Casting Off

It's been a while since Knitting & Crochet Blog Week finished - and I didn't manage to do days 6 and 7 at the time because things were a little hectic, but I wanted to complete my posts - so here they are! [double post alert!]

KCBW4 Day 6 - A Tool To Covet

It's pretty hard to pin down my very favourite knitting tool...but I think there's a lot to be said for investing in a beautiful pair of knitting needles which make the art of crafting that little bit more pleasureable. Generally, straight knitting needles which are not too short are my thing, as I favour a style of knitting where you tuck one needle under an arm. I'm particularly fond of my bamboo, birch and rosewood sets of needles. There is something lovely and incredibly special about working with natural fibres on a beautifully carved pair of wooden pointy sticks.

Other tools I find incredibly useful are my (left-handed) scissors which are nice and sharp, some point protectors (stops me from jabbing myself! Or from getting holes in my bag) and a ruler or measuring tape. I also find I like to make little notes to keep track of my progress with a pattern. Not forgetting essentials like pins, sewing needles and some method of steam generation to finish things off nicely.

I enjoy looking out for unusual knitting accoutrements on my travels too - you just never know what little treasures you might find!

KCBW4 Day 7 - Looking Forward

Thinking about what I'd like to achieve over the next year or so, regarding all things knit, I suspect, as with every year, I won't quite manage to knit as much or as often as I would like to...but I do have a few aspirations.

I would like to actually finish off more projects that I start or have already begun, something which others who are "serial starters" can relate to I'm sure! I do tend to put off the final stages of blocking, darning in ends and sewing up. (Guilty!)

I hope to remedy this by revisiting some forlorn UFOs (unfinished objects, to the uninitiated!), some of which have been languishing for rather too long. After all, every knitter loves to reach the proud moment where they can show off their beautiful handiwork to the world (or maybe just the rest of Ravelry).

I'd also like to try out a few more stitch patterns - lace and/or cables - which I've been musing about. The other goal I hereby set is to actually write more knitting patterns. I've written a few to date, mainly baby knits, and would like to expand my library of knits.

Click here to check out the rest of my Knitting & Crochet Blog Week (4) posts... or view those from previous years: Year 3 - 2012 • Year 2 - 2011 • Year 1 - 2010

Gorgeous Knits

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend, dear readers. I have to say that I take particular delight around this time of year when the weather starts to turn as it means one of my favourite seasons is almost underway! I adore the beautiful autumnal colours, crisp leaves underfoot and curling up with new knitting projects (of course!). Above you can see a cable design I have recently brought out of hibernation :)
Here are some other lovely things which I think are perfect for staying cosy during autumn.



Found on the Fall Fingerless Mitts blog.

This gorgeous leafy hat pattern looks fab knitted up using variegated yarns - it's available from Ruth Sørensen's website and also ravelry.

I love this adorable (and cosy!) *hexapuff* Beekeeper's quilt 

- it looks like such a fun pattern to work on.

[Edit - coincidentally, this is National Knitting Week this week here in the UK! Happy knitting!]

Crafty Roundup February 2011

I was just thinking it's high time I did another crafty roundup, there's a whole lotta craftiness going on at the moment!

Ghillie Dhu Maker's Market

Image via Ghillie Dhu Maker's Market

Saturday, 12th February will see the first Maker's Market at the Ghillie Dhu (Rutland Place) - it sounds like an amazing venue and the event, which will be on every month from February to November, is run by the folks who brought you the Morningside Maker's Market. Find out more on their website.

The Guardian Extra Gets Crafty

I recently stumbled across a feature called "Get Crafty" on the Guardian Extra. It includes two rather nice full (free!) knitting patterns: smocked gauntlets and a chunky cabled cowl.

Image via The Guardian

Looks like nice clear (illustrated) instructions too, so even if you've never done any cabling or smocking before, it should hopefully be easy enough to follow.

What's Wool got to do with Chemistry?

2011 is the UNESCO International Year of Chemistry and to mark it, the University of Edinburgh's School of Chemistry has put a rather unique piece on display: the first 3-Dimensional model of a molecular structure, and it's made from balls of wool and knitting needles!

Image via BBC News Scotland

It was created by a Scottish-born scientist, Professor Alexander Crum Brown in 1883, who (as you might have guessed) was a keen knitter himself. Find out more about the model here and to follow the IYC 2011 see here.

An Inspirational Pattern

Day Two: Blog about a pattern or project which you aspire to.

To be honest, there are many patterns I daydream about having the time to complete. It seems I am rarely actually knitting for myself these days. In terms of skill, I always enjoy those which pose some kind of challenge, for example an intricate lace pattern. I love most lace patterns because they are truly something to get your teeth into, and I enjoy the almost meditative focus they require to successfully complete.

This particular pattern is one I have wanted to make for quite a while now. I have had the pattern book - Rowan's Magazine 42, which is one of the best Autumn/Winter ones - for a good couple of years. Choosing a single pattern from it is difficult enough! I also have a bundle of the yarn required...cosy Cocoon, a lovely and soft Merino/Kid Mohair blend, which looks as though it will be wonderfully warm too. I chose a neutral colour so that it would work with different ensembles (and my skin tone). Since I bought the yarn when it first came out, Rowan have introduced more colours in the range, including a gorgeous teal. I always find that choosing the colour in which to knit my pattern the toughest part, can you tell?


It was the slightly unusual construction and lacy cabled leaf or wave motifs that drew me to 'Iceland' (ravelry link) - I like the fact that it's knitted across the way and the almost kimono style batwing sleeves. The deep rib also appeals, although I did start it and lost my way (and my cable needle) a little. I have since ripped it back / frogged it as I felt it would be better to start afresh with renewed vigour. Plus, it means I'll know where on earth I am in the pattern!! Hmmm, must remember to make better notes this time around.

Cables are not something I have tackled very much at all really. I have done a bit of playing about, swatching sections of a pattern before but never an entire garment. Coincidentally, here is my swatch of cabling in Cocoon:


Yummy! I really look forward to having another go at cabling.

I can see the relaxed style of 'Iceland' becoming a great addition to my autumn or winter wardrobe, that is, if I ever have the time to actually complete it. I'll be sure to add it to my ravelry projects.