Fidgetty Fingers

Trying to clear the decks!

2012-01-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

I have two projects started before Yule I want to finish..before moving on to a totally new one.
The first is a pair of baby ugg style boots featured in "let's Knit" magazine. I sewed them together wrong, so have had to unpick, and after doing that tonight...will....fingers crossed sew them together correctly, and be able to give them to the intended recipient.
Second is a cardigan in Stylecraft Brushstrokes. What I didn't see whilst knitting this is that it has a high...(read bust line) waist...and is for people of standard proportions. I am long in the body...so this design is just WRONG for me...I wish I'd spotted that before taking time to knit it up.
The question is...do I finish it and give it to my neighbour who rescued me ...in a fridge emergency.....or pull it all back?
On the 27th...my fridge stopped working, my neighbour "rescued" me by loaning a spare fridge she has..smaller.but it does the trick. I seriously think I should finish the cardigan for her..as we are around the same "bust" size...but she is nowhere near as long in the body as me.
(p.s she has also said I can keep her spare fridge until late February..so no pressure on buying a new one....I think that too deserves the cardigan.)

Do I have another week or two?

2011-12-31T16:36:00.000-08:00

In early January last year I blogged that I had three "goals" for the coming year.
I have done some reversible knitting....TICK!!!!
I have made a pair of socks...albeit...little ankle socks...but they did incorporate "turning the heel"...which went well...so TICK!!!
I haven't yet tried entrelac knitting...do I have time to do this before the twelve months have passed? Can't remember..but I do have a baby pattern using enterlac...and a relative is expecting a baby early March..
Maybe by this time next month I will have tackled my first ever entrelac project.

AND!!!!!Ihave projects I have knitted but not shown here to share with you all.

Sweet Chilli sausage rolls

2011-12-22T18:09:00.000-08:00

At this time of year we have a Yule feast, on or around Yule, (winter solstice).
As Oliver likes sweet chilli sausages I thought I would try to make sweet chilli sausage rolls.
Everywhere I looked there was no sausagemeat....plain....on sale. The butcher who makes the sweet chilli sausages was not around to place an order for the meat.
So....I ended up making my own./
I bought a pack of good quality plain pork sausages...squeezed the sausage meat out into a bowl...added a generous helping of sweet chilli sauce to the sausagemeat...however..the result was a little damp...so I added some sage and onion stuffing mix until the mixture was drier. I then made the sausage rolls.
I did put a little too much sausage meat in the sausage rolls..as I got some sausage "un-rolls", but the desired effect was achieved and they all disappeared.
I'm very happy with my experiment.

time consumming project coming soon

2011-10-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

I have been making myself a knitted hoodie with cap sleeves. More when I post the photo of the finished piece.
I have been into Lancaster today. I bought lining to make out of some fabric I found in my stash...it being so long since I looked in the place where this fabric was. It is a very heavy woolen fabric, so when I make it into a skirt will have to have a lining fixed into the garment......You don't use that heavy a fabric and leave it raw on the inside!...Or doyou?
I also found a very interesting "knitted fabric"....not sure what I will do with that yet, but a photo of it...before any sewing takes place in the next post here.

Almost finished

2011-10-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting myself a cap sleeved hooded cardigan from The Knitter magazine. I have almost finished the hood, and will soon be knitting the font bands, pockets bands and sleeve bands.
So.....I have been looking for suitable buttons.
As yet I haven't found any, apart from the ones which are used on the pattern, but at almost £7/button, that is more than a little steep.
It has crossed my mind that making my own buttons might be the best way. That way I can make them exactly how I want them, if they turn out right.
I think I will give it a go, after all, I have fimo and will not be loosing anything but my time trying to make some buttons.

So that's what has been taking me all month!

2011-09-05T06:49:00.000-07:00

I have just finished a jumper or my special friend, and a random baby blanket. The jumper is knitted in Stylecraft Signature Chunky. A beautiful yarn to work with, but due to it's loose spun nature, it can be difficult to cast on with and sew up with For both I had to keep stopping to re-spin the yarn to prevent breakages. But as I say the finished garment is beautifully soft and light. The colour, in case it hasn't photographed well is an olive-ish green with brown flecks.
The baby blanket is from the Baby and Toddler special that was given away with the last issue of Simply Knitting. The next issue being due out tomorrow. I did find one fault with the pattern though, and that was that they said the wool used came in 200g balls, it doesn't, they are 100g balls, and you use less than a quarter of the third 100g ball. I am going to e-mail them about this. Oh, and the yarn used for the blanket is called Magi-knit and it does work up as shown. The blanket is knitted in squares, no more than 21 sts wide/ time, each square is then shaped by decreasing at the centre, down to one stitch, then you pick up stitches along one edge of the just worked square, and casting on the rest, for the first row. After the blanket is 10 squares wide, or how ever many wide you want it, you cast off and start the next row starting on top of the first square worked. I think the method of working makes it an ideal project when you don't have much time to spare, as each square takes around 15- 30 minutes depending on how fast you knit, so you could just work one square/day if that is all you had time for.

Yet more baby jackets and other stuff

2011-08-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

From the top, we have the last of the smaller size baby jackets I have been making, it is in lilac and white, although Wendy call it Periminkle. The one below is the next size with the yarns reversed. I have also done a pink and white one. The striped baby cap was just using up some yarn from my stash.
Next we have a sunhat for the baby across the road. Her Mum had looked for small size baby hats in cotton, but could only find hats for boys. I am quite proud of that hat, as I didn't have a pattern, and it fitted perfectly.
The last is a cushion cover I made for Becki, Edwin's girlfriend. It is a simple pillowcase type cover, but when you have a pattern so busy you don't need to put frills and flourishes on.

Been busy!

2011-08-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

I've been really busy knitting of late.
Will post an up-date tomorrow

Baby jackets

2011-07-03T09:21:00.001-07:00

After knitting all those hats, see previous post. I started knitting baby jackets.
There were three of the sailor type ones, but I have given the pink and white one to a neighbour , she had her baby, a girl, called Lena, on Friday morning. The ballet style one is for a work colleague, she's also just had a baby girl. I am in the process of knitting a fourth sailor style jacket in lilac with white. Once they are done I will be knitting the same again, only in a larger size, but reversing the colours. So they will be predominantly white, with coloured highlights in the rib.
Oh! and two of the baby hats have gone to Lena, a "flower pot" one and a "daisy" one.
The sailor jackets are from a pattern that appeared this time last year in "The Knitter" magazine.

Lots of baby stuff

2011-06-12T08:40:00.001-07:00

Since finishing Oliver's Jumper I have made two baby jackets and several hats from Itty Bitty Hats. I am currently knitting some more baby coats, as I know so many friends who are expecting at the moment. One had their baby, a boy, on 27th May, the multi coloured jacket and wee willie winkie hats are for him, the other hats are for babies yet to be born. Who knows, after all the baby knitting I might get the waterfall cardigan for me made?
The other baby jacket was made for a colleague's newborn son, who arrived late March.

In praise of Bamboo needles.

2011-05-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

A while back I bought myself a set of bamboo knitting needles. Since then I have rarely used my older metal and plastic ones.
Last night, I decided to start a baby jacket in my room. I couldn't be bothered to go downstairs and get my bamboo needles, so I used my older needles! I did think it was just hype that bamboo needles are better to knit with if you have arthritis in your joints.....BUT....now I know better!
Metal needles cause my hands to ache after only knitting for around 30 minutes, whereas....if using bamboo needles, I can sit and knit for hours before my hands start to ache and cramp.
Give me Bamboo needles over metal any day.
I have not tried the more expensive rosewood needles as yet, but hope the birthday fairy will be kind and buy me a pair of 4mm ones

A cross stitch finish

2011-05-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

I started this ages ago, and it became a UFO, (unfinished object,) as projects sometimes do, for various reasons. However, I was determined to finish it , and I have. I have now given it away to the person it was for.

Not much more to do

2011-04-25T10:33:00.001-07:00

I have been working on a cross-stitch picture as well lately. It is around 3 years since I started, yet it became a UFO (unfinished object,) for several reasons. however, I decided that it was about time I finished it up. Today I finished putting all the cross-stitches in it, there is only the back stitching to do, which should be done by the end of the week. The picture shows progress as to last evening.

Recent finishes and a WIP

2011-04-23T08:11:00.001-07:00

I have now finished Oliver's jumper, it is a little longer than the pattern states, as Oliver is quite tall, so needs the extra length.
I have also made a hat from Itty Bitty Hats for a colleague at work who is expecting a baby very soon.
There is also a photo of my current WIP. It's design 83 from UKHKA. The picture on the pattern looks like a bramble stitch, but is actually a woven stitch, using C4F and C4B one after the other on right side rows, the wrong side rows being purl. It is creating quite a firm fabric.

wooly guitar

2011-03-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

I won't show you a picture of this..as it is a disaster....back to the drawing board!

A helping "item"

2011-03-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many people are constantly frustrated by the newer way of winding yarn. Instead of the traditional "ball" of wool...some yarn manufacturers wind their yarn in "doughnut" balls. These look great, but tend to collapse as soon as you start using them. It's fine if their aren't many yards on the ball...but sometimes it gets tangled. This really frustrates me, anyway...I have come up with a way of ensuring the yarn comes off easily. I pop the doughnut ball over a kitchen roll holder, before taking the ball band off, then the yarn comes off smoothly and the ball is able to rotate freely as you pull it. It takes out having to constantly detangle your yarn.

Shelterbox Scarf finish

2011-03-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

Yay!!!
I have finished this, and thoroughly enjoyed knitting it.
It was my first ever time of knitting reversible cable. And I will say..that if you are confident with cables, DON'T be afraid of reversible cables.
I love the finished garment. I used 4 and a bit balls of Wendy Mode DK, colour Azure....so it worked out reasonable...Just shows you don't need to use expensive yarn. The yarn I used is very soft and bouncy. I am taking it with me to work tomorrow as a colleague would like to see the finished garment.
Thanks again to Anni at Confessions of a Yarn Addict...for letting me test her pattern. It was an absolute pleasure.

Shelterbox scarf

2011-03-09T16:35:00.000-08:00

I'm working on this at the moment.
I have got my head around the pattern..and the scarf is growing daily. Last measurement tonight was 75 cm...just less than half the required finished length!
I haven't been very well..and all the other nights this week I have been in bed by 10pm..tomorrow/Thursday, is my day off this week..so I should get some more done.
Anyway...a progress piccy!
The pattern is from confessions of a yarn addict
So far I have used...almost two balls of Mode DK in azure.

20th March.
There are now almost 4 balls of wool in the scarf, and I only have another 15cm....6 inches in old money....to go before I have finished. Next photo when I have finished it.

Shelter box scarf pattern test

2011-03-07T15:11:00.000-08:00

I love this pattern, and love the product that is coming from my needles!
If you want to see what I am knitting..visit Confessions of a Yarn Addict..on blogger

On top of everything else.

2011-02-27T07:34:00.000-08:00

Besides all the projects I have in waiting....I intend to try three things this year. One I have done on a small scale. That being lace knitting...but as Blue brought me a skein of laceweight from home last time she came...and it has 1600m or so on it....I think tiz only right I make something beautiful from it.
Another thing I want to have a go at, and have never done before is entrelac knitting. I am currently waiting for a book on entrelac, and will try small swatches before tackling a project in it.
I also wanted to try reversible knitting. I feel certain I'll be ok with it, and am about to start knitting a sample scarf for a designer. Watch this space for that one, as I am casting on this afternoon.
I would love to find some time to knit some socks as well. I have never knitted socks before, but I have used sock wool, fine needles and can knit in the round, so I am hoping making socks will not be such a giant step.

Loads of catch up on Fidgetting.

2011-02-26T08:01:00.000-08:00

since last August/September, I have been knitting but just haven't posted here much.
What have I been up to? Well, I have made three large projects and am well into the fourth. I made a cotton tunic type jumper for a colleague at work, a shawl-neck jumper in a beautiful bright aqua blue for Edwin, a jacket from a Rowan purelife booklet for Edwin and am currently knitting a jumper for Oliver from the purelife book. Pictures of the tunic and jacket are shown. I also made two hooded jumpers and sent them to Lithuania for my someone special's, friend's children. Those were just plain hooded jumpers with a couple of pockets on the front, a small one in blue for a little boy, and a bigger one in pink for a 7 year old girl. I made a third one of these hooded jumpers for John's daughter, Skye. (John is Samantha's, my daughter, boyfriend.) That one was in purple.
Gosh! I've done much more than I thought I had, and I haven't mentioned any small projects yet!
I made a beret for my Mum for Yule, another beret that I'm not too happy with, I like the pattern, just don't like the yarn I used.(That is the multi coloured beret pictured.
I've also made two upside daisy hats from Itty Bitty Hats, and Cherry-O from the same book. A pair of finger tip-less gloves for Oliver and a hat, Valery, from Hip Knit Hats for me. (That is the one in cream)
I've got loads more planned to do this year. I might even make something larger than a hat for myself!
Unfotunately I haven't photograped everything I have made, but I have started keeping a notebook, saying what I have made, when, and for who, and when it was finished. And most of the time I remember to write in it.

Signature Chunky by Stylecraft

2011-01-15T13:04:00.000-08:00

This a beautiful yarn to knit with.
However, the thumb method of casting on twists the yarn the "wrong" way...making thumb cat on tricky.
When I next use this yarn....on my very next project, as I love how it knits up...I will be using a different method of casting on.

More fingerless gloves

2010-12-31T10:11:00.000-08:00

On Boxing Day I finished a pair of fingerless gloves for Oliver. I won't bore you with another photo of black fingerless gloves. Especially as I used exactly the same pattern and yarn as I has for the ones I made back in September for the "someone special" in my life.....must have been August as he left for "home" in late August!
Anyway, the only difference with these are that they only leave the very tips of the fingers free.
I will catch up with my blogs before I return to work on Tuesday.

Been fidgetting..just not posting!

2010-11-30T16:20:00.000-08:00

I should post tomorrow..1st December 2010...but who knows what might stop me....since my last posting I have completed around 4...maybe more projects
I HAVE taken photos of all but the most recent, and WILL post on here.
Please bear with me? I have changes at work and upsets in my life..."fidgetting" is keeping me sane

Still here

2010-09-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

I haven't been so good health-wise lately....but I have been fidgetting...just on a larger scale than normal. Should have pictures/news on Friday.

Heads Up.

2010-08-14T03:54:00.000-07:00

I made the hat above for one of the teachers at work. She'd said she would quite like a cap, and I'd seen this pattern, and had just the right yarn to give the demin effect.The yarn is Cedifra yarn Selena in three colourways, blue/yellow, blue /pink and blue/blue knitted together with a basic yellow acrylic double knit to get the correct gauge and the mottled effect. The pattern is from The Knitter's Bible of Knitted accessories by Claire Crompton, the pattern is the Weekender Cap from p 88-91. The person it was for was very pleased with it, as I'd made it as a surprise for her.

Keeping your fingers free

2010-08-14T03:52:00.000-07:00

I made these for the "someone special" in my life. In his line of work he needs to keep his hands warm, but possibly his fingers free. They are an adaptation from the "Magic Mitten Gloves" in the Knitter's Bible of Knitted Accessories. I left the mitten top flip back off. They are knitted from Dalegarn Falk and took just under 100g. The yarn is pure wool, so making them in acrylic would probably take less, but they wouldn't be as warm.

A cheeky beret

2010-08-14T03:50:00.000-07:00

This cheeky beret is from the free pattern and yarn given away with August 2010s issue of "Let's Knit" magazine. I opted for the Buffy pattern, there were two options. I have however created a spiral rather than the concentric circles it should have. I like it though and am pleased with the result. Although it isn't really my colours...well not for a hat anyway.

A Jumper for me

2010-08-14T03:44:00.000-07:00

I'm not altogether happy with this, as the sleeves are a little too snug for me. I might either find it another home, or make changes to it. Possibly by inserting a diamond shaped patch under the arms like are found on bowling shirts. The pattern is a Stylecraft one 8203 for Kon-Tiki DK. I used Marble DK from James C Brett. Perhaps it would look better in a cotton yarn.

Wallowing Pigs

2010-07-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is what I have named a food dish I have come up with.
To my knowledge no one else has made this.
So....I hear you all say..what is a "wallowing Pig"?
It is bacon in Yorkshire pudding.
I used offcuts of bacon, and followed the "toad in the hole" recipe.
But as I've never seen any reference to this before, I am calling it "wallowing pigs".
They turned out very tasty and given time in a morning would be ideal as a breakfast or brunch dish.
I am aware that this may not be first, but I have never seen before.

Where did you get that hat?

2010-06-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post my latest finish.

It's the whirlygig? hat from Hattitude.

I interpreted it in my own way.

In the photo it's being modelled by my friend, the hat is for her son who is at university, and he will love the hat

Another baby cardigan

2010-06-20T07:12:00.001-07:00

I finished this on Thursday evening, and it has been given to the baby , a little girl, Amelia Jane, born on 15/6/10 at 8.08 weighing 7lb 1oz. The other pink jacket and the pinwheel one also went to her. The pattern is another UKHKA one. I really like their patterns and wish they did some adult ones.

Another baby jacket.

2010-06-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

I've finished the baby jacket for a colleague's expected grand daughter. Am wondering whether to knit something in a neutral colour "just in case" they got it wrong, but then again, I do still have the pinwheel baby jacket. I have started another in pinks, might be a good idea to have a couple of spares stashed away, there seems to be a bit of a boom going at the moment.

The above Jacket and the one I have started are two more UKHKA patterns, their patterns look very good and so far have been very simple to follow, mind you this year I will have been knitting for 34 years properly, and am not afraid to tackle something new. Saying that the UKHKA patterns give very good results, have clear instructions, so even a beginner knitter can produce a very good looking garment. My only moan is they only seem to have baby/toddler patterns so far.

Interesting site/ patterns

2010-06-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

You might have noticed the last two baby garments I have worked on are patterns from UKHKA
These patterns are very simple, yet effective
the only thing I don't like about the site is..that CURRENTLY they only have bay/toddler designs!

2 finishes and a start

2010-06-02T12:51:00.001-07:00

Well, I have finished the sleeveless jumper. It is actually black, but for some reason appears navy blue in the photo. Perhaps tiz the flash?

I also finished a hat from the Hattitude book, but it mysteriously disappeared after Samantha trying it on. Will try to track it down and get a photo of it.

I have also started a baby jacket for a colleague's first grandchild. They have been told that baby is a girl, that is why I am knitting in pink. Although I would never trust the scan, and wouldn't believe what sex a baby is until it is in the Mum's arms

Latest news!

2010-05-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

I am now on the front of the sleeveless jumper...tiz in black though....and doesn't show too well on a photo. Tonight, I also started a hat from a book I bought. Pictures when it looks more like a hat.

Cardigan finish

2010-04-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

I finished the cardigan on Tuesday night, and started the sleeveless jumper for my someone special. I quite like the cardigan, and true to form, the weather here has warmed up, this is a rather cosy cardigan perfect for cool summer evenings.Even though I got the cable wrong, I did manage to copy the mistake onto the other front, so it looks deliberate :D.

My someone special has said that he would like me to make him some socks...that is going to be a first for me, as the only socks I have ever made have been baby ones, more like bootees than socks. Well, we'll see. If anyone has any tips on sock knitting I would welcome them.

Aprons, bag and knitting

2010-04-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

I've not been in the best of health lately, and have been knitting mostly. However on Tuesday I spent 3 hours making a couple of aprons and a shopping bag. The cardigan I'm working on just needs the sleeves doing now, then it's onto a sleeveless jumper for the "someone special" in my life. This time it's a request for something specific.

The aprons are for work. I put a book on top of the bag to give an idea of the size. The cardigan is made in Brushstrokes yarn, Autumn Hue. I took a close up of the cable band on the front edges as it is different from any other cardigan I have made. I rather like Brushstrokes yarn, this is the third thing I have made from it.

Beret finish

2010-04-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

That didn't take long. However, I have already found it home, as I made the smallest size, and it was a little snug on me. There are three sizes, so I'll be making myself the middle size.

Weekender Beret

2010-03-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

I have made a start on the "weekender Beret" from Yarn Forward magazine...issue 22.

I have just started the main part of the beret.

There's a photo! up at the top of this post

Bootees

2010-03-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

There was some yarn left over from the jacket and hat, and whilst looking for a different pattern, I found this cute bootee pattern. It's from Simply Knitting's 2009 calendar. They took almost as much time to sew up as knit! The jacket, hat and bootees are wrapped up now, ready to be given to the colleague.

baby outfit

2010-03-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

One of the female teachers that I work for had her baby prematurely, she is staying with baby in hospital, until he has gained his predicted birth weight....this is the colleague who is small build, and so is her husband.

anyway, she had baby early. I have just finished a jacket and hat set for baby.

To me the hat is much bigger than the jacket, but as my three were all a few days over,,,what would I know?

As you can see the pattern is a UKHKA pattern. I had never seen these before I bought this one. But I was so pleased how this turned out I looked on the website. They have quite a few baby/child patterns, and all very appealing.

Pinwheel finish!

2010-03-13T15:16:00.001-08:00

I am so pleased about how this turned out. I am not too sure if it is suitable for a boy baby, but I love the adaptability of it. When the baby is young..you use the widest part as the collar, as the baby grows..you unroll the sleeves...and eventually turn it around.

Pesto sauce

2010-03-10T16:42:00.000-08:00

Have just tried this out.
It tastes OK, will get Charlotte's opinion tomorrow.
I didn't use freshly grated Parmesan, but some grated stuff I had in.
Taste test result later.
It was really easy to make...if you have all the right ingredients.
I like the taste of it.
Recipe found here!

Pinwheel baby jacket

2010-03-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

As you can see the pinwheel jacket progresses.

I'm on the sleeves now, they are quite long, as they are worn rolled up when the baby is tiny, and unrolled as the baby grows. The pattern is on the Elann website. It suggests using two circular needles to knit it on, but I found using dp's at first worked, until it was large enough to fit on a circular needle. I'm really enjoying this project, it's the first time in ages I have knitted anything other than a scarf on dps. In fact until I got Knitting New Scarves last year, I hadn't used them very much, and only done a couple of Nordic jumpers on circular needles. This should be finished, probably on Thursday evening, as I seem to have beaten the lurgy I have had for the past week, just left with erratic temperature.

Baby pinwheel jacket

2010-03-04T14:19:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I haven't been so well this week. I made a start on the baby pinwheel jacket, and tonight made the openings for the sleeves.
I probably should transfer it from my dps to a circular needle, but I have two repeats on each dp, which makes counting easier.
This is the first time I have made a flat round garment knitting in the round. There is an adult version of the jacket, so it might be a possible project in the future.
I received the latest copy of "The Knitter" at weekend, and there are at least two projects I would like to tackle, the Miss Galloni shrug, and the Savannah bolero. (I knew knitting something circular required practise, and had cast on the pinwheel jacket before I saw "The Knitter")
Progress has been very slow this week, seeing as I have spent more time asleep than awake.
Photos of work to date soon, but the scarf is with it's owner, Becki, already, and she loves it. One of her friends asked where she had bought it from, and the friend had trouble getting her head around the fact that the scarf had been MADE for her....this friend must think clothes grow on trees...ready made somewhere!

Adjustment to jumper, plus grey scarf finish!

2010-02-28T16:20:00.000-08:00

The jumper I made for my very special person was too loose for him around the neck. So I have re-knitted the neckband, so that it is closer fit.
I have also finished the fisherman's rib scarf for Becki.

Photos of both tomorrow evening.

Unsure of next project as yet, but am considering pinwheel sweater...for babies
I seem to know a few peeps who are "in waiting" right now.
In fact, one colleague is due around Easter...but docs worried that baby ain't growing well. erm!
She's tiny build..and her husband ain't a Jolly Green Giant!
Am sure baby is OK, she is radiant at mo.

grey scarf update!

2010-02-25T15:51:00.000-08:00

The grey fisherman's rib scarf is now 58 inches long...pattern says finished length = 80 inches without fringe!
Might not be done until after the weekend.

Pencil case photo

2010-02-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

As promised, here's the pencil case photo. It was just my last? experiment as textiles technician. The textiles teacher thought this might make a more worthy project. Mine is plain as I was seeing how difficult constructing one is.

The pencil case is constructed from just one piece of cloth. Obviously when done as a project at school it would be decorated in someway, either before or after construction. The zip is on the front rather than the top. It was fiddly for me, but to a year 9 pupil who has never before inserted a zip, and possibly hasn't touched a sewing machine since year 8, it would be challenging. However, if the fabric was split into two halves, and the zip inserted in between two flat pieces of fabric, then the remaining three edges sewn up, it would be within all, but the lowest abilities reach, and I think they could produce a satisfactory case of some kind with a velcro fastening.

The case could be decorated in any number of ways, and if I made again, would possibly make it from patchwork, as the precision of patchwork itself is quite challenging.

And the scarf is now 41 inches long.

A VERY plain pencil case, and scarf progress

2010-02-21T15:13:00.000-08:00

Today I have made an extremely plain pencil case, [reason and photo tomorrow, ] and have made inroads with the scarf.

another bobble hat and scarf progress

2010-02-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

I've finished the bobble hat for the colleague who has recently had a baby boy.

I am also progressing with the scarf for Becki.

Am happy with progress of scarf and the finish.

Two starts!

2010-02-18T14:38:00.000-08:00

I have started a fisherman's rib scarf, for Becki, and a bobble hat for a colleague's new arrival, to go with the other stuff I made.
I am still fighting my cold.
Pictures of both..maybe tomorrow?
The scarf is supposed to be 60-80 inches finished length. So 8 inches is a start, a tenth of the way there. Fisherman's rib is OK, once you get into it.
I'll be baking as well tomorrow.

Pancakes

2010-02-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

I have never been able to make pancakes and flip them. That is until yesterday. Whilst looking for a birthday gift for the special person in my life I saw this pancake pan. I bought it, and lo and behold..I can make pancakes!
(Yes, I had to pick Edwin up off the floor after he'd fainted, lol!)
In the past the children had to make do with scotch pancakes, as I could make those OK without "scrambling" them.
So the pan is now for pancakes only, quite honestly it is too shallow for any other use, But I'm happy.

A "baby" finish

2010-02-16T13:39:00.001-08:00

I have just finished this baby jacket, hat and mittens tonight. The jacket should have a drawstring around the neck, but as it is an old pattern, I have omitted it. Here in the UK we seem to be very health and safety conscious these days, and to me drawstring around the neck is a danger, so I left it off.

The baby jacket, hat and mitts are for a colleague who has recently had a baby boy....Daniel Edwin...she waited a long time for him to come along...the path wasn't all roses, so I wish her every happiness. The mother is a Wigan Warriors fan, so I am going to make a baby hat in Wigan Warriors colours for her as well.

An experiment

2010-02-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

I experimented in the kitchen today. I really like the cheese and onion bread from Morrisons, so tried to make my own. Using a white bread mix, I followed the instructions, but also added grated cheese and finely chopped onion to the dough. Once the dough was risen I sprinkled the top with a little grated cheese and onion. Tiz a little close textured, but quite tasty.
I'm sorry, I haven't taken a picture of it.

Jumper for someone special...a finish

2010-02-07T15:02:00.000-08:00

I've finished the jumper for the special someone in my life.

As you can see the "unique colour phase yarn" shows up in the picture, but it is more subtle to the naked eye.

I did take his measurements, so it should fit him. Unfortunately he had very little spare time this weekend and I haven't been able to see him.

Now...do I give him the jumper for Valentine's Day, or wait for his birthday? [His birthday is March 9th, so not that far off, but I feel the jumper will be worn between now and then, so probably sooner rather than later.]

I have also made a start on a jacket for a baby, as I seem to know quite a few people who are either pregnant, or just had babies. I'm on the raglan shaping of the left front already. The annoying thing about the yarn, however, is that it is a "doughnut" ball...and they, essentially, collapse as you knit from them...so I have asked Barbara on the yarn and haberdashery stall to please get hold of a "yarn holder" for me.

I have also been browsing the Elann site, and am quite interested in the pinwheel jacket, and have sorted out yarn to make a baby one. Ironic, seeing as I was looking at the shawl patterns, as I feel the need to have a shawl project ticking along.

Jumper back

2010-02-04T15:11:00.000-08:00

I pulled the jumper back ...back to the vast colour change, and picked up stitches. Then re worked .
It looks a lot better now. I feel happy about finishing the jumper off. I would have re-knitted the entire back if necessary. The someone special who is getting this jumper is VERY special to me

Jumper for someone special

2010-02-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

I have finished the second sleeve, but am debating whether to knit the back again...due to the hugely different shade band .......
I could just rove back to the join, and use a more compatible wool..am seriously unhappy about the vastly colour change.
Suggestions please!

Update on jumper for loved one

2010-01-21T15:12:00.000-08:00

The yarn I am using is Sirdar Peru, and "the beauty of this yarn is that the colour changes within each ball"
Problem solved...I haven't made a horrendous mistake, it is the yarn I am using.
Ah well!
I have started the front now, and hope to get plenty of work done on it this weekend.

Jumper for a loved one

2010-01-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

I have finished the back of the jumper I am currently working on, for my loved one. However tonight I noticed that there are "bands" of different colour!
I checked all the ball bands in a panic!..Perhaps I had got a mix of dye lots!

Nope! All the balls of wool have exactly the same dye lot...perhaps this is why the wool has been reduced in price? I don't know. I will post a picture of the back tomorrow...and start on the front. I just hope that if I wash the jumper when it is finished the colour will become uniform.

Got it right this time!

2010-01-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

Eventually I have got it right. The earflap hat! On the pattern there are 3 versions. I was making the man' version, and wondering why it was working out wrong. Wrong yarn/needles combo. It is always experimental changing USA patterns to UK ones.

However, I have got the size right!!!!!! Yay!!!!

The only thing missing now is a BIG pompom on the top, as Oliver says it HAS to have one.

Scarf finish

2010-01-10T08:31:00.000-08:00

I have just finished the scarf I pictured on my last post.

Above is my bear modelling it. I have to weave the ends in, but that won't take long. I also had to add other grey-ish shades in but the changes are subtle, and not offensive. I rather think the scarf suits Growlum Ursa. It was fun to knit, and probably wider than should be, as it was a USA pattern and I substituted yarn, that said I am still happy with the result, and don't really think it matters on a scarf, so long as the scarf is long enough, wide enough and warm enough. And it fits all three categories. One of Samantha's workmates took a liking to the scarf I made for her and commented that "your Mum can knit me a funky scarf if she wants!" I told Samantha to tell him, get me some yarn and I might do. lol

Next project, am not sure? Will do some cross stitch on the UFO I abandoned because of bad light...or in cricketing terms "bad light stopped play". Also a colleague has left on maternity leave, baby due end of January, and I want to make someone special a jumper.

And, after viewing a spinning video for a second time have worked out that I wasn't doing anything wrong, and the yarn does not wrap itself around the spindle, so who knows, maybe I will be using hand-spun yarn soon?

Blue cardigan finish and "do you know what it is yet?"

2010-01-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

I have finished my blue cardigan...unfortunately mohair blends don't photograph well. But it does fit perfect...... I remembered that my arms were longer than average...so adjusted the sleeves.

I love this cardigan!

I also started a scarf....won't say who for...but that is what the other photo is of......I am quite pleased with the result!

New trend?

2010-01-08T03:54:00.000-08:00

I have just read this "news" story.
I'm sorry, but all us "fidgetters" know that knitting is unique, likewise sewing. That is why we sew, knit crochet, etc. In order to produce clothing and other items that are unique, as even if two people use the same knitting pattern, nine times out of ten they will select different yarns, so get different looking results.
One other thing, us "fidgetters" are more likely to experiment and create something completely unique.
I'm sorry, but just because a "celebrity" picks up a pair of knitting needles we hear about it, bet we don't hear about their mistakes!
Can we please have some real news for a change, after all, will it make the front page if Madonna drops a stitch?

Neckband done

2010-01-04T14:22:00.000-08:00

The neckband of blue cardigan is now done.
It took me quite some time to track down one of the fronts.
I looked everywhere it should be....no luck!
Then I looked where I didn't expect it to be, and I found it.
Have just cast off neckband, just front bands to do now.......but am going to see Sherlock Holmes with Oliver tomorrow.

Second sleeve complete

2010-01-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

I have just finished the second sleeve of the cardigan I am working on.
Tomorrow I will sew the shoulder seams and pick up the stitches around the neck. I don't know if I will manage to pick up and knit the button bands though.
I will take a photo tomorrow so that you can see my progress though.

Progress

2010-01-02T12:49:00.000-08:00

I have made a New Year resolution to show any "craft" progress or blog about it each day.
As well as finishing the sleeve that I started yesterday, I have made Chicken Dopiazi tonight, using all the spices, rather than a jar of mix.

Nearly there

2010-01-02T12:47:00.001-08:00

I have knitted the first sleeve and am now working on the second sleeve of the blue cardigan from Wednesday, 28 October 2009's post. I made the sleeve in a day, and I went into Lancaster for things as well!
I hope to have a finished product by this time next week.

A very long scarf

2010-01-01T13:24:00.000-08:00

I gave all the other scarves away, then Samantha was looking for them, so I made her one.It's "shag" from Lynne Barr's Knitting New Scarves. However I couldn't get the triangles all on the same side of the scarf, don't know why.

This one is around 6ft long, at least as Samantha said she wanted a long scarf.

The photo is a little blurry. The yarn is Brushstrokes by Stylecraft, the colourway is Storm Cloud.

Fleece hats

2009-12-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

Have been busy with my sewing machine today. As well as finishing the three shopping bags off, I made three fleece hats as well. They have a home to go to...and have been made with love for the recipient.

I hope they keep him warm in the winter months.

Re-useable shopping bags

2009-12-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

This one has fairy tale princesses on it

This one farm animals with their names in English and French.

This one the fabric is inspired by old fashioned cardboard dressing dolls

And here's a shot of all three of them.

I keep making these and they seem to find new homes elsewhere.

I have got to the stage where remembering to take at least one with me when I go out has almost become automatic.

Made from Swatches of curtain material they last much longer than plastic carrier bags. I have been asked why I don't sell them. If someone wanted some making, I would. I had to make a few more, as I gave some of the one's I keep in my car boot to a colleague who had gone into Asda without her stash of carrier bags.

I think they are rather jolly, and usually cause comment at the supermarket checkout.

Sorry

2009-12-22T21:39:00.000-08:00

I meant to send you tonight's episode of Robin Hood...1 and 1/2 hours to get off car park

Wrong size...then wrong size again!

2009-12-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

I have been knitting ...or trying to knit, an earflap hat for Oliver. I thought I had used the pattern I used earlier this year, but, after two attempts, it is obvious I didn't use the pattern I thought I did. I do remember writing down somewhere what I had done, but can I find it?

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The first attempt came out too small, so I have finished it off for a work colleague's son, think he's 3 in January. The second mistake one...I think I will pull back...as it is too long and still too small, excellent if your head is the same shape as a police helmet...lol.

The hat should look like the picture....but as I have said, one is too small, and one too long.

I'll try again an see if I can get it right a third time. The reason I am knitting Oliver another hat is because he has misplaced the black one in the picture above, and wants a hat to keep his head warm. My friend would like me to make him a hat as well, so I will try to sort out this week, and the spiral scarf can go on the backburner for a few days.

A finish!

2009-11-29T11:54:00.000-08:00

I have finished one of the cardigans I have been knitting, the grey one, it seemed to take forever to knit the front band, as it was knitted all in one, almost 500 sts.

I'm quite pleased with the result, this is the first time I have made anything large for quite sometime. It does need pressing, but otherwise I'm very pleased with how it has tu

rned out, must be almost 16 years since I have knitted anything like a cardigan for myself.

Food fidgetting...plus a big bag of lovely yarns

2009-11-25T13:25:00.000-08:00

Whilst at work today I was providing technical help in a food lesson. The product being baked was carrot cake, it set me thinking, I don't know why...possibly because some pupils said they didn't like carrots. If you can use carrots, why not parsnips?

So tonight I tried my own variation out. A picture of the finished muffins is up from this. You wouldn't know unless told what ingredients had gone into them....but they are delicious, and both Sam and Edwin like them.

The big bag of lovely yarns is from Kemps...a smashing variety of yarns that I will probably use for more scarves.......Perhaps I should try to sell some of them?

Not finished?

2009-11-16T13:31:00.001-08:00

While I've been ill I have been knitting something less taxing, short rows, etc.

However, I've nearly run out of the jade coloured mohair mix, am wondering whether to cast off at the end of the ball and use as a trim on another future project, or should I change colour? I have white and cerise that are the exact same yarn make up.

I'd like some input, I am tempted to join on the other colours.

Grey Cardigan

2009-11-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

The grey cardigan that I showed in my last blog is now in the final stages. However, as I have swine flu progress will be slow...there are almost 500 sts on the front band. It's all scrunched up at the mo. Am not fidgetting much at the moment as I keep dozing.
I might tackle a tiny project that will not need so much concentration.

Larger projects

2009-10-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted for while, for a couple of reasons. I have been working on larger projects, also, I haven't been so well so progress has been slower than usual.

The top picture is a chunky knit cardigan in stocking stitch, so quite quick to work. As you can see I have almost finished the second front. This pattern is odd to me, as I am used to knitting the back of a garment first, then the fronts, then the sleeves.

The lower picture is of a double knit cardigan with cables, at one point I couldn't find my regular cable needles and was using a plastic bent needle, which totally annoyed me. I was quite happy when Shadow's teeth found it. Just glad she didn't hurt herself on it.

I will post pictures of the finished cardigans, as soon as they are done. I have also cut out two aprons for my Mum, and am going to make some reusable shopping bags for her, for her birthday. It was yesterday, but she's in France right now, so I have a few days grace.

I am considering starting a seasonal cross stitch project, but don't want to bog myself down too much.

still fidgetting

2009-09-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't stopped making things, just the stuff I have been working on lately is bigger than the small projects of late. Will post photos when they look something like.

Octopus

2009-09-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

This took me a little longer to make than I anticipated. I think the main reason for that was that my TV went on the blink, so I watched programmes online, and watching online isn't very well paired with knitting. I'm quite pleased with the result, however if I tackle another I might plump for a size smaller needle to give a firmer fabric.

Bent cable needles?

2009-09-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

Would anyone like these two bent cable needles I have?
They were free with a magazine. I presumed that they were easier to use. Maybe they are if you are new to Aran and cables. But I'm not...I made my ex a four ply cricket type jumper....all in Aran stitches. The bent cables slow you down if you are a confident Aran/cable knitter, although I can see how they help a beginner. No chance of dropping the cabled stitches.
Anyway...I'm serious..anyone who would like these...they can have them. They are blue plastic, one for work up to about 5mm size needles, and one for thicker work.

Working on a UFO

2009-09-02T08:53:00.001-07:00

I haven't been lazy since I finished the shawlette last week. After washing it etc. I started to sew some beads on it, but they were quite frankly too clunky and looked numb. Luckily I'd only sewed two on when I decided this.
On the needles at the moment is a cardigan, and I'm making an amigurumi.
I have got three pairs of trousers to turn up for Becki, Edwin's gf, have done one, two to go. I won't share a picture of that. I'm also making myself a couple of very simple underskirts, a bit like a dirndl skirt in grey anti stat lining.
The UFO I am currently working on is one of giraffes, will post on here when I finished. I joined a UFO blog, to "spur" me along. The blog is called "I've started so I'll finish...eventually"
Think that's about it.
I get The Knitter magazine monthly, and follow a couple of knitting blogs. It's nice to see what other people are doing. One blog said how difficult Kitchener Stitch is...for a seamless finish. So I searched for a video. There were quite a few, but this one is fairly simple and only 2 and 1/2 minutes long.

5 to 10 in the evening. I've done the other two pairs of trousers, done a bit of mending, and only have to thread elastic around the underskirts. No photos, cos there's nothing worth taking a photo of, at the moment.

Shawlette

2009-08-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight I cast this off, wove the ends in and washed it as the pattern says. It is now drying on a towel. I am deciding whether to attach beads to the points, as they aren't obvious at the moment. I love the shape of it. As I said on a previous post, this is from a "one skein" book. The ball of wool I used had more yardage than the one specified, but I had to scour the web for a second one of the same shade. I must have knitted looser or something.
However, I am really pleased with the shape of it. The rest of the second ball will be used to make gloves in a few weeks I think.
I have almost completed all the projects I wrote down at the start of the summer break, so am quite happy. The back bedroom project is slow, but part of the reason for that is because I had to pay the excess after I was run into in my car at the start of the holidays.

In the picture Spark is inspecting my work, I just put it on the floor for ease whilst taking the photo. I will take another picture tomorrow after it has dried, and after beads are attached, if I decide it needs them.

Big Fidgetting

2009-08-16T04:52:00.000-07:00

It is now over 8 years since I moved in here.

What with one thing or another I have not been able to finish the decorating. [The whole house needed doing]

The stairs and one bedroom have not been done. However, Edwin is moving bedrooms into the one that is not finished, but not until it is finished. I finished doing the painting last year, but as I said above, due to ill health, I have not finished.

This has annoyed me, as I hate not being able to do things I used to do without thinking twice about. So, yesterday I put up the baton for the curtain rail, the curtain rail, and the curtains. With Edwin and Becki's help. When I finished I was ready for a rest.

This morning I stained the wood of the floor to ceiling cupboard frame, prior to putting in shelves, filling in the sides and attaching doors. Once that is done, it should swallow most of the stuff that needs storing. Some I might put in plastic boxes with lids, and try to store in what little loft space I have.

The pictures show the curtains, and part of the cupboard frame, stained. [For some reason the second picture hasn't taken, mind you, tiz only blue stained wood.]

I have been continuing with knitting as well, and have two projects on the needles at the moment.

Catch up post

2009-08-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Have been a busy bee while I was without my car and pc.

I made more Barbie ballgowns, and a couple of scarves, (3 actually, but one is like one I have made before,) and started a shawlette, see previous post.

I made Easy wave, but did it wrong, so I have renamed "corrugated" and "Linked Rib", the third one was another "striped Wedges" but done as a rainbow.

Perhaps I should just show the pictures, there isn't one of the rainbow, as I have knitted the exact same thing before.

Wrong chart?

2009-08-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

I have been without my car and pc for the past few days.
I have knitted and read quite a lot.
I did start a lace weight shawl from Luxury Yarn One Skein Wonders by Judith Durant. However after the set up rows I started on chart A, and although I have never knitted a shawl before I just knew the chart must be wrong, as the yarn overs and ssk and k2 togs were not falling correctly.
So, I pulled it off the needles and started all over again.
I'm just about to go to bed, but thought I would check if there were any erratum/corrections for the book, and guess what? Yes! you're right! The shawl I has started had some mistakes in the chart. I have knitted lace patterns on jumpers before today, and could just see it was going wrong. I have printed out the correction, fingers crossed the pattern will look right now.

New Wave scarf

2009-07-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

Have finished the "New Wave" scarf from the previous post, only I am going to rename it "corrugated", as when I looked carefully, the waves are supposed to be on alternate sides of the scarf, mine are all on the same side, and because I have made in a brown yarn, it looks a little like corrugated cardboard to me. Also it has only worked out "muffler" length, so it will definitely be a Yule gift for the person I have in mind.

Ah well! Will have to try again.

So, that's another scarf from Knitting New Scarves, but gone slightly wrong.

Work in progress [aka WIP]

2009-07-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

Today I went into Lancaster. Got black fabric to make the tie skirt. I have to unpick the ties now, and construct the skirt.

I have also done a "swatch" of "carumboa" from Knitting New Scarves, and made a start on a experimental version of "Easy Wave"...both from the Knitting New Scarves book.

Sorry one pic is fuzzy. I have to make 44 of those for the Carmuboa scarf.

Spiral scarf

2009-07-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

I finished this last night, but things got a little out of hand and I have only just made the tassels for it.

The yarn used is Rio by James C Brett, the colour is Meadow. The spirals are created by short row shaping. The pattern requires that you only knit it 16"18" between spirals, I made it longer, as I knew I had enough yarn to do this, and I wanted the scarf to be able to wrapped around the neck once completely.

It was loads of fun to knit. The upper photo is a closer look at the spiral.

Another rainbow

2009-07-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

I have just finished this rainbow scarf. It's an adaptation of one of the scarves in Lynne Barr's book, Knitting New Scarves. It's the second one I have made. I gave the first one away, then decided that I would like one for myself.

Three more ballgowns

2009-07-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

I had a look around in my stash, and found enough to do more of the ballgowns. There may be more to follow. I definitely want to knit another rainbow, Carumboa, and,,think is called "twisted"

May also knit some little bunnies I have a pattern for. Only around 2 inches high and very cute

Up date on enrichment

2009-07-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

The pupils were totally stumped by knitting. I think perhaps one-to-one tuition is the best way. They did however produce some cross stitch, and out of 10 pupils, 5 took Aida, threads and a needle home to be "creative" with.
I think next year I will stick to assisting an activity.

Flapper and ball gowns

2009-07-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest "creations".

Flapper, is the scarf, again, from Knitting New Scarves by Lynne Barr, and the ballgowns are from a calendar that Blue sent to me for Yule. I don't have a Barbie doll, I did have a Sindy when I was young, but she was a real proportions Sindy, not like today's supermodel ones. I might make a few more ballgowns, as they are quick to make, and I think might actually sell at the right price.

In Lynne Barr's book the Flapper scarf is in black and grey, I chose a variegated pale colour for the main shade, and black for the flaps, so that when the flaps, do flap, they reveal something unexpected. The paler picture shows the reverse of flapper. There were loads of ends to weave in, but well worth it.

Enrichment at school

2009-07-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

On Thursday and Friday of this week I am "leading" an enrichment activity at the school where I work.
Enrichment is when the pupils and teachers are off timetable, the teachers/staff offer activities and the pupils choose to take part.
On Thursday and Friday of this week I am "leading" an activity, I seriously hope it goes well, and if it does, I really don't mind turning it into a once a month after-school activity for the pupils.
More on Friday evening.
Apparently several of the pupils are looking forward to the activity.

T-shirt

2009-07-04T15:01:00.001-07:00

Am not entirely happy with this t-shirt, as the neck is a little saggy. Think I will look for something to add to neckline to make it look better. If I find something, I will post a picture.

Have also started another scarf from the lovely "Knitting New Scarves" book. This time I am knitting "Flapper"

Aria scarf

2009-07-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

I finished this last night, and I love it to bits, but a work colleague is leaving in a couple of weeks, and emigrating to Canada. I thought as I finished this that she would like it.

Am very sorry I made her blush when I gave it to her, but there was only one other person present. I wish her all my best in Canada, and I will definitely miss her.

I'll have to knit myself another one, as I really like the result.

I made this one in two fancy yarns, an eyelash and a "straggly" one. The scarf is violet, but the photos may not show that.

There are photos of the yarn used, and the finished scarf.

A quick project

2009-06-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

I don't know why it took me so long to get around to making these. Someone at work was admiring my pinny, [apron,] and asked me to make a waist one for her Mum. Mine is a full length one.

It didn't take that long once I applied myself, I suppose that just shows how down I have been.

I made two of them, the one in the photo is folded in four lengthwise.

Another bag and a blanket

2009-06-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

I promised Blue that I would make a messenger bag from the denim and UJ material as she gave the last one I sent to her friend India. The bag with Mickey Mouse inside it is the one Blue gave to India.

The blanket has been "ongoing" for ages, when I had spare chunky yarn I would knit a leaf, that's why it's a bit random. I made it because each of my children have a double knit version of this that I made them before they were born. They call them the "baby Bu@@&*" blankets. [That isn't a swear word, just not putting the surname down, am sure you understand.] They kept commenting how it would be nice to snuggle under one when they are ill. If they curl up, they'll be able to.

A few things finished at once.

2009-06-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

I've not had a mad burst of activity, just several things all seem to have been finished at once.

At the top there is another scarf from the Knitting New Scarves book. Both yarns were supposed to be the same thickness, and it's obvious they aren't, however they are different textures so make it interesting. I only had a small amount of the colourful yarn, so it is only "muffler" length. I will be knitting another in more suitable yarn, but I like experimenting, so that was fun.

The second picture is Cookie Monster, I saw a crocheted version of him on Craftster, and decided to try to make my own knitted version. The only thing I'm not happy with are the eyes, as they are a little on the small side, but as I used long eyelash type yarn, it's practically impossible to pull back.

Third picture is of stitch markers I made , for when I decide to knit something other than a scarf, that might have a pattern, or I may need to mark the stitches in some way. I'm really happy how they have turned out, and intend to look for some larger rings to make some for thicker gauge needles.

The last thing there is a rucksack and purse that I have made for Blue. I am still making the messenger bag. [There was enough fabric for all three, and I think I still have some spare.] Putting the eyelets through the top stumped me at first as they just didn't want to be put in, then they just did. I did have to pre-punch the holes though, as they went in through at least 2, maybe 3 layers of good quality denim.

New blog, just for crafty stuff

2009-06-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

I seem to be creating quite a few things lately.
So.....I thought I'd create a blog solely for the purpose of sharing what I've been up to craft wise.
I've called it Fidgetty fingers, as that is what my Mum used to say I have when I was young.

A bit more about me and what I like to do.
I grew up around people constantly creating things, from wool, fabric, food ingredients, and other mediums, and I suppose it has rubbed off on me.
I knit, embroider, [mainly cross stitch,] can crochet, but in a very unconventional way with conventional results. Love sewing, and have recently purchased an embellishing machine, have had a go at jewellery making and bead weaving.
In the kitchen I have made most things, and love trying out new recipes.
I don't do as much jam making and pickling as I did when my children were younger, but I don't think you forget how to do those things.
I've also made home made wine.

This is the only photo-less post I will be making on this blog, as I intend to use it as a record.