Winchester Cathedral, bead and cable mittens

These mittens were inspired by the arched stained glass windows of churches and cathedrals.  I used elegant cabled archways with a touch of beading inspired by the beautiful lead work to design these cosy mittens.

I designed my Winchester Cathedral mittens for Let’s Knit Magazine earlier in the year.  They will add a touch of elegance to your winter wardrobe, I hope you agree?

The mittens are knitted using Rowan Wool Cotton 4ply, which is delightfully warm and soft without being too bulky.  The beads are applied as you work with a small crochet hook.  New to this method of beading?  There is a tutorial with the pattern.

You get your copy of Winchester Cathedral inside issue 89 of Let’s Knit Magazine.

Dandelion Bunny Cushion

Who doesn’t love to hug a bunny?  Here is bunny that won’t try and wriggle away when you give it a good squeeze.

Dandelion was designed for Let’s Knit Magazine earlier in the year.  The front and back panels are knit in the round from the centre out, the ears are also worked in the round to minimise the dreaded sewing up.   Fabric panels are attached to the front and the ears and pompom tail is added to finish off, cute, don’t you agree?

If you would like to make your very own Dandelion, you can find the pattern inside issue 89 of Let’s Knit Magazine.

Turkish Delight Cushion

For all those stranded colour work fans out there, I present to you….. Turkish Delight.

This cushion is worked in the round using the wondering Jamieson’s of Shetland DK for an authentic colour work experience.

Add a splash of colour to compliment this monochrome palette and your home décor for a stunning piece that will last for years.

You can get your copy of the pattern inside issue 91 of Let’s Knit Magazine.

Oliver, scruffy, cute and needing love

Everybody has room in their heart for an Oliver.  This cute little chap will make the perfect gift for your loved one, young and old alike.

Oliver is knit mostly in the round, to save on sewing all those pesky seams.  He is knitted using West Yorkshire Spinners Aire Valley Aran DK, which is perfect for this toy.  It is soft, yet very durable and importantly, washable!

You can get your paws on this pattern inside issue 91 of Let’s Knit Magazine.

Happy Knitting x

Granny Square Inspired Knitted Tote Bag

I adore crochet granny squares, they are addictive to make, the colour combinations are endless and you can make so many things from them.  But why should those hookers have all the fun?

Inspired by gorgeous granny square beach bags, I have designed this knit version :)  Each of the three squares is worked in the round from the centre out.  It is knitted using Jamieson’s of Sheland DK wool and is felted using the washing machine.  If you can not bring yourself to shrink your knitting this bag will look equally pretty un-felted.

You can find the pattern for this bag inside issue 95 of Let’s Knit Magazine.

Sid the Koala Knitted Curtain Tie Back

How cute is this guy?  Meet Sid, this little fella will bring a touch of friendly fun to any nursery.  I have a real soft spot for Koalas, I just adore those big innocent friendly eyes, the little furry legs…. I have just two toys from my childhood, the first is my teddy, the second my koala.

Sid is worked mostly in the round, so there is very little sewing up. With a few adjustments he can easily be adapted to make a toy, just remove the hanging loop and buttons and be careful with the eyes when giving to a very small child.

Why not make another one in pink and so cute couple can keep watch on the nursery (and the neighbours).

You can find the pattern for Sid, inside issue 95 of Let’s Knit Magazine.

 

New to Mosaic Knitting?

If you have not tried your hand at Mosaic knitting yet, I have the perfect projects for you to get started with.  Kitchen Aid are a tea towel and pot holder duo.  Mosaic knitting looks complicated, but in my opinion it is easier than stranded colour work knitting. Slipped stitches are used to create the intricate colour pattern, which means you are only using one shade per row.  Mosaic knitting produces a double thickness fabric, making the cotton tea towel super absorbent and the double layered pot holder great for protecting your fingers from the heat.

The pair are knitted using King Cole Cotton Soft DK, which comes in an exciting range of colours which are sure to compliment your kitchen.

You can find this pattern inside issue 95 of Let’s Knit Magazine.

Boho Chic with this Dusk Duo

Looking for a great way to take that summer outfit from day to dusk with a touch of Boho styling?  I have a couple of quick knit accessories that will help you do just that.

The multi-way scarf, belt, headband will give you a number of quick ways to adapt your look.

The corset style belt with its lace up fastening will give you some killer curves if worn at the waist, or wear around the hips for a more relaxed fit. The corset is written in a large range of sizes from UK size 6 to 24.

Both pieces are knit using Sirdar Soukie, this is a DK weight yarn. It is a blend of polyester, acrylic and cotton with sequins scattered throughout.

You can find the pattern for these pieces inside issue 94 of Let’s Knit Magazine,

How will you wear yours?

Twisting Ivy Socks and my love affair with Eden Cottage Yarns

 

Hello, how are you? Are you enjoying this rather warm summer we are having?  I must confess I am not a lover of the sun, my delicate complexion and dislike of over heating causes me to somewhat hibernate in the summer months.  Great,  more knitting time for me!

I know that some you step up your sock knitting in the summer months, some of you because they are small, portable and make great projects. Some of you because the thought of sitting under a large, heavy wool project in these temperatures just makes you weep.

I have a new design for you, because lets face it, you can never have too many sock patterns, right?  These socks are a blend of lattice knitting and delicate cables, nothing too complicated, just great for on the go.  They are knitted in Eden Cottage, Hayton 4ply.  It is the most gorgeous blend of 80% merino, 10% cashmere and 10% nylon.  This yarn is just wonderful, it is so soft, yet very strong.  With fantastic stitch definition and shine, if you have not knitted with it before, why not?

You can find this pattern inside issue 94 of Let’s Knit Magazine.

Happy Knitting x

Sunshine Cushion

I thought long and hard about a quirky header for this blog post….be careful where you sit down, you don’t burn your bum!  The sun will literally shine out of your bottom… Any way as you can see, I chickened out and settle with the imaginative Sunshine Cushion!

 

If you are looking for a little sunshine in your life, then this generously sized cushion could really brighten up your day.  I designed this piece for Knit Now magazine a few months ago (I am sorry it has taken me so long to share this with you, but you can get your hands on the pattern by buying the back issue of the magazine).

It is knitted using Paton’s merino aran and is worked from the centre out, with each of the suns rays being knit in the round also, just perfect if like me, you hate sewing up.

You can find the pattern inside issue 46 of Knit Now Magazine.