Lollipop Knits

Felted bag pattern

2008-11-10T10:46:00.009Z

I've been meaning to write up some more patterns recently so here is the pattern for my little felted bag. It takes no time at all and is ideal for a last minute gift!

Yarn: Debbie Bliss SoHo (1 ball)

Needles: 1 pair 6mm for bag and 1 pair 5.5mm for handle

Other materials: Button or toggle

Bag:

Cast on 30 sts.

Knit 6 rows

K14, YO, K2 tog, K to end of row (creates buttonhole)

Continue in garter stitch (Knit every row) until knitting measures approx 26 cm or desired length. NB make sure you have enough yarn left for the strap.

Handle/strap:

Using 5.5mm needles, cast on 3 sts. Knit until strap measures approx 50 cm.

To make up:

Fold up about 10cm from bottom of bag. Sew up sides and turn right side out. Sew ends of strap
to either side of bag.

Place inside a pillow case in the washing machine with an old towel or pair of jeans. Wash on short cycle at 40 or 50 degrees. NB felting is a trial and error process! This worked for me. It left some stitch definition but made the bag much more sturdy.
Attach button when bag has dried out. I placed newspaper inside the bag to help it dry.

Variation:

The blue bag was knitted using the same pattern but I omitted the buttonhole. Instead, I added a loop afterwards and attached the button this way. I also forgot to use different needles for the strap so the whole bag uses 6mm needles.

Hello again!

2008-11-04T20:14:00.004Z

I'm back.

I have been so extremely, absolutely very busy (as Lola might say).

The month of October was crazy! Work was crazy - but things should be calming down now though so that's good. And I also went on holiday with my Brownies - very silly time of year but it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A huge amount of work went into planning and organising the trip but I think it was all worth it. I am just SO glad it's all over with now! I caught up on sleep quite quickly (I am used to a certain amount of sleep deprivation these days) and have picked up the needles again.

I was doing brilliantly finishing off projects but have unfortunately cast on a couple more now. I can't seem to help myself! I even started and finished a scarf for my sister's birthday yesterday. I didn't even get time to take photos of it.

I also started a couple of halloween bags. One was a little pumpkin purse which I finished and the other was a black and green striped bag but I haven't finished that one.

I now have Christmas thoughts in my head but am not quite sure where to start. I really wanted to knit lots of little stockings for an advent calendar type thing so I suppose I should start on that first. There are a few presents I want to knit but I must remember not to get too ambitious because I will never have the time to get all my ideas done otherwise!

Anyway, apologies for the lack of photos. I hope to be back with more soon.

Oh yes, forgot to say I am thrilled with the responses to my bobble-less tea cosy pattern. It is now in 74 queues on Ravelry!

Another one down

2008-10-04T10:32:00.005+01:00

I'm getting into the swing of this! Another WIP has been completed. This one is another of my felted bags but in blues. Instead of making a buttonhole in the flap, I added a loop afterwards and attached the button that way.

I'm also about 10 seconds away from finishing my mobile phone case. i just need to attach the handle.

I've been in the finishing off sort of mood this week. Sometimes I just want to start new things but recently I have felt like tying up all my loose ends which is good because I would never get anything finished otherwise. I like the sense of completion but I don't think I could ever be the sort of person who works on one project at a time and doesn't start a new one until the last one is finished. Is anyone like that?

Having said all that, I couldn't resist starting one new project this week! I cast on a jumper for my son. I just wanted to see what it would be like before I decide to go ahead and knit it.

2 down, ??? to go!

2008-09-29T09:17:00.005+01:00

My WIPs are getting silly now so I've decided it's time to finish some off. Already this morning I've finished 2. They literally took a minute each which makes it all the more silly that I haven't finished them before.

According to Ravelry I have 8 more WIPs and 5 projects that are hibernating. I should be able to finish a couple more off quite quickly hopefully. Others will take a bit more time. I finally found an extra ball of Debbie Bliss SoHo to finish my cable bag off that I started in February! If I get a few more projects finished I won't feel so guilty about starting new ones either!

Check out my gallery to see pics of my FOs.

Disappointing!

2008-09-10T10:45:00.006+01:00

As I mentioned last time, I was a little disappointed that not everyone likes my patterns! I entered two of my knitted creations in a local flower show. It was just for a bit of fun but unfortunately I didn't even get 3rd prize - boo hoo :(

My bag (re-lined as the first lining was awful) was in a category for any article that was sewn, knitted or crocheted. The item that won was a small teddy bear in some sort of little pocket. I didn't look too closely so didn't quite see what it was. A Jean Greenhowe clown came 2nd and I can't remember what came 3rd. I think there were only 6 entries altogether. There were 2 other teddy bears (not knitted). I think one of them came 3rd and there was also a blue fluffy thing. It may have been a scarf or a bag. I couldn't see and you were not allowed to touch the items. So my poor old bag sat there amongst the other items looking very lonely!

I also decided to enter a knitted brooch at the last minute. I had knitted some of this ages ago and decided to add the bottom layer and turn it into a brooch for the competition. This was in a class for a brooch made from any medium. I think there were only 3 or 4 entries. The brooches that won looked very intricate and well made but I'm not sure what they were made out of. I think one of them was heart-shaped but that's all I can remember.

Anyway, it was quite exciting entering a competition for the first time and I think I will have another go next year. My next event is a local craft show. I am hoping to exhibit some felted items and see what sort of response I get. Hopefully a little better than the flower show!

Exciting!

2008-09-09T19:44:00.002+01:00

I was really excited last Tuesday when I typed my tea cosy pattern up and posted it on my blog. I also added it as a free pattern on Ravelry.

I was even more excited when I checked my pattern, to see that people had added it to their queues! When I last checked, it was in no less than 36 queues! I am amazed and will be very interested to see if anyone actually knits it. Being in 36 queues just means 36 people have put it on a list of things they want to knit and if they are anything like me, that list never gets any shorter - just longer. Oh well, I am just so pleased that fellow knitters have liked it enough to even do that. Which is more than I can say of 2 of my other knitted designs - more about that next time!

Tea Cosy pattern freebie

2008-09-02T12:02:00.023+01:00

Here is the pattern for the tea cosy I made my friend. She asked me to knit her a tea cosy which was green and didn't have a bobble on the top! After searching among patterns, I couldn't find anything suitable so decided to create my own. The knitted fabric is lovely and thick and the lid is detachable. Here it is:

Size: to fit large tea pot. My tea pot measures approx 52cm round widest part and approx 34 cm round base.

Needles: 1 pair 5.5mm (straight)

Yarn: 1 strand of each of the following:

Sirdar Click chunky
Patons Studio Mohair (dk)

Other materials: 4 beads or buttons
Row counter

Abbreviations:

inc = increase (by knitting into front and back of stitch)

k = knit

p = purl

rep = repeat

sts = stitches

tbl = through back of loop

tog = together

Sides (make 2)

Using 1 strand of each of the yarns together, cast on 24sts

Rows 1 & 2: Knit
Row 3: k3, inc 1, k4, inc 1, k6, inc 1, k4, inc 1, k3 (28 sts)
Row 4: k3, p to last 3 sts, k3
Row 5: k3, inc 1, k5, inc 1, k8, inc 1, k5, inc 1, k3 (32 sts)
Row 6: As row 4
Row 7: k3, inc 1, k6, inc 1, k10, inc 1, k6, inc 1, k3 (36 sts)
Row 8: As row 4
Row 9: k3, inc 1, k7, inc 1, k12, inc 1, k7, inc 1, k3 (40 sts)
Row 10: As row 4
Row 11: knit
Row 12: As row 4
Rows 13 & 14: rep last 2 rows
Rows 15 & 16: knit
Rows 17 & 18: Rep rows 11 & 12
Row 19: k3, k2tog tbl, k to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3 (38 sts)
Row 20: knit
Row 21: As row 19 (36 sts)
Row 22: As row 4
Row 23: As row 19 (34 sts)
Row 24: knit
Row 25: knit
Row 26: As row 4
Next 4 rows: knit
Cast off

Lid (make 1)
Using 1 strand of each of the yarns together, cast on 15 sts
Knit 2 rows
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: k2, p to last 2 sts, k2
Repeat last 2 rows three times more
Next row: k6, cast off 3 sts, k6
Next row: k2, p4, cast on 3 sts, p4, k2
Rep rows 3 & 4 four times more
Knit 2 rows
Cast off
Make a loop on each of the 4 corners of the lid to fit over bead/button

To make up:
Using 2 sides of tea cosy and with wrong sides facing, sew row ends together for approx 3cm from cast on and cast off edges. Sew in ends. Turn right side out and place on tea pot with cast on edge at top. Place knitted lid on tea pot and mark positions to sew beads (or buttons). The knitted lid should be slightly stretched when loops are placed over the beads. Attach beads securely. Fit loops over the beads to secure lid in place.

Any queries, comments, errata, please email me. Address on right.

One year on...

2008-09-02T11:43:00.004+01:00

I cannot believe I have had this blog for a year! I cannot believe I missed my blogiversary! Definition in Urban Dictionary here. It was on 19th August and I had no idea I started my blog so long ago. I had a vague memory that I started this blog towards the end of last Summer but it really doesn't feel like a year.

I always imagined I would have a big celebration with giveaways, competitions, freebies etc. but I don't think I have blogged enough for all that hype! I still feel quite pleased with myself for keeping going though, so I think I will type up a couple of patterns as freebies. It is always nice to discover a free pattern through someone's blog and I would feel amazed if even just one person used one of my patterns. I'll start with a tea cosy I designed for a friend's birthday last week. I would also like to type up the pattern for a bag I made in July but I'm not sure if I wrote it down anywhere.

Anyway, a belated happy blogiversary to myself and anyone else out there!

Back so soon!

2008-08-13T19:58:00.003+01:00

I'm making the most of an evening to myself even though I really should get to bed early. I usually find that blogging seems like a waste of an evening's knitting but tonight I am at a bit of a loose end with the knitting. I have started way too many things and can't seem to finish any of them off. Spending time on the computer is a way of ensuring I don't go and start another project off on a complete whim.

I have started a new blog which I am calling my gallery. It's just a bit of a trial and at the moment seems to be just repeating information I have put on Ravelry. I think the logical, ordered side of me feels the need to display my knitted projects in some sort of sensible way. It is counteracting the chaotic side of my knitting which is a million items on the needles, a million more ideas in my head and a knitting basket that is getting stupidly out of control! It is good to see that I have completed 20 projects this year though. I have a bit of backtracking to do but I'll try and keep it up to date (I will try).

For some unknown reason I am having a knitted toy craving this month. I used to knit toys all the time - in fact I only knitted toys. It is only very recently that I got into knitting other stuff at all. Anyway, I have been digging my Jean Greenhowe books out again and browsing through them. I was bought Little Dumpling Dolls (the village men) for Christmas but haven't knitted any of them yet. I have just learnt on Ravelry that this pattern is out of print and pretty difficult to come by so I really fancy knitting one of these cute little men. I also treated myself to Part 1 (the village ladies) yesterday. I want to knit them all but I'm not sure who to start with. I'm also not entirely sure what I would do with them once they were finished.

Well, that's it for today (and maybe for the rest of the month, who knows?!). Let's hope that's it for rain this month too but I doubt it very much.

Behind

2008-08-11T20:34:00.006+01:00

I feel so ridiculously behind with this blog that I just don't know where to start!

It is one of those times when I just need to sit down and get on with it - then it won't be so bad. I seem to be comparing writing my blog to eating vegetables which is not good! In truth I don't really know why I have this blog. I think I like the idea of it but haven't really got into it properly. I have thought about stopping it but in my usual stubborn way, I think I'll battle on and see if things improve.

Anyway, what have I been doing?

1. I have a new baby nephew and managed to finish his blanket.

2. I've been to Cornwall and had a lovely, if a little wet, time.

3. I've bought a book to learn how to crochet but have yet to start.

4. I've broken up from school - hooray!

5. I have used up nearly half of my holidays already.

6. I have done quite a bit of knitting.

7. I've taken up running (a slight exaggeration). I've been for a very short jog 4 times! It's horrible but I really need to do some exercise.

Ok, so I lied...

2008-06-17T20:03:00.006+01:00

... but I am back in less than 2 months! A week to be precise. I just find it very difficult to find the time to blog. Any precious time I have for myself I prefer to spend knitting to be totally honest. I WANT to blog but the reality of it is a little different. My head is full of so many ideas for my knitting which I would love to share. I don't get around to ever starting most of them. Some people say they have a problem with starting projects and not finishing them (I have that problem too) but I also have the problem of thinking up a million projects and never getting them underway at all.

I have been constantly knitting though. I am in the middle of a blanket for my children's first baby cousin which is due to arrive next month. I thought I should start early to give me a bit of a chance to finish it on time.

I've also completed a pair of baby socks for a colleague at work who is expecting a little boy soon. They were actually my first ever socks I've knitted.

My next post will be catching up on the knit a bag a month project! I really need to sort out where I am!

Oh dear...

2008-06-10T14:17:00.002+01:00

... I was aware I hadn't done much posting but almost 2 months? That's bad!

And today I came across a blog that had been participating in 'a post a day for May'. I think I was trying to achieve the opposite - 'zero posting for the whole of May'.

I'm going to vanish now as well! But I will definitely be back tomorrow...

or definitely by the end of the week...

possibly.

FO #8

2008-04-14T12:52:00.006+01:00

Catching up on my FO list, number 8 is a pair of little Mary Jane bootees. I have made them twice before but am most pleased with this pair. I used Sirdar luxury soft cotton beofre but this time I used Rowan RYC cashcotton DK. It knitted up much sturdier this time. I made them for a relation of mine who has just had a baby girl.

Pattern: Sublime Mary Jane's, leaflet 6000

Yarn: Rowan RYC cashcotton DK

Needles: 4 mm

Size made: 3 - 6 months

More on my recycled bag

2008-04-07T13:19:00.001+01:00

I have been wanting to knit something with recycled materials for quite a while. I saw a feature in Simply Knitting last year about knitting with plastic bags and tape from old videos but haven't got around to it yet. I also have a pile of old t-shirts waiting to be cut up and knitted into bags inspired by the wonderful bags like this one created by Sharon from Laughing Purple Goldfish designs.

I have got around to buying some recycled sari silk though. I got it from Angel Yarns and was initially surprised that it had so much black in it. However, I really like the way it has knitted up even though it has been tough on the fingers!

The pattern I am using is Unbiased from Knitty. I was going to give the bag as a present but I'm now thinking I may keep it myself - I'll wait and see what the finished bag looks like!

FO #7

2008-04-06T13:18:00.007+01:00

I've been meaning to catch up on all my finished objects this year so far. With the help of Ravelry, I've discovered I have completed 8 projects since January.

FO # 7 is my entrelac cushion which I gave to my friend for her birthday last week. I was very pleased with my first attempt at entrelac but I did think it was a bit holey! Probably not picking up the stitches very evenly. I loved the yarn which was Patons Jet in reds, browns, pinks and oranges.

Pattern: Entrelac cushions by Kirstie McLeod, Simply Knitting Essential Home leaflet

Yarn: Patons Jet Multi, shade 8

Needles: 5.5mm

Size made: Medium (16")

The colours are a bit better in these photos I took at the beginning.

Where to start!?

2008-04-01T21:14:00.004+01:00

I have been so busy lately and done loads of knitting that I just don't know where to start. I really need to take some photos as well. In brief this is what I have been up to on the knitting front:

1. Made a cushion in entrelac style (my first go at this and quite pleased with myself)

2. Bought some recycled sari silk and started knitting this bag with it (it's amazing but a little difficult to knit with)

3. Finished my bunny

4. Started Clementine by Emma King at last (been on my list for ages)

5. Bought some organic cotton and started a little bag

6. Made a pair of little pink Mary Jane's by Sublime for a cousin's baby.

I think that's about it.

7. Just remembered - added some finishing touches to my little pink cable bag from Let's Knit.

Really hoping to finish off lots of projects ASAP and take some photos. I will be on holiday from school after Friday so may have a little more free time (just a little!)

Bunny progress report

2008-03-08T13:38:00.003Z

Here is the large bunny I previously mentioned I've been working on. The pattern is by Jody Long and is featured in Let's Knit magazine issue 4. As you can see she is nearly ready. I have knitted the cardigan and arms but not the basket or flowers yet. I was actually thinking of not doing the flowers as I can imagine they will be quite fiddly and time consuming and as it is supposed to be ready by next Saturday, I might not have the time!

Easter Baskets

2008-03-05T08:06:00.003Z

Here are my little Easter baskets I made. I used cotton yarn doubled up. They will also hold a chocolate egg (or a real one).

I am thinking of writing up the pattern as a little freebie.

Thanks, Mum!

2008-03-04T09:27:00.005Z

My Mum has been busy knitting for an Easter fundraising event that me and a friend are organising for our Brownie packs.

They will all have a chocolate egg inside them and she's also working on some chicks. I'm working on some little baskets and also a large bunny.

Finally...

2008-02-26T09:45:00.003Z

...I have cast on a bag for February. It is a chunky cable and moss stitch bag by Debbie Bliss from her 'Home' book. I am using Debbie Bliss SoHo which I bought in the sale after Christmas but unfortunately I have ran out and still have 1 and a bit handles to do. It is so frustrating but I think it is probably my fault for knitting a bit too loosely. Anyway, here are some photos:

Reasons to love January #2 & 3

2008-02-01T19:31:00.000Z

Yes, I know it's February! Reasons 2 and 3 are now 1 year older. My gorgeous girl is 3 and my beautiful boy is 1!

Needless to say, January has been slightly busy and always will be! We have wrapped and unwrapped rather a lot of presents; put up and taken down rather a lot of cards and made and eaten quite a few cakes. I've also squeezed in working 2 and a half days a week and a fair bit of knitting (although not as much of the latter as I'd've liked).

I now need to get on with thinking about my February bag for my Knit a Bag a Month project. My Debbie Bliss SoHo is still waiting patiently to be transformed into a wonderful bag and my poor pink and red cotton bag remains squashed at the bottom of my knitting basket. I really must finish that this year.

Another idea for a bag is a laptop cosy as I now have my own brand new laptop from school! I will get thinking and hopefully make a decision soon.

The only other knitting news I have is that I have started a draught excluder! Boring to knit but very much needed as we have a large draughty window on the side of our house.

More bag pics

2008-01-23T04:27:00.000Z

Here are the pictures of my January bag for the Knit a bag a month project. I used 8mm needles and 1 ball of Rowan Spray and I made up the pattern as I went along. Don't want to repeat myself so see yesterday's post for more details!

January bag(s)

2008-01-21T20:57:00.000Z

Having thought for ages about what bag to knit for January for the Knit a Bag a Month project, I have finally started one (well two actually).

I absolutely could not resist 'Audrey' from issue 3 of Let's Knit. It's a cute little cable and moss stitch bag - perfect for my first attempt with cabling. I was really pleased with how the cables came out and they were really easy too. I just need to add a handle and find some sort of felted beads as suggested in the pattern.

The other bag I have started is one I have made up myself. I would say it's one of my own designs but to be honest I just picked up the needles and started knitting - there was very little designing actually going on. I used the Rowan Spray I received from my swap partner in December. Just need to sort handle/fastenings. Will post pics soon.

First FO of 2008

2008-01-15T22:41:00.001Z

My second FO was finished about a week ago and the recipient was very pleased. In fact he was forced to admit he was impressed (which is a lot better than what he said about the chunky scarf I knitted him last year which ended up going to charity)! Anyway, here it is:

Pattern: My Own

Yarn: Sublime Extra fine merino silk

Needles:

Size made: Large

The other man in my life wore his classic jacket I made him yesterday. Keeping him to keep still was something of an impossibility though. This was in fact my first FO of 2008 (I finished it on January 1st after starting it several months ago). I made tons of mistakes but am quite pleased with how it looks. I'm the only who knows about all the bits that went wrong!

Reasons to love January #1

2008-01-14T22:15:00.000Z

I've always loved January and can never understand why people say it's such a miserable month. The feeling of entering a new year is an exciting one and then there are the ever so well meant resolutions many of us make. I generally find myself in a positive frame of mind, full of hopes for the new year and promises that I WILL KEEP!

It's also my birthday which helps.

It was my birthday on Friday and despite having to go to work, I had a good day. I had some lovely presents and we also took a trip to the cinema - something of a rarity since we had children. We saw Charlie Wilson's War. I enjoyed it but wouldn't say it was the best film I've ever seen. Philip Seymour Hoffman was excellent - as ever.

Birthday Treats:

Knit a bag a month update

2008-01-09T03:24:00.000Z

I have found some recruits for the project which is great. It's always nice to have support. I have a very kind person designing me a badge so I can set up a new group on Ravelry. If you're interested it's going to be called Knit a bag a month (funnily enough!)

As far as knitting any bags goes, I haven't got very far with that! I have thought about lots of things though. Bags I intend to make are:
1. Clementine by Emma King (have had my eye on this for ages and have plenty of kid classic to use for it). It's the one on the cover of the book.
2. Percy by Cheryl Niamath (see earlier post).
3. Finish my pink and red bag in Rowan cotton rope.
4. Felted bag from Debbie Bliss soho which I bought in the sale in John Lewis.

Lots of other ideas floating around in my head but feel I really need to sit down and start knitting instead of thinking up new ideas.

Reading (I have done some)

2008-01-08T15:35:00.000Z

I had On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan for Christmas and finished it on Sunday. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and thought it was very well written. The author showed great understanding of how both sexes think and he also brilliantly illustrated social attitudes of the early 1960's. The story was poignant yet funny at times and the ending was not at all as I expected. It was quite a shock and not how I thought many people would have behaved then.

Well, that's my attempt at a review anyway! Reading has unfortunately taken a back seat due to my knitting addiction. I must learn to combine the two one day.

Present pics

2008-01-07T22:02:00.000Z

Just realised I haven't posted the pics of my Christmas presents.

Am very pleased to be the owner of luxury knitting needles rather than old crooked metal ones! As you can see one pair were already in use when I took the photo. They were beautiful to use - really light. The book is fantastic too. Some great patterns and one or two I may use for my knit a bag a month project.

Happy 2008

2008-01-04T03:35:00.000Z

Happy New Year! A little late I know but there we go.

Anyway, my knitting project for 2008? Well, I've decided to knit a bag a month. Basically it's an excuse to have something to knit each month and another excuse to make more bags. There are going to be a few rules (just a few, I promise otherwise it'll never get completed).

1. At least one bag must be completed in each calendar month.
2. At least one bag must be felted.
3. At least one bag must incorporate beads (my newly acquired skill).
4. At least one bag must be of your own design.
5. At least one bag must be cabled.

That's it.

If anyone would like to join the project, contact me or just knit a bag a month for fun! I will be posting on Ravelry about this and might even set up a separate blog dedicated to the project. I'm off to get knitting before January is over!

Christmas goodies!

2007-12-30T03:33:00.000Z

A fantastic Christmas was had by all at our house and I was lucky enough to receive some knitting related presents! 3 gorgeous pairs of knitting needles, some stitch markers, a book and a pattern with wool. Will post pictures soon. Also picked up some yarn at the sales today.

My knitted gifts for others were all completed and well received! I'm thinking about next year's already!

Been thinking lots about resolutions for the New Year (knitting ones of course!) and also my project for 2008 - more about those next time!

Christmas cupcakes

2007-12-22T20:50:00.000Z

Just an excuse to post a picture of Nigella's Christmas cupcakes I made last week. I thought they looked very appealing. They tasted okay but I have had a cold and can't taste that much!

Lovely goodies!

2007-12-18T21:13:00.000Z

I received my swap parcel today! Hooray! It was an exchange of 100g of yarn. Vikki (VikingKnits) sent me a gorgeous ball of Rowan spray, some yummy chocolate and some beautiful hand made stitch markers! Just hoping she receives her parcel soon.

If you want to take part in a swap, there will be a 'main' swap in the new year over at the UK Swap blog.

I am still here!

2007-12-18T05:05:00.000Z

I know, I know! This blogging lark has been proving very difficult for a number of reasons. One being time, another being not having anything interesting to say. I also find it quite difficult knowing that no-one in particular is reading this!

Anyway, I have a project I am thinking of working on in the new year so that should (hopefully) give me something to blog about - well at least once a month anyway! More about the project another time but it does involve knitting and bags!

On another note I have just sent off some yarn for a swap I am taking part in - my very first one. I heard about it through Ravelry but you can find details on the UK swap blog. It was meant as a warm up to the main swap which is taking part sometime in Jan - March 08. I haven't received my swap yet but I am quite excited about. I felt strangely nervous sending mine off! I think because you never know what someone else (especially someone you don't know) will think. Anyway, it's gone now so I hope it is well received.

Off now to sew a lining for a bag which I really need to get in the post tomorrow!

Winner!

2007-11-14T16:45:00.000Z

I won a gorgeous Rowan book by entering a crossword competition in Simply Knitting! Very exciting! Unfortunately (or fortunately?) means I will have to buy more wool if I want to knit anything from it. I absolutely love Rowan Big Wool which is why I entered the competition.

Too much knitting!

2007-11-14T04:29:00.000Z

Help - I have too much knitting to do that I don't have any time for blogging. I'm also spending way too much time on ravelry. So this is what I need to do:

1. Don't go on Ravelry

2. Blog more

3. Have nothing to blog about because I'm not knitting because I'm blogging

Mmmm? !

Think I'll stick to ravelry as it is amazing. Not sure if I mentioned that before? Perhaps the novelty will wear off but to be honest I can't see that happening at the moment. I keep finding more groups to join and more projects to put in my queue.

Anyway, back to knitting. I've completed several scarves for Christmas presents. You can see them all on ravelry if you like. Whoops - I'm not addicted, honest. By the way I'm lollipopknits if you want to find me on aforementioned site.

So that was October

2007-10-30T23:09:00.000Z

Well, October came and went and I think spent most of it messing about on Ravelry. I have become ever so slightly addicted - but it is brilliant. Mostly it has just made me add to my list of things I want to knit but it has also forced me to organise my stash (which was getting a little out of control).

Despite my Ravelry addiction I have managed to do some knitting. I made another pair of Sublime Mary Janes for a colleague who has just had a baby girl. I didn't take a photo of them before I sent them though. I've started 2 scarves, nearly finished a cardigan for my boy and am part-way through a jumper for my girl (see below).

I'm knitting it in Wendy Chameleon Chunky using a pattern from Knitting magazine.

I've also done a bit of reading (and I do just mean a bit) but will post about that later.

I'm on Ravelry!

2007-10-09T20:56:00.000+01:00

Well, I finally got invited to join ravelry! After putting my name down on the waiting list back in August, I had kind of forgotten all about it. Anyway, I have spent the morning fiddling around on there. Will spend a bit more time properly later when the kids have gone to bed. Looking forward to sorting out my stash as I fear it has been getting out of control and I have no idea what I have been hoarding over the past year.

Other news is that I've finished two more projects. F.O. no. 3 is the felted kitchen set I made from Simply Knitting Issue 20. I've never done any felting before so was very nervous when opening the washing machine but I'm really pleased with the results. Will post a picture when someone brings the camera home!

F.O. no. 4 is a bonnet and pair of Mary Janes from a Sublime pattern. Again, will post pics when I get the camera.

The oven glove, pot holder and pot stand I felted using Rowan Big Wool.

How cool is this?

2007-09-19T03:33:00.000+01:00

Just stumbled upon this tonight. I had great fun playing around with it. You can change each letter by clicking on it until you find one you like. Could get very carried away!

Click here to make your own.

I HAVE to knit this!

2007-09-17T03:19:00.000+01:00

I came across a pattern for a bag I just really, really have to knit.

Now.

But I have so many other things on my list. Oh well, one more won't hurt. I found it on knitty earlier today and it looks amazing. Can't wait to get started.

A few months back I was ONLY going to knit bags. Then I deviated but I can feel myself going back to bags again. The only thing that annoys me about bags is the lining part. I'm not too hot at sewing but knitted bags really do need lining. The more I make, the better I'll get I suppose - that's a good excuse to knit more bags anyway.

Finished Object No. 2

2007-09-11T22:20:00.000+01:00

Wow - another item finished! I usually have so many projects on the go that I rarely finish things. The feeling of completion is very satisfying - especially when the item in question is for a present as this one is. It's a purple lacy scarf I knitted in Sirdar blur. It's actually the third one I've done. The first one I did for my Mum at Christmas in a blue/green shade. The second was a light brown/fawn colour for my friend's birthday and this one is for another friend's birthday. Her favourite colour is purple so she will hopefully like it. I definitely found this one the easiest to do. I found the yarn quite fiddly on my first attempt and kept dropping stitches but this time I felt like a pro (well almost!)

Knitting and not knitting

2007-09-10T03:23:00.000+01:00

The knitting bit:

I did finish my bag in time for the wedding. Quite pleased with the result although it was a bit rushed and I'm not the best with a sewing machine.

The not knitting bit:

It was my friend's birthday last week and I quite liked what I managed to do with a child's shoe box and some wrapping paper!

I think she enjoyed what was inside!

Wedding bag

2007-08-27T19:50:00.000+01:00

I'm going to a wedding on Saturday and have yet to finish my bag. I knitted it a couple of months ago but have left the lining and sewing up a bit late. Have borrowed my Mum's sewing machine and now just have to figure out how to use it.

This is the lining I bought. My dress is black, white and grey and flowery so it should match quite nicely.

Finished result will hopefully be posted before Saturday!

Inspiration!

2007-08-25T05:03:00.000+01:00

I only discovered knitting blogs quite recently and the first one I read was Little Cotton Rabbits which is absolutely amazing. It has inspired to me to start a blog myself and to take my knitting more seriously. There are, of course, tons of other quite brilliant and crafty blogs out there and I'm discovering new ones every day. If my knitting was only half as good as some of the stuff I've seen I would be totally happy. Oh well, I'll keep dreaming for now and maybe one day when I have more time on my hands I'll be able to compete with some of these very talented people!

My knitting

2007-08-25T04:53:00.000+01:00

Thought I should give a bit of background about my knitting. I learnt to knit when I was very small (about 6 or 7?). My Mum and Nan taught me. One of the first things I remember knitting was a scarf and matching leg warmers for a teddy! I also made a blue pencil case at school. I stopped knitting in my teens and then picked up the needles again in my twenties. In the last five years or so I have knitted more regularly and in the last year I have become a 'serious' knitter!

I mostly knit toys and novelty items but more recently have become more interested in bags, cushions and accessories. I supply a shop in Leicester with knitted food and cakes on a casual basis and have really enjoyed this.

I currently have a million projects on the go - well, it feels like it sometimes! I am really bad at finishing something before moving on to the next thing. I have a list of things to knit for Christmas presents but really don't know if I'll have the time to do them all. Also have a bag to finish for a wedding I'm going to next week - just need to line it and sew it up so hopefully I'll be able to get that done.

Keep trying to upload photos but not doing very well :(

Aha - managed it at last. This is the front and back of a cushion I knitted for a friend. I used Rowan big wool and biggy print and was really happy with the way it turned out.

Welcome!

2007-08-19T21:32:00.000+01:00

Hi and welcome to my blog. It might take me a while to get going as I'm new to all this! Very excited though as I've been reading some amazing blogs which have inspired me to get one myself.

My blog will be mainly about knitting as I'm absolutely obsessed with it! Other interests are reading and children as I have two gorgeous ones myself.