 years of experience and certified for teaching crochet, Jenny’s passion and dedication to revitalising the art of crochet is infectious and she is currently seeking competent and consistent crocheters to help her expand her pattern range.

“This will give those enthusiastic about crocheting a chance to be involved in the growing crocheting trend,” Jenny said.

Jenny, whose shop is on the David Low Way at Marcoola (opposite the SurfAir), will be sharing with the successful applications new and innovative crochet techniques that have made JK Designs popular here on the Coast, at craft shows and fairs throughout Australia and online and in international publications.

“Crochet has been increasing in popularity for years, with more and more crochet fashions appearing on cat walks which has led to a revival in the numbers of people wanting to learn the craft themselves,” Jenny said.

Contractors will need to have the ability to read a pattern, complete work quickly, have the Internet and/or phone access and want to work from the comfort of their own home.

Jenny said some of the techniques and patterns were yet to be released to the public, so successful applicants would be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

“New contractors will be supplied with all the materials and also receive acknowledgement as a stitcher for the pattern sample,” Jenny said.

“Contractors will be paid standard industry rates on a per garment or project basis.”

Jenny self publishes crochet patterns and books and is in demand as a pattern designer and teacher both in Australia and internationally.

For more information on JK Designs, go to www.jennykingdesigns.com.

For a contract crocheter application form, email Leah – leah@jennykingdesigns.com.

With an estimated 75 per cent of Australians with Coeliac disease remaining undiagnosed, spreading awareness about this illness has never been more important, according to Gluten Free Grain Free cookbook author Tania Hubbard.

Having been diagnosed with the disease herself several years ago and speaking in the lead up to Coeliac Awareness Week from 13 – 20 March 2012, Tania knows only too well how critical it is to increase the public understanding of the disease.

Self-confessed foodie and Sunshine Coast Café owner, Tania said she believed that is was vital for people to listen to their bodies and if they believed they were suffering with Coeliac Disease to visit their GP.

“It is an easily manageable disease and with timely diagnosis and a healthy gluten free diet, you can prevent and even reverse many of the problems that accompany the illness,” Tania said.

After spending the most part of her life ‘door-hopping’ from doctor to doctor trying to find the cause of her ongoing migraines, chronic fatigue and repeated bouts of pneumonia, Tania was diagnosed in 2003 with an intolerance to a protein found in grains.

“Since I was diagnosed, my life has changed dramatically.  I eliminated grains from my diet and all my symptoms disappeared,” Tania said.

According to the Coeliac Society of Australia, Coeliac Disease affects 1 in every 100 Australians, not including those with wheat and grain intolerances, and a further 160,000 remain undiagnosed.

Tania’s condition turned out to be a blessing in disguise, helping her realise her talent and passion for food, which saw her go on to write her own cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love.

“I was determined to continue enjoying food, despite my illness and restrictive diet, so I set to developing my own gluten and grain free recipes,” Tania said.

Tania’s cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love, is packed with over 150 pages of mouth-watering recipes, information about stocking a gluten and grain free pantry, label reading and much more.

“My cookbook is all about helping people understand and enjoy gluten and grain free living,” Tania said.

“My food isn’t just for Coeliacs and those with grain intolerances, it’s for everyone and anyone that wants to enjoy nutritious and wholesome cooking that tastes great,” Tania said.

“Food has turned my life around and I thoroughly enjoy helping others on their path to healthy eating,” Tania said.

Tania will also be appearing at the Gluten Free Food Expo from 11 – 12 May at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane, where she will be doing a cooking demonstration that focuses on ‘Vegetarian Gluten Free on a Budget’.

gluten free grain free – food we love is available for purchase from Husk & Honey Café in Nambour, Queensland and retails at $37.50. It is also available online at www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au where you will also find information about Tania, Husk & Honey and the bake@home range.

Begin your journey into the thrilling world of crime fiction at the Sunshine Coast Literary Association’s crime writing workshop – Murder and Mayhem, Crime Writing with Pat Noad.

The workshop will be held at the Coolum Community Centre, Jack Morgan Park, on Saturday, 14 April from 9am to 1pm.

SCLA President, Bryan Ward said the workshop was a great way to start aspiring writers on their way to crafting a gripping crime short story, full of mystery and intrigue.

“Crime fiction is an exciting area of writing and is one of the fastest selling genres in the world today,” Bryan said.

“Writing crime fiction isn’t too difficult when you have the appropriate formula, tools and dedication,” Bryan said.

Presenting the workshop is Pat Noad, a founder of Crime Writers Queensland and a successful short story writer and author of the Annie Bryce crime novels. She is also an experienced literary competition judge.

The workshop will cover: plot, setting, the language of crime, character development and how crime differs from other genres. Pat will also explain the qualities judges look for an the ‘dos and don’ts’ of writing for competitions.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is a not-for-profit association dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and celebrating literary talent throughout the Sunshine Coast region.

The association offers regular literary workshops, seminars and events, an annual writing competition, and monthly Front Write Up literary performance evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of its members.

The workshop is $50 for members or $60 for non-members. Morning tea will be provided but you will need to bring a pen, paper and your enthusiasm.

Spaces are limited so be sure to book you spot quickly. Tickets must be pre-purchased by calling 07 5450 2960 during business hours or email info@scliterary.org.

For more information on beginning your journey as a writer or becoming a member of the SCLA, please email info@scliterary.org or phone 07 5450 2960.

Sunshine Coast local and adventurer, Bernhard Weitkuhn will set off on an ambitious 2,300km solo journey up the Murray River on Sunday, 4 March to raise money for Bloomhill Cancer Help.

This amazing 73-year-old plans to row his new sea kayak almost the whole length of the Murray River from the Bringenbrong Bridge in Corryong, Victoria to Goolwa in South Australia, a gruelling mission that would test the stamina of even the fittest athletes.

Bernhard said it had always been his dream to paddle the river and after talking about it for the last 20 years, he decided it was now or never.

“I am feeling great for my age and just bought a new sea kayak, so I knew the time was right,” Bernhard said.

“I am hoping to paddle at least 30km every day, so I am expecting the journey to take me about 75 days to complete,” Bernhard said.

“For me, a trip like this is quite normal as I am still a very active bush walker and often go on extended hikes all over the world,” Bernhard said.

A member of the Sunshine Coast Bushwalking Club, Bernhard has climbed Mr Kilimanjaro and walked the Mt Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal, the Inka Trail, the famous GR20 trek crossing the Mediterranean island of Corsica, the notorious Australian Larapinta Trail twice and in August last year braved the 21-day, 340km John Muir Trail in California, USA.

“I just returned from another trip last week, where three of my fellow bushwalking club friends and I hiked up Mount Ruapehu and Mount Taranaki in New Zealand, both of which were six-day long treks,” Bernhard said.

“I love walking and kayaking and just being in nature,” Bernhard said.

“It was actually one of my friends that suggested that I paddle for a good cause, so I decided to donate the proceeds to Bloomhill,” Bernhard said.

Bernhard’s wife Elsie, who has since passed away, worked briefly for Bloomhill as a natural therapist, so he thought it fitting to continue to help the charity.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity and provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

After Bernhard finishes his Murray River adventure, he hopes to take a short break and then attempt the Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia and begin planning a trip to Europe next year.

To donate to Bernhard’s cause, please visit www.everydayhero.com.au/bloomhillcancerhelp.