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 29, 2023 · 4:55 pm

Free Standing Lace

Free Standing Lace – the stars (snowflakes) on the left and the book marks on the right are from Designs by Juju and the stars in the middle are from Urban Threads

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)

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November 20, 2023 · 11:38 am

Christmas Decorations

Free Standing Lace Star from Urban Threads (Design UT21424)

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.

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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 17, 2023 · 6:28 pm

Dame Nature du Printemps Update

It’s a bit weird because of my magnifier

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).

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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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