Handmade

A Q&A with Stitch & Story

| beth

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!DIY Knit Kits - Stitch & StoryAnd 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 →

Knitwear from the movies

| beth

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

Katniss hunting cowl - Shortrounds Knitwear 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 →

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