Finally finished

At long last I have finished yet another blanket. Pleased with this one! The colours look nice together and can be used as unisex so no discrimination here! The yarn is also lovely to work with...have a look below at the details. 

Slow progress

Just a quick hello to show the progress of the blanket. I must confess I haven't posted anything recently. I have been on holiday to cornwall and I am just about to start a new job so things are all go.

The blanket is coming on nicely and I am pleased with the way it is working out.

Since my last post I have been to the London Knitting and Stitching show. I have bought some lovely projects. One is a needle tapestry and some fabric to make my first quilting project. I can't wait to start and get going. I'll post the some pictures when I get started. 

I thought I would also mention an interesting post by buttons and beeswax about her thoughts on free knitting patterns. Definitely worth a read.

Another blanket

I've got another baby blanket to do....I thought I would get bored of bigger projects but I'm enjoying them at the moment. There's something to be said in the satisfaction of looking back at project and feeling smug at having completed it and being happy with the result. The best thing thought is giving it as a project and knowing the new owners appreciate the time you have spent on it.

I bought these little balls of delight the other day in Get Knitted in Bristol. There are oodles of colours in the range and they stock loads of them.

They're perfect for a blanket because they are quite cheap and good for machine washing; 'serviceable' as my granny would say. They are 50% acrylic and 50% polyamide. 

I can't wait to get started and I'll post the pattern when it's done; hhmmmm, I'm thinking good ol' granny stripes.... 

To swatch or not to swatch....?

Sometimes the swatch is a controversial subject between knitters! Which side do you fall on?.... or do you sit on the fence? I used to avoid the swatch with a very large pole but as I've become more advanced I hold the swatch up on a high pedestal! I've even come to accept that it is a vital part of the knitting process, especially where garments need to fit. My next project is going to be a chunky shrug by Isabell Kraemer.

 

I bought this lovely yarn and quickly cast on for the swatch! All too eagerly I had a very quick look at the label and saw the 30° symbol. An hour later when the washing machine had done it job disappointment hit me like a punch in the face! My swatch had come out half the original size and matted like a sheep that had been on the mountains all winter!
I scratched my head in confusion and went to find the yarn label.....I'd overlooked the vital bit hand wash at 30°!

Lesson learnt: READ THE LABEL!
The swatch is now blocked and I'm waiting for it to dry to cast cast on! Why do things seem to take forever when your waiting for them?

New Pattern

Remember the blanket pattern I promised...? Here it is!

(Sorry for the quality of the photos)

It's a very easy pattern. Great for someone who is learning to knit or a quick gift you can whip up in no time.

I'm pleased with the way it turned out and think the colours are quite effective. I've knitted it for a baby due at the end of the month so I hope the expectant parents like it.

Click on the link for the pattern: Garter Stitch Blanket

Golden Hands

When my dad came to visit recently he presented me with a carrier bag and said, 'I've got a present for you'.
Like a kid at Christmas I opened the bag and started smiling. My step mum had sent me 5 original volumes of Golden Hands from the 70s. Her mother had collected them. With her passing away my step mum was sorting out her things and thought I might like them, hell yeah! If you haven't heard of these before they are collectors magazines from the 70s. They contain tons of patterns and general information on knitting, crochet, embroidery and dress making. I just love looking through old vintage patterns and conjuring up ideas of what people used to make.

These crochet patterns are so intricate and beautiful. I just hope one day I have the patience to give them a go...

I love these bishop sleeved tops. These will definitely be on my list of sewing projects. I think I need to keep mastering the basics first though....bring on the winter so I don't feel guilty sitting in front of the sewing machine all day.

I have also been told that there may be some big bags of wool coming my way! Can't wait, better start collecting some patterns I've wanted to do for ages!

It's that time of life...

I'm that age when people around me are announcing their pregnant!

Not only is it exciting news in itself but it means I can drool over some extra soft wool and gorgeous patterns. There is nothing better than a handmade blanket as a baby gift! At least a blanket will last longer than a jumper that will be too small within months.

Personally I have a preference for blankets that are crocheted. I'm not sure why, maybe it's because comparatively to knitting I do a lot less crochet. I also feel that crochet generally provides a thicker fabric which is cosier and comforting for our precious little ones. Here's a picture of the one I've just finished (still awaiting for the imminent new arrival). This one is crocheted in King Cole Bamboo Cotton which was lovely and smooth to use. I made the stripes random and think it works well. Thank you Attic 24 for this pattern. A lovely pattern with great illustrated instructions. Simple but effective.

Having said all that I've chosen to knit rather than crochet my next blanket, mainly because I've only recently finished a crocheted one. I thought knitting one would give me some variety. I must say I'm enjoying the way it's starting to come together. It must be the easiest thing I have ever knitted but I am loving the colours. It's the first time I've used this yarn and I would recommend it. It's called Creative Cotton Aran by Rico Design and it's cheap at only £1.89 a ball; BARGIN!

I've used five colours:  Pistachio (41), Light Blue (32), Cardinal (11), Vanilla (62), and Cherry (65) which I bought in Get Knitted in Bristol.

I know it's the simplest pattern ever but it's great for a quick project in front of the TV or an ideal beginners project. It could also be a perfect answer to all those scrap bits of yarn in your stash....I'll post the pattern once it's complete.