How you can own a little piece of knitting history

Today I have a history lesson for you,  I thought long and hard about calling it a history lesson,  the very thought would usually have me glaze over in an instant.  But, this is a knitting history lesson,  it includes …

Smiley Emoticon Coaster – free crochet pattern to brighten your day

Some days you just need a smile!

Today I needed a little ray of sunshine to lift my spirits,  after a week of being poorly life is feeling a little less than it’s usual sunny self.  Nurse Katie and Doctor Doug have done a fantastic job of looking after me,  The tea supply has been plentiful,  the pillows expertly fluffed,  the tissues and hugs have been top quality.   I thought a little colour therapy might help my mood,  this little fella inspired by the ‘Smiley’ emoticon has worked a treat!

Worked in DK yarn using a 4mm hook, it worked up super quick,  fancy one for yourself?  Scroll down for the pattern :)

Just add tea and biscuits!

Need a little smiley sunshine? here is how to get it:

You will need:

4mm crochet hook

yellow DK yarn

black DK yarn

darning needle

30 minutes

Get hookin……

Face:

Using 4mm hook make a magic ring:

Foundation round: using yellow yarn, 6dc into ring

Work in a spiral throughout, pm to mark beg of round, move on each round.

Round 1: 2dc in each dc to end [12sts]

Round 2: (1dc, 2dc in next dc) to end [18sts]

Round 3: (2dc, 2dc in next dc) to end [24sts]

Round 4: (3dc, 2dc in next dc) to end [30sts]

Round 5: (4dc, 2dc in next dc) to end [36sts]

Round 6: (5dc, 2dc in next dc) to end [42sts]

Round 7: (6dc, 2dc in next dc) to end [48sts]

Round 8: (7dc, 2dc in next dc) to end [54sts]

Round 9: (8dc, 2dc in next dc) to end [60sts]

Fasten off

 Eyes:

Foundation round: using black yarn, 6dc into ring

Work in a spiral throughout, pm to mark beg of round, move on each round.

Round 1: 2dc in each dc to end [12sts]

Border:

Using black yarn, dc into each dc around edge, fasten off.

Smile:

Using black yarn, chain stitch or surface crochet smile using picture as a guide. New to surface crochet? check out this video.

To finish:

Sew on eyes, darn in ends, make a cuppa!

I hope this little fella brings you some cheer,  I think he would make a great gift,  try changing the features or the colour.  Why not add a moustache for ‘Movember’?  I would LOVE to see pics of your finished coasters on my facebook page

Let me help you with your Gift Knitting

I know, I know some of you will curse me for merely mentioning gift knitting! Equally some of you will be sitting there feeling a little bit smug, knowing that you have kept your gift knitting plans to a manageable level (or so you think) and that you stand every chance of being finished my December 1st.   After all that’s what we all aim for isn’t it?

Any way,  I am currently sitting with a foot firmly in each camp, “how can that be?” I hear you asking.  Well I have finished my gift knitting!  Ok, it is a birthday gift (due tomorrow) and it is crochet.  The only thing denting that warm smug feeling is that it is still sitting in ‘my den’.  Flu has delayed play this week,  I am currently day three in my pj’s looking like I am auditioning for the part of Rudolph in the panto.  Nothing is getting done here :(

You have already seen an in-progress shot of the Half Granny Shawl by Anastacia Zittel.  It is for my best friend Angela’s birthday tomorrow.  It really was a dream to work, perfect TV crochet with the yarn doing all the colour changing.  I already have the yarn for another one!

Last night I managed to make some gift tags, so I thought I would share them with you.  You can download a sheet of these little gift labels and print them onto card or linen effect paper (my personal favourite).  They will add that personal finishing touch to your handmade gifts.

There is one other way I can help you with your gift knitting.  Remember that sinking feeling you get every year when you realise that you are not going to complete those Fair Isle, beaded, over the heel socks with lace inserts that you had so wanted to make for your Grant Aunt Lily.  Hold onto that feeling and KEEP IT REAL.

Happy Birthday Ange,  I hope your day is as wonderfully special and fun filled as you are xx

6 Frightfully Fun Halloween Knitting Projects eBook

I have finally done it! After many hours of sweating the small stuff and deliberating over how best to approach it. I have taken the plunge and self published my first eBook.

As the title suggests it is a collection of six Halloween themed patterns, each pattern is super fast to complete and will add that extra touch of fun to your celebrations. It is available for insant download for the bargain price of £3 from Ravelry, Craftsy or Etsy.

Projects included are:

Spider Headband

Bouncy Ghost Toy

Eyeballs Out

Spooky Wristband

Trick or Treat Bowl

‘Black Cat Ears’ hair clips

Katie is most put out that she is not featured in the images for the eBook.  I should point out in my defense that Katie’s images are used in ‘Eye’s Out’ which is available as an individual download pattern.  I feel all my ‘Tween’ needs here is to be holding a mug shot board!  She can do a great line in looking menacing,  I shall be sleeping with one eye open!

“MY UNUSUAL SUSPECT”

I would love to see pictures of your creations, please post them on Ravelry or my Facebook page.

More Pretty little Knitties, or should that be More Pretties to Knitty?

The latest issue of Simply Knitting magazine is in the shops now. It is packed with festive inspiration of the fibre variety.  There are some great Knitted Christmas trees by Lucille Randall, these are definitely going on my Knit List.  Also in this months issue is an interview with Lucinda Guy, I LOVE Lucinda’s work particular, ‘and so to bed’ and Hand Knits for Kids.

Still looking for knitted gift ideas?  I have designed a few quick and simple gifts that will work up super fast, but look like you spent hours creating them!

Flower Pin

Sewing Purse

Lavender Bag

Knitted Tape Measure

Lace Wash Cloth

Mini Sock Keyring

You can download Simply Knitting Magazine here

I hope I have inspired you to cast on,  please post pictures on my facebook page, I would love to see what you make.

Tech Knits Book Review

Tech Knits

‘Celebrate your inner geek with 20 fun and easy projects!’

‘TechKnits’ or ‘Tomorrow Knits’ is the latest book by Sue Culligan.  Previous books by Sue include Techno Cozies; Vintage Knit Knacks and The Knitting Stitch and Motif Directory.

 

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book for my birthday.  It immediately struck me down with design envy, it is totally the book I wish I had written. 143 pages of pure indulgent geekery.

Tech Knits is a collection of 20 projects inspired by retro technology, toys and sci-fi comic strips.  What drew me to it first and foremost is the styling of the book.  The retro 8-bit graphics screamed at my inner geek ‘come and play with me’.  The vintage colours are inspired and the use of intarsia charts as playful graphics is charming. This book has a great deal of ‘kerb appeal’.

‘Who is the book for?’  The book is aimed at anyone with a nostalgic taste for sci-fi, video games and electronic gadgets.  With gift knitting season well and truly upon us, this is a must have book!

The comprehensive yet succinct technique guide at the beginning of the book is a good reference for all knitters.   Tip boxes for each design cleverly guide you with advice and suggestions as you go.  Tips range from which direction you should read a chart to instruction for double knitting.

The quirky difficulty scoring system made me smile.  Scoring from 1-100, reminiscent of early computer games.

 Headphone Hat

I was itching to cast on the headphone hat, so I cast one on for Katie.  The pattern was well written and easy to follow.  The colour work was interesting but by no means taxing and would make a great project for a knitter with a little colour work experience under their knitting belt.

There is a commendable array of techniques used in this book.  These playful pot holders have inspired me to try my hand at double knitting again; having not used the technique since taking a class with The Dutch Knitters back in 2010.

 Robot Pot Holders

 Space Rocket Desk Tidy

I like the use of everyday materials you find in your home, jars, tubes, plastic plates.  No need for specialist materials! Other projects now on my wish to knit list are, the calculator tablet cover and the reel to reel tote bag.

 Calculator Tablet Cover

This project has clever use of Fair Isle and intarsia techniques. It also suggests using Swiss darning to keep the piece more manageable.

 Reel to Reel Tote Bag

This eye catching bag is worked in one piece.  Short row shaping is used to create the reels and they are then attached to the bag.

Whilst some of the projects are quite challenging, given the quality of the instructions, this book will introduce new skills to new knitters.

Keeping it ‘real’

Of course no book is perfect; my only criticism is I would like to have seen more photos, particularly of the hats being modelled.

Fancy taking a break?  Sue runs knitting retreats from her home in France along with other tutors, such as Debbie Abrahams and Jane Crowfoot, why not check them out Knitting retreat holidays with Sue

Images kindly provided by and used with permission of Quid Publishing, I have not been paid to review this book, and everything I say about this book is my own opinion.

Jumping up and down squealing

I love designing for this time of year,  us knitters love any excuse to get our ‘Knit On’ and gift season is the perfect excuse for extra knitting hours!

In the November issue of Let’s Knit I have four new designs.  My first glimpse of the cover was at Alexander Palace, Knitting & Stitching Show.  I popped along to the stand to meet up with Sarah Neal, Let’s Knit Editor and I was delighted to see two of my designs on the cover.  I am playing it cool in the picture, but inside I am jumping up and down squealing.

Talking of playing it cool, let me introduce you to Monkey.

This cool dude is knitted in the round; the head and body being one piece, and separate tubes worked for arms, legs, nose and ears.  This is an ideal project for using up left over sock yarn!

Also in this issue, Arcitc the snowman hat wearing a hat (I think that makes sense)

This quirky novelty topper is knitted in Rowan Pure Wool to keep your little treasure snug and warm.

 

How about making these delicate lace trimmed, cable and lace mittens as a Christmas Gift?

Finally, this issue of the magazine has a cover mount kit containing the yarn you need to make these three knitted stars.

To get your copy of Let’s Knit Magazine instantly, download from the App Store

Grand Day Out – Alexander Palace 2013

I had the most wonderful day at Ally Pally on Thursday, I had the opportunity to meet with old friends and new, to be inspired and amused.  I  will let the photos do the talking (with a few comments from me, naturally).

Stands that really stood out to me were….

The ak Traditions stands was utterly charming, the dolls and their wardrobes were beautiful. I loved the colours,  the simplicity and the unique styling.  You can find them online here.

Stepping away from the colourful and the cute to Toft Alpaca and their natural colour palette.  This is the first time I have seen their collection of cute and cuddly animals and wall mounted animal heads.  Before now when I heard the words Toft Alpaca, I thought Big Buttons!

Then I came across the work of Sally Hewett, Embroidery and Stitching Artist.  Her focus for this exhibition was body image.  To be honest I found her collection intriguing, or maybe it was the person behind the work?  Want to find out more about Sally check out her website

Want to see what I took home with me? 

A little treat for me, Leilani Crochet Flower Kit, by Jane Crowfoot. I am a big fan of Jane’s work, she has the most amazing eye for colour.  When I was starting out on my knitting journey I took a class with Jane, the Finishing Technique’s Class.  Jane is a great teacher,  if you get the chance you really should take a class with her.

Also purchase from Jane Crowfoot’s stand, is this pretty little crochet beaded collar kit.  The Arabella Collar was designed by Nicky Hale of alifelikevera.

These beauties are earmarked for another Half Granny Square Shawl,  the first one is almost complete :)

I am developing an interest in fabric, Fat Qs to precise…. I wonder what I might do with these?

I also purchases some tiny crochet hooks from Hiya Hiya, along with some 1.5mm DPN’s.  Some more Karbonz needles and another set of Knitpro cable needles (where do mine go?)  Amongst some other bits and pieces that are not so photogenic but a girl can not live without!

Finally, a present from Doug.

Doug has bought me these so that we can make a wall hanging that resembles the Knitting Image logo for the Den wall.  Wish me luck!

What did you buy?

Super Cute Knitted Butterfly Tutorial

Are you looking to add that personal touch?  Something quick, simple and really cute?  Then I have just the thing for you. These super cute little butterflies are the perfect finishing touch to bags, hats, gloves, garments, shoes, you get the …

Guest blog post for Let’s Knit Magazine

I was thrilled when the Team at Let’s Knit Magazine asked me to write a guest blog post for them. They wanted to know about the inspiration for my latest crochet design ‘Vinyl’. If you fancy also reading about my love of music and my knitted wedding bouquet then pop over to the Let’s Knit blog.

Look into my eyes, seriously…..

Look into my eyes, well take a look at my latest design I have just published on Ravelry.

“Eww, whose eyeballs have popped out on stalks?”

These quirky knitted eyeballs are very versatile. Why not sew them onto some deelyboppers, hang from the ceiling on elastic thread or attach to stalks and add some fear to your flowers! Pop them in party bags, add some catnip and turn them into a cat toy, the list is endless……..

They are knit in the round with simple shaping, so they will work up nice and quick.

A great project for learning to knit in the round and using up leftover yarn.

“Put some fear in your flowers”