nittin

The talented Zander Olsen

2012-01-12T14:17:00.000Z

Beautiful photographs, very clever concept

Xmas socks

2011-12-25T12:13:00.001Z

My brother models his handknitted Xmas socks. Thanks to @hayleycampbelly for the artfully arranged action shot!

Knitting frenzy - more presents finished

2011-12-10T17:53:00.001Z

The Eleanor Cowl by Audknits (free Ravelry pattern) in gorgeous Fyberspates Scrumptious for another friend abroad...

S'cuse the dodgy shots taken last night on a train - I needed to get it in the post to make it to Canada before Christmas. Talk about cutting it fine...

Oh, and I finished these cashmere wrist warmers a little while ago but forgot to post them up (pattern to follow as soon as I've had time to write it up):

Another one off the needles

2011-12-04T11:29:00.001Z

An early Xmas present for my gf from Singapore. I thought a little cowl would keep the December wind out.

Scuse the less than glamorous pic taken against a #63 bus seat. It all got a bit last minute... (as usual).

Woolshops of the world

2011-11-19T21:34:00.001Z

Took a day trip to Bath today and was lucky enough to have a good rummage in Wool.

Great shop, very friendly and knowledgable owner and a lovely broad selection of yarns. Definitely worth a road trip

Off the needles - Xmas pressie #1

2011-11-17T23:35:00.000Z

Finished Xmas pressie no.1. It's for my mum but as she doesn't have an internet connection I think I'm pretty safe posting this without risking spoiling the surprise.

Now onto a sock knitting extravaganza!

Knit your own Death Star and Light Sabre

2011-11-16T15:19:00.000Z

Ok, so I'm geeking out a bit and having far too much fun on my lunchbreak, but LOOK AT THESE:
Both reblogged from the excellent craftycrafty.tv

Knit your own Death Star

By Lauren O'Farrell

16 November 2011 At 1:28 Pm • Posted Under Geek Craft

It's a universally known handmade fact that Star Wars craft is the force that keeps all other craft together. Sure there are your run of the mill intricate heirloom knitted shawls, chic knitted dresses and cutesy amigurumi but nothing says craft WIN quite like a knitted Death Star.

Yes, you heard me right. The cosmic Nicole Kostelec has created a free knitting pattern for theDeath Star from Star Wars. Free, supremely geeky, and pictured shooting out a vibrant death ray at an unsuspecting planet.

I've said it before and I'll happily say it again. The craft force is strong with this one.

[source: the lovely Emsiepopples over on Twitter]

Knit your own Lightsabre

By Lauren O'Farrell

4 November 2011 At 10:59 Am • Posted Under Movie and TV Craft

You can be pretty sure that both Yoda and Obi Wan knew how to knit. How else could they both survive all those dreary years in Jedi Master isolation? Now you can join them by using the woolly force yourself as a stitching Skywalker.

This Knitted Lightsabre pattern from the fabulously named Zombie Sheep (brandished here by a purly Princess Leia who obviously means business) is a free knitting pattern that can be downloaded from Ravelry (the home of some of the universe's coolest patterns).

It's well worth checking out the other patterns in her Inside Joke collection too. There's everything from hip knitted skirts to graffiti crochet cosies.

Yoda would be proud; the fibre force is strong with this one.

[Source Emsiepopples: via Twitter]

I'm in print!

2011-10-24T22:14:00.000+01:00

One of my projects was spotted by The Knitter magazine on Ravelry and they approached me to ask if they could include it in the Readers Page of the most recent issue.

Footlocker on Oxford Street - look what I made!

2011-09-09T19:46:00.002+01:00

Display plinth & alarm cosies

Unfortunately they wouldn't let me rearrange the alarm cosies so they don't sag, but a girl can't have everything...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Converse/Footlocker 'Threads' ad campaign

2011-09-09T09:51:00.002+01:00

I’ve had a bit of an exciting secret squirrel knitting project on the go recently which has finally launched.

Several yarn artists were asked to come up with yarn bombing concepts for various for a viral ad for Converse & Footlocker, to launch Converse's new Padded Cuff shoe.

I was commissioned to produce various cuffs and cosies for street furniture – lamp posts, trees, benches, fencing, scaffold poles etc.

You can see the ad here:

I was also involved in making some pieces for the in-store activation in flagship stores in London, Berlin and Milan, including cuffs for the door alarms, cosies for shop window plinths to put the shoes on, a massive advertising pillar in Berlin and cosies for bikes to go outside the store. Pics below of the Berlin store which launched yesterday - really pleased with the way everything turned out.

The excellent Kate Jenkins

2011-09-05T08:07:00.001+01:00

I love Kate Jenkins quirky and humorous crochet work. Happily she's got an exhibition on until 24th Sept at the Rebecca Hossack Gallery on Charlotte St, London W1. http://r-h-g.co.uk/

Absolute genius

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Star Wars amigurumi - ok, so I'm a bit obsessed this morning...

2011-08-13T11:03:00.000+01:00

Lucy Ravenscar's created a whole cast of Star Wars Amigurumi characters to make. Star Wars themed Christmas nativity anyone...?

Bloody marvellous

R2D2 custom made jumper - in case that last post wasn't exciting enough....

2011-08-13T10:56:00.000+01:00

OMFG! Incredible workmanship from Etsy's Erica Knit. I wonder if I can work out how to make a Darth Vader version with hat/mask....

And let's not forget the matching hat

Star wars fair isle charts - I can feel a twinset coming on...

2011-08-13T10:13:00.015+01:00

http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/charts/starwars.htm

This link is also worthy of mention: http://www.angelfire.com/space2/swcharts/knit.html

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Woolshops of the world - Lewisham

2011-08-01T11:55:00.002+01:00

I've just been to the fabulous knitshop.co.uk 326 Lee High Rd, Lewisham.
They have their own range of gorgeous yarns and are incredibly helpful & knowledgable.

A great find in South London!

Etsuko Ichikawa's inspirational burn art

2011-07-15T11:00:00.000+01:00

Etsuko Ichikawa’s work uses a unique process to create wonderfully organic, almost balletic pieces. Watch this wonderfully shot video to see it in practice.

Design trend: Looking to the past

2011-07-08T12:11:00.000+01:00

Thanks to my lovely colleague Alexa Saller at Bloom for permission to re-blog her excellent Design Trends thought piece:

Design trend: Looking to the past

Last week we posited that one of the reasons for Habitat’s demise was that its futuristic furniture was no longer to the public’s taste. Increasingly in design we’re noticing a trend for reviving the old and making it relevant to the present.

A blast from the past

Since the mass fashion market exploded in the mid 20^th century every decade has had its own particular style – hippie in the 60’s, rockers in the 80’s, grunge in the 90’s. This century has certainly had its own style notes – leggings sadly being a defining feature – but increasingly fashion brands are reinventing the past for the present. Prada has done an exceptional job of this in their S/S 2011 campaign. They’ve done more than just take influence from the 70’s, they’ve fully embraced the decade to create a retro collection that really stands out from the crowd.Modern Classic

Christian Louboutin has chosen to recreate a number of 17^th C portraits for his Fall collection. In doing so he has created a shorthand for ‘classic’, a statement that his shoes, a hallmark of the modern age, will stand the test of time.The age of ingenuity

Whether influenced by the Doctor Who revival or the imminent arrival of the final instalment of Harry Potter, we’re not sure, but Steampunk has become a thriving cult movement.
Embodying a kind of neo-Victorianism Steampunk has spawned a whole culture, influencing everything from architecture to music to fashion. The movement’s appeal seems to stem from its roots in counterfactual history, which encourages followers to use their imagination and consider – what if? Author G. D. Falksen, wearing a steampunk-styled arm prosthesis by Thomas Willeford, exemplifying one take on steampunk fashion.

The Golden Age

Despite many consumers having to tighten their purse strings, the upper echelons still have plenty of cash to splash. However in an era where superstructures are a dime a dozen and 3D tvs are the norm it can be difficult to impress the jet set. Yet the past is rarefied and can therefore form a compelling reference point. The fog of time has a tendency to preserve only the most glamorous features, making the memory all the more precious. To this effect Van Cleef & Arpels have recently created a Bals de Légende collection of jewellery. Consisting of 160 unique pieces, the collection has been inspired by five of the most extravagant balls of the 20^th C. Today equivalent events aren’t nearly as exclusive and many have beencommercialised, making a celebration of a bygone era is even more fantastical for its rarity, you almost can’t help but be impressed.

A simpler life

The last couple of years have also seen growing support for The Prince of Wales’ rejections of modernist architecture and a long waiting list to buy a plot in Poundbury, his New Urbanism development on the edge of Cornwall. Again this seems to stem from a desire to return, not to the extravagances of the past, but to a time when things were simpler and communities were smaller.

Breathing new life into an old brand

Brands are also tapping into the past. The most recent example is the Little Chef redesign, which has leveraged one of the brand’s biggest assets - nostalgia. The simplification of the marque helps the quirky chef to stand out even more. Meanwhile the bright modern colours prevent it from looking dated, giving it greater longevity than the Hovis packs, which have arguably gone too far down the nostalgia route and now just look a bit dated.

The past can be used at all price points in a multitude of ways - to inspire, excite and engage. Furthermore it provides a short-hand of associations, meaning you don’t have to re-educate the consumer. It’s not suitable for every brand, but get it right and a strong emotional connection with the consumer will be your reward.

Super cool book designs

2011-07-06T11:32:00.000+01:00

I'm a big fan of Jules Verne so I was a bit over excited to come across these book cover designs by Jim Tierney

V&A exhibition - Cult of Beauty

2011-07-04T19:06:00.000+01:00

One of the best exhibitions I've been to - well put together, thorough and really interesting. The Cult of Beauty ends on the 17th July, so if you haven't had a chance to go yet, I strongly suggest you get your collective arses down there:

Embroidered Toast

2011-06-30T14:27:00.000+01:00

My excellent brother @joelgolby just sent me a link to this awesome craft series by Judith G. Klausner
As I'm rubbish at sewing I'd personally want my work to last a bit longer than a couple of days before going mouldy

Triathlon

2011-06-15T13:19:00.001+01:00

I've been a bit busy TRAINING FOR A TRIATHLON. Yes, you heard right, it was a Sprint distance one (ie. half a proper Olympic distance) at Blenheim Palace on Sat 4th June - 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run.

My mate Jas thinks we've slipped into an alternative reality but I think it's more likely I'm having a mid-life crisis. I'm also jonesing after getting another tattoo done. Oh well, at least it's not toyboys and sports cars...

I did the whole thing in 2hrs 24mins. The swim in 19mins (11 mins quicker than my goal time), bike in 1hr 04 and the run in 50mins. I was determined not to walk any of it, despite a couple of the girls walking past me faster than I was managing to run.

The bike was quite tough going as there was a big old hill in the middle of the the lap (3 laps). The main thing is I didn't finish last, by 158 people at the last count.

It was an amazing day and I'm incredibly proud of myself. So much so that I've signed up for another one in September. This time for charidee. If you fancy sponsoring me, click here

Unflattering pics to follow:

Off the needles - riff socks

2011-06-11T20:29:00.001+01:00

Only a week late for my other halve's birthday (see OCD sock knitter post for reason why)

Very pleased with the results - knitted in super soft Mongolian cashmere from ebay seller twinboysan

Christien Meindertsma - one to watch

2011-05-29T14:35:00.001+01:00

I'm a big fan of Christien Meindertsma's work. You may have seen her giant knitted poufs over the last couple of years.

My newest Christien passion is her giant aran rugs. Talk about messing with your sense of perspective. If you ever wanted to feel like a Borrower, check them out

Star Wars Shower Tiles

2011-05-29T11:26:00.001+01:00

I. Want. This. Bathroom. (as featured on Neatorama) Him indoors says 'no way' but give him time and I'm sure he'll come round to the idea...

Ed Bing Lee - guilt-free desserts

2011-05-29T11:07:00.000+01:00

Check out Ed Bing Lee's 'Delectable' collection. Incredibly crafted knotted, beaded and woven desserts.

City & Guilds Module 4 highlights

2011-05-29T10:43:00.001+01:00

I finished module 4 (intarsia and pattern development) a while ago but forgot to post the results:

The Curse of the OCD Sock Knitter

2011-05-29T10:28:00.001+01:00

In which our nimble fingered sock knitter swears a lot and throws cashmere across the room in a big old huff...

So. I'm on my 4th redo of my other half's birthday socks (his birthday was Monday) and I've only got myself to blame.
It's this great pattern Riff with a nifty running stitch cross pattern over the instep and up the back heel.

Of course muggings here couldn't possibly knit the socks in the recommended yarn. Oh no, only the best Mongolian cashmere for my loved one. It has the same stitch gauge as the recommended yarn but a very different row gauge (who has time to do a full swatch for socks these days?!?)

What I couldn't forsee is that when the row gauge is different the lovely crosses in the pattern don't line up. It took me 2 redo's to work this out. Throw in a couple of rows of tired knitting when I crossed stitches in the wrong direction and the thing gets thrown across the room and called a C U Next Tuesday more times than I can count on one hand.

"Don't worry about it" says my love "no one's going to notice, I can't tell the difference so no one else will." Ah yes my dear, but I'll see it every time you put your feet up on the coffee table in front of the telly and It. Will. Drive. Me. Nuts.

So, redo number 4 and we're as far as the heel turn. Lessons have been learned:
1. Do a full swatch of the pattern (especially meeting points on travelling stitches)
2. Don't knit complicated things when tired (I already knew this but ignored it)
3. Socks take longer than I think to knit of there's a deadline involved

Finger's crossed I don't cock it up when it gets to integrating the heel pattern with the instep...

Finished objects

2011-05-29T10:27:00.001+01:00

This lovely lady's my mother-in-law modelling a cardi and hat made by moi. The cardi's my own design and took quite a lot of swearing to make.

One to watch - Inge Jacobsen

2011-05-10T10:48:00.001+01:00

an interesting and humorous embroidered take on Vogue by Inge Jacobsen:

Shadow art

2011-05-04T18:42:00.001+01:00

amazing what you can do with a cleverly bit of creased paper.... Here's the link to the shadow art top 10:

A lesson in dye lots

2011-04-03T17:18:00.002+01:00

I had two dye lots for yarn to make up a cushion and baby blanket a while ago. I had enough of one dyelot for the cushion and the rest for the blanket. I couldn't tell the difference between them in natural light in any case so it shouldn't matter right?

Wrong. So very wrong.

I made the blanket first and before I made up the cushion cover I thought I'd better compare them 'just in case'. Bloody good job I did - the cushion cover was much yellower and slightly lighter than the blanket. The difference wasn't discernible between two small balls of yarn but very obvious when knitted up in a big piece.

Lesson learned. Only ever use the same dye lot when making matching stuff (or be prepared to throw your work across the room and call it a C U Next Tuesday several times when you realise only a reknit will do)

@*#!ing Cushion cover left

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wind-powered knitting machine

2011-03-14T20:25:00.001Z

Look at this - a wind powered knitting machine (thanks for the link Emily!)
http://www.merelkarhof.nl/merel_karhof_-_product_design/wind_knitting_factory.html

Robot baby bib

2011-02-20T22:24:00.000Z

It's been a while since I've posted anything, mainly because I've been so busy cramming for a book-keeping exam, working on my City & Guilds knitting course and training for a triathlon in June!

Here's a little baby bib I made for my mate Jo's boy Wilf - it's my own design, inspired by a fair isle exercise in my current City & Guilds module. I'll write up the pattern to post up on Ravelry when I've got a mo (at this rate that'll be July!)

Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies

2010-12-21T19:09:00.002Z

Says it all really

Rocking Snowman

2010-12-14T21:13:00.002Z

My mate Lisa is a Crafty Queen. She makes Christmas decorations as Christmas cards each year. I always look forward to them. This year's arrived today - he's first to go on the 'Christmas tree'. Check out his knitted nose

I've updated my Coriandr shop :-)

2010-12-07T21:25:00.001Z

I like a nice rug

2010-12-05T16:56:00.000Z

How cool are these carpets?

Mother in law's cardi

2010-11-14T23:00:00.003Z

This is my mother-in-law in her birthday cardi. It's only 6 months late but then the cardi and I have fallen out quite badly on a couple of occasions during the design and make process.

As you can see Jehanne's very pleased with it but not half as pleased as I am to have finally finished it!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:London,United Kingdom

City & Guilds - module 3 nearly finished

2010-09-26T18:52:00.008+01:00

I've been working on this module since March, which seems like eternity. Finally very close to the end. Mounted everything up - just 3 more bits to finish and mount and then I'm done!

Busy bee

2010-09-12T10:21:00.009+01:00

If I thought I was busy with knitting before, I've somehow found a higher gear.
I've been working my arse off to get my 3rd Knitty & Guilds module finished (finally I can see the light at the end of the tunnel).

Yesterday I did a course at iKnit with the lovely Miriam Tegels to learn her simplified continental style. She's a really great teacher and her technique is dead easy to pick up and super fast. Hopefully this'll help me get my C&G samples done much quicker!

Today I'm off up to Loop for a Habu trunk sale and an hour's course on how to read a japanese knitting pattern with Takako from Habu. Superb.

Oh, and I managed to knit 80% of this Whisper Cardi in our week's holiday to Mallorca at the end of August:

Labels

2010-08-11T13:14:00.004+01:00

Like a div I completely forgot to take a pic of the socks I made at the Two At A Time sock workshop :-( they came out ok though and the technique is waaaaayyyy easier than I had imagined.

There are good tutorials here and here if you're interested but it's a bit of a head &*$% at first and so much easier if you can find someone who knows the technique to show you....

These arrived in the post yesterday. Made by priyacreations on Etsy. Can't wait to sew them into my next finished object!

I'M VERY EXCITED

2010-07-30T13:04:00.005+01:00

Tomorrow I'll be at a Knit Nation workshop learning to knit 2 socks at once. It's a technique I've (unsuccessfully) been trying to teach myself for the last year so I'm very very excited indeed.

I'll be a 7th dan ninja sock knitter before you know it!

Share your work on the V&A website

2010-07-19T20:49:00.006+01:00

I got very excited when I spotted that you can post work to the V&A website. There's some really cool stuff up there and I shamelessly posted my cheeky monkey blanket up there too :-)

Isla Scarlett McCay Williams

2010-07-16T10:44:00.001+01:00

I'm so chuffed I'm going to post this blanket twice.

Huge congratulations to my best mates whose daughter arrived yesterday. She'll be getting her blanket in the next day or so when she's ready for visitors.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Smart Crochet

2010-07-15T16:06:00.005+01:00

This is the latest glorious crafty thing to catch my eye - created by Magda Sayeg of KnittaPlease and spotted in Make Online. If you haven't checked out Make and Craft website, they're treasure troves of geeky crafty goodness.

Steeking part deux

2010-07-15T13:17:00.003+01:00

Sewing's finished (the train tracks down the middle of the pic)

Deep breath. And.....cut!!

Ta dah!!

FINISHED :-D Just 1.5 hours before my best mate's waters broke. The baby must've known...

I am steeking...

2010-07-10T17:32:00.002+01:00

This is the terrifying Scandinavian process of cutting (yes, you heard right!) circular knitting to create a flat piece of work.

"Why bother?!" I hear you cry.

My thoughts exactly at this point. What the hell was I thinking?

At the time I started this endeavour I was wooed by the news that knitting complex intarsia patterns in the round gives much better tension than flat knitting (which I've discovered is true and has been a turning point in my hate hate relationship with intarsia thus far). Plus you're always starting your pattern from the right hand side of the chart.

For steeking:
1. take your lovingly knitted tube of complex patterning
2. Sew vertical lines either side of two columns of stitches with tiny sewing machine stitches (leaving a 2 stitch gap between).
3. Take sharp scissors, a deep breath and a swig of Rescue Remedy then CUT in-between the 2 stitches you left as a gap between your sewn columns
4. Cross your fingers and hope the whole thing doesn't unravel
5. Laugh hysterically with relief and punch the air when it doesn't

I'm at point 2. I'll let you know when the air punching commences...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cosy tea

2010-06-24T13:39:00.002+01:00

My two favourite things combined in one cosy little package. Lovely idea. Pictures and blurb from Design Week.

Pigeons back in Trafalgar Square

2010-06-23T20:35:00.003+01:00

How cute are these little guys? Stitch London made and displayed them in Trafalgar Square. Click here for more pics and info

Off the needles - Sardinia

2010-06-23T20:31:00.004+01:00

Finished this at the beginning of June but haven't had a chance to post for a bit. Would have had it finished sooner but had to start the front 6 times due to user error on my part. Doh!

Really chuffed with it, despite the corners curling a little bit (I probably made the base chain a bit tight).

Knitty & Guilds Module 3

2010-05-30T11:14:00.012+01:00

Samples are coming along nicely for my module 3 assignments. I'm studying for a Book-keeping exam end of June as well as working full time so the knitting's a welcome relief from the chaos of a slightly crazy life and VERY full brain...

Decorative borders, decreases and bias knitting

mitred squares and frills/ ruching

Woolshops of the World - iKnit Cafe Farnham

2010-05-30T11:12:00.001+01:00

A treasure trove of sumptuous yarns. Absolute heaven...

Knitty & Guilds Arty workshop

2010-05-24T10:44:00.005+01:00

This is what I got up to this weekend. Great fun! It's for the printing and mark-making element of my City & Guilds Module 3.

Paper edges

2010-05-18T16:26:00.013+01:00

Yulia Brodskaya's work is really cool. Not only is she a very talented illustrator but also makes amazing things out of paper quilling:

Off the needles - The Gimmick

2010-04-25T14:11:00.004+01:00

This fantastic pattern is from Jane Waller's Knitting Fashions of the 1940s.
The Gimmick is a fantastically versatile sleeveless pullover with a long neck that can be worn several different ways.

I modified the original pattern to have a slightly shorter neck, to reduce bulk and added in a diamond shaped 1:1 rib pannel at the waist on each side to add shaping.

Super cute!

2010-04-25T13:41:00.004+01:00

This is little Harry Hotham modelling his new jacket, knitted by moi. Isn't he gorgeous?
Welcome to the world Harry!

On the needles - simple cardi

2010-04-18T10:08:00.002+01:00

My first attempt at copying a pattern from a picture. Thankfully it's a simple cardi! It's knitting up quickly, hoping to get the sleeves done this weekend.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tri-petal flower

2010-04-05T19:01:00.004+01:00

I've had different incarnations of this plant for years and years - the cuttings grow really easily - but I've never noticed it flower before. Gorgeous.

This weekend I've mostly been...studying

2010-04-05T18:46:00.015+01:00

I'm studying for a book-keeping qualification, as well as a City & Guilds in Knitting (or Knitty & Guilds as a girl friend called it) and whilst it would be far too boring to post the results of my book-keeping labour, but here are some of my knitting samples - increase, decrease and wibbly wobbly zigzag patterns.

oh and a couple of pics taken at the House of Marbles near Bovey Tracey back in March. Look at those bad boys! Love the designs

Inspiring ironwork

2010-04-02T19:04:00.008+01:00

I was at the V&A last weekend for a Knitty & Guilds meeting. We wandered through the Ironwork gallery which was incredibly inspiring. Couldn't stop thinking about knitted cables...

Knitted Natural Gas ad

2010-03-26T13:17:00.006Z

really cool. Link below is the 'making of'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ-mVJEbJpE&NR=1

Nick Cave Soundsuits

2010-03-12T16:11:00.003Z

Superb. Love the thought of someone getting on the tube in one of these...
More about Nick Cave here

Off the needles - Abstract Cardigan

2010-03-07T23:29:00.012Z

I've just finished this arty cardi for my mum. It was a bit of a challenge to work outside of my usual comfort zone in terms of style and colour combos but she's really pleased with it and so am I (after a fair bit of anxt!).

On the needles - The Gimmick

2010-03-07T22:24:00.010Z

Work in progress - this version of a versatile little 50s number. I've made a couple of design tweaks to improve the fit and finish - knitting it in the round and I've added a diamond shaped panel of K1, P1 rib at each side to nip the waist in a bit.

Lucy Sparrow's embroidered tube map

2010-03-02T18:33:00.003Z

This must have taken Lucy Sparrow AGES. Completely inspiring, I just wish I could sew...

New pattern - Alpine Stitch scarf

2010-01-23T12:48:00.005Z

I've written up the pattern for this scarf - you can download it here :-)

Off the needles - Xmas knit list

2010-01-16T16:19:00.017Z

Just realised I forgot to post a couple of things I made for Xmas presents but couldn't post before in case I spoiled the surprise!

On top of all the knitting I also made ecosoy wax candles, but in my rush to get them done completely forgot to take pictures. Nevermind, once you've seen a candle you've seen them all really, until the internet gets smell-o-vision!

We Call Them Pirates hat for my brother

Socks for 'him indoors' (he actually got them in October when I'd finished them but technically they're still a Christmas present)

Benny was quite interested in the photoshoot!

Tea cosy, scarf and candle. The cosy turned out a bit big as I was working in the dark in terms of sizing :-(

Off the needles - laptop case properly finished

2010-01-16T15:37:00.004Z

Off the needles - First felt

2010-01-03T12:59:00.005Z

My first felted item - a laptop case :) I'll post another pic & the pattern when i've finished blocking it & bunged some velcro on.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My first patterns!

2009-12-28T17:02:00.013Z

I've written up a couple of patterns and posted them on Ravelry for free.

You can download them here:

wibblywobblyshawl SpaceInvaderConvertiMittens

Finished - Scree (finally)

2009-12-28T12:26:00.005Z

Yup, this one's another classic case of too many things to knit and too little time. I recently finished this little number, which I started back in June (intending it to be a summer jumper). Easily distracted, that's me. But it's finished and I'm really chuffed with it - it fits beautifully. I think it's my best work yet :-D

I'll also shortly post all the things I made for Christmas presents but couldn't post before without giving the game away!

I sewed something!

2009-12-18T14:14:00.004Z

Sewing is not a natural crafty skill set for me. I made myself a pair of striped trousers when I was 16, which I very proudly wore until they fell apart, but if truth be told they were very shonky and heavily patched at the crotch due to some rather cavalier cutting out...

More recent projects have got as far as cutting out and tacking up, only to be thrown across the room in a fit of swearing and abandoned to the back of the Crafty Shelves. Usually to do with misaligned bust darts or the sudden realisation that the pretty ditsy embroidery on that piece of Thai silk that looked so fabulous in Thailand would in fact make me look like I was ready for a short notice pyjama party...

So imagine how excited I was to successfully complete a whole skirt IN AN AFTERNOON and a bit without propelling it across the lounge at any point and only minimal swearing (zip's suck).

Clothkits, you are the gods of idiot sewers everywhere.

New diet ice cream

2009-11-11T11:11:00.003Z

This is soooo cool

Knitted cakes

2009-11-05T16:13:00.004Z

Knitting and Cake. 2 of the greatest things in the world (apart from my fella)

Wycinaki papercuts

2009-10-30T14:19:00.012Z

Went to a really inspiring Wycinaki (Polish paper cutting) exhibition at the Horniman museum on 27th September. Incredible detail and all done purely with coloured paper - each colour change is a different layer of paper. Traditionally the paper cuts were be done with unweildy manual sheep shears. Crazy!

Market stall

2009-10-30T13:10:00.003Z

Forgot to post this back in September! My first forray into market stalls, as showcased on my friend Be's stall at the Muswell Hill Festival:

Hallowool

2009-10-30T13:07:00.003Z

My entry to Bloom's pumkin carving competition. Jase's nittin logo made 3D ;-)

Strawberry tea cosy

2009-10-25T19:37:00.005Z

Been meaning to post this for a while - it was a birthday present for end of Sept so I couldn't post it before and then it slipped my mind! really cool kit from Laughing Hens.

I loved the design so much I've improvised a cute Strawberry hat for my niece who's 2 on Halloween. I'll post it as soon as I have a pic of her in it.

I've also received my first pattern request through Ravelry :-D for the space invader mittens I made ages ago. It's the first pattern I've written up but hopefully won't be the last.

Cats

2009-10-23T20:35:00.007+01:00

It's about time I posted a pic of the cats.

This is Benny - he's incredibly sweet natured, epileptic and a bit daft because of it. Favourite place to sit is in a dark hallway on dark flooring, preferably in a doorway or some other kind of thoroughfare or in an upsidedown C shape on the sofa

This is Nina - she likes sitting on my knitting so much I had to make her a cat bag. She's almost as daft as Benny but doesn't have the epilepsy as an excuse. She also has a habit of turning on you without warning, usually when you think you're having a nice time giving her a bit of a tickle. Favourite resting place is on my pillow, having gradually pushed my head off it without waking me up.

Knit Geek

2009-09-24T09:39:00.006+01:00

This scarf's been generated by a machine that produces a unique pattern on the scarf from the data on your credit card. Completely mental but oh so cool... Knitting as fingerprint - the epitome of knit-geek.

Then there's the Newsknitter, which takes current newsfeeds and converts them into motifs for knit designs

Last but by no means least, there's the Gelsomina, which converts your voice into knit motifs.

Super cool - get your geek on:

City & Guilds Module 2

2009-09-22T08:47:00.006+01:00

Attaching some pics of my (nearly) finished module 2 City & Guilds work. I've got a couple of bits and pieces to completely finish it (I was a bit lazy on my knitted stripe exploration):

Stripes and colours

2009-09-21T20:00:00.006+01:00

Since starting module 2 of my City & Guilds course I've become mildly obsessed with stripes and interesting colour combinations.

These plates reminded me of those iced cakes with the wiggly lines dragged across the tops. Do you know the ones I mean?

And I loved the colours in this magic pile of carrots and beetroot

Rowan Saffron

2009-09-21T19:56:00.001+01:00

I saw my mum-inlaw this weekend and finally remembered to take a pic of her wearing the Saffron cardi I made ages ago. Here it is - I'm really pleased with it :-)

Handlebar bag

2009-09-14T11:12:00.005+01:00

This totally rocks, not only from a knitting point of view, but from a "I'm obsessed about cycling" angle too. What a brilliant idea. Athough I think I'll have a skull motif on mine...

I am a 10:10 person!

2009-09-02T13:02:00.001+01:00

I just signed up to 10:10 - a new initiative to reduce the UK's carbon emissions by 10% in 2010.

Ambitious, but very worthwhile :-)

Beady

2009-09-01T10:04:00.002+01:00

I did raid my beadbox just a little bit this weekend...

Super Crafty weekend

2009-09-01T09:55:00.003+01:00

I've just had a seriously Crafty weekend. I've developed a mild obsession with crocheting flower brooches and it's only a matter of time before I dig through my bead box and get started on all manner of beaded accessories and jewellery!

Here are a few pics of the mini morsels I made this weekend which are all on sale in my Etsyand Coriandr shops:

On the needles - garter stitch blanket

2009-08-16T17:28:00.003+01:00

Went to visit The Natural Fibre Company mill in Launceston (Cornwall) yesterday whilst on a visit to my mum.

Amazing how much machinery & how many processes go into producing a ball of wool! VERY educational.

Bought a load of natural UK wool and started making a garter stitch blanket for home - the different breeds give a stunning variety of neutral colours. It's going to take a while - finished size is King size. This is what I knitted up last night - about a square foot...

On the needles - Scree

2009-08-16T09:21:00.003+01:00

3 weeks in (in between City&Guilds samples). Back nearly finished. Rowan Bamboo Soft is soooo good to knit with!

2009-08-16T09:20:00.001+01:00

Crochet packaging

2009-08-13T11:22:00.005+01:00

Kate Jenkins ' crochet packaging is absolutely awesome. The Golden Syrup wins it for me :-)

Christien Meindertsma - one to watch

2009-07-24T10:54:00.003+01:00

Innovative Utrecht born artist, Christien Meindertsma's incredible urchin poufs.

Off the needles - Wobbly Cable Shawlyshrug

2009-07-21T13:44:00.003+01:00

finished :-D

City & Guilds Module 2

2009-07-21T13:24:00.011+01:00

I was feeling quite smug with the knitted colour wheel from my previous post, until I'd finished it, blocked it and realised I'd missed out a chuffing colour block. Orange-red to be precise.

b@**@$%s!!! says I as I start to take it apart.

Here is is reknitted - a much better version (natch) with the inner circle decreases all nice and even this time

Here's some of the other fun stuff I've been up to for the course:

4 season's collage black and white tonal paint runs

mucking about with colour contrasting colours

City & Guilds Module 2

2009-07-09T22:40:00.005+01:00

Nobody told me studying could be so fun! Feel like a primary school kid mucking about with paints and bits of ripped paper. Superb

CIty & Guilds Module 1

2009-07-09T22:14:00.006+01:00

The Cosy Obsession Continues...

2009-06-25T16:35:00.003+01:00

Mini cosy 'set' with inter-changeable bobbles (velcroed on).
Pictured in-situ at Mrs M's house. Insulating, I believe, a rather choice pot of silver tip white tea.
Only the best for my knitted goodies ;-)

Hot 'beavers'...

2009-06-08T22:52:00.005+01:00

...or beverages, as Nick V would mean. Just finished these to keep our work 'beavers' nice and toastie

Guerilla knitting

2009-05-06T21:05:00.001+01:00

Just spotted this at Elephant & Castle station no 63 bus stop. It totally made my evening :D

2009-05-06T21:02:00.003+01:00