:: Sock it to ‘em!

Posted by Kirsty on May 1, 2008 | Permalink

I made socks! It was the scarier of my two NY resolutions, as I’m not that hot on DPNs, but with the Mister’s birthday coming up I decided to give it a go.

I used self-striping Opal 4-ply yarn (£6.50 from I Knit London or your LYS), which Simon chose, on 2.5mm DPNs, so the knit is thicker than everyday socks, but still quite fine. I threw a little paddy when it came to turning my first heel, then worked out what the crazy knitting language actually wanted from me and carried on. The cuff and foot knit up quite quickly and it’s definitely more instant gratification than a jumper, whilst being more interesting to work than a scarf or such. As a veteran of one whole pair of socks, though, I don’t feel like the time and money that is invested is really worth the end result. It may be because I’m slow, but I spent a good couple of weeks on these socks and, well, it’s only socks!

At least I can say that I’ve conquered DPNs!

Categories: craft
Tags: knitting, resolution, socks

8 comments

:: Teddies for tragedies

Posted by Joelle on February 21, 2008 | Permalink

Here’s a rather heartwarming craft project for anyone with a few ends of wool who wants to put their needles to good use. Teddies for Tragedies is a site offering a simple pattern for a knitted or crocheted bear, destined to travel with a charity or aid worker to a child in need of a teddy. Some have travelled to refugee camps, some to hospitals, some to areas damaged by natural disasters. They are rather sweet don’t you think?

Three ways to help:
- make some teddies! The patterns are here, which look simple enough. Make sure to follow the checklist to ensure they meet safety rules.
- help the teddies to travel. If you know any charities, volunteers or aid workers who could deliver some where they are needed, let them know about the scheme
- help promote the teddies on your blog or amongst your crafty friends.

Thanks to my lovely Mum for telling me about these. Hello Ma!

Categories: adventure, craft
Tags: children, craft, crochet, knitting, teddies

3 comments

:: The loveliest needles

Posted by Kirsty on February 8, 2008 | Permalink

I recently picked up a pair of Brittany needles because they were the only 12mm needles in the shop and I was itching to get on with the mermaid bag. They were more than I’d usually spend on needles, but I’m converted! Before Christmas, I threw out all of my plastic needles, because they are disgusting to work with, especially when using nice yarn. Nasty plastic needles were magically replaced by beautiful glass needles, which are an absolute dream, but I think that Brittany’s birch needles win out. When I’m lovely and rich, I’ll replace all my metal needles with wood and glass and make magical yarn creations with zero effort!

Categories: craft
Tags: knitting, wooden needles

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:: Under the sea!

Posted by Kirsty on January 27, 2008 | Permalink

Many tides ago (well, six months), before I moved to London and the heady world of publishing, I was doing a PhD on mermaids in medieval literature. I adore my new direction, but I occasionally miss my mermaids. This bag, freshly finished this afternoon, is my little piece of the sea, complete with three feisty mermaids!

Read more…

Categories: adventure, craft
Tags: knitting, mermaid bag, PhD

7 comments

:: Stitchin’ ‘n bitchin’

Posted by Kirsty on January 12, 2008 | Permalink

Debbie Stoller must be clacking away with her needles atop a great big pile o’ cash nowadays, as her three knitting and one crochet books have each become super bestsellers. Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook was my very first knitting book and, as of this Christmas, I’m now the proud owner of all four books (and the calendar), and I’m going to add my voice to the clamour of praise. Now I’m not saying that Dr. Stoller (she has a PhD in the psychology of women, don’t you know) is single-handedly responsible for the phenomenon, but us lasses are claiming back yarn arts as a valid feminist pursuit and the stitch ‘n bitch mama is definitely throwing a gorgeous shade of limelight on the movement.

I really like the patterns in all four books (though the thought of a knitted bikini makes my teeth itch) and I’m constantly dipping into them for inspiration, even if I don’t follow the pattern exactly in the end. The instructions are much clearer than a lot of knitting books that I’ve tried to grapple with and there is a huge emphasis on people - the designers, input from stitch ‘n bitch groups, the mothers, aunts, and grandmothers who got this generation of crafty ladies into knitting and crochet in the first place. The Stitch ‘n Bitch titles let you into the secret that craft isn’t for a po-faced elite who can only decipher the code through a divinely imparted knowledge - all you need is needles, yarn, and enthusiasm!

Categories: craft
Tags: crochet, Debbie Stoller, feminism, knitting, Stitch 'n Bitch

4 comments

:: Cirrus scarf

Posted by Kirsty on January 2, 2008 | Permalink

Despite being one of the first things I blogged about right at the beginning of December, I finished this little beauty with only a day to spare! I was so happy with it, though, that I decided to share. This is the first knitting pattern that I’ve ever written, and, luckily, it’s nice and simple to follow. Read more…

Categories: craft, tutorial
Tags: alpaca yarn, cables, free pattern, knitting

3 comments

:: Second [wristwarmer] syndrome

Posted by Kirsty on December 11, 2007 | Permalink

I’m thinking of bringing back that fashion for wearing a single glove, or, in my case, wristwarmer. Alright, I know - it looked naff; but I’ve got serious SSS (second sock syndrome) on this project.

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Categories: craft, style
Tags: craft, knitting, second sock syndrome

1 comment

:: Knitted Christmas decorations by Soule Mama

Posted by Kerry on December 3, 2007 | Permalink

Soule Mama is one of those blogs that I love to dip into for crafty inspiration, and I’d recommend it to anyone who secretly (or maybe not-so-secretly!) yearns for a quick hit of domestic bliss. Anyway, I absolutely have to share this post, in which the author knits a beautiful garland for her Christmas tree (pictured above). Now I’m all for a bit of festive craft - just you try to keep me away from the home-made cards and lavish centrepieces! - but I just can’t imagine having the patience to knit a garland big enough for a full-size tree. Needless to say, I’m impressed!

Now, this brings me to my point: I’m planning on handmaking a few of my own decorations this year. I’ve an idea for a wreath that I can’t wait to share with you all (assuming it doesn’t go horribly wrong, in which case I’ll save it for our forthcoming feature on craft disasters!), but apart from that I’m open to suggestion. If anyone has any tips for slightly less labour-intensive handmade decorations, from baubles to garlands to scary gingerbread things, please share!

Categories: blogs, christmas, craft
Tags: christmas decorations, knitting, soule mama

4 comments

:: Sweet handmade accessories by Liana Kabel

Posted by Kerry on December 3, 2007 | Permalink

I love these fantastic accessories by Liana Kabel. She recycles sewing and knitting paraphernalia into the sweetest brooches and bracelets - perfect stocking fillers for the crafty gal in your life!

Liana Kabel’s Etsy store

Categories: christmas, shopping, style
Tags: etsy, gifts, knitting, liana kabel, sewing

4 comments

:: Knitty gritty

Posted by Kirsty on December 2, 2007 | Permalink

My current favourite project at the moment has to be the adorable scarf that I’m making for my husband’s nan. I’m using Artesano Inca Cloud, which is a 100% alpaca yarn and is so soft that I think I’m making it grubby by touching it so much!

Read more…

Categories: craft
Tags: alpaca yarn, cables, knitting, scarf

2 comments