Sockyarn for Christmas?

Well, it's been a rocky few years for knitting and me. I think with any hobby that you turn into a job, you are always in danger of over-examining and dissecting it, until only the ugly components remain. Just zaps thew enjoyment out of it, really. I have gone through phases for months and months where I've knitted nothing, which those of you who know me, will know is completely irregular. This Autumn-Winter season has not been that bad, with my choices of project being the issue. Take for example, what I'm making for a 'uniform' piece, Tabatha, a reworked design from Martin Storey using the new Kidsilk Haze Eclipse, from Rowan. 

        You'll notice that it's entirely made in stocking stitch; herein lies the problem. Boredom. I think I can live with plain knitting for socks because the double-pointed needle action keeps me sane. But this one is a nightmare. It's been going since September.
        It's nice, too; done in the deep blue and black for me (my two favourite colours) so there's no reason for this not to get finished!! It followed a scarf knitted in the new Rowan Thick and Thin yarn in the fab colourway, Greenstone. It's not necessarily a colour I'd choose to wear, but when I had my 'colours done' it did turn up on my recommended palette, and it's a shade which has sneaked into several of Rowan's winter yarn palettes this season (which is great as I've managed a matching hat).
       Now, the nature of the Thick and Thin is in the title, really. It is a super-slubby, pure wool yarn. Utterly lovely. But also, utterly lumpy. Which has it's place, and makes for particularly lovely garter stitch fabrics. Ah. Garter stitch. Yeah, so another very dull, uninspiring knit where you just kida treat your hands and arms as machines, and let them work. Mind-numbing. The scarf took two months as a result, but is stunning. I'll have to get you guys a picture.


I was in Holmfirth a couple of weeks ago, having had the honour of being invited to teach Rowan's Christmas weekend workshop  for the third time in a row. It was fab. I regret that I also had NO chance to take any pictures so you will have to use your imagination on this one! I took my Mum with me for a music-and-mince-pie-filled knitted texture and basic crochet weekend, where we made snowflakes, experimented with double-stranding techniques, and how to work short-row shaping into an all-over cable pattern (for a stocking 'heel'). I had a great time and am thankful to everyone who came and put up with my Christmas elf-ness for two days running (including you, Mum).
      There is only one problem with these workshops; the attendants. No, it's not a misprint. The attendants are a nightmare. They are all enablers who arrive with exotic yarns and irresistible projects to show me, and as a result I end up with a humungous shopping list, which usually costs about the same as what I earn teaching the weekend! Worth it though, Check out this eye candy!!!

 

This is a selection of Opal self-striping sock yarn from the great manufacturers of Germany, Zwergeryarn. Unfortunately we rarely stock the full range in the UK so I've had to source quite a few from abroad. I must admit, it is improving my skills of reading German quite rapidly. Don't look at me funny, yes; I love the Coats Crafts yarns available, particularly their range of Regia sock yarn. But Regia has the same problem. It's made out in Germany, appreciated more by German sock fiends, and  only a very small selection are regularly stocked in the UK. Scandal.

One of the highlights of my trips to teach in Holmfirth is a good rummage around their stored selection of Regia yarn, and there was none to play with. Disheartened, I went into town to the local shop, Up Country. Their selection was teeny, but I forced myself to buy a ball anyway (I don't like it much, though). On my return to London, I made a beeline for Liberty's, who for the best oart of the last decade, have been my go-to for Regia. I was gutted to find nothing new, and another teeny selection. That was where I gave up, and thought I'd try the lush stuff above.

Now, the next image may shock and disturb you. I must urge you to look away now if you suffer with any form of yarn snobbery. I think having bought this stuff, I can no longer claim to suffer with such a disposition. Introducing, King Cole Tinsel. Now I can hear you forming crucifixes with your fingers, I know what you're thinking. But this turned up at the Rowan Mill with a very specific project having been made, and I fell in love. Meet The Tinsel Hedgehog!

...isn't he awesome? He comes courtesy of The Wool Baa in Sheffield, as a kit. Unfortunately for me, you can't order this kit via their webpage, and they don't answer their e-mails. I don't think I'd be breaking any copyright to design my own, for personal use? (Any input appreciated there). So after my trip to the land of luxury yarn, I've returned with the complete opposite. I blame the enablers, myself. To remedy this, I've decided to whisk my Mum and I off to this knitting party being run by the good people at Pom Pom Magazine. It's dirt cheap at £4 to get in, and it sounds like all the Indie Dyers and interesting spinners that were missing from the Alexandra Palace Knitting Exhibition this year (or so I am told) will be coming to exhibit at Pom Pom. I'll have to set myself a limit but I'm really looking forward to it. Details on their webpage and stuff. In the meantime, I have my wear-forever socks to be keeping me busy. Nothing wrong with a little sprinkle of Nylon in these things, if you ask me, it's totally worth using.

Now what you will notice wherever you look at any of the official Zwerger Opal 'shade cards' (that is, poster-style images with a ball of the yarn and a sock knitted up in the colour) you will find the sock to be the same: 1x1 rib, stockinette sole, short-row heel. Can I find a pattern like this anywhere? Absolutely not. So I am working on a free download pattern for it. Probably just for my size though (5-7). If you look very closely at this image, you will see a ball of sparkling yarn, with a sparkling sock. This is my new garish love; metallic sock yarn. This is a new range of yarns from Opal, The Hudertwasser mit Silbereffekt, which is now available from Pip at The Sock Yarn Shop in the UK. Me? I was so impatient, I ordered mine from Germany last week, so will have to wait forever to see any!!!! Happy Christmas Knitting, everyone!

 

Do The Monkey With Me!!

It tends to get to this time of year, and my needles will get completely fired up to knit everyone else's Christmas gifts. I'm not talking any small feat here, we're talking at least 3 jumpers, 3 pairs of socks and various accessories for people. I knitted a jumper for my Dad last year, (see right - a generic image as I await one of my father actually using his) and he never wore it, claiming it was 'far too special to use', despite an overall cost of about £150 and three months of knitting around my studies. So I've taken the decision not to bother with knitting for Christmas this year, instead, I'm going to get back to bases and knit for myself. Which in my mind, is not selfish, as I knit far more for other people than I do for myself.

"This week, I are been mainly knitting socks".

              ...that's a very obscure reference. hat's off to you if you have any clue as to what I am referencing there!

But I'm not just knitting socks for the sake of it, I am so heartbroken at socks of mine that have been outworn, that I am having to revert to re-knitting my favourite ones, and that brings me nicely onto Monkeys.

Ravelry lists this is a pattern costing £6.00 but if you follow my link, it is definitely still free. This is a very easy patterned sock design; I must have knitted them at least 6 times. The long-lost pair to your left have heartbreakingly become felted, and therefore I am needing to knit replacements. Which is joyous! I have a similar shade, and have managed to get the bulk of the pair knitted in 2 days; that's knitting on the commute for you! Socks are so portable, I think they knit themselves!! The next pair to become unloved were the Hederas.

This is my pair, see right. Knitted in Lang Jawoll in the most vibrantest, clear winter pink, and with an included yarn in a matching shade to be knitted in for reinforecement (which I did), these poor babies succumbed to pilling. Really fuzzy, cheap looking pilling. I have contacted them about it, they asked for a picture, and I can't find them (under the bed somewhere I think!), but yeah, heartbroken. So these will be having to be replaced. They aren't unwearable, so I may have to go back to square one and pick a new colour here.

This brings me to the true source of my heartbreak, my pride and joys; my Sake's (i've borrowed this image from their project page as my pair only has an image of them half-finished).

I chose to knit these in a very soft pure merino, the highly coveted Wollmeise Pure 100% Merino. A Superwash yarn with a super-tight spin that gives the illusion of strength. I don't think I'll ever knit a pair of socks in a yarn that doesn't contain any nylon or man-made fibre, ever again. These both have areas of weakness at the heel and ball of the foot and will require some darning, and possibly re-knitting part of the foot. I am not best pleased, they took a very long time to make and I don't know if I have it in me to do them again.

Other Casualties Include my Kai-Mei's (Felted) and my BFF socks (also felted). Luckily my mum has teeny teeny feet and is often more than happy to inherit my sock failures. But it is starting to mean that I am having to knit my entire Cookie A collection all over again. You'd think, after all these years, that I might possibly be bored of her designs. But I'm not! I have, however, started to look at other designers. I had a good old Butcher's at Rachel Coopey's stuff this morning, and I have to say, I really like her sock designs! She's done a whole book using the Rowan Fine Art yarn, which excitedly is about to land in semi-solid colour, which is my opinion is always better for a patterned sock; so I quite fancy having a  bash at some of those!

I haven't seen the books anywhere in London, though; and I always prefer to have a proper look through before I buy a book, any sort of book; so I'll just have to keep looking! These are them, don't they look cool?

Working for Rowan I was a little surprised to not have seen a copy anywhere but I'm certain it's only a matter of time. The one on the right is the one I'm after. Gotta get out of the habit of only knitting from one designer for socks!  ...or design my own!!!

Designer Knits by Sarah Hatton and Martin Storey Review & Preview

Well it's a double-whammy weekend from me. I do hope you don't mind but I thought I'd bring you some gorgeous previews of my most favouritest coveted item that magically made it's way into my bag when I was on a special trip today!

It's so exciting, I may have actually stopped breathing when I saw this for REAL, as in, really existing in my palms. Such wonderful, wonderful things that I have the pleasure of sharing with you all!


I'm not gonna blow everything, but you must, must join me in the excitement at the luscious texture adventure that is the new book; Designer Knits by Sarah Hatton and Martin Storey. Imminent in the shops, I must say, I'm over the moon. So here are some images of my favourite designs that are available in there. Eat your heart out!


It's avery lush-feeling publication, weighing in at 128 glossy pages of stylishly photographed, rich and textured Autumn/Winter designs, detailed yarn information to aid your freedom of substitution and save you time, and picture galleries for easy navigation. I mean Martin Storey is my favourite ever designer. I was just saying to Marie Wallin earlier how long it took me to get the courage to talk to her; Martin is the same! I must have been in the vicinity 4 times and still not had the guts to say 'hi, I'm Freddie!'. But I digress!!!


What's really clever, and what I really like is the way the book is laid out. The first half for ladies, the second half for blokes. Sarah has put together a wearable, fashionable collection in a mixture of yarns including Rowan Lima, Rowan Pure Wool Aran, and Rowan Felted Tweed. Martin's men's patterns are rich, thick textures and Storey-style cabling in yarns including Felted Tweed Aran, Rowan Lima and Creative Focus Worsted.


I have to say I am completely heartbroken that my fella won't wear anything with pattern (like, at ALL - there are only so many 4ply stocking stitch jumpers one lady can make in black and navy), and that my Dad requests them and then finds them 'too special to wear', because Martin's designs are wasted on me this time round. This is the most stunning selection of classic, wintry knitwear for men I have seen since Jaeger's book for Men (another Martin Storey classic).


But I digress again!!!!
    ...too busy drooling at the cables. Snap out of it, Freddie!

Readers are treated to a glossy, clear and well-styled, large image of each and every garment. It's really a great book and a must-buy for your AW book purchases. I myself would also add Kim Hargreaves 'Smoulder' to the pile, also contributing some major texture to the mix! (Her webpage was down at the time of writing but I'm certain it will be up again soon). For more from Sarah Hatton, check out her website, and Martin's stuff is easiest found on Ravelry!

Pickled Tink?

Well I knew it would probably hit us one day. My fiancé (don't tell him I called him that, he hates that word!!!) and I, have been together for a very happy 8 years. We do share some passions; I think it took us 6 years to find 'gardening'; with what can only be described as completely flukey herb germination. A couple of years on, for some reason, he's turned 30, and taken to pickling. Now don't get me wrong here, I think it's a great idea. But I must admit, I'm much more of a jam person myself. Saying that, I've never attempted making either of them.

He started collecting jars about a year ago, did his research online about different methods and recipes.. I suppose you could say that taste tests were involved, but the man has been inhaling pickled savoury items frequently for some years now. Often, in the middle of the night, I waken to behold a solemn shadowy character across the room, delicately reaching for the pickled green chilli that is - just - out of reach, laying at the bottom of the jar.

If you ask me, Barry Norman is a major influence. The recipe is to be a "work in progress", to someday be perfected. I had so far been trying to think of excuses not to try them when they're unleashed, but actually, long lost in my memory is a little me munching pickled onions and blocks of cheddar on sticks at birthday parties.. so I must have found these peculiar snackfoods pallatable at some point! He's gone to all this effort, I really ought to try..

So let me talk you through the image; this is two of at least ten of the jars currently 'pickling'. Each jar was thoroughlly cleaned at a high temperature in the dishwasher, twice. He bought 2kg of teeny tiny onions which are often available at this time of year, peeled and salted them overnight, removed the salt, and then briefly boiled them in vinegar with the secret mix of 'erbs and spices. The cling is to prevent rust and to form a tighter air seal. Let me tell you; nobody knows true love until you've peeled said many onions on behalf of someone else.
They've been refridgerated for a month as it was so hot this summer, but are now in a cool dark place. Un-jarring will commence in the next few weeks right up until Christmas.

In the spirit of girlying things up (don't they look grim?!!) I bought some great Rowan fabric for the lids, and some pretty labels for his jars, but I'm told we're going to wait until they're done. Me? I've given myself charge of the Christmas cake. My Birthday is New Years' Eve and there's usually enough to carry over til then. My Birthday is never the same without Christmas cake. I've never made one before, and I'm looking forward to feeding it my favourite brandy, Three Barrells.

In the meantime, my delicate ladies hands have been perfecting the art of dim sum construction. These are a few won-ton wrappers which I filled with pork mince, spring onions, shiaoxing rice wine, soy sauce, garlic and ginger, and tied up with a chive from the garden. They were very tasty, and steamed in no time!

 

Happy Eating Everyone!

August? Accessory Time.

Well my body shape has changed a bit over the last year, being that I've given up my knitting and swimming regime for hardcore part-time learning. Since writing my book, and discovering quite how mathematical knitting is, I regained my joy of maths and decided to take it further. I loved it at school, and it always came very naturally to me. Now? Not so much. But I digress.

As a result of parking my behind at a desk for the last year, calculator in one hand, and chocolate in the other, said behind has become quite a bit larger. My chest is bigger, which is wonderful, but so is the belly, which is not. My point is, knitting for my shape is now a slightly different type of challenge in the fact that it is two-fold; (1) Identify flattering shape to knit for current size/shape (2) Try and work out which size you are?!!.

The Kim Hargreaves from my previous post looked incredible laid flat but was too big. I clearly think I'm bigger than I actually am, so ended up with an off-the-shoulder number hanging dangerously low at a work social function (don't lean forward, don't lean forward, don't lean forward); and did I mention how leggings don't quite grip to spanks? Yeeeeaah. Will require re-knitting. I had also crocheted Tutti Frutti (left) in a rich teal 50% silk, 50% Merino Blend, the Rowan Baby Merino, before whacking it in my trusty 'handwash' machine cycle. It ended up HUGE after spinning out of shape. Failure.

But don't worry folks, all is well in camp! I'm on a 3 month break from my degree, giving me plenty of time to check out Davina McCall's latest DVD; Intense (not a fan), and going back to her trusty Power of Three workout (definitely a fan), 3 times a week. No diet; I don't need to be miserable. Miserable is for losers.

Instead of hating my reflection every time I don new knitwear, and tossing each new jumper to the back of the cupboard, I've opted for a more positive option; mirroring my sock phase this time last year; and jazzing up my current wardrobe with a selection of new accessories.

Now, I have this reputation for constantly losing my hats, and it is founded on truth. I have got through eight Kat hats, that is, the pattern 'Kat' from Kim Hargreaves' strongest Winter book, 'Precious', soon doomed to be out of print. I am currently down to one remaining hat. I'd have one in every colour if I could. I've so far this month made two more; one in the new Kid Classic Green which is reminiscent of my original, and most favourite version, my 'Battle' Green Kat (right). Miss you, dude!!!

As for scarves, I'm gonna go for Jane Crowfoots 'Kitty' scarf, see Janes original one, below. I'm gutted to have read just this very second that Jane's original colourway is different to what is listed; part of the reason I picked them is because I was proud to say I had taken Jane's influences, I love her colours and I trust her combinations, implicitly. ....so I may be starting again.

This time last year, I was busying myself by knitting four pairs of socks for the predicted bitter winter. I don't know what it's meant to be like this year, but I'll have my hats and scarves.

Oh, yeah, and before I forget; I have a Rowan Lima hat to be taking care of; a customer decided to conveniently 'adopt' mine, (while I wasn't looking, I might add). The Rowan Winter Warmers book is just to die for. If I was still knitting my entire family their christmas gifts, there really would be something for everyone in there. This was the hat, and the colour; now let me talk to you about the shade, Argentina (right); now this teeny tiny slurped image doesn't do it justice, but it really isn't just grey. It's much more interesting than
that. There are flashes of pinky-purple strands, staying cool, but very rich for a grey. NOT IMPRESSED AT THE THIEF ENJOYING THIS NOW. In fairness, it was a little too big for me, so I'll have to knit this again on a smaller set of needles. But I will, eventually, knit it again.

So this is the hat, this is Belle <<<<

There are a pair of matching mitts in the book too, lets see how far I get..


It might still feel warm, everyone; but there's really no need to wait until it gets chilly enough to wear this stuff before you start making them. I don't roll that way!

Happy Knitting, all!

Finlay for you all!

Hello everyone!

It's taken me about 3 months to get around to it but I'm pleased to bring you a new free downloadable design; Finlay. Named after the little tyke it was designed for, this pattern is an easy introduction to lace, looks attractive on both sides and is relatively mindless once you get into the swing. As you can see it's not too frilly, so it's suitable for both sexes; with no filly or fussy edgings and finishing techniques. If for any reason you find you have loose edgings, try working the first and last stitches of each row through the back of the loop.

It's knitted in a lightweight-but-warm 4 ply, but don't be put off. It's an adjustable pattern which could easily be worked with any yarns and needles. Go for something machine washable and maybe slightly thicker if you're in a rush. I myself am a fan of the 4 ply as I'm sure you know.

This is he, I do hope you will make one if you have a baby to knit for. It's really lovely when it's done!

My next one will be knitted in the Rowan Fine Art sock yarn. I can't wait for that one!

4ply Life? Don Your Socks This May

It's completely weird because the last time of year you'd expect to be knitting socks would be May. But I've gotta tell you; it's gonna happen, people. The sock community has gone bananas in the anticipation of the launch of the new Rowan Sock Yarn, Fine Art. I have had the fine opportunity to sample said yarn; and although I haven't gotten around to using it yet (It's like, the only colour that isn't quite 'me'), my breath is quite firmly held for the others to arrive.

I think the skein I have is Serin; its a smooth, soft yarn with a not-quite-there aura of fur from the small mohair content. Initially my main fear was colour pooling, but I'll have to get back to you on that one.

I'm quite looking forward to using the yarn for a garment, actually. Kim Hargreaves' new book, Spirit, appears to contain a few 4-ply pieces. I am, and have always been a bit of a 4-ply nut. This yarn is a little special for 'just socks'. I will of course use it for it's original purpose aswell though.

It's been a very very long time since I've felt any excitement for knitting. I do believe that it is possible to over-dsiect your hobby until little is left. Slowly but surely over the past few months, and knitting samples for display, reminded me of what I enjoyed; 4ply with intricate technique. End of. Doesn't matter what it is, what the yarn is. Even in crochet, I am quite happy with that.

So these are my new babies;

 
Ariene

Well this one is as good as finished. With added length, and an adjusted neckline (I am severely allergic to V-necks), this is a very short chevron pattern (and by that I merely mean just the one stitch between each flip from increases/decreases). I fell in love with the yarn's rich tweedy, matte texture when knitting the sample. It's a fragile yarn, but when treated with love and care, it's gorgeous.

I have 'slashed' the neck off this one with Sarah Hatton holding my hand. I'm never comfortable adjusting anything technical on my own. I am getting there though.

Poise

 This is a sweater from the new Kim Hargreaves book, Spirit. Now, this is a toughie, and I have been torn. The edging uses a 2mm needle, with the main body knitted on 2.75mm. Well, you can see my problem; I do not own a 2mm needle, nor have any intention of using one (except for socks, perhaps), so I used a 2.25mm for the edging instead, and kept to the 2.75 for the body. My tension is bang on.

I chose to use Wool Cotton 4ply instead of the recommended Rowan Siena, and in a deep Royal Blue. The yarn choice has presented it's own difficulties; the added bounce and elasticity of the Wool Cotton has caused the rib to really seize up and shrink. I've had to add some stitches to the front piece to add some extra rib like a gussett.

Also, the very subtle textured stitching on the front (a new one from Kim, I believe! I always like it when she brings us a new texture), which is basically just wrapping stitches in twos in strateigic places on the stocking stitch, barely shows up at all. This may also be my choice of colour. Luckily, Debbie Abrahams had just the thing; 4ply (size 8) beads in a colour called 'Denim'. They look great together, they really do. Plus they match my Engagement ring! God I love this blue.

 

What are my nails doing, I hear you ask? Well that's an easy answer; they are knitting! For my homemade OPI french mani with added sparkle from subtle shimmer shade 'I juggle.. men' check out my hands in action in the Daily Mail Videos on their webpage!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/prmts/article-2297395/Get-Knitting-The-Daily-Mail-Learn-knit-hearts-content-step-step-video-tutorials.html

Until next time, guys!