I have been enjoying my advent calendar from KDD – the colours are spectacular. I am looking forward to seeing what patterns she has written to go with this yarn.
Advent Calendar
Filed under Colour Work, Knitting, Yarn Stash
Free Standing Lace
I have been enjoying making free standing lace – my machine is coping really well with it. I am going to try earrings next.
I am using the brothread water soluble stabiliser and it’s good (I am using two layers)
Filed under Embroidery, Machine Embroidery
Christmas Decorations
I thought I would make some Christmas decorations using free standing lace – I have made a couple of these before. This time I have bought some Christmas decoration hangers from Amazon and I will turn them into decorations and give as gifts (small tokens).
I am using two sheets of water soluble stabiliser (the one above is like paper, but I am also using the film version). Embroidery thread (Robinson Anton Candy Apple Red) on top and in the bobbin. I have slowed my machine down to 500 s/min so these take a long time, but they look good.
A short clip of the stitch out because I find it mesmerising.
Filed under Digitizing, Embroidery, Machine Embroidery, Sewing Machine
Blanket Progress
I work on this while watching television (I just finished the fourth season of All Creatures Great and Small – there is some lovely knit wear in it).
I have two more repeats to go before I finish of the top border – there are a few places we I have gone a bit weird, but I think that just adds to the charm.
The blanket is a kit from Crossways Wool and Fabrics.
Yesterday, I went through my yarn stash checking to make sure there weren’t any critters (there wasn’t), I did do a bit of an inventory and I have 51 skeins of sock yarn!
I buy sock yarn for all sorts of reasons; it’s pretty, you only need 1 skein to make a pair of socks (I don’t know how much yarn I would need for a jumper), souvenir yarn, feeling happy yarn, feeling sad yarn, etc, but I really must stop buying it (because I want to knit other things as well).
Filed under Knitting, Sock Knitting, Yarn Stash
New Christmas Sock Yarn
So I ordered Christmas sock yarn (from the Yarn Trader – it arrived fast and beautifully wrapped)
I started knitting Christmas socks in 2018 – that year I used the Fairy Lights colourway from West Yorkshire Spinners and I have returned to them this year with the Nutcracker colourway (it has a bit of sparkle as well). My 2018 socks are still going strong as well.
It is a busy yarn, so I will probably do a simple pattern – although I am tempted for this pattern (which I have in my stash).
I plan to start Christmas day (or maybe Christmas Eve), which means getting the swatch and planning done in advance.
Filed under Sock Knitting, Yarn Stash
Dame Nature du Printemps Update
I have been working on my Dame Nature du Printemps (from Jardin Prive). Progress has been slow – lots of unpicking. I bought this pattern for the sheep and chook, so I am enjoying this bit.
I am using the called for DMC and 32 count linen (colour way mocha – the linen is beautiful).
Filed under Canvas Work, Cross Stitch, Cross Stitch, Embroidery
New Sock Project
I was away last week (here) and I wanted an easily transportable project. I started a new sock (the colour above is wrong it’s more mauve).
The cuff is a twisted stitch pattern called Candle Flame and I shall do the leg and foot in stocking stitch – maybe a slightly more interesting heel.
The yarn is from The Wool Barn – it’s their cashmere sock in Misty Mauve colour way.
I am using my usual 2.75 mm needles.
Filed under Knitting, Sock Knitting, Yarn Stash
Davaar – Kate Davies and Tom Barr
I like the publications from KDD (Kate Davies Designs). I think I have all of them. Their publications are beautiful; lovely designs and beautiful photography (like the one below).
This one has a series of essays on various aspects of Davaar, and then the patterns.
There are 10 patterns; things like a hat, cardigan, scarf/shawl, etc.
I am quite keen to make the Iola cardigan (on the one on the cover) and maybe use a variation of this stitch pattern on a sock
If you are a knitter, her patterns are beautiful and interesting, it’s definitely worth trying one.
Filed under Book Review, Knitting, Knitting - Colour work, Sock Knitting
Patty Lyon’s Knitting Bag Of Tricks
This book is great. It contains very useful information. The focus is on why and then the how just happens. The structure of each stitch is described; knit, purl, m1l, k2tog, etc, and then there is information about how to improve each stitch. There is information on joining a new ball (always at the start of a row? maybe not), stitching pieces together, casting on and off, and shaping.
There is a great discussion on gauge and why we should all be knitting a swatch and then how to use your swatch to modify the pattern to suit your gauge.
I bought the Kindle version, but on my Kindle Oasis, the images were missing. However, when I used the Kindle app on my Ipad the images were there. Just something to be aware of when purchasing the e-book.
It is definitely something I will refer to in the future.
Filed under Book Review, Knitting
Alex’s Blanket Progress
In the evenings, while watching TV, I work on this blanket. I am about half way through. I bought it as a kit from Crossways Wool and Fabrics.
I think the Bailey blanket pattern looks good too, but I need to finish this one first
Filed under Knitting