ribbons ribbons bows

Just came across these photos I took last year of an installation piece by VV Rouleaux at the 2011 Creative Sitch & Craft Show.  About 30ft high or so.

Choice of Cable Cuffs

So, I started knitting the Celtic Cable socks (from Knitted Sock Sensations)...
I finished the cuff of the first one and have started on the top of the sock...

 ...Then saw a similar pattern I had forgotten about, in the last issue of Simply Knitting, so for some reason couldn't help but start those too...

These ones are knitted with 4 ply yarn, the first pair with DK  (I picked it up at the Stitch & Craft show last month and was so happy I had something to knit that pattern with!)

However, the second pair are only ankle high, not knee highs like the first ones; my theory was that they'd be a nice quick little project before I sign my next couple of weeks away to knitting knee highs....

(Although the shorter socks also use yarn & needles that are half as fine, meaning the knitting won't 'grow' as fast...) 

I think eagerness may be out bidding ability (and time!) here, but we'll see how long it takes me to get both done, hey...

Tweed

Check this out!

Great to see British Textile Mills still in operation & staffed by the local community.

Filmed & edited by Mr X Stitch.

I want a go with that machinery

Slash Neck Top {finished}

The finished result of my Slash Neck Top project ~

 I began knitting it from a pattern I had been handed down, in amongst a bunch of second hand knitting needles, a few years back.  It had been typed up (on a typewriter!) and had no photo or picture to show what the top looked like.  So I decided to find out.

 I used second hand wool I had from my generous stash...

 The pattern calls for 2 x 100g ball of DK; I didn't have a whole 200g in the same colour, so opted for this 100g ball of sky blue acrylic yarn and this not-quite-a-full-ball of 100g mid-blue.

 The only amendments I made to the original project was to down-size my knitting needles; as I always need to do this to achieve the correct tension square for projects.  Although no tension measurements were given in the pattern, I decided it would be wise.  I also kept track of how many rows it took to knit the 2" rib, so it would match perfectly for the front and back.

 I knitted the back half of the top solidly in the light blue yarn; for the front, I had to mix both the shades in to make them last.

  So for the front, the rib was knitted in the light blue and then I joined in the mid-blue for the bulk of the stitch pattern.

 When it came to the sleeves; the pattern calls for extra stitches to be cast on and these knit in moss stitch.  I used a stitch marker to keep track of where the pattern changes.

 For the front; I cast on these extra stitches in the light blue, as the mid blue was running out...

 The darker shade lasted for a few more rows; then I completed the rest of the top in the main light blue colour.  It actually worked out really well in relation to where the colour change sits on the top and also in terms of the effect it creates.  The change in colour picks out the wave effect created from the lace pattern.  Perfect.

And it's a perfect fit, too.

Tropical Orchid

All sewn up and just in time for spring ~

 Kid mohair & silk, candy stripes, delicate texture, intricate lace pattern...

It took a while but it was worth it.

I love the organic edge the stitch pattern created.

It's on Ravelry here

Entrelac Bag

A bag I knitted a while ago now, to try out entrelac knitting.  The pattern came from Knitting Magazine and was originally for a make-up bag (I think); but I decided I was more in need of a new crafty handbag.

 I've been meaning to try out an entrelac jumper since; I love this stitch technique.

 I gave the bag a lining from some recycled scrap material I had; added an inside pocket, tabs with D-rings to attach a strap to and a recycled gold metal tooth YKK zip with a clashing pink tape.

The (slightly gross, I know) broach is made from recycled lace & an extremely child-like, oversized, plastic button.  Can't have it looking too sophistiacted now.

RECYCLED SILK

I got this bundle of colourful joy from a shop called 'Happy Herbal High' in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.

 Look at the colours!

They have a store in Camden too. 

Which is good, as I feel I need more than the one ball already.

Finally finished my Tropical Orchid....

...Well, almost. 

I still need to tie all the ends in and sew it up -

 but the knitting part is done -

 and that's what really counts, right?

The pattern (Tropical Orchid by Erica Knight) is from an issue of Simply Knitting. 

I saw the top on the front cover and liked it so much it made me buy the magazine. 

A little ignorant of me to really look at how intricate the pattern was...

Took me a little longer than the 1-2 weeks I had hoped for!

Worth it though because the pattern is beautiful and so effective when you see it as a whole piece of fabric. 

I used the left over mohair/silk yarn from my Clouds sweater and so made a few alterations to the original pattern - basically mine is striped and sleeveless, which gives it an entirely different look.

I'll get some far nicer photos taken once the sheets of tendrilous knitting have been transformed into a wearable garment!

A few words on new knits and bits

It has been a small while now since my last blog; not to mention any major website update. I have been busy with many things; include a change of residence and set up of a new creative studio space.

Most importantly, however, is that I have been busy working on many new creations; knitting has taken the reigns on my work and the variety of textile surfaces are beginning to form a satisfying mix. Obviously I am still working with recycled materials and have revisted past techniques to include wire, linens, hemp, bamboo, acyrlic and natural wool and even a flast of recycled French lace.

A sneak of a these will be posted shortly, then during the next few months will begin to appear on my website.

Keep peaking back!

Feature in Knitting Magazine

This month in Knitting Magazine there is a lovely feature on the Student Textile Awards from '08; with a section featuring me; so if you haven't already seen it or got yourself a copy hurry up before the next one comes out (or they all sell out...).

For more information on the award visit http://www.ukhandknitting.com/

It's a wonderful magazine so if you are an experienced knitter or new to the joys of the needles n' yarn goodness then you will find lots of brilliant patterns, yarn advice/reviews and a whole bunch of techniques n' tips!