SHAWLRATS

Thankyou and good night!

2008-12-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

It's with regret that I'm signing off for the time being. I just don't have the time to devote to blogging at the moment.

I'm still knitting every day and you can find me as shawlrat on Ravelry - hope to see you there!

Happy knitting and thankyou to all my readers.

Stash enhancement and the credit crunch

2008-10-12T08:38:00.001-07:00

Firstly apologies for absence - busy at work etc.
Now to business and a visit with the laydeez to Ally Pally Knitting and Stitching Show yesterday.
I managed to flash the cash and flex the plastic which could be construed as multi-tasking. In these hard times I feel it my duty to help small businesses.
Above is some of what I bought including Kauni, an Estonian yarn which I had heard about before; 4 Ply multicoloured wool which has a harsh feel but makes up into a much softer fabric. Inside the green exterior is a mix of browns and oranges. I got it from Scandinavian Knitting Design ( website of the same name )where they had some lovely yarns and samples.
It struck me that there were more beads and fabric this year and, although crowded, it was not manic. Speaking to Alice from Socktopus, she said they had a good show but she felt not as hectic as last year.
I also attended a seminar about knitting groups in schools with Erika Knight who is very passionate about reinstating craft work into the school timetable. Certainly food for thought!
We had a grand day out and thanks to Maggie for driving.

Ski scarf

2008-09-14T01:54:00.000-07:00

Here is what I've been working on this week - easy knitting with a purpose! I bought one new ball of black tweedy aran to pull the leftovers together and this is the result.

Cast on 52 sts using 5mm needles. Work in 4 X 4 rib in random stripes for as long as you like - et voila! - a very warm scarf for outdoor pursuits and I've used up a lot of leftover yarns.

Currently planning my Ally Pally purchases, but when I get there the plan goes out of the window as I'm confronted with too many temptations!

Latest projects

2008-09-07T02:03:00.001-07:00

This is my February sweater in progress - so called because it's based on an Elizabeth Zimmerman design from her Knitter's Almanac ( one of the best value knitting books ever ).
You can get the free pattern from www.flintknits.com where the site owner has upsized it to fit adults.

As you can see it looks like a rag, but somewhere in there is a garter stitch yoke and lace body and sleeves. When it's finished , I will post pictures. Clearly, I am not using the recommended yarn which is aran weight - this yarn is Colinette Parisienne mohair which I had been saving for just such an event. I even did a tension square!

There is a support group for this sweater on Ravelry. I recommend Ravelry - there are support groups for everything and you can really get organised with stash, books etc. There was a waiting list to join but it's worth it and I keep in touch with several old friends that way.

Also, I have been knitting some Noro Cashmere Island fingerless gauntlets which I can't show you because I left them at school. I've also started a scarf for skiing son based on leftovers from all the ski hats I've made him brought together with a base of Rowanaran weight tweed. This is in it's very early stages.

Finally, I have the germ of an idea for a freeform leaf scarf which I may well develop in the near future. The good thing about freeform is making small pieces at a time and using up oddments. Bizarrely, I'm feeling thrifty at the moment. That will all go out of the window at Ally Pally!

Advance warning

2008-08-14T11:17:00.001-07:00

If you like Opal sock yarn and / or Harry Potter you'll love the new sock yarn due in Autumn. Go to www.opalsockyarn.com for a slideshow of the colourways - some very good ones!

I'm away for a few days next week on a trip to the French seaside, but not near a yarn shop. Who chose this holiday?

Bookworm

2008-08-12T02:10:00.000-07:00

Most of you will know that I am a bookworm as well as a knitter and this is one of my latest purchases. It was something of an afterthought - I was ordering from Amazon and added it as an extra to make up to the free delivery mark. ( The fact that I would have saved more money had I not bought it escaped me! )

Anyway, it turns out to be one of the best knitting books I have bought for a while - "Knitalong"
celebrating the tradition of knitting together, by Larissa and Martin John Brown. There are sections on knitting groups, history, blogs, knitting cafe, swaps and charity knitting. Also, there are 20 patterns for interesting and usable projects which are suitable for group or individual knitting. A comparatively small book with a lot of content.

I had been thinking about using up my leftover sock wool for some time and this book comes up with a great project for this exact scenario ( see blanket on bed above ). Excellent!

Autumn shows

2008-08-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

It hardly seems possible, but I'm already looking fwd to the autumn knitting shows. I just booked in for Ally Pally on the Saturday. This is not my usual day, but there is a class that I want to attend on that day. I've been asked to start a knitting group for students at the school where I work and there is a class at the show concerned with just such a scenario.

Also, I'm anticipating I-Knit early in September where I'm hoping that the Yarn Harlot from Canada will be as amusing as her blog.

Two opportunities for stash enhancement - woop,woop!

New yarn purchases

2008-08-03T01:58:00.000-07:00

This is Rowan Colourscape Chunky which I got from John Lewis at Kingston on Saturday. The colourways are designed by Kaffe Fassett and the yarn is 100% wool with a very dense feel to it. There's also a pattern book available which I didn't buy; I couldn't imagine a sweater in it - it would feel like wearing a blanket. Also at £10+ a pop, the cost would be very high. So it's back to the trusty scarves for me - this one is similar to one in the book.

I also bought some more aran tweed to make another hat and striped scarf for skiing son. Apparently my hats are coveted by his friends in Australia- maybe there's a business opportunity there!

Off to see aged mother for a few days - back soon!

Just a quick note

2008-07-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

This is why I have not been blogging - may I present Mr and Mrs Wyld?

Update

2008-07-20T02:11:00.001-07:00

Can't stop! Knit, knit, knit................... - will the shawl be ready for the wedding? AAAAAARRRRGGGHHHH!

Race against time!

2008-07-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

I'm working like mad to finish my shawl in time for the wedding, so a brief blog this week with no pics yet. Wimbledon on TV has not helped but at least I shouldn't be distracted after today!

A trip to knit group last week where Maggie has offered to get me a shawl frame from the man who made hers. I have always wanted a proper frame and am looking forward to receiving and using it. Good to see old friends again.

Back soon!

Knitting websites and other news

2008-06-29T02:11:00.000-07:00

Two sites new to me which may be of interest to you :

Afghans for Afghans is an American charity website where contributors provide shawls for women in Afghanistan. There are some links to patterns which are suitable for all of us. Find the site at www.afghansforAfghans.org/rectangleshawlcampaign.html

Also, the Rainey sisters website which has some good free patterns and interesting chat at

http://www.theraineysisters.com/

I'd love to have the time to check out all the interesting knitting sites out there.

In other news, it was the future Mrs Wyld's hen night last night at which a good time was had by all. You can see a happy snap above - the Wyld dynasty will survive for another generation!

I am aiming to get to knit group for the first time in 3 weeks, you have been missed.

Bridegroom's mother shawl

2008-06-22T02:59:00.000-07:00

This is my mother of the groom shawl which has to be finished by 25 July. It's Jelly colour Kidsilk Haze and is a pattern I had published in Knit Today last year. Then it was in cream yarn and a bridal shawl so I thought I would change the look for myself.

It's to be worn in the evening with the tunic and trousers of my wedding outfit.If it's too hot to wear it I will just use it as an accessory, but with our "summer" so far you never know! I'm enjoying knitting it again because the look is so different from the original.

The first scarf pattern I ever had published is now out of copyright so I will be presenting it to you as a freebie shortly. I had to sign away the rights for a year and I can't believe the time went by so quickly.

Watch this space!

Parisian knitting for you

2008-06-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

This Phildar Preface yarn is far more vibrant than the photo suggests. 70% wool and 30% nylon, it was not sold as sock wool but that's what it is. 193m or 211 yds per 50g ball and I got 5 balls.

Regular readers will know I like large scarves / wraps, so at 965m I have more than enough. I'm using 5mm needles.

So here we go :

Cast on 155 stitches and knit 2 rows. Then work every row as follows :

K1,P1,K1,P1 K1, (YO, K2tog to last 5 stitches ), work last 5 stitches as first 5.

Continue till yarn is nearly used up, K2 rows and cast off.

This will provide a length of well over 5 feet and, if blocked, a wide and lacy look. The photo is unblocked and I like it like this. If worked as YO, P2tog the effect would be different but I like to knit wherever possible.

You could use any self striping sock yarn but remember to adjust the starting point when adding a new ball in order to maintain the pattern.

Ideal holiday knitting - the pattern is in your head and you can do it anywhere!

Paris, Edith Piaf and knitting

2008-06-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, I went to Paris last week and here's the proof.

Knitting wise, I got some Phildar sock yarn which I am not going to use for making socks ( that would be far too obvious! ). If you are ever over there, I recommend the Mercerie dept. in Le Bon Marche store on the left bank. They stock Rowan, Phildar, Anny Blatt, Plassard and Elle as well as the best selection of ribbons I have ever seen. There was too much choice, and I don't often say that.

Still on a knitting theme, I watched La Vie en Rose last night which is the latest film about the life of Edith Piaf. This has had mixed reviews, but I enjoyed it. When asked what she did when not singing she answered " I knit. " When touring America she had her knitting with her. A short but tragic life, doubtless made a little happier by knitting.

Rip it up!

2008-05-24T05:54:00.000-07:00

This is what I've been doing since last week. The triangular shawl is now a stole in the same pattern - the colours were not looking good to my eye and having ripped it back twice, I decided the straight stole looked better. I'm not usually a ripper, but it had to be done.

A couple of discoveries this week - www.paviyarns.co.uk looks like it might be worth a look. This was recommended to me by Jennie who I met randomly in Tesco's by the hot chicken counter. She used to come to Taj shop regularly but then went to India. I had not seen her for over a year and she came to knit group on Thursday before going off to Switzerland. A busy woman!

Also, Eurovision, which is so bad it's good, now features knitting. The Bosnian entry has backing singers dressed as brides who are knitting. Quite why, I'm not sure but, for comedy value, it has to be watched tonight!

I'm looking forward to a Paris trip this week and it's decision time - what knitting to take and what to buy at the Phildar yarn concessions. There are at least four to be visited and my plastic currently has vacant space!

Back soon!

News and a new project

2008-05-18T03:12:00.001-07:00

A new project which looks completely random at the moment but will transform itself into a triangular shawl with a diamond pattern.

The picture shows my poor photographic skills and the shabbiness which is unblocked lace. Whay could be more attractive? However, all us lace knitters know that blocking will transform this monstrosity into a wearable garment.

My previous smooshy project is awaiting blocking and will be revealed in all it's glory soon.

In other news, Knit Today magazine is being sold to another publisher, so I wait to see whether it will continue in the same format ( and whether they still want to publish my designs ). I have bought the last two issues of Let's Knit; although I'm not a big fan of some of their designs, there are some good ideas in there and the magazine has a trendier look than some of the others. It mentions a good charity project; you may like to download a free children's hat pattern from

http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/ - donated hats are sent to Africa to be worn by newborns. Night time temperatures can drop dramatically and hats can make the difference between life and death. A good cause!

Film lovers may be interested in The Jane Austen Book Club - it's pretty lightweight but I enjoyed the book and the film. The members only read Jane Austen and one of the main protagonists is a knitter - scores double points with me!

I hope to be back to more regular posting from now on. Work has quietened down and I have a little more time to myself.

Marking time

2008-05-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

Not much progess to report as I've been a busy girl one way or another. However a few good things to report; we had the pleasure of Tracey's company at knit group last week. She is looking well and enjoying her new life on the island.

Maggie has asked me to come up with an idea for her beautiful Colinette yarn purchase. There's not a lot of it apparently, so I'm thinking a stole with provisional cast on so the yarn can be used for a centre panel and then the two ends could be contrasting. I'll be perusing my stitch books this week so I can come up with something for Thursday.

I had an impromptu trip to Anfield this weekend to watch Liverpool, my favourite football team.Enjoyable but tiring! Sadly, number 1 son is under the weather at present so he could not go. Quite a stressful time in my family at the moment, so I could soon be knitting more items that don't need much attention. That's how it's been this year!

Just when you thought you'd finished!

2008-04-27T07:27:00.001-07:00

Another hat is lurking in the wings. One of my students has been pestering me for a beanie so I have bitten the bullet.Cygnet DK in dark green and a pattern from the book on the right.

For anyone who's interested , this is a good basic book of patterns and many of them are easy enough for first time knitters. There are teach yourself to knit instructions in the front of the book.

I've owned this for some time and refer to it for standard shapes which I can then customise as I like.

I took a trip to John Lewis yesterday and bought a few Noro goodies for future use - exact plans to be decided, but I'm guessing gloves.

We look forward to a guest appearance by Tracey at knitting group this week. She's been allowed off the island for good behaviour!

Hats done!

2008-04-19T01:23:00.000-07:00

Four hats done and that's the lot! There is a limit to motherly love and I feel I have reached it.
However, I have also promised a pair of gloves but I can't face them just yet.

So. it's back to my purple shawl I think, although I may check out the stash today and see what's sitting there. I've lost two stones in weight over the last few months and there are patterns which I like but have previously avoided - now may be the time!

Knit group was a lively affair this week. It amazes me that men are still slightly intimidated by a group of women knitting in a pub - however, they will have to get over it as we are an accepted part of the local scene now. Several group members purchase pub food so I would say we make a good financial contribution to the business.

Back to work next week and to sorting out my notes from the course I went on. Happy days!?

Hat factory and a bit of history

2008-04-12T05:27:00.000-07:00

This is hat number 2 which I finished yesterday. It's in Rowan aran tweed which I've had for ages. I adapted the hat pattern in the Noro mini knits book which I bought recently - more stitches and slightly different shaping to take account of the different yarn weight and head size.

The miracle is that it fits!

I'm now on a mission to finish the others and a pair of gloves too as the boy is going to be skiing in Australia from the beginning of June.

Some of you will know that I am very interested in researching my family history and today I bought the latest copy of Family History Monthly; primarily this was because it has an article on the Dam Busters of World War 2 and my father served in that squadron. However, there is a very interesting article on the history of frame knitting and the working conditions endured by the knitters. There's a museum in Nottingham which can be investigated at http://www.rfkm.org/ . While I'm churning out my ski hats, I feel fortunate to be working in the comfort of my own home!

Ski hats for big heads and a new book!

2008-04-06T01:50:00.000-07:00

Number 2 son has placed an order for several ski hats ( apparently you can never have too many! ).

So I am looking for aran weight wool in my stash. How is it that it cannot be found? There must be some lurking somewhere.I have discovered one ball of burgundy Rowan tweed that I will use and have sacrificed my Noro cashmere mix which was destined for long gloves. I'm sure there is more but I fear it's not very manly. Therefore I've ordered some Yorkshire tweed in blokey colours ( grey, murky green and rust ).

I'm adapting a pattern I already had by casting on more stitches and making the hat longer so it will cover ears;apparently this is vital to avoid frostbite. Son has a large head like his mother so the resulting hat looks massive but fits perfectly - more by luck than judgement. Photos will be posted but hat is being worn at the moment.

The Lerwick Lace Shawl book is the latest offering from Sharon Miller. This is a fascinating read and contains a charted shawl pattern which she has constructed from an old shawl in her possession. The level and quality of work which has gone into this is truly amazing and something I can only aspire to. The book also contains extracts from Shetland social histories and information on sheep shearing techniques.Is there anything this lady doesn't know about Shetland lace knitting? What also interests me is her discussion on the merits of knitting shawl borders inwards or outwards. I'm an outwards girl myself; it's not the traditional way but is a lot less complex to my mind. This technique was pioneered by Elizabeth Zimmerman.

The book can be purchased direct from Sharon's Heirloom Knitting website and, while it's not cheap at £17.95 for 42 pages, the level of scholarship and amount of information make it a very worthwhile purchase. Link to the site is on the left of this page.

Next week I'm off on a course for a couple of days but will be taking knitting with me for spare moments!

Smooshy shawl

2008-03-30T02:10:00.000-07:00

This is my latest wheeze made from Smooshy Dream in Colour sock yarn. It's a complex tale as the yarn was bought to match a top to be worn at Number 1 son's wedding. However, I've ditched that idea and decided to make it into a lace shawl which featured in Winter 2007 / 08 Vogue Knitting ( pattern number 5 ). Yes folks, I'm following someone else's pattern again!

This pattern is a Lily Chin one classed as intermediate. It's described as an allover lace shawl with mitered corners and worked from the neck down. If you are a lace knitter it's not remotely difficult but what does take a little work is fitting the pattern in to the increases.Only 16 rows of the pattern are charted and then it says to work all increase stitches into the pattern ( there are 8 increases on every right side row. I feel this is letting the knitter down in the worst way as there are no further specific instructions until the last 2 rows of the shawl. Yes, I can knit this pattern, but then I'm a confident lace knitter who has designed her own patterns. I'm sure there will be many knitters who might like to make this, purchase the yarn, start knitting and then realise they can't cope with the project. NAUGHTY! - anyway rant 1 over.

Rant 2 : why do executives of major companies lie? Viz : BA chaos at Terminal 5 but "no long haul flights have been affected." I beg to differ - Number 2 son due to return from Calgary to Terminal 4 yesterday but there was no plane! The plane was in the wrong place! So he is flying, as I blog , via Houston in Texas ( don't ask! ) and hopefully arriving today but of course not on BA ( thanks, Continental ). His companions are flying via other North American airports - chaos on the ground and in the skies. Do you wonder why I am not planning to fly anywhere this year?

Is it any wonder that we knit to avoid stress?

Argosy finito!

2008-03-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased with this. Readers who saw my earlier postings will know this pattern is from the In a Happy Camper site ( link left ). It's warm, which is very necessary at the moment and I will probably make another in a lighter weight yarn. I will make the next one a little wider, but had this one been wider, and therefore heavier, I think it would have been too much.

The pattern quotes 8 balls of Noro Kureyon with very little left over, but I was into the 9th by the time I'd finished. This is no hardship as I can use the remaining yarn in freeform projects. I blocked the wrap by steaming it over a dry cloth and it has worked a treat. There is no bed in the house long enough to take this without folding and I could not block it on the carpet in case furry friends decided to take up residence on it.

Back to work tmrw after the Easter break - a busy week with a follow up visit to hospital and the return of the prodigal son from Canada. Happy days!

Noro fest

2008-03-21T07:20:00.001-07:00

These gloves were made last weekend using a pattern from the book above - Noro designer mini knits. It contains small achievable items such as mittens, gloves, scarves, hats, socks and shrugs made from various Noro yarns. Just the sort of things I like to make! The gloves took 1 ball of Cashmere Island which I can recommend for softness. Clearly, if you wanted matching gloves you would need 2 balls; this doesn't worry me as I like the quirkiness of toning, but not matching, items. The gloves are made on 2 needles and sewn up the side. I have never done this before but they worked out fine.I bought the book from Get Knitted and the yarn from John Lewis who have now broadened their scope from the usual Rowan / Jaeger axis. I also got 2 balls of the same yarn to make elbow length gloves - woo hoo! Pattern is in the book.

To knitting group last night where Dani showed us a Cash Iroha shrug cape she has just finished - very lovely in a fab purple shade. Most people are still doing socks - is there a more useful travel project out there?

I'm grateful to Tracey for the tip off for another website http://www.astridsdutchobsessions.com/ ; this sounded vaguely obscene until I realised it was a yarn website with lots of lovely lace and sock yarns. Tracey knows my taste very well!

Happy Easter to all my readers.

Resurrected in time for Easter!

2008-03-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

Apologies to those who are offended by my play on words above. I've been missing because my laptop died but it has been repaired courtesy of John Lewis and is now working. Something to do with the motherboard ( Motherf...... - I called it ).
It made me aware how reliant I am on my computer. I can use my work one for lots of things but not for blogging or Facebook ( understandable! )
Anyway - back soon with more knitting related stuff!

Yarn Harlot visit

2008-03-02T01:39:00.000-08:00

Yarn Harlot a.k.a. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is visiting the IKnit show in London in September. Tickets are available online from www.iknit.org.uk for £14 incl. lecture from Yarn Harlot or £9 for the show only. Tickets went on sale yesterday and I was happy to get one. Although I only live 20 miles from London, I rarely venture there as I find it a grubby and stressful experience most of the time. However, this should be worth the trip.

Yarn Harlot's blog ( see link left ) is one of the better ones out there ( says she whose own blog is so good! ) She hails from Toronto, Canada and has a lot of humorous things to say about the world of knitting. Her books are a good read too.

Meanwhile, on the knitting front, Argosy is progressing well although I'm a little annoyed at the number of knots in some of the balls of Kureyon! At group,Dani showed us photos of her "hommage" to Vivienne Westwood - a felted top with applied leaves. Get the girl a blog I say!

There were 13 of us this week which made for a jolly party.

My first week back at work was OK though a little tiring. Good to get back in the routine though!

New online magazine

2008-02-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

Check out The Inside Loop which is a new online mag devoted to British fibre arts. The first issue has some attractive free patterns. For other good freebies don't forget Magknits and Knitty.All links are on the left of this page.

Thanks to Danni for her blog comment.My first day at work went well with only two detentions handed out and one football confiscated - as Elton John once crooned, "The Bitch is Back"!

Argosy on the needles

2008-02-24T06:33:00.001-08:00

This is the Argosy wrap mentioned in a previous post. I'm actually using the specified yarn which is a departure for me - it's Noro Kureyon and I used colour 170. I love Noro yarn; they don't do pastels and I don't either unless I'm knitting for other people.

This is going to end up as a diagonal knit, like the Clapotis scarf; it's interesting to knit while being simple enough to complete during TV viewing. Not a cheap item as I'm using 8 balls, but the result will be worth the expense.

Back to work tmrw for the first time in 3 weeks - am I looking forward to it? Answers on a postcard or in the comments box!

So bad it's good!

2008-02-19T00:52:00.001-08:00

How cool is this? I'm loving the matching buffalo and the acceptability of pipe smoking and Native Americans shooting endangered species to advertise a knitting pattern.

I picked this up from the Grumperina blog ( see link left ). She has offered to complete this garment which was started many years ago. That's one offer I would not be making.
Sadly, I am old enough to remember when these sweaters were the height of fashion but thankfully no relation of mine was ever seen to wear one in public.

I have done some intarsia work in the past when my kids were small and I made Postman Pat and Thomas the Tank Engine sweaters. Somehow I don't think intarsia ever looks good on adults
but maybe I'm just not cool enough!

Crochet cupcake

2008-02-15T01:16:00.000-08:00

Danni made me this at knitting group last night. It's to celebrate my being able to eat whatever I like. It's charming with it's little sparkly beads and I will treasure it. One day, I will be able to say that I knew Danni before she was famous!

Good to meet old friends last night and catch up with their news. It seems like ages since I was at the group. We have a couple of new members and now there's usually about 10 of us at every meeting. Kris did valuable work sorting out some knitting problems. She's run out of sock wool and so cannot proceed with her own work. I sympathise as I have a feeling that I'm going to run out before the toe of my burgundy socks. There should be no reason for this, as I started with a full ball. I'm knitting faster to finish the sock before the wool runs out - think about it - it makes no sense but we all do it!

I am pleased to announce that chocolate has been eaten.

Home from the wars.

2008-02-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

Surgery went as well as it could have done. I was kept waiting a while and was glad of my knitting - I took the lace with me and got quite a bit done.

While recuperating, I've been doing more work on my socks and blocking pieces that have been sitting around for a while. This includes a clapotis scarf which you can see here. I made this from Cherry Tree Hill possum yarn that I got from Woolly Workshop. This yarn is very soft but is not regular stock. The pattern is adaptable to whatever yarn you have and I urge you to make it. It's got to be one of the best freebies ever from Knitty ( see link left ).

Another great freebie is the the Argosy series of wrap, scarf, shawl and blanket from In a Happy Camper (see link left ). Danni from group has made the wrap and it's a great bias pattern. Again, this is adaptable to any yarn. Art student Danni is going to Florence on a study trip soon; will she come back with yarn? It's a no - brainer!

I haven't tried the Argosy myself yet but it's a safe bet it will be on the needles soon.

Socks

2008-02-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

My brown stripey socks are done and I'm onto a burgundy stripey pair now. What makes sock knitting so addictive? Is it the going round and round or the fact that there's always a different process to do to prevent boredom? Or is it because the yarns are so attractive? It's a bit of everything for me.

At knitting group last night, almost all of us were doing socks. We were discussing the merits of grafting the toes and how we can all graft if we have to. Personally, I have to recheck directions each time I do it and this is what makes a three needle bind off so attractive to me. I don't have to think about that. Clearly the results are quite different and purists will scoff but that doesn't worry me.

Brown stripeys are coming to hospital with me next week where I am being sliced and diced for a couple of days. Two legitimate weeks off work - in any other circumstances I would be looking forward to it! I have easy lace knitting to take with me - or shall I take my socks?

Back soon!

Kureyon sockyarn scarf pattern

2008-01-22T08:54:00.000-08:00

This is the finished scarf after blocking and here is the pattern :

You will need : 2 balls Kureyon 4 ply sockyarn ; 3.75mm circular needle ( you can use straight needles for the main body of the scarf. )

Cast on 47 stitches and proceed in stocking stitch ( one row knit, one row purl ) for as long as you like ( my scarf is 160cm. long after blocking ). Knit the first stitch of every row and slip the last stitch of every row purlwise.

Cast off. Do not break yarn. Using your circular needle, pick up stitches down the length of the scarf side.Pick up one for every V shape made by your slipped stitches at the row ends.
( I picked up 262 stitches ). However long you have made your scarf you will need to pick up an even number of stitches.

Work in feather and fan stitch as below beginning with row 4 and then working 5 pattern repeats. Cast off loosely purlwise.

Repeat for the other side of the scarf.

Block severely for best result.

Feather and fan is worked as a multiple of eighteen stitches. However many stitches you have picked up, divide this by eighteen. If you are left with any over, divide by two and knit them at either end of the row. E.g. 14 X 18 = 252 stitches. This left me with 5 stitches to knit at the end of each row.
Pattern : Row 1 ( right side ) : Knit
Row 2 : Purl
Row 3 : * ( K2 tog ) 3 times, ( yo, K1 ) 6 times, (K2 tog ) 3 times. Repeat from *
Row 4 : Knit

Remember : if have any stitches left over you must work them at the beginning and end of the pattern repeat.

Hints : make it narrower and you may only use one ball. The top and bottom of the scarf will roll. I like this look. If you don't, add an edging of your choice. Match your sides by winding off yarn till you reach the correct point in the colour sequence for casting on the second side. Or be totally random - the choice is yours.

This yarn is not currently available in UK. I got mine from Simply Sock Yarn in US. Prompt service and low delivery costs - see the link on the left.

If you're reading this blog as a result of the above company's recommendation - WELCOME!

Everyone enjoy and adapt as you wish.

Wight knitters and a new book

2008-01-18T08:20:00.000-08:00

I ordered this on spec from Amazon as an interesting read rather than a pattern book. It certainly is a good read and some great historical pics. I love old adverts and looking at old photos in general. If you're looking for old patterns then this is not for you. There are a few but these are printed verbatim with no attempt to update yarns etc.

Rabbit Sue and Tracy who left our shores for the Isle of Wight are having varying degrees of success on the knitting front. Sue is FORBIDDEN to knit but may spin for a short while ( this would kill me on both counts ). I have been seen to spin feebly using a drop spindle on one occasion under cover of darkness, but it's not for me. I believe in keeping yarn companies in business. Tracy however, is an ace spinner and I was happy to see the scarves she sent up to knitting group last night. These were made to my pattern which you can find in an earlier posting but using yarn spun by her own fair hand. The results were lovely.
Meanwhile group member Lesley had been to Ferret Sue's to try out her selection of spinning wheels. What's with these people? Who has a selection of spinning wheels? Mind you I suppose it's only like my selection of handbags - I must think "outside the box". I will soon be the odd one out but I don't feel I will ever get spinning.

Meanwhile back in the sane world of knitting, we welcomed Dani and Liz back to the group. Dani was knitting the Argosy wrap from the happy camper website. Google Argosy wrap and you'll find it. I feel a new project is imminent!

Kureyon

2008-01-13T02:49:00.001-08:00

This is what I've worked on over the last week. It's the Noro Kureyon sock yarn which I've scarfed as usual. It's in it's unblocked state at present but you can see the idea. Pattern may be up as a freebie later on.

Don't get me wrong I LOVE this yarn but I would not use it for socks. It's quite slubby and while overall it's classed as 4 ply, the thickness varies from cobweb to almost aran weight at times. I can see that if you socked it you might end up with thin patches. There is a nylon content to it according to the ball band but, as I can break it quite easily, I'm not sure that it would be very hardwearing as socks.

My lacy Xmas project is being done, but very slowly, as I have to follow the pattern religiously - so unlike me! However, the result will be worth it, I feel.

Bizarrely, I've got hooked on darts on the TV - genius mental arithmetic plus odd looking men - what's not to like?

Interesting knitting

2008-01-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

This interesting item was knitted by Jennie ( soon to be daughter in law ). It's a pill holder with 7 sections for her pills and potions so she doesn't forget to take anything. Genius! and much more intriguing than the usual plastic boxes you can get. Jennie is more of a needlewoman than I am and is not afraid to combine her knitting and sewing skills to get a result. This item is the result of an afternoon's effort over the Xmas period.

Meanwhile, the new year is not being kind to me - number 2 son has gone to Canada for a long trip, maybe forever, and I have a date for my surgery in early February. Everyone is telling me how good it is that it's so soon. Why am I not convinced? Still, the recuperation period will give lots of time for knitting!

Sock yarn?

2007-12-31T05:58:00.000-08:00

This is the Kureyon sock yarn which arrived from USA today. Colours are S184 on the left and S92 on the right; 420m per 100gm ball. For some reason,as usual, I'm not thinking socks.

By the way, I'm currently half way through the second sock of my brown stripy pair as shown in a previous post. I'm looking forward to finishing them off and wearing them as a cold snap is forecast.

Have a good night tonight and I'll see you next year!

Xmas project

2007-12-27T06:43:00.000-08:00

I always allow myself a new project at Xmas and this is it. I am using Touch Yarns 2 ply merino laceweight which I got from Ally Pally. It's a beautiful colour and I was waiting for a pattern worthy of it.The pattern is quite challenging for me in that I can't knit it from memory without following the chart and I don't like charts! Still, I feel that it's worth the effort and I'm looking forward to the result. I love that feeling of knitting a rag - like object and then transforming it into some lovely lace after blocking.

Meanwhile sock 1 of the pair is finished and the other started. This is my mindless TV watching knitting.

I've taken the opportunity of the holiday to review the contents of some of the magazines and books I've brought over the past year. There are lots of possibilities for future projects but I'm sure I will be repeating some of my old favourites too such as the Clapotis scarf and the Baby Surprise jacket. That's apart from working on some of my own new designs!

Merry Xmas!

2007-12-24T00:54:00.001-08:00

This sums up how I'm feeling in the run up to Xmas! The fridge is stocked and my annual housework binge nearly finished. I wish you all a Merry Xmas and a good knitting New Year.

Sock progress with interference from a furry friend

2007-12-21T05:58:00.000-08:00

I have tried to take reasonable pictures of work in progress but had some help from Baby my little birman cat. Her baleful expression shows the lack of attention she was receiving while I took the pictures. Bear in mind she also lacked 3 days attention while I was away and is therefore officially deprived. She wants you all to know this so please take note.

Anyway, I show you the slip stitch and short row heel, the gusset, the almost completed foot and the slightly longer than normal leg length. I have enjoyed knitting these and the customised fit is perfect for me. For once, I followed the instructions to the letter and took the proper ankle measurements. The result is that I cast on for a 72 stitch sock rather than the usual 64 stitch sock which seems to be the most common size. I will definitely use this sizing again for my own socks.

My new needles are working smoothly and gaining a lovely patina as I knit so, all- in -all, a pleasant experience.

Socks on new needles

2007-12-17T04:30:00.000-08:00

This is my new Knitpicks 6" Double Pointed Sock needle set. They are just in stock at Get Knitted ( link left ) and I had ordered them in advance for what seemed like ages. Six sets of needles ( six per set ) in sizes 2mm up to 3.25mm.

I'm using 2.25mm ones to knit my socks seen above. The yarn is Schoeller and Stahl Sockina Colori @ 420m per ball. I got this at Ally Pally from Web of Wool where they were selling three balls for £10. The pattern is one of Lucy Neatby's from "Cool Socks, Warm Feet". She really is the don of customised socks. I like the result I'm getting. I have tried knitting with 2mm needles, as the experts say that you should use the smallest size possible to get hardwearing socks. However, I always find the resulting fabric too stiff and just one size larger needle makes a difference.

I've promised Knit Today a pair of socks shortly and am mulling over my design - toe up or toe down, lacy or not? All will be revealed at some point soon.I'm not one of those knitters who is obsessed by knitting socks. Wendy of the Wendy Knits blog ( link left ) knitted nothing but socks all summer and beyond churning out pair after pair and all of different design. They were fabulous. Her generic toe up sock pattern is legendary and can be printed off from her website for free. I urge you to try it.

Off to see Ma in Liverpool for a couple of days. I shall return!

Now that's what I call a stash!

2007-12-13T08:34:00.001-08:00

Let me make it clear from the outset - I do not feel guilty about my stash. Compared with what you are about to see it is minute. This is possibly the world's largest stash. I urge you to have a look and you will never feel guilt about your little yarn purchase ever again.
http://mochimochiland.com/weblog/?p=111 will take you straight to the page. Apparently this is not all of it. To quote one viewer who saw these pictures "Holy crap!". I have to agree.

I will be adding to my stash however. Noro have bought out some sock yarn based on their current colours. It's in stock at Simply Sockyarn ( link on the left ) and I have ordered a couple of colourways. As usual, whether I use them for socks or not remains to be seen. There are some good sale bargains on there at the moment as well e.g. Cherry Tree Hill and Opal.

Xmas holidays start at 1pm tomorrow ( and not a moment too soon ).

Baby surprise jacket for the surprise baby

2007-12-08T14:16:00.001-08:00

The top pic is the jacket after flipping two edges. The lower pic is the seemingly randomly shaped piece of knitting after casting off.

If you haven't tried one of these before, you really should. If you do exactly what Elizabeth Zimmerman's instructions say ( and they do seem odd ) you will get the required result.

I love making this jacket and have now made three. Stripey sock wool gives a great result - I made one in Opal DK sock wool in the Flamingo colourway in the summer for a friend's baby. It has been worn a lot and said friend has been accosted by total strangers saying how much they liked his daughter's jacket. He was minding his own business having a coffee in Richmond last weekend when a mad woman (his words) approached him and said she recognised the pattern. On a previous occasion a man told him that he knew what the yarn was - that got him really worried! I've tried gently explaining that knitters do tend to strike up conversations about these things.

There is an adult version but I haven't tried it yet. Happy knitting!

Fleur wrap

2007-12-07T12:38:00.001-08:00

This is the latest offering from Sharon Miller, the author of Heirloom Knitting. At the moment, you can get the pattern free if you buy the yarn from her company( see link on the left ). It's Rowan Kidsilk Haze and you need 3 balls. She has it on sale at a reasonable price. The design is based on a Victorian fichu but is somewhat larger. This is just my sort of thing and I'm looking forward to knitting it.

To knitting group last night - the last one of the year. The pub will be very busy providing Xmas parties for the next couple of weeks so we'll reconvene next year.

I'm looking forward to my first offering from the Socktopus yarn club which should be arriving shortly. However, whether I use the yarn for socks is another matter.

Busy, busy at work at present in the run up to Xmas so not much time to knit. I'm looking forward to a couple of weeks off for the holiday season with more time to myself. I'll leave you to guess what I'll be doing!

Inconsiderate

2007-11-28T08:31:00.000-08:00

How can a baby be so inconsiderate as to arrive a month early?

I have been planning and knitting a baby shawl for a few months now and doing it in dribs and drabs. The baby was due on 27th December - so plenty of time to finish it along with other Xmas gifts. Not so! Samuel arrived on 26th November, hence I am whizzing through a baby surprise jkt to be finished this weekend. Pic to follow.

Other inconsiderateness to report: Rabbit Su's elbow has given up on her and she is BANNED from any creative action in the sphere of spinning, knitting or crochet for 3 weeks. Her friends are upset on her behalf and are creating at a faster pace to compensate.

If you want to know how other people cope with pressure knitting for Xmas check out the Yarn Harlot blog (link opposite). She always has masses of gifts to make in a limited time and usually manages it somehow. She writes in a very amusing way about it - take a look!

Pi in progress

2007-11-23T08:30:00.001-08:00

This is the progress so far on the pi shawl started a while ago. I now have 576 sts on the needle. I started it and then put it aside for a while but, having been ill this last week, I've taken it up again. However I take the picture the wool looks drab - in fact it's a really deep forest green tweed. What I love about the pi is that it transforms itself from a ratty looking bag ( see above ) into a lovely lacy circle. I have plenty of wool to add an extra pattern repeat to make it a decent size.

Knitting group last night where the regulars were enjoying themselves. Strangely enough, not much talk about knitting but more about our various accidents, illnesses and pets. I was glad to be back. We also had random phone chats with Tracey on the Isle of Wight.

Happy to have a message from Rabbit Su on the blog. She is still plucking up courage to start a lacy project - I say "Have a go". If you can count you can do it. Su is a fab crocheter which is not my forte at all. The only time I do a little is as an edge or in freeform work - I just don't really get it in terms of following a pattern. Give me a knitting pattern and I'm there.

I don't think any of us realise what skills we have and that's what's good about sharing in a group. We should all have confidence in our ability to make beautiful things.

Well fed up!

2007-11-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

To quote my students "I'm well fed up!" I've lost my voice ( some would call that a result! ). I mean totally. There's no way I can control a class of sixth formers with no voice.

Consequently I did not go to work and will not be going to knitting group tonight which will mean I have missed 2 weeks - what's going on? I haven't even felt like knitting today which is pretty serious I'm sure you'll agree. I may do some later.

Thanks to Becky for her comment on my scarf pattern. I met Becky at the Get Knitted shop in Bristol in August when we were discussing knitwear design. She has lots of ideas but is restricted by childcare and work commitments. Hopefully she will find time to get it together because she had some great ideas for boys' sweaters. There's a gap in the market there.

Update

2007-11-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

Tracy tell me she's planning to make a scarf from the pattern I posted yesterday and I'm looking forward to seeing it. Glad to be of service!

My other news is that I have opted to have a keyhole op to solve my gallbladder problem. It's not going to get any better, and while I'm currently controlling it by diet, I don't want to spend the rest of my life on such a strict regime. On the upside, I have lost half a stone in 3 weeks - no dairy, no chocolate, no spicy or fatty food. My life is so exciting! I'm just waiting for a letter to drop on the mat.

Back soon.

Arrowhead scarf pattern

2007-11-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

Arrowhead Scarf Pattern from Shawlrats Designs :

Materials: approx. 500 metres of DK / worsted weight mohair yarn. I used 1 skein of Fleece Artist Goldiehair Colour : Paris. Alternatives are Wendy Paris Mohair or Rowan Kidsilk Aura ( an expensive option ). 1 pair of 5.5mm needles.

Tension : Not important as long as your resulting fabric has a soft drape.

Finished size : 78 X 14 inches

Abbreviations : K - knit; P - purl; YO - yarn over; S1, K2tog, psso - Slip 1, knit 2 together, pass the slipped stitch over; rep - repeat.

Pattern rows : Row 1(wrong side) : K1,P1,K1,P to last 3 stitches, K1,P1, K1.
Row 2 (right side): K1,P1,K1,P1, K1, *YO, K3,S1 K2tog psso,K3, YO, K1.
Rep from * to last 4 stitches. P1,K1,P1,K1.

Method : Cast on 59 stitches. K2 rows. Commencing with row 2, work the 2 pattern rows until your yarn is almost used up, ending with row 2. Knit 2 rows, Cast off.

Blocking : I only blocked the ends of the scarf. Spray the two ends with water and pin out the points. Leave to dry.

Finito!

I'm tall and like long scarves but you could make it any length to suit and thereby save yarn and money. The pattern is adaptable to any weight of yarn and needle size and is a simple introduction to lace knitting. The arrowhead motif has been used in lace knitting circles for years.
I used yarn from my stash and have done something similar in self striping sock yarn. The end result has a Missoni style quality to it. ( I once went into the Missoni shop in Rome - fabulous - but sadly unrealistic prices for most of us ).

Hope you enjoy it!

Finishing the scarf

2007-11-10T01:05:00.000-08:00

The DK mohair scarf is finished and will be blocked today. I will post the pattern and pics tomorrow.

Thanks to Tracy for her comment on my previous post. I know she is a chart fan and we have had many discussions about this in the past. Whatever works for you is my motto.

I have a hospital appt with the NHS consultant this afternoon. He's having an extra clinic on a Saturday! I couldn't believe it when I got a call asking me to go. Not my favourite way to spend a Saturday afternoon but it has to be done.

I'm hoping to do a LOT of knitting this weekend!

The Art of Shetland Lace

2007-11-04T01:38:00.000-07:00

I have finally acquired this book first published in 1981. During this period Sarah Don wrote several books on knitting and needlepoint which I bought at the time, but not this one, as, believe it or not, I was not interested in knitting lace! Of course now it's out of print I have had to pay a premium for it, but at least I have a fine copy.

As befits the time, photos are black and white and patterns are written not charted. The latter suits me as I still prefer written to charted instructions. This is a slim volume and the author states that there is scope for a much larger tome which has been written by Sharon Miller ( "Heirloom Knitting" ). If you don't have Sharon's book I urge you to get it. It's well worth the high cover price. She has also written a book on hap shawls which has very interesting historical detail as well as patterns.

I could happily spend all my time knitting and reading about knitting.

Scarves

2007-11-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

This is my latest purchase. I'm a big scarf knitter and am always interested in new ideas. The book has ideas for pleated scarves, i-cord, short rows, scrap yarn slits, divided rib and intarsia. I will use these ideas as the basis for some new designs of my own. The author remarks in her acknowledgements that she has used a subdued colour palette which is not necessarily her personal taste and I do find the colours used a bit dreary. I don't understand why she didn't use colours she liked, unless she didn't have editorial control of the book.

Speaking of which, my lace sampler scarf has been published in the latest issue of Knit Today and I'm very pleased with the result. The staff publish my patterns as I write them, so I am confident that the instructions and processes are correct. If you want to start lace knitting and don't want patterns which are too complex, please try it.

Knitting group tonight and I'm looking forward to seeing my friends.

Cosmic knitting

2007-10-28T03:14:00.000-07:00

This is my current reading lent to me by Ferret Sue. An interesting read - the basic theme concerns how the act of knitting can help clear our minds and lead to meditation and other worthwhile thoughts. I certainly find knitting calming particularly after a hectic day at work and if I am stressed I definitely knit more than usual.

One of the examples given is that of Waldorf or Steiner schools where learning crafts including knitting is integral to the education process. Rudolf Steiner, the man behind these schools has said "thinking is cosmic knitting".

Don't you love that thought?

Stashbusting!

2007-10-26T02:10:00.000-07:00

Having enforced leisure time has given me the opportunity to check out my stash where I found some Fleece Artist Goldiehair which is a DK weight mohair / silk / nylon mix - colourway Paris. This was one of my bargain buys a few months ago and had been sitting quietly waiting to be noticed.

The need for something cosy and mindless led me to start a simple wide scarf - length to be determined. It may only take one 500m hank, in which case I will have a spare. This is a quick knit and I will post pattern on the blog when it's finished. I'm using 5.5mm needles. The recommended size is 4mm but this would make a ready felted fabric in my opinion.

Moving on, I went to knitting group last night ( clapotis was worn and admired ). It was good to see my friends - this was my first real outing since leaving hospital. I watched them eat CHIPS without a qualm ( memo to self : my body is a temple ). Julie crocheted a circle for the first time, so bravo to her. There was a seance taking place in the meeting room at the pub - lots of ladies went in but only a few came out, so who can say what went on? Meanwhile, we sat and knitted like Macbeth's witches.

Note the new kitten pic on the left which I understand comes from the Bad -Ass Knitters group. I do not condone smoking kittens in any way but it seems to symbolise my feeling on life and the universe at the moment.

I have cancelled my Chocolate Tasting Club membership : repeat the mantra - MY BODY IS A TEMPLE.

Clapotis complete

2007-10-24T04:00:00.001-07:00

This is my folded completed Clapotis scarf. It's cosy, which I really need right now. I managed to finish it last night and start a tweedy lace scarf, of which, more later.

I'm having a very quiet week at home just doing the necessary chores and some knitting, reading and telly watching. I may allow myself out to go to knitting group tomorrow night.

The excitement of my life has to be seen to be believed!

Boo Hoo!

2007-10-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Well I got to Poole for one night and then to Poole hospital in the middle of the next night!
I'm at home now, but gallstones are diagnosed and an op is necessary at some point. A low fat diet is required, so no chocolate and everything else I like.

No trip to Florence for me.

However, when I feel a bit stronger, there may be more knitting time than normal. There has to be some compensation!

Ally Pally stashing

2007-10-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

No blog for a while having had loads of work, plumbing troubles etc. However, having had our trip to the Knitting and Stitching show yesterday, views of my stash enhancement are posted for your delight and envy.

Top pic is Smooshy handpainted sock yarn from Dream in Color, an American company. It's 100 per cent merino and is gorgeous. The colourway is Happy Forest and I got 2 hanks for a wrap(450 yds per hank). I'd only ever seen this before on American websites but got this from Socktopus www.socktopus.co.uk which is a new company dedicated to importing interesting yarns. The owner is Alice Yu who took a last minute chance on getting a stall at the show. I loved her stuff and she's starting a sock club too. A really nice lady!

Middle pic is all stuff from KnitWitches www.knitwitchesyarns.co.uk From the left : pure silk laceweight (650 yds per hank) chocolate rose colourway; candyfloss colour laceweight mohair ( only 1 hank left ever and I got it! ; cashmere heavy laceweight ( 1170 mtrs ) yummy plummy colourway. The first time this company was at the show and I found their yarns very exciting. Eirwen the owner will dye to order.

Lower pic is Touch yarns stuff from NZ. Great colours. Boucle on the left and 2 ply merino on the right.

So, lovely yarn purchased and now the fun of deciding what to make. I also got some sock yarn from Web of Wool. Julie, Sue and I went together and we bumped into our friends Dani and Liz there. I was pleased to meet up with freeform guru Prudence Mapstone. She taught me all I know about freeform knitting and is always generous with her advice and time.We spent the whole day at the show and then contrived to get slightly lost in Finchley on the way home. However the North Circular was reached eventually and we got home in one piece.

No more for a while now as I am off on my travels to Poole ( work ) and Florence ( holiday ). I understand there are stashing opportunities in Florence !

Back soon!

Knitting Daily

2007-10-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

Knitting Daily is a great new email service direct to your inbox from Interweave Knits. There are some good ideas, free patterns and reviews etc. It's good to get knitting related mail on an almost daily basis in the midst of the other dross that often appears in your email. To subscribe go to www.knittingdaily.com

If a day goes by when I don't knit I somehow feel deprived.I've always said that If I didn't knit I'd probably smoke so it's got to be a healthier option.

Stash enhancement has been going on this week - there's some bargain Opal DK sock yarn on sale at Get Knitted. I got 2 balls Tiger, 2 Chameleon, 1 Flamingo and 1 Ladybird. Great for socks or little Baby Surprise Jackets ( see Elizabeth Zimmerman's "Knitting Around" or "Opinionated Knitter" ). I made a jacket in Flamingo already and have seen a sample of a Tiger one - fab! You'd have enough yarn left for bootees too.

Also Simply Sock Yarn has Opal's new Zirkus range.

To view all these items follow the links on the left.

More knitting

2007-10-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

Knitting group last night and we agreed to meet weekly instead of fortnightly on a Thursday and drop the monthly Tuesday meeting. There's enough of us to form a pleasant group at every meeting and we're getting to like our venue now, so the decision has been made. See a previous post for venue details

Sadly we had to say goodbye to Tracey who founded the group - at least hopefully we're saying goodbye. Her house sale may be held up which is bad for her but it means she may be around for a while longer which is good for us.Has anyone's house move ever gone smoothly? Tracey has inspired many of us to go our own way with our knitting and encouraged me to publish my work. We will miss her expertise very much.

Three of us organised our transport to the Knitting and Stitching Show at the end of the month and we'll meet up with the others when we get there. The grapevine says that the Birmingham show was not a good one for traders.However, I believe the exhibition side was really good according to one of our art student friends.

Still progressing the Clapotis!

Hockey night at the O2 arena

2007-10-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

My belated birthday treat yesterday and I was taken to the O2 arena in London to an NHL ice hockey game between LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks.Ducks won 4 -1. The game clock was fantastic and I would have loved to get my hands on it for a trial run.A great experience and Pizza Express too. A fab day out with the family.

However, no knitting to report apart from continuing with Clapotis and I'm nearing the decrease stage. I've so much to do and so little time at the moment it's driving me crazy!

Reviewing and plugging

2007-09-29T04:03:00.001-07:00

The Best of Interweave Knits ( Our favourite designs from the first ten years ) is edited by Ann Budd : some good basic patterns interspersed with Interweave's great instructional pages called Beyond the Basics. Techniques include cast ons, working with two yarns, reading charts, short rows, seams and grafting. Their technique pages really are the best but there are corrections which can be obtained from www.interweave.com

Wrapped in Comfort - Knitted Lace Shawls by Alison Jeppson Hyde contains shawls and scarves. The scarves are pretty basic but the shawls are interesting and I'm looking forward to trying some of them; they are all similar in style and I would describe them as capelike.There are charts and written instructions.There is an inspirational story attached to each design which don't appeal to me personally but that's my personal taste.

I got a copy of the latest Knit Today magazine this morning and I offer a shameless plug for a pattern of mine which will appear in the next issue due out at the end of October.I designed it as a sampler scarf but in the promo picture it's modelled as a stole. It's amazing what professional photography can do for a product and I'm very pleased with the result.

Knitting group

2007-09-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

As of last night I'm now the convenor of our knitting group. Tracey and Jo are going to the Isle of Wight and will not be around so often so I'm the keeper of mobile details for our members. We meet fortnightly on Thursday evenings at the Tower Arms in Richings Park, Iver, Buckinghamshire from 6.30 onwards. There is also a meeting on the first Tuesday of the month.We're happy to help new knitters and total ignorance is no barrier.New members welcome!

Please respond to this blog, leaving your contact details if you're interested ( mobile or email ).

Disgruntled of Berkshire

2007-09-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Three new books arrived today. One of them is the original orenburg shawl book "Gossamer Webs" by Galina Khmeleva and Carol R. Noble published in 1998. I knew this had corrections
so proceeded to the publishers website to print them off - www.interweave.com
While there I noticed corrections for the Twisted Knitters Sweater Book and also for the Best of Interweave Knits ( which I got in today's parcel ). Both published in the last couple of months and the latter is an omnibus of previously published patterns from Interweave Knits magaaine. Presumably the corrections for these patterns had been published previously.

Do these publishers not employ proof readers? It drives me crazy when you pay good money for a book and then find it needs corrections straight away.Anyway, I've printed off the Twisted Sisters corrections for Sue and I'm going to return her book with them tonight.

I've had some patterns published previously and I proof read them many times before emailing them to the publishers.I know any mistakes in the resulting print are not mine.

Having said this, Interweave and XRX are good at providing the corrections on their sites. It makes you wonder how many publishers just don't bother.

Rant over!

Visiting

2007-09-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

See above for work on Clapotis.I'm on the straight part at the moment developing the ladders so it's easy to see progress.I may need the finished article soon - the weather has changed for the worse here.

Visited Julie last night for an extra knitting group meeting. Rabbit Sue was in the area and came to see us. She has moved to the Isle of Wight and is setting up a group there with Tracey and Jo who are about to move over to the island. Those of us left here may go for a visit next year. It was good to see absent friends including Danni amd Liz who we don't see so much of now. Good conversation, cake, chocolate and knitting - nothing better!

Snippets

2007-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

These are my random thoughts for the day : I found a new knit blog which attracted me by its title alone - "My yarn stash IS my retirement plan" - see link on the left. I am at one with the author and her way of thinking.

Right now I'm saving myself for the Knitting and Stitching Show in October.I'm going on Sunday which is the only possible day for me; however it's also the day when I'm likely to get a bargain as suppliers, particularly those from abroad, reduce their prices so they don't have to take yarn home.This strategy has worked for me before, but it's a tough call between buying yarn when you first see it or waiting and hoping for a reduction in the late afternoon if the yarn is till there.

Something intriguing I saw this week was "Who do you think you are?" a family history programme. The subject this week had relatives who were taken into care and sent to industrial schools where they were taught a trade. There was a photo of very miserable small boys holding their knitting! Some had made considerable progress with their work. This was in the early 1900's and served to remind me of my grandfather who taught me to knit and who made all his own sweaters and socks. He was born in 1882.

How much more exicting is it to be making socks now? I notice Get Knitted have the third collection of Opal's Rainforest series - not such attractive colourways as the earlier ones in my humble opinion.

Multi - tasking

2007-09-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

I'm very good at starting new projects, so I've started Clapotis. It was irresistible. I just love this knitting - pics when the ladders in the pattern start to appear. This won't take all my yarn so there will be some left to sit and wait for more inspiration.

This means 3 major projects on the go at the moment, 2 of which are comfort knitting. I was very grateful for these over the last couple of days as I have had bad news about an ex - colleague who is terminally ill. Knitting gets you through these times and believe me when I say life is too short to be doing stuff you don't want to do.

To paraphrase the actress Katharine Hepburn: "I do what I like. That way at least one person is pleased." How true!

Random thoughts

2007-09-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

I've thought of a use for the Adriafil mohair I bought on ebay last week - a Clapotis scarf. This pattern was on the Knitty site in 2004; you can get it from their archive. I made one in the summer in a lace weight, but this will be a lot warmer. It's a great pattern to knit as you can make rapid progress while maintaining interesting knitting. Also, it's adaptable to whatever yarn you have to hand as long as there is about 750 metres. I wish I'd thought of it myself!

Meanwhile, there's more progress on the pi but not much on the baby shawl. I'm not in the mood for it at the moment.

I could do with going to a group meeting this week but there isn't one so I knit on in splendid isolation!

Lace triangles

2007-09-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

I had read about this book but couldn't source it at Amazon. However, it popped up on Get Knitted site last week. I love triangular shawls and this is a useful primer on their construction with details on yardage requirements for various sizes and yarn weights. There are details for 4 patterns but I like it most for the inspiration it provides for the experienced knitter. I have written several patterns for plain triangular bordered shawls but this will help me to the next stage.

Some knitting was done at the weekend - the pi is growing. I must continue with my baby shawl at the same time or else the baby will be born before it's completed!

Pi on the Knitpicks

2007-09-15T03:19:00.000-07:00

This is the Pi on my new circular needles. They're good to knit with and the connections are smooth and secure. I managed to leave the double pointed needles behind when I got to 144 stitches.

Maggie - if you're reading this - your needles will be back with you at next group meeting.

Now for a relaxing weekend and, hopefully, plenty of knitting.

Pi shawl started

2007-09-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

Pi shawl started in Rowanspun 4 ply on 4.5mm needles. There is something very soothing about this pattern and I am enjoying it already. I had to borrow Maggie's needles last night at Knitting Group in order to start it. As it grows, I will be able to put it on a circular needle and return them to her.She is one of those organised people who has all her double pointed needles in a box. Need I add that I am not? I have at least 2 sets of 4.5's somewhere.

There has been some hilarity at group recently regarding old patterns which have been bought for recycling to other members. The pictures are so posed compared to the classy Rowan shoots we see now.Still, the basic shapes are fine for adaptation to modern styles.Amazingly Julie found a doll pattern she had been looking for so she was happy.

Sue has been buying sock wool again. Clearly she has none in her stash! However, no justification is needed amongst friends.

Lots of laughs last night about nothing in particular - that's what it's all about. The guys at the pub where we meet have finally stopped looking at us as though we're crazy!

More stash arrivals

2007-09-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

Still not much time to knit, but more yarn is in the building. My Adriafil mohair ebay bargain has arrived and also the Kaffe Fassett sockyarn which I ordered from Get Knitted. Check them out above.Approx 1300 metres of stretch mohair - project t.b.a. The colour is more burnt orange than terracotta as described in the advert but I'm not unhappy with it.

The Kaffe yarn is fab! Great colours, as you would expect and it feels lovely with a firm twist. Will I be ordering more? Most certainly! The maestro has a new book out soon which is a reworking of one of his original books.This may be a future purchase but will need to see a copy first to check out how different it is from the original which I have in my library.

I'd just like a minute to think about anything other than work!

What to do with Rowanspun?

2007-09-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is my reed green tweedy 4 ply Rowanspun ebay bargain. There are 10 hanks - total 1480 metres - so I'm thinking may be an E Z pi shawl. I've made a couple of these for other people in the past, but this one would be for me. That's only my first thought and I'm going to be thinking for a while!

First weekend of the ice hockey season so far and two wins on the board. My team is Slough Jets - you can check them out at www.sloughjets.co.uk - I'm looking forward to a top season.

Work is manic, so knitting is on the back burner at the moment but I have to do a little every day or else I get withdrawal symptoms. Back to normal shortly!

Ebay stashing frenzy!

2007-09-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

I've had some good ebay stashing over the last couple of days.

I got a "Buy it now" bargain last night - 10 hanks of Rowanspun 4 ply tweed in a dark green for £19.50. I know this is a deleted yarn, but I do like it and there will be enough for what I want.

My major bargain is 10 balls of Adriafil stretch mohair in terracotta for £8.50! I have used this yarn before and it goes a long way. This was from a yarn store close down sale, so the owners sad loss is my gain. RRP was £35.

There's a lot of Noro around on ebay at the moment and I'm sorely tempted but am resisting!

Boo to the person who outbid me on a Furla handbag within 20 seconds of the auction ending. I hope you enjoy it. I so didn't need another handbag! ( Since when did need come into the equation? )

In case you think I am a total ebay tart, this has been my first buying visit for a while. Why do I feel the need to justify myself to strangers?

Mind you, I am currently "watching" several other possibilities for stash enhancement.

Knitpicks - part deux

2007-09-05T07:47:00.000-07:00

Sue had some knitting on the Knitpicks needles last night. The general consensus was that they are GOOD. The join between the needle and cable is very smooth and the screw in join is secure.

Sue , Tracey and Maggie were knitting samples for a knitted devore class they are going to shortly - sounds strange, but learning a new skill is always useful I guess. The samples were in various very fine yarns on very small needles so you have to be really keen to make them and then burn holes in them - I'm looking forward to seeing the results.

I'm currently working on my 3 ply baby shawl having decided to adapt the commercial pattern as usual. Nothing worth looking at yet - it looks like a heap of white yarn and I'm washing my hands a lot! Will post pics when finished.

New Year 12 students at school today so the real work starts now. I have rediscovered the joys of having groceries delivered - less time in the supermarket and more knitting time. Got to be good!

Knitpicks

2007-09-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

I have just received my Knitpicks interchangeable needle set from Get Knitted. Haven't tried them out yet but I think I might prefer them to my Denise set as the needle points are metal rather than plastic. I do use the Denise ones, but only in emergencies, although I have heard of people who use them all the time instead of regular needles.

The Knitpicks ones come in a good zip up wallet and have ends which screw into the cables. However the points are stored on a flimsy piece of cardboard which is not so good.

I've read several reviews of this product on American blogs and all of the ones I've seen are favourable. My friend Sue has some and will find out what she thinks at knitting group.

You can never have enough needles!

Turncoat

2007-09-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

I was very excited to receive this from amazon.com today. It's a new book from Interweave Press and comprises knitted kimono patterns. There is a brief history of kimono types and hints on designing your own kimonos. Most of them are knitted in aran weight yarn ( U.S. worsted ).

I'm not too keen on some of the colour choices, but if I look beyond that, there are a lot of styles I would like to make.

I really like the " I am not a sweater knitter " button that I posted last time. However, if kimonos are classed as sweaters, this makes me a turncoat. It's my prerogative to change my mind!

Back home with a detour!

2007-09-01T03:43:00.000-07:00

I am officially at home, having survived a trip to aged mother.

On the way home I made a detour to help choose a wedding dress for number one son's fiancee.

A fun afternoon was had but no details can be divulged regarding the dress - top secret! Suffice to say she will look like a princess and I will now have to turn my mind to "mother of the groom" outfits. I will try to choose something tasteful and elegant - in other words totally unlike my usual mode of dress!

Hope you like the button which I downloaded from Grumperina. Non - sweater knitters unite!

In regal company

2007-08-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

This is Osborne House, country home of Queen Victoria on the Isle of Wight. We had an enjoyable visit here. In one of the corridors is a large oil painting of Queenie and her daughters knitting striped comforters for the troops. She was clearly not averse to stash enhancement as there was a large wicker basket containing a mountain of wool. So you see we are in regal company! Sadly I was forbidden of photographing this painting and there was no postcard to buy. In another room was her spinning wheel - I am not a connoisseur of such things, but it seemed very small to me. However,as with many things, maybe size doesn't matter or maybe it was a small wheel for a small lady.

This was the view from our bedroom window on the Isle of Wight. A good trip involving many crab sandwiches and some knitting.

Having checked my fave online stores, I see that Woolly Workshop has the new Kaffe Fassett sock yarns from Regia. Will I buy some? What do you think?

Two days at home before tripping again to see my old Mum up North. She is 86 this week. If I live to be as old as her, I will have used up all my stash easily. Therefore more stash enhancement is in order - you see my logic?

Back soon!

Holiday projects

2007-08-18T05:08:00.000-07:00

Off to the Isle of Wight shortly so some thought required as to holiday knitting. I'm taking the Canada tubular scarf and I've started a stole in the Haiku mentioned yesterday. This is a pretty straightforward design incorporating simple lace patterns from Barbara G. Walker's "Treasury of Knitting Patterns".

I love these books ; there are four and I regard the first two as essential to my knitting development as a lace knitter. However they also contain cable and other stitch patterns. Mrs Walker was an acquaintance of Elizabeth Zimmerman - do you need any other recommendation? The first two books have written instructions and the other two have charted ones ; you can get them from Amazon.

Off line for a while now - check back soon!

Unexpected stash enhancement!

2007-08-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

To knitting group last night where Tracey and Jo were having a clearout and brought a bag of Alchemy yarns which they were selling at a bargain price. So I got some Haiku mohair / silk in blue green Lovely Good colourway ( I'm thinking shawl ); also some Pagoda silk boucle in burgundy / purple / lilac A Breath of Fire colourway ( I'm seeing a scarf ).

Haiku has a massive 325 yards per hank and is very fine - I'm rather attached to it as it was this yarn I used for my first published pattern.Alchemy yarns come from California and I met the owners at the Knitting and Stitching show at Ally Pally a couple of years ago - charming people who had arrived from the US with a suitcase full of yarns to sell. Sadly, they were not there last year - maybe they felt it was not worthwhile.

Their yarns are not cheap ( between £12 and £17 a hank at normal retail prices ). However the quality and colourways are great and I happen to think that my efforts are worth goood quality materials.

Shrugfest

2007-08-16T08:43:00.001-07:00

This is front and back unblocked. 3 balls of Adriafil Quarzo mohair from my stash on 5.5mm needles. Basis of my shrug is Aran Weight Top Down Shrug by Michelle Ciccariello on Elann's free pattern page. This is a quick knit! What's next?

To school this morning for exam results - lots of happy students and not too many miserable ones.It makes me cross when the media complains that exams are getting easier. They're not easier, they're different than they were when I sat them 40 years ago. Students are under pressure from day one of sixth form and are focused on passing exams rather than getting an all round education.Off the soap box!

To knitting group tonight and I will take my scarves to work on.

Knitting and videos

2007-08-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

This was what I watched this afternoon while knitting my shrug. If you like war films I can recommend it. It's set in Holland and the dialogue is Dutch so there are subtitles. However this does not detract from the action. I guarantee it will keep you guessing till the end.

There is progress on the shrug - I managed to knit both sleeves by bedtime yesterday.

Met Sue for coffeee this morning and we did some knitting. My current takeout knitting is a tubular scarf in striped sockwool. This is for number 2 son who is off to Canada this winter.This scarf will be majorly warm.I got this idea from "Not Just Socks" by Sandi Rosner, a slim volume but not bad for sockwool ideas.

A level results day tomorrow, so I am going into school to mop up tears of joy and sadness!

Funkarama!

2007-08-14T03:10:00.000-07:00

My experiment with the Adriafil mohair shrug is progressing - it's knitting up quickly and I'm liking the result so far.

New to Simply Sock Yarns is Opal Hundertwasser Cotton ( sounds vaguely rude! ). Apparently said Hundertwasser was a German artist and good old Opal have translated some of his colour palettes into yarn. I already have some of the wool ones, but the cotton is a new development. Yet again I'm thinking scarf - will I buy some? Probably!

Which reminds me, speaking of Opal, I saw a cute little baby jacket, socks and mitts in the Tiger colourway. This was a sample on show at Get Knitted. I can see myself making that for some as yet unnamed infant. I have just made a Baby Surprise jacket in Opal DK weight Flamingo sock yarn - very funky!Sadly no picture of it as I was in a hurry to give it to my friend. If you don't know what a Baby Surprise is , check out Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitters Almanac or Opinionated Knitter. Follow the instructions and you will get a cute jacket made in one piece. They are addictive to knit and samples can be viewed on Zimmermania ( link left ). It's official - the woman was a genius!

New ideas

2007-08-13T05:33:00.000-07:00

I've had some Adriafil mohair/ acrylic yarn in my stash for about a year now and have finally decided to experiment with it. Those of you who know me will know that my experiments are not an uncommon occurrence!

I chose one of my freebie patterns from elann. www.elann.com - they are a good source of free patterns. I've never used them for yarn so can't comment on this aspect of the site.

The pattern is for a shrug - of course I've used different yarn and needle size from that recommended and will probably change the design slightly as I go. however, I'm hopeful it will work and if it does I'll post a picture and further details.

Work is also continuing on the scarf mentioned in my last post and I'm liking the result.

There are updates left on online sites for free pattern which I 've used.

Tofutsies scarf

2007-08-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

This is my first project from my Get Knitted stash purchased yesterday. I'm using a feather and fan border with a lace panel running up the scarf. It's made from Tofutsies sock yarn which is a wool, soysilk,cotton and chitin mix produced by South West Trading Company. Chitin is antibacterial and made from shrimp and crab shells. It's supposed to combat smelly feet but this will be worn round my neck! The yarn has a cottony feel and I like it.

Get Knitted

2007-08-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

Friend Sue and I had a fab day out at Get Knitted shop yesterday ( see above ). It was worth the one and a half hour journey to get to Bristol. The staff were charming and there were supplies of tea,coffee, biscuits and sweets available aswell as the essential loo! We lunched in the open air at a convenient snack bar next door.

I can recommend a visit here - it's spacious and zoned according to yarn supplier. There's a designated sock yarn area and you can sit on the comfy sofas and consider your prospective purchases ( I did actually put something back on the shelves! ). We felt right at home and dragged ourselves away three hours later after caning the plastic. I bought lots of Fleece Artist yarn, some sock wool, Addi Turbo needles and the Autumn Rowan magazine - a good issue. I would have liked to see some more knitting books there.

Becky, who works at the shop, is a prospective designer with an interest in childrens' knitwear so I have emailed her my contact details for Knit Today mag. Hopefully she will get some designs published - she specialises in boys' stuff.

Now comes the fun of deciding which project to start first!

Orenburg yarn part deux

2007-08-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

Can you get some idea of the thickness of the yarn from seeing it resting on my knee? It's very fine ( as opposed to my fat knee! )

To knitting group last evening. We meet at the Tower Arms, Richings Park, Iver on the first Tuesday of themonth and alternate Thursday evenings from 6.30 onwards. Next Thursday mtg is 16 August. Meetings used to be held at the now defunct Taj Crafts - all former group members and new members are welcome at the new venue.

Off to Get Knitted at Bristol tomorrow - next post Friday!

Orenburg is here!

2007-08-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

Orenburg yarn is in the building and looking very scary! It's a beautiful medium purple and has 600+ yards to a 50gram hank. It's 80% kid mohair, 20% silk and I have to say, it feels quite harsh in the hank.

On the distributor's website the advice is given not to use a swift or ball winder but to drape the skein over your arm and wind off by hand.I guess the yarn must be temperamental and respond better to gentle handling - rather like myself! Pictures tomorrow.

Check out my favourite blogs in my listing - these will be added to as time permits.

Happy knitting!

Sock Yarn Shawl

2007-08-06T05:47:00.000-07:00

One of my current projects is a triangular shawl in Schaefer Anne sock yarn. This yarn is 4 ply merino / mohair with added nylon. It is surprisingly soft and I'm liking the way it's turning out ( pictures posted when complete ). I chose a raspberry / green colourway which is quite subtle.

I've bought various colours from Woolly Workshop, Get Knitted and US site Simply Sock Yarn www.simplysockyarn.com/StoreFront.bok- the latter site offers excellent service; I have received yarn from them within 7 days from ordering.

Hoping that my Orenburg yarn will arrive tomorrow - am determined to finish my other shawl before starting the new yarn. Still undecided what stitch pattern to use - I'm hoping the yarn will speak to me! I may just have to sit with it for a while.

Orenburg Yarn

2007-08-05T02:14:00.000-07:00

While browsing my favourite online yarn shops yesterday afternoon, I came across Orenburg lace weight yarn. You lace / shawl knitters out there may have heard of Orenburg Shawls which originate from Russia - they are beautiful - masterpieces of the lace knitters art.

Suffice to say I have ordered a skein of the yarn in purple - 500 + metres per skein. There are some lovely colours available although the traditional colour used seems to be white. My source is www.woollyworkshop.co.uk - this online store has some really great yarns which are not usually stocked in UK. The owner specialises in Cherry Tree Hill yarns but there are many others which I like also, Service is excellent and I recommend them.

If you want to know more about Orenburg shawls, there are a couple of books available from www.amazon.co.uk. I own one of them - Three Orenburg Shawls To Knit - The Gossamer Webs Design Collection by Galina Khmeleva published by Interweave Press www.interweave.com
There is a larger volume from the same publisher.

I'm looking forward to receiving my yarn and deciding what to make - sometimes more exciting than actually making it!

Weekend

2007-08-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

Hooray! Received a nice cheque today for my wedding shawl pattern. This will pay for some more stash. I am hoping to visit Get Knitted in Bristol next week - will the cheque clear in time? I have bought a lot of yarn from this company;the service is excellent and delivery is prompt. They will enter into email correspondence and I recommend them highly. They have recently opened a retail shop which was visited by my knitting friend Maggie last week. She had no trouble parting with her money! Check out their websitewww.getknitted.com

Among various projects on the go is the MIA baby blanket from Patons Newborn Collection. I suspect a misprint in the border pattern and will contact them to check for corrections. Of course, it could be my mistake, but as I have made several similar items before , I doubt it.Has anyone out there attempted this pattern? Please let me know.

Day One

2007-08-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

Day one of the Shawlrats blog!
I love to knit shawls and scarves for myself and others. I've had a couple of patterns published so far in Knit Today magazine, with more to come in the future.http://www.knit-today.co.uk/.
My published career began purely by chance, when I met the magazine editor through a mutual acquaintance. She saw one of my scarves and asked for the pattern - the rest is history. It's been a steep learning curve for me, but one which I'm enjoying. So far, I've had the scarf published and also a pattern for a wedding stole (see above).

I have just sent off a sampler scarf for future publication.
I love to knit lace - nothing too complex - my aim is to make my patterns accessible to the moderately skilled knitter. Having to write up instructions has made me realise the importance of attention to detail. I've become very critical of the way in which some patterns are written and how often mistakes can be found in them. As I go along in the blog, I'll highlight any I come across in published patterns. I also hope to direct you to some of my favourite blogs and websites.
I eat, breathe and sleep knitting and hope you do too!