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.....