Hello from the Little Monster in my Pocket Pal Sweater

It has been both busy and exciting times here at Knitting Image headquarters (okay, in my studio).  There have been lots of exciting commissions, and new companies to work with. I find it such a challenge to keep quiet about my projects as I am working on them.  I cast off and immediately want to write a blog ‘show & tell’.

A while back the folks at Simply Knitting Magazine asked me to apply my quirky style to some children’s garments.  This is the first in a series of designs, allow me to introduce you to ‘Pocket Pal’

A special thank you to this very handsome model

This adorable (even if I do say so myself) sweater has it’s very own baby monster which fits snuggly into the Mummy (or Daddy) monsters pouch.  Knit in Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK, it is beautifully soft against delicate skin.  The pattern is written for ages 0-6 months to 5 years and would look equally cute worked in a more feminine palette.

The sweater uses the Elizabeth Zimmermann sewn bind off for the neck.  This particular casting off method produces a very stretchy neckband, great for children’s garments.  This method developed by EZ of sewing the tail of yarn through the stitches creates a finished edge that perfectly mirrors the long tail cast on.

This is how you do it….

Leave a tail of yarn approx. three times the circumference of the neckband, thread this through a tapestry needle

1. Insert tapestry needle into first two stitches on left hand needle as if to p2tog, draw yarn through (do not slip off the needle)
2. Reinsert the tapestry needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle as if to knit, draw yarn through and slip stitch off the needle

Repeat steps 1 & 2 until all stitches are cast off.  You can find a great video demonstration here

Issue 122 of Simply Knitting is available now, or you can download it from the App store and get knitting straight away.

As always I would love to see your finished projects on my Facebook page.

 

Seaside Special

Since the sun has decided to make a decent show of it this year, what better to protect a little-ones head than a cute nautical-style hat? It certainly wasn’t such appropriate weather when this knit was in the making.

Seaside Special

“Seaside Special” was photographed at the same shoot as Katie’s debut, and also features in issue 81 of Let’s Knit Magazine [iTunes download]. Unfortunately we arrived too late to enjoy the company of this wonderful young lady. Of course, leave out the bow for those of a more masculine disposition ;)

Knitted in Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK, the natural fibres feel lovely, and being machine washable its practical too, with a beautiful range of shades to suit your child’s wardrobe.

Jane has also been enjoying mixing her needle crafts (I hear those gasps at the back!) and this hat starts with a… crochet chain! Honestly, I’m not even sure what I’m saying, I just have a vague understanding that crochet and knitting is like… erm… gamers and sunshine; you don’t often find them together, and lovers of one are not usually lovers of the other.

And on that note, back to my cave I go. I’ve saved up from my birthday and Father’s Day so I can be ready for what we call ‘the Steam Summer Sale’, which is a bit like a Craftsy sale but less frequent.

And please – do post images of your knits to Jane’s Facebook page, or share links in the comments or on Twitter!

Dear Point Protectors

Dear Point Protectors

Just because you are a rarely used item of my extensive knitting paraphernalia stash it does not give you the right vanish when I NEED you!

You lay around in the draw looking aloof, making suggestions that you might be better off being re-homed, perhaps, placed in the loving care of a knitter who uses point protectors.  I have told you that the life of a point protector is not all that.  Sometimes you are separated from your significant other for years, one of you left on an abandoned WIP.  Sometimes never being reunited with your mate.  But still you sigh when I open the draw.

I think it was a cruel and dangerous game you played today, hiding from me in plain sight.  You think you are smart,  but smart point protectors would know that playing such games whilst I am premenstrual was a truly silly move.

If you are not a perfect fit for the double pointed needle I wish to turn into a straight needle, you will find yourselves keeping the bamboo dpn’s company in the garage!

Yours, miffed!

Time for one of my top tips

I often find myself knitting very small pieces of fabric.  I love my Hiya Hiya steel needles, but sadly they do not make a ‘straight’ version.  Usually I knit using the dpn’s as a pair of straights, but sometimes you need to stop the fabric sliding off the other end.  If you can find them I suggest slipping a point protector on one end. If like me you can’t find them, try blu- tac or snug fitting beads.  If you are feeling creative you can make your own pretty stoppers using polymer clay such as Fimo or Sculpey.  There is a tutorial here if you fancy checking it out.

Frill Seeker – Katie’s first photoshoot

Do you remember way back in March, when I was telling you all about the fantastic time Katie and I had at the Let’s Knit Magazine photoshoot?

Finally after what seems like forever I can share the pictures with you uncensored (if you know what I mean?)

You can read all about the fun we had here…..

Issue 81 of Let’s Knit Magazine is available to download straight away.

As always I would love to see your finished socks on my Facebook Page!

Happy Knitting,

Jane & Katie X

 

Introducing Little by Little Hat Pattern

I have another new release in my Ravelry Pattern Store meet, ‘Little by Little’.

Worked on size 6.5mm needles using James C Brett, Marble Chunky, this is a super quick knit!  With a small lace panel, this is the perfect project for dipping your toe into lace knitting. ‘Little by Little’ you will help develop your new skills as you work this quick and easy beret.

This hat will look great in any variegated or self striping yarn, why not try Rico Design Creative Galaxy Chunky?

Add a large flower, more buttons, perhaps a bow, the possibilities are endless.

Modelled beautifully by Little Miss Katie

To knit this hat you will need the following skills;

• knit
• purl
• m1
• k2tog
• sl1, k2tog, psso
• ssk
• yo
• reading a chart

As always there are links to video tutorials included to get you knitting with confidence.

As always I would love to see your finished creations on my Facebook page.  Happy Knitting!

 

 

Knitting Mystery – Number One

Why is it that I can knit away for what feels like forever and the fabric doesn’t seem to grow. You measure frequently trying to work out if you miss measured last time, but you are disappointed to discover it has only grown a pain-staking centimetre in the last decade, (ok I exaggerate, but it feeeeeeeels like a decade).

 

 

Then as if by magic the piece is 5cm too long!

How does this happen?

Introducing Acquiesce

Allow me to introduce ‘Acquiesce’; she may look complex but I will let you into a little secret. It is a great project for cable beginners!  ‘Acquiesce’ is available to download from my Ravelry Store.

The all over cable fabric is worked in the round using only two basic cable stitches.

The pattern is charted and includes, as always in my patterns, links to handy tutorial videos to get you knitting with confidence.

James C Brett Pure Merino Wool DK has great stitch definition and comes in a range of beautiful shades. Other yarns that I would recommend are Rowan Pure Silk Merino or if you feel like splashing out why not invest in some Fyberspates Scrumptious DK.

A word of warning though, avoid variegated shades, your beautiful cables will be difficult to see”.

To knit this hat you will need the following skills;

• knit
• purl
• k2tog
• C6F
• C6B
• working from a chart
• knitting in the round

As always links are included to video tutorials that will get you knitting with confidence.

 

Modelled beautifully by Little Miss Katie

As always I would love to see your finished creations on my Facebook Page.  Happy Knitting!