Christmas Heart 2010

Has it really been 12 months since the last Christmas heart?

Here is this year's contribution to the Christmas Heart collection.

This year I have embroidered mistletoe on a red background, with the usual pearl stitch edging in white. I'm very pleased with the result - although with my eyesight, it was difficult to embroider. May be I should ask Father Christmas for an eye test and some new glasses and I may be able to do more sewing!

Harry Potter

We saw the new Harry Potter film last night.

We really enjoyed it despite the fact that it is so grim, bleak and sad. Harry's come a long way since those innocent days of learning to ride a broomstick and discovering Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.

I was pleased to see that Harry had come to Liverpool. The scene near the beginning of the film where Harry and Hagrid ride in the motorbike and sidecar through a tunnel whilst being chased by Death Eaters, was filmed in the Mersey Tunnel!!

Happy Thanksgiving, to everyone in the USA.

Patterns for Crochet Glittens

Following the completion of my knitted glittens, Mindy has asked me if I know of any good crochet patterns for glittens.

Looking through the database on Ravelry I've found these two.

The first is by Woodhill Designs and is available free here. It uses worsted weight yarn.

This pattern is by Sue Norrad and is available free here . It also uses worsted weight yarn.

I haven't tried either of these patterns so I can't comment on how easy/difficult they are but they both look like fun (no double pointed knitting needles!!) I might have a go at designing my own crochet glittens - but it'll have to wait until after Christmas - I'm definitely booked up until then!

End of the Glittens

I have now finished my fourth pair of glittens.

This pair are for Grace - and will be the last for a while. It was a great pattern to do and I would certainly make more. They're really quick to make, don't take too much yarn and very practical.

But it's time to move on and I don't seem to be finding much time to work on my Christmas makes. I had planned on spending the weekend working flat out on Eve's alpine sweater - darts on the television - so no reason not to just sit and knit. However - I was totally gripped by the novel I was reading, couldn't put it down - so not as much knitting done as I had planned.

I'm also in the middle of yet another assignment - they seem to pop up all the time - but this should be the last one before Christmas - then it's non-stop knitting and crocheting all the way to Christmas!

Christmas Hexagon

Here's a bit of a distraction.

The pattern looked interesting so I thought I would give it a try. It turned out larger than I imagined - it's about 7 inches from point to point.

The central hexagon is from a pattern called African Flower by Lounette Fourie and Anita Rossouw. It can be found on this site (it's the 9th comment from the top!), but I think there should be a better pattern around, certainly Ravelry has some others listed.

The pattern for constructing the hexagon is by Daniela Herbertz and is available as a free Ravelry download. Details can be found on my project page here.

I wish there weren't so many tempting patterns out there - I am weak and easily distracted!

Crochet Christmas Wreath

PDF version
Here’s a fun project for Christmas that only takes about an hour to make.

The finished wreath is approximately 11cm (4.5 inches in diameter)

You will need a thin ring with a diameter of approximately 5.5 cm (just over 2 inches).

I used thin metal bangles that were designed for a small child. A pack of 10 cost only £2.25 in Claire’s Accessories.

Using double knitting weight yarn in a nice Christmassy green , I worked 60 dc (US = sc) into the ring to cover it.

If your ring is larger or smaller you will obviously need to adjust. Join with a sl st into 1st dc.

Second round – work a dc in each dc (but increasing 6 dc evenly over the round). Join with a sl st. 66 sts

Third round – 3ch (counts as first tr [US = dc]), 1 tr (US = dc) into each dc to end. Sl st into 3rd of 3 ch at beginning of round.

Fourth round – (1 dc, 3 ch) into each tr to end. Sl st into 1st dc.

Hanging loop – work 12 ch, sl st into 1st ch to form a loop. Fasten off.

The wreath can be decorated as you wish.

I used wooden beads in red, cream and green, to look like berries, and I attached a small ribbon to the top.

Very simple and quick but they look very effective.

Third Pair of Glittens

I've just finished Eve's glittens (the third pair so far). See second pair here, and first pair here.

Each pair is being modified slightly and customised to fit. For this pair I slimmed down the thumb and adjusted the length to Eve's dainty hands.

I used up some Rowan Cashsoft DK I had left from a few years back. I only just made it - about 2 metres of yarn left at the end!

She's on her way home from school now, so they are waiting for her to try on. Hope she likes them.

Christmas Shopping

Ventured out on my first Christmas shopping trip of the season yesterday. I can't say it was particularly successful - I wasn't feeling inspired. It turned into a knitting supplies shopping trip instead - don't they all!

John Lewis have finally got the latest Kim Hargreaves book in stock. It's called Cherished and is more inspiring than the last book, which I didn't buy. Here are some of the patterns I will be adding to my queue - but it'll be after Christmas before I can seriously contemplate starting them.

The first is Raine. A lovely shaped cardi knitted in DK weight yarn.


I also liked Skylark. Quite a feminine design - it's the same stitch pattern as Anais.

My favourite is Isle. Simple design but interesting details.

Well they are for the future. Right now, I would like to make Eve a Nordic style sweater for Christmas. She saw similar sweaters in Primark on a recent shopping trip - so I offered to make her one. We decided it would be customised to exactly as she would like it. We found a pattern for a lovely short-sleeved cardi from which we will use the colourwork.

This pattern is by DROPS design and is available free here. Our version will be a sweater, with long sleeves and some waist shaping.

I've made a start, so let's hope it goes according to plan.

I like to make a something special each year for Christmas ( Well actually I like to make lots and lots of things for Christmas!). Last year I made the Snow Queen by Alan Dart. This year Alan Dart has produced a pattern for the Christmas Pudding Pixie.

He looks a bit scary, but should be fun to make. Alan Dart patterns are always great fun - so much attention to detail. The pattern is in this month's edition of Simply Knitting magazine. I'll be starting this soon.

This is only a small sample of the stuff I'm planning on making - most of it's secret - so I probably won't be sleeping or eating for the next 6 weeks!! Better get on with it!

Christmas is Coming

Yes, it's getting ever closer.

Time seems to be flying by and there is so much to plan and do.

In anticipation of Christmas, I made some Christmas Cake muffins.

Very fruity and filling - gets you in training for the big day!

I've started my Christmas surprise makes. There's still a lot of planning to do and I'll probably be more ambitious than is realistic - but everything usually gets done on time.

There are some fabulous knitting and crochet patterns on Ravelry - all so tempting. I so love this time of the year. Planning and creating is the best.

Olive Finished

I have finally got round to taking photos of the finished Olive cardi.

Very comfortable and easy to wear. The collar took a few goes to get right but I'm happy with it now.

It's a Kim Hargreaves design from Rowan magazine #26. Full details can be found on my Ravelry page here.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, this is the second time I've made this cardi (last time was 10 years ago!). This yarn is washable, so this version shouldn't suffer the same fate as the last one.

It's Sirdar Click DK, and I love this yarn. It's easy to knit with, lasts forever and is great value for money. This is true of most Sirdar yarns - I'm a definite fan. I had 9 balls of this yarn, I used 6 on this cardi, 1 and a bit on the slouchy hat I made recently. I have also used just under 1 ball to make these glittens, and I should have enough left to make a further pair of glittens for whoever wants to wear them.

These are the second set of glittens I've made so far this Autumn. Look here for details of the first set. I've modified the pattern second time around.

I have not knitted separate fingers but left the top open. I couldn't take the stress of the individual fingers and the DPNs. I would have stopped after one pair if I had to do the fingers all over again!

I knitted the second pair on smaller needles, 3.25mm rather than 4mm. This gives a snugger fit. I also changed the ribbing at the wrist to 1x1 rather than 2x2, again this gives a tighter fit.

So now that I'm happy with the pattern I'll get making more for the rest of the family.

I've just noticed that the colour of the yarn in each of the photos is different. None of them actually show the true colour which is a lovely blend of reds, blues and purples.

Bits and Pieces

Today is my Auntie's birthday, and here is the card I made for her.

It's very simple but looks really effective. I used a backing of gold sparkly card and then layered two padded fabric flowers. I think it looks quite retro.

Sometimes the simplest cards are the best - if I try to do something too complicated it doesn't always work out the way I had planned.

I bought the bits and pieces from the Paper Mill Shop in Liverpool. They have a pick and mix bag for £1 that is full of interesting bits. I bought two bags earlier in the week and was so impressed by the selection of goodies that I went back and bought five more bags yesterday!!

Last night Eve went to her friend's Halloween party. The family put a lot of effort into it - the whole house was decorated, loads of food and games. She had a great time.

There was a competition for the best carved pumpkin. I've never tried carving a pumpkin - seems like a lot of hard work. So instead, I crocheted one for Eve to take for her friend.

It's about 4 inches in diameter and 2 inches tall. Eve asked me to add the face. I used some old dk cotton that I had bought in a charity shop ages ago. The pattern is by Armina Parnagian. It is available as a free Ravelry download. See full details of my project on Ravelry here. Very quick and easy to make. A great idea for a last minute gift for Halloween.

Antony and Cleopatra and a New Hat

We had a great night out last Monday. We went to the Playhouse in Liverpool and saw Antony and Cleopatra.

Cleopatra was played by Kim Cattrall (from Sex and the City), who apparently was born in Liverpool!

It was a fun night out - I always enjoy visiting the theatre.

I haven't had much of a chance to get on the computer this week. The assignment I had to complete took up more time than I had anticipated (but it's finished now) and my DH is working at home this week, so he has a habit of hogging the computer all day.

Despite the assignment (a 2000 word essay on children's literature!), I have managed to fit in a new hat.

This pattern is called Naked Star and is by my friend Ira from the Ukraine. The pattern is available as a free Ravelry download and is very easy to make.

I used the same yarn I have used to make my Olive cardi - Sirdar Click dk. The Olive cardi is now finished and is just waiting to be photographed. Full details of the hat project can be found on my Ravelry page here.

New Course

I seem to be very disorganised at the moment. So much to do, so much to plan, so much to make. The days are too short - and housework takes too long!

I've now started my new Open University course - Children's Literature. How much fun is that? I get to study Harry Potter, Northern Lights (The Golden Compass), Little Women, Treasure Island and even the Tale of Peter Rabbit. So much better than science!! Unfortunately I have an assignment due in next week (so soon) - but it seems more like fun that work - so no complaints.


Whilst I get on with my essay and think about knitting and crocheting, here's a lovely Lucy Grossmith picture called Magical Garden.

The joy of Autumn and snug, warm sweaters.

More Compass Rose Earrings

Before I show you the earrings I have made I would like to say what a joyful and moving experience it was to watch the Chilean miners being rescued yesterday. I wish them and all their families very best wishes for the future.

Here are a pair of earrings made from my Compass Rose pattern.

They are bright and cheerful and remind me of pizzas!

I didn't knit during the final week of revision before my exam and it seems to be taking a while to get back into the swing of things. Today I feel like I'm back to normal. The Olive cardi is back on track and I've started more glittens. I'm also starting to plan my Christmas makes - yes, it's getting nearer!

Exam Stress

I have an exam next Monday. My Open University module exam on Earth Sciences. It is perhaps a little late in the day to realise that maybe Sciences are really my subject - but I'll try my hardest anyway. This next week is going to be all about revision (but it would be a shame to neglect the knitting!)

On the knitting front, I'm making excellent progress on Nonna.

The colours are actually brighter than this in reality - hopefully it will photo better next time.

I love Fair Isle knitting because it seems to grow so fast. I've completed a full pattern repeat now and I've reached the armholes. Concentration is now called for, so it's been put to one side for the time being.

This last weekend was dominated by the Ryder Cup golf. Nonna requires too much attention to be suitable knitting for the event. So, a new project was called for. I chose Olive, a cardi from Rowan magazine #26 (from 1999). It's plain stocking stitch with a Peter Pan collar - very straight forward. I actually made this cardi back in 2000 using Rowan's felted tweed. It was a great cardi, I wore it all the time, until it shrank in the wash.

I'm now knitting it again - but this time in a washable yarn!

Finally I'm crocheting a tablecloth from a pattern dating back to 1917.

It's progressing smoothly at the moment but it is quite large so it will take a while to make.

Well now I had better get back to the revision. No doubt I'll be distracted into making other things over the next week, but I'll save the blogging until after the exam. Until then, have fun and be creative.

Glittens

I bought some glittens (fingerless gloves that convert into mittens) last year and they were great to wear. Unfortunately they were quite thin and had worn through the thumb by the end of the winter. So I have had in mind to find a pattern and make some for the coming winter.

Through Ravelry, I found a great pattern by Dawn Beck , which is available for free. You can access it here.

Here is the first pair I have made.

You can see details of the yarn used etc on my Ravelry page, here.

This is a great pattern - everything is explained really clearly. I’m planning on making these for all the family and maybe some friends. The first pair I have made I used 4 mm needles but I think for the next pair I will use 3.75 mm needles for a snugger fit.

A great way to use up oddments from the stash. The only snag is I keep getting tangled up with all the double pointed needles - maybe by the time I get to the last pair I will have mastered their use.

Meret Beret

Here's a hat I made recently.
The pattern is by Woolly Wormhead, and is available as a free Ravelry download.

The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn and uses one and a bit balls. Very quick and easy to make. It's supposed to be knitted in the round but I did my usual of adapting it to straight needles.

I love the colour of this hat and it is very easy to wear.

The pattern gives options for variations on the beret. I chose to make the slouchy version with a rolled and ribbed brim. Full detials of the yarn etc I used can be seen on my Ravelry page here.

Olivia pattern

PDF version
A very feminine mohair cardi with ribbed sleeves, an all over eyelet pattern and a crocheted edging.

To fit bust 32 inch (81 cm)

Actual bust measurement – 34 inches (86 cm)
Length – 18 inches (45 cm)
Sleeve seam – 17.5 inches (44 cm)

Requirements

7 x 50g balls of DK mohair yarn. I used Sublime Angora Merino (120 m / 130 yards per ball). Unfortunately this yarn is now discontinued.
4mm and 3.25 mm knitting needles
3.5 mm crochet hook
8 buttons

Tension
21 sts and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over pattern.

Abbreviations
k = knitp = purlsts = stitchestog = togethertbl = through back of loopsyon =yarn over needle
alt = alt
dec = decRS = right side
WS = wrong side
dc = double crochet (US = single crochet)
ch = chain

BACK

With 4mm needles, cast on 89 sts.

Work in garter st for 4 rows.

Beginning with a knit row, stocking st 2 rows.

Commence eyelet pattern, working 12 row repeat 6 times.

Eyelet pattern

Row 1: k2, (K1, k2tog, yon, k5) repeat to last 7 sts, k1, k2tog, yon, k4.

Row 2 and all even rows: purl

Row 3: k2, (k2tog, yon, k twice into next st, yon, k2tog tbl, k3) repeat to last 7 sts, k2tog, yon, k twice into next st, yon, k2tog tbl, k2.

Row 5: k2, (k1, k2tog tbl, yon, k2tog, k4) repeat to last 8 sts, k1, k2tog tbl, yon, k2tog, k3.

Row 7: k6, (K1, k2tog, yon, k5) repeat to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 9: k6, (k2tog, yon, k twice into next st, yon, k2tog tbl, k3) repeat to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 11: k6, (k1, k2tog tbl, yon, k2tog, k4) repeat to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 12: purl.

Important Note: The number of stitches increases on rows 3, 4, 9 and 10. This should be taken into account when counting stitches.

Work should measure 25.5 cm.

Shape armholes

Keeping pattern correct, cast off 4 sts at beg of next 2 rows.

Dec 1 st at each end of next 5 rows.
Dec 1 st at each end of next 2 alt rows. 67 sts.
Continue straight until armhole measures 18cm, ending with a WS row.

Shape shoulders and back neck
Cast off 5 sts at beg of next 2 rows.
Cast off 5 sts at beg of next row, pattern until there are 9 sts on right hand needle, turn, leaving remaining sts on a holder. Working on 9 sts only, cast off 4 sts at beg of next row. Cast off remaining 5 sts.

Leave central 29 sts on holder for back neck, with RS facing rejoin yarn to remaining 14 sts, pattern to end.
Cast off 5 sts at beg of next row.
Cast off 4 sts at beg of next row.
Cast off remaining 5 sts.


LEFT FRONT
With 4mm needles, cast on 45 sts.

Work in garter st for 4 rows.

Beginning with a knit row, stocking st 2 rows.

Commence eyelet pattern, working the 12 row repeat 6 times in total.

Eyelet pattern

Row 1: k2, (K1, k2tog, yon, k5) repeat to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 2 and all even rows: purl

Row 3: k2, (k2tog, yon, k twice into next st, yon, k2tog tbl, k3) repeat to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 5: k2, (k1, k2tog tbl, yon, k2tog, k4) repeat to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 7: k6, (K1, k2tog, yon, k5) repeat to last 7 sts, k1, k2tog, yon, k4.

Row 9: k6, (k2tog, yon, k twice into next st, yon, k2tog tbl, k3) repeat to last 7 sts, k2tog, yon, k twice into next st, yon, k2tog tbl, k2.

Row 11: k6, (k1, k2tog tbl, yon, k2tog, k4) repeat to last 8 sts, k1, k2tog tbl, yon, k2tog, k3.

Row 12: purl.

Work should measure same as back to start of armholes.

Shape armholes
Cast off 4 sts at beginning of next row.
Work 1 row.
Dec 1 st at armhole edge on next 5 rows.
Dec 1 st at armhole edge on next 2 alt rows.

Work until 16 rows less than back to start of shoulder shaping have been completed, ending with a WS row.

Shape neck
Pattern to last 14 sts and turn. Leave these 14 sts on a holder for neckband. 20 sts.
Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 4 rows. 16sts.
Dec 1 st at neck edge on following alt row. 15 sts.
Work 9 rows straight.

Shoulder shaping
Cast off 5 sts at beginning of next and 2 following alt rows.

RIGHT FRONT
With 4mm needles, cast on 45 sts.

Work in garter st for 4 rows.

Beginning with a knit row, stocking st 2 rows.

Commence eyelet pattern, working the 12 row repeat 6 times in total.

Eyelet pattern

Row 1: k6, (K1, k2tog, yon, k5) repeat to last 7 sts, k1, k2tog, yon, k4.

Row 2 and all even rows: purl

Row 3: k6, (k2tog, yon, k twice into next st, yon, k2tog tbl, k3) repeat to last 7 sts, k2tog, yon, k twice into next st, yon, k2tog tbl, k2.

Row 5: k6, (k1, k2tog tbl, yon, k2tog, k4) repeat to last 8 sts, k1, k2tog tbl, yon, k2tog, k3.

Row 7: k2, (K1, k2tog, yon, k5) repeat to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 9: k2, (k2tog, yon, k twice into next st, yon, k2tog tbl, k3) repeat to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 11: k2, (k1, k2tog tbl, yon, k2tog, k4) repeat to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 12: purl.

Work should measure same as back to start of armholes.

Shape armholes
Work 1 row.
Cast off 4 sts at beginning of next row.
Dec 1 st at armhole edge on next 5 rows.
Dec 1 st at armhole edge on next 2 alt rows.

Work until 15 rows less than back to start of shoulder shaping have been completed, ending with a RS row.

Shape neck
Pattern to last 14 sts and turn. Leave these 14 sts on a holder for neckband. 20 sts.
Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 4 rows. 16sts.
Dec 1 st at neck edge on following alt row. 15 sts.
Work 9 rows straight.

Shoulder shaping
Cast off 5 sts at beginning of next and 2 following alt rows.

SLEEVES
Cast on 46 sts using 3.25 mm needles.

Row 1: (k2, p2) to last 2 sts, k2,
Row 2: (p2, k2) to last 2 sts, p2.

Repeating these 2 rows work a total of 10 rows.

Continuing in 2x2 rib as set, change to 4 mm needles and increase 1 st at each end of next and 9 following 10th rows. 66 sts.

Continue without shaping until sleeve measures 40 cm ending with a WS row.

Next row, k13 (inc in next st, k12) 3 times, inc in next st, k13. 70 sts.
Purl 1 row.

Commence eyelet pattern as follows, working only 1 pattern repeat:-

Row 1: k5, (K1, k2tog, yon, k5) repeat to last 9 sts, k1, k2tog, yon, k6.

Row 2 and all even rows: purl

Row 3: k5, (k2tog, yon, k twice into next st, yon, k2tog tbl, k3) repeat to last 9 sts, k2tog, yon, k twice into next st, yon, k2tog tbl, k4.

Row 5: k5, (k1, k2tog tbl, yon, k2tog, k4) repeat to last 10 sts, k1, k2tog tbl, yon, k2tog, k5.

Row 7: k9, (K1, k2tog, yon, k5) repeat to last 5 sts, k5.

Row 9: k9, (k2tog, yon, k twice into next st, yon, k2tog tbl, k3) repeat to last 5 sts, k5.

Row 11: k9, (k1, k2tog tbl, yon, k2tog, k4) repeat to last 5 sts, k5.

Row 12: purl.

Work should measure 44 cm.

Shape sleeve top
NB. Make sure only complete pattern repeats are worked.

Keeping eyelet pattern correct as set, cast off 4 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 62 sts.
Dec 1 st at each end of next 5 rows.
Dec 1 st at each end of 2 following alt rows.
Dec 1 st at each end of 4 following 4th rows. 40 sts.
Work 1 row, ending with a WS row.

Dec 1 st at each end of next row and 1 following alt row.
Dec 1 st at each end of 3 following rows. 30 sts.

Cast off remaining sts. BUTTON BAND
With 3.25mm needles and RS facing, pick up and knit 76 sts along front edge of left front.

Knit 4 rows.

Cast off.

BUTTONHOLE BAND
With 3.25mm needles and RS facing, pick up and knit 76 sts along front edge of right front.

Knit 1 row.

Buttonhole row: K1, (k2tog, yon, k9) 6 times, k2tog, yon, k7.
Knit 2 more rows.

Cast off.

Join shoulder seams

NECKBAND
With 3.25mm needles and RS facing pick up and knit as follows:-
Pick up and knit 2 sts from top of right front buttonhole band,
Knit across 14 sts on holder,
Pick up and knit 16 sts from right front neck edge to shoulder,
Pick up and knit 4 sts from right back neck shaping,
Knit across 29 sts on holder for back,
Pick up and knit 4 sts from left back neck shaping,
Pick up and knit 16 sts from left front neck edge,
Knit across 14 sts on holder,
Pick up and knit 2 sts from top of left front button band. (101 sts)

Knit 1 row.

Buttonhole row: k1, k2tog, yon, k to end.

Knit 2 more rows.

Cast off.

Set in sleeves and join side seams.

CROCHET EDGINGS

Using 3.5 mm crochet hook and RS facing, dc (US = sc) around the hem.
Turn, 1 ch, 1 dc, (3 ch, 1 dc into next 3 dc) repeat to end.
Fasten off.

Repeat this edging for the neck edge.

Neaten all loose ends and attach buttons.