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. 

My first sewing project completed

Well I've completed my first sewing project! I know its an easy project but nevertheless I'm pleased with it. I followed the instructions but one there is one thing I'm not sure about and wondered if there is anyone out there who would be able to shed some light on it for me....I read that I needed to go around the edges to do the zigzag stitch. The instructions said that I needed to do the zig zag and then cut the corners off to have a nice point when the cushion is turned the right way around. After doing the zig zag around the edge the stitch went right up to the corner so I had no corner to cut off. Should I have done the zigzag right next to the straight stitch? I'm a little confused by it. If someone could provide some advice I'd be grateful. All in all I'm please with the first project and looking forward to the next one!

My first sewing project!

I'm just about to embark on my first sewing project!

I've never dabbled in sewing because at school I chose cooking. As I've got older I've found myself needing to alter trousers and skirts but have looked at them with a blank expression whilst getting hot under the collar. I feel sorry for my new husband each time he asks me to shorten his trousers and I have no real clue what to do! Sorry hubby.

Damn it, I feel its time I learnt.....I have some of the basics along with the all important beginners books so there's no excuse!

I found some scrap fabrics lying around so here goes. I'd love to say that I was going to make a lovely 1960s style dress but unfortunately it's going to be a bog standard square cushion. Boring I know but I feel its important to master the basics, yes, sewing in a straight line! It might seem easy to some of you but at the moment I get to differ. I'll keep you posted!

You never know, maybe one day I'll be making gorgeous garments like these:

Tilly and The Buttons and Stitch and Witter

  

Knitting as Therapy...

Have you ever been knitting and felt so relaxed or consumed by your project that you have lost all sense of time? It is these qualities in the craft that scientific research has deemed knitting to be a new form of therapy. 

The Science bit:

Research suggests that 90% of physical health problems may be related to stress and that pain doesn't originate in your muscles, joints or ligaments, but in your brain! Studies have suggested that people suffering from pain often report that when they are distracted or occupied the level of pain they feel is reduced.

The very act of knitting is rhythmic and repetitive and it is this that can induce the knitter into a meditative state of mind. It's this 'mindlessness' that enables a knitter to 'zone out' and forget about problems and stresses in their everyday life. 

It is thought that knitting has a calming effect on people to the point that it can positively help those suffering from disruptive behavioural conditions such as ADHD. It is also though it may help people to manage anxiety, panic attacks or any illnesses that may be stress related. Knitting is believed to slow down thought processes giving the brain a chance to process thoughts more effectively. (Especially helpful for those suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

As all knitters would probably agree knitting is addictive. (I can think of many worse addictions to have). It occupies the hands as well as the mind so helps to stop or replace cravings such as smoking, alcoholism and binge eating to name but a few.

Colour and Texture:

All knitters and crocheters know the simple pleasure you can get by just going into a wool shop and stroking and squeezing all different types of yarn. (I have always wondered whether I was slightly strange when I could spend hours just handling yarns. I have since learnt that the pleasure gained from this should not be underestimated).

'Simply looking at your stash and stroking it can make you feel happy'

This quote taken from knitonthenet.com and has confirmed that I am not slightly unhinged. Research suggests that people who suffer from depression often see the world in black and white. The simple act of visiting a wool shop and looking at the colours can improve your mood and put a smile on your face. Who would have thought that something as simple as colourful yarn could be considered a form of therapy?

General Welbeing:

Knitting is a craft that can be started for pence; all you need is a pair needles and one ball of wool. The best part is that its a completely portable craft which makes knitting unique.

Many people think knitting is a solitary hobby....how wrong can they be.

Knitting has a massive community, one of which is ravelry (www.ravelry.com). Before I found ravelry I was slightly embarassed to tell people that I knit. Working in a largely male dominated job I knew I would never hear the end of it. 

Another international knitting community is 'Stitch and Bitch' where groups meet on a weekly basis in their local pub with their current projects. Visit www.stitchnbitch.org to find your local group.

Over the last few years the popularity for knitting has grown massively. Groups have been set up around the country in hospitals, doctors surgeries and nursing homes as a form of pain management. (www.iknitlinks.com)

Conclusion:

Knitting enables people to experience relaxation and may even help reduce levels of stress and anxiety whilst giving individuals a sense of community and welbeing. Holistic therapy promotes the idea that a person's attitude to an illness can be just as important or more so that simply taking medication. If something as simple and exciting as knitting can improve medical conditions, what are  you waiting for. Get yourself to a wool store or charity shop, you'll never look back!  

Thumbs up for Woolly Wormhead

   

            

If you've been wondering how to keep your head warm this winter look no further. Not only do knitted hats keep your head warm, they give each person a chance express their personality.

These little beauties are all designed by Woolly Wormhead. 

Woolly Wormhead has a wealth of experience in knitting and started from an early age. She has completed a Textile degree in London and is qualified as an art teacher. She has a keen interest in 3 dimensional textiles which is apparent in some of the lovely hats she had produced.

Some of her patterns are technically interesting using a 'sideways' construction (Book: 'Going Straight'). You will find patterns for all ages and genders so what are you waiting for!

Take a look at her website which includes gorgeous pictures to show off her work.

The only questions is which pattern do I start first...!

A Knitted Christmas...

Christmas is just lovely when decorations are handmade. These days too many homes are decorated with cheap tinsel and supermarket shiny balls...so... I've knitted my way through the run up to Christmas. I love the personal touch it can bring to a home. Here's a little sample.

Alan Dart

These little chaps are from a pattern by the incredible Alan Dart. They are fun to make and look so cute. All my friends and family have commented on these little fellows.
If you haven't come across Alan's patterns before don't waste any time. Click on his name for the website.

Little Cotton Rabbits

I knitted these little cuties a couple of years ago. I just don't get bored with looking at them. They are miniature in size so only take minutes to whip up and the best part is the pattern is FREE. Find the pattern on the beautiful blog Little Cotton Rabbits.

Haven't had the time this year? What are you waiting for? Get started on Christmas 2012. That is exactly what I plan to do. I found this lovely book '55 Balls to Knit' by Arne and Carlos. I haven't manged to get my paws on it yet but it's only a matter of time. The authors are Norwegian knitwear designers who have come up with the genius idea of knitted christmas balls.
Check out Crafty Crafty for the full book review. Its a must have!

Check it out on Amazon

For the love of socks...

I've just finished my first pair of socks! All I can say is I feel a mixture of relief, satisfaction and disappointment.

Being a sock virgin I found the pattern difficult to understand! (As it happens the general construction of the sock is fairly straight forward once you've done it once). I must say a big thanks to Ellen at Stitch and Bitch who provided advice in times of need. After much frustration I completed the first sock with a smile on my face. I smiled at it with a smug grin and tilted my head from side to side while I admired the hours of work I had devoted to the project. I quickly decided that the yarn wasn't the best choice for the pattern. I feel that the yarn is too colourful for this project as it over powers the intricate detail.

I put those thoughts to the back of my mind and excitedly cast on the next sock. Almost instantly I hit the 6ft high brick wall known as 'second sock syndrome'. I couldn't convince myself to complete the whole pattern again. I dragged myself through it like wading through mud!

I found the yarn lovely to work with but this project has definitely made me realise I prefer to work with thicker yarn: I find it easier on the hands. I remember the moments I resembled a pit pony the way I was squinting so hard just to see what I was doing.

All in all I don't think I will be rushing to complete another pair of socks! I don't want to put anyone off trying: loads of people seem to get hooked them. Personally I'm not sure the frustration (and bald patches I now have) are worth the result. In my opinion input doesn't equal output on this project. It may be school boy error of wrong yarn and difficult pattern for my first socks.

Time is  healer; never say never.....