Darkest Knits

Books, Lovely Books

2011-08-20T18:44:00.015+01:00

I've bought so many lovely knitting books over the last few years but I have to admit to not really making much from them. I tend to just use them as reference books, pulling a book here and there to read and then putting it back on the shelf.

The other day I was feeling totally uninspired, staring at some dark blue sock yarn wondering what the heck I could make with it. I started two or three patterns, didn't like any of them, frogged it and stuck it back amongst my other yarn where it still sits.

So, I thought...what now? I needed to do something simple but challenging enough to renew my interest so out came my books and after a flick through, I ended up with this one.

Right, I had never made toe up socks (there was the challenging part) and I had some Kaffe Fasset Design Line yarn which could be knitted up in stocking stitch to show off the beautiful colours (there was the simple part).

The result was these...

I was very pleased with them and delighted I had actually made something from the book. I even made them matching!

Mmmm, I like this idea I thought so when I met my friend's three year old grandson who happened to mention he loved snails, I ran home, grabbed this

and made this

I would say, that if you are like me, with a lovely collection of patterns which are actually in books, have a look through and try making something from them...you may be pleasantly surprised!

Talking of being pleasantly surprised, look what else I have done! I joined a Dishcloth-Design-Along on Ravelry a little while ago where a very kind lady gave a tutorial on how to design a cloth - I thought it was too much fun not to give it a go.

I amazed myself by actually designing and writing up a pattern for this! Enchanted Mushroom Dishcloth

if you would like an Enchanted Mushroom of your own here is the link for my free pattern Enchanted Mushroom Dishcloth

I'll leave you with my second design which I have completed but have not yet written up

and another which I am still playing around with

STOP PRESS!

I completely forgot to show you my finished Norweigian Scarf!

This was a real labour of love but worth every frogged stitch =)

What's in an Egg?

2011-02-20T16:40:00.019Z

Shall we take a peep and see?

Here it comes...

and here it is!

Great, great pattern from Mochimochiland and made for the Reception Classes at School for their next topic - "What's in an Egg?".

I am going to try but cannot promise, to make a couple more for them to play with...if time allows...

and from chicks in eggs to the first of two scarves I have to show you.

This is my "Willow" Scarf - pattern from VikkiH on Ravelry Willow Scarf - a truly beautiful scarf. As I am not a confident lace knitter (as I am sure you will remember) this took a lot of effort and concentration on my part - not because of the pattern I hasten to add which, if you are interested, is only £1.50 - a real bargain for such a beautiful scarf.

When it was finished and blocked, my Mum - who does not knit lace at all - promptly declared how much she loved it and I did what any good daughter would do and gave it to her; which leaves me to knit another for myself, in a darker colour...fingers crossed it is kinder to me this time =)

My second scarf is definitely for me and this one has been frogged more times than I care to mention! Actually, I will be honest with you dear peeps...it's four and the pattern can be found here Norwegian Snowflake Scarf

I have to stress, this is my first attempt at a large area of stranded/fairisle knitting. I knitted it in the round like the pattern said, on dpn's but although I loved how it was turning out, the stitches not lining up at the end/beginning of the round (jogs?) really annoyed me so I frogged it and tried again thinking it was me. Alas, it was not me and it was just the way it went...so I frogged again. Mmmmm, I thought, I really, really want this scarf but what should I try next? In an inspired moment I tried to knit it flat but you guessed it, the edges curled and the scarf was half it's cast on width.

Sooo after thinking and frogging again, I knit a black stitch at the beginning and end of each panel so the side has a black "seam"(?) running up the edges.

It may not be the most perfect scarf in the world (I think I said that about my Lady Eleanor too) but I am going to wear this proudly next winter!

I leave you with a sneaky peek!

PS...see those great big marker pins at the bottom of my scarf? I bought them from HobbyCraft a couple of weeks ago...they are knitter's pins and are fantasic!

Pictures...

2011-01-16T19:14:00.015Z

Hello there! May I wish you all a belated happy and healthy New Year. With Christmas being over and life back to normal, I now have time again to tend to my blog...here are a few pictures to start the year...

Firstly, the Advent Calendars for my children. I have to say, they were a big hit and very gratefully received! They had them numberless this year and have asked if I would sew numbers on them for next year. Blue felt ones on the cream set for my dear daughter and cream ones embroidered onto the blue for my son. As you can see, I have made a start!

Next I have a Christmas mitten ornament for my friend using the same pattern as the Advent Mitts...

and a bauble using a snowflake chart by Erssie Knits which is one of my first attempts at fairisle!

My lovely scarf was knitted with Katia Ondas. Started Christmas Day, finished Boxing Day. Its soooo soft and light and very, very pretty. Interesting to knit with - its like stretchy netting!

and finally I leave you with a Jean Greenhowe Little Darlings doll for school. They need little dolls in uniform to pop around the displays showing pupils' work...sweet huh?

I must also tell you that my beautiful Lace Advent Scarf was sent to the frog pond. It ended up sooo narrow and long that I knew it was not meant to be. I will however, be casting it on again further on in the year making it as wide as the pattern intended ;~)

Hello...I am still here

2010-12-12T19:03:00.011Z

I have not abandoned my blog yet again =)

I'm trying really hard to post once a week but the last three weeks have been so busy! I know I owe you a picture of my advent surprise but try as I might, I just cannot take a good one - it's long and not easy to photograph! I will perservere though as I think it's worth sharing.

Also, the little friend I was going to introduce you to still only has three legs so you will have to wait a little longer to meet him as he is a bit wonky when he stands up ;~)

I can show you a couple of projects that I have been working on though. I made a couple of bake free Christmas puddings the week before last - one for a swap and one for me!

It's a great pattern from Simply Knitting Irresistible Gifts.

I have also joined a KAL on Ravelry for a Lace Knitters Advent Scarf 2010 - the pattern can be found here Unikatissima's Blog

The designer releases a section of the pattern each day from 1st - 24th December and all being well on Christmas Day the group will have a completed scarf ready for blocking!

I was really dubious about joining this as although I manage to knit lace, it is not without a lot of trial and error. That being said, the sections in this pattern are very easy to complete. I think lace is finally starting to "click" with me and the thought of that delights me as I would love to be able to knit lace without frogging every other row!

How Much?

2010-11-21T17:47:00.006Z

My daughter wanted a beret and has been looking in the shops. "How much?" says I, "I could make one for that...just look on Ravelry there are hundreds of patterns! Failing that my dear child, you could make one yourself."

So she took my advice, joined Ravelry, looked, dug out some acrylic yarn from my cupboard and cast on. She completed five inches of moss stitch (on size 8mm needles, superchunky yarn) and then realised it should have been knit in a round. I didn't have a circular needle big enough to finish it on so I tried to finish it flat. Unfortunately, the shaping went all out of control and she ended up with a beret with a rather peculiar point on the top!

We went back to the drawing board, frogged what she had done and I ended up casting on a completely different beret.

I started and finished said beret in one evening using a pattern that does exactly what it says "on the tin". It is a speedy cabled beret and it has made my daughter very, very happy!

Speedy Cabled Beret

(My Christmas suprise is nearly finished and ready for the end of month! Yay, go me! I also have a very sweet little friend to share with you...when I have completed his fourth leg!)...

Mittens for Teapots?

2010-11-06T13:25:00.010Z

Yes, I have finished it and I love it! Every well dressed teapot should have one.

Pattern - Tea-Mitten

In the summer, a long time ago, when all the leaves on the trees were green, I made a Clapotis using Noro Silk Garden. I tried lots of different patterns to show the colours in the yarn the best way I could and I think this shows the changes in them beautifully.

It's a very Autumnal leafy coloured scarf and I adore it.

Here's a question for you now. What have pom-poms and left over sock yarn got in common?

Scarves of course! I was out for a wander in town this afternoon when this scarf jumped out at me as I walked past Accessorize. I pulled my daughter and Mum into the shop to have a good look at it and see how it was made. After taking mental notes, we left Accessorize knowing what my next big project was going to be...now has anyone got an empty cereal box and a compass by any chance?

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T14:32:00.013Z

My parcel has been received by my partner and opened! I can now show you the knitted bits (I didn't take photos of the sweeties and bubbles I sent along too). The pattern for the oh so sweet bat and pumpkin can be found here Knitables along with so many more patterns I would love to knit!

This is the parcel that I received...

Isn't the cross stitched coaster adorable? Much too good to hide away all year me thinks!

On to other things...my teapot mitten is coming along. I got stuck on row 9 last night but after re-reading the pattern and frogging more times than I care to remember, I am now well on my way...

Interesting isn't it?

I have another surprise brewing for the end of the month and am knitting it as fast as I can...you will have to wait to find out what that one is I'm afraid x

Sssh...

2010-10-25T20:14:00.007+01:00

I want to tell you what I have been making this week but I can't as it's a surprise for my swap partner on the Phoenix Forum - this time for Halloween.

I do have pictures which I promise to share when she has received her parcel and unwrapped it!

This week, I may cast on for a tea cosy! I recently bought a teapot as I was really jealous of all the tea cosies that had been knitted and swapped on the forum. I have just found a lovely free pattern for one on Ravelry which I can't wait to start. It never ceases to amaze me how many freebies there are over there and how generous the designers are to share them =)

Turkish Delight...Yum

2010-10-17T19:25:00.011+01:00

Do you like my mittens? Do you? I do! The yarn was sent to me by a member of the Phoenix Forum who lives in Turkey.

On the forum, we took part in a "Bugs and Flowers" swap and alas, I have to say, my little bug flew away to who knows where and she, along with my parcel just got lost.

My partner very kindly offered to resend everything but as it was a small swap we agreed to put it down to experience and leave it at that - or so I thought...you see I did not realise how naughty this lady could be! Not too long ago, when I least expected it, some yarn arrived by way of compensation! These loverly, Turkish Delight Mittens are the result!

I give you...

2010-01-25T22:51:00.003Z

Colin! On Sunday night, my dear daughter asked if I could knit a toy for her friend's birthday...this looked like a quick, easy pattern from the Let's Knit website.

He will be on his way to his new home tomorrow where I hope he will be loved.

Goodbye, Colin!

I did it!

2010-01-24T15:26:00.008Z

Before Christmas, I was involved in a snowflake swap over on the Phoenix Forum. I could not crochet one so knit my swap partner a snowflake dishcloth. However, when I saw the gorgeous crochet snowflakes that had been falling through the post, I knew I had to make one...so...here is, probably, my third attempt. It's not perfect but hey ho, I will keep practising! The pattern was beautifully simple to follow and can be found on Attic 24's blog.

Turning to still snowy matters,fed up with being cooped up the weekend before last, my daughter and I walked the twenty-five minute walk through the snow and slush to my LYS to buy some yarn to make my husband a football scarf. Here is the finished item...he says its lovely and warm!

I leave you with a couple of new books I have...Socks from the Toe Up because I have never tried to knit socks this way and Odd Bod Bunch - a selection of toys which, having never wanted to grow up, I can totally relate to =)

How Long?

2010-01-10T19:45:00.009Z

I can't believe I have not posted on here since April!

Last year I was always moaning that as a family we were so busy, we used to run out of time. Within the last five days it snowed so heavily schools had to shut and my DH was stopped going out to work. We have not used the car as it was too icy to move it. As we have not had to rush to work or school, we have taken the time to just chill. It has been a fabulous start to the New Year. We have walked more together as a family and have spent time with the children in the park watching them sledge down the hill. We were frozen to the bone by time we got home but I would not have missed their faces for the world. I have, therefore, come to the conclusion that I do have time. I have sixty seconds every minute, sixty minutes every hour, twenty four hours every day, seven days every week - you get the picture! Time doesn't change. It ticks along at its own steady pace. It's my life that changes. I do have time...it's what I do with it that is the problem...

Talking of time, here are a couple of little friends that have been enjoying the snow - both are free patterns on Ravelry and both take no time at all to make ;)

Great Giveaway!

2009-04-26T10:03:00.003+01:00

Pop over here for an amazing giveaway! Go on, you know you want to!

Munrano Silver

Fallen Angels...read on!

2009-02-20T18:53:00.004Z

Due to the determination of two very special ladies from the old AY Forum, we now have a new home to go to!

Phoenix Knitters

They are hoping all the old AY Forum users will find there way there...and of course there is a big welcome waiting for anyone just wishing to pop over and say hi!

See you there!

Goodbye Angel Yarns...

2009-02-18T17:54:00.003Z

T'would appear that Angel Yarns Forum has ceased to exist...it is a very sad day indeed.

Some finished bits...

2009-02-17T20:01:00.009Z

I joined the "Finish it or Frog it" on Angel Yarns the other day...so, may I present, at last, a few finished items!

Robin's Egg Blue Hat and Ruffles Scarf for my dear daughter made lovingly with a pair of mitts to match her hat. Aaah I hear you say, how lovely! Alas it is with deep sadness that all is not "aah" as one week later, the darling child, who begged and pleaded with me to make her a set, lost a mitten! I know, I know, what is a Mum to do?

To redeem herself tho' she has been busy finishing too -

Sirdar Bigga Bag made on a Sunday afternoon. I helped with the sewing and plaiting of handles, a job my daughter has not yet mastered! She, however knitted the bag.

Web of Wool Simple Bag pattern - again, I just finished it off, she did most of the knitting! We bought some gorgeous orangey pink glass beads from the Creative Stitch Show in Brighton last weekend...30 beads for £1.50! Utter bargain!

Finally, my first ever handspun yarn! A long time in the making. I was able to spin the roving having mastered the basics of my drop spindle but was terrified of plying the two lots together! I finally tried last week and I think I was pretty sucessful! What do you think?

I was thrilled to have spun enough to knit up into a pair of fingerless mitts for me! (There are two, I promise and no, I won't lose one!)

My Lady Eleanor would have been complete within the next couple of days. She would have, if I had not spotted one the rectangles was facing the wrong way! It took me all afternoon and the best part of last night to rip it back. Tapestry yarn is not very forgiving when you go wrong! She will be done very shortly...

Hidden Treasures!

2009-01-04T20:34:00.008Z

I was clearing out the loft yesterday and found something that brought more than a tear to my eye. My Mum, as you know, is a very talented lady in the art of knitting and crochet. My Dad was also a very creative man.

I found this young lady in a black bag thrown into the back of the roof above. Who is she I hear you ask...well I shall tell you. She started life around twenty five years or so ago (when I was fifteen years old or thereabouts - maybe younger) printed on a piece of material. She was, lovingly, cut out and stitched together, by me, using my late Grandmother's hand operated Singer sewing machine. She was then brought to life by a bag of kapok stuffing and dressed.

I remember it was my Dad who set up the sewing machine and who helped me complete this project. It is my Dad I shed a silent tear for now looking at her. It is this young lady I will re-stuff and bathe and who will now have a life in the light and will not return to the dark depths from which she has just been rescued...she will be another reminder how lucky I am to have and have had such loving, talented parents...thank you both.

(Captain Spaulding looks on...)

I also found these which I made for my daughter when she was three or four years old. She will be thireen in February...Santa, minus a cuff as my Mum pointed out...

and Cinders who is a bit topsy turvy and a bit worn and bobbly around the edges...

Take a square...

2009-01-02T18:49:00.003Z

and make a bunny!

Hoppy New Year to you all...and to you Dad, wherever you may be watching from...love you!

Round and round we go!

2008-12-27T17:42:00.007Z

My friend and colleague is having a baby in January...my Mother attends crochet classes and was pondering her next project...mmmm what could she do...

The pattern is from here Creative Crochet - thanks Kay! xx

Monkey Business

2008-12-14T19:58:00.002Z

Meet my little chimpanzee...

Just hanging around...

2008-11-30T19:23:00.007Z

Halloween is one of my favourite times of year...I love all things spooky

Boo here, however, does not fit this bill and spends her time night or day just hanging around the house with us all...I'm sure she does not know she is a bat and she is supposed to be fast asleep in someone's belfry!

Oh well...moving on...Christmas! Two or three weeks ago a colleague asked if I could make her Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus for her class at school and of course I could not say "no"...

Edited to add these figures have been travelling home with different Year 1/2 pupils since the beginning of Advent to remind them of the journey Mary and Joseph undertook to reach Bethlehem...

O Christmas Tree...

2008-09-29T20:02:00.007+01:00

These were going to be pressies for my dear Daughter's friends...then she changed her mind and I am now making mini bags instead...

Here is a link to the pattern in case you would like to save our trees this Christmas and knit your own (albeit very small ones!) you will need to be a Ravelry user for this

Sshh!

2008-09-27T20:42:00.007+01:00

It's a sleeping bunny!

She was a fairly quick knit, I started her last evening, finishing her around midnight...as you can see, it was so late when I completed her, she went straight to sleep!

Monkeying Around

2008-09-10T20:40:00.008+01:00

A friend bought a kit to knit a monkey. She thought she and her daughter could make him together. She looked at the pattern booklet, closed it and monkey stayed in the box! After six weeks of waiting for the holiday to finish, she came back to work and asked if I would breathe life into him. How could I resist?

Here he is in his hat and scarf ready for winter. I am sure he will be happy in his new home...who knows, as he was so well behaved when he stayed with me, I may just have to knit him a friend...

The Lady E is only half finished but I am hoping to be wearing her for the Winter. I must confess, I was side tracked just a little with a spinning kit over the summer holidays. I bought a spindle and roving from e-Bay and got myself twisting the days away glued to You Tube trying to figure out how the ladies made the spindle look so easy! I can definitely "drop" it but not in the way I should...(Photos to follow!)

Summer with a Lady

2008-08-04T19:38:00.005+01:00

I was given the book Scarf Style for Christmas. I was given six skeins/balls of Rowan Tapestry for Christmas. I had no intention of making the Lady 'til now!

She is cast on and will be here for the summer. She is a pleasure to do, very calming and theraputic. There is something wonderful about working on each small but important section and seeing how the colours work out overall.

I am truly fascinated with the Lady.

She is holey round the edges and some may say she is a little dark and not as pretty as some but hey, we can't all be perfect. She is definitely a favourite of mine :D

Short...but very sweet!

2008-07-20T21:04:00.006+01:00

At last I have taken a piccie of the bolero I made for my dear daughter. I am hopeless at taking pictures with an accurate colour...I may need to invest in a new camera! I have a big yellow button to sew on at the front and I will put a popper under it so she can pop and unpop!

"Oh My Darling Clementine!"

2008-07-14T16:38:00.003+01:00

Am making great progress with this Shawlette. The pattern is charted and very easy to follow. I love this!

Can't wait 'til its finished and blocked.

I am no lace expert but I think this would be a great starter for a beginner who wanted to try charted lace. Let me know if anyone has a go!

Happy Bunny!

2008-06-24T20:34:00.006+01:00

Have finally sewn a face on my bunny who is now a happy one! I really enjoyed this style of crochet and will definitely work more of it in the future.

I have also frogged my Forest Canopy as I felt the yarn could use a more "holey" pattern.

After much deliberation and Ravelry searching, I cast on for the "Clementine Shawlette". I was wary of the fact that the instructions were charted and not written but am pleased to say it is a dream to follow! I can definitely see me making more of these shawlettes for the winter - my next one will be black, of course!

I have also finished a summer bolero for my DD in the lemon yarn I bought earlier. I changed my mind about which pattern to make with it. I did start a cardigan but yes, I'm afraid to say, I frogged that too as it was just too boring to knit! I know the end result would have been extremely pretty (fan and feather) but I was losing the will to live!

It was a simple pattern but each row was written out. By time I got to row 90+ I was boss eyed!

(Piccies of both to follow!)

I seem to have been unpicking things more than knitting them lately. I definitely lost my knitting mojo for a while, due to feeling under the weather and fed up with life in general - which is why I thought I'd make my little creatures to cheer me up!

I hope if you are feeling the same way and life is getting you down, that my little friends will at least make you smile!

The Circus is in Town...

2008-06-02T20:15:00.004+01:00

Well, one of them! Here is the "Strong Man" by Alan Dart from Simply Knitting magazine. I was going to send him to my brother who is a body builder but have decided to keep him instead! Shhh...don't tell him!

He is just waiting for his weights which, now I finally have straws, will be given to him soon...

Bunny!

2008-05-17T13:04:00.004+01:00

I'm afraid I've stalled on the knitting front lately! Shame on me! However, I have tried to make an Amigurumi Bunny...

He wasn't as difficult as I thought he would be and he was great fun to do. Obviously he is not finished yet just his arms and face to do!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-04-28T20:13:00.000+01:00

Yep, another year has crept up on me!

I had all these lovely things from my family

I know to some the yarn may look plain but it's what I asked for! I want to do some patterned socks and I prefer using a solid colour.

The green will become these Nutkin Socks which I have fallen in love with. Their name, along with the colour they have been knitted in, reminds me of squirrels, acorns and little woodland creatures...make of that what you will!

One sock down...one to go...

2008-04-26T19:10:00.000+01:00

Okay...at long last I have finished my first Bayerische sock.

It's not been an easy one to knit and I have had to undo it a lot of times - through my own fault and not that of the pattern!

I now have to do it all again - surely it won't be so hard the second time - will it?

Shingle Surfing!

2008-04-13T18:56:00.000+01:00

We have spent the weekend re-doing our garden with one of DH's friend's help!

Two tonnes of shingle was deposited outside our house on Friday afternoon and DH and I spent 2.5 - 3 hours shovelling it into a barrow and lugging it through our terraced house!

However, the children created a new sport that we like to call Shingle Surfing!

I have taken before and after pictures which I will post later.
Consequently, I have done little knitting over the last couple of days...my shoulders have been aching too much!

Fan and Feather..

2008-04-09T08:26:00.000+01:00

Progress on DD's cardy...I have to say, this is a very, very, easy quick knit but not very exciting to do! However, DD is happy with it so that's all that matters in the end isn't it!

Another WIP

2008-04-05T17:15:00.000+01:00

Bought this today to make DD a little lacey cardy. She is now getting fussy! Didn't like the pattern I bought, not a deep enough "V" and too many buttons...so she found this one instead. The yarn is a lemony colour - apologies the colour doesn't show up too well - it really is a very pretty yellow - will try to a better pic once it's on the needles.

Sock Knitting

2008-03-28T16:49:00.000Z

Finished my Lombard Street socks and am really pleased with them.

Promised Mum I would make her some socks so whilst we were at the Brighton Show and in the "Web of Wool" stand, she chose the yarn to make these:

Its Fortissima Sock Wool with Bamboo, its lovely to work with and as it knits up, has a slight sheen to it.

I have also cast on for these (not a brilliant picture I'm afraid!) I had some beige sock yarn in my stash and wanted a pattern that would stand out against the colour...

Bayerische Socks. It is not a difficult pattern to follow...just fiddly! Unfortunately, I can't concentrate on them when my dear children are up as they insist on talking to me (I know they have a cheek don't they? :-) So, I figured I would run a project alongside so I could listen and nod in all the right places without having to concentrate too much on what I was doing. Hence, this!

Yep! Forest Canopy #2! However, this time I am following the chart instead of the written row by row instructions and it is so much easier! I finally figured, if I could read music, I could read a chart!

I have to admit, I cannot put this down...so...my Bayerische is waiting to be picked up again this weekend :-)

Finally, before I go, let me share with you the prize I received from Simply Knitting all the way from Australia...

Its enough yarn to knit a teapot cosy, the pattern for which was kindly supplied. I do not own a teapot so am now wondering what else I can do with this gorgeous yarn! Possibly mittens?

Big Knitting and Socks...

2008-02-23T09:27:00.000Z

I need more socks. I have made one pair and I am wearing them to death. This is my first Lombard Street Sock. The pattern is a joy to knit and perfect to follow. I cast on for Jaywalkers to start with but alas, the pattern in the yarn was not strong enough to do the socks justice. (Is this an excuse to buy more yarn?) The foot in the picture belongs to my 12 year old daughter, I asked her to model my sock thinking it would be too big...guess what - it fitted! No 2 is well on its way (no second sock syndrome here).

However, altho' I am desperate to finish them, I couldn't resist casting on with these! I bought them at the Brighton Stitch Show last weekend from a lady called Rachel Johns who makes the most beautiful rugs and throws. She crafts all the needles herself and I knew I would regret it if I didn't buy a pair. My children think its great fun and keep pestering for a go! My 9 year old son has used his hand to give a sense of size. I'm using some acrylic that has been in my basket forever, three balls grey, one ball black to knit a rectangle which I will wear sideways as a wrap!

Central Park Hoodie!

2008-01-30T19:52:00.000Z

I have nearly finished this! Am just a few rows away from casting off the second front band. I've decided not to put buttons on it and will see if it needs a zip or whether to leave it open to its own devices.

I have loved knitting this...just hope it fits!

My Mum has lived in her house since 1968. She and Dad moved in on the 28th January which means she has been in her house for forty years.

I was ten months old when they moved in. Do the maths if you wish to know how old I am! ;-).

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T18:25:00.001Z

Happy New Year to you all! I hope 2008 brings health and happiness...

Dad, it is with deep sadness and disbelief that we will be starting yet another year without you. You are never forgotten, always missed and remembered each day. Dad, we will love you always and you will be forever be in our hearts...

1939 - 2004

Dad xxx
Originally uploaded by darkestknits

Where has the time gone?

2007-12-29T19:24:00.000Z

Gosh, cannot believe I haven't posted since November 9th! Where has the time gone...

I did finished my Christmas knits in time but unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures!

Shawl for MIL - there is a piccie of this one...
Sweater for FIL
Dishcloths for teachers at school
Mini Christmas bags for DD

DD came home the day before she broke up and said she wished she had presents for her friends! We ran out to search the shops and ended up with some some chocolate coins which I then knitted little red bags with white fur tops and crocheted drawstrings for her to put them in ... you know the sort don't you? They went down very well apparently!

I was very lucky this year and had loads of knitting bits for Christmas from hubby, mum and MIL & FIL. Hubby and I saved hard all year allowing us to spoil each other as well as the kids! (Pictures to follow which will also include the gorgeous white filet crochet top mum made for DD!)

With the panic of Christmas over, I am concentrating on one thing at a time and am starting with my Central Park Hoodie which I began quite a while ago.

I had done the sleeves and was up the armhole on the back when, unfortunately, I had to frog everything as it didn't look big enough. I have cast on again and completed the ribbing - it looks a much better size now!

Mitt Swap

2007-11-09T19:27:00.000Z

Here are the mitts which I received in the swap.

Aren't they lovely? These have come all the way from Ireland - notice Seamus the Sheep making an appearance!

The bamboo needles are from Flordia and I shall especially enjoy using these as I'm afraid I tend to use old metal needles or plastic ones. Shameful eh?

Finally, the chocolate. Please take my word for it - Irish Chocolate is absolutely scrumptious!

I'm Itt!

2007-11-03T21:57:00.000Z

Sorry about the title! Couldn't come up with anything else...hope you all understand it!

The recipient of my mitts (on the Angel Yarns Forum) received them today so I can post pictures! I used Town & Country 4 ply sock wool and am so impressed with how easy it was to match the stripes. I had enough yarn over to make a sock keyring! The pattern was from Knitting in No Time by Melody Griffiths, is the first thing I have knitted from the book and the first time I have tried using dpns to make mitts or gloves. I really do prefer using this method rather straight needles and I think this will become a favourite pattern of mine!

The little sock pattern is from here and I love it, just scroll down!

http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/free_knitting_patterns/

It's just an Illusion!

2007-11-01T20:52:00.000Z

My bargain buy, for scarves for Christmas pressies. Sirdar Illusion - I have two balls of each colour.

This is a really pretty yarn. Going to use garter stitch on large needles...not decided what size yet...probably 9mm or 10mm.

Shawl stopped at the moment as I need an 8mm circular needle! Can't get any more stitches on my straights! Doh...

I've also had Raverly invite. See you there!

Quick and Easy

2007-10-29T06:20:00.000Z

Back to work today after a great week off with hubby and dear children...never mind, it's my favourite few weeks of the year now...the countdown 'til Christmas!

Cast on for this last night - its a quick triangular shawl for MIL for Christmas. She isn't one for "posh yarn" - she needs everything to be washing machine friendly! I'm using one 400g ball of Stylecraft yarn which, actually, she gave me to use up and am just going to keep going until it runs out! Decided to use 8mm needles and am quite happy so far.

Thanks Mum!

2007-10-27T13:35:00.000+01:00

Patterns can be bought from here http://www.creativecrochet.co.uk/

I wanted to share some of my Mum's work with you. It is because of her that I have my passion for knitting - and crochet which I am still learning.

She has been attending crochet class for the last couple of years to brush up on her skills and to try out something new. It was also a life line when we lost my dear Dad, something to give her back an interest, to keep her busy and give her contact with "the outside world".

I have been to class with her when I've been on holiday and so has my daughter. She is eleven and has been learning to knit for a couple of years. However, crochet is her first love. She has completed a couple of scarves, a fabby crochet backpack and is currently awaiting me to buy some handles for her latest knitted bag!

I am glad I am able to pass these skills down to her...it has taught her patience and co-ordination and has encouraged her creative side. She wears her items with pride!

Getting Started!

2007-10-21T17:39:00.000+01:00

Hi,

Decided at 2am this morning I would join the blogging world!

I was up finishing the first mitt of a pair for the fingerless mitt swap I'm taking part in on the Angel Yarns forum ( sorry I can't say much more than that yet!) and I was thinking how much inspiration I have had since joining the forum and from reading peoples' blogs.

I am now no longer content just to knit jumpers, cardigans and plain scarves! I have now tried sock, dishcloth and lace knitting all with the encouragment of people on the forum and now have an endless "to do" list!

It just shows...you are never too old to learn!