Woodbine Cowl Project

Hi Everyone 

The Woodbine Cowl is my new name for the crochet cowl I started a few weeks ago. Read about my original crochet idea here. Sadly, the crochet version didn’t quite work out. I managed to crochet the pattern beautifully, a first for me re a completed crochet garment ! However, the characteristics of the yarn didn’t quite work with the lace pattern. I made the yarn myself, so this is a very special project. The crochet shell pattern was totally lost because of the mohair and fluffy yarn, all the pattern spaces were filled and the finished cowl was a bit stiff to wear. I knew I wouldn’t wear my cowl so it was back to the drawing board.

                

My next plan was to keep some of the crochet lines especially the shell patterns and knit a looser more pliable stocking stitch, in between. This was better but still didn’t work. The resulting cowl didn’t lie flat and there was still no drape at all. Generally, uncomfortable to wear.

My solution is to abandon the crochet idea and knit a lace panel design from my Woodbine Sweater design. You can see and read about my Woodbine Sweater by Fiona Alice here. The sweater has been very successful and my plan was to wear the cowl with the Woodbine Sweater, so all is well ! I’m hopeful I can knit the cowl quite quickly and wear both together over the next few weeks. I’ll knit a lace panel and join with a three needle bind off. I’ll take photos to share here on the blog.

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back on Monday with more Making stories. Have a great weekend.

Silver Samples

Hi Everyone 

Today’s Silver Sample is a trio of Sterling Silver bangles. I’ve got a silver beaded (3 memade beads)bangle, a semi precious drop charm version and a plain silver bangle. The bangles could be worn together or separately for a different look.

                

I would like to develop more ideas around silver beads and charms. I’m definitely not finished with the bangles. These particular bangles are made with 2mm silver wire. I wanted a rather delicate bangle for myself (to be worn by itself) and felt 2mm would work well. I have a broad hand and generally these sort of bangles don’t go anywhere near fitting my hand. I’ve never been able to buy such a bangle and have thought I’d like one for some time. So, this design is all about me ! Having found the correct fitting (I’m calling it L size), I’ll develop a few more bangles probably using 3or 4 mm wire. I’ll share the new bangles over the next few months. I’d like to add some little bezel cups on the bangles with a few stones embedded into the cups. I may also try out gem setting onto the bangle itself. There are lots of possibilities.

Thanks for calling in today.

New Nuuk

Hi Everyone 

My new Nuuk is almost ready to wear, just a few ‘ends’ to sew in !

              

I posted the story behind this Knit recently, you can read all about it here. As I’ve said many times, the Nuuk sweater is my favourite sweater pattern and there will be more.

There’s not much more to say about this version. As a summary, I’ve knitted it a size larger than I measure and I’ve shortened the body (as I always do with all sweaters). I also keep with the same needles size for the sleeve, bottom and neck rib. I like the loose rib rather than tightening and defining  the ribbed sections. I love it and will wear it often.

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back tomorrow with another amazing story.

Christmas Angels

Hi Everyone 

I spent a lovely day Making Christmas Angels on Saturday, here is a few images of my Angel.  

Here he is :

                

This wonderful workshop was run by Liz Reed. Liz runs workshops across the North East of England, you can find examples of her work here. Everything about the Workshop (on Saturday) was lovely and a thoroughly good way to properly start my Christmas. I’ve been preparing and making lists etc for a few weeks but the workshop definitely started my festive celebrations.

I’ve made the little Driftwood people before but the Angel is a new addition to the workshops that Liz runs. It’s a strange thing but although the Driftwood Folk are very simple in design, just a knitted dress/tunic with a driftwood stick for a head and usually some form of head gear; each character is unique. All the Angel's on the day of the workshop were similar but each one, distinctive. It’s the ‘heads’ that start to form the character. 

My Angel is called Bert. I’ve called him (yes, the Angel is definitely a he) Bert because he reminds me of a bloke standing at a bar drinking a pint ! It’s to do with his chunky head, hands in his pockets and a slight ‘leaning forward’ stance. There was no interference from me, he just suggested all his characteristics himself.

Amazingly, somehow the driftwood heads choose themselves. I knitted the tunic and tried a few different heads from a box Liz provides at the workshop. The head I chose was the second head from a selection of about six or seven heads. Somehow, I just knew the head was right.

I love my Angel. My plan is to add a few beads to the tunic,wings and crown, just to make him a little more festive. I’m not totally how he will turn out but I’m hoping he will end up on our Christmas tree in a few days.

Check out the other Christmas Angels made by our workshop group, on the day - here.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend, I’ll be back on Monday with more Making stories.

Advent Knit Progress

Hi Everyone 

It’s time to share progress with my Advent Knit Project. Today, is Day 16 and my socks are racing to completion. Unfortunately, I have quite a few little packets left ! I think, the issue is that I’ve added too much yarn to each of the bags. I was aware that I was being slightly generous when I prepared the daily yarn bag, only very slightly (in my head). However, the result seems to be - too much yarn when all the yarn is added together !

                    

All is well, the socks are lovely. I think the colours work very well together and I’ve got a few ideas of how I can extend the knit and use the little balls for embellishing the socks. 

Today’s colour is yellow and I’m excited to add this to the second sock (I’m calling the second sock the shortest to date). I’ve just tried my first sock on my foot and I’m ready for the toe part - very exciting. The whole project to has been lovely, I’ve really enjoyed the whole thing.

Thanks for calling in today.