Category Archives: Knitting

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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July 29, 2023 · 3:30 pm

DK weight socks

Knitting and watching the Yarn Harlot (the cat is visiting too)

I have been working on DK (8 ply) weight socks. The yarn is from Yarns by the Bay (DK Muddy Waters – 100 grams, 85% SW Fine Merino and 15% Nylon).

The socks are knitting up quickly – I only need 40 stitches rather than the usual 64. Plus each round is ‘taller’ so I don’t need as many rounds.

It might turn out that they are too bulky for day to day wear, but it was worth experimenting.

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July 17, 2023 · 4:49 pm

Mosaic Knitting Workshop

Mosaic Knitting

I went to a workshop at Calico and Ivy on Mosaic knitting, run by Pru Raymond. It was a lovely afternoon.

I didn’t finish my washcloth in the class it took a couple of TV knitting sessions.

The yarn is Finch 10ply Cotton, my colours are Mulberry and Ballet. It makes a lovely, squishy fabric.

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July 13, 2023 · 6:04 pm

Socks are Finished

I finished my version of the Duke Who Gives it All Up socks, which is part of the Golden Honey Sock club.

I used Elsie Gray’s Signature Hand Dyed Range – in colour Just Joey. I used my usual 2.25mm knit pro zing circulars.

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June 23, 2023 · 3:44 pm

New Knitting Project – Scout Shawl

Scout Shawl by Florence Spurling (image from the pattern)

Now that the blanket knitting marathon is over I am going to start a new project. I bought the kit for this shawl a few years ago (so long ago I can’t remember where I go it – I think it was from here and I have kit 1).

My colours for the shawl

I wound them into balls a couple of days ago and now I am ready to start knitting.

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