February 25, 2013 · 2:27 pm

Pineapple Block

Sewwitty's Pineapple Block

Sewwitty’s Pineapple Block

I have been working away on the Pineapple block – this is the 7th iteration.

It didn’t stitch out perfectly (so there will be an 8th version) I had to do a couple of dodgy things, but I am happy with the final result. I just need to change the order of a few bits and add a few bits.

This time around I used Embird Studio’s hide/show feature and it made things a lot clearer – much easier to keep track of things.

I’ve also moved my embroidery sewing machine to a better spot – I am much more likely to use it now, such a simple thing.

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February 14, 2013 · 11:32 am

Colours of Shetland – Kate Davies

Colours of Shetland - Kate Davies

Colours of Shetland – Kate Davies

This is a beautiful book – the paper is lovely and the photography spectacular.

It is divided into five sections – with an essay and two designs per section – plus there is a technique section at the end.

I found the essays interesting – Kate’s writing is very evocative there is a strong sense of place.

These are the designs I’m coveting …

Stevenson Sweater

Stevenson Sweater

This is my absolute favourite …

Ursula Carigan

Ursula Cardigan

Kate says this is probably the most difficult design in the book, but could be attempted by a confident beginner. As much as I love it, I think it is beyond me at this stage.

and finally …

Northmavine Hoody

Northmavine Hoody

This one is all about the colours.

This is a lovely book and I think most knitters would love it – even ones like me who just admire the pictures!

There is a code so you can download the e book (when it is available).

More …

Kate’s blog

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February 11, 2013 · 4:54 pm

Two at a Time

Two at a time toe up socks

Two at a time toe up socks

I have started two toe up socks at the same time – just little sample ones.

So far so good – it easier than I expected although I suspect a complicated pattern might require more thought. It should mean that both socks are exactly the same, no more trying to remember how many rounds the leg or foot was.

I am following the instructions in this book – now that I have got going I’m not sure I needed a book, but perhaps I would never have started without the book.

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February 9, 2013 · 2:46 pm

First Finished Item 2013

Socks are Finished

Socks are Finished

I finished my socks.

The toes are a bit pointy and I could have made the leg a bit longer, but they’re finished and they’re not saggy!

Next up a swatches for my craftsy class.

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February 7, 2013 · 2:12 pm

This and That

Pineapple Quilt Block in Progress

Pineapple Quilt Block in Progress

The Pineapple quilt block has proven to be quite difficult, but I think I have a plan of action sorted. The above is a work in progress.

My Heavy Metal knitting needles arrived today – very keen to get started on the next pair of socks. I ordered the needles in late December and I knew they would be shipped late January, so I’m impressed they have arrived so soon.

I found more Misti Alpaca yarn – this one (in Confetti) – at my local store. I also have this one, my stash is becoming a but unmanageable.

I’ve joined this course and watched the introduction and now I need to get ready to knit the practice swatches. I need more hours in the day.

I’m tempted to buy The Principles of Knitting as a Kindle book – lighter (have you seen the size of this thing) and an instant download.

 

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February 4, 2013 · 12:38 pm

Socking

Second Sock Progress

Second Sock Progress

School went back today! Both girls are happy with their classes, so it should be a smooth start to the year.

It was lovely to go grocery shopping on my own!

As you can see from the image, the second sock is progressing. I am hoping to get the foot finished today, but time is rushing by and I have a new student starting today (in my real life I am a maths tutor), so I doubt I will get onto it.

I do like the magic loop method and will stick with it in future, but I am very keen to learn how to knit two socks at once. I have this book and I am determined to give it a go with my next pair of socks.

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January 31, 2013 · 8:33 am

Sock Progress

Second Sock

Second Sock

I thought it was time I got on with the second sock!

The knitting is quite handy because I can do it anywhere – at the pool, waiting for the girls to finish their craft sessions (today they’re making a Superhero at our local library), standing in yet another queue somewhere.

I’m very keen to get this sock finished, so I can start on this yarn. I have a stitch pattern in mind – Eyelet Mock Cable Ribbing (it is from the latest Sockupied magazine). I’ve set myself a schedule – today I need to finish the leg. I don’t have a lot of time at the moment, it’s school holidays, or more correctly I seem to be wasting what time I have.

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January 26, 2013 · 11:52 am

Pineapple Quilt Block

Pineapple Block being digitised

Pineapple Block being digitised

I’ve started work on the Pineapple Block and it has proven to be a little bit tricky, but on the plus side I’ve learnt a few things about Embird.

This little magic tool

Transformation Tool in Embird Studio

Transformation Tool in Embird Studio

allows you to specify the length and width (exactly) of objects – no more using the grid to create the right size.

And you can use Guide Lines to split objects that is how I chopped the top off the outer most triangles.

Using Guide Lines

Using Guide Lines

That way I just created one triangle and copy, pasted and rotated as required – much more accurate.

My one concern is the non-straight seams and how easy they will be to stitch and flip.

Is this going to be too tricky?

Is this going to be too tricky?

I have another design in mind that only has straight seams it might  be worth changing now before I have committed too much time.

On a completely different note, it is Australia Day and my pavlova is cooling in the oven. I think I am prepared.

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January 22, 2013 · 4:24 pm

Courthouse Steps Mark 2

Second Version of Courthouse Steps

Second Version of Courthouse Steps

I think this is better than the last one – it came together quickly, which is handy in the school holidays!

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January 18, 2013 · 11:31 am

Courthouse Steps Quilt Block

Courthouse Steps Version 1

Courthouse Steps Version 1

This is the first attempt at the Courthouse Steps block. One of the seams isn’t quite right and I think I can fit another step in on the flowery steps.

It came together easily, so easily I might try a Pineapple Quilt Block next (like one of the ones below) …

Pineapple Quilt Block from quilting.about.com

Pineapple Quilt Block from quilting.about.com

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