On the Needles

I've been a bit lethargic this week - I think it's post-birthday blues. There's been no frantic knitting to get completed - only the housework!

Having started so many new projects over the past month, I've reached that stage now were I'm looking at them and thinking "that yarn would look better knitted as that pattern instead"- so I will probably be frogging some of the projects and starting again - but maybe one at a time so I don't get fed up with them too quickly.

Thankfully I am enjoying knitting Homely - the chunky cropped cardi. This is growing quite quickly and should be finished by Easter. Here's the story so far - only the sleeves to do.

I've also been working on Anna - which is the Fair Isle vest I'm designing. I had previously done the ribbing and created a chart for the Fair Isle pattern but hadn't knitted it up to see how it looked. I have now done this and I'm really pleased with the results so far.

Looking at it though I've decided that I will change the pattern's name from Anna to Rose, it seems to suit it better - names are very important.

Hopefully this will be finished in the next two weeks.

Right - I feel better for that - taking stock and getting organised are so important.

Formula 1 - the Australian Grand Prix - tomorrow so I should make good progress on the sleeves of Homely.

Judy

PDF version
A slim fit Fair Isle tee. The colour scheme gives this a young, fresh style. Knitted in double knitting weight yarn, the Fair Isle pattern is not too demanding and would be ideal for someone wanting to develop their skills at this technique.

To fit sizes 32 (34, 36, 38, 40) inches

Finished sizes
Bust 81 (86, 91, 96, 101) cm / 32, (34, 36, 38, 40) inches
Length 50 (51, 52.5, 54, 55) cm / 19 ¾ (20, 20 ½, 21 ½, 21 3/4) inches
Sleeve seam 10 (10, 11, 11.5, 11.5) cm / 4 (4, 4 ½, 4 ½, 4 ½) inches

Materials
2 x 100g balls of Sirdar Country Style DK (main colour) 318 metres / 348 yards per ball
I used shade 593 cowslip
1 x 100g ball of Sirdar Country Style DK in three contrasting colours
I used shades 423 light pink, 418 burgundy, 589 mountain ash
3.75mm and 3.25mm straight needles

Tension
22 sts and 26 rows to 10 cm measured over pattern.

Abbreviations

k = knit
p = purl
sts = stitches
MC = main colour
CC = contrast colour
k2tog = knit 2 together
k2togtbl = knit 2 together through back of loops
dec = decrease
alt = alternate
RS = right side
WS = wrong side

Fair Isle pattern
Working in stocking stitch throughout
Work 5 rows from chart.

Using MC and beginning with a purl row, stocking stitch 5 rows.
(K1 in MC, k1 in CC1) to last st, k1 in MC.
Using MC only and beginning with a purl row, stocking stitch 5 rows.

These 16 rows form the Fair Isle pattern and are repeated throughout.

BACK
With 3.75mm needles cast on 97 (101, 107, 113, 119) sts with CC1.
Break off CC1, join in MC.
Row 1: p1(1, 3, 1, 3), *(k2, p2) repeat from * to end
Row 2: (k2, p2) to last 1 (1, 3, 1, 3) sts, k1 (1, 3, 1, 3).
Repeat these 2 rows 11 more times.
K2tog, k11(12, 13, 14, 14) k2tog, k12 (12, 13, 14, 15) k2tog, k12 (12, 13, 14, 15) k2tog, k11 (13, 13, 13, 15) k2togtbl, k12 (12, 13, 14, 15) k2togtbl, k12 (12, 13, 14, 15) k2togtbl, k11 (13, 13, 14, 14) k2togtbl. 89 (93, 99, 105, 111) sts
Purl 1 row.
Commence Fair Isle pattern, keeping pattern correct, dec 1 st at each end of 5th and 3 following 4th rows. 81 (85, 91, 97, 103)sts
Pattern 9 rows.
Increase 1 st at each end of next and 3 following 8th rows. 89 (93, 99, 105, 111)sts
Pattern 13 (13, 15, 17, 17) rows. Work should measure 32 (32, 33, 34, 34)cm.

Armhole shaping.
Cast off 5 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 79 (81, 87, 93, 99) sts
Decrease 1 st at each end of the next 3 rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end of next 3 alt. rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end of following 4th row. 65 (69, 75, 81, 87) sts **
Continue straight until armhole measures 18 (19, 19.5, 20, 21) cm.

Shape shoulders
Cast off 7 (7, 8, 9, 10) sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Cast off 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Leave remaining 39 (41, 43, 45, 47) sts on a holder.

FRONT
Work as given for back to **
Work a further 1 row in pattern.
Pattern 25 (26, 28, 30, 32) sts turn leaving remaining stitches on a holder.
Continue on these 25 (26, 28, 30, 32) sts for left neck as follows:
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 5 rows.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 5 alternate rows.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 2 following 4th rows. 13 (14, 16, 18, 20) sts
Continue straight until armhole measures the same as back to start of shoulder shaping, ending with a WS row.
Cast off 7 (7, 8, 9, 10) sts at beg of next row.
Work 1 row.
Cast off remaining 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) sts.

With RS facing, slip centre 15 (17, 19, 21, 21) sts onto a stitch holder and rejoin yarn to remaining 25 (26, 28, 30, 32) sts, pattern to end of the row.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 5 rows.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 5 alternate rows.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 2 following 4th rows. 13 (14, 16, 18, 20) sts
Continue straight until armhole measures the same as back to start of shoulder shaping, ending with a RS row.
Cast off 7 (7, 8, 9, 10) sts at beg of next row.
Work 1 row.
Cast off remaining 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) sts.

SLEEVES
With 3.75mm needles cast on 61 (65, 65, 69,73) sts with CC1.
Break off CC1, join in MC.
Row 1: p1, *(k2, p2) repeat from * to end
Row 2: (k2, p2) to last st, k1.
Repeat these 2 rows 3 more times.
Working in st st, beginning with a k row, work 2 rows. Commence Fair Isle pattern, working 16 (16, 18, 20, 20) rows in total and increasing 1 st at each end of 7th and 13th rows. 65 (69, 69, 73, 77)sts

Armhole shaping
Cast off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end of the next 1 row.
Decrease 1 st at each end of next 1 (3, 2, 3, 3) alt. rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end of 4 (4, 5, 4, 5) following 4th rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end of next 5 (5, 5, 7, 6) alt. rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end of the next 5 (5, 5, 5, 7) rows.
Cast off 5 sts at beg of next 2 rows.
Cast off remaining 17 sts.

MAKING UP
Darn in all loose ends.
Join right shoulder seams.

NECKBAND
Join right shoulder seam. Using 3.25mm needles and using MC, pick up and knit 33 (36, 38, 40, 43) stitches down right side of neck, knit across 15 (17, 19, 21, 21) sts on holder from front, pick up and knit 33 (36, 38, 40, 43) stitches up left side of neck, knit across 39 (41, 43, 45, 47) sts on holder from back. 120 (130, 138, 146, 154) sts
Row 1: (k2, p2) to end.
Repeat this row 6 times more.
Break off MC and join in CC1, cast off in rib.

Join remaining shoulder seam.
Set sleeve into armhole.
Join side and sleeve seams.

Judy Finished

Here is Judy, the Fair Isle tee I've recently designed.

I love the colour combination - very fresh - just right for the Spring.

The pattern is not too demanding - and it grows quite quickly because of the bands of plain stocking stitch in between the Fair Isle bands.

It's knitted in double knitting weight yarn - I used Sirdar Country Style, which is a yarn I love. It's nice and soft, knits up well, is great value for money, and, best of all, it seems to go on for miles. This top only used one and a half 100g balls for the main colour.

The pattern instructions, as always took some time to complete - sizing is always a headache. These will follow in the next post.

Clara

Here is the waistcoat I made for Eve for her birthday.

I had made a mental note that she had expressed a like of this pattern when she was flicking through my pattern books, so it was the ideal choice for her birthday.

The pattern is Clara from Amber by Kim Hargreaves. I used the yarn suggested in the pattern which was Rowan cashsoft 4 ply. I do love this yarn, it is so soft and warm - well worth paying that little bit extra for.

The yarn made up for the fact that this was one of the most boring patterns I have knitted in a long time. Miles and miles of plain stocking stitch on 3mm needles is not my idea of fun. It does look good now its finished and Eve is pleased with it - so it was worth it in the end - but I won't be knitting this pattern again.

Happy Birthday Eve

Today is Eve's birthday - so a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her.

Unfortunately it's a school day but she has lots of treats planned with her friends so it won't be too bad. I've just finished baking her cake and I'll decorate it before she gets in. We're planning a feast tonight!

Here's the card I made for her.

See, those crochet letters are so versatile, they make a great personal touch to a card.

I also made some little cards, to sneak into her lunchbox each day this week - just to get her more excited.

Knittingwise, I made her a beret.

The pattern is from Louisa Harding's book, Little Cake and I used Rowan kid classic. It took just one ball and was lovely to knit - an interesting pattern that grew really quickly. I'd definitely make this again - for me, for Grace.

I also made her a knitted waistcoat, but no photos yet. I'll blog this next time.

As a novelty I crocheted a baby bunny.

The pattern is rapid rabbits by Brigitte Read. I would have liked to have made more of these but the mohair yarn got the better of me.

This one is my favourite.

Eve has named him Pedro. The pattern is Budgerigars by crochetroo. Unfortunately, this isn't a free pattern.

I'll be making more of these, in different colours - they are so cute.

A Busy Month

March is a busy month in terms of celebrations. Not only is there my birthday, Eve's birthday, several relative' s birthdays but also my sister's wedding anniversary and, of course, Mothers Day. Plenty of card making. Here are the two Mothers Day cards I made.

And here is the card for my sister's anniversary.

Ribbons and buttons are definitely playing a big part in my card making at the moment. Lace is starting to make more of an appearance.

This week is Eve's birthday - I have a rough idea in my head for her card - but they tend to take shape as I'm making them. Hers, of course, will be extra special.

Arthur the Polar Bear

PDF version
Polar bears are my favourite animal. Here’s one I made for fun.

I used:
White double knitting yarn – about 50g
A small amount of random dyed DK yarn for the scarf.
3mm crochet hook
Notions – toy stuffing, black embroidery floss.

PATTERN
(English terms used)
dc (English) = sc (American)

Finished size – approximately 20 cm (8 inches) tall in seated position.

Body

With white and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 6 dc (US = sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.

2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)

3rd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)

4th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)

5th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)

6th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)

7th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 5 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 5 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (42 dc)

8th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 6 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 6 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (48 dc)

9th – 16th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

17th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 6 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (42 dc)

18th and 19th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

20th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 5 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)

21st and 22nd rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

23rd round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)

24th - 26th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

27th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)

28th – 30th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

31st round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)

32nd round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

Fasten off and stuff body. Do not close neck opening.



Head

With white and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.

2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (9 dc)

3rd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1dc into next 2 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)

4th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

5th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1dc into next 3 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (15 dc)

6th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 4 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (20 dc)

7th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 4 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (25 dc)

8th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 4 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)

9th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

10th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)

11th – 13th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

14th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)

15th and 16th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

17th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)

18th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

19th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)

20th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 1 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)

Stuff head at this point.

21st round: 1 ch, [dc2tog,] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. Fasten off and close hole in back of head.

Attach to top of body.

Ears

With white and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.

2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)

Fasten off.
Sew on to side of head.


Legs

With white double knitting and 3mm hook, chain 10.

1st round: 1dc into 2nd chain from hook. 1 dc into next 7 ch, 2dc into last chain. Working other side of foundation chain, work 2 dc into same place as last dcs. 1 dc into next 7 dc, 3 dc into the same chain as 1st dc worked. Sl st into 1st dc. (22dc)

2nd round: 1ch, 1 dc into same stitch as chain, 1dc into next 8 dc, 2 dc into next 2 dc, 1 dc into next 9 dc, 2 dc into 2 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (26dc)

3rd and 4th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

5th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into next 7 dc, [dc2tog] 4 times, 1 dc into next 11 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (22dc)

6th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into next 7 dc, [dc2tog] 2 times, 1 dc into next 11 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (20dc)

7th – 9th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Fasten off and stuff.

Attach legs to body so that the polar bear is in a sitting position


Arms

With white and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.

2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)

3rd – 10th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

11th and 12th rounds: sl st into first 3 dc, 1 dc into next 6 dc, sl st into next 3 dc.

Fasten off and stuff. Do not close opening at top of arm.

Attach to body.

Using black embroidery floss, embroider a cute little nose and some eyes.


Scarf.

Using random dyed DK and 3mm hook, make 7 chain.

1st row: 1 dc into 2nd dc from hook, 1 dc into next 5 ch, turn. (6 dc)

2nd row: 1 ch, 1 dc into each dc to end, turn.

Repeat the 2nd row until the scarf measures 46cm / 18 inches, or whatever length your polar bear desires.
Polar bears may be the largest land carnivores, but this one just wants a cuddle.

It's My Day

Here at last - my birthday, and what a wonderful day I am having.

First thing I went for a walk along the beach.

The iron men in the picture are an installation by Antony Gormley called Another Place. Whenever I go down to the beach I take a little bag with me to collect 'treasure'. Here 's a pic of this morning's haul.

When I got back home I had a leisurely soak in the bath. The rest of the morning was spent watching my new DVD - Cat Ballou - I love this film - Lee Marvin is superb - so funny.

When the girls get in later we'll probably watch it again!

As a treat for my birthday I started a new project - Allure by Kim Hargreaves from Amber.

I haven't got very far yet as the mohair yarn refuses to behave itself and it took a couple of goes to get past the first row. I think I'll reduce the amount of ribbing at the hem so that I can get stuck into the lacy pattern.

Here are some pics of the projects I've been working on in the run up to my birthday.

This cushion is lovely and big and squashy. Great for when I'm knitting.

I originally intended to knit a flock of these sheep but only got as far as one! The pattern is Sheep in Sheep's Clothing by Frankie Brown and is a free Ravelry download.

This is Arthur the polar bear, he is wonderful. Polar bears are my favourite animal and I wanted to make a cute one for my birthday. The pattern for this will follow shortly.

Among my many presents I received Fitted Knits by Stephanie Japel.

Lots of lovely sweaters and cardis in here, plus plenty of handy tips.

It's been a great week so far. On Sunday we went to see the new Alice in Wonderland film with Johnny Depp.

Lots of fun - Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen was great we all came home feeling sorry for her.

Darts is on the television on Thursday night and this weekend the Formula 1 Season starts. This means loads of knitting time.

Finally, I mustn't forget my Teddy bear who is the same age as me today. I haven't made him anything new this year but here he is wearing the duffle coat I made him last year.

I think I've probably aged better than him - but then again, I wasn't chewed as a youngster!

Birthday letters

We're all set for the big day tomorrow - my birthday.
I've crocheted Happy Birthday and stuck the letters on the wall. They'll stay up now until after Eve's birthday.

These letters are so versatile - I've used them for Grace's birthday and Christmas and I've got lots of ideas for further uses. The pattern is in 201 Crochet Motifs, Blocks, Projects and Ideas
by Melody Griffiths, I'm so glad I discovered this book as it is very inspiring.

I'm enjoying my birthday week by watching DVDs and plenty of knitting - definitely no housework!

I'll show you more of my birthday projects tomorrow - together with a new crochet pattern.

Oaksike - finished

I love this cardi so much.

It was a great pattern to knit - so much detail and plenty of variety - it grew really quickly despite it looking quite complex.

The pattern is Oaksike by Louisa Harding from the booklet Little Cake. There are loads of other lovely patterns in the book that I will be making. I used the yarn suggested in the pattern, which is Louisa Harding's own yarn, Willow Tweed. It is a double knit weight yarn and has lovely stitch definition. I used exactly 8 skeins, nothing left over.

I have made this to wear on my birthday next week - it'll look lovely with a pretty feminine dress.

Good Luck Eve

Today is the start of Eve's Art GCSE exam. She has always loved art and has great aptitude. I'm sure she will do well.

Here is the card I made for her - to wish her good luck.

It is a simple design but it has a lovely old fashioned, vintage charm to it. Eve really loved it.

Finishing off and starting up

The spare room is decorated, the carpet laid, and looking good. Very PINK! We have a very colourful house.

I thought I had better take a photo before all the junk went back in, just as a reminder of how neat and tidy it could be.

It took all afternoon to move all the furniture and books and DVDs and arty stuff and everything else back into the room. Only the dart board to go back on the wall now. At least our bedroom is back to normal again.

I was exhausted by the end of it all - also a little downhearted - I'd spent ages clearing out stuff to the charity shop - but we still seem to have too much crap!

Anyway, the way to cheer yourself up is to start something new. So if you want to cheer yourself up big time - start something new times three!

I have cast on for three new projects. Firstly Daisy, a fitted short sleeved cardi by Kim Hargreaves from Breeze. I'm using Sirdar crofter yarn, left in my stash from when I made a sweater and my first socks.

Didn't get far into this as there are another 23 rows of moss stitch to do before you can really get going.

The second project I started was Pikenaze, a wrap by Louisa Harding from Little Cake. I'm using Twilley's Freedom Spirit yarn for this, again a leftover, this time from my Ravenscar cardi and head warmer.

I'm really enjoying knitting Louisa's patterns - I'll have to get more of her pattern books!

The third project is Homely by Sarah Hatton from Rowan studio 14.

It's a chunky pattern and after knitting a few rows I remembered why I don't really like heavier yarns - my wrists were aching already. Anyway It'll be a nice cardi for cooler days in the spring and summer - and should knit up fairly quickly.

With all these new projects I'm not neglecting my other projects (well not all of them anyway). I'm soldiering on with my birthday makes and the wonderful Oaksike will be finished today. Photos of that shortly.

We had a good end to the day, yesterday. All the hard work paid off as we were able to sit in comfort in our newly decorated room and watch a DVD.

Spoilt for a choice, we finally settled on Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality 2 - no matter how many times I watch it, I still laugh out loud.