Record Aids

I don't know about you, but when I knit an item, I am usually so keen to get onto my next one that I never record what I have done.  I write tensions and notes on different bits of paper or envelopes and then find these weeks later and cannot remember to what yarn or garment they refer to, and usually end up in the bin. So...........................................I made myself 2 record sheets.

The one below is to record the Tension of a yarn and my intension is to keep one sheet in a folder to record the yarn and then to cut one of the boxes off and staple it to the yarn band with a small sample of the wool.  Then I will have a record if I ever want to use this wool again.  I know each cone and colour of wool does knit at a different tension but it would give me a starting point.



The second aid is to record a garment.  I can fill this in and put it in a folder so I can refer to it if I wish to make another garment of the same type.  I amy also consider putting the sheet in a polypocket with the tension square/sample of the wool.

 

You can make a similar sheet or if you send me you email, I will gladly send you a copy.

Boucle Jumper

Hi, I have not had time to blog as have been weaving and knitting.  Yes, I eventually got up to the roofspace to my chunky machine and knit a jumper.  This is one I have been planning since last year.
It is made from King Cole Misty DK and is a boucle wool, so you use the wrong side when making up the jumper. The pattern is from Machine Knitting Monthly October 2010.  The neck is hand knit on size 5mm needles.

 I am pleased with it but the wool was a nightmare to knit.  The wool would go into a thin strand and seemed to stick to itself and somehow when casting off, the stitches would drop.

It is the first jumper I have sewn up on my Hague and it is a dream - I love it.

Ruffle Scarf

I have finished my ruffle scarf.  I purchased this wool while on holiday in Cambridge.  It is Rizos Katia and is one of the new type of yarn with a little space at the top to insert your needles.  It is quite a slippy yarn, so I was advised to knit it on circular needles and then it has less chance of slipping off. The yarn is manufactured in Spain and made from 98% acrylic and 2% polyester.  It comes in 100g balls.

Ruffle Scarf

Close up of the ruffles

Using 5.5 mm needles, I cast on 15 stitches and this size of scarf took approximately 2 balls of yarn.  There were some beautiful colours in it and the next time I would make it slightly thinner, maybe 10 stitches.  It knits up quickly and would make a lovely Christmas present.

Ashford Weaving Loom

Here is a picture of my Knitting Loom. The name is not accurate as you do not knit on it.  It is called a knitting loom because it folds in half and can be transported easily in a bag, similar to knitting. So far, I have made a small sampler, a bookmark and my latest full scale project is a fine scarf for myself.

Knitter's Loom

Fine Woven Cloth

The scarf is made from 3ply wool which I bought for machine knitting but have not as yet used. I thought it would be good for using up odd bits of yarn as you can add different textured yarns.
I am still getting to grips with it, but it is quite fun.

Back to Blogging

Hi - I am have been very bad at ignoring my blog.  I have been away on holiday and then got tied up with family.  As a result, no time to blog or knit.  Well, when I say knit - I have about 4 projects on the go but very litle finished items.  Also, I bought myself a small loom when on holiday which was getting my attention for a while. The only item I have finished was a magazine holder which I got from a well loved blogger susy raynner http://susanspatterns.wordpress.com/2010/12/31/workbag/.  I still have to sew some bias binding down the seams but as yet have not had a chance ot go out and buy some. Here is a picture.

Hopefully, I will be blogging more regularly now.  Oh, also bought some new wool while on holiday and visited Metropolitan Knitting where I was able to stock up on a few items.  Will show you these later.

Garter Cushion Cover

Hi, I eventually got a cushion filler for my knitted cushion cover. I knit it on my garter carriage in double knitting yarn using the Brother Stitchworld Pattern no 468 on my standard gauge machine.  I cast on 104 stitches and knit 176 rows. I then put a marker on each end of the row and knit another 176 rows.  Then I folded it in half and sewed up the 3 sides.  I was really pleased with the result and as the yarn is double knitting, it is nice and thick.  I have seen knitted cushion covers in the shops, so they are very much in fashion.  I will have to do some more and it is a good way to use up my stash of DK wool.

Knitted Shawl

Hi
Sorry I haven't been blogging lately. I just have been soo busy.  I am working on my blanket made of squares and have eventually got them all joined together, doing some work for the Ni Machine Knitters Guild as I am now the secretary, decorating the hall, fixing the turquoise jacket I have blogged about earlier as I did not like the button band and handknitting a shawl for my boss who retires tomorrow.  Here is the finished item. I hope she likes it.

It is the first shawl I have ever knit.  I bought the wool in a sale while on holiday.  It is Sirdar Duet and the pattern is from Knitting in no time by Melody Griffiths.  Well, it took me some time - about 2 months although the book said 24 hrs.  Thinking about it, this is probably about right as I only knit about 30 mins each night!