BC Garn Semilla Organic Yarn

I have finished this cowl neck cardigan for my little grandson.
This was my first foray into designing larger baby items.

And choosing to start with a cowl neck was probably not the most sensible decision!
But it's done and I'm very happy with it.

I would like to be able to say the pattern will be available soon, but that day is still a long way off. Designing one size was hard enough. Grading it for more sizes just isn't top of my "to do" list right now.

But what I have discovered is that BC Garn Semilla organic wool is a total dream to work with.
So much so that my stash of it is growing!

This is my DK weight collection. I have quite a bit of that lovely moss green left over and it goes very nicely with the greys and navy. I have plans for knitting some mittens and baby leggings with this.

Although this is a double knit weight yarn, I've found that if I use 3.5 mm needles I get a sports weight tension and the resulting fabric is still nice and drapey. 

So I think my collection of this will be growing over the next few months!

Although this is a hand wash only yarn, this is not a problem for my family.

My son and daughter-in-law have tried to dress their little one in predominantly organic clothing, particularly if it is next to his skin.

With careful planning and buying only basic items that all go well together they have been very successful in this aim.

They are quite happy to trade a bit of hand washing for the knowledge that the items are made of natural organic fibres.

DC Garn also produce a 4 ply and a chunky weight organic yarn.

I chose this combination of 4 ply. I'm thinking it will make a lightweight cabled sweater, predominantly grey with a red trim around the neck and cuffs.
I don't think I'll be casting on just yet though. The mittens and baby leggings are more urgently needed!

BC Garn organic yarn can be bought from LoveKnitting and with 35 shades to choose from, I'm not going to run out of ideas any time soon!

Portholes Log Cabin Blanket - a new pattern

Ta Daa!! I have designed a new blanket pattern!
This has been soooo long in the designing stage and quite a while in the making stage too! Although once I actually knuckled down and worked on it properly, it only took about a week to make - and that includes all the fastidious note taking, note checking, weighing of yarn, doing the maths and checking the maths........all the little things that if you forget to do whilst making the sample, you end up making another sample!!

This really is a very simple blanket to knit. It is worked entirely in garter stitch and the blocks or squares are modular, which means you join sections as you go. This does mean you have to pick up stitches, which I know some people don't like doing, but its pretty straightforward and by the end of a few squares you'll be an expert!

I thought about calling this post "When Knitting Met Quilting" as the quilters amongst you will know that this is a variation on a traditional log cabin block.

I have given instructions and yarn amounts for 3 sizes in the pattern:
Baby size: 32" x 32" (81 x 81 cm)
Throw size: 60" x 46" (152 x 117 cm)
Bed size: 74" x 60" (188 x 152 cm)

Its really easy to make it any size you want though!

I originally hadn't intended to give it a border, but I'm so pleased I did! It really frames the design so nicely.

I picked 12 colours of Stylecraft Special DK for my version (11 colours and a white for the background) - a deliberately chosen colour palette.

The shade numbers are all listed in the pattern if you want to replicate it.

When knitting the squares though, I just randomly picked colours from those 11, being mindful to try and not overload on my favourites!

If you were knitting this entirely scrappy, I think a mixture of neutral low volume shades for the background would look awesome!

If you start the plan the colours though, a whole new design appears!

If every square is knit to the same colour plan then you get a pinwheel effect.

Or maybe try knitting 2 adjacent sections the same colour:

Or having a dark background:

Maybe knit all the sections in one square the same colour. I love pastels!

If you're feeling like starting a longer project the throw size might be for you.

Or maybe, just maybe you're so adventurous you want to start a bed size version!

You know, in my head I want to knit ALL these versions! And my family would say I have enough of a yarn stash to do so!! But maybe I'll start with a pastel colour blocked version.....its kinda my favourite right now.

You can find the pattern for sale on: Ravelry    Etsy  or  Craftsy

Make sure you post a photo of you blanket progress on Instagram or Facebook and use the hashtag #lovefibrespattern I love to see what you're making !

Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Cotton - A Review

                           

A few years ago I became very interested in trying to use organic cotton whenever I could. At the time there were several yarn companies producing a fairly impressive range of organic cotton yarns, but very few fabric companies had taken the plunge at that time and their range of designs was very limited. 

Over the last few years the tide seems to have changed completely. You can now easily buy organic cotton fabric in a wide range of types and a mulitide of designs, but several of the yarn manufacturers that initially started an organic line have discontinued them. 

To the best of my knowledge Debbie Bliss Eco Baby is the only one remaining from those early days.

I can't even begin to guess at the reasons for this, but it has meant that whilst my stash of organic cotton yardage continues to grow and be used, my yarn organic yarn stash is now almost totally used up.

So a few months ago I tried really hard to find some new organic cotton yarn supplies. 

I purchased a few and today I shall review the first one that I found - Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Cotton

Knit on 3.75mm needles I achieved a double knit tension of 22sts to a 4" square 

It comes as a 65 gram skein and is hand wash only. 

At £12.25 a skein it is definitely a luxury yarn.

There are 22 colours to choose from, and the shades are modern.

I chose to use Squash (shade no. 306)

Both the cost and the hand wash criteria made me hesitate for a while, but I'm glad I took the plunge and tested this yarn.

I can honestly say is a dream to knit with - and I don't think I've ever said that about a yarn before! It is so, so soft and did not make my hands ache, which some cotton yarns do. It did not split at all, gave brilliant stitch definition, and held it's shape well

I think that the hand wash only factor would be a deterrent for some knitters if they wanted to use this yarn for baby items. Babies are prone to a lot of unpredictable spewing, after all!

In my experience, however, mothers who want to avoid traditionally grown cotton close to their baby's skin are quite prepared to trade a little hand washing for the knowledge that their baby is not being exposed to unnecessary chemicals.

The pattern is Sirdar 1238 from the booklet Cosy Little Knits.
The model in the top photo is my grandson!

Would I use this yarn again?  Yes! Most definitely - provided I knew the recipient appreciated organic cotton and was prepared to hand wash their garment.
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All Snuggled Up

Here is my new grandson, Oscar at 3 1/2 weeks old, all snuggled up in the entrelac baby blanket that I knitted.

Entrelac is a really easy technique that creates a textured diamond pattern. The basketweave effect is actually created by knitting squares facing in opposite directions. Once you've got the base row of triangles sorted, you only work on a few stitches at any one time (in this case, just 10 stitches) and it is nicely repetitive, in a good sort of way, so you don't have to keep referring back to the pattern. It makes an ideal project to knit whilst watching TV.

The pattern is available from Love Knitting as well as my Etsy and Craftsy shops. (links in the sidebar)

Oscar's blanket was knit in an organic double knit cotton, which sadly is no longer available, but if you want to make it using similar colours try Sublime Baby Cashmerino in Pebble, Cuddle, Gooseberry and Vanilla.

You could also go completely scrappy of course, and use up some stash!

Little Christmas Stockings

There is still more sewing knitting than sewing going on around here at the moment, and this week I've been making these. Lots of them! There is a local Christmas craft fair in aid of Leukaemia & Lymphona Research in a couple of week's time and although I already have a bag stuffed full of crafty goodies to donate, I'm trying to see how many of these little stockings I can make before the deadline (why am I always such a last minute Larry!)

Last year I made them into a wreath, which sat over the fireplace and received no end of lovely comments. 

This time round, I'm just making the stockings. I suspect the craft fair organiser might sell them ready filled with sweets. 

If you fancy having a go, then I have a free pattern for them HERE

They are a simple design, knit flat on 2 needles. Worked in double knit yarn they finish up at 14cm (5") tall

The decoration around the top is added afterwards using duplicate stitch. It's also known as swiss darning. Why, I don't know. It conjures up all sorts of images in my head of young goatherds wandering over the mountains with the most elaborately darned socks and jackets imaginable!!

There is a complete photo tutorial on how to work the stitches included in the pattern.

There are instructions for all the designs shown above, but I suspect once you get going you can dream up whole load more of your own.

                                                       

Halloween Pumpkin Knitting Pattern

There is no denying it, Autumn is most definitely here and we are very fast approaching Halloween, so I thought I'd re-share a post from last year about these cure little pumpkin ornaments that I created.

I love Halloween! Even though my own kids are grown up, I still get in a good store of treats, put out a lit pumpkin to encourage Trick or Treaters and always give the best goodies to those who have gone the extra mile when putting together their costume.
My kids and I used to have great fun making Halloween related art and crafts projects, and I look forward to when (maybe!) I can do the same with grandkids.
All these Halloween thoughts reminded me that this time last year I designed a little knitted pumpkin pattern and posted it on the blog. I then realised that no-one is going to find it way back in the archives, so I posted it as a free pattern on Ravelry and Craftsy.
This little pumpkin is just 3" diameter if knitted in double knit yarn (a bit bigger if knit in aran or worsted) and would be great addition to a costume. You could attach one to the brim of a witches hat, temporarily sew them to the back of some mittens or dress up a Trick or Treat bag with them.
I think mine will be used as table decorations this year

They only take an evening to make and the free pattern is now also in the Knitting Patterns section on this blog or you can download it HERE

Happy Halloween everyone!

Looking Back on 2013

I hope everyone had a good Christmas. It flew by way too fast in this household. Time was spent with family and friends, catching up, laughing, enjoying good food and as we were very fortunate with the weather, we enjoyed some good walks too.

At this time we inevitably think back over the last year and look forward to what the next one might have in store.

Once the family festivities were over I spent a cosy afternoon looking back over my blog to see what I had achieved this year.

I made 6 quilts. I'm counting the Swoon (bottom left) even though technically it's still a working progress. It will get it's backing very, very soon!

I made 2 tops for myself. I want to make a lot more of my own clothes next year.

My niece was delighted with the baby bibs and blanket. The bunting and stocking wreath have adorned the house over the last couple of weeks. The circle of flying geese table mat is in constant use, as is the mariner's compass cushion, and the little bird pin cushion sits in my sewing room, keeping an eye on all  the activity.

My challenge to myself to make 52 items for  Greenfields Africa  in 52 weeks was completed ahead of schedule in early December. Not all of them got photographed and I kept adding last minute items to the box, so I'm not sure of the exact statistics, but there were over 52 items and they included blankets, quilts, cardigans, hats and booties and also some shorts and dresses for the older children. 

Looking at the pictures all displayed neatly together, I'm proud of my achievement, but my memories are a little rose tinted. It was an enormous undertaking, and I would have enjoyed the process a lot more  if I hadn't set the bar so high. I shall of course make more items for this wonderful charity next year, but without any pressure. Next year it doesn't matter whether I manage to make 2 or 20 items, it is going to be enjoying it that counts.

And finally, I designed 7 new knitting patterns last year. To be honest, most of the work was done in 2012, but they were finished early in 2103, so that's what counts, right?

I was pleased to be able to include this collage because, in my head, it seemed ages since I'd finished a new knitting design other than the little Christmas stockings.

These three little girls have grown enormously over the last year, but I know the eldest one (top left) is still wearing her hat.

So that was it for 2013 !

I've been thinking for a while that my blog was veering more towards the quilting than the knitting, but I think it may just be that it's easier to show the progress of a quilt than a knitted item. In output the knitting won !

I shall be back in a few days with some thoughts on what I hope to make in 2014.

Have a Happy New Year, everyone !

Little Christmas Stockings Knitting Pattern

So, it's Monday, and as I promised, here is the pattern and tutorial for making these sweet little Christmas stockings.

These are EASY!! They are knit flat on 2 needles, use just oddments of yarn and all that complicated looking pattern and hearts and stuff - it'd just sewn on afterwards! It's called duplicate stitch and there is a complete photo tutorial in the pattern.

The stockings measure about 14cm (5 1/2") tall using DK yarn, but you could use whatever you had to hand. A finer yarn and they'll be a bit smaller, thicker yarn and they are bigger.

To download the pattern just click here.

You can also find it in the Knitting Patterns section along the top bar so you don't have to search through all my posts if you want to find it again

Once you've followed the duplicate stitch tutorial, you'll be able to make up all sorts of your own designs, but to start you off there's a helpful little grid in the pattern

You can of course leave them plain, with just the heel and toe contrast.

Or knit some with stripes.

Instructions for a little hanging loop are also included.

If you want to add them to a wreath, it's very quick and simple.

You will need:

5 knitted stockings

A wreath

18" (1/2 metre) ribbon

Buttons in random shapes, sizes and colours

Needle and thread

Glue Dots

The stockings are sewn onto the wreath through the twigs. Its a good idea to do this with it hanging somewhere, even if its only a door handle, so you see how they naturally fall, and can arrange them accordingly.
Make 2 loops with the ribbon - you don't need to make the knot as the centre is covered by a button. Secure the loops with a couple of stitches and hen sew to the wreath.
Attach the buttons with Glue Dots. The thick type are the best. They are sometimes known as 3D Glue Dots or Pop-Up Glue Dots and you will find them on the scrapbooking aisle of any good craft store.
They are easy to use, you don't have to wait for messy glue to dry and you can adjust the angle that the buttons are facing.

I hope you like this pattern and have fun using it.
If you're not a knitter, fear not - the next tute is for sewn Christmas bunting!!

I'm on a (knitting) Roll !!

I don't know whether it's the darker evenings making me want to curl up on the sofa with my knitting needles in my hands, or the fact that I've got a few knitting projects in my head that I want to get  started on so I can share them with you all, but I have been steaming ahead with my Greenfields Africa Challenge. I set myself a target of knitting 52 items in a year and I'm pleased to report with that with these 9 hats that I've knit this week, I'm very nearly there !!
I now have a grand total of 7 blankets, 10 cardigans and 30 hats, so only 5 more items to go !!

I shall of course continue to knit for this great charity once I've finished the challenge, but at a slightly slower pace. I do feel I've neglected the knitting pattern designing this year. There's a few in various stages of development and a whole bunch more in my head, so watch this space!!

A Quilty Gift

I received the most wonderful gift in the post this week. This beautiful bag was made for me by Jennifer of Glinda Quilts. I feel really guilty actually. She is an online friend that I've recently made through a sewing bee. She had blogged about the Pants Bags she had been making and I commented on the post saying I was really lazy, didn't bother to unpack my case when I went on holiday and just stuffed my pants into the corners of my case. Well, she replied straight away saying she would make me one, and even wanted to know what colours I liked!! You know, quilters are some of the kindest, most generous people I have ever come across.

This bag is so beautifully made! Jennifer's sewing skills put mine to shame !
What is more I am totally in awe of the design of this bag. Don't think old school pump bags that were hard to draw up, this bag glides open and closed with amazing smoothness. It took me a while to understand how it works (yeah, I'm the sort of person that struggles to operate even the simplest of things)

Fortunately my son showed me - it's two separate drawstrings, so that when you pull it closed the fabric doesn't all bunch up at one end. Duh! I guess everybody knew about this except me - well, I know now, and I'm going to have a go at making one.

The other thing I really like, that I wouldn't have thought about doing, is attaching the band in two separate pieces so that there is plenty of room for the strings to move freely.

I really look forward to using this bag next time I go travelling. In the meantime I really wanted to look at it and appreciate it, so,  ....... ooh, Look! some knitting just happened to find it's way inside !!

I'm very pleased to say it makes an excellent knitting bag too !! Thank you so much Jennifer. Your kindness has made me very happy and I'm going to have a go at making one for someone too :)

Talking of knitting, I have been busy trying to catch up on my Greenfields Africa Challenge. I've completed 2 baby cardigans, and another is almost finished.

For this one I used up a couple of balls of Rowan Purelife Revive that I had bought a while back to experiment with. This is an eco friendly yarn as it is made with 36% recycled silk, 36% recycled cotton and 28% recycled viscose. It isn't a baby yarn, but I had played with, decided I didn't like it, so it needed using up. Why didn't I like it? I didn't like the feel of it in my hands as I worked. I love working with cotton, I like using silk when blended with wool, but this? It just didn't feel good. Also it has very little stretch. It will breathe nicely, so it will be good for a little African baby in that respect, but I won't be buying this yarn again.

 

The second cardigan was made with my all time favourite yarn Debbie Bliss Eco Baby. This is sports weight organic cotton, and the only reason I was happy to part with this was because the oddments I had were from old dye lots that didn't match. Some prudent placement of white stripes however meant that you can't tell where one dye lot ends and the next starts.

And finally, the WIP uses another of my favourite yarns - Rowan Belle Organic by Amy Butler.

This is 50% organic cotton, 50% organic wool - BUT, it's been discontinued !! 

I love this yarn. Why did you do this, Rowan ?? Was I the only person in the world who liked and bought it? 

This is made completely of oddments, and I didn't think the lime green would last out to complete the stripes, but it has and I'm very pleased with it.

So, I'm probably still a little behind with my challenge to myself (I want to make 52 items for the charity during the 52 weeks of 2013, but I can always catch up with a few quickly knitted baby hats!

It's been a productive start to September so far.

Have a good weekend, with lots of craftiness!   Julie