Category Archives: Knitting

December 27, 2023 · 2:18 pm

2023 in Review

Finished Objects 2023

I was a bit more successful this year.

I am going to try to have modest goals next year

  • Finish my Dame Nature Du Printemps cross stitch.
  • Start working on my fabric book of special things – I have quite the collection. I just need to get it clear in my head how I am going to tackle this.
  • Finish my christmas socks and my cashmere socks (one of these is already finished)
  • Knit something with my Advent Calendar yarn.
  • Baby clothes quilt (I am rethinking this whole project – more on that later)
  • Historic Sampler Course (I am doing the Historic Sampler Course at Thistle Threads, so I plan to design and then create a sampler unique to me).

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December 12, 2023 · 4:28 pm

Finished my Alex’s Blanket

Alex’s Blanket

I finished my version of Alex’s blanket last night. There are a few errors, but I pushed on rather than ripping back.

Here’s the first mention of the blanket -I started in August, so I was reasonably quick with this one.

Next up, I am going to knit a swatch for my Nutcracker socks – and while I am waiting for Christmas Eve/Day I will work on my cashmere socks.

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December 10, 2023 · 3:05 pm

Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar from Kate Davies Designs

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.

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November 19, 2023 · 10:28 am

Blanket Progress

Alex’s 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!

Sock yarn pile of shame

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).

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November 4, 2023 · 2:37 pm

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.

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October 15, 2023 · 2:03 pm

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.

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October 4, 2023 · 4:22 pm

Davaar – Kate Davies and Tom Barr

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.

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September 26, 2023 · 2:00 pm

Patty Lyon’s Knitting Bag Of Tricks

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.

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September 24, 2023 · 4:58 pm

Alex’s Blanket Progress

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

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August 3, 2023 · 2:39 pm

Finished Socks

DK Weight Socks are finished

I finished my socks. They’re plain socks – top down, with a heel flap.

The yarn is from Yarns by the Bay (DK Muddy Waters – 100 grams, 85% SW Fine Merino and 15% Nylon).

I have now started a new blanket;

Alex’s Blanket

I bought the kit from Crossways Wool and Fabric – the kit comes with everything you need (you even get to choose wood or metal needles – I went metal).

I have started twice, but I think I have the hang of it now. It should make good TV knitting. I am just starting to re-watch Little Dorrit (from 2008). I have even read the novel (Little Dorrit)

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