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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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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Dame Nature Du Printemps

Dame Nature Du Temps from Jardin Privé

Any stitching time that I have had, I have been working on my Spring piece from Jardin Privé. To feel less over-whelmed I am being a monogamous stitcher. Progress is very slow. Yesterday I think I achieved 10 stitches (after I had to unpick).

I bought the kit as well as the pattern.

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Filed under Canvas Work, Cross Stitch, Cross Stitch, Embroidery

Dame Nature Du Printemps Cross Stitch

Printemps from Jardin Privé

I have been working solely on this project (Dame Nature Du Printemps). I bought the kit with 32 count linen.

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Introduction to Jacobean Crewel Work is Finished

I finally finished my RSN crewel work piece. My pomegranate is poor, but I am happy with the rest of it. Given how much I love knitting, I thought I would enjoy working with wool, but I didn’t enjoy the process. I like how it looks, but my yarn (a dodgy batch?) was a bit scraggly.

The course itself was fabulous; great videos that you can watch over and over again. The kit is great and contains everything you need (except a hoop and scissors).

I am contemplating the black work class, but the puffin doesn’t really appeal to me. However, it’s about the learning rather than the end product.

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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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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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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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Machine Embroidery – Blackwork

My plan is to cover a wooden box with embroidery – something like this one. Because I don’t know how well this is going to go, I am doing my first attempt with machine embroidery (the above took 35 minutes).

I am using a design from Embroidery Library. I am stitching on linen using sewing machine thread and a cutaway medium weight stabiliser.

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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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Filed under Knitting, Sock Knitting, Yarn Stash