Salal by Andi Satterlund

My first finished knitted garment of 2018 is the Salal by Andi Satterlund. A gorgeous vintage inspired cropped cardigan .

It knit up so quickly I was amazed. It is a Worsted/Aran weight sweater . Lovely and thick and cozy . I went for a tighter fit but next time I will try the next size up.

I chose some little silver buttons I had in stash as they looked really nice with the yarn. The yarn is Cascade 220 superwash in Pasific. A beautiful vibrant green.

The cardigan is knit top down with lovely clear instructions. The lace panels are very easy to follow and knit also. The main knitting is in knit and purl making this cardigan perfect TV knitting.

I'm looking forward to knitting more of these cardigans in an array of colours.

Knitting & Sewing Project 333 Winter Wardrobe 2018

This year I am very excited to be following the 333 Project. It is all about being more in control of your clothes and having a wardrobe that only has items you love and feel good in. 

I have put a Me Made twist on mine as I want it to help me choose the right clothes to make. Preparing a capsule wardrobe collection ready for the next season. Project 333 simply means 33 items for 3 months.

Here is my Winter collection. I hope you enjoy the video x

Turtles journey cowl by Heather Anderson

The turtles journey cowl is the story of the little turtles hatching.

And making there way to the sea.

Across the dangerous sands.

To swim free in the deep blue sea for the first time.

This is a lovely cowl to make, the changing stitches make it a very interesting knit. The pattern is straight forward when you follow the pattern carefully (unlike me). I used Wendy 100% superwash merino DK.  It's a lovely soft yarn to work with. I had this in my stash and still have plenty left so I want to make some fingerless gloves. Heather has not designed a pattern to match so I was thinking of using a basic pattern and incorporating the sand pattern to tie in. There is a hat with waves that is very cute that I would like to make if the yarn can stretch that far.

Nearly completed another knit so another post by the end of the week I hope.

I will be teaching a friend to knit on sunday. The yarn has arrived and looks fab so I'm getting excited to cast it on my needles.

Happy knitting

Bye for now

Tina x

Button it or not?

 The question is should I follow the pattern or should I leave it open?

 I like the open look. Would it look too buttoned up on me?

I think it give a more relaxed look.

What do you think?

Happy knitting

Tina

Shabby chic new look for old wicker chair

My hall chair was looking a little unwelcoming.

So I made some cushions with some of my stash fabric. I liked them but it was still missing something.

So I knitted a simple wave pattern blanket with some style craft yarn also from my stash. I think it looks a lot cozier and welcoming when I come home.

It feels good to use up my stash. The more I use the more I can buy isn't that how it works?

Happy summer crafting

Tina x

What's on my needles, in my hoop and on the sewing machine

I wanted to do an update on my W.I.P's. I have a few things on the go now that I have finished the wedding sampler. It turned out beautifully but I gave it away without taking a picture. Lesson 1, photo first before wrapping. I would have liked a record of it. It took far longer to finish off than I expected, so many French knots. That's why I love those Dimensions kits they are so detailed they have great designers.


Opps still not finished  my Delphine skirt.

I had some trouble with the waistband but it's nearly finished and I already have fabric for the next.

Knitting next

I've started a small blanket for the chair in the hall. I have already made 2 cushion covers for it but I thought it was lacking something. Photo's to follow of the whole thing once I have finished.

 Made so quickly from A stitch in time by Susan Crawford

Well maybe not so quickly but I'm getting there.

The wedding sampler put me in the mood to make one for my own wedding. It was only 7 years ago so no rush. I fell in love with this design in Crossstitcher magazine by Lucie Heaton

It's a simple folksy style but on 28 count. This is a first for me but I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it is (famous last words). I have only just started on this but I'm hoping over the weekend to get some more done in natural light, easier on the eyes.

So that's all for now , I hope to be back with my finished projects soon.

I hope you are enjoying the summer and having some crafty fun outside.

Happy stitching

Tina

Miette cardigan by Untangling knots Andi Satterlund

I was just getting ready for Sunday lunch at my mum's when I realized I had never blogged about this cardigan.

I love the fit of this. Andi's patterns usually use negative ease and I worry it will be too small but this is just right. I think it's because the pattern says to use 5mm needles for DK wieght yarn when you would usually use 4mm, it gives it more stretch.

I love this cranberry colour. The yarn is Sirdar Country style 40% nylon,30% wool, 30% acrylic. A very cost effective yarn that has a nice feel to it but is machine washable. 

It was knitted top down on the round and the pattern was not too complicated. I knitted full length sleeves but the pattern is for 3/4 length. Nice for spring but I wanted more all year wear. In the UK the cosier the better with our weather.

Happy knitting

Tina

knitting a make do and mend cardigan

I had some odd balls of yarn that I wanted to make use of, I thought the colours looked good together

So I pulled out an old favorite magazine that I used for my red cardigan (knitting april 2010)

It is very cropped with 3/4 sleeves but I am making it in a larger size with full length sleeves for extra warmth to use in spring (I hope).

I started on the sleeve so I could see how I was going to use the colours. I have mostly pink so this will be the most prominent shade. Fingers crossed I don't lose any colours before it's finished.

Happy knitting

Tina

lipstick red cardigan

Hi

I just wanted to share my latest knit. It's an easy layer to wear as we come to the end of summer.
The pattern is from knitting magazine April 2010 . As you will see the pattern is for stripes but I wanted a plain knit to go with more things. I have nearly finished a cherry print dress that I wanted it to go with. I do like the idea of stripes maybe shades of blue to go with jeans? or a nautical blue and white with a red stripe ooooohh I like the sound of that!

 Back to little red, it was knitted with stylecraft special DK in lipstick. In the flesh it is a true 1940's lipstick red, love it! Really soft cosy yarn and so affordable it's great for everyday wash and wear.

A few random shots of MEME my body double and  me in the garden ........

MEME wearing the dress that is nearly finished

Yes they are ladybird buttons, if you ask me why I will reply why not, it makes me happy

 

More information on ravelry, I go by the name of hairbear. 

What is your favorite affordable yarn and why? I would love to know, please leave a comment.

Thanks for dropping in