Comments, Doilies and Pansies!! a bit of everything

I love viewing my blog and discovering that I've got some new comments. One of the best things is when people tell you how creative, clever or inspiring you are!! I love having my ego massaged - let's face it, it's good to be appreciated.

My trinket boxes have generated some good comments... and quite a few about the doily I used in the photos! Here it is...

It's a bit faded now.

I've been trying to remember when I originally I made this - and I think I've pinned it down to 1983 when I bought my first house. I can't remember exactly where the pattern came from - a magazine belonging to a friend - but I had a photocopy of the pattern.

Unfortunately, last year, I had one of those zealous moments when clutter around the house just had to go - and of course the pattern went then. I didn't think I would ever get round to making the doily ever again so there was no point in keeping superfluous paper!

Sod's Law applies here - once it's gone you suddenly need it. Having featured in the trinket box photos, the doily pattern is now in demand. I've been asked by a number of you for the pattern.

I may have mentioned before (probably quite a few times actually) but I do like to rise to a challenge - so - I'm using the original doily as a template and reworking it so that I can write out the pattern.

Once I'd made up my mind to do this I was quiet eager to get started. I've completed the central motif and I've now started work on the pansies. I'm enjoying the task and hopefully it will be finished before too long.

So keep tuning in, and I'll keep you posted. In the meantime here are some photos of pansies from the garden.

Very inspiring.

The Knitted Garden

Yesterday Eve and I went to the craft fair at Aintree Race Course. Needless to say we bought loads of goodies - more yarn! and plenty of card crafting bits and bobs. On display was a knitted garden. Here are plenty of photos for you to admire it.

It's tempting to make one - but I can't keep up with the maintenance of the real one I've got - so best just stick to looking at the photos.

The Need to Get Out More

Yes, I did spend yesterday afternoon crocheting a chicken - every home should have one!

Her name is Geraldine and the pattern is Cool chicken by Irene Duquette available free here.

Look at her lovely tail.

I realised whilst making the chicken that I'm becoming just a bit obsessive - I need to get out more - otherwise the house will soon be full of cute but useless crocheted animals.

So today I have NOT crocheted anything. Instead, Chris and I decided to go for a walk along the sea front. However, it was rather cooler today than anticipated, a bit windy, clouded over, so instead we thought we'd have a walk inland. By the afternoon this had been amended to a walk into the shopping centre (about a mile away) and call at the pub. It is St George's Day and what more of an excuse do the pub's need to sell the beer cheaper! We had a very pleasant afternoon in the company of a couple of pints of Bombardier bitter - putting the world to rights... and I didn't even miss the crocheting - so there's hope for me yet.

Daffodils for Spring

Spending yesterday afternoon making daffodils certainly beats housework. To avoid feeling too guilty I had a quick flick around with the feather duster while cooking the tea.

Each daffodil took about half an hour to make. Nothing too complicated but they look really effective.

So this afternoon - in order to avoid the housework again - I'm going to make a chicken!

Daffodils

I think I've already mentioned that daffodils are my favourite flower, so I was delighted to come across a cute pattern for some of the crocheted variety.

Whilst doing my daily reading of my blog list I found that Hattalahutta had created a link to Planet June who is sharing this lovely daffodil pattern. So thanks to Hattalahutta for the link and thanks to June for the pattern - I must go now and grab my crochet hook and spare yellow yarn.

Peaches

I've had the pattern for this beret at the top of my queue on Ravelry for months now, so as soon as Rose was finished I grabbed the crochet hook and started work.

The pattern is Peaches by Kim Hargreaves and is in the book entitled Breeze.

The beret took less than 3 hours to make and used just over one 50g ball of DK yarn. It's actually inside-out because I liked the reverse of the fabric better - it shows up the bobbles much clearer.

It was a great pattern to do and I'd like to do this one again in a variety of different colours. It's very easy to wear and now that my hair is getting longer I'm starting to wear hats more (anything to keep out the cold!).

As far as my other crochet project is concerned, the crocheted cropped cardi, I'm afraid it's bitten the dust. I couldn't get the sizing right - I actually almost completed it twice. I love the idea of making a crochet cardi or top but I don't think they look as good as knitted garments. I think I should leave the crocheting for hats, toys and novelties - and concentrate on knitting for wearables.

The yarn that was going to be the crocheted cropped cardi is now already being reused to make a KNITTED cropped cardi. The pattern is called Marigold. It's from one of the Rowan magazines and designed by Marie Wallin. Pictures will follow at a later date when I've made more progress.

Rose Pattern

PDF version
Rose is a vintage-style scoop-necked, Fair Isle vest, knitted in 4 ply yarn.

To fit sizes small (medium, large, x large)
Knitted sizes
Bust 86(96, 106, 115)cm / 34(38, 42, 46)inches
Length to shoulder 50(55, 59, 63)cm / 20(22, 24, 26)inches

Materials
Rowan Scottish tweed 4 ply 25g per ball. (110 m / 120 yds per ball)
5 (5, 6, 6) balls in main shade (ms)
1 ball in each of 4 contrast colours
2.75 mm (US 2) needles
3.25 mm (US 3) needles

Tension
27 sts and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over pattern using 3.25 mm needles.

Abbreviations
k = knit
p = purl
sts = stitches
tog = together
ms = main shade
cs = contrast shade
RS = right side
alt = alternate
foll = following

BACK

Using 2.75mm needles and ms, cast on 122 (134, 146, 158) sts.
Row 1: k2 (p2, k2) to end.
Row 2: p2 (k2, p2) to end.
Repeat these 2 rows until work measures 6 cm, increasing 1 st at the end of the last row and ending with RS facing for next row. 123 (135, 147, 159) sts.

Change to 3.25mm needles and stocking stitch 2 rows.

Using the chart, work the 34 row pattern repeat throughout, decreasing 1 st at each end of 17th, 21st and 25th rows. 117 (129, 141, 153) sts.

Work 9 (11, 13, 15) rows without shaping.
Increase 1 st at each end of next and 3 following 8th rows. 125 (137, 149, 161) sts

Continue straight until back measures 32 (35, 38, 40) cm, ending with RS facing for next row.

Shape armholes
Cast off 5 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 115 (127, 139, 151) sts
Decrease 1 st at each end of next 7 rows ** 101 (113, 125, 137) sts
Then on following 5 (6, 7) alt rows. 91 ( 101, 111, 121) sts
Continue straight until armhole measures 20 (21, 22, 22) cm ending with RS facing for next row.
Cast off 18 (20, 22, 24) sts at beg of next 2 rows. 55 (61, 67, 73)sts
Leave rem 55 (61, 67, 73) sts on holder for back neck.

FRONT

Work as given for back to ** 101 (113, 125, 137) sts
Work 1 row ending with RS facing for next row.
Shape neck
Work 2 tog patt 38 (40, 42, 44) sts turn, leaving rem sts on holder.
Working the left side of neck first, and keeping pattern correct, dec 1 st at neck edge of next 8 rows, then on foll 6 alt rows, then on 3 (4, 5, 6) foll 4th rows, and at the same time dec 1 st at armhole edge of 2nd and 3 (4, 5, 6) foll alt rows. 18 (20, 22, 24) sts
Continue straight until front measures the same as back to shoulders ending with RS facing for next row.
Cast off 18 (20, 22, 24)sts.

With RS facing rejoin yarn to rem sts, place centre 21 (25, 29, 33) sts on a holder for front neck, patt to last 2 sts, work 2 tog.
Complete to match left side, reversing shaping.

MAKING UP

Join right shoulder seam.

Neckband
With RS facing and ms, pick up and knit 45 (47, 49, 52) sts down left side of neck, knit across 21 (25, 29, 33) sts on holder at front, pick up and knit 45 (47, 49, 52) sts up right side of neck, knit across 55 (61, 67, 73) sts on holder at back. 166 (180, 194, 210) sts
Work in k2 p2 rib for 8 rows.
Cast off in rib.

Armholes
Join remaining shoulder seam.

For each armhole, with RS facing and ms, pick up and knit 94 (100, 106, 106)sts evenly along armhole edge.
Work in k2 p2 rib for 8 rows.
Cast off in rib.

Join side seams and tidy up all loose ends.

Rose Finished

I'm feeling very proud of myself - I have finished my Rose vest and I'm really pleased with the results.

I love the colours of the yarn and I think my choice of Fair isle patterns really works well. The yarn is perfect for the project. It is Rowan's Scottish Tweed 4 ply - a little on the rough side to wear next to the skin but ideal for wearing over blouses or tees. The roughness gives the vest a rustic quality that is reminiscent of the 1940s landgirls.

It would work equally well as a casual top or for smarter occasions.

The pattern will follow - in the twinkling of an eye!

Hug

Grace e-mailed me with this lovely picture.

Doesn't it make you feel all warm inside?

Pretty Floral Trinket Box

PDF version
Here's an idea for a gift for someone (or yourself) - a little trinket box that you could give as it is, or use to put a little gift or some goodies (the chocolate variety?) inside.


You will need:
2.5 mm hook
DK weight yarn
9 seed beads
It’s important to work tightly so that the pot retains its structure. Cotton yarn will work best for the pot, but any type of yarn can be used for the flowers.
Two colours are needed for the flowers – whatever combination you like.

The finished pot has a diameter of 7.5 cm / 3 inches.

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

Pot

With 2.5 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 round: 1ch, 1 dc into back loop of same stitch as chain, 1 dc into the back loop of each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

10th – 16th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

Fasten off.

Lid

With 2.5 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 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 round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 7 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 7 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (54 dc)

10th round: 1ch, 1 dc into back loop of same chain, 1 dc into the back loop of each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

11th – 12th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

13th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 8 stitches, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 16 dc] 2 times, dc2tog, 1 dc into next 7 dc, sl st into first dc. (51 dc)

Fasten off.

Flowers (make 3)

With 2.5 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 5 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.

Change colour.

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

3rd round: 1 ch, 2 tr (US = dc) into same stitch as chain, [2 tr, 1 ch, 1 sl st, all into next dc, sl st into next dc, 1 ch, 2 tr all into same dc] 4 times, 2 tr, 1ch, 1 sl st , all into last dc, sl st into 1st ch.

Fasten off.
Neaten all loose ends. Sew 3 coloured seed beads into the centre of each flower, group the flowers together and sew in position on top of the lid.

Fill the pot with goodies and give someone you love a treat.

Nearly Finished

I frequently blog about new patterns and things I want to make - so to balance things up, today I'm posting updates on work-in-progress. Just so you know I'm working away.

The most advanced piece of WIP is Rose.


The only bits left to do on this vest is the ribbing for the neck and armholes. Not the most exciting of things to do - but I will get there soon. I write the pattern up as I go along, so finalising that shouldn't take too long. Hopefully next week you'll be able to see the finished article.

Rose would have been finished this week had I not started some new projects (naughty, naughty). The day after my birthday, Chris took me yarn shopping. I was very restrained - more overwhelmed by the choice than anything. One of the yarns I bought was Sirdar Click DK in a gorgeous tweedy blue and red combination. Just looking at the yarn makes me feel lovely and warm (you know I always feel cold).

I wanted to knit it up into a wear all the time snug sweater. I'm adapting a pattern by Sarah Hatton called Teagan, which is available as a free Rowan download. It's actually a children's pattern but I'm making signifcant modifications. So far I've knitted the back - twice! The first time the measurements weren't snug enough. Once Rose is completed I'll concentrate on getting this one done.

I've been wanting to crochet a cardi for some time. I've seen a number of possible patterns but the other day I spotted this pattern for a cropped cardi by Monica Welle Brown as a free Ravelry download. So I dropped everything else and started this one.

The yarn is Rowan cashsoft DK and was until yesterday knitted up as Rosalind. I loved the Rosalind pattern and was very pleased with the finished knit - the problem is I never wear it - it never felt quite right for me. So it has been frogged and is being recycled.

I don't have a problem with undoing and reknitting yarn. There is a limited amount of space in my wardrobe - and the actual making of the garment is often more enjoyable than the wearing.

The crocheted cardi is growing really quickly - it's a top-down projects and I'm up to (or should that be, down to) the armholes. The lower section of the body and sleeves is a shell pattern and shouldn't take long to do. Maybe this one will be finished at the weekend - Formula 1 race to work through.

As for the other projects I optimistically started in March - Allure and Pikenase - I'm afraid I've lost interest in them now - so they'll be for the chop. But that's the fun of making things and being creative - your ideas change and evolve - there's always something new to consider.

If Only...

The problem is - I just can't knit fast enough. I suppose I'm reasonably quick - but I keep finding new patterns I want to knit quicker than I can knit up the one's I'm currently working on.

Yesterday I did some housework on my queue of patterns at Ravelry. I cleared out some that, with the best will in the world, I'm never going to find the time to make. That still leaves 84 patterns in the queue!!

And now, Kim Hargreaves has a new book out for Spring and Summer called Misty. I shall be buying this on my next trip into Liverpool, but in the meantime, here's some of the patterns I've got my eye on.

The first one is Shimmer. It's knitted in Rowan Calmer - a yarn I haven't experienced yet.

This is Carrie, knitted in 4 ply cotton. The peplum detail looks interesting.

This one is Arielle. Very feminine. Knitted in cotton 4 ply - I love the lace panels.

And finally, this is Anais. Knitted in DK cotton. Again very feminine, and probably quite quick to make.

If only the days were longer, I had Mary Poppins skills with household chores and my hands could knit faster - I shall have to work on my multi-tasking skills and speed knitting!

The Sun is Shining

At last, Spring has arrived - we've had several consecutive days of sunshine and I've actually ventured out of doors into the garden.

To mark this auspicious occasion I've taken some photos of the flowers in the garden before I start my gardening and do my worst (I'm not green fingered at all).

Daffodils are my favourite flowers and Grace and Eve always buy me a bunch for my birthday. Unfortunately I'm allergic to everything so they have to go in a vase outside. I compensate for no flowers in the house by filling the garden with daffodils in the Spring.