I decided to knit Jane for Miss A. I spent a bit of time switchety swatchety as the girls call it – my third choice of needles finally worked.
I like the way this cardigan is constructed – from the top down and seamlessly.
I’m trying to concentrate on one set of instructions at a time
Filed under Knitting, miscellaneous
I finished Miss P’s socks. I’ve been working away at these while supervising the girls swimming and while watching TV in the evenings. In fact I became slightly obsessed – ‘just one more round’ – I’m sure all of the knitters understand.
The yarn was Filatura Di Crosa Maxime Print, which I bought from here – and I really like how it turned out. The colours are beautiful.
I’m now ready for a new knitting challenge.
I have a couple of ideas.
This …
Which is from Suvi S – using Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk DK (Shade 52).
Or this for Miss A …
Which is from Georgie Hallam – using Patons Zhivago Colour 4443.
Filed under Knitting, Yarn Stash
I found this book at the Borders closing down sale and was intrigued.
Here is the blurb …
Knitting has become the hip new trend among twenty- and thirty-somethings, with celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Winona Ryder, Cameron Diaz, Hilary Swank, and Julianne Moore leading the way. This book explores what virtually everyone’s grandmother always knew — that when passionate knitters become one with the craft, amazing things start to happen.In Zen and the Art of Knitting, Bernadette Murphy explores how knitting fits into the large scheme of life itself as . . .– Meditation– Creative expression– A way to cure writer’s block– A gift to express love– A way for children to develop fine motor skills– A way to connect generations, past and present. Throughout this magnificent work, readers find practical advice, including a knitted stitch per chapter and a basic pattern in the appendix. For serious knitters, casual hobbyists, creative thinkers, and those seeking to discover an unexplored spiritual channel, Zen and the Art of Knitting is a unique work that will be treasured for years to come
Each chapter consists of an essay on knitting, for example Chapter Five is the ‘Contented Soul’. The start of every chapter also has instructions for a different type of knitting stitch; garter stitch, stocking stitch, trinity stitch, etc and there are projects at the end of most chapters ranging scarfs to a jumper.
This book was an easy read and I particularly enjoyed the chapter on knitting and education (Chapter 4 – Ripening the Intellect). My girls are keen on knitting and they have each attempted a garter stitch scarf for their teddies, but neither has shown the patience to finish it. The first grade students at the Waldorf School she visits are making lions or lambs, which must involve a bit of complexity and makes me think I should have persevered more with my girls. Apparently knitting is good for fine motor skills (which is obvious), but it also helps with speech development and when knitting you use both hemispheres of the brain.
I am quite interested in using knitting for therapy (or as therapy), but I didn’t find the book as strong on this aspect. There was quite a bit on knitting as mediation (although no one was prepared to truly commit one way or the other – is it? Isn’t it?). I think I would have preferred more personal stories and less generalities – having said that, however, Ms Murphy’s own story (Chapter One Knitting Myself Back Together) was the type of thing I wanted to read.
It is also a little bit dated, but that’s my fault for reading it 11 years after it was first published. If you like knitting and reading about knitting, then this book is definitely worth reading.
Filed under Book Review
Someone in my house is having a birthday party. I try to – not always successfully – put something hand made into the party bags. The girls and I spent a bit of time making these fabric covered button hair clips. There are two different types because they each wanted to pick some fabric from the stash. They’re quite easy to do (although my thumb is still recovering).
The buttons come from here – I always wait for a sale and then stock up (the service is great and they arrive very quickly).
We’ve been away and it was lovely and relaxing. Quite a bit of time was spent supervising the girls at the pool (indoor and heated), which meant a fair bit of knitting happened. The gull lace scarf is finished – just needs the ends weaved in and to be blocked and about half of Miss P’s sock. Pictures will follow in a day or two.
Filed under Fabric Stash, Knitting, miscellaneous, Sock Knitting
It’s school holidays here. We staggered to the end of term two – everyone is tired and a little bit sick. I’m looking forward to a break in the routine (no making lunches at 7 am or being at the school at 3pm) and more knitting time. I’ve almost finished the Gull Lace Scarf – about half a ball to go, so I need a new project.
Miss P is very keen on socks, so I shall make her another pair. She has picked the pink/purple yarn (Filatura Di Crosa Maxime Print) in the above image. I’m thinking a simple sock something that can be knitted while watching TV – I’m currently making my way through The Pallisers. It is very dated and obviously filmed on a set, but certainly watchable.
Filed under Knitting, Sock Knitting
