Often the simplest designs are the most effective. And that’s never more true that with my latest free knitting pattern, my Bria Armwarmers. Knitting on DP needles in stockinette stitch, featuring a very small ribbed cuff at both ends.
Knitting
All things knitting and knitwear, at the heart of what Shortrounds is all about!
A Q&A with Baa Baa Brighouse
This week’s Q&A comes from a company that embodies everything that we should be striving for in knitting – supporting local.
Baa Baa Brighouse was set up by Elaine Jinks-Turner in early 2014, and supplies a beautiful range of British dyed and spun yarns via an online shop. From the moment you click onto the homepage Baa Baa Brighouse’s main focus is abundantly clear – supporting and upholding the traditions of Yorkshire farmers, crafters, spinners and dyers alike.
The majority of the yarns on sale are from Yorkshire based spinners and dyers including Laura’s Loom and West Yorkshire Spinners. What’s more, with local Knit and Natter events and a monthly yarn club, Baa Baa Brighouse is greatly involved in sustaining Yorkshire’s rich textile heritage. Here, among other things, Elaine talks about how and why she set up her own creative business, the importance of supporting local indie traders and explains about the monthly yarn subscription Yan Tan Tethera Yarn Club!
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A Q&A with Stitch & Story
Knitting’s been around for centuries. Literally AGES. It began with the Ancient Egyptians in the eleventh century, then burst onto the European scene in the twelfth and thirteenth century via France, Germany and Britain! So with such a long-standing, rich and varied tradition, how do you breathe new life into a craft that was at one time synonymous with ‘archaic’ and ‘old-fashioned’?!
That’s just what Jennifer Chan and Jen Hoang, Co-founders of Stitch & Story set out to do. Fed up with having to trawl the internet for a decent knitting pattern (we’ve all been there), both Jens set up shop – providing modern and fashionable knitting kits, top-quality 100% merino wool, as well as hosting their increasingly popular knitting workshops!
And I’ve had the pleasure of asking Jennifer Chan a few questions this week! I’m a massive fan of this wonderful independent knitting company, whose sole mission is to bring stress-free knitting to both the ultimate beginner through to the most seasoned of experienced knitters. You can check out Stitch & Story’s amazing offering on their website, as well as follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Continue reading
Happy Birthday Shortrounds & International left handed day!
Snug – a seed stitch blanket knitting pattern
There is nothing better than a good seed stitch blanket. FACT.
Knot stitch baby blanket – free knitting pattern
Here’s to baby blankets! Something I can knit on straight needles. No complicated twisting stitches, no double points and intricate yarn juggling! No fuss.
Knitwear from the movies
The silver screen is a great source of inspiration for many things…quotes to throw at your friends, travel destinations, fashion, beauty, hair and makeup….all of the things.
And we can definitely add knitwear to that list, with plenty of knitters and designer/makers providing patterns for our favourite on-screen garments. These little beauties have caught my eye over the years, so I had to share! Some are iconic, others more obscure, but these gorgeous examples of knitwear have had me scouring the internet for replica patterns/garments that I could get my hands on.
Katniss’s hunters cowl vest
A few more favourite knitting patterns
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!
What’s in your yarn stash?
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
Knitting patterns round up – Spring 2015
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!
