A Quick Tutorial

If like me you have numerous USB leads then you share my frustration at finding the right one. I have two camera both with similar leads but with different connectors and when I'm in a rush I always mix them up. This short tutorial shows how you can save yourself more frustration.

All you need is the correct lead, a crochet hook and some spare yarn. I've used a 4mm hook and double knit yarn.

Start with a slip knit and place the hook on top of the cable.

Pull the yarn through to the front. Yarn over the hook and pull through the two loops on your hook.
You're making a double crochet or, if you're using American terms, a single crochet.

Carry on until you've added enough to differentiate between the cables.

Hopefully that's enough not to get them mixed up ever again!

Colour Inspiration

My new Blue Face Leicester, 4ply wool was customer dyed by Becky King. I love the gorgeous, jewel colours and can't wait to start knitting with them.

Becky is a joy to work with. Having only two photos to work with she's done an amazing job. I can't tell you the technical side of things but our inspiration for the colour combinations came from Design Seeds. The first is refreshing hues.

The second is tropical birds.

My photos don't do justice to the colours but it's murky and wet outside. Just the right weather to get out my pins and decide what to make with them.

Thanks Becky!

Better for bears?

Dot a dold. Not a good start of the year, especially as it's also pouring down with rain. As you can imagine I'm feeling bit sorry for myself.

Outside the gulls are whirling and gliding in the wind. I swear I saw one flying upside down. They look as if they're having real fun. Watching them reminded me of something I saw on Pinterest.

It's a good things jar. You start with an empty jar and fill it up with all the good or funny or positive things that have happened during the year. You can find out more details here. I shared the idea with some of the family and by the time they had heatedly discussed the idea I decided not to bother. On this wet, windy, cold ridden day I think it might be a good thing to do.

Some of the things I haven't shared are the pincushion samples I made for my book. Here's one to cheer the day. He's called Mr Bear and always brings a smile to my face when I stick pins in him.

Cable blanket

This started out as a cable crochet blanket but has changed identities along the way.

There are three different panels here; a right cross cable, a left cross cable and one that I've named a bobble ladder. I've made six so far and they need to be pieced together with a crochet join.

The pattern for the cables is Lion Brands classic cable throw. The bobble ladder is my own pattern. I wanted more texture with a panel that fitted the twists of the cables hence the odd pieces of lifeline yarn.

Bobble Ladder

I used Aran weight wool and 6mm knitted needles.

MB-make bobble. These are 5 stitch bobbles. For a tutorial Vogue knitting is the best.

Cast on 25

Knit 2 rows (edging)

Pattern 

Row 1:  k2, p2, k17, p2, k2 (right side)

Row 2 and every ws row: k4, p6, k5, p6, k4

Row 3-11: as row 1

Row 13: k2, p2, k8, MB, k8, P2, k2

Row 15-17  as row 1

Row 19: k2, p2, k3, MB, k9, MB, k3, p2, k2

Carry on in pattern until it's the required length. To fit the cable panel; 

Repeat the rows 2 to 6   

Knit 2 rows

Cast off in knit

Big news!

This is the reason I've been absent from blogland for so long.

Yes, it's my very own book. It's taken a year from the initial concept to its publication.

I can't thank the staff at Quarto enough for their help and guidance. They've been wonderful to work with. I'm so pleased with the finished book. The photography and layout are superb.

I'll tell you more about the process in later posts. In the meantime I'm off for a vanity check on Amazon

Introducing Ralph

This is Beth's new kitten Ralph. He's six weeks old and everything you expect a six week old kitten to be. Fun, naughty, loving and soooo cute.

After a full inspection of his new blanket he decided that his favourite colour was the one with a hand underneath it. Fingers are good to chase and even better to chew.

The squared spot crochet blanket had been finished just in time. It was to go into the shop but…

Welcome to the family, Ralph and Happy Birthday, Beth!

Something blue

and pink and purple, red , yellow and green

or how to add something new to something blue.

My plain blue coasters have been in the back of my shop of too long. They needed a refresh and a remodel. I've added a pink, double crochet border and simple lazy daisy flowers with a few French knots.

 

I think they look so much better. They're back in the shop today.

The colours were influenced by Design Seeds pink flora.