Wedding Presents

Today one of my oldest friends has got married to a really lovely lady. He was always a really lovely guy to me and I have very fond memories of him in my life. So I didn't want to get the usual toaster or vouchers so I decided on something a little more special. Something that I could make to bring lovely memories in the future. So here they are...

I made two of these knitted dolls and just made up patterns to make their clothes. Hopefully they will stay apart of their family forever more!

I wish them every bit of luck for the future in everything that they do!!

X

Knitted Doll

Say "Hello" to my little knitted friend! Her name is Sarah. I am making her for a special little project that I am really excited about :)
I want to share the pattern with you because everyone should have a little knitted person in their lives! It would be a great gift for a little girl, for her to practise making clothes! Getting a bit carried away probably with my dreams!
Sarah (using 3.25mm needles) comes up at around 22cm tall and 24cm from fingers to fingers.

So what do you need to make one of these lovely ladies?
* Yarn (I used Sirdar's Country Style wool blend DK in shade Palest Pink 0391) - you need less than one ball
* Needles - 3.25mm in this case but obviously the bigger the yarn the bigger the doll
* Stuffing
* Sewing needle

How do I make Sarah?

Body (make 2)
Cast on 16 stitches.
Row 1: Knit to end
Row 2: Purl to end
Row 3: K1, M1, K14, M1, K1 (18sts)
Row 4: Purl to end
Row 5: K1, M1, K16, M1, K1 (20sts)
Row 6: Purl to end
Work in Stockinette stitch for a further 12 rows, finishing with a WS row.
Row 19: K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, K14, K2Tog, K1 (18sts)
Work next 3 rows in Stockinette stitch
Row 23: K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, K12, K2Tog, K1 (16sts)
Row 24: P1, P2Tog, P10, P2Tog, P1 (14sts)
Row 25: K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, K8, K2Tog, K1 (12sts)
Row 26: Purl to end
Cast off.

Head (make 2)
Cast on 12 stitches
Row 1: Knit to end
Row 2: Purl to end
Row 3: K1, M1, K10, M1, K1 (14sts)
Row 4: Purl to end
Row 5: K1, M1, K12, M1, K1 (16sts)
Row 6: Purl to end
Work in Stockinette stitch for a further 10 rows ending on a WS row
Row 17: K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, K10, K2Tog, K1 (14sts)
Row 18: Purl to end
Row 19: K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, K8, K2Tog, K1 (12sts)
Row 20: Purl to end
Cast off

Leg (make 2)
Cast on 11 stitches
Row 1: Knit to end
Row 2: Purl to end
Repeat rows 1-2 14 more times (28 rows in total)
Row 31: K1, M1, K9, M1, K1 (13 sts)
Work 3 more rows in stockinette stitch
Row 35: K1, M1, K11, M1, K1 (15sts)
Row 36: Purl to end
Cast off

Arm (make 2)
Cast on 7 stitches
Row 1: Knit to end
Row 2: Purl to end
Row 3: K1, M1, K5, M1, K1 (9sts)
Row 4: Purl to end
Row 5: K1, M1, K7, M1, K1 (11sts)
Row 6: Purl to end
Work a further 26 rows in stockinette stitch
Row 33: K2, SL1, K1, PSSO, K3, K2Tog, K2 (9 sts)
Row 34: Purl to end
Cast off

When you have finished all your pieces, trim and weave in all loose ends, press and block to the correct size. I sewed all my pieces inside out and turned the right way around before stuffing them, then sewed up the open side and stitched all the pieces together. Head onto body, arms and legs onto body. Then all she needs is a face. Sometimes this can be easier to do before you sew the two head pieces together, but it depends on the detail of the face.

I have used this pattern before to make a memory for a friend from her wedding day and made a little knitted and crocheted couple. It took some work but it was well worth it!

X

Valentines love..

One of the most important people in my life has had their heart badly broken in this past year. So with Valentines day coming up this week, I decided to give her lots of love to hang up for all to see! :)

I decided on a pallet of whites and greys because the wall it is going on is soon to be a gorgeous teal colour and I figured they would stand out more. Then I took my heart pattern and went to town! I used four different yarns in four different sizes to add something more to it.

To join them together I crocheted a really long chain. I was planning on french knitting a long chain but I had made more hearts than I had planned and that would have taken me forever!

What nice things are you making for loved ones this St. Valentines day? Hope you enjoy making it. I enjoy making things as they always make me feel like more love has gone into them :)

X

Pin-ups

I have decided that a weekly feature is needed. It can be used as inspiration or just something pretty to look at. This week I have decided to pin all my recent favourite crafty upon my 'pin board' and thought I would share them with you. :) Hope they give you ideas like they gave me.

Cushion

Gloves

Rug

 Felt needle cases

Cute Hats

Do you have any 'Pin-ups?' X

Long Skinny Scarf

Last year for Christmas I received some Colinette Point 5 yarn which I placed in my stash until I thought of what to do with it. One of my many resolutions for the New Year is to make my way through my stash, stop just buying things for the sake of it, or if it's pretty (well, that's what the plan is).

One thing that I have always wanted is a really long skinny scarf. I love seeing pictures of people with long boots, jeans a blouse and a long skinny scarf. I don't know why. So I got on it.

 What I love about the Point 5 yarn is that it goes from chunky to really thin so the texture is great. This colour is a beautiful dark brown with flashes of blues and burgundies. To make this scarf I cast on 10 stitches and knit one row, purl one row until I ran out of yarn. I used 2 skeins in total and I can wrap it round 4 times easily to make it short, 3 times for it to be long. Its beautiful!

I just added a couple of pom poms to each ends. Simple but great with jeans and a nice blouse X

Knitted Bangles

Want to make something lovely and different for a friend for Christmas, or even a cheeky little number for yourself? Look no further! These knitted bangles that I put together in a night are just knitted cosies on an up-cycled old bangle.

I simply took some old bangles and bracelets. I knitted twice the width in a pattern of my choosing, and when stretched out it measured the circumference of the bangle I crocheted the two ends together and sewed the back all together on the inside. Took me no time at all!

X

Stitch Markers

With Christmas coming, I have lots of intricate patterns that I need stitch markers for. I went to all my local haberdasheries to find some but was shocked when I wasn't able to find one in any of them! So, what did I do then? Well I made my own of course!

You will need:
Beads - different sizes and shapes, it doesn't matter what you want, just make them you! :)
Lobster clasp findings for necklaces or bracelets
Needle and thread
Scissors

Method:
Take your thread and put it on your needle. Tie a knot in the end making sure it's secure enough to hold the beads, especially if they are a little heavier. Then thread your beads onto the thread. When they are all on, thread the lobster clasp onto the top and take your needle and thread back through the beads and tie at the bottom to give it extra security.

And that's it, all sewn up!

Hand Warmers

Getting up in a morning is something that I struggle with at the best of times. But knowing that I have to go out to 3 degrees cold in a morning really makes me want to stay under the covers. So, I decided to make a couple of hand warmers to keep my hands and pockets warm on my way to work. They are so simple and easy to make, I recommend that you all try.

Materials:
Some cosy fabric of your choice (I used some fleece fabric from an old blanket)
Some yarns
Some decorative pieces
Barley or Rice
Scent filling (optional, but I used dried lavender)

 

I took my fleece fabric and cut out two shapes, I chose hearts as they fit nicely in the palms of my hands. I then used the knitted hearts from my earlier tutorial and stitched the heart to the front of one of my heart cut outs.

Then using a blanket stitch I took my yarn and stitched all around the edge of the heart, making sure that there are no large gaps and leaving about an inch gap near to the end to be able to put the filling in.

Then I mixed up some pearl barley and some dried lavender and spooned it into the gap that I had left. Make sure that you fill all the corners and gaps inside the warmers and fit as much in as you can (you don't want a saggy hand warmer). Then stitch up the final section and finish off. 

Then when you are ready to go out, pop them in the microwave for around 20 seconds and they should last around 20 minutes in your pockets or your gloves (if they are small enough to fit). They are great for short journeys and something that I am going to be making for a few friends for little stocking fillers! Now I am looking forward to my morning walks.. x

Hearts of mine..

After noticing a lot of purple knits on the high street recently, my love for purple has grown. So, as part of some Christmas presents I am going to be making, I decided to knit some cute little hearts as embellishments. I have been knitting 2 years now and I have never knitted a heart before, how can it be? But they are pretty easy and so here is my tutorial on how I made my hearts.

The materials that I used for my little hearts are size 4mm knitting needles, applicable scrummy heather coloured yarn (I found it in my stash, no idea what make it is), scissors and yarn needle for tidying up the ends.

Abbreviations:

sts = stitches

m1 = make a stitch from the previous row

ssk = slip, slip, knit

k2tog = knit 2 together

k = knit

Directions for a heart 6 cm across and about 5 cm down

Cast on 3sts

Row 1: K

Row 2: K1, M1, K1, M1, K1

Row 3: K

Row 4: K1, M1, K3, M1, K1

Row 5: K, Tie off at the end.

Then cast on another 3 stitches and repeat these 5 rows. At the end of the 5th row the second time around don't tie off. Your two sections should be side by side on one needle making sure that purl side is facing towards you as you go into the next row.

Row 6: K all the way across the two pieces to join them together, making sure you pull tightly in the centre to keep them together.
Row 7 - 9: K
Row 10: K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2TOG, K
Row 11: K
Repeat rows 10 and 11 until there are just two stitches left. Then bind off and there you go, a cute little knitted heart. Suitable for so many purposes!

To finish, the heart darn the loose threads into the heart, coaxing it into shape if its a little misshapen. A good tip is to slip stitch the first stitch of every row to make a nice boarder, but it's not necessary, I didn't this time around.

To make a wider heart just add more stitches into the first 5 rows where you can, and to make a longer heart add more knit rows before you start the decrease at row 10.

Lovely! x

Moss Stitch

Those who know me, know I love a moss stitch. It is just a bit more exciting than the basic knit 1 row, purl 1 row. It takes a little more concentration for me which is good to keep me quiet.

Moss Stitch by Twohoots

Moss stitch is worked in multiples of two stitches.

Rows 1 and 3: K1, * p1, k1; rep from * to end of row.

Rows 2 and 4: P1,* k1, p1; rep from * to end of row.

Repeat until the required length.

 

:)

x

Cable Owl

Being wool week I have taken on some knitting challenges. I am not sure why, but I only really knit in the winter months. Maybe it's a being cosy thing. But this week I want to try out as many new stitches as I can, and if I can I will share as many of these with you guys.

The first thing I am going to share with you is a cable stitched owl. I love owls! I just can't get enough, and luckily they are everywhere at the moment. If I could have my very own messenger owl, I would love it to little pieces. But a cable owl is as close as I am going to get I think.

Cable Hand Warmers by Twohoots

These hand warmers are something that I made last year. It was the first cable that I had incorporated into a design. Basic, but I love my owl hand warmers. The cable stitch that I used is called a link cable. The pattern is just for the cable without any border, but its simple to put one in, just add a couple of stitches and purl either end of a knit row and there is your border!

Pattern: worked over 12 stitches

Rows 1, 3 and 5 K12

Rows 2,4 and 6 P12

Row 7 C6B, C6F

Row 8 as Row 2

Explanation: C6B stands for Cable 6 stitches Back -
1. Work to the start of the cable position, slip the next 3 stitches onto the cable needle and hold them at the back of the work, Knit the next 3 stitches.
2. Knit the 3 stitches from off the cable needle. Making sure you knit them in the same order that they went onto the cable needle in the first place.
Explanation: C6F stands for Cable 6 stitches Forward -
1. Work to the start of this cable position, slip the next 3 stitches onto the cable needle and hold them at the front of the work, Knit the next 3 stitches.
2. Knit the 3 stitches from off the cable needle. Making sure you knit them in the same order that they went onto the cable needle in the first place.

For the owl I repeated this pattern 2 and a half times. Then I stitched some tiny beads for eyes.
Beautiful.
x

Wool Week

The Campaign for Wool is a cross-industry initiative from HRH the Prince of Wales. He wants to make Wool a great part of our lives, not just to help our wardrobes, but also to help the farming industry. Personally I think it is great! I love wool. It comes in all sizes, colours, textures and there is just so much that can be made from it. So what better way to celebrate wool week than to buy an amazing piece of knitwear. So here are some knit crushes that I have my eye on...

H&M - Angora Fluffy Jumper / Cable Knit Jumper

H&M - Embroidery Jumper / Bat Jumper

Topshop - Sheepish Jumper / Fluffy Jumper

River Island - Pointelle Jumper / Heart Knit Jumper

Every single one of these jumpers I love, each has its on uniqueness and all should hold a place in my wardrobe. Better start saving. x

Knitted Snood

To be honest I did make this snood a little while ago, but I pulled it back out to help me keep warm these past couple of chilly mornings for walking to work with. I purchased some undyed chunky from Yarn to Knit and casted on 24 stitches. I then did a standard stockinette stitch until it was about a meter long (this took around just over 1 ball of yarn) and then stitched the two ends together. Super easy!! Its a great yarn, I love how it goes from chunky to thin all the way though to add texture and make it a less boring piece for something so quick and easy. :)

Snapshot of my week

 

This week I have had some good times, I got a promotion at work so my lovely man took me out for dinner at a nice restaurant called The Farm. The food was lovely, and so was he.

Then the rest of the week included a really nice day out with a friend doing some shopping, we found an American diner in Selfridges in Birmingham and had burgers. I saw the Bullring bull's new spandex outfit, this poor girl was gluing on many many sequins, and all for the Olympics hey! I found some bracelets made from knitting needles on folksy.com, and when they came they were so lovely. I love a handmade item!!

I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been there for me recently, helping me to get my job, you know who you are and you are all fabulous!! :) THANK YOUUU!!!

Tea cosy

Hey Folks,

The last few weeks I have kind of left my knitting to one side, which is very unlike me. But this week I picked it up and carried on with the tea cosy that I was asked to knit for my grandmas friend. I went for a really chunky look as I wanted to do it quickly and also because I think a tea cosy looks better chunky and in your face :)

I found this website, and decided to use their design with a few alterations to adjust to size. Here are some pics of my tea cosy journey...

I even added a couple of pom poms to the top! I think I did a pretty good job, and the tea will definitely be kept warm!

Happy knitting...