My house was in the usual domestic chaos this morning but it slowly being transformed into a haven of domestic bliss - well maybe not, but I'm getting there. I've had a very productive morning, considering I stayed up till past midnight and got up at 6am. I'm SO tired and fell as leep for a bit this morning. My neck's not been too bad but the pain is starting to really take hold now but I've cleaned all the worktops (including behind the microwave) and tiles around the worktop in the kitchen and tidied it all up and cleaned the cooker top which was rather unhygienic.
I've tried to tidy up downstairs and made some progres apart from my knitting all over the coffee table. And I've bleached the shower and emptied all the bins ready for binday tomorrow. I'm also half way through sorting through recycling ready for tomorrow.
I wanted to do some ironing (got nothing to wear tomorrow) and bag up my Avon delivery but I've run out of stamina now. Worried if I do too much more I'll end up in agony again.
Now, this may sound rather patethic to most of you but it's more than I get done in an average day. My neck pain stops me from doing too much housework in one go and I'm really rather impressed with myself. Just a quick glance at Knitters Yarn forum and then I'll go and start sorting through Avon....... or maybe just do some knitting instead. LOL. I'm sure my customers won't mind waiting for another day or two.
Welcome To The Blog of Anniken Allis
Monday, October 30, 2006
Knitters Yarn Forum
About time I did a little promo on here I think. A few weeks ago, lovely Paula from Dorset set up her own knitting forum and a great job she did too. I was one of the first to join and was rewarded with being a moderator (not that I ever get around to or find anythign to moderate. LOL). We've grown a lot in the last couple of weeks. It's a lovely, friendly forum and although some of us know each other from other forums we have some new friends too. If you want to come and join us for some knitterly chat have a look at here.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Loving it!
I love cluster maps. It's such a thrill to click on it every day to see where in the world people read my blog from. I'm amazed at all the different countries. Even some very unusual ones where I didn't expect readers from. If you're reading from a foreign country please post a comment to say hello. I'd love to hear what you think of my blog and how you found it. And whether you read it often or never intend to read it again.LOL. Don't worry I can take criticism. I'm amazed that anyone bother reading my blog at all
Back to socks (well, I can't have a post without socks). Here's another new design - mini horse shoe lace down the middle and cables and rib each side with a picot bind off. It's knitted toe up with short row toes and heels. First toe up sock and short rows. Did knit the foot on another one in this pattern first but the shortrows looked awful so started again. Much better at second attempt.
started one last night with all cables. It's going to be called 'Pure Cable'. I had to really get my thinking cap on for this one and even had to draw the design out on graph paper to get it all right. STarted just before I intended to go to bed and ended up staying up till midnight before I got it right. Nearly finished the cuff now. Thinking of trying a different heel too this time.
Back to socks (well, I can't have a post without socks). Here's another new design - mini horse shoe lace down the middle and cables and rib each side with a picot bind off. It's knitted toe up with short row toes and heels. First toe up sock and short rows. Did knit the foot on another one in this pattern first but the shortrows looked awful so started again. Much better at second attempt.
started one last night with all cables. It's going to be called 'Pure Cable'. I had to really get my thinking cap on for this one and even had to draw the design out on graph paper to get it all right. STarted just before I intended to go to bed and ended up staying up till midnight before I got it right. Nearly finished the cuff now. Thinking of trying a different heel too this time.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Sock patterns available now
The following sock patterns are now for sale on my website. I don't have a fancy shopping basket/payment system through my website unfortunately. As my website is designed in MS Publisher I can't work out how to add a Paypal shopping basket system to the website. If you would like to order any of my patterns please e-mail me (anniknitsAThotmailDOTcoDOTuk) and I will e- mail you a Paypal invoice. This gives you the same protection as you would get from Paypal if you ordered through a Paypal shopping basket system on my account.
All my patterns are £3.50 including postage. If you don't live in Europe then patterns are £4 including postage.
In addition to my sock patterns I've also got felted bag patterns and patterns for various accessories for sale. There are some free patterns too for a felted bag and some scarves and a sock ('Cable Rib').
Happy shopping & knitting.
Anni
All my patterns are £3.50 including postage. If you don't live in Europe then patterns are £4 including postage. In addition to my sock patterns I've also got felted bag patterns and patterns for various accessories for sale. There are some free patterns too for a felted bag and some scarves and a sock ('Cable Rib').
Happy shopping & knitting.
Anni
Fantastic Workshop
I attended a 'Basic Design' workshop at Spin A Yarn in Devon yesterday. Our teacher was Clare Crompton (author of the Knitters Bible and other books). She is such a good teacher with a wealth of experience and knowledge to share.
I enjoyed the workshop a lot as I've not had a go at designing garments yet but would love to. We were taught how to design a basic drop shoulder sweater - taking measurements, working out tension and using our measurements and tension to size the garment and work out where increases/decreases etc had to go. Drew it all out on graph paper. Now there was lot of maths involvedand I hate maths and I'm no good at it either. But when you're talked through it slowly it's not a problem.
I've got books on design and they probably tell me all the same info we were taught yesterday but it's so mucheasier to understand when someone talks you through it.
We were also taught about placing a cable or lace panel on our designs. The sort oftings you need to take into account when incorporating various stitch patterns into our design and we also did some colour work which was very interesting. Working out yarn amounts and substituting yarn was also covered. And although the design we focused on was a basic drop shoulder sweater we were given ideas on other things we could do with that basic design.
This has given me lots of ideas and I can't wait to start getting some down on paper. When I design bags, accessories and socks I design while I knit and if it doesn't work out correctly then I frog it. That's how I work. I'm useless at drawing so drawing a freehand sketch of my designs first is a complete waste of time but with sweater design I've realised how essential it is.
I've got some Noro Blossom and some SWTC Pure Soy Silk which are all destined for a garment of some sort so now I can design my own.
Ultimately my ambition is to be able to design garments. I'm especially interested in designing for plus size ladies as I hate seeing beautiful designs and find they stop at size UK 14/16. That's one of the reasons I love the US knitting mags as they seem to incorporate larger sizes.
So a brilliant day but I was struggling with the pain. took painkillers and tried to hide the pain and headache. Was very tiredby the end of the day and had to drive half way home to collect my husband. Suffering a lot today too but have got a quiet day planned today. So far it's been a lot of sock knitting. Now I've got to get some patterns ready to be sent out and then Iwant to e-mail some of my stockists and potential stockists then it's back to my comfy chair and some knitting before walking the dog and popping to the postoffice after lunch.
I enjoyed the workshop a lot as I've not had a go at designing garments yet but would love to. We were taught how to design a basic drop shoulder sweater - taking measurements, working out tension and using our measurements and tension to size the garment and work out where increases/decreases etc had to go. Drew it all out on graph paper. Now there was lot of maths involvedand I hate maths and I'm no good at it either. But when you're talked through it slowly it's not a problem.
I've got books on design and they probably tell me all the same info we were taught yesterday but it's so mucheasier to understand when someone talks you through it.
We were also taught about placing a cable or lace panel on our designs. The sort oftings you need to take into account when incorporating various stitch patterns into our design and we also did some colour work which was very interesting. Working out yarn amounts and substituting yarn was also covered. And although the design we focused on was a basic drop shoulder sweater we were given ideas on other things we could do with that basic design.
This has given me lots of ideas and I can't wait to start getting some down on paper. When I design bags, accessories and socks I design while I knit and if it doesn't work out correctly then I frog it. That's how I work. I'm useless at drawing so drawing a freehand sketch of my designs first is a complete waste of time but with sweater design I've realised how essential it is.
I've got some Noro Blossom and some SWTC Pure Soy Silk which are all destined for a garment of some sort so now I can design my own.
Ultimately my ambition is to be able to design garments. I'm especially interested in designing for plus size ladies as I hate seeing beautiful designs and find they stop at size UK 14/16. That's one of the reasons I love the US knitting mags as they seem to incorporate larger sizes.
So a brilliant day but I was struggling with the pain. took painkillers and tried to hide the pain and headache. Was very tiredby the end of the day and had to drive half way home to collect my husband. Suffering a lot today too but have got a quiet day planned today. So far it's been a lot of sock knitting. Now I've got to get some patterns ready to be sent out and then Iwant to e-mail some of my stockists and potential stockists then it's back to my comfy chair and some knitting before walking the dog and popping to the postoffice after lunch.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Cables & Rib - Free sock Pattern
Here is the free pattern I promised for my 'Cables & Rib' Socks.
Strugging to upload the photo right now but will try again later. Photos are in my Flickr album (it's the burgundy pair with cables and rib pattern).
Pattern Notes:
These socks are very stretchy and will fit most adult size feet.
Needed:
100gr 4ply sock yarn (any brand)
Set of 4 or 5 2.5mm double pointed needles (dpn)
Cable needle (or short dpn)
Blunt tapestry/darning needle
Abbreviations:
CO – cast on
St – stitch(es)
K – knit
P – purl
Sl1 – slip 1st from left to right needle
RS – right (knit) side of work
WS – wrong (purl) side of work
K1tbl – k 1 st through back of loop
K2tog – knit 2 st together
P2tog – purl 2 st together
SSK – slip, slip, knit (slip 2 st from left needle to right needle and knit through both stitches)
Kw – knitwise
P2 – purlwise
C4F – sl 2 st on to cable needle at the front, k2, k2 from cable needle.
Gauge:
Approximately 8 st – 1 in (2.5 cm) using stocking stitch
Pattern:
CO 60 st and divide evenly onto 3 or 4 needles and start working in the round.
Work the following pattern:
Rounds 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6 -*k2, p2, k4, p2* Repeat until end of round.
Round 5 - *K2, p2, C4F, p2*. Repeat until end of round.
Repeat round 1 – 6 fourteen times or until you reach desired length of cuff.
Heel Flap:
Row 1 – K1, turn, sl1, p29, turn
Row 2 - Sl1, k29, turn,
Row 3 - Sl1, p29 turn
Repeat row 2 and 3 until you have a total of 30 rows. Finish on RS.
Turn the heel:
Starting on WS
Sl1, p16, p2tog, p1, turn
Sl1, k5, ssk, k1, turn
Sl1, p6, p2tog, p1 turn
Sl1, k7, ssk, k1, turn
Sl1, p8, p2tog, p1, turn
Sl1, k9, ssk, k1, turn
Sl1, p10, p2tog, p1, turn
Sl1, k11, ssk, k1, turn
Sl1, p12, p2tog, p1, turn
Sl1, k13, ssk k1, turn
Sl1, p14, p2tog, p1, turn,
Sl1, k15, ssk, k1
You will now have 18 st on this needle.
Gusset: (start on RS)
Needle 1 – Transfer the last 9 st from heel flap to new needle, then pick up and ktbl 16 st from one side of heel flap
Needle 2 –Continue cable rib pattern as before.
Needle 3 – Pick up and ktbl 16st from other side of heel flap, then k9 remaining st from heel flap.
Knit until last 3 st on needle 1, k2tog, k1. Knit needle 2 according to cable rib pattern. K 1st st on needle 3, then ssk, and knit the rest of the stitches.
Knit 1 round (following pattern on needle 2).
Repeat these two rounds until you have 15 st left on each of needle 1 & 3.
Then continue to knit until you reach desired foot length allowing 5 cm for toe shaping.
Make sure you finish for toe shaping after an even numbered round.
Toe Shaping:
K needle 1. Needle 2 now marks the beginning of your round.
Needle 2 – k1, ssk, k until last 3 st, k2tog, k1.
Needle 3 – k1, ssk, k rest of st.
Needle 1 – k until last 3 st. k2tog, k1.
Knit one round.
Repeat these two rounds until you have 12 st on needle 2 and 6st on each of needles 1 & 3.
Grafting:
Cut yarn allowing about 10cm tail. Move st from needle 1 & 3 onto one needle. Hold your work so that the 2 needles lie parallel to each other and the yarn tail is at the back of your work on the right hand side.
Using a blunt needle, *insert needle kw into st 1 on front knitting needle and sl st off knitting needle. Insert needle pw into next st. Then insert needle pw into first st on back needle and slip off the knitting needle. Insert needle kw into next st*. Continue like this until you have no stitches left on your knitting needles. For more help and demo on how to graft see ‘Kitchener stitch’ on http://www.knittinghelp.com/.
Fasten loose ends and knit another identical sock and wear with pride.
Copyright October 2006
www.annidesign.co.uk
Strugging to upload the photo right now but will try again later. Photos are in my Flickr album (it's the burgundy pair with cables and rib pattern).
Pattern Notes:
These socks are very stretchy and will fit most adult size feet.
Needed:
100gr 4ply sock yarn (any brand)
Set of 4 or 5 2.5mm double pointed needles (dpn)
Cable needle (or short dpn)
Blunt tapestry/darning needle
Abbreviations:
CO – cast on
St – stitch(es)
K – knit
P – purl
Sl1 – slip 1st from left to right needle
RS – right (knit) side of work
WS – wrong (purl) side of work
K1tbl – k 1 st through back of loop
K2tog – knit 2 st together
P2tog – purl 2 st together
SSK – slip, slip, knit (slip 2 st from left needle to right needle and knit through both stitches)
Kw – knitwise
P2 – purlwise
C4F – sl 2 st on to cable needle at the front, k2, k2 from cable needle.
Gauge:
Approximately 8 st – 1 in (2.5 cm) using stocking stitch
Pattern:
CO 60 st and divide evenly onto 3 or 4 needles and start working in the round.
Work the following pattern:
Rounds 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6 -*k2, p2, k4, p2* Repeat until end of round.
Round 5 - *K2, p2, C4F, p2*. Repeat until end of round.
Repeat round 1 – 6 fourteen times or until you reach desired length of cuff.
Heel Flap:
Row 1 – K1, turn, sl1, p29, turn
Row 2 - Sl1, k29, turn,
Row 3 - Sl1, p29 turn
Repeat row 2 and 3 until you have a total of 30 rows. Finish on RS.
Turn the heel:
Starting on WS
Sl1, p16, p2tog, p1, turn
Sl1, k5, ssk, k1, turn
Sl1, p6, p2tog, p1 turn
Sl1, k7, ssk, k1, turn
Sl1, p8, p2tog, p1, turn
Sl1, k9, ssk, k1, turn
Sl1, p10, p2tog, p1, turn
Sl1, k11, ssk, k1, turn
Sl1, p12, p2tog, p1, turn
Sl1, k13, ssk k1, turn
Sl1, p14, p2tog, p1, turn,
Sl1, k15, ssk, k1
You will now have 18 st on this needle.
Gusset: (start on RS)
Needle 1 – Transfer the last 9 st from heel flap to new needle, then pick up and ktbl 16 st from one side of heel flap
Needle 2 –Continue cable rib pattern as before.
Needle 3 – Pick up and ktbl 16st from other side of heel flap, then k9 remaining st from heel flap.
Knit until last 3 st on needle 1, k2tog, k1. Knit needle 2 according to cable rib pattern. K 1st st on needle 3, then ssk, and knit the rest of the stitches.
Knit 1 round (following pattern on needle 2).
Repeat these two rounds until you have 15 st left on each of needle 1 & 3.
Then continue to knit until you reach desired foot length allowing 5 cm for toe shaping.
Make sure you finish for toe shaping after an even numbered round.
Toe Shaping:
K needle 1. Needle 2 now marks the beginning of your round.
Needle 2 – k1, ssk, k until last 3 st, k2tog, k1.
Needle 3 – k1, ssk, k rest of st.
Needle 1 – k until last 3 st. k2tog, k1.
Knit one round.
Repeat these two rounds until you have 12 st on needle 2 and 6st on each of needles 1 & 3.
Grafting:
Cut yarn allowing about 10cm tail. Move st from needle 1 & 3 onto one needle. Hold your work so that the 2 needles lie parallel to each other and the yarn tail is at the back of your work on the right hand side.
Using a blunt needle, *insert needle kw into st 1 on front knitting needle and sl st off knitting needle. Insert needle pw into next st. Then insert needle pw into first st on back needle and slip off the knitting needle. Insert needle kw into next st*. Continue like this until you have no stitches left on your knitting needles. For more help and demo on how to graft see ‘Kitchener stitch’ on http://www.knittinghelp.com/.
Fasten loose ends and knit another identical sock and wear with pride.
Copyright October 2006
www.annidesign.co.uk
Lace Hair Bands - Free Pattern
Here are the patterns for two lovely lace hair bands knitted in Cascade Fixation, a lovely, very stretcy cotton yarn. These hairbans will fit any size head from child to adult (fitted my 8 year old daughter and me) and are quick and easy to make. Perfect pressies.
Needed:
1 ball of Cascade Fixation (will make several hair bands).
3.5mm or 4.5mm straight needles
Abbreviations:
CO – cast on
St – stitch/stitches
K – knit
P - purl
SSK – slip, slip, knit (slip 2 st from left to right needles and knit through both st).
K2tog – knit 2 st together
YO – Move yarn between needles to the front of the work and then over the right needle to the back of the work, thus creating a loop over the right needle which will make an extra stitch.
Sk2po – slip 1 st, k2tog, then pass the slipped st over the ‘k2tog’ – this will decrease 3 st to 1 st.
Eyelet Row Hair Band
CO 12 st .
Row 1 - K2, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k2
Row 3 – k2, p8, k2.
Repeat these two rows until the hair band measures 13 in/33cm or desired length.
Cast off and sew ends together on wrong (purl) side of hair band.
Eyelet Lace Hair Band
Cast on 11 st.
Row 1 – k2, yo, ssk, yo, sk2po, yo, k2tog, yo, k2.
Row 2 – k2, p7, k2
Repeat these two rows until hair band measures 13 in/33 cm or desired length. Cast off and sew ends together on wrong (purl) side of hair band.
Needed:
1 ball of Cascade Fixation (will make several hair bands).
3.5mm or 4.5mm straight needles
Abbreviations:
CO – cast on
St – stitch/stitches
K – knit
P - purl
SSK – slip, slip, knit (slip 2 st from left to right needles and knit through both st).
K2tog – knit 2 st together
YO – Move yarn between needles to the front of the work and then over the right needle to the back of the work, thus creating a loop over the right needle which will make an extra stitch.
Sk2po – slip 1 st, k2tog, then pass the slipped st over the ‘k2tog’ – this will decrease 3 st to 1 st.
Eyelet Row Hair Band
CO 12 st .Row 1 - K2, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k2
Row 3 – k2, p8, k2.
Repeat these two rows until the hair band measures 13 in/33cm or desired length.
Cast off and sew ends together on wrong (purl) side of hair band.
Eyelet Lace Hair Band
Cast on 11 st.Row 1 – k2, yo, ssk, yo, sk2po, yo, k2tog, yo, k2.
Row 2 – k2, p7, k2
Repeat these two rows until hair band measures 13 in/33 cm or desired length. Cast off and sew ends together on wrong (purl) side of hair band.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Catching up
Just a quick catch up. I did a craft fair today. Just asmall local one for the RNLI. Went quite well and sold a few things. These lovely little hairbands that I knitted up yesterday sold well. My daughter loves them too. They're knittedin Cascade Fixation (cotton and elastic yarn) which is perfect as it's so elastic. They make perfect pressies for little girls. I'll be putting the patterns uup on my website as soon as I get time.
Got these two lovely dish cloths in the post a few days ago from my Dish Cloth swap pal on www.knittinghaven.com forum. Never htought I'd get excited about dishcloths but with gorgeous hand-knitted ones how can I not.
Got these two lovely dish cloths in the post a few days ago from my Dish Cloth swap pal on www.knittinghaven.com forum. Never htought I'd get excited about dishcloths but with gorgeous hand-knitted ones how can I not.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
US stockist
I'm very excited to announce that www.yarngrove.com in the US are now stocking some of my patterns. Check out their website. It really is very, very exciting to see my patterns on someone elses website. Some of my designs arealready available in hte UK at www.getknitted.com and www.spinayarndevon.co.uk . If you run a yarn shop and would like to stop my patterns, check out my website www.annidesign.co.uk for contact details.
Right, let's have another go at uploading some of these sock pics.
Cables & Lace
Ribbed Cables
Romance
Right, let's have another go at uploading some of these sock pics.
Cables & Lace
Ribbed Cables
Romance
Monday, October 16, 2006
I love Mondays
After an awful weekend I'm back. Was in a lot of pain on Thursday after my workshop on Wednesday. Friday morning I felt a lot better thanks to a wonderful therapeutic massage. Then I did an Avon and knitting party for a friend in the evening. Was in agony after that. Slept badly too. Saturday was a waste of time. Had severe headache andfelt c**p all day. Went to a barn dance in the evening and felt a bit better and loved the dancing but thundering headache when we left. Sunday was tiny bit better but not much. We were out most of the day church, then Asda and Focus.
This morning I feel a lot better but the house is a complete tip. Making slow progress. Started on a new pair of socks last night and want to knit but got to get some tidying and ironing done andI'm slowly running out of time now.
I love Mondays htough. Husband and girls back to work and school. Quiet house all to myself. I tend to sit down adn watch the Wright Stuff on Channel 5 when I get back from school run in the morning and knit. Thinking of all you poor people out at work.LOL.
Talking about socks (yes I did mention it earier on). Here are this weekend's work.
A cable and rib pair of socks for my husband knitted in Lana Grossa from www.yarngrove.com. Loved knitting with this wool it's much softer than Opal. Spent ages (wel lnot too long) working out the pattern only to find an almost identical one available for free on the internet last night via the Socktoberfest blog. I'll post my pattern as a freebie on my blog and websie sometime this week.
The 2nd pair is 'Cables & Lace' and consists of a vine lace panel with cable rib on each side. This is repeated 3 times around the sock. The picture is of the cuff but I've just turned the heel now. Knitting it in Patons Diploma Gold. Hoping to finish it tonight.
Then I'll do the second Cable Rib sock and then the second 'Cables & Lace' sock.
Cables & Lace will be available for sale on mywebsite by the end of the week. As will 'Romance' sock pattern. I'm also working on a mini horse shoe toe-up pattern (pic on a previous post) which will be available sometime soon too.
AGAIN, IT WON'T LET ME UPLOAD IT.
OR RATHER IT LOOKSLIKE IT'S WORKING AND
IT SAYS DONE BUT WHEN I GO BACK TO THE POST
THERE'S NO PICS THERE.
Will try again later. This keeps happening and it drives me mad. Off forlunch now.
This morning I feel a lot better but the house is a complete tip. Making slow progress. Started on a new pair of socks last night and want to knit but got to get some tidying and ironing done andI'm slowly running out of time now.
I love Mondays htough. Husband and girls back to work and school. Quiet house all to myself. I tend to sit down adn watch the Wright Stuff on Channel 5 when I get back from school run in the morning and knit. Thinking of all you poor people out at work.LOL.
Talking about socks (yes I did mention it earier on). Here are this weekend's work.
A cable and rib pair of socks for my husband knitted in Lana Grossa from www.yarngrove.com. Loved knitting with this wool it's much softer than Opal. Spent ages (wel lnot too long) working out the pattern only to find an almost identical one available for free on the internet last night via the Socktoberfest blog. I'll post my pattern as a freebie on my blog and websie sometime this week.
The 2nd pair is 'Cables & Lace' and consists of a vine lace panel with cable rib on each side. This is repeated 3 times around the sock. The picture is of the cuff but I've just turned the heel now. Knitting it in Patons Diploma Gold. Hoping to finish it tonight.
Then I'll do the second Cable Rib sock and then the second 'Cables & Lace' sock.
Cables & Lace will be available for sale on mywebsite by the end of the week. As will 'Romance' sock pattern. I'm also working on a mini horse shoe toe-up pattern (pic on a previous post) which will be available sometime soon too.
AGAIN, IT WON'T LET ME UPLOAD IT.
OR RATHER IT LOOKSLIKE IT'S WORKING AND
IT SAYS DONE BUT WHEN I GO BACK TO THE POST
THERE'S NO PICS THERE.
Will try again later. This keeps happening and it drives me mad. Off forlunch now.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
What a fantastic day!
I've been to a workshop today taught by Clare Crompton (author of the Knitters Bible) at Spin A Yarn. The topic was Professional Finishing Techniques. It was fantastic. Learnt so much. The most valuable techniques I learnt were short row shaping and mattress stitch. Never done mattress stitch before and I love it. I love pulling hte yarn tight and the way it 'zips' up. I'd had a go at short row shaping on my sock below (toe up sock in mini horseshoe pattern) and it looks awful. Now I know how to do it properly I'm afraid the sock will be frogged as I'll never wear it anyway that's how bad it looks. I've started the socks again tonight, knitting cuff down. Finished the cuff (mock cable rib) and just started the lace pattern.
Although the course was great I was totally exhausted and in a lot of pain by the time I got home. By lunch time the pain was really starting to get hold and I did struggle to concentrate through the afternoon. By the time we'd finished I just couldn't wait to get out of there. No offence to anyone there, but I just had to go due to the pain and tiredness. It was worth it though.
I had to drive back to Plymouth to pick my husband up and then he drove home from there. I could have easily pulled over on the way back and fallen asleep. Was nice to come home. Girls were both at friends for tea. So just got a sandwich and collapsed in front of the telly watching Neighbours. Early night today I think and then an easy day tomorrow. Think I'll be in too much pain to do anything tomorrow. Although got to go to the postoffice to collect aparcel if I can manage to walk into town.
Nite all.
Although the course was great I was totally exhausted and in a lot of pain by the time I got home. By lunch time the pain was really starting to get hold and I did struggle to concentrate through the afternoon. By the time we'd finished I just couldn't wait to get out of there. No offence to anyone there, but I just had to go due to the pain and tiredness. It was worth it though.
I had to drive back to Plymouth to pick my husband up and then he drove home from there. I could have easily pulled over on the way back and fallen asleep. Was nice to come home. Girls were both at friends for tea. So just got a sandwich and collapsed in front of the telly watching Neighbours. Early night today I think and then an easy day tomorrow. Think I'll be in too much pain to do anything tomorrow. Although got to go to the postoffice to collect aparcel if I can manage to walk into town.
Nite all.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
New socks for Socktoberfest
Started on a new pair of socks today. I had a very ambitious plan - to knit one whole pair of socks in a day using a toe-up pattern with my own lace design. I've never done toe up socks before and never used this lace design before either. So it was a tough order. And yes, I have failed. I've got as far as about an inch uup the cuff. Not had any problems so far but did have to read the instrucitons a couple of times to get the hang of the toe. The lace pattern which is mini horseshoe lace from the 'Knitters Bible'. It looks great. I've taken a pic of the foot part of the sock and one after I'd turned the heel. The thing that worries me is that it doesn't seem to have a gusset. So I'm worried about it being big enough for my huge feet. Looks like a strange shape compared to cuff down socks too. I'm going to finish it and try it on. Hopefully it won't need frogging. The yarn is patons Diploma Gold 4ply. Its a wool mix and can be macine washed and tumble dryed. It's not sock wool but it feels like sock wool nd knits up fine. It's the yarn I got 50% off at Derry's on Saturday. Off for a bit more knitting soon.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Socktoberfest
Here are the questions posed on the Socktoberfest blog:
When did you start making socks?
Made my first pair as a teenager about 20 years ago. I don't know if the pair I remember were the first ones but I do remember a red/white thick wool pair. Needed thick wool socks in Norway to wear inside winterboots in the cold winter. Tried my first sock for 20 years a few months ago. It was the basic Opal pattern in a rather boring colour and I only knitted one and that took me weeks. Decided I didn't like knitting socks until I tried a lacy pair a couple of months ago and now I love it. Have had a go at designing my own too. and have plans for several more.
Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative?
My mum taught me.
What was your first pair?
A red/white pair knitted in thick wool.
How have they "held up" over time?
Haven't seen them since I left Norway 16 years ago. Will have to check next time I go home if my mum still has them.
What would you have done differently?
Not a lot.
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
At the moment I like Opal. I've handdyed some Opal myself too which is fun and creates unique socks. Also like Lornas Laces but they don't seem to wash too wel land stretch quite a bit. I'm wanting to try Regia stretch and I'm planning a pair of socks in Cascade Fixation, a cotton stretch yarn.
Do you like to crochet your socks?
Can't crochet.
or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
Bamboo dpns. Dpns are not as difficult as people think once you get over the first few rounds. And using Bamboo needles are so much better than metal ones as it's not slippery so needles don't fall out on thefirst couple ofrounds and it's so muchsofter and more comfortable to knit with.
Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
Only tried one method. Not sure which one it is. It's the same as the basic Opal pattern. Is that a flap heel??? Need to try some more techniques.
How many pairs have you made?
In the last two months, about 4 completed pairs and several single socks. Some are experiments with making up my own patterns and need more work/adjustments or frogging and reknitting.
When did you start making socks?
Made my first pair as a teenager about 20 years ago. I don't know if the pair I remember were the first ones but I do remember a red/white thick wool pair. Needed thick wool socks in Norway to wear inside winterboots in the cold winter. Tried my first sock for 20 years a few months ago. It was the basic Opal pattern in a rather boring colour and I only knitted one and that took me weeks. Decided I didn't like knitting socks until I tried a lacy pair a couple of months ago and now I love it. Have had a go at designing my own too. and have plans for several more.
Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative?
My mum taught me.
What was your first pair?
A red/white pair knitted in thick wool.
How have they "held up" over time?
Haven't seen them since I left Norway 16 years ago. Will have to check next time I go home if my mum still has them.
What would you have done differently?
Not a lot.
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
At the moment I like Opal. I've handdyed some Opal myself too which is fun and creates unique socks. Also like Lornas Laces but they don't seem to wash too wel land stretch quite a bit. I'm wanting to try Regia stretch and I'm planning a pair of socks in Cascade Fixation, a cotton stretch yarn.
Do you like to crochet your socks?
Can't crochet.
or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
Bamboo dpns. Dpns are not as difficult as people think once you get over the first few rounds. And using Bamboo needles are so much better than metal ones as it's not slippery so needles don't fall out on thefirst couple ofrounds and it's so muchsofter and more comfortable to knit with.
Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
Only tried one method. Not sure which one it is. It's the same as the basic Opal pattern. Is that a flap heel??? Need to try some more techniques.
How many pairs have you made?
In the last two months, about 4 completed pairs and several single socks. Some are experiments with making up my own patterns and need more work/adjustments or frogging and reknitting.
WIP stocktake
A very brave post here. It's my long awaited wip stock take. And no, I haven't been rushing to finish lots of stuff off over the weekend. In fact I've started more. LOL
Cozy wrap knitted in LL Bullfrogs & Butterflies
Touch boucle wrap
Touch mohair wrap started at lunch time today
Sari silk scarf started this morning and finished in less than an hour.
Noro hat which I started weeks ago. Would probably only take half an hour to finish.
Ladder lace scarf in DBAlpaca/Silk
Heart dish cloth (wouldn't take long to finish either)
Cozy wrap knitted in LL Bullfrogs & Butterflies
Touch boucle wrap
Touch mohair wrap started at lunch time today
Sari silk scarf started this morning and finished in less than an hour.
Noro hat which I started weeks ago. Would probably only take half an hour to finish.
Ladder lace scarf in DBAlpaca/Silk
Heart dish cloth (wouldn't take long to finish either)
New version of Romance socks finished yesterday.
CAN'T GET THE REST OF THE PHOTOS TO LOAD SO WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW AS IT'S DRIVING ME MAD.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Drake Circus - Plymouth
Finally, the long awaited new shopping centre in Plymouth city centre has opened. I've been dreaming of a big shopping centre in Plymouth since I moved to Cornwall 16 years ago and my dream has finally come true. All they need in there now is a fab yarn shop..... Not holding mybreath though.
We made our first visit to Drake Circus on Saturday and it was packed, it's been a huge success since it opened last Thursday. YOu'd think it was Christmas with all the crowds. Love the new H&M there. Previously our nearest H&M was in Exeter. Being a Norwegian I love H&M (despite it being a Swedish company). They're everywhere in Norway and I used to always pop in there when I was home. Their kids clothes are great value and they do a great range for 18+. Only got 2 plain tops yesterday so was very good but there was lots there to tempt me.
I was also looking forward to Primark.Never been to Primakr before but had hard a lot of good things about it. Was quite disappointed. It had obvioulsy been a very busy day and half the clothes were all over the floor. Als othey only seemed to go up to a size 18, whichI'm afraid is too small for me but my daughter liked it and got a winter coat and a top.
Also got a huge Next which I didn't manage to get into. And Hotel Chocolat. Another of my dream shops selling chocs. We wondered around and were tempted but the queues at the till put me off buiying but next time I go in I'll betreating myself to something. Lots of other shops too I didn't have time to look in so will have to make another trip soon.
Also discovered some great knitterly news. Derry's in Plymouth are closing their yarn concession but Co-op are opening anotehr one almost straight away. But all hteir yarn has to go and lots of it was 50% off. WOW. Don't need any new yarn and they don't have anything overly exciting but I got some Big Wool at half price and some Diploma woolmix 4ply which I felt is suitable for socks at half price. They were plain colours so will be great for all hte lace socks patterns I'm planning. So all in all a very successful day on Saturday. Can't wait to go again.
We made our first visit to Drake Circus on Saturday and it was packed, it's been a huge success since it opened last Thursday. YOu'd think it was Christmas with all the crowds. Love the new H&M there. Previously our nearest H&M was in Exeter. Being a Norwegian I love H&M (despite it being a Swedish company). They're everywhere in Norway and I used to always pop in there when I was home. Their kids clothes are great value and they do a great range for 18+. Only got 2 plain tops yesterday so was very good but there was lots there to tempt me.
I was also looking forward to Primark.Never been to Primakr before but had hard a lot of good things about it. Was quite disappointed. It had obvioulsy been a very busy day and half the clothes were all over the floor. Als othey only seemed to go up to a size 18, whichI'm afraid is too small for me but my daughter liked it and got a winter coat and a top.
Also got a huge Next which I didn't manage to get into. And Hotel Chocolat. Another of my dream shops selling chocs. We wondered around and were tempted but the queues at the till put me off buiying but next time I go in I'll betreating myself to something. Lots of other shops too I didn't have time to look in so will have to make another trip soon.
Also discovered some great knitterly news. Derry's in Plymouth are closing their yarn concession but Co-op are opening anotehr one almost straight away. But all hteir yarn has to go and lots of it was 50% off. WOW. Don't need any new yarn and they don't have anything overly exciting but I got some Big Wool at half price and some Diploma woolmix 4ply which I felt is suitable for socks at half price. They were plain colours so will be great for all hte lace socks patterns I'm planning. So all in all a very successful day on Saturday. Can't wait to go again.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
No longer an 'Angel'
Since joining the Angel Yarns Knitting Forum about 6 months ago I've been on there nearly every day and have made some wonderful cyber friends. I've had a fantastic time on there. But something has happened recently.... and I'm not sure what..... All of a sudden my membership has been cancelled. Don't know why but I'm not on the membership list anymore. I'm sad that this has happened and upset at not being told why especially as I wasn't aware I'd done something wrong or broken any rules.
So I'm taking this opportunity to say 'bye' to my fellow Angels. I'm sure I'll see quite of few of you around in cyber space - on your blogs, other forums etc. I've learnt a lot during my time on the forum. I've given knitting socks a chance and discovered I actualy love it. I've got the hang of felting properly. And I blame the forum members for encouraging me to try lace which I now love knitting. In fact mixing lace and sock knitting seem to be my new obsession now as I'm knitting lacy socks like mad and even having a go at designing my own sock patterns.
I shall miss all you angels a lot and hope to keep in touch with most of you through your blogs and other forums.
If any moderators or administrators from the AY forum read this please do not take this as any sort of criticism etc of the forum. As I didn't get a chance to say good bye on the forum, I decided to do it this way.
So I'm taking this opportunity to say 'bye' to my fellow Angels. I'm sure I'll see quite of few of you around in cyber space - on your blogs, other forums etc. I've learnt a lot during my time on the forum. I've given knitting socks a chance and discovered I actualy love it. I've got the hang of felting properly. And I blame the forum members for encouraging me to try lace which I now love knitting. In fact mixing lace and sock knitting seem to be my new obsession now as I'm knitting lacy socks like mad and even having a go at designing my own sock patterns.
I shall miss all you angels a lot and hope to keep in touch with most of you through your blogs and other forums.
If any moderators or administrators from the AY forum read this please do not take this as any sort of criticism etc of the forum. As I didn't get a chance to say good bye on the forum, I decided to do it this way.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Dish Cloth Magic
Having been spurred on by the Dish Cloth Swap on the Knitting Haven Forum I thought I'd better get around to knitting a dish cloth for my recipient. So I got a ball of Patons 100 % cottong DK and these four cloths are the result. Two of the patterns (the zig zag ones) are patterns I've already used in scarves. The other two are new ones and based on patterns in Vogue Knitting book. The patterns will be available for purchase on my website soon as a 4-in-1 pattern called the Dish Cloth Collection. These cloths will also make fantastic face cloths and make gorgeous presents if you fancy something a bit different. And though they're too gorgeous to use as dish cloth, they actually make fantastic dish cloths. I've got 2 knitted in Patons cotton already and I love them. Would like to keep this lot but one will go to my dish cloth swap recipient and the rest will be sold on my stall at the next craft fair I'm doing. Planning another dish cloth collection soon.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Just a quickie.
Had a busy weekend and been very tired. So just a quick post tonight. Have finished a dish cloth and this pattern will be the first pattern in my dish clot pattern collection. Planning to do a selection of patterns to be sold as one pattern. One down, a few more to go.
Been scootering on with my other wips. And have started the Cozy again. After my latest frogging, I decided to cast on in Lornas Laces Bullfrog & Butterflies. It's a gorgeous colour and I'll post a pic tomorrow when I've knitted a bit more.
Also planning a complete wip stock take tomorrow. May help me focus a bit. I'm planning to do a photograhic wips stock take every Monday hoping it may help me get some of them done. Got some urgent ones and some not so urgent. Off for some more Cozy knitting now.
Hope you all had a lovely weekend.
Been scootering on with my other wips. And have started the Cozy again. After my latest frogging, I decided to cast on in Lornas Laces Bullfrog & Butterflies. It's a gorgeous colour and I'll post a pic tomorrow when I've knitted a bit more.
Also planning a complete wip stock take tomorrow. May help me focus a bit. I'm planning to do a photograhic wips stock take every Monday hoping it may help me get some of them done. Got some urgent ones and some not so urgent. Off for some more Cozy knitting now.
Hope you all had a lovely weekend.
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