Spring Arrivals

There has been no blog for a while as the start of the warm weather brought with it a heavy dose of allergies.  My antihistamine has kicked in now and I’ve also recovered from a trip to the dentist this week. Actually my dentist is amazing and I am so grateful to be able to access her services via the NHS.

Anyway whilst under the influence of painkillers I made a few purchases from Black Sheep who never fail to be brilliant and full of tempting bargains!  I was looking for cool cottons in pastel shades that would compliment my pale skin tone.

I’ve gone for coral, peachy and sandy shades because I’m pale but freckly and a bit ginger. This yarn is destined for items 7-11 on my Ravelry queue for those of you who may be interested, all free patterns too!

The basic idea is for easy staples that will create a compact mix and match wardrobe for spring summer. This is done by sticking to a small colour pallette where all the items are complimentary. Yes, that neon pink t-shirt is fabulous but if I doesn’t work with three other outfits I can’t justify it’s place in my basket!  Choose items that are flattering for your shape and skin tone. Then make sure you can mix and match, this means you’ll be able to choose easily from a range of beautiful outfits even when making bleary eyed pre-coffee choices.

I also did a bit of a raid on the late sales and early summer stocks for matching items to complete my compact look.  The basics are long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts for layering, neutral jeans and skirt.  All in classic shapes and neutral stone colours that will survive more than one season, reusing and recycling!  Updating is fine but your wardrobe is an investment in your everyday confidence so don’t be ruled by trends.  If bright turquoise print doesn’t suit you, and it definitely doesn’t suit me, then don’t fall for it! (I’ll also be giving the peplum skirt a miss)

Recession is not really the time to be impulse buying, plan in advance by going round without your purse, reading a good fashion mag or spending some time online.  My idea is to tone everything together so a good bag or scarf is a key piece to tie everything together.  I liked this one as it features all the main colours and will be big enough for day to day use.  The skinny jeans (£11 from Primark) are the neutral base and the gold pumps give a bit of colour and glam.  They will also go well with any gold accessories that I might pick for turning this from a day to night look. I’m on the lookout for some suitable wedges to give me the height but didn’t find anything in the shops this week.

I’m very excited to cast on for the new lighter knits but need to get a few WIP’s out of the way first.  I finished this Hitchhiker for my mum. A great pattern by Martina Behm very easy to follow and suitable for beginners or TV knitting.

On the needles this week…

Birthday socks for my special princess

On the worktable..

Paperwork from the Scottish Enterprise group.

I made stuff…

Well not lots of stuff but I did finish my monkey and I’m very happy with this silly little primate.  Mostly I’m happy because I think he is perfect for the little person he is destined for.

This was such a fun piece of knitting and really very quick.  I don’t do toys very often because of the sewing up at the end but I’ve got patterns lined up for the future where the designer has eliminated that, very exciting!!

If you are new to knitting and would like to try toys then go for it!  You only have to know casting on, binding off and some increasing and decreasing.  With this in mind toys can be a nice middle step once you’ve got the basics and maybe want to practise a bit more before moving onto cabling or lace.  Or you can just adore them in their own right, which isn’t me but I’ll not judge you for it.

On the needles this week…

A mothers day/birthday gift for my own amazing mum. I’m knitting a Hitchhiker for her in Regia World College Pinks blend.  I don’t often pay for patterns but I made an investment in this one after seeing such great feedback on Ravelry.  As soon as I cast on I could why it is so successful. It is a super easy and exceptionally quick knit that makes the most of striped of variegated yarn.  Daughter has been watching me go and is going to make one for herself! I’m probably going to end up with a small pile of the in the gift box for birthdays and Christmases.  I’ll post some photos when I’m done but in the meantime you can check out more of the finished projects here 

On the work table…

More research, this time on key trends for S/S 12 and early indicators for A/W12.

S/S12 is looking like vision in pastels, made modern by clashing tones rather than going for an overall Queen Mum wash.  A word of warning to try before you buy as these colours are not easy for everyone and not always flattering.  The key is to look like your dress was inspired by an ice cream sundae not covered in one!

The other key theme for the season is bright exotic prints.  This might be just the thing to liven up a dull British summer.  It’s easy to find key pieces like funky t-shirts or shoes that will go with your existing wardrobe. I’m going to hit the high street later this week and see if I can find any early contenders for these two main looks.

A/W 12 I’m hearing scary talk of fringing and leather jackets. Fingers crossed that this goes more cowgirl that Cher because only she can carry her look!  I’ll be keeping a close eye on some knitting blogs over the next few months to see where the fibre designers are heading with these trends. It could end up being a mohair moment as the fuzzy softness can make an interesting textural contrast to the hard leather look.  We wait with baited breath!

Has Spring Sprung?

It seems far too early and yet there are daffodils on my way to work and a whole bank of pretty crocuses.  In honour of the fresh breeze and blue sky I was persuaded to leave the comfort of the sofa and venture to Boat of Garten for the day.

I love trees and we weren’t the only ones enjoying the Caledonian forest that day…

There were so many of these little guys and gals down by the Loch we had to be very careful not to squash anyone!As always I was on the lookout for inspiration and these textures really caught my eye.

Nature comes up with the best colour combinations!

I was so in love with these exposed roots it was like walking through a fairy story!

On the needles this week…

I’ve not just been wandering aimlessly around the forest I’ve also bee knitting away. Literally tonight I’ve just cast off on a pattern called Sexy Vesty by Canary Sanctuary. A free pattern available via Ravelry or her blog sport www.canaryknits.blogspot.com  Thpattern recipe is a great step up for those looking for a touch of lace and a slightly more challenging knit that those first step patterns.  I adore this pattern and I’ve knitted it twice now with impeccable results.  It’s probably one or two steps on than  beginner as you are required to do a little bit of thinking and plugging the numbers for yourself.  However if that is something your thinking about doing this is a great first try.  Personally I think Canary Sanctuary seriously undersells herself in her pattern description if I had designed this I would be raving about it.  It’s taken a dead simple idea and turned it into something really accessible, quick to make and very very wearable!  As a designer she’s definitely one to watch!

That’s the last bit of practical work or selfish knitting for a while. I’ve now got to crack on with a few gifts for some people who are well loved.  I’m quite excited to cast on as my next two projects will involve trying some new yarn. I got some Regia World of College from www.blacksheepwools.co.uk it is slightly thicker than regular sock yarn but with the same durability.  I’m going to do some standard socks but also branch out into something I’ve not done with sock yarn before. Edge of your seat stuff!

On the work table…

Lots of bits of paper to do with patterns and planning.  I actually really enjoying doing the math I just hope that I get the size increases right!

Essential Knitting

This week I’ve been complaining to all and sundry about my boring navy knit.  It is a simple v-neck cardigan pattern called Basic Black which is a free Ravelry pattern download from Glenna C.  Then one of my knitting friends challenged me to explore what I was finding so boring and turn my perspective around. So here it is…

1. Boring = uneventful.  Actually this is the sign of a really good pattern from Glenna C, that I could follow without huge calculations, mistakes or ripping back.
2. Boring = monotonous.  No stranding, cabling, lace etc just acres of stocking stitch.  Again not such a bad thing as I could knit in front of the TV and whilst tag teaming DD on Dance Central on the Xbox.
3. Boring = bland colour.  I got 5 balls of this machine friendly acrylic yarn for £2.50 at a charity shop. Navy goes with lots of things and is work friendly, not everything can or should be a rainbow.

I’m glad that it is finally finished but I can appreciate that it had it’s essential place in my knitting journey.  Towards the end it wasn’t completely boring as I added my first set of patch pockets.

Top Tip: If you are adding patch pocket onto navy or black find the best light source possible!

I found good clear online instructions for adding pockets on the Knit Simple magazine website.

I blocked and laid out the cardigan on a flat surface then used a set of small DPNS to pick up one half of a stitch every other row vertically, and one half of every stitch horizontally.  The total number picked up matched the horizontal amount cast on and the rows knitted.

I wanted the pocket to be as invisible as possible so I used mattress stitching on the vertical sides and duplicate stitch along the bottom.

All of this work was properly supervised by the cat!

Despite all of my complaints early on I really do like the finished product and think it will get lots of wear.

I am more pleased with this cardigan than I actually look. I was have a bit of a sulk with the photographer.

If anyone is remotely interested the scarf is my blue Claudia scarf which I crocheted ages ago.  It is long and luscious!

So now that’s over what’s on the needles?

Another top for work and then a fun (meaning fiddly) and exciting project for my funky nephew by the sea.

And elsewhere?

Charts have been made and swatches are being knitted. An actual pattern is starting to grow. One of many planned for 2012

 

One ball wonder

After the joy of making my knitted dress I needed a few quick fix projects before tackling another big knit.

These small one ball wonders are great fun but have a practical purpose too;

• They help to try out a new yarn
• They offer a quick lesson in a new skill
• They produce quick gifts for yourself or others, should they prove themselves worthy of your knitting.

When planning your one ball wonders it’s a good idea to check the ball band for information.  Big bulky wool will generally have less length, Skinny lace yarns may weigh the same but go on for miles.

So here’s a few examples

Hat made from Drops Big Fabel

This hat used one ball of Drops Big Fabel, the ribbing makes it very stretchy so a great gift for my gift box.  The self patterning Fabel has done the work for me to add some interest without adding difficulty.  This took one evening to make.

My Morningside Neckwarmer, pattern by Jared Flood

This cowl was a great way for me to use a gorgeous ball of Rowan Yorkshire Tweed that was sent to me as a gift.  One persons unwanted wool was absolutely my treasure!  The knitting took place on a drive from Inverness to Dundee.  One ball wonders are great travelling projects as they take up little space and easy knits help you to relax and enjoy the ride.  I also used this pattern to teach myself Brioche stitch as I’ve a larger project in mind that will require this skill.

Ripplescrafts Mid Winter Sunset

this gorgeous yarn was a super sale find at Getknitted.  It is destined for another selfish knit as I don’t think I could bear to be parted from it.  Socks are great for one ball projects but do check that one ball will actually do a pair. I’ve made this mistake before and then had to hunt down a second foot!  To bring out the vibrant colours that Ripplescrafts has used in this yarn I’m planning to use a sock pattern that has a slipped stitch.  I find this lifts out dots of colour like buds of blossom and stops unwanted pooling.

Less than one ball?

If you’ve got smaller scraps then don’t throw it out try some of these ideas

• knitted or crochet toys
• hexipuffs (Don’t blame me if you get addicted)
• pompoms
• fingerless gloves
• teddy jumpers
• tiny baby hats
• pretty flowers
• making your own felted patches

On the needles this week…

A simple navy cardigan that is work friendly.

On the work table…

Lots of special secret charts getting ready to be knitted up at half term.

Good things come to those who knit…

I have finally finished my first ever knitted dress.  I was very anxious about taking on this big knit and was worried that I would put all the effort in just to find out that the shape and style didn’t suit me.  So I thought I’d collect a few tips for others contemplating a big project.

• Firstly do your research to see if you actually like and suit a full knitted skirt or dress. I suggest having a cheeky try on of a similar item in a shop.  I went as far as buying long knitted jumper in the sales so I could have something of the right length to measure against.
• Don’t just check length and style, consider your gauge!  The dreaded G word but it is worth remembering that not everyone is flattered by a top to toe chunky knit look.  If fine knit is your friend then a full dress is a huge knitting commitment, but a huge reward when you get it right!
• More about gauge, it is your friend. Swatch lots to frog less and don’t forget to wash those swatches. You need to know if you’ve just signed on for a lifetime of handwashing!
• Finally you are ready to cast on a get going, but don’t be afraid to rip it back if it isn’t working out.

First try

This is a photo from my first try at the dress.  I got all the way up to the armholes before I decided it just wasn’t right.  When I tried it on it was too thin and just not substantial enough for sharp Scottish breezes.

So I made the decision to frog, although I will admit that I delegated the actual ripping back to my DD.  She was very stoic about the whole thing.

Second time around I used a double thread which is much more the texture I’m looking for.  I’ve now got a firm fabric that isn’t letting any cold in, not appropriate for everyone, but perfect for Highland life.

Pre-blocking

This is the finished dress before blocking. Sorry for the poor colour, the most accurate is in the first photo.

It’s now going to get a gentle block while I have a steamy shower and I’ll see if it needs more after that.

The finished dress is size S using Rowan Purelife Alder Buckthorne, which I got from Black Sheep.

The pattern is a freebie Drops one from a summer collection so you may need to alter yarn for a Winter knit, like I did.

I realised this week in conversation with my mum that I come from at least 5 generations of knitters that we know of, and DD will be the 6th.  I’ve still got a lot to learn but it’s nice to feel these ladies are behind me

In other news…

There has been a meeting of the proposed Moray Firth knitting co-operative. A very exciting project that I am thrilled to be involved with.  We will be working to find commissions for talented knitted in the Highlands and making sure that they get recognition and fair pay for their efforts.  We will also be investing in training new knitters and hopefully opening up work from home options for people across the rural area.  It’s a melting pot of ideas for knitters and designers so I hope to be putting some of my designs to the test through the co-operative in the near future.  I have one particular project on the go at the moment which is a real stretch of my abilities but very rewarding.

What’s on the work table?

At the moment it’s really a time for taking stock, clearing out, recycling or storing fabrics that aren’t being used.  I’m also lining up the ones that will be used over the next few weeks and cutting the patterns.  Actual sewing takes relatively little time compared to planning and ironing but it’s worth getting these things right.  The next planned shop update will be at the start of Feb with some Springtime gifts for mothers day.

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks”

The title of this weeks blog is a quote from the inspirational John Muir and very apt for this weeks topic.  There has finally been a break in the weather and I’ve been able to get out for a couple of walks.  Finally it feels wintry with a couple of bright and crisp days that make you appreciate everything you’ve ever knitted.  Especially if it’s cold enough to wear it all at once!

Husband and I went for a lovely stroll around  Beinn Bhuidhe and I took the camera to catch some inspirational images.  Whilst many photos of Scotland attempt to capture the majestic views.I often find beauty in smaller details but here’s a viewpoint shot just to satisfy the need.

Sky, mountains, sea, trees all in the proper order.

Confession time

I’m a big Terry Pratchett fan, I think the books are funny and very very clever. Husband feels the same and for Christmas I got him the hardback of Snuff.  When he’d finished reading it I got stuck in, and as I’ve been laid up with bronchitis it was a quick read.  One of the features in the book is the unusual character names, such as The Pleasant Contrast of the Orange and Yellow Petals in the Flowers of the Gorse.  It takes a special type of mind to find the beauty in this spiky and inhospitable plant.  In the UK we have more than one type the Common Gorse and Dwarf Gorse.

Flowers on the Common Gorse appear throughout Autumn/Winter/Spring, whilst the Dwarf Gorse in a summer flower.

There is always a drop of yellow sunshine flowering somewhere and this lead to the saying

“When Gorse is out of blossom kissing is out of fashion”

I think the bright flowers on an icy day combined with the textures of the spikes make interesting 3D inspiration.

Changing states

It’s been unseasonably warm over the last few weeks and yesterdays weather was a welcome return to Winter.  I’m still missing my snow but at least we have some ice.

Husband got this close up of an icy puddle.

I’m interested in the inbetween state of the icy puddles, not quiet solid but not quiet liquid. Water changes according to its environment and the environment changes in response to the water.  Even our Glaciers that appear fixed for many human lifetimes are in motion and part of the cycle of water.  This is making me think of flexible designs, things that can change into other things depending on the need of the user.

Colours and Patterns

I think most people see Winter as a dull season and assume that Nature saves her glory for the Spring and Summer.  I think Winter has lots to offer lovers of colour, texture and pattern.

These Silver, Green and Grey hues are very elegant.  The lichen has different qualities, some froth with regular structure whilst others wisp and drape.  The whole thing puts me in mind of a knitted lace shawl but is there a way to get the less regimented pattern of the lichen into the discipline of a lace pattern?

This woodland floor reminded me of the Assynt Hill yarn from Ripplescrafts that I used for a recent hat and gloves project.

Helen has such skill in capturing the essence of the Scottish landscape in her yarn dyeing.  I am truly in awe of her work.

We learn a great deal of patience waiting for a bit of sunshine up here, but when Nature chooses to give a lesson we can rival the Caribbean for clear, crisp blue skies.

These excursions give me lots to mull over on the not so sunny days, who knows what designs will follow, but there’s no rush.

“Meandering leads to perfection” Lao Tzu

Happy New Year!

2012 has arrived and I’m really excited about another year of crafty adventures.  I hope that everyone has had happy and relaxing holidays!  If you’ve seen the news recently you’ll know that Scotland has had some very severe weather over Christmas.  I’d like to reassure all that we are well and have only suffered from a few days of not being able to get out and about.  In fact the wet and windy weather was the perfect excuse to stay in and make stuff.

So whats been on the needles?

First up was the gift knitting and I tried out some Drops Big Fabel from the Barbara and Anne at the Woolshed.  I had been looking for a thicker sock yarn to do proper hiking socks for the men in my life and this stuff has come up trumps.  It is very sturdy and DH reports toasty toes.  It is also washing like a dream and a pair of big man feet socks only took a day per sock.

Toasty toes for my DH

I did one pair with this warm red mix and another with a grey/black/white mix, 2 balls required for each pair.  I was so pleased with the results that I’m going to do a pair for myself in a green mix and I highly recommend this yarn for anyone after a thicker warmer sock for hiking boots.

Other knitting for me was a warm Christmas jumper in Sirdar Balmoral Banquet red, unfortunately this yarn is discontinued but if you can still find it then I have found it to knit up very well. It is very cosy and the colours are warm blends that suit autumn/winter knits.

A quick and easy knit from Drops

This jumper is a free pattern from Drops and features a double moss stitch neckline, gentle waist shaping and a flattering v-neck.  Knitted in the round it makes for a very quick knit and I’ve worn mine non-stop since finishing.

I had one extra ball of Sirdar after making up that jumper so I’ve done a few crochet flowers.  I don’t crochet as often as I would like so it’s great to keep my hand in.  It’s easy to forget how quick and effective a few crochet flowers can be.

Crochet Flower

I’ve been adding these beauties to brooches, headbands and Christmas decorations.

What’s going on with the shop?

The Folksy shop did well over Christmas and I’ve not got items up for sale up to 50% off in some cases.  Don’t worry I’m not closing down just making room for new items coming in during the spring.  On the worktable at the moment are a range of sturdy reusable shopper bags and some experiments with Springtime florals.  I’m only able to give one day a week to making things at the moment but I’m really enjoying the opportunity to be creative and I’m excited to continue into 2012.

What’s on the needles?

I’m not brave enough to attempt 12 in 2012 like some other Ravellers but I’m going to try some new techniques and items this year.  First up is my first ever knitted dress, another free Drops pattern this time I’m using some Rowan Purelife Organic in Alder Buckthorne, a sale bargain this time from Black Sheep Wools.

The start of my dress

The challenge for me is not only the sheer volume of knitting but the technicalities of shaping.  It’s been fun so far and the wool is a joy to knit with.

Other plans for 2012 are more stranded colourwork and more crochet.  I can’t wait to cast on

Snow Go Area…

So last week I promised Christmas and Tweed and I hope you won’t be disappointed.  We’ve had a little bit of snow in the Highlands this week. I love snow and getting out and about in it but it needs time to settle before it can be proper fun.  In the meantime I’ve been getting busy with the glitter.  The house became a Christmas factory and first on the list was the card making.

Our Christmas card production line

Don’t get me started on the amount of glue and glitter that I had to get off the carpet today!  On the end there are some back up cards that I got at my work Christmas Fair on Friday.  My little treat to make up for the fact I had to wear an orange t-shirt and a santa hat.

Onto the Tweed!

I tried a few things with the tweed scraps and I’ve made hanging stars, mini Christmas trees. I still had lots left over so I decided to do another Rag Wreath.

There's no such thing as too much tweed!

This time I’ve mixed the many different tweed types with some plain felt just to stop it getting too busy.  I’ve then added some very simple hearts and stars with easy chain stitch and running stitch to add a bit of colour.

The two flowers are very very simple double petals stitched onto felt circles.  I think they would also make a pretty finishing touch for a bag or cardigan.

I’m pretty organised for Christmas now, all the things I’ve made over the last few weeks have been wrapped and labelled.  My Folksy shop is full of pretty gifts and the cards are set for posting.  I’m also having great fun reading all the other blogs and seeing everyone’s Christmas creativity.

It is probably too soon to say that I can sit back and relax with my selfish Christmas knitting but I think I’ll print the pattern off just in case.

Zip-in-knitting

I’ve been promising for weeks that I’ll show you when I put the zip into my knitted cardigan.  It’s quite a milestone to add you first zip so I’ve been desperate to share it and I’m really pleased that …

Finally that day has arrived!!!

I finished knitting this cardigan a little while ago, the pattern is a free one called Cable and Rib Jacket by Debbie Bliss.  I knitted the smallest size and used 9.5 balls of Sirdar Donegal Tweed in green fleck.  I used the other half ball to pick up and knit a ribbed band round the bottom as I felt the jacket was a bit short on me.  It is a generous fit because the twisted rib gives it lots of stretch.  As you will see the arms are a bit long on me too but I like being able to fold the cuffs back.

(If anyone is using my photos as a size reference I am a UK size 8 and 5’2″.)

How I added the zip

The first thing to point out is that I did not purchase my zip until after I had finished knitting. I then measured, blocked, tried on and measured again to get the right length.  As I had added to the bottom of the jacket my length was approx 22″.  This falls in between zip sizes so I went for one that was a touch shorter and was happy to have an inch at the bottom.

When I was ready to begin I pinned the zip from the right side to the edge as close as possible to the zip part.

Cardigan laid flat for pinning

This pattern has a wide garter stitch border so I think it’s great for a first zip project.  It’s very forgiving. However I wasn’t able to get a green zip to match so I went for my second choice of navy.  I wanted to hid as much of the non-matching zip part as possible.

A close up showing how close I pinned my knitting to the edge of the zip.

The other key bit is to pin from the top down.  This pattern is a fold over collar and the fold over bit neatly hides the zip at the neck edge.  If it is ever warm enough to unzip a wee bit that is!

A close up of the folded collar

Now for the sewing part

I decided to machine sew the zip in and remembered to use the zipper foot on the sewing machine

First I sewed on the right side close to the zip edge, then I sewed on the wrong side to secure the fabric part.  Both times using a small neat straight stitch.

Stitched on both sides creates a secure and neat looking finish.

So once this is done on both sides secure and trim off your end and that’s you done!

A cool knitted jacket with a zip!

I’m really pleased myself for putting a zip in and I think the end result is an ideal top for the chilly winter weather that has arrived in the Highlands.

If I were to make the pattern again I’d add a bit of waist shaping as the style is a bit boxy and I’d shorten the arms.  I’m not the biggest fan of set in sleeves as I don’t think they suit my shape but overall I’m very happy with this project.  So much so that I’ll be doing another one for daughter although probably not in time for Christmas.

For more photos of me modelling the finished article check out my Ravelry profile.

On the work table this week…

Christmassy things made from tweed.

Next weeks blog…

Christmassy things made from tweed