In the run up to me hosting two beginner knitting workshops next weekend, I’ve been reflecting on the basic techniques and starting from the very beginning. So I thought I’d share a little round up of great patterns and a few quick knits perfect for knitting newbies, or crafters wanting to push their skills to the next level!
Flax and Twine – Simple knit basket pattern
If you read my recent post on Knitting Goals, you’ll know I’m planning on buying only British where possible for the rest of this year. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a couple of years, and there are some beautiful British hand spinners and hand dyers out there just waiting to be discovered. Continue reading
Why am I doing this blog post at the start of February, rather than the beginning of January 2017 like most? Because, I hate resolutions. And these six things are decidedly not resolutions.
I’m so pleased to be able to tell you all that I’ll be hosting two beginner knitting workshops on Sunday 26th February. Both classes will be held at my favourite shop in Nottingham – Debbie Bryan. Debbie’s charming gift and craft shop won Nottingham’s best independent retailer in 2016 – and deservedly so!
We’re well and truly into the Christmas knitting season now. December has started, so it is now officially acceptable to talk about the festive season. If you haven’t already started your knitting your Christmas gifts just yet, don’t panic. There are plenty of inspirational, recent knitting pattern releases from some of the greats. You may not have enough time to get started and finished on some now (bookmark for later!) – but there are plenty of quick knits around. Giving you plenty of time to knit up a speedy Christmas gift.
If quick knits are what you’re after, WATG are smack bang in the middle of their 12 days of making. Releasing ridiculously quick knitting and crochet patterns, as well as handy technique tutorials this week and next. Love the charging cable braid!
If you follow me on Instagram you’ll have seen me proudly parading my handmade knitwear for the past month.
You may have noticed that I love a good book (ahem)…so when you combine books AND knitting, I’m in there like swimwear.
I bought Pam Allen’s Home Collection from Quince & Co. as an ebook earlier this year (or was it even last year – how time flies!) – and devoured it. It comes with no less that 18 patterns including clothing, accessories and homewears. I’ve made so many things from it, and have plans to make a couple of the larger garments too. Personal faves include the Tai Baskets, the Bergson socks and the Lily Slipper Flats! Continue reading
Debbie Bliss is one of the greats. A knitwear designer and yarn purveyor with over 30 years’ experience and a long list of accolades and published books attributed to her name.
So imagine my excitement when I was sent her latest pattern book to get my teeth stuck into. Falkland Aran Pure Bliss Collection is a celebration of organic and naturally farmed yarns. The Falkland archipelago are a natural habitat for a large variety of wildlife, not least the Falkland sheep – from which Debbie Bliss’ Falkland Aran yarn derives.
It’s been a while since I’ve delved into the new knitting releases world. I had such a growing stash of projects and materials, that I had to reinstate the yarn embargo. That meant no pouring over beautiful skeins on Loveknitting or Loop. No Googling Brooklyn Tweed, Quince & Co. and Woolfolk. It also meant shutting my eyes as I scrolled through my Instagram feed, every time Melanie Berg, Melanie Hoffman or Andrea Mowry post oh-so-tempting knits…
But I’ve caved… Continue reading
I’m not even going to apologise for mentioning the ‘C’ word. I’ve already been knitting my Mum’s present for the last two weeks, so I’m fully in the pre-Christmas planning mode already! Get on board 🙂
If you’re struggling to find the perfect handmade gift for someone this year, I’d look no further. You all know I’m partial to a Sonic Knits kit – I’ve signed up for six months! And now I’m treated at the first of every month to a brand new set of knitting notions, British yarn and a great pattern to get stuck into.
