Author: beth

Happiest when somewhere else…

| beth

I think it was C.S Lewis that said, ‘you can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me’…and I could not agree more.

Give me a good book, a quiet corner and a cosy-covered teapot and I’m in heaven. I studied English Literature at university, and happily read myself into oblivion on a daily basis. A practice I sadly cannot sustain working a 9-5 job. I do my best to read as much as I can, be that in printed form, or (more recently now) on a screen.

Like most people I wager, I do most of my reading when on holiday. So now, with the convenient and ‘light-packing’ wonder that is the e-reader, my Kindle gets loaded with more books that I buy paperbacks. A sad truth, but one I’m not guilty about, because let’s face it – both mediums have their pros and cons.

Here are just a few of the things I like to lose myself in nowadays. I warn you, it’s a mixed bag! Continue reading →

A few more favourite knitting patterns

| beth

I’ve had a little Spring/Summer break from the blog recently. But I’m back! And after a few (countless) hours perusing the internet for my next knitting pattern purchase I finally came up with a shortlist of hot contenders. It’s a very serious business, choosing my next project. Some knitting projects (some still ongoing) have lasted longer than some of my relationships!

My longest standing project is the Feather Sweater by Pickles, which I started over a year ago, put down, picked up, put down, picked up. It’s the perfect companion really. There when I really need it, yet patiently waiting when I (rather unfaithfully) drop it for another enticing project!

Feather Sweater by Pickles - Shortrounds Knitwear Continue reading →

What’s in your yarn stash?

| beth

My yarn stash is ever growing…I certainly buy more than I use up.

I also have a terrible habit of not throwing away the little yarn that remains after I’ve finished a project . Even if the remains wouldn’t even knit up a sock toe.

So I rolled up my sleeves last week and rummaged through my stash box, brutally culling my mountainous yarn pile. Out of this, I discovered a few gems in my collection, yet to be used. (Don’t you love a good clean out?!)

Here are the precious skeins yet to be transformed into finished projects…watch this space!

Metalico in Opal – Blue Sky Alpacas

Metalico in Opal - Blue Sky Alpacas - Shortrounds Knitwear Continue reading →

Knitting patterns round up – Spring 2015

| beth

I love Spring time! All the cliches – longer evenings, brighter days, better weather, the smell of fresh cut grass. All that jazz. But as a knitter, I appreciate it so much more because it’s always interesting to see the patterns that come out at this time of year. Battling against the misconception that knitting should be restricted to ‘winter woolies’ only.

So store away your hats, mittens, chunky scarves and oversized jumpers. Here’s my pick of the latest Spring time knits this season!

Azalea – Quince & Co.Quince & Co. Azalea vest top - Shortrounds Knitwear

Continue reading →

Quince & Co. Olga sweater

| beth

After finishing the Honeymaker, I enjoyed using Quince & Co. yarn so much, I immediately bought two more patterns to attempt. One of these was the Olga sweater knitting pattern, designed by the very talented Olga Buraya Kefelian. All of Olga’s knitwear designs have a classic and timeless feel, and yet are modern and bring something different and new. Her website Olga Jazzy showcases a number of her inspiring patterns – please go take a look!

Quince & Co. Olga by Olga Buraya Kefelian - Shortrounds Knitwear Continue reading →

Spring 2015 Etsy discount

| beth

The seasons are changing. Lambs are being born (which means MORE WOOL!), flowers are starting to bloom and it’s time to stash the winter woollies and swap them over for lighter, brighter knits!

I’ve been busy working on some springtime knitting patterns, which will soon be available to buy (sneak peeks below). But in the meantime, to celebrate the arrival of Spring there’s 10% Etsy discount off every purchase via Shortrounds Knitwear Etsy shop!

From now until Friday 17th April, I’m offering 10% off every order on my Etsy shop. That includes any custom orders too! Just enter SPRING15 at the checkout to receive your discount!

Knot Stitch Baby Blanket

Knot Stitch Blanket (etsy discount) - Shortrounds Knitwear

Bria Armwarmers

Bria Armwarmers knitting pattern (etsy discount) - Shortrounds Knitwear

 

 

A Very Braidy cable cowl – knitting pattern

| beth

I love cables! My last post on the ‘Honeymaker‘ may tell you otherwise, but I do really love a good cabled knit.

One of the first things I ever knitted for my mum was this cowl by Pickles with lovely cables to twist the entire fabric, creating a really elegant effect! But this post isn’t about that cowl (maybe another time)…

Three years on, and I found this little gem of a pattern on Ravelry. And bonus…. it’s free!

A Very Braidy Cowl – Maryse Roudier

A very braidy cowl, Maryse Roudier - Shortrounds Knitwear Continue reading →

Quince & Co. – Honeymaker sweater pattern

| beth

7 long months…
6 skeins of Osprey…
5 separate attempts…
4 temper tantrums…
2 cramping hands…
1 very understanding boyfriend.

Quince & Co. Honeymaker pattern - Shortrounds KnitwearSource

This has been a long time in the making…anyone who follows me on Instagram will know I spent many of my evenings over the last few months pouring over this epic cabled jumper by Quince & Co. It’s taken me even longer to take images for this blog post, because me and this jumper needed a time out!

I chose the Honeymaker knitting pattern to challenge myself, keep my attention, teach me a thing or two – I wanted something that wasn’t just stockinette stitch. Well this certainly delivered! Continue reading →