Kelly Connor Designs Knitting Bag

When I opened my presents on Christmas morning I discovered that my friend had sent me a Kelly Connor knitting bag.

 

You can tell that she knows me well!  I had already opened another present which consisted of something to put in it.

 

I plan to use this new yarn to knit another version of my striped scarf pattern.  I may get on to that in January.

Mauve Knitted Baby’s Coat

I have just sewn the buttons on the coat that I have been making for about 3 weeks.  It is a Stella Smith design that I cut out of Simply Knitting magazine a few years ago.  I have just looked more closely at the pattern and have noticed the date of July 2006!

The original design is knitted in pink with light coloured buttons.  I was asked to knit something in mauve and I tried light buttons but decided that the darker buttons looked better.  They are mauve too, but look black from a distance.  I am crossing my fingers that the coat fits the baby.  I have never seen her in the flesh, but hope I will soon be seeing a photo of her wearing a little mauve coat!

Just a few more days of Christmas preparations and overwork, and then I can get back to serious knitting.

No Time for Knitting

This is not quite true – I have knitted the back of the baby’s coat and I have thought about knitting a lot of other things!

 

This is a photo of a tea cosy that I knitted last year.  If you would like to make one the pattern is available from All the Fun of the Fair’s web-site.  

On Saturday I went to London and visited John Lewis’s haberdashery department on the 4^th Floor.  It used to be better in the past - but I rarely leave without buying anything.  I had been given some money to buy myself a Christmas present so I bought some expensive yarn to make another version of my striped scarf and a couple of balls of red aran to add to a pile of yarn that I am collecting to make a cardigan.  Whilst in London, I did also buy some Christmas presents for friends and family!

Postage Stamp Inspired Bag

As it is winter now I decided that the summery bag I knitted earlier in the year was not appropriate and so I have found another one to use which I knitted a few years ago.

 

It is very bright and cheerful looking.  Both sides are made up from small mitred squares.  I got the idea from Kaffe Fassett’s various postage stamp inspired designs.  I have just counted the squares and there are 7 rows of 10 – so 70 on each side.  It sounds a lot but I don’t think it took very long to knit.  I was just using up odd bits of Colinette Fandango which has a very short colour change – so every small square is quite interesting.

I have done very little knitting this week – I have been too busy – I have knitted half a sleeve!  I have a few things I want to get done before Christmas, but at the moment preparations for Christmas are taking precedence.

I often knit Christmas presents, but this year I am only knitting one – a small baby’s coat which I intend to start soon.  I wanted to leave it until the last minute so that the baby would not have grown out of it before she gets it and it might actually fit her!

Sonoran Throw – Tic Toc  Rock Colour-way

I have finished knitting the Sonoran throw for Colinette.  I prefer this one to the previous one that I did because the colours are more subtle.

 

This colour-way contains 2 of my favourite shades of Colinette yarn – Castagna and Copperbeech – both could be described as brown but the first one has green and grey in it and the second one red and blue!

Another Colinette Arizona Dreams – Sonoran Design

Colinette have sent me another kit to knit up for them.  I asked if I could do another Sonoran design.  This time it is in a colour-way called Tic Toc Rock and consists of much more muted colours than the previous throw I made.

 

 

I have photographed the first diamond shape – just as I did on 22 October when I knitted the first diamond of the previous throw.  They look very different.   I had thought I would be able to knit this throw more quickly as I ought to know what I am doing but I have been distracted by domestic problems.

Irregular Striped Scarf Pattern

 

I unravelled the scarf again!  I knitted part of 3 strips and plaited them together and I didn’t like the effect – it was too thick and too narrow.

I decided to stop trying to be too clever and to go back to an old favourite – a striped scarf.  I didn’t do this originally because I was worried about the fact that the aran yarn was thinner than the other 2  but I found that if I only knitted a few rows at a time – it is not that obvious.

If you would like to knit a similar scarf – the pattern is given below.  I fancy knitting it again in 3 shades of Noro but that will have to be next year!

Colour A 1 ball x 100g ball Rowan Cocoon chunky yarn Saturn Shade 837 (115m/126yds)

Colour B 1 ball x 100g ball Rowan Cocoon chunky yarn Umber Shade 835 (115m/126yds)
Colour C 1 skein x Rowan Fine Art Aran yarn Shade 548 (170m/186yds)
9mm needles

Rib Pattern

Row 1: *K3, P1; repeat from* to end.
Row 2: *K2, P1, K1; repeat from * to end.
This pattern forms an open rib.

Using yarn A, cast on 28sts and work in pattern for 6 rows.

Continue in the rib pattern throughout following the colour sequence as given below.
Rows 7-12: yarn C. (6 rows)
Rows 13-18: yarn B. (6 rows)
Rows 19-24: yarn C. (6 rows)
Rows 25-74: yarn A. (50 rows)
Rows 75-80: yarn C. (6 rows)
Rows 81-86: yarn B. (6 rows)
Rows 87- 92: yarn A. (6 rows)
Rows 93-98: yarn C (6 rows)
Rows 99-100: yarn B (2 rows)
Rows 101-102: yarn C (2 rows)
Repeat the last 4 rows until 50 x 2 rows stripes have been completed (96 more rows)
Rows 199-204: yarn B (6 rows)
Rows 205- 210: yarn C (6 rows)
Rows 211-216: yarn B (6 rows)
Rows 217-244: yarn A (28 rows)
Rows 245-250: yarn C (6 rows)
Rows 251-256: yarn B (6 rows)
Rows 257-262: yarn C (6 rows)
Rows 263-268: yarn A (6 rows)
Rows 269-270: yarn C (2 rows)
Rows 271-272: yarn A (2 rows)
Repeat the last 4 rows until 10 x 2 rows stripes have been completed (16 more rows).
Cast off in pattern using yarn A.
Sew in ends.

 

Yarn for a Scarf

Back in September I bought this yarn in the Oxford Yarn Store.  It is one skein of Rowan Fine Art Aran yarn - which is a mixture of wool, mohair, alpaca and silk, and two balls of Rowan Cocoon - which is a mixture of wool and mohair.

 

Since then I have been knitting other things whilst thinking about how I was going to use these 3 colours to make a scarf.  I did some experiments with triangles.  One triangle was OK, but when I tried to join others – the whole thing looked too messy for my liking. 

I need to choose a design which will spread the colours and accommodate the fact that the multi-coloured Rowan Fine Art Aran yarn is thinner than the other two which are chunky.

I am currently trying out a variation on a pattern that I found in a 2011 knitting magazine called “Irresistible winter gifts to knit”.    I hope to be able to show you the finished scarf in the next few days – unless I unravel it again, of course.

Finished Version of the Sonoran Throw

I have now finished the Colinette Arizona Dreams Sonoran throw.  It is knitted in a colour-way called Cennino.  It is very bright and cheerful-looking.

I spent Sunday afternoon making “curly ques” to use to edge the throw.  They are like twisted cords and seem to have a mind of their own.  Sewing in the ends took longer than I anticipated.  I should have done it as I went along but any minute I was expecting to have to unravel something because I had gone wrong.  Actually I found the knitting very straightforward – which is a good thing as mohair is very hard to undo successfully.

Colinette Arizona Dreams – Sonaran Design Progress Report

 

I am enjoying knitting this modular knitted throw and despite having a weekend away, I have almost finished knitting all the diamond shapes.  I have just got the last four individual ones to finish off.  I have then got to work out how to knit the triangles up the sides and do the finishing. 

I will take a photo of the whole throw when it is finished.

 

Colinette Arizona Dreams Sonoran Design – First Module

 

This is the first module of the Arizona Dream throw I am knitting for Colinette.  I am always interested in how different a module can look depending on the number of stitches, the choice of yarn and how the decrease is carried out.  This decrease is done on the front using, slip 1, knit 2 together, pass the slip stitch over.  I am not sure I have done that before.  I would normally knit the centre 3 stitches together – that is what I did on my L-shaped modular knitted jumper.

Since I took this photo yesterday – I have knitted another 6 diamond shapes.  Somehow I don’t think this throw is going to take very long to knit.

Modular Knitted Jumper – Final Progress Report

 

At last I have finished my L-shaped modular knitted jumper by sewing on the buttons, but at the moment it is too hot to wear it! 

 

I am already thinking about and working on several more projects.  There is another tea cosy that I want to make and two scarves that I have the yarn for but have not yet finalised the pattern.  I have also collected the yarn for three jumpers and a cardigan!   I don’t want to find myself with no knitting to do when it is too cold to go out for long!

 

The next project that I am going to concentrate on is another throw for Colinette Yarns.  The yarn arrived yesterday and I am now winding the skeins into balls and making sure I understand the pattern.

Domino Square Tea Cosy

 

Since I designed a diamond-shaped tea cosy for the first GMC Tea Cozy book – I have wanted to make one using domino squares.  I think it looks very effective, fits the tea cosy well and is thick enough to keep the tea warm.   If you would like to make one – a pattern is recorded below.

Materials: a small amount of 2 shades of DK yarn (Cream and Blue). (50g is enough, 25g may be enough)

Needles: 4mm

Each side of the cosy is made up of 3 rows of 4 squares.  I actually knitted the squares in columns rather than squares, but you could do it either way.

First square (bottom left-hand corner)

Row 1: Using cream cast on 21sts.

Row 2: Knit.
Row 3: Change to blue yarn and K9, K3tog, K9.
Row 4: Knit.
Row 5: Change back to cream yarn and K8, K3tog, K8.
Row 6:  Knit.
Row 7: Change to blue yarn and K7, K3tog, K7.
Row 8: Knit.
Row 9: Change to cream yarn and K6. K3tog, K6.
Row 10: Knit.
Row 11: Change to blue yarn and K5, K3tog, K5.
Row 12: Knit.
Row 13: Change to cream yarn and K4, K3tog, K4.
Row 14: Knit.
Row 15: Change to blue yarn and K3, K3tog, K3.
Row 16: Knit.
Row 17: Change to cream yarn and K2, K3tog, K2.
Row 18: Knit.
Row 19: Change to blue yarn and K1, K3tog, K1.
Row 20: K3tog and fasten off.
 

Middle Row (Square above first square)

Row 1: Using cream pick up 10 sts from top of first square,  and then turn and cast on 9 sts.  (19 sts.)
Row 2: Knit.
Row 3: Change to blue yarn and K8, K3tog, K8.
Row 4:  Knit.
Row 5: Change to cream yarn and K7, K3tog, K7.
Row 6: Knit.
Row 7: Change to blue yarn and K6. K3tog, K6.
Row 8: Knit.
Row 9: Change to cream yarn and K5, K3tog, K5.
Row 10: Knit.
Row 11: Change to blue yarn and K4, K3tog, K4.
Row 12: Knit.
Row 13: Change to cream yarn and K3, K3tog, K3.
Row 14: Knit.
Row 15: Change to blue yarn and K2, K3tog, K2.
Row 16: Knit.
Row 17: Change to cream yarn and K1, K3tog, K1.
Row 18: K3tog and fasten off.

Top Row (Square above second square)

Row 1:  Using cream pick up 9 sts from top of second square and then turn and cast on 8 sts.  (17sts.)
Row 2: Knit.
Row 3: Change to blue yarn and K7, K3tog, K7.
Row 4: Knit.
Row 5: Change to cream yarn and K6. K3tog, K6.
Row 6: Knit.
Row 7: Change to blue yarn and K5, K3tog, K5.
Row 8: Knit.
Row 9: Change to cream yarn and K4, K3tog, K4.
Row 10: Knit.
Row 11: Change to blue yarn and K3, K3tog, K3.
Row 12: Knit.
Row 13: Change to cream yarn and K2, K3tog, K2.
Row 14: Knit.
Row 15: Change to blue yarn and K1, K3tog, K1.
Row 16: K3tog and fasten off.

Repeat these 3 squares picking up or casting on as appropriate until you have knitted 2 sides of a tea cosy each consisting of 12 squares.

To tidy up the bottom of the cosy – using blue yarn, pick up 44 sts along the bottom edge and then immediately cast them off.

To finish the top of the cosy:

 

On the first side
Row 1: Using cream yarn pick up 32 sts along the top edge.
Row 2: *K2tog; repeat from * across the row. (16 sts).
Row 3: Change to blue yarn and knit.
Row 4: Knit.
Row 5: Change to cream yarn and knit.
Row 6: Knit.
Row 7: Change to blue yarn.  *K2tog; repeat from * across the row. (8 sts).
Row 8: Knit.
Leave stitches on a spare needle.

Repeat the above for the top of the second side.

Knit the 2 sides together.

Sew in ends.

Sew down the sides, above the handle and the spout.

Join the sides at the bottom leaving openings large enough for the handle and spout.

Make a pompom and sew it on the top.

More Tea Vicar Tea Cosies

I have been told that no one uses tea cosies anymore and so no one sells them!  In fact people want to buy tea cosies but not many people sell them.  My local newsagent sells hand-knitted tea cosies and they never keep one in their window for long – someone has come in and bought it.

During the summer I have been making tea cosies for the London-based business - All the Fun of the Fair.

 

If you are interested in buying them – they are available from www.allthefunofthefair.bigcartel.com or www.ravelry.com/stores/all-the-fun-of-the-fair-designs  You can also buy a pattern if you would like to knit one yourself.

Oxford Yarn Store

Yesterday I visited Oxford Yarn Store for the first time.  It is a lovely shop stuffed full of yarns of every colour and thickness. I had come across an advert for the store in one of the knitting magazines and I have been meaning to make the effort to travel to Oxford.  If you are visiting Oxford and love yarn – it is well work a walk along the Banbury Road to the store.

 

I had seen pictures of the outside of the store (there is one in the latest edition of Simply Knitting magazine), but I wanted to show you the inside.  The photo above shows what it looks like.  The owner, Karen, was apologising because she thought it looks untidy – but I thought it looked wonderful.  You can buy Rowan, Colinette, Artesano and Noro as well as lots of brands of yarn that I had not heard of.

What I have so far avoided mentioning is how much yarn I bought!  It was a good thing I took my birthday money with me.  I actually bought enough for two projects which you will hear more about in the coming weeks when I start working on them.

If you are interested in visiting Oxford Yarn Store it is located at 3 North Parade Avenue, Oxford, OX2 6LX or you can have a look at the website: www.oxfordyarnstore.co.uk

Modular Knitted Jumper – Third Progress Report

 

I have been away visiting my mother, but I took my L-shaped jumper with me and I have now done most of the modules.  I have only got to do the second half of one of the sleeves. 

I like to shape the under-arms and the top of the front by using small triangles – I need to do 6 of these – 2 for each under-arm and one each side of the neck-opening.

After that I need to do the button-hole and button bands at the front, neaten the neck-line, and adjust the length and sleeve length so they fit.  The last bit of knitting will be adding some ribs.

I would like to think that I might finish this jumper this week as I have another week off work, but I also have a long list of other things to do around the house.

Tea Cosy with Domino Square Trim Version 2

As I suggested in my previous post, I have now completed a version of this tea cosy in red and cream.

 

I may now try some other colours!

Tea Cosy with Domino Square Trim

I have been trying to come up with some new designs for tea cosies.  I decided to combine my love of tea cosy knitting with my love of modular knitting and produce a tea cosy that included modular knitting. 

 

I am always trying to think of new ideas for using up odd bits of yarn.   I have bags full of golf ball sized balls that I don’t want to throw away.  I suppose I could eventually use them for a patchwork quilt with very small squares, but at the moment I wanted to come up with something smaller.

Actually this design uses about 2 golf ball sized balls of blue yarn.  I think I will knit it again using red yarn. 

I haven’t forgotten about the jumper I am knitting, but it will take a few more weeks to finish it, especially if I get distracted by other things!

Domino Knitting and Knit to be Square by Vivian Høxbro

Both of these books concentrate on knitting basic square modules and contain clear instructions on how to produce them.

In the first book there are a lot of simple designs mainly using garter stitch modules, whereas the second book contains more ambitious projects including producing holes by not completing squares.  It also contains some very attractive designs for throws and stoles.

In Knit to be Square, knitters are encouraged to use wool so that they can felt their work.  This seems a good technique to use if you are making a bag and want it to be stronger.  It also creates an interesting effect when the modules appear to blend together.

Vivian has a website which can be found at www.viv.dk   I have tried to read it using Google translation but the result is rather odd.  However, I do recommend looking at the pictures!

Modular Knitted Jumper – Progress Report

It has been a very busy week but I have managed to knit several more L-shapes.  I have done most of the front.  I intend to knit this jumper in 2 pieces – a front including the front of the sleeves, and a back including the back of the sleeves.   I know some people like to avoid seams but I like to keep things simple.

I also sew the ends in as I go along – not on the edges, but as soon as a shape has been surrounded by others - if you see what I mean.  Again I know some people like to knit ends in but I find that this makes the fabric bulky or lumpy.  I can also use the ends to darn any holes that have appeared when I was picking up stitches!

I started with a big pile of yarn but I have gradually thrown out yarns that were too thin or did not look quite right with the other colours.  Generally I am going for a dull look with the odd highlight.

 

This photo shows the current state of this project.  

Modular Knitted Glasses Case

A few years ago I wrote a pattern for a modular knitted glasses case which consisted of 4 modular knitted squares which were used to cover a commercially bought sheathe style case.  Last week, a work colleague asked me to make her a glasses case which would protect her glasses because the case she had was very flimsy.

I produced the case shown below from 5 modular knitted squares – 2 each side and one for the flap.  I even managed to make a button hole in the middle of the last square.

 

I lined the case with a small piece of fleece fabric which I had left over from another project.   I was pleased with the result.   I probably don’t need to say but I used Colinette Fandango!

First Row of L-shapes for Modular Knitted Jumper

 

I have finished a row of modules for the jumper.  I like the way the colours are turning out.  Now I have to get on with some other knitting that needs to be done, but I hope to get back to this jumper before the end of the week.

Second Knitted L-shape Sample

I have had another go at the sample.  This one is much better.   It fits the template jumper better and I like how it looks.

The L-shape has been knitted using 4mm needles and most of the yarn is double knitting or 4 ply used double thickness.  I have decided on a size which is 11 + 1 + 22 + 1 + 22 + 1 + 11 (69 stitches to cast on or pick up).

The details are as follows:
Row 1: With main colour, cast on 69sts.
Row 2: Knit.
Row 3: K10, K3tog, K20, K3tog, K20, K3tog, K10.
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: Change to main colour and K9, K3tog, K18, K3tog, K18, K3tog, K9.
Row 6: Knit.
Row 7: Change colour and K8, K3tog, K16, K3tog, K16, K3tog, K8.
Row 8: Purl.
Row 9: K7, K3tog, K14, K3tog, K14, K3tog, K7.
Row 10: Purl.
Row 11: Change to main colour and K6, K3tog, K12, K3tog, K12, K3tog, K6.
Row 12: Knit.
Row 13: Change colour and K5, K3tog, K10, K3tog, K10, K3tog, K5.
Row 14: Purl.
Row 15: K4, K3tog, K8, K3tog, K8, K3tog, K4.
Row 16: Purl.
Row 17: Change to main colour and K3, K3tog, K6, K3tog, K6, K3tog, K3.
Row 18: Knit.
Row 19: Change colour and K2, K3tog, K4, K3tog, K4, K3tog, K2.
Row 20: Purl.
Row 21: K1, K3tog, K2, K3tog, K2, K3tog, K1.
Row 22: Purl.
Row 23: Change to main colour and K3tog 3 times.
Row 24: K3tog and fasten off.

 Unlike other modular knitting which I usually work in vertical strips, I am going to knit all the modules across the bottom of the jumper to make sure that it will fit the template reasonably closely.  I can always change the finished length of the jumper by adding a few more rows or a longer rib.  I could widen the jumper by knitting some side pieces, but I want to avoid that if can.

First Knitted L-shape Sample

I have knitted my first L-shape sample and used it to work out whether I have got the right size.

 

Unfortunately – it is too large and I don’t like how it looks!  This sample consists of 12 + 1 + 24 + 1 + 24 + 1 + 12 (75 stitches to cast on or pick up).  I have pinned it to my template jumper and have worked out that it is too big.  I am now knitting a sample with fewer stitches: 11 + 1 + 22 + 1 + 22 + 1 + 11 (69 stitches to cast on or pick up).

I am also not keen on how this sample looks – I think if I do each shape with just 2 colours – the finished result will look bitty, so I now intend to use a different colour yarn for each bit of stocking stitch.

Yarn for a Modular Knitted Jumper

 

I have collected together various odd balls of mainly grey, green and mauve yarn.  Originally I intended to make a scarf in the style of Sophie Digard.  I crocheted a few shapes and then lost interest – or more likely was asked to knit something as a matter of urgency!

Now that I have realised that at the moment my red L-shaped jumper is too tight, I want to knit another one – and there is enough of this yarn to make a jumper.

If I am not too busy this week I hope to make a start by knitting a few sample modules.

Knitted Poppy Tea Cosy - Version 2

 

This tea cosy was knitted to remember the soldiers lost in the First World War – on both sides – but particularly my great grandfather Thomas Wade who was killed in 1917.

The tea cosy is very simple – a basic green tea cosy with 5 knitted poppies on top.  I have used buttons for the centres to add a bit of texture.

It is likely that I will come up with some more poppy-based designs during the next 4 years!

Knitted Poppy Tea Cosy

After a few false starts I have knitted a tea cosy which consists of 3 strips on each side.  I then sewed them together, and added a few rows at the top and bottom to neaten the edges and to get the right length.  I toyed with the idea of a green tab to finish it off, but decided that the pom-pom looks better. 

I had intended to do more strips and more poppies but I think that would be better suited to a complicated fair-isle/intarsia design.  With this design, I quite like the way the whole poppy seems to be at the centre of a cross.

I have thought of 3 other ideas for tea cosies with poppies on and I am now off to cast one on.

 

Modular Knitting or Strip Knitting?

In this blog I tend to use the term “modular knitting” to refer to all forms of knitting which involve knitting shapes – squares, oblongs, L-shapes, triangles or even irregular shapes.

Horst Schulz uses the term “patchwork knitting” to describe his modular knitting.  I tend to use this term just for quilts and throws.

Vivian Høxbro uses the term “domino knitting” to describe her modular knitting – but she mainly uses squares and shapes involving squares.

There is another lesser-used term – “strip knitting”.  Much of my modular knitting is really strip knitting.   The photo below shows a commercially bought bag covered in strip knitting.  I was trying to use up very small bits of Fandango yarn – so I knitted very narrow strips.

 

The tea cosy that I am currently working on is an example of strip knitting.  When I say “currently working on” I mean “thinking about” – actually this week I have been knitting a very small jacket for a baby who arrived last weekend.  This afternoon I am going to get on with roughing out a pattern for my tea cosy.

Modular Knitted Bag’s First Excursion

 

I admit it – this post is just an excuse to show you a photo of the other side of my bag.  I used it yesterday with the green side facing outwards, but today I showed off this other side.

What I like about using Fandango yarn is that the modules and stripes of knitting are not clearly defined – they merge together.  You can achieve a similar effect by felting wool, but it involves a lot more hassle.

Now I am at a loose end – what shall I knit next?  I would like to make a start on a jumper but I think that I had better do something easier.  I may attempt a tea cosy to commemorate the First World War.  I have an idea in my head – I hope I will be able to translate it into knitting.

Modular Knitted Bag – It’s Finished – Almost!

 

I have now widened and lengthened the 2 side panels, made handles and made an inner rim for the top of the bag. 

In order to produce the sloped shape I used a basic mitred square of: 9+1+9 at the bottom and 8+1+8 at the top.  In fact there are no individual squares – and so I used oblongs of 9+ 1+18+1+9 and L-shapes of 9+1+18+1+18+9 for the bottom shapes and oblongs of 8+1+16+1+8 and L-shapes of 8 + 1+16+1+16+8 for those at the top. 

All the knitting is stocking stitch but it is hard to tell!

I have said the bag is finished – well it isn’t quite – I need to do some more stitching to secure the inner rim inside the bag and I need to use sewing thread to do a line of stitches along each handle to stop them twisting when I use the bag.

Modular Knitted Bag - Second Progress Report

 

In odd moments during the week I have managed to finish the second panel of my modular knitted bag.  I think I am happy with it!

I was thinking about the yarn – which is Colinette Fandango.  I know the light grey is the shade called Slate.   I was trying to identify the others.  I think the following is correct:

• Grey: Slate
• Green: Forest?
• Dark mauve: Fruit Couli
• Blue: Blue Parrot
• Light mauve: Lilac
• Brown: Copperbeech
• Gold: Pierro
• Pink: Cherry
• Blue/Pink/Gold:  I am not sure - it may be Morocco.

I used to be more organised and tie a piece of yarn to the band so that I knew which colour was which.  I still have lots of scraps of yarn from old projects, but more recently I have foolishly thought I would remember.  It doesn’t matter really.  If you forget what colour yarn you have bought from Colinette – you can send a small amount of it to them to be identified so you can have some more.  Sadly that doesn’t apply to Fandango.

Noro Magazine Issue 4

When I was out this morning I found the latest Noro magazine. 

The cowl on the front cover is lovely but my favourite pattern in the magazine is a feather and fan stitch blanket knitted in Silk Garden.  It would cost a fortune to make – but I can dream!

There is also a very striking scarf made from crocheted “flowers”.  I am not sure I have the technical skill required for it – but I wish I had!

For those of you who have ever had battles with Noro yarn – there is an interesting article called: “10 tricks for bending Noro colors to your will”.  This explains why two balls of apparently the same shade can seem completely different.

If, like me, you have no intention of making any of the items in the magazine – it is still worth looking at, for inspiration.

Modular Knitted Bag - First Progress Report

I have finished the main panel of the first side of the bag.  I am pleased that I managed to use a different number of stitches to get the panel to slope in at the top so that it will fit the red bag lining.

The light grey background looks OK but I tried using dark grey for the other side and I thought it looked too gloomy.  I want a summery look – so I think I am going to use light green.  I know my other maze bag is green but it looks completely different. 

Although I always make the sides of my bags different – so I can turn them around for a different look – I like there to be some link between the 2 sides – so I intend to use the same colours – the green background will make the panel look different. 

If in doubt, give up!

I have always found that when I start to question whether my design is turning out right – it is time to unravel and start again.  Sometimes I have tried to carry on, convincing myself that it will be OK when I have done a bit more, or added another colour – but the doubts remain, spoiling my enjoyment.

What am I talking about?  I was going to make a crazy patchwork bag but it isn’t happening.  I think there are three problems – firstly I haven’t got enough yarn in plain colours and the patterned yarns I have don’t go together.  Secondly: I think the design would work out better if I had less yarn so that I was forced to make small patches, and thirdly I am being too impatient.  I want to knit something that will knit up much more quickly.  If I was prepared to spend the time on it – I could use the yarn I have to make lots of small patches - although that would seem a bit of a waste.

Instead, I think will do a new version of my maze bag which is a bit battered now as I use it most days.  The design was based on a maze with green hedges.

 

I can’t just copy the previous design as the bag lining I have is smaller and slopes inwards towards the top – so I will have to try to ensure that the design slopes in towards the top as well – probably by using fewer stitches in each shape.  The design originally used mitred squares, oblongs and L-shapes.  I have roughed out a new design which just uses oblongs and L-shapes.  I now need to do some experiments to see if the shapes are the right size and decide what colours to use.  At the moment I favour grey as a base colour – but I may change my mind when it looks awful!

Modular Knitted Cardigan

I have finished it!  I had to take it out again because I was running out of yarn – so I had to do larger needles and less stitches.  It has worked out well because it means the fabric is less dense and therefore less heavy.

 

The back is formed from 9 mitred squares using 7mm needles and 24 + 1+ 24 sts pattern.  I decreased by knitting 3sts together on the front facing rows.  It is all garter stitch apart from the pocket linings.  I did the sleeves in all garter stitch and the fronts have small 8+ 1+8 squares each side of the button and buttonhole bands.  I reused the buttons from the previous version of this cardigan.

Crazy Patchwork Knitted Cushion

At the moment I am still working on a new version my previously unloved cardigan but I am thinking ahead – what am I going to knit next?  I think I may do another carpet bag using my adaptation of the crazy patchwork idea from Myra Wood’s book. 

 

Several years ago I did something similar to make a circular cushion as an entry for competition to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Knitting and Crochet Guild.

I had to include silver but otherwise you could use any colour.  I just used some colours that I had left over from other projects.  The cushion was made from the lovely but almost discontinued Colinette Fandango.  However, I still have several skeins left in my stash to use for the new bag.