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!