I'm using mine as my little Knitting Bible. There is square, plain and lined paper in so I can add little charts in too.
Friday, 13 January 2012
Wool Notebook
Another lovely gift I was bought by my husband was this beautiful notebook from Kate Bowles, who makes handmade notebooks from recycled material. I absolutely love it and the finish to it is just gorgeous - I especially love the spine.
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Woodturned Christmas
For Christmas, I had some very lovely surprises in my stocking for my husband. He's been getting into wood turning and I got lots of knitting related goodies!
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| Hand turned knitting needles |
The knitting needles are size 8mm needles made from sapele with holly tops. I haven't knitted with them yet; as they seem to be living in the beautiful spalted beech pen pot he made as well. Along with a shawl pin with a celtic knot laminated into the end which I also adore!
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| Hand turned laminated shawl pin |
Along with these other pressies, he also made a wooden dpn case - decorated with wire burning.
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| Hand turned DPN case |
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Mince Pies
Already for that mince pie making marathon on Christmas Eve. A quick little plate I did at my local Ceramics studio this week.
Friday, 4 November 2011
That Christmas Jumper
The latest all consuming project has been a commissioned Christmas Jumper for a friend. She's always wanted a rather naff sweater along the same lines as what Bridget Jones wore in the film.
She's very tall and thin so it had to be a very long jumper too. After a bit of searching I couldn't find any ready made patterns that filled the brief so it had to be a design from scratch - which was daunting but also a lot of fun. It had to be long and include a reindeer and snowflakes and be as tacky as possible - hopefully the finished product does all that. I took her to my local yarn shop and we she bought the shop out with lots of bright and sparkly wool - I take no responsibility whatsover on the rather interesting colour choices!
There's a cheeky bit of holly on the back as well as fair isle cuffs. There's a few more details on my project page on Ravelry.
Monday, 27 June 2011
Woolfest Haul 2011
Just got back from a wonderful weekend away in the Lakes. I went to Woolfest and spent far too much money but brought back with me enough goodies to keep me going for some time.
- I got 3 rovings from FeltStudioUK; 2 were bfl/silk mix (the pink/red and yellow one and the purple and green one) and 1 Falkland (which is the bright multicoloured one)
- Two 100g pastel dyed shetland rovings and a soft green BFL and teal Shetland from Wheeldale. Planning on making a big scarf from the shetland ones and some fair isle mitts with the other two
- Two more Kromski bobbins for my Sonata from Wingham Woolworks
- Some wooden sock blockers from Laal Bear, the sock on the blockers is a work in progress. Wanida by Cookie A.
- The skein of wool is sock wool from Freyalyn Fibers and is Khaki and Grey and called Merlin which I thought would be ideal for Hubby
- A cake of striped sock wool from Sparkleduck in purple and green
- A gorgeous kilt pin and stag's head buttons from Textile Garden
- And finally my more indulgent purchase of a Turkish Drop Spindle from ITS Crafts as I couldn't stand to look at that fibre all weekend without my spinning wheel so I got a bit of spinning done while away. Plus it's such a lovely spindle too. I got one made from Bog Oak and it's a slightly more unusual way of spinning compared to the way I've done it before and really love it.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Cobweb Stole
It's been quite some time since I've blogged; never was very good at keeping a diary...much rather be doing something. Slowly gotten back into knitting again after a period of moving about interest-wise - quilting, embroidery etc. 
Just finished my first Christmas present for 2011 - a fine lace weight stole which has been in the pipeline for the last couple of years but never been started. I'd spied this Cobweb Lace Stole some time ago and finally started it using Yarn D'Amour Pandora which I'd bought at a stall in the Knitting and Stitching show in Harrogate a few years ago - 1200 yards is a lot to wind by hand, so much so that I've ended up buying a ball winder ( which is soooo much fun!) - seem to enjoy it a little too much. Perhaps it is the years of winding balls by hand?
Anyway, the stole is very unusual construction in my mind. For it to be symmetrical, both ends are made separately and grafted together at the end using kitchener stitch; which is fine for sock toes but nearly 160 stitches was a bit tedious.
The pattern was interesting and not the easiest I completed. It was lace pattern both sides and some unusual stitches as well. Wasn't thrilled with the drop stitches in this one but think it was the yarn more than anything; as it was hairy alpaca and wouldn't drop cleanly so the drop stitches are a little more stretched than they should be.
The miracle of blocking has done it's job as usual and the finished product is lovely and airy as cobweb lace should be.
Picked up my Mara again and well on the way with that again too.
Oh and just had to say about this book I'd seen in Waterstones in Lincoln which I thought was hilarious - Knit Your Own Royal Wedding
Just finished my first Christmas present for 2011 - a fine lace weight stole which has been in the pipeline for the last couple of years but never been started. I'd spied this Cobweb Lace Stole some time ago and finally started it using Yarn D'Amour Pandora which I'd bought at a stall in the Knitting and Stitching show in Harrogate a few years ago - 1200 yards is a lot to wind by hand, so much so that I've ended up buying a ball winder ( which is soooo much fun!) - seem to enjoy it a little too much. Perhaps it is the years of winding balls by hand?
Anyway, the stole is very unusual construction in my mind. For it to be symmetrical, both ends are made separately and grafted together at the end using kitchener stitch; which is fine for sock toes but nearly 160 stitches was a bit tedious.
The pattern was interesting and not the easiest I completed. It was lace pattern both sides and some unusual stitches as well. Wasn't thrilled with the drop stitches in this one but think it was the yarn more than anything; as it was hairy alpaca and wouldn't drop cleanly so the drop stitches are a little more stretched than they should be.
The miracle of blocking has done it's job as usual and the finished product is lovely and airy as cobweb lace should be.
Picked up my Mara again and well on the way with that again too.
Oh and just had to say about this book I'd seen in Waterstones in Lincoln which I thought was hilarious - Knit Your Own Royal Wedding
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Galaxy of Stars
Finally put the finishing touches to my latest quilt this month. Unfortunately it's been one of those projects that has stuck around for far too long.
The inspiration came from Scrap Quilt Sensation by Katharine Guerrier, which I bought from the Festival of Quilts after seeing the beautiful display of the quilts from the book. The colours were fantastic and I just had to have a go too.
The whole quilt was both hand pieced and hand quilted which is why it took such a long time to make. It was the quilting that took the majority of the time. I think i was quite ambitious to quilt a double bed size quilt by hand, as well as the fact that I used feathers as part of the quilting so it wasn't a simple design either. The below photo shows some of the quilting detail.
I made the quilt to keep for myself and it's large enough for two to snuggle underneath comfortably in the cold months.
I used all my favourite pieces of fabric from my stash and it's been quite a good stash buster using up all those little pieces of fabric that I'd been saving for something special.
Though after a bit of inspiration and some very sore fingers I have a finished quilt; with thanks to a friend for letting me use her embroidery machine to make a label for it.
The inspiration came from Scrap Quilt Sensation by Katharine Guerrier, which I bought from the Festival of Quilts after seeing the beautiful display of the quilts from the book. The colours were fantastic and I just had to have a go too.The whole quilt was both hand pieced and hand quilted which is why it took such a long time to make. It was the quilting that took the majority of the time. I think i was quite ambitious to quilt a double bed size quilt by hand, as well as the fact that I used feathers as part of the quilting so it wasn't a simple design either. The below photo shows some of the quilting detail.
I made the quilt to keep for myself and it's large enough for two to snuggle underneath comfortably in the cold months.
I used all my favourite pieces of fabric from my stash and it's been quite a good stash buster using up all those little pieces of fabric that I'd been saving for something special.
Though after a bit of inspiration and some very sore fingers I have a finished quilt; with thanks to a friend for letting me use her embroidery machine to make a label for it.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Zimmermann Fever
I had a bounty of Elizabeth Zimmermann books for Christmas and my birthday - Knitting without Tears, Knitter's Almanac and The Opinionated Knitter.
I've thoroughy enjoyed the many hours I've had perusing them. Not only are the patterns innovative - even now, but the advice and "opinions" (as in the Opinionated Knitter) are absolutely wonderful too.
With my friends are having their first baby, it has given me the opportunity to delve into knitted babywear for the first time and why not start with Elizabeth Zimmermann's wonderful designs.
I have completed the February Baby Sweater on Two needles from the Knitter's Almanac.
I'm in the process of completing the Baby Surprise Jacket and it definitely was a surprise. Initially I couldn't get my head around which part of the jacket I was knitting but about halfway through I twigged and it is just genius.
The handspun I had made unfortunately ran out about 6 rows from the end; I suppose I could have used a contrasting yarn but it looked so nice as it was. I have (hopefully) ordered something similar to finish it off and I can perhaps make a matching bonnet/hat with the remainder of the yarn.
I chose the green/yellow yarn because it seemed quite gender neutral but just found out it's going to be a girl so I can knit frilly pink things instead :)
I've thoroughy enjoyed the many hours I've had perusing them. Not only are the patterns innovative - even now, but the advice and "opinions" (as in the Opinionated Knitter) are absolutely wonderful too.
With my friends are having their first baby, it has given me the opportunity to delve into knitted babywear for the first time and why not start with Elizabeth Zimmermann's wonderful designs.
I have completed the February Baby Sweater on Two needles from the Knitter's Almanac.
I'm in the process of completing the Baby Surprise Jacket and it definitely was a surprise. Initially I couldn't get my head around which part of the jacket I was knitting but about halfway through I twigged and it is just genius.
The handspun I had made unfortunately ran out about 6 rows from the end; I suppose I could have used a contrasting yarn but it looked so nice as it was. I have (hopefully) ordered something similar to finish it off and I can perhaps make a matching bonnet/hat with the remainder of the yarn.
I chose the green/yellow yarn because it seemed quite gender neutral but just found out it's going to be a girl so I can knit frilly pink things instead :)
Sunday, 10 January 2010
Tatting
Oh boy! It's definitely been awhile since I updated my blog. Not entirely my fault our brand new PC decided to throw a permanent tantrum and we've been computerless (probably not a word!) for quite a few months. Thankfully it was still under warranty so we exchanged it for a different make. Though that's not been without pitfall; since all the hardware that worked with Vista didn't work with the new Windows 7 - so with Christmas and splashing out on new router, printer etc. it has been a rather expensive month. All seems to be working now! I've done a lot of knitting and spinning.
Finally finished the Liquid Gold shawl and seemed to have been received well at Christmas. I've also started a new hobby; probably not a wise decision since I already have dozens of other hobbies. My friend who taught me how to quilt kindly showed me the very interesting art of Tatting. I must say it's very relaxing and the results seem to be quite quick.
I had a bit of Christmas money and bought a boat load of stuff from Roseground; including some lovely books, my favourite is Tatted Artistry of Teiko Fujito. I've always loved Japanese craft books; the workmanship is always amazing whether it is temari balls, crochet or tatting. Luckily this is translated into English too; though that's just a bonus really because the patterns are in an universal format anyway. There is beautiful use of colour and the patterns range from the simple to the very complex like the cover of the book.
I pottered around making small motifs including the cutest butterfly and instead of these going to waste I glued them to card so as to make a Birthday card.
I also found a good source for free tatting patterns by Jane Eborall. I made the Flowery SCMR Bookmark minus the tail. I used Lizbeth No. 20 for all the motifs; the blue/green was 117-Countryside, the pink/purple was 140-Country Grape Swirl and the green was 684-Leaf Green(Medium).
The Flowery Bookmark was definitely quite challenging for a beginner as it includes self-closing mock rings and split rings. Though, I was quite happy that I managed to make it after only about 2 weeks tatting.
Finally finished the Liquid Gold shawl and seemed to have been received well at Christmas. I've also started a new hobby; probably not a wise decision since I already have dozens of other hobbies. My friend who taught me how to quilt kindly showed me the very interesting art of Tatting. I must say it's very relaxing and the results seem to be quite quick.
I had a bit of Christmas money and bought a boat load of stuff from Roseground; including some lovely books, my favourite is Tatted Artistry of Teiko Fujito. I've always loved Japanese craft books; the workmanship is always amazing whether it is temari balls, crochet or tatting. Luckily this is translated into English too; though that's just a bonus really because the patterns are in an universal format anyway. There is beautiful use of colour and the patterns range from the simple to the very complex like the cover of the book.
I pottered around making small motifs including the cutest butterfly and instead of these going to waste I glued them to card so as to make a Birthday card.
I also found a good source for free tatting patterns by Jane Eborall. I made the Flowery SCMR Bookmark minus the tail. I used Lizbeth No. 20 for all the motifs; the blue/green was 117-Countryside, the pink/purple was 140-Country Grape Swirl and the green was 684-Leaf Green(Medium).
The Flowery Bookmark was definitely quite challenging for a beginner as it includes self-closing mock rings and split rings. Though, I was quite happy that I managed to make it after only about 2 weeks tatting.
Saturday, 22 August 2009
Spinning Around
I've not been knitting as much as I have been recently as I've just been bitten by the spinning bug.
After using a spindle for awhile; my husband decided that he'd buy me my Christmas and Birthday present early and sent me off to get a spinning wheel. The other reasoning behind the wheel is that we thought it might be good for me to spin daily and help the muscles in my legs (though been doing it so much since I bought it walking is a little difficult, lol!!).
We went to the Spinning Fair at Lincoln Uni a couple of weeks ago and had a go on the wheels that Wingham Wool Work had brought along. I'd sort of set my heart on the Ashford Joy but they didn't have one with them so I decided to go to their shop of the Monday and have a test run. My ever loving Mother came along with me; she was very patient all day even though she was probably quite bored- thanks, Mum!!
I ended up buying a Kromski Sonata as it seemed to be the better deal. The £25 fibre voucher was fun to spend. Came home with a huge bag full of fibre. The hour and a half home seemed to last forever but I finally got home so I could have a play.
I've been spinning every day since and really enjoying it though my first attempts were a bit dire though I think I'm slowly getting the hang of it and I've just made some 2ply laceweight merino - it actually looks like yarn should :)!!
Anyway here's a picture of my wheel which I've named Wolfgang (got a penchant for naming things!) because everytime I see Sonata I think Mozart so hence "Wolfgang".
After using a spindle for awhile; my husband decided that he'd buy me my Christmas and Birthday present early and sent me off to get a spinning wheel. The other reasoning behind the wheel is that we thought it might be good for me to spin daily and help the muscles in my legs (though been doing it so much since I bought it walking is a little difficult, lol!!).
We went to the Spinning Fair at Lincoln Uni a couple of weeks ago and had a go on the wheels that Wingham Wool Work had brought along. I'd sort of set my heart on the Ashford Joy but they didn't have one with them so I decided to go to their shop of the Monday and have a test run. My ever loving Mother came along with me; she was very patient all day even though she was probably quite bored- thanks, Mum!!
I ended up buying a Kromski Sonata as it seemed to be the better deal. The £25 fibre voucher was fun to spend. Came home with a huge bag full of fibre. The hour and a half home seemed to last forever but I finally got home so I could have a play.
I've been spinning every day since and really enjoying it though my first attempts were a bit dire though I think I'm slowly getting the hang of it and I've just made some 2ply laceweight merino - it actually looks like yarn should :)!!
Anyway here's a picture of my wheel which I've named Wolfgang (got a penchant for naming things!) because everytime I see Sonata I think Mozart so hence "Wolfgang".
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