Now, where was I?

The normal duties of everyday life have rudely taken me away from my knitting and design. Dreadful!

But a few things have progressed.

The Abundance Pullover is currently being test knitted by five lovely testers on Ravelry.

After having to re-knit a few mistakes, the cowl is finished and has been sent to a magazine publisher for consideration.

I’ve knit one of a pair of fingerless mitts that I’ve designed, and am half way through the second. I was reminded today why knitting a pattern which requires concentration, and doing increases on every third row, is not a good idea while enjoying excellent company and conversation. Dammit! Yet again, it’s the small items which thwart me.

First with the latest

Yet again, I’m the first use a new Heirloom brand yarn on Ravelry.  Dye lot 001 again!  This time it’s Heirloom Shetland 10ply, pictured. 

Previously it’s been Heirloom Celone, which is a gorgeous blend of wool, alpaca and silk. And I’m still the only one linking to Celone. My philosophy, if that’s what you want to call it, is to use yarns Aussies can easily find in their Local Yarn Store. Is that a good tack to take? The Celone is a lovely yarn, so I don’t know why others aren’t linking to it. Maybe if the Heirloom company put up some patterns using this yarn, it may get more of a go. Or maybe they don’t have pattern leaflets in the store. I haven’t looked for them.

The Heirloom Shetland is a harder feel than the yarns I’m used to, but I think it’s going to make some lovely warm mitts, which is my reason for buying it.

More irons in the fire.

I’ve put in a submission to a magazine. Yay me! And I’ve been contacted by them with suggestions. So I’m going to go ahead and knit the cowl I’m proposing. If they don’t end up going with it, I’ll publish it here and on Ravelry. But they sound interested at least. This is a whole new world for me. Another learning curve!

Also, I have my Abundance pullover in for testing with a few fantastic Ravelry members. So that’s another job, checking on their progress, being available to answer queries and to correct any errors this reveals.

I’m trying to maintain the rest of my life, while squeezing in this knitting fun. Or is it the other way around.

Abundantly knitted up.

Yay!  All finished and sewn up.  I love the look of it. The modelling and photography talent in this household isn’t top notch, so we’re still working on that.  But here’s one photo to give you an idea.

I’ve got the pattern pretty well typed up. I just need to put it all together now – pattern, schematic, stitch charts, photos. And it’ll be ready to put out for test knitting. I hope I get a few takers.



I’m just so pleased that following Shirley Paden’s guidelines for shaping armholes and sleeve caps, I’ve come up with such a proper looking pullover. And first time!


I’ve knitted a sample square for a cowl. Next is the laundering and measuring so I can do all my calculations.  Onward and upward!

What a difference a blocking makes

We’ve gone from a crumpled piece of fabric to a smooth, nicely shaped sleeve.  It’s fascinating to see them side by side.



Well, all pieces are now made, and currently blocking. I’ll be writing up the pattern, and getting on to making up the pullover. Fingers crossed.


Of course, drawing near to the end of one project prompts thoughts about the next. This time I’m entering the secret world of magazine submissions. This is something I’ve never done before, so it’s all new to me. I’ve started on a sample square for a cowl (and that’s all I can say). Once that’s done, I’ll check the submissions guidelines for my chosen target. It should be an interesting exercise, if only for learning how to submit to magazines.


I’ve changed my PayPal account from Personal to Premier, so can now accept credit card payments. I didn’t know that I couldn’t take credit card payments till yesterday. I don’t know if that’s stopped anyone from buying, but at least it’s not an issue. If your credit card payment doesn’t work, please let me know.

If it looks like a sleeve cap…….

……it must be a sleeve cap.  All those calculations must be pretty well correct!  Well, one sleeve completed, blocked and fitted (with the aid of safety pins).  It seems OK!  The blocking has made an enormous difference to the piece.  When I’m finished the second sleeve, I’m going to photograph the blocked one and the non-blocked one side by side, to demonstrate the difference that blocking makes.  And this isn’t forceful blocking, it’s just laundering the piece as the finished garment will be laundered, and laying it out while still damp.

As usual, as I’m drawing to the end of one piece, my mind is jumping ahead to the next design.  DD2 has expressed interest in some arm and leg warmers.  I'm thinking about what yarn and stitch pattern to use.  I'm thinking of using the same stitch pattern on each, but to a different scale.  I've got a few ideas.  It will be the absolute wrong season to be working on these, but what the heck.  It’s nice to be asked for something, instead of knitting for myself all the time.  I’m loathe to knit items for people, unsolicited, as I don’t want to be pushing my interest onto others.  I’m very happy for people to ask for something.

Abundance sleeves looking good

The back and front of the pullover are finished and I’m onto the sleeves.  They look a little narrow, but I’m pushing on, so I can finish and block them, then I’ll really know about the size.  It is a bit disconcerting when the blocked size can vary a lot from the size while knitting.  It makes me very anxious, so I have to force myself to continue, rather than grinding to a halt with worry.  The pieces do at least look to be the right sort of shape, so that’s encouraging.

This month I’m the knitting Designer in the Spotlight in the Budding Designers Downunder group on Ravelry.  If you want to get in on the KAL pop into the Budding Designers Downunder group and look at the Designer Spotlight – Sharon Slarke thread.  I’m hoping I get a few more finished projects of items using my designs.  A bit more visibility would be great.

Abundance – well under way

I’ve finished the back of my Abundance bamboo lace pullover, pictured here.  The front is also nearly finished.

I’ve bravely/foolishly carried on without life lines.
a. I’m lazy
b. I worry that evidence of the lifeline can be seen after it’s been removed.

However, I would advise to do as I say, not as I do. I can’t guarantee a problem free run without a lifeline. I’m just taking a risk. I’ll probably use lifelines for the sleeves, as I’m using the top lace pattern for the whole length of the sleeves, and that’s the stitch pattern which caused me to swear whilst knitting the back. That was just a short stint for the back and front, but the sleeves are a whole different story. That stitch pattern is actually very easy, but accidentally dropping a stitch or two off the needles can change your demeanour very quickly.

Edendale Bag (previously known as Trellis Bag) pattern now available

My Edendale Bag pattern is finished and here it is at last.

It’s a textured bag knitted as a simple rectangle with no shaping. There are only side seams and handle casings to sew. The bag is knitted on smaller needles to create a firmer fabric. The stitch pattern only requires some very basic use of a cable needle. It’s a great showcase for the yarn, Sirdar Escape, and would look good with any self striping yarn.



Edendale Bag

Knitting Pattern
Yarn suggested : Sirdar Escape or any other 8 ply/DK ply yarn
Gauge : 31 stitches = 4 inches in Trellis Cross Stitch
Needle Size : 3.75mm and one cable needle
Meterage : 660 mtrs / 720 yards

This pattern is available to buy from Ravelry for $US 4.00

Trellis Bag constructed

The Trellis Bag is complete. My theories on it’s construction were all proved as it went along. I’ve taken photos of varying quality during the various construction stages and a couple of completion photos. When there’s more light and more time I’ll take some, hopefully better, photos. Sewing in the lining, sewing the pockets for the rods of the handles and putting it onto the handles all happened at Edendale Farm in Eltham during a Home Education meet up. So I’ve decided to officially name it the Edendale Bag. A quick search of Ravelry tells me that no-one has used this name so far. I have to try and get pattern writing for this piece, in amongst too many commitments for the preservation of sanity. Here is a photo of the bag during construction.

The summer pullover (working title, “Shells’n’Bells”) is progressing well. A couple of days ago I rediscovered the advisability of a life line. Don’t ask me how. This slippy bamboo yarn seems to make it more necessary than usual. A dropped stitch gets away Pretty Damn Quick. I do find life lines a bit awkward, and would rather not use them, but I must reluctantly admit, they are worth doing. I use sewing thread for my life line, as I have found thicker thread/yarn leaving a slight mark where it has displaced the knitting. So, anyway, I would say I have half of the first piece done.

A new project

Such is our family schedule, like most others, that it hasn’t been possible to even make a date to go shopping for some lining fabric for the trellis bag. So I’ll move on to another project that’s been on the back burner. Way back in June, I knitted these tension squares. The yarn is Sirdar Juicy DK, 80% Bamboo and 20% Cotton. It’s beautiful and soft and has a lovely drape to it.

My idea is to make a summer pullover in two different lace patterns. One will be for the sleeves and top half of the body, the other for the lower half of the body. The “squares” were laundered, dried and then hung overnight to determine any drop. I didn’t weight the squares as they hung, as the garment is intended to be close fitting, and therefore will be supported more by the wearers body than the rest of the fabric.

The above was written 12 days ago. In the intervening time I’ve had a crisis of confidence about my tension squares. After hanging, they dropped a little, as expected. However, after being put away for a couple of months, they seem to have retracted to their original size. Aaaaargh! What does it all mean? Does this mean that all my calculations based on the hung squares will be wrong? After much worrying, I decided to hang them again, out of curiosity to see what would happen. They dropped again, but not as much as the first time. I’m wondering if I was hallucinating when I took the first batch of measurements. After seeking advice from fellow fledgling designers on Ravelry, I’ve decided to go for a “split the difference” approach, somewhere between the two measurements, which isn’t huge anyway.

In the mean time, I’ve finished all my calculations, written up the pattern, bought yarn and actually begun knitting. It’s my first attempt at designing something with sleeves. To me, working out body and neckline measurements seems pretty much common sense, but armholes and sleeve caps are what have mystified me. In the absence of a convenient class to teach me these things, I have resorted to scouring knitting design books. Some of the instructions for working out shapings have seemed a little on the vague side to me. My most recent book purchase, though, has shed a lot more light on the subject. “Knitwear Design Workshop” by Shirley Paden has clear specifics which I’ve been able to comprehend. It remains to be seen whether I can convert this into a successfully designed garment. I remain hopeful.

Also, since I began writing this post, I have managed to drag DD1 to Spotlight to choose some lining material for her bag. In the next week, I plan to make up the bag and lining and get the pattern close to ready for publication. Exciting!

Birthday Party Preparations

We’re preparing for a 13th birthday party tomorrow. Cheesecake has been chosen and made as the birthday cake. Junk food has been bought. (And fruit for a fruit salad.)

We have a simple, but great book out from the library, “Fabulous Fashion Crafts” by Tracy Nelson Maurer. There’s a lovely belt in there, to be made from ribbons and beads. This will be a party activity, and the girls will have something to take home with them. I’ve cut all the ribbons to the right length, and here they are, all laid out. I hope they won’t all want to use the same colours. I’m sure we’ll come to some sort of an agreement.

I'm glad I did a trial threading of ribbon through beads, as the holes in the beads weren't quite big enough. Mr Unyewshual came to the rescue with a drill. Problem solved!

Trellis Bag progressing

I’ve been continuing on for a couple of weeks now, and am making slow, but consistent progress. The simple knit and purl rows are so quick and easy, it’s hard to buckle down for the more complex row, which appears every fourth row. But the stitch pattern looks so lovely, especially in this gorgeous colour combination.

School holidays are still happening, so I’m having trouble remembering what day it is at the moment. We’re short one car just now, which is slightly annoying, as these things always happen at the most inconvenient moment. It is sort of nice to be stuck at home sometimes, though.

Grey Day

It’s been the wettest start to winter for Melbourne in 9 years. Hopefully this means we're getting back to normal winters, instead of the terribly dry ones we've had for so long. The rain held off for our train trip into the city centre today, but had well and truly arrived by the time we came back.

Waiting for the train.

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.

I took DD2 into town to meet up with some friends to go to a birthday party. Then DD1 and I browsed up, down, round and round, all through Myer, to hopefully use some gift cards she’s received. Too much choice, I’m afraid. At least we know now what a huge range of stuff is available there. We were amazed by the cosmetics counters stretching as far as the eye can see.
I'd forgotten what it was like.

As often happens, we saw a couple of people we know. When the city is so crowded, it’s astounding that you can randomly bump into people you know.

The Trellis Bag continues, but a longer piece of the same thing is not interesting enough to include here.
I’m pleased to report that my sore arm is no longer sore. Phew.

The Trellis Bag is begun.

DD1 is due back tonight, and I have at least made a start on her bag, as shown. DD2 deems it “cool”. That’s good enough for me.
It’s been a very gloomy afternoon here, but I still managed to take a half-decent photo in the poor light. The camera want’s to use the flash, but the photos always look better without, unless it’s dark dark. A pain in my left forearm is annoying, but I’m sure it’s not knitting induced, and doesn’t hurt while knitting, only in certain non-knitting positions.


This yarn still looks great, even though knitted much wider than the tension square. It's exciting seeing it grow.

I've started using Microsoft Excel, in a very basic way, to help with calculations based on stitches per cm, weight and measurement of tension square, estimated finished size of pieces and weight and length of balls of yarn. I've learnt a lot from Marnie MacLean's excellent tutorials on the subject in her blog. After doing the same calculations over and over in my notebook and trying to remember, "how did I do this last time?", it makes sense to put those standard calculations into a spreadsheet, and just enter the relevant numbers. Voila!
The full sweater spreadsheets are a bit overwhelming for me at the moment, so I'm trying to just focus on what I need to do for this little bit I happen to be working on. Hopefully I'll be able to expand from here. I don't go too well with blindly following someone elses calculations. I need to do and understand each little bit at a time.

Tension squares reduce my tension

The Sirdar Escape duly arrived. I’ve been away on camp over the long weekend, and was able to use the time to knit up a few tension squares. Some of the Sirdar Escape, I’ve knitted up into a tension square in Trellis Stitch. It’s very cute, especially in this yarn. I’m knitting it on smaller needles to create a denser fabric, as it’s for a bag. The combination of the yarn, stitch pattern and smaller needles certainly makes for a fairly condensed piece of fabric. The colour repetition is very cute, but I know it’ll be more of a stripy look when knitted over the full width.




The next thing to consider is the construction of the bag. The stiff bamboo handles mean that extra fabric at the ends of the handles, or longish splits down into the sides of the bag, will be needed, so that the bag will open more than just a sliver. I’ve been googling to research bamboo handled bags and carpet bags, to see what I can do without making it too complicated. My current favourite is to just leave the side seams open maybe a third, to allow leeway for opening space. This means I’ll still be able to use a simple rectangle of fabric without fancy shaping. Just gathering the top of the bag to fit the handles, and splits down the sides, should do the job. Sounds good in theory at least!

DD1 is away on camp at the moment, and I was hoping to have more than a little done by the time she gets back, but it seems it’s not to be.

Vest Photo Taken at Last

Winter weather has definitely arrived here. It’s been cold, grey and rainy today and yesterday. Thankfully the full force of today’s rain held off until after the daughters’ netball matches. And both had wins. Yay!

Well I’ve finally got around to having a photo taken of the Sideways Vest. As you can see, I did end up putting ribbing around the armholes. I really like the vest, but I’m not convinced that anyone else would want to knit it. It seems to bulge a little just above the band, which may be off-putting. I let it rest as a “just for me” pattern, and great practice for designing a vest, and a sideways one at that. I'm writing up the pattern properly, just in case I change my mind.

I’m currently waiting impatiently for some Sirdar Escape, which I’ve put on order. It’s to be used for a bag requested by DD1. I’m glad to be making something for someone other than myself. She has chosen the yarn, a general idea of the stitch pattern, and some bamboo handles. I have precious little time for knitting or making calculations at the moment, but nevertheless I am missing the knitting. Those enforced times of waiting are perfect for a few stitches, but alas no knitting for now.

Blocking the Vest

The Sideways Vest is currently blocking, as pictured. What a difference a blocking makes. It’s finally starting to look like a vest. It’s quite thick yarn, and taking a long time to dry. I’m itching for it to dry, so that I can try it on, and see if it really is working the way I want. The plan is to add on armhole ribbing, now that the length is blocked out to the right size. I won’t decide on that definitively, until I’ve tried it on to get a better idea.


Mother’s Day Breakfast update:
The bacon was beautiful and crisp. The eggs were cooked perfectly.
And it came with fried tomato. What a lucky Mum I am!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. Younger DD requested that bacon be available, so I’m expecting bacon and eggs for breakfast. Yum! I’ll take some reading material into the bedroom tonight, so I’m all ready for a leisurely morning, eating and reading. Ah, bliss!

Well, I’ve finished the main part of the vest. Too big around, and too short. This will, theoretically, right itself after blocking. My doubts make me slow down to snail’s pace. I’m forcing myself to go on. I’ve done the calculations for the bands, and am about to launch into them.

Sideways Vest adventure

I’m almost finished the main part of a sideways boatneck vest I’m working on. The yarn is Cleckheaton Kaleidoscope, which is self striping, producing vertical stripes in this sideways knit. The stitch pattern I’m using is a crossed rib. The main piece is knit all in one piece, starting at the right underarm, and working across the back, then the front and finishing at the right underarm again. I’m planning to do a three needle cast off to finish, instead of seaming.

It looks a bit short and squat at the moment, and that’s for a couple of reasons. Firstly, this stitch pattern, in this yarn at least, grows considerably when washed for the first time, so wet blocking will bring it down to it’s correct length. Secondly, I’m planning on picking up the stitches, top and bottom, to add a rib band. It all seems good in the planning. Fingers crossed that it will all work out as I expect. Wish me luck!

Toasty Tweedy Scarf Pattern Available

The Toasty Tweedy Scarf Pattern has been available on Ravelry for a while now. And I’m finally getting around to putting the links here as well.

It uses a lovely, simple stitch pattern, easy enough for beginners.The yarn I’ve used is the lovely Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed. If you’re looking for a sophisticated scarf for a man in your life, or anyone else for that matter, this may be what you’re looking for.

Toasty Tweedy Scarf

Knitting Pattern

Yarn Suggested: Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed or any other 10 ply/Aran yarn.

Gauge: 20.5 stitches and 25.5 rows = 10cm (4 inches) in Window Stitch.

Needle Size: 5.5mm needles

Meterage: 380 mtrs (416 yds)

This pattern is available to buy from Ravelry for $US 3.50

Tweedy Scarf Completed – Pattern Available Soon

I’ve finished my Tweedy Scarf. It’s lovely and cosy. The stitch pattern is a classic style, especially with this yarn. I love the simplicity of it. When time permits, I am writing up the pattern properly, bit by bit.

I’m now blocking the tension square for a vest design I’m working on. I’m using the Cleckheaton Kaleidiscope yarn. The square is worked in Crossed Rib, and boy am I glad I'm wet blocking it, because it's spread hugely. That would've been a nasty surprise when washing the garment for the first time. My daughters’ opinions on this yarn, when knitted up, were distilled as “awesome”. It seems like I’ll be using this yarn again soon. I’m glad to be getting a couple of requests. I don’t want to be knitting for myself only, but I’m the best guinea pig while I’m still at the early learning stage.

What, blog too?

Becoming a home schooling mum on top of my other duties, has seriously curtailed my Ravelry time to a quick look now and then, with no posting. And as for blogging, I have to fit that in too? How is it possible? Geez!! I’ll keep visualising it and it will happen.... occasionally.
Well, I’m still managing to knit. At the moment I’m working on a Tweedy Scarf in a simple knit and purl pattern. It’s showing off the yarn beautifully.

I’m using Jo Sharp Silk Road Aran Tweed in the Tartan colour way. I bought the yarn at Morris and Sons Melbourne store. It’s toasty warm yarn. If my knees are a bit cold or sore, I drape the completed parts over my knees while I knit. Lovely! There’s not too far to go with it now. This colour and stitch will be great for a men’s scarf. Or anyone!

New Cowl Pattern Available – Hearts and Crosses cowl

My new Hearts and Crosses Cowl pattern is now available.
It’s a great way to practice your Fair Isle skills without having to knit a whole pullover. The carried threads of the Fair Isle really add warmth. Just what we want! I was a bit rusty, so it took a bit of practice for me to carry the threads loosely enough, no matter how hard I tried. Lightly pressing under a damp cloth got rid of those little stubborn bumps, and it looks lovely and smooth now.

The yarn I’ve used for the Fair Isle pattern is variegated and so has sparked up the whole look.

Hearts and Crosses Cowl

Knitting Pattern

Yarn suggested : Cleckheaton Country Naturals and Cleckheaton Country Prints or any other 8 ply/DK ply yarn

Gauge : 25 stitches = 4 inches in Fair Isle Stocking/Stockinette Stitch

Needle Size : 4mm circular needle 40cm (16 in)

Meterage : 140 mtrs / 155 yards Main Colour

65 mtrs / 70 yard Contrast Colour

This pattern is available to buy from Ravelry for $US 3.50

New Hat Pattern Available – Mirrors Hat

I’ve just released a new hat pattern – the Mirrors Hat. It’s very quick and easy, and looks really effective. It’s knitted in a bulky yarn, which makes it even faster, and so warm! I knitted up the sample while I was away on camp, and it went so fast, I wished I’d brought another project with me.

Mirrors Hat
Knitting Pattern
Yarn suggested : Heirloom Easy Care 12 ply or any other Bulky yarn
Gauge : 17.5 stitches and 29 rows = 4 inches in Mirrors Stitch
Needle size : 5.5 mm / US 9
Meterage : 90 mtrs / 98 yards

This pattern is available to buy from Ravelry for $US 3.50

Very coincidentally I met a fellow Raveller on camp - Minihaha. Here’s her blog. It’s a very small world! She sells some damn fine yarn, rovings and various knitting and spinning stuff through her etsy shop. As a result, I’m now a member of another Ravelry group – Melbourne Spinners and Wool Art.

Lace Ended Scarf Complete

My new Lace Ended Scarf is finished. So far, this is the design I love the most, out of the ones I’ve done so far. It’s really simple, and maybe that’s the key. To my eye, it looks elegant. It remains to be seen whether others see it that way too. The next thing to do is to write up the pattern, and perhaps have it test knitted. It’s so simple, I’m not sure whether test knitting is necessary, but it’s probably worth doing anyway.

My Lace Rib Vest is currently being test knitted. I can’t wait to see how my testers go with it. No problems so far.

Now, what to do next. I have ideas for a hat floating around in my mind. I’ll be consulting my stitch dictionary as soon as possible to see what I can find.

Lace Ended Scarf under way

The sample for my new Lace Ended Scarf is fairly well under way. It’s a pretty easy knit. I never thought I’d say this, but it’s a relief to be doing some stocking stitch for a change. After all that lace in the vest, it’s great to have some concentration free knitting. There should be more done than this, but we're still in Summer Holiday mode. :)