Hand Knitted Things

Living Room or Bedroom

2012-01-19T08:13:00.004Z

A recently completed floor rug was adapted from Hand Knitted Things crochet cushion cover pattern called - Starburst. Opting not to do the colour changes and stay with one shade, a larger hook and chunky yarn made for a more substantial fabric. This cotton rug needed blocking to achieve the shape. I'm not sure now where to put this rug, in the living room, use under the spinning wheel or in the bedroom...

Original Hand Knitted Things Crochet Design

Living room or bedroom rug...

Sun and Moon

2012-01-17T13:19:00.007Z

The last few days have had a cold and frosty start with skies clear. Have been making the most of this before the rain comes back later this week! The view from the front door yesterday about 8.15am - over to the left the sun rising and over to the right the moon just about to fade.

Shade Card

2012-01-16T05:50:00.008Z

Shades for Spindrift and double knitting yarn range from Jamiesons of Shetland. After attempting to choose from over 220 shades in this gorgeous range via a computer screen, a shade card was ordered. It's a work of art in itself and well worth seeing the samples to select the colours. They range from rainbow shades though to natural. All grown, dyed and spun in the Shetlands Isles.

Checkerboard Cushion Cover Featured

2012-01-13T08:21:00.003Z

The Checkerboard Cushion Cover knitting pattern by Hand Knitted Things was featured in this weeks Craftsy news. The pattern is available as a free PDF click here.

New Arrivals

2012-01-12T04:57:00.003Z

We have some new arrivals on the croft...for more photos see my other blog 'one point one hectares' here.

Mini Red Roof Croft House

2012-01-04T09:04:00.007Z

The Mini Red Roof Croft House knitting pattern is now available to purchase. For more details about the pattern click here.

Hand Knitted Things patterns are available for purchase as instant downloads via the pattern page on my blog. Patterns are also available for instant download through the knitting website Ravelry. Payment is through paypal. You do not need to have a paypal account.

Patterns are also available to purchase through my online shops, Etsy (US $) and Folksy (GB £). Patterns are sent to you via email within 24 hours of payment. Discounts are available for multiple purchases of three and five patterns. Payment is through paypal. You do not need a paypal account.

Please email mail@handknittedthings.co.uk for after sales pattern support.

Inside and Outside

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000Z

We've been busy outside over the New Year 'holiday' in the wind, rain and snow. There have not been many opportunities for taking the camera outside. Due to circumstances and work commitments we decided winter would be a good time to start our field fencing (more about what this is for soon!)

The light is fading here in north west Scotland at around 4pm so time to retreat inside, get cleaned up and settle down to some knitting. Various projects are nearing completion and some about to start...

Knitting wool arrived in the post last week from Jamieson's of Shetland for a new project.

Socks on the needles soon to be finished...

Logs for the fire...

Spending as much time as possible sat in front of this...

Time for tea and cake...

Cake made using this recipe I blogged about here, leaving out the lemon for this and adding dried cranberries and sultanas. It was an experiment which turned out well... Need to do more work outside in the wind and rain to burn off the calories!

To do list 2012

2012-01-02T07:14:00.004Z

The start of a new year is a good time to review the past year and plan for the next. Making a list of things to do is a start in the right direction to achieving some goals (even if I don't achieve all of them every day).

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T16:23:00.000Z

A Happy New Year 2012 from Hand Knitted Things! And to a new year of knitting!

Counting Sheep Mobile Free Download

2011-12-20T08:42:00.003Z

This Hand Knitted Things pattern and instructions is now available to download for free.
download now

First Snow

2011-12-18T15:12:00.007Z

This winter scene is a favourite of mine from a hand felted original wall art piece by Aileen Clarke. She shares my interest in the traditional architecture of Scottish rural houses. Aileen has reproduced her original felt work as a series of art cards with Croft Houses as the main feature. Here's three in a row from the series...

The cards are available in sets or individually from Aileen's on line shop here.

Aileen works from her cottage studio in rural Perthshire, Scotland. Read more about her work here.

Winner

2011-12-17T11:35:00.003Z

Thank you so much to everyone who entered my recent giveaway and for all the lovely comments to the question...What do you like most about winter?

The winner is...


lemonade kitty said...: I could live in that little croft house given half the chance!! The thing I love about winter is an afternoon walk in freshly fallen crunchy snow playing snowballs with the grandchildren, then coming home to a bowl of steaming soup and hot chocolate with marshmallows then as dusk falls I light lots of candles and we all curl up on the settee and watch a movie. Congratulatioons on your 3rd anniversary and please put my name in the hat to win your lovely "croft cottage", Lucey x

Lucey, congratulations, please contact me with your postal details and I'll post your little house to you asap.

Thank you!

Julia

Mini Red Roof Croft House Giveaway

2011-12-12T09:20:00.006Z

(This is just for the knitted house not including the accessories).

To Celebrate...

...The Third Birthday of...

Hand Knitted Things.

Hand Knitted Things is giving away this mini knitted house shown here used as a pincushion.

To enter this giveaway leave a comment to this question...

What do you like most about winter?

The giveaway closes on December 16 at 5 p.m. PST. The winner will be randomly chosen and be notified by email on Sunday December 18. This giveaway is open to international entries.

Knitters Christmas Wish List

2011-11-30T17:50:00.004Z

Hand Painted Yarn from Shunklies

What every knitter wants...yarn...bags...notions...books...cards...needles...
Just a few lovely knitting finds.

Hand Dyed Yarn from Shunklies

Peppermint Babushka Knitting Needles from Sail On Baby

Sheep Knitting Bag from Slipped Stitch Studios

Sheep Knitting Needle Gauge from Girl on the Rocks.

The Knitters Tool Tin by Sarah Wilson

Heirloom Knitting Shetland Hap Shawls by Sharon Miller.

Coastal Knits book by Alana Dakos and Hannah Fettig

Knitting theme cards by Julie Nelson Rhodes at Tilly Flop Designs

Before and After

2011-11-18T12:19:00.007Z

After only a few weeks of wear and a couple of washes these hand knit socks have pilled all around the ankles and do not look their best. Made in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino which is very soft and comfortable. However, using this yarn for a pair of hiking socks is taking it's toll. A few weeks ago I purchased one of those gadgets for 'strimming' off the dreaded pills. I have never owned one of these before so was slightly sceptical about it's claims to transform knitwear to it's former self. I use it now all the time. Here's the after effect on the socks (with the careful aid of scissors on the worst areas).....

My only criticism is with the fluff compartment. It is prone to coming loose and distributing it's contents at just the wrong moment. Rather than return the item for another with probably the same issue, the tape bandage has been introduced and problem solved. This one came from a well know website more famous for selling books - but seems to sell just about anything now.

Red Roof House

2011-11-05T20:23:00.004Z

Looking out across a loch in Scotland surrounded by mountains there's a little red roof croft house. Soon available as a knitting pattern from Hand Knitted Things - due to be published November 2011. Click here to see more pictures on Flickr.

Winter 2011 ~ UK Handmade 3rd Birthday Issue!

2011-11-03T07:01:00.002Z

Winter 2011 ~ UK Handmade 3rd Birthday Issue!, originally uploaded by Sakura Jewellery / Anna Stassen.

Weekend Cable Beret

2011-10-30T11:02:00.006Z

The latest pattern to be added to the Hand Knitted Things range. This flattering style suits most face shapes. The beret knits up quickly in chunky weight yarn. The headband is knitted first to fit. The stitches are picked up from along the edge to make the crown and then knitted in the round on double pointed needles.

$3.80

Yarn Suggestions
Louisa Harding Millais 50g x2 balls
Sirdar Click Chunky 50g 2 balls.
Debbie Bliss Luxury Donegal Tweed Aran 50g x3 balls. Hold two strands together to obtain gauge.
Debbie Bliss Rialto Chunky 50g x2 balls

You will need
x5 6.5 mm (US 10) double pointed knitting needles (dpn’s)
x1 cable needle (or spare double point needle)
Blunt tapestry needle for sewing/weaving in ends.

Size
To fit womens head circumference 19 - 23 inches (48 cm – 58 cm).

The pattern prints out over 6 pages including instructions for the cable stitch.

Garter Stitch Demin Shawl Free Download

2011-10-16T12:17:00.002+01:00

This Hand Knitted Things pattern is available as a free pdf download. Click here to go to my pattern section website.

Cranberry Kisses Tweed Reversible Cushion Cover

2011-09-29T11:37:00.009+01:00

The latest addition to Hand Knitted Things PDF pattern collection. Cranberry Kisses is a reversible tweed cushion cover with crochet details. Follow the link for more pattern details. Click here.

A Day Out Walking

2011-09-22T08:56:00.008+01:00

Available from the end of this week a new knitting pattern from Hand Knitted Things for matching hat, fingerless gloves and socks. These two tone outdoor essentials use British Sheep Breeds Wool with a vibrant colour contrast yarn. The socks are design with the pattern showing over the top of walking boots and smooth lower down for comfort. The hat has a striking cross stitch detail and the gloves keep your hands warm but fingers free to do up those laces.

More pattern details click here.

Celebrate Wool

2011-09-05T21:22:00.001+01:00

National Wool Week 5-11th September 2011

Long Days of Light

2011-08-07T08:03:00.003+01:00

Some sunny yellow flowers from the field outside.

Have been enjoying the very long hours of daylight and particularly good weather this summer here on the west coast of Scotland. The picture below was taken at 10pm on the evening of 20th June when the sun was still setting and casting light on the hillside opposite. Although it's still light at that time, now in early August, it's not enough to see for reading and knitting.

I've been working on various knitting and crochet projects including this one which will be my next pattern release. More about that in another post hopefully in the near future.

The long awaited 'Fleece and Fibre Source Book' has arrived by post. I'm still perusing this weighty publication and will share more about it soon, just to say it has been worth the wait.

Meanwhile Janet from Colorado USA sent me this great picture of her customised knitted kitty she made using Hand Knitted Things Cats pattern.

There's at last been some produce from the garden - perpetual spinach has been prolific. It goes very well with bacon and mozzarella on homemade pizza.

The courgettes are also starting to develop, the cold start didn't help these at all.

Lots of left over ends of yarn about 9 metres in length in various colours were used up to make this circular crochet scarf. The rows are alternate single and double crochet.

And finally I'm going to spend some time learning to using a spinning wheel. This lovely piece of machinery has been very kindly loaned to me for as long as I want to use it. So when the evenings start drawing in this will help keep me occupied.

Lemon Drizzle Cake

2011-05-29T22:47:00.005+01:00

Found this easy straight forward recipe here while looking for mixtures for 2lb loaf tins.

Note added 30/ 5/ 2011. Here's a link to a conversion chart for grams into ounces, hope this helps converting from the metric into imperial. Click here.

Ingredients

225g softened butter
225g Castor sugar
4 eggs
225g self raising flour
finely grated zest 1 lemon

For the topping
85g Castor sugar
juice of 1 and a half lemons

Method

Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Beat together the butter and sugar until pale and creamy, then add the eggs, one at a time, slowly mixing through. Sift in the flour, then add the lemon zest and mix until well combined. Line a loaf tin (8 x 21cm) with greaseproof paper, then spoon in the mixture and level the top with a spoon.
Bake for 45-50 mins until a thin skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. While the cake is cooling in its tin, mix together the lemon juice and sugar to make the drizzle. Prick the warm cake all over with a skewer or fork, then pour over the drizzle - the juice will sink in and the sugar will form a lovely, crisp topping. Leave in the tin until completely cool, then remove and serve. Will keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Hand Spun Cheviot Wool Blanket

2011-05-24T16:16:00.012+01:00

After quite a long break from doing any spinning I pulled this project out of it's hibernation bag for another go at finishing. There's just over 1kg of cheviot wool roving for this blanket. It's intended to be uneven in texture and so far approximately 130 grams is producing about 124m of hand spun knitting yarn. I'm knitting as the yarn is produced and just about keeping ahead of myself using the drop spindle. There are 145 stitches on the size 7 mm circular needles (not using in the round) and the pattern is a combination of moss stitch with rows of knit stitch with extra wraps to make the open texture and hopefully gain extra length more quickly.

Red Black and White Mosaic

2011-05-23T17:04:00.001+01:00

1. red, white, and blue, 2. Private !!!, 3. Black & White Living Room, 4. Black - White - Red, 5. Black & White... & Red, 6. Black, white and red, 7. What's black & white & red all over?, 8. black & white, 9. Black & White & Red Wallhanging

Welsh Derw Wool Blanket

2011-05-19T07:44:00.005+01:00

A charity shop 'find' about a year ago, I was attracted to the geometric design. This lovely welsh wool blanket was washed and then put into storage because I couldn't decide what to do with it. There are a few blemishes - stains and a couple of holes ( which are not obvious in the picture) so my plan was to re-purpose this for smaller items using the best areas and cut away the marks and defects. It's reversible with the green colour more prominent on one side and the cream more on the other. I'm guessing this dates from the late seventies or more probably the early eighties. Any ideas what to do with it?

Random images

2011-05-18T17:11:00.011+01:00

...from around home today.

Turquoise Grey and Raspberry Colour Scheme

2011-05-07T10:40:00.010+01:00

A small crochet garland (started back in April here ) is finished and now decorates the bedroom wall in the cabin. The motif's are a combination of circles and squares turned on edge. For the circles I used this pattern from Attic 24 as the base and for the squares I used 'Willow' from Jan Eaton's book 200 crochet blocks but omitted the final two rounds. I used a mixture of cotton and wool yarns as follows;

Turquoise = Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino #340031
Grey = Kon Tiki Cotton DK slate #1456
White /cream = Kon Tiki Ivory Cream #1443

Inspiration for the colour scheme came from this lovely print by textile designer Louise Broomhead.

Embroidered bed linen from a well know Swedish furniture shop.

The small framed linen textile prints were from Summersville.

The curtains were recycled and shortened from a pair from our previous house.

My crochet Granny Square throw just about covers the bed - details about this here.

Summer Issue UK Handmade Magazine

2011-05-02T18:29:00.004+01:00

Just a quick post to mention this latest magazine issue. Click on the picture to view the Summer 2011 edition. Included are lots of features and an article about social media and creativity by Anna Stassen pages 36-37 with reference to the Creature Round Robin which Hand Knitted Things participated in last year and mentioned in more detail here.

Keeping Busy

2011-05-02T09:09:00.002+01:00

Been busy over at 'one point one hectares'......click here to see.

Eggs Mosaic

2011-04-21T08:18:00.003+01:00

1. easter bunnies, 2. El tiempo vuela..., 3. Building Blocks Fabric Easter Eggs, 4. Shadowed Eggs, 5. three dozen, 6. easter basket, 7. Prepared for easter, 8. Our Easter eggs, 9. Easter eggs

Hope you are all enjoying the lovely weather here in the UK. I'll be taking a short blog break for a few weeks. Have a lovely weekend!

Curtains, Crochet and A Craft Project

2011-04-16T10:49:00.006+01:00

Not much blogging recently. We've been very busy up in Scotland with some building work and alterations to the temporary accommodation on the croft. The weather was wet and windy for most of the time. Not good for roofing or taking photos! However, I have had some time to work on a few projects. The new curtains for the living room / dining area at the above are almost done (four sets in this creamy white and charcoal cotton stripy ticking). Very annoyed when I realised I'd cut the last pair too short to turn up the hem allowance ( less speed more haste). Now in the process of adding a strip of fabric to make a false hem. Also in progress is a new knitting pattern / craft project which I'm designing for a charity - more about this when completed, hopefully in the next few weeks. And lastly a bit of crochet for relaxation - a little home decor project for up north, again more pictures and detail when finished. Have a great weekend!

Spring Cleaning

2011-03-24T16:24:00.004Z

1. pegs, 2. stay clean!, 3. Clothes Pegs , Dolly Pegs and the Gypsy's Curse !, 4. Broom boogie, 5. Pretty cleaning!, 6. Blame it on a best friend., 7. laundry..., 8. IMG_4391, 9. Peg Bag

Need to do some spring cleaning and tidy up after months of knitting and not much housework...could be some time.

Ritva Crochet Cover

2011-03-14T07:52:00.014Z

A plain white Ikea cushion pad called Ritva covered with red and white crochet granny squares.

To make this I used;

King Cole Bamboo Cotton #539 Claret

Stylecraft Kon Tiki Cotton in off white which I had in stock for a while (I think Kon Tiki may be discontinued now and a range called Craft Cotton introduced).

4mm hook for the squares

6mm for the cord with two strands held together

x3 12mm glass buttons

There are 26 small squares.
The two larger squares have18 rounds using double crochet.
The squares are joined using crochet slip stitch.
For the envelope style closer I made some extra rows in single crochet to help tension and reduce the gap before sewing on the buttons.
The crochet cord ties added on the back to fasten to the chair (the original cushionVelcro fasteners have been removed).

If you would like more detailed instructions, let me know via comments, I'll see if I can put something together as a pdf download and add to this post at a later date.

Thank you.

Enjoy!

Spring Fever

2011-03-09T15:06:00.009Z

Earlier this week I picked up a copy of Garden News - last read this 20 years ago when Mr HK 's grandfather would pass the paper on to us. Well, I must have spring fever, I signed up to the special offer of 11 packs of Kitchen Garden seeds for £2.99 and the subscription for a year to the paper. Due to life getting in the way of 'growing' things it's been sometime since I bought seeds and plants. This year we have a small raised bed prepared for growing herbs and salads. This prompted a trip to the garden centre where first early potatoes 'Rocket' and shallots 'Red Sun' were purchased along with some salad crop seeds. The propagator has been dusted off and the free packet of beetroots seeds which came with the paper need planting...

Beetroot seeds

Work in Progress

2011-03-09T07:00:00.003Z

Small red and white cotton crochet squares.

Stacked Coin Quilt - III

2011-03-08T11:24:00.009Z

Progress has been made on the 'stacked coin' quilt which came out of hibernation a few weeks ago (last mentioned almost a year ago here). After much deliberation we decided on a paisley pattern to 'fill' in between the patchwork sections (originally these were going to be plain cream). Despite appearances it's still not finished. The next stage is to add wadding, backing fabric and then actual quilting and binding. My mother has done ALL the sewing on this! It's a king size and now all the sections are joined together it has become a bit of a giant 'thing' to deal with. We've decided to have the quilting part done locally by Hannah's Room on their Gammill quilting machine which they imported from the USA. I spent the morning tidying up the loose threads on the back and trimming seam allowances, however, I couldn't resist trying it on the bed before we take it to the quilter.

Bits and Pieces

2011-03-08T07:19:00.008Z

This is the minimum number of bits of equipment that I carry around in a snap close purse while travelling from place to place for the purpose of knitting and crochet projects;

Scissors - two pairs because I always seem to lose / misplace them easily.

Needle size gauge - useful for crochet hooks too - this one has US sizes on the back and doubles as a short ruler.

Crochet hooks - size 4mm and 4.5 mm - they are the sizes I most often use for crochet projects just at the moment - also useful for 'catching' dropped loops on my knitting.

Tapestry needles - in a few sizes, the largest is size 16 for rugs - useful for weaving in ends of chunky wool and sewing seams on knitting projects.

Cable needle - this is a size 4.5 mm ( I lost my larger one and need to replace it).

Tape measure - this one is from a Christmas Cracker and is more compact, fitting into the purse much better than my other purpose bought tape.

Stitch counters - in two sizes.

one point one hectares

2011-03-06T20:13:00.005Z

'One point one hectares' is the name of a new blog where I hope to keep a record of activity on our croft in Scotland. You are welcome to drop by to see what we're doing... click here.

Freehand stitches

2011-02-24T16:39:00.004Z

Words from Tam o' Shanter, Robert Burns

Pleasures are like poppies spread,
You sieze the flower, its bloom is shed;
Or like the snow falls in the river,
A moment white then melts for ever;
Or like the borealis race,
That flit ere you can point their place;
Or like the rainbow's lovely form
Evanishing amid the storm

Irish Donegal Tweed Beret

2011-02-23T16:24:00.005Z

Golden yellow added to the shop

Diary Cover

2011-02-22T14:26:00.009Z

Somehow Mr HK has acquired a plain black diary the same as mine along with an A5 black note book. Quite confusing when three black books all alike are left lying around in the same house. My previous 2010 diary had a makeover with pretty fabric which I rather liked and could spot quite easily in a pile of other 'stuff'. However, I made the error of gluing the fabric to the diary - probably in an attempt to save time. Diary 2011 now has a sewn slip cover, if I manage to obtain a similar size diary for 2012, I could use the cover again. (Assuming I don't become tired of the pattern.) The fabric scraps are Amy Butler, cypress paisley / blush.

Cast on...

2011-02-22T11:40:00.005Z

Some sunshine in the form of Debbie Bliss Luxury Donegal Tweed Aran.

Books

2011-02-21T10:01:00.018Z

A birthday and Christmas has passed since I last mentioned a book on this blog. Here are three books from the shelves (and one from my wish list, a forthcoming publication due out in May 2011).

British Sheep & Wool
A guide to British sheep breeds and their unique wool
British Wool Marketing Board

This is a beautiful reference book for anyone interested in wool fibre. The sections are arranged according to wool type with over 60 British breeds described, details include, handle, colour, fleece weight, staple length, micron range. I'm undecided as to which sheep breed to have on the croft. Very much drawn to the Shetland and the Cheviot for their wool qualities. Need to do some more research.

In the Loop - Knitting Now
Jessica Hemmings
Black Dog Publishing

Very arty and in depth book. A collection of essays with lovely photography profiling some of the 'edgy' knitters and crafts people on the knitting scene. Definitely not a knitting pattern book.

200 Crochet Blocks
Jan Eaton
Interweave Press

Eye candy for the crocheter. Clear photos and ideas for colour combining. I browse through this with intentions of starting yet another project frequently...

The Fleece and Fibre Source Book
Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius
Available May 2011

Looking forward to seeing this in print...click on the picture to a link for some advance page views from this book.

Hats

2011-02-21T09:01:00.005Z

More specifically berets - added to the shop.

Mass produced

2011-02-20T14:03:00.022Z

Over the weekend bird house production commenced. It does indeed look like we have plans to open a small shop. There are nine boxes - three of each type, for different bird species, all of which we have sighted at the croft and where we'll be locating the boxes in the near future. Some useful information is available here on the RSPB site for making and siting bird boxes. Much as I would like to 'customise ' these with colour, we'll be keeping them untreated to blend into the trees and weather naturally.

25mm holes for blue and coal tits
30mm holes for great tits
100mm high opening fronts for robins and wrens

Cutting and assembly sketch ( Mr Hand Knitted )
Click on picture to enlarge or click here for PDF download

Houses for Robins and Wrens

Houses for Blue, Coal and Great Tits

Knitted Cats

2011-02-19T07:57:00.009Z

First appearing in this post here and then here. The 'cat' has grown and multiplied. These three are the latest addition to Hand Knitted Things knitting pattern collection. For more detail about the pattern click here or vist my shop here.

Harry Potter Inspired Scarf

2011-02-18T09:01:00.007Z

Here are the scarf instructions as promised in my previous post.
If you would like to see and download this as a free PDF here's the link click here.

About

This stripy scarf is knitted flat with straight needles in stocking stitch and sewn along the side seams to make it double thickness. The colour changes are broad and narrow bands of stripes. Two tone fringing completes each end.

Size and gaugeApproximately 60 cm (24 inches long) x 17 cm (7 inches) wide. Gauge approx.8 stitches over 10 rows

Skills requiredCast on, cast off, knit, purl stitches. Sewn over stitch to join.

Materials

x3 100g balls Stylecraft Special Double Knit #1035 Burgundy – main colour

x1 100g ball Stylecraft Special Double Knit # # 1114 – contrast colour

Pair 8 mm (US 11) knitting needles

Blunt tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Instructions

Use two strands held together throughout. (When using a single ball of yarn find the ‘other end’ from the centre of the ball and pull evenly with the ‘outer’ strand to hold two strands together).

Using size 8 mm (US 11) needles cast on 40 stitches in main Burgundy colour holding the two strands together from separate balls of yarn.

Row 1 knit (right side).

Row 2 purl

Repeat rows 1 and 2. This is now referred to as stocking stitch.

Work total of 16 rows.

With right side facing join yellow contrast colour work two rows of stocking stitch.

With right side facing join main burgundy colour and work two rows of stocking stitch.

With right side facing join contrast yellow and work two rows of stocking stitch.

Right side facing work 15 rows of main colour. Right side facing – follow instructions 7-10 repeating stripe blocks 10 more times (or more as required – allow more yarn than specified above).

End with block of main colour right side facing and cast off.

The colour joins can be tidied off at the end by cutting knotting and weaving in.

Join the side edges together by sewing the sides to make a tube with the centre seam at the back of the scarf.

Make the fringe, a DVD case is a useful size for wrapping and measuring the yarn around. Loop the fringe through the front and back of the scarf edge and tie securely.

Trim the fringe to straighten any uneven threads.

New (Bird) House Ideas II

2011-02-17T08:27:00.002Z

Pretty but impractical.
from Marie Claire Idees ( knitting instructions in french)

New (Bird) House Ideas

2011-02-17T07:00:00.004Z

1. Bird Houses / 20071230.10D.46705 / SML, 2. Bird House, 3. bird house, 4. Old Mill Log & Stone Bird House , 5. Blue Mountain Chalet A-Frame Bird House, 6. Bird houses in a row, 7. Cold Bird House, 8. little red (bird)house, 9. Bird house at Natural Bridge, Virginia

New (Bird) House Ideas
With spring around the corner we are planning some new bird boxes for the garden. Had a surf through flickr for some inspiration and got slightly carried away. The red one, bottom centre, has been given approval (minus the red paint). Mr Hand Knitted will be making them - nothing elaborate is allowed!

Harry Potter Inspired

2011-02-16T07:50:00.001Z

Harry Potter Inspired

Recent commission for hat, scarf and gloves set. Am I the only person not to have read any Harry Potter? Had to Google 'Gryffindor' to find out who/what/it/they might be! The gloves are adapted from my existing cable hand warmer pattern, the beret pattern is still in scribbled note format and the scarf knitting instructions to follow soon...

Added 20.02.11 Scarf PDF download

Warning: Don't look if squeamish...

2011-02-16T07:30:00.001Z

Warning: Don't look if squeamish...
Nice and 'not so nice' fibre art postcards from my sister.

Dandelion Stool by K Design

Patricia Waller
Accidents: Crocodile

Patricia Waller
Rabbit 3

New Beginnings

2011-02-15T07:45:00.003Z

New Beginnings
There has been a distinct lack of posts over recent months due to being preoccupied with something other than knitting - a much thought about move up north. After many years of thinking about this venture into the unknown. Almost eight months in the bureaucratic process. Following numerous visits which began in spring of last year, the paperwork is at last completed and this little corner of Scottish heaven is ours. It's a few acres of croft land (an agricultural smallholding) with some temporary accommodation (until a permanent new house is built hopefully in the not too distant future). We are in the process of making plans for the spring when we can start with fencing, then possibly some sheep, tree planting and cultivating fruit and vegetables. Maybe there'll be some blog posts to follow about all of that and some knitting thrown in too.

The photos were taken in December 2010 looking out over the Loch during the coldest weather Scotland (and the UK) has experienced in decades.

Swedish Style Crochet Heart

2010-11-23T07:30:00.007Z

Swedish Style Crochet Heart

This sweet little crochet project was found on Penelope's lovely blog 'L is four Love' in her post here. You can find the link for the translated instructions from the Swedish via Penelope's post or click here to go to Yarn Around Hook. I used some left over Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in shade # 700 with a size 4mm crochet hook. This was just a trial of the pattern so I was quite glad to use the larger hook, I couldn't quite make the picot edge work so there's some improvisation going on there. It's about 12 cm (5 inches) excluding the hanging loop. Will give this pattern a try with a smaller hook next time to make it less floppy, or wash with some starch, the heart wants to keep folding over when hung on the wall in it's current format.

Indie Circular Scarf Instructions

2010-11-19T09:09:00.003Z

Indie Circular Scarf Instructions

To download free printable instructions click here PDF Instructions.

About
This chunky circular scarf is knitted in the round in ‘moss stitch’ giving a patterned woven texture. Very quick and easy to make with super bulky yarn and large circular needles. No loose ends to get tangled.

Size and gauge
Approximately 60 cm (24 inches long) x 17 cm (7 inches) wide . Gauge approx.8 stitches over 10 rows.

Skills required
Cast on, cast off, knit, purl stitches.

Materials
x3 50g balls Sirdar Indie #155 129m (141 yds)
10 mm (US 15) 60 cm long but no more than 100cm circular knitting needles
Blunt tapestry needle for weaving in ends, spare yarn for marker.

Instructions
o Cast on 95 stitches using size 10 mm (US 15) circular needles.

o Place maker, be sure to start with all stitches in line inside the ‘ring’ and not twisted –
see picture below.

o Knitting will be ‘joined in the round’ in ‘moss stitch’ (it is important to have the odd
number of stitches to make the moss stitch).

o Row 1: Knit 1, *purl 1, knit 1. Repeat from * to marker. Repeat this round 23 times.

o Cast off. Weave in all loose ends with blunt tapestry needle.

o TIP. Join new balls at or near the marker, this will be the centre back of the scarf and
will help keep all woven ends to this area.

http://www.handknittedthings.co.uk

Text and Graphics © Julia Marsh - Hand Knitted Things 2010
This pattern is for personal, non commercial use.
It may not be sold in full or in part, and products made using this pattern may not be sold.

Prairie Colour Mix

2010-11-18T10:39:00.004Z

Prairie Colour Mix

I'm testing this super chunky yarn from Sirdar called Indie. It's very light and lofty with a thin thread wound around the loosely spun fibres. It's a 51% wool and 49 % acrylic mix and very soft. The colours in this shade Prairie #155 range from aqua blue, taupe, brown and green. The recommended needle size is 12mm (US17) but I'm using size 10 mm circulars for a tighter fabric.

I'm using moss stitch here which seems to work okay with the colour sequences. More pictures to come soon of the finished item...

Shades of Grey Finished

2010-11-17T12:52:00.008Z

Shades of Grey Finished

Just finished this 'Shades of Grey' Holly Berry Shrug using Debbie Bliss's yarn 'Glen', mentioned in my previous post here. There are tonal changes throughout each ball of yarn from light to dark which, while attractive, needed some planning on the arm sections to avoid two different coloured sleeves.

Shades of Grey

2010-11-05T12:51:00.002Z

Shades of Grey

Debbie Bliss's new yarn range 'Glen' is a blend of 30% fine alpaca, 30% merino wool and 40% acrylic. This chunky weight yarn in shades of grey from light to dark is very soft to the touch. The texture is light and lofty with a slight twist and has an appearance similar to hand spun. I'm using shades #02 and #01 with the later being the darker grey. The recommended needles size is 6.5mm (US10.5). I'm using size 9mm ( US 13) in the picture for a more open texture. This yarn comes in 50g balls and is 90 m in length. More pictures when the knitting is completed...

Choose Any 3 Patterns

2010-11-03T19:51:00.004Z

Choose Any 3 Patterns
Just a quick plug for 'Hand Knitted Things' shop.

Choose any 3 of my PDF patterns for sale in £ or $ from the following websites,
£5.00GBP from Folksy or $8.00USD from Etsy .

Currently I have the following four knitting patterns and one crochet pattern choices,

~ Wide Awake Sleepy Owls ~ Knitting

~ Weekend Gloves ~ Knitting

~ Piano Gloves ~ Knitting

~ Holly Berry Shrug ~ Knitting

~ Starburst Cover ~ Crochet

Cold Feet

2010-11-02T06:39:00.005Z

Cold Feet
Found here and here.

Pottage and Crumble

2010-10-30T14:31:00.004+01:00

Pottage and Crumble...
are the interesting shade names for the green and red yarn from Louisa Harding's new range called 'Millais'. This cozy shrug is a new design from Hand Knitted Things - 'Holly Berry Shrug' knitting pattern details here.

Piano Gloves in Poppy Red

2010-10-27T16:20:00.005+01:00

Piano Gloves in Poppy Red
A new addition to the colour range in these feminine fingerless gloves here. Also available as a pdf knitting pattern here.

Campaign for Wool National Wool Week 11-17 Oct 2010

2010-10-10T19:53:00.006+01:00

1. Yarn, 2. ball of yarn, 3. Eye Candy, 4. It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air., 5. Emperor, 6. Green, 7. Wool, 8. Woolen Threads under the Sun, 9. rainbow wool

Click on the numbered items above to see the original source pictures from Flickr

National Wool Week 11-17 Oct 2010
This coming week 11-17th October 2010 sees the launch of the first ever National Wool Week. A number of events are planned including the stopping of traffic and grassing over of Savile Row. Sheep will be grazing in this London street (11th October) to promote the qualities of wool as a natural and sustainable fibre. More about Savile Row Field Day.

"The Campaign for Wool is a cross-industry initiative convened by HRH The Prince of Wales in January 2010. As a serious environmentalist, the Prince believes the natural, sustainable origin and highly technical structure of wool can offer fashion, interiors and the built environment many superior benefits. Choosing real wool - as the Prince understands - will also help to care for our planet.

The combined efforts of the leading wool organisations, industry associations and the textile industry across the world has created a campaign to promote the wonderful properties that wool offers to textiles and in doing so, help to support sheep farming as an industry and the textile community internationally." Taken from the Campaign for Wool website

Merino and Cashmere Cables and Colours

2010-10-10T08:07:00.010+01:00

Merino and Cashmere Cables and Colours

Just a quick mention of what's available in the shop at the moment... Recently added to the fingerless glove range, rich colours in a blend of soft merino wool and cashmere, they are Teal, Charcoal, Plum, Chocolate, and Chartreuse. Available to purchase ready made here or make for yourself using the knitting pattern available here.

Indian Summer Mosaic

2010-10-08T07:25:00.004+01:00

1. Cabane, 2. Dandelions look good, 3. Take a Break from everyday Life in Nature ... Vineyard Fall Colors - Landscape in Germany, 4. Forest flames, 5. vestige, 6. Faked indian summer, 7. All the leaves are brown, 8. Fall Afternoon, 9. Indian(a) Summer

Indian Summer
The trees are loosing leaves and changing colour. The mornings are cool and misty, the sun is low in the sky. We have a weekend forecast of fine warm weather.

Birch Tree Inspiration Mosaic

2010-10-05T06:08:00.002+01:00

1. Endless Grove, 2. Birch Bark Squares in the Sky, 3. Birch, 4. birch trees in chocolate, 5. The Birch Tree, 6. Birch Tree With Yellow Bird - Eco Felt Pillow, 7. Marimekko Fabric Panel, 8. little forest organic blanket by GreenThreadShop, 9. birch trees barcode

Birch Tree Inspiration Mosaic

There seems to be a lack of knitting blog posts around here lately, partly due to keeping busy with work knitting and partly due to lots going on in life in general. Hope to resume normal posting soon. In the meantime here are some images of my current favourite tree, the Birch...click on the links below the mosaic to see the original source pictures on flickr.

Coffee Time

2010-09-26T21:01:00.004+01:00

1. DSC_7322 In the confectionery, 2. Soy Chai Latte 54:365, 3. Latte and coffee cake, 4. For The Homie Adam, 5. Splash! [Explored #8], 6. A latté, 7. Caffé Latté, 8. Bang Fo' Yo' Buck!, 9. latte art mosaic at Vivace

Coffee Time

A Closer Look at Tweed

2010-09-22T20:48:00.003+01:00

1. Coin Purse, 2. Traditional Knitted Fish of the North Sea - Harris Tweed Fish, 3. Harris Tweediness, 4. Vest Swatch, 5. Tip of the Tweed Iceberg, 6. Hand loom warp sheet, 7. Harris Tweed, Isle of Harris, 8. Irish tweed, 9. Harris Tweediness

A Closer Look at Tweed
Have been knitting with lots of lovely vibrant colours of tweed yarn recently. Here's a selection of tweed in various forms from flickr favourites.

Plum and White Chocolate Tray Bake

2010-09-12T07:00:00.008+01:00

Plum and White Chocolate Tray Bake

Any recipe with white chocolate in the list of ingredients usually catches my eye. I thought I'd give this one a try, it's in the September 2010 edition of Country Homes and Interiors magazine.

75g butter
200g white chocolate
125g light muscavado sugar
3 medium eggs
175g self raising flour
250g ricotta cheese
65g castor sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
300g plums stoned and cut into wedges

1. Preheat the oven to 190 c/375 f/ gas 5. Grease and line the base and sides of a shallow baking tin measuring about 28cm x 20cm. Break the white chocolate into pieces and melt with the butter.

2. In a separate bowl, beat together the muscavado sugar, whole eggs and flour to make a paste. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture. Spread into the prepared tin.

3. Beat the ricotta with the castor sugar, egg yolk and vanilla extract and spoon over the top of the chocolate mixture . Use the end of a round bladed knife to lightly marble the two mixtures together. Bake for 20 minutes.

4. Scatter the plums over the top and bake for a further 25 minutes until set in the centre. Leave to cool in the tin before cutting cutting into squares and serving.

PDF Pattern Fingerless Gloves

2010-09-11T11:39:00.005+01:00

PDF Knitting Pattern Fingerless Gloves

My pattern is now available to purchase in US $ on Etsy here or in £ Stirling on Folksy here.

These cable fingerless gloves are knitted flat on straight needles and can be knitted over a weekend. Made in two sections and then sewn together. Make longer for arm warmers or keep short for hand warmers. The stitches used are knit and purl.

This pattern prints out over 10 pages including the instructions for the cable stitch.

You will need
x1 pair 6.5 mm needles
x1 cable needle ( or spare double point needle)
Blunt tapestry needle for sewing

Sizes
Hand Warmers
Fits small to medium women's hand
Size - 7" x 3.5" (18cm x 9cm)
Arm Warmers
Fit small to medium women's hand/arm
Size - approx.13" (33cm) long
Will fit approx. 7.5" (19 cm) circumference around knuckles.

Handmade Autumn Mosaic

2010-09-04T09:45:00.003+01:00

1. Dyed speilsau yarn, 2. Tea Towel Tour 5 for IamSusie, 3. Plaid Maple Leaf, 4. Autumn Leaves Pincushion, 5. Handmade Leaf Garland, 6. Autumn Scene - handmade punched oak leaves ~ 3 of 4 photos, 7. fall coasters, 8. Thanksgiving Cookies, 9. Closer

Handmade Autumn Mosaic
A few flickr favourites. Click on the numbered text to go to the source image on flickr.

Summer Garden Granny Squares - Slow Progress

2010-09-02T09:47:00.005+01:00

Summer Garden Granny Squares - Slow Progress

This project started a few months ago has been left lingering in a bag, due in part to having other project deadlines, but in part due to the mass of loose ends. A bit late for summer now...I think a strategy of little and often is needed to tackle this lot. The motif design is from Attic 24 .

UK Handmade Autumn 2010

2010-09-01T12:38:00.004+01:00

UK Handmade Autumn 2010
To browse through the latest lovely online edition - with Japanese theme - click here or on the picture above.

Knitting Wish List

2010-08-25T06:59:00.012+01:00

Knitting Wish List
Here are some lovely knitting projects that I would like to make as gifts (or maybe just keep for myself)...I even have the yarn ready to go on this first one called...

...Little Cherry Blossoms Bag... by Lilibeth's Garden. A knitted and felted bag with embroidery detail. The pdf pattern is available to purchase here. The yarn I have is Cascade Yarns 220 Heathers colour # 9460 Dune Heather which is suggested in the pattern.

Next on the wish list to make are these...

French Press Felted Slippers by Melynda Bernardi. The pattern is available through her blog blogfrenchpressknits

And last but not least...
...Freyja by Ragga. A classic Icelandic woollen yoke sweater and is available to download free. The yarn kit is available to purchase from their site here.

Berry, Pumpkin and Lime Felted Storage Baskets

2010-08-23T09:46:00.009+01:00

Berry, Pumpkin and Lime Felted Storage Baskets

Hand crochet and felted in 100% wool. Useful storage baskets with carry handles in a range of vibrant colours for keeping pegs, knitting, crochet, sewing and all sorts together. Available to buy here.

Picot Edge Cast Off

2010-08-15T11:18:00.016+01:00

Picot Edge Cast Off
This knitted edging makes a pretty finish for a feminine look.

1. To start - knit 2 stitches, pass first stitch over second stitch, as you would for a cast off stitch.
2. Pass the stitch from the right hand needle back over to the left hand needle.
3. Make two stitches onto the left hand needle by making backward loops.
4. Cast off four stitches.
Repeat instructions, 2, 3, 4 as required.

Ready to begin picot cast off edge.

1. Knit 2 stitches, pass first stitch over second stitch, as you would for a cast off stitch.

2. Pass the stitch from the right hand needle back over to the left hand needle.

3. Make two stitches onto the left hand needle by making backward loops.

Picture shows first stitch passed back onto left needle with the two new stitches made by backward loops.

4. Cast off four stitches

Continue instructions 2, 3, 4 as required.

Enjoy!

Red Around The Home Mosaic

2010-08-10T07:31:00.004+01:00

1. my country kitchen, 2. plates in display, 3. Olivier's big boy room, 4. corners of my home :: sitting room, 5. Clean playhouse, 6. vintage apron, 7. Constance Classic Caravan Interior, 8. Morning Sun on my Dresser, 9. Crocheted shelf edging

Red Around The Home Mosaic

Posts here have been a bit thin on the ground lately, lots of unfinished projects are being worked on and new ones planned. Here are some flickr favourites - inspiration for a new project.

Starburst Poppy Red

2010-08-03T11:02:00.006+01:00

Starburst Poppy Red
The latest edition to the colour range in the Starburst pattern is this vibrant red with a taupe contrast edging.

Cedar Leaf Shawlette Finished

2010-08-02T20:34:00.005+01:00

Cedar Leaf Shawlette Finished

I managed to finish this project during a holiday last week to a very rainy Scotland. Details of the pattern and yarn are here in my blog post back in May. Have enjoyed making this shawlette although there are a lot of leaf repeats, which at one point never seemed to be making progress towards the end.

Olive and Latte Starburst

2010-07-21T10:26:00.008+01:00

Olive and Latte Starburst

Recently completed colour combination in 'Starburst' crochet cover pattern. The green is in Sirdar Luxury Soft 100% Cotton shade 657 and the contrast is in Sirdar Juicy DK 80% bamboo ,20% cotton shade 423 - more details about the pattern here.

Unseasonal - Autumn Calling

2010-07-19T07:35:00.009+01:00

Unseasonal - Autumn Calling

This simple embroidery project came from a download pattern called Day Three Tree via the lovely website called Lollychops (and well worth a visit). The embroidery hoop I used is 18cm (7") diameter and the backing fabric is some preshrunk medium weight unbleached cotton. I used the tree template from the pattern but cut the leaves out free hand in wool felt, pinned everything into position, then used embroidery thread to sew on in running stitch. Where there was space I used some wool fibre to stuff the trunk and leaves to give some raised relief texture to the piece.

Vintage Inspired Plum and Grey

2010-07-15T16:19:00.007+01:00

Vintage Inspired Plum and Grey
Have been reworking the motif on this design in a different colour way ( click here to see previous colour). The pattern for this will be available soon.

Info added 19 July 2010 - pattern details here.

Vintage Inspired Crochet Cushion with Raspberry

2010-07-08T12:37:00.008+01:00

Vintage Inspired Crochet Cushion with Raspberry
I used a triangle motif shape from a book to design this cushion cover for myself. There are twelve individual pieces joined together with extra "flat " crochet around the circumference to give the required depth on this 18 inch diameter cushion. It's made in DK cotton with an improvised flower in the centre and button slip closure. Yes, the chair really is that bright pink raspberry colour. I have four of them! Not quite the colour I expected. The Dulux colour mixing card "Garnet Symphony 3" is a bit darker on the sample card. However, after four coats of paint ( 2 undercoat and 2 topcoat eggshell) and days of work, I'm keeping these re-purposed chairs as they are!

In our hands...

2010-07-07T05:42:00.003+01:00

Click here or on the image to watch the video.

Out and About - YSP

2010-07-05T13:37:00.019+01:00

A long overdue outing to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and exhibition featuring David Nash on display until February 2011. If you like the work of Andy Goldsworthy then chances are you will like this sculptor. No photography was allowed inside the Underground gallery - so no photos of drawings of my favourite piece by this artist - The Ash Dome - a living art work in a wood in Wales started in the 1970's. Click here for a link to the Royal Academy of Arts site and the video.

Information added 06/07/2010 - link to BBC Radio 4 interview with David Nash. Click here.

The following photos were allowed...

A small exhibit in a greenhouse near the Garden Gallery featuring the work of poet Alec Finlay...

Coffee...

Crochet Ruffle Throw

2010-06-29T16:21:00.009+01:00

Crochet Ruffle Throw
My first completed crochet project. It's not quite big enough for a blanket but just about enough for a sofa throw, 120cm (48") square. I used Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in the following shades and quantities, x9 50g - 031, x3 50g - 101, x4 50g - 700, with a 4 mm crochet hook. The basic design is granny square using a double crochet stitch and two chains to link the stitches with three chains at the corners. The ruffle edge is made by making three double crochet stitches into every chain along the edge. I would recommend this yarn as being very easy to work with, washes well, does not pill, and feels extremely soft to the touch.

Dots and Stripes Bunting Finished!

2010-06-27T13:06:00.008+01:00

Wholemeal carrot and honey cake

2010-06-23T13:37:00.006+01:00

Wholemeal carrot and honey cake

Originally saw this cake being made on a Channel Four TV programme about l andshare presented by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. I used a 23cm (9") square cake tin rather than the round tin mentioned in his method. A word of warning - the recipe instructs to beat the eggs and sugar together in a bowl for ten minutes using an electric whisk. It does actually take the full ten minutes to achieve the consistency stated. My arm was almost numb when I'd finished, can't imagine how long it would take with a low tech balloon whisk....Anyway the cake is delicious! Click here for the recipe.

Dotty and Deckchair Stripe

2010-06-22T07:43:00.008+01:00

Dotty and Deckchair Stripe...
are the theme for this latest sewing project. The fabrics are both by Globaltex.

Granny Squares

2010-06-17T08:22:00.009+01:00

Granny Squares
My very bad habit, of starting yet another project before other items have been finished has surfaced again. This latest crochet project will be ( if ever completed) a cover for one of my Ikea pieces of furniture. The crochet motif I'm using comes from very clearly photographed instructions I found on a lovely blog called Attic24 and the link for how to make them is here. So far I've manage to make 33 of these squares out of a total of 70....

Creatures Round Robin

2010-06-14T07:30:00.019+01:00

Creatures Round Robin

Sometime in April I put my name down to join a "Creatures Round Robin" on the UK Handmade members forum. What exactly is that you may ask? The idea is that each participant makes a contribution to a creature design before sending the design onwards to the next person so that they can make their contribution. As there were four of us participating, four designs were being worked on simultaneously, each design had five stages which each participant contributed to. Very briefly the design stages were as follows;

1. Write a description
2.Draw a design based on the written description
3.Make a pattern, cut out and sew a creature based on the information in 1&2
4. Make a face
5.Finishing touches

Confused? If you are still reading, then I should tell you that it all worked perfectly and went like clockwork due to the excellent organisation of the host "Olly" who is the writer and artist behind the blog Wollies. The two other talented participants were Shaz of The Sock Garden blog and Kathleen of Murgatroyd Hoots. If you would like to see the other lovely finished creatures then click on the links below to visit each participants blog and read more about their creatures and the design process...

Olly - Wollies
Shaz - The Sock Garden
Kathleen - Murgatroyd Hoots

My rather long winded design description went through the stages and came back to me as this beautiful, colourful sleepy and awake owl.....

Colourful and beautifully detailed design interpretation from Shaz.

Pattern cut out, fabric and creature sewing done brilliantly by Olly.

Fabulous eyes and face embroidery detail by Kathleen.

A few buttons and ric rack added by me...

bring back Mastercrafts...

2010-06-10T08:08:00.003+01:00

bring back Mastercrafts...
UK Handmade are urging the BBC to commission a second series of Mastercrafts. You can read more about this and show your support by clicking on the link here.

Red White and Blue

2010-05-26T07:20:00.006+01:00

Red White and Blue

Seems to be a lot of this colour combination around the UK at the moment. Something to do with a forthcoming sporting event...? This crochet piece started life as a test to use up some surplus blue Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. It's now on it's way to becoming a blanket. The red was purchased to add as a contrast with the blue and white. ( Colour codes: red 340700, blue 340031, off white 340100). I've been doing a lot of travelling lately (as a passenger). There's been lots of time to sit with a non demanding project and gaze aimlessly out of the window...

The winners are...

2010-05-24T13:53:00.002+01:00

Firstly, apologies for the delay in announcing the winners of my recent giveaway.

Thank you all again for your lovely comments.

The winners who were randomly selected were....

JoanneD who will receive the owls knitting kit, and

secondly, ktyoung, who will receive the completed owl and knitting pattern. I will be in contact with you both shortly.....

Thank you again!

Giveaway Update

2010-05-20T16:04:00.002+01:00

Thank you to all of you who entered the Owls Giveaway.

I'm overwhelmed by the response.

The winners will be selected shortly, I'll post details in the next post and notify the winners...

Thank you again!

Owls Giveaway

2010-05-16T13:18:00.015+01:00

Owls Giveaway
I'm giving away two prizes.

First prize - Brown Owl Knitting Kit (includes everything you will need)

Wide Awake Sleepy Owls Knitting Pattern ( instructions for three owl sizes)
Size 12mm (US 17) Surina Wood Knitting needles
Size 10mm (US N) Surina Wood Crochet Hook
100 gms brown 100% wool knitting roving
White and orange roving for eyes and feet
100% wool fibre stuffing
Tapestry needle
Buttons x2

Cotton project bag

First Prize

Second prize...
...is this ready made sleepy on one side and wide awake on the other side, brown owl and a printed copy of my knitting pattern (so you can make some friends for him if you wish). He is knitted and filled with 100% wool and has resin button eyes.

Second Prize

To enter,
Leave a comment below.

Please be sure I can contact you via your comment. The giveaway is open to international entries and the two winners will be randomly selected.

Giveaway ends,
Thursday 20th May 2010 at 12.00 noon GMT.

Thank you!

Cedar Leaf Shawlette Started

2010-05-11T07:18:00.006+01:00

Cedar Leaf Shawlette Started
This lovely pattern can be purchased from Alana at the Never Not Knitting website. The Cedar Leaf Shawlette is a crescent shaped little shawl which can be used as a wrap around scarf. I'm using DK Scrumptious from Fyberspates in colour VR 1280 - Green. The recommended needle size for this yarn is 4.5 mm ( US 7). The fibre content is 45 % silk, 55 % merino wool and is very, very soft. I'll have no problem with this around my neck. I have 2 skeins of yarn. I've almost finished the first ball and I'm at the leaf border / picking up stitches stage.

Shalom Cardigan Finished

2010-05-10T07:34:00.006+01:00

Shalom Cardigan Finished
Have enjoyed knitting this pattern and would like to make more of these in different colours. I'll be putting this away until the cooler weather returns and wear with a long sleeve tee or polo neck jumper. I only just started on the third skein of yarn so I have a reasonable amount left over for a small project. (For more details about the yarn and pattern I used click here).

English Red Wine and the Industrial Revolution

2010-05-08T08:41:00.015+01:00

English Red Wine and the Industrial Revolution

A trip to Shropshire and a day of historic contrasts . Some friends gave us a gift voucher some time ago to visit a vineyard tour on the site of the ancient Roman City at Wroxeter ( soon to be the subject of a Channel Four TV documentary). Yes, you are seeing a label for "English red wine" grown and produced in the quiet countryside near the border of England and Wales.

While in the area we decided to fast forward in history and spend the afternoon down the road exploring the nearby town of Ironbrige "Birthplace of Industry" and famous for, well, that iron bridge. The Jackfield Tile Museum is also located in the town celebrating British decorative tile manufacture from 1840 to 1960. There are lots more museums but time was short for our visit. Here's a selection of images...