The penguin with the pointy sticks

Keep that stash tidy

Well that's certainly what I have to do if I'm to keep up with my "smug" stashmistress image in the latest Let's Get Crafting magazine (out 9 March 2012) where I pop up extolling the virtues of Ravelry as a stash control tool.

 

 

 

Making Monday 2: In need of a finishing Friday

Right now I don't have any problem with the making but finishing anything seems quite far off right now which has lead to a bad case of startitis.

The problem is in part due to making two lace projects on very small needles which inevitably take ages. 

There's the cotton tunic...

...  and the cobweb weight Shetland Lace stole (beautiful but a couple of centimeters takes a long time).

Then there is the pink T-shirt, I cast on so had knitting to take to  Belfast to see Mum. Although knitting needles should be allowed through UK airports, I find it best to have my project on interchangeable circulars so I can separate the ends before going through security. Neither of the tiny projects qualified and so something else had to be cast on.

I did cast off on item recently - a summer cardigan. Unfortunately I then lost the buttons (now found) just as I was ready to sew them on. 

Then there's a skirt to sew up, and some fused glass to mount into jewellery.

Enough to keep me occupied you'd think. But I had an idea of how a lovely skein of Nimu lace would make the perfect but it had to beaded - and then I saw the perfect beads to replace nupps in an Estonian pattern and now I really want to experiment.

And then I have the perfect yarn to make the cover pattern from the latest edition of The Knitter - a real tempter because of it's unusual centre out construction.

I will be strong.

I will make this Friday a finishing day.

And right now I'll make myself some dinner.

The Knitter 31: I wouldn't have done it like that

Don't you just hate people who look at something you've done and say very nice but I'd have done it like this. So my apologies to the team at The Knitter because that is the conclusion I've reached about this issue.

At first glance I dismissed the magazine as a bit disappointing this month but in some cases I now wonder if it is the styling and colour choices rather than some of the patterns that may be causing that effect.

The most unfortunate victim is Susan Crawford's Anyone for tennis? This cross over front 4ply slipover has a herring bone texture but you can hardly see it. Plus it looks lumpy worn over a striped puff-sleeved frilly blouse. Like many of the patterns this month I look forward to seeing this on Ravelry as other people use different colours and photograph it in other ways.

I have a similar issue with Amanda Crawford's Neopolitan. Picture captions refer to the waist shaping on this sleeveless v-neck top but it is hard to see when worn over a square necked, layered dress. Of course pistachio with lemon and red drop stitch embellishment was never a colour combination that I was going to fall love with. But I think that somewhere here there is a pretty summer top if you can get past the first impression.

The cover pattern Bonbon, like some other Jean Moss magazine pattern, will definitely divide opinion due to the colour choices. Whether or not you like pink and kiwi , the combination of eyelets with a little fair isle detail on the shoulders and feminine shaping does work in this cardigan - although I'm not sure if it will sit well over a large bust due to the old button straining issue.

I've already come across comments on the green and pink double-sided spotty kid's jacket, Toasted Teacake, mainly on the colour. I'm certain my little niece will love this fun piece from Rosee Woodland. It's also a technical challenge using the double knitting technique - which isn't as scary as it sounds.

Headland, a cotton aran cable-patterned t-shirt with shawl collar from Martin Storey, photographs well and has attractive but not to difficult honeycomb cables. So if you wear cotton aran cable-patterned t-shirts this could be a winner. By contrast I can't say how well Sarah Hatton's Dunstan, a DK alpaca slipover, works because it hasn't photgraphed well at all.

And finally a mention for Lightening, another lovely lace shawl from Anniken Allis.I'd recommend it for anyone wanting to take on their first large lace piecebecause the pattern repeat is straight forward to follow and "read" in your knitting.

Knitting 89: Don't judge it by the cover

As a magazine editor, I know only too well that choosing your cover and "selling" your content is one of the toughest jobs for each issue. Sometimes they just don't work, May's issue of Knitting being a case in point. 

If I wasn't a subscriber or a regular reader I wouldn't be attracted by the main image which doesn't flatter what turns out to be a glamorous long line wrap cardigan. The "cocktail colours, bright summer knits" with it's multicoloured text makes me think scary colour work in acrylic brights shades,  completely at odds with the subtle and sensuous patterns within.

So I'm very glad I'm a subscriber because I did open the issue and discovered much to love in shapely dresses and flowing tunics - much more cocktail hour than cocktail colour.

I'd add that my favourite garment in the whole magazine isn't on the cover but there was a picture on the blog so I am able to point you in the right direction.

 Amanda Jones' cocktail dress is chic and smart, and exactly the pattern I've been looking for. I have a large amount of silk merino mix DK yarn (similar to the Louisa Harding Grace the pattern calls for) that I purchased with to make a dress but for which I've failed to find the right pattern.

This though could be the one - lots of shaping with the A-line skirt should be flattering.The textures add to the sophistication of the dress and will add to the interest in the making. Worth the cover price alone this month.

Until I shift some extra padding developed during an injury enforced exercise ban, I also think the Jones dress will suit me better than the second one this month. The ruched sleeved dress (see gallery below) from Pat Menchini is a plain stocking-stitch column in DK with short textured sleeves. It will be very sexy on anyone without excessive lumps and bumps but that amount of stocking stitch could put some people off. But I would say go for it. Handknit dresses can be very eye-catching in the right way. 

If you are after some looser stylishness then there is a lace sleeve tunic and kimono both from Sian Brown.

 As I've noted before, mohair divides knitters and the silk/mohair mix for the lace sleeve tunic (bottom left) will be no exception. It will give this a-line tunic a lot softness and lightness but the hairiness won't be to everyone's taste. I'm wondering the lace bell sleeves and flowing stocking stitch body would work in a smoother laceweight. (If you do love mohair, the stashbuster project is mohair leg warmers this month).

Kimono is the victim of the unflattering cover. In reality it is lace-edged long line wrapover jacket/cardigan. Made here in a red bamboo DK it will either be dramatic and elegant or look like you are out in your dressing gown depending on your shape and the panache with which you carry off belted knitwear.

I'm more likely to go for Peggy, a Sublime pattern for a sleeveless waist length draping top.Made in bamboo and pearl (yes, pearl sourced viscose) yarn it is plain but shapely apart from a little reverse stocking stitch texture above the bust and a clever twisted neckline. A useful summer top for over a pair of capris with pretty sandals. And as a quick knit with a touch of style it would be a good option for someone wanting the knit their first summer top.

 I've no pattern of doom this month but two I'm in two minds about.

I know ruffles are on trend but I'm not convinced by the hip ruff effect of Martin Storey's Bell Frill Cardigan - the rear view picture in the magazine is not what I'd think of as a good look - unless you are a 1970s tennis player. One frill perhaps on this otherwise shapely cotton cardigan?

Another candidate for adaption is the gold edged top (below), from Alison Robson, is a draping loose sleeveless top. It's pretty and simple with a lace edge. I'm just not sure why that edging is in the contrasting gold but then I'm one for stark glitzy contrasts.

Over all Knitting remains on form so don't be put off by the cover.  

 

The Knitter 30: Lace Therapy

Do you buy knitting patterns for the articles or the patterns? 

Normally I'd say the patterns every time but with this month's The Knitter, it is all about the articles.  There are some patterns I'll highlight below (I'm not a fan of sleeveless pullovers and cardies) but there are two feature articles that push all the buttons for me and make up for this not being my favourite pattern-wise.

Stitchlinks is a project I already follow but was pleased to read more about it. Founded by Betsan Corkhill, Stitchlinks is all about the therapeutic aspects of knitting and how it can help people with long term health issues.

As someone whose professional life brings into contact with social workers and the social care system and having an ancestor who was an occupational therapy pioneer this is of particular interest to me but I think most knitters will be interested in what Betsan has to say. Knitting and other crafts can have an impact on how we experience pain, our sense of worth and our mood including how we deal with stress. I for one will say that if I'm having a difficult day at work, spending lunchtime in a coffee shop with my knitting can clear my head and help me find positive solutions. Betsan writes about these many effects and how colour and texture can have an impact on people - the silk wool cable project above makes me feel better - something that all knitters could relate to. 

One thing that makes me feel good - perhaps because of the sense of achievement - is lace. So I welcome the opportunity to learn more about the Shetland Fine Lace Project which is about maintaining the craftwoman's skills and heritiage associated with the finest of hand knits.

It is also about educating people about the amount of work and craft knowledge that goes into each lace item. The scarves and shawls (like the one left) are sold through the Shetland Museum if you want to find out more.

Meanwhile I haven't many highlight patterns this month which I suppose balances out those issues where I want to cast on absolutely everything, but there are still highlights.

I have a young niece and I think I can guarantee that at some point she will own a Child's Sweater with a Cat Pattern by Kari Haugen. It's a Norwegian colourwork item in DK that features whole cats on the body and cat faces on the sleeves. Think Sara Lund with cats for a 4-year-old.

I'm also hoping my other half will like the subtly striped Ease man's jumper in cotton/silk DK by Brandon Mably - the stripes will make all that stocking stitch for a man-size  garment interesting and I think it would suit him.

For me a simple textured and fitted 4-ply sweater may well prove the answer for some of the summer yarn in my stash. Lilium by Vladmira Cmorejova fits the bill - reverse stocking stitch with lines of twisted rib and beads of leaf design it will make a simple spring/summer top.

Hayworth is classic Sarah Hatton - a simple but effective cropped cardigan with a romantic Jane Austen look, this time in aran. A quick knit simmer cover up and good choice as a first cardigan for a beginner.

And finally a stashbusting gem from Ann Kingstone - long fingerless 4py lacy gauntlets with bobbles that give them their name, Pearl. 

Knitting 88: A little bit of vintage heaven

The Orient Express gives the theme for this vintage-rich collection of classic patterns and articles. Regular readers may have realised I have a bit of a vintage obsession (note my recent distractions during the BBC's South Riding), so Knitting 88's 1930s inspirations were guaranteed to get a thumbs up from one regular reader at least.

Especially with an interview with vintage knitter to the stars Lise-Lotte Lystrup and a technique feature on adapting lace stitch patterns.

But to be honest I would have been happy with just the pattern pictured here. I want to cast-on the DK Round Yoke Sweater (left) from Bergere de France right now and am mentally reviewing my stash as I write. The small of set collar, ribbed circular yoke and lace body and sleeves are right out of a Poirot or Marple TV adaptation (and yes I an distracted by knitwear in those too) and it would look great with a tweed skirt or wide legged trousers. Those same construction attributes make it an interesting knit - expect it on a penguin very soon.

Sian Brown's Sailor Top is another classic - hip length, striped cotton DK stocking stitch with a v-neck and draping collar tie. It is a simple, familiar design that would work in a range of colour combinations.

Different colourways are also worth thinking about for Tina Barrett's Beaded Bolero. Produced here in a deep purple alpaca DK with gold beads  this pretty puff sleeved tie neck fastening garment has an evening look, but a lighter shade with pearlised beads would transform it to a summer day time cover up. It may even be worth considering whether there is a suitable cotton yarn.

Wavy Lacy Cardigan from Fiona Morris is another handy DK option for our summers. Long line, with a slight tunic shape and simple lace panels, it will look good loose or belted over a simple cotton summer dress.

Images from the magazine's online preview

 A quick mention for Alison Pierce's lacy Simplon Cape - Miss Marple would love it but I'm not sure if I'm a cape person. But it is made with possum yarn which is something I've just discovered.

And for a bit of fun how about a Chinese inspired colour work felted carpet bag. Not something I'd usually think of but I'm rather taken with Jeanette Sloan's Orient Doctor's Bag.

 Of course I don't love everything. Suzie Lee's Dogtooth Skirt is pretty much what it says on the tin and depends on how you feel about knitted skirts.

The Fairy Leaves Shrug from Nicky Epstein gave me more pause for thought. In the pictures this is simple shrug with gathered sleeves but then I realised it was made up of rectangular lace panels joined together. This to me always has an element of risk because if you don't get the tension of your joins even and are v careful with your blocking there is a strong chance that you will have gathering and bagging in the final garment.

But these are minor quibbles compared to Martin Storey's Pimpernel - when I tried to describe it all I came up with was a baby blanket with a hole in the middle in Kidsilk Haze so thankfully I found a picture.

Why oh why?

Knitting 87: French style

After a gap (blame a mixture of a skiing injury and a frail relative) I'm returning to reviewing the knitting mags that land on my doormat regularly. The reviews are useful for me to keep track of the patterns I like and I hope may be helpful for others as well.

And so to Knitting's Springtime in Paris issue (March 2011) - a look at summer fashion trends paired with a range of chic fitted jacket patterns which will work well over spring and summer outfits. The fashion write ups are interesting enough but I read Vogue at the hairdresser's and buy this mag for its patterns.

What's to love

Fitted Bolero by Tina Barrett -  a very simple cropped, cutaway bolero with couple of buttons and a neat collar. It is a simple DK, stocking stitch garment that should probably go in the classics file. It will work this year and in the future as a smart summer cover up.

Martin Storey's Home Cardigan (main cover pic) continues the cropped jacket styling. The front of this more box-shaped, collared   
cardie features ruffles and checked colour work. I'd probably leave the ruffles out but there is one thing that might put me off. It's knitted in Rowan Demin which shrinks on washing - it makes adapting patterns difficult.

Having a classic striped Breton Top pattern, like the one from Sian Brown, can't be a bad idea. Especially with a little shaping as in this version. A lot of DK stocking stitch but the stripes would stop it becoming too dull.

Simple and classic are words often used to describe French style. This is certainly the case here with so many plain stocking stitch designs in DK. The Classic White Shirt, also from Sian Brown, meets these criteria and is exactly what the name suggests - a shirt shaped top. It will look fab if you are tall and willowy.

Sian Brown's third pattern Moss Stitch Blazer in cotton is a smart jacket with contrast trim is smart and classic but I wonder how well it will keep its shape over time.

 Not so sure

Even as a laceaholic planning 11 shawls in 2011 I'm ambivilant about the Daisy and Drop Leaf Scarf by Amanda Jones, despite the fabulous scarlet Malabrigo Lace it's knitted in here. I like the central leaf pattern but I don't think it sits well with the daisy eyelet outer panels which have too much solid stocking stitch for me. I'll keep the pattern though and think about changing the daisy panels.

 The Fitted Jacket and Beret by Judy Furlong puzzles me. Despite being yet more plain stocking stitch, it has a complex construction with lots of shaping and facing to give the full jacket effect. Yet the picture doesn't sell it to me,  looking lumpy and shapeless. The collarless, double-breasted efect should work but somehow isn't grabbing me.

The Origin Bergere Parisienne Sweater is a real catwalk creation - unwearable in the real world. A fitted jumper with a massive cowl neck that folds back over the shoulders, it looks like the model is half mummified.

Lacy Shrug by Sirdar - this I can't find anything good to say about this. It is an odd shape with Vs at the back and front and blousing over the bust.

 

One women went to Knit Nation...

... and came home with many lovely things

Knit Nation at Imperial College in London was a great pleasure to attend.

Among the best things were meeting people I'd only previously spoken to online and the compliments from complete strangers about a knitted cotton top I was wearing.

It was Never Fails to Please from Jane Waller and Susan Crawford's A Stitch in Time and even Susan who was signing her new book seemed to think it was a good job.  

I also met hat designer Woolly Wormhead and the lovely Ysolda Teague as well as having a good rummage around the fabulous range of yarns from mainly smaller suppliers.

But it wasn't just the big names - the place was full of happy and enthusiastic knitters who were keen to chat about yarn, projects, books etc with complete strangers, exchanging Ravelry names as they went.

Given I'm trying to close the doors on the stash cupboard I was trying to be restrained on the yarn buying side so only purchased a skein of black rainbow 4ply from Babylonglegs which will become a baby hoodie for the expected niece/nephew and some fab deep pink Knitwitches Seriously Gorgeous Laceweight silk/cashmere.

But then I won some Old Maiden Aunt turquoise 4ply along with some lovely rosewood needles, cable pins and seaming pins in the Medicins Sans Frontieres p/hop project's raffle.

If you don't know about p/hop;it is a charity fundraising scheme where knitters can download patterns or collect them from shows like Knit Nation and donate based on how they value the pattern. P/hop means pennies for hours of pleasure - and given the lovely patterns designers have donated to the scheme there is plenty to be had.

And if all that wasn't enough I also managed to attend an Advance Lace Knitting workshop with designer Anne Hanson which left me enthusiastic and confident and raring to go on more complex lace projects (family should be prepared for the scarf and shawl avalanche).

And then there were the lovely free books from my Knitting magazine subscription.

Great day out - well done to the organisers. I can't wait for next year.

 

Can't get it out of my head

Since I started my search for a new knitting magazine to subscribe to and took a look at my first copy of Knitting, my thoughts have continued to return to two little cardies that seem perfect for me, so on spotting a yarn offer today I've added to my bulging stash but at least this time with a definite purpose.

So for the delicate Alice I have some Araucania Ranco Multy.

And for Kelly some Sublime Soya DK

Stash diet, what stash diet?

Looking for the perfect knitting magazine

At the moment I subscribe to The Knitter and Simply Kntting, two monthly magazines from Future Publishing. The Knitter provides challenging patterns and plenty of discussions on technicalities and design but recently I've been finding the contents, and particularly the patterns, a bit samey. There are only so many pretty DK cardies and Alan Dart toy patterns I need in my life.

It's time for a change so I took a wander into WH Smith to see what I could find. 

Let's Knit was the first I picked up and put down again. The problem was that the cover was almost completely obscured by the free yarn, and the free hat pattern that went with it, so I had no idea what was in the magazine. A look at the website hasn't given me any better idea so it didn't make the current shortlist.

In style, layout, font, etc,  Knit Today reminds be closely of Simply Knitting - there is even a pretty cardie from Pat Menchini, although this one is 4ply. I quite enjoyed the August 2010 issue, there are a few patterns that caught my eye, a cute toy and a lace shawl in particular, as well as a masterclass on knitting jewellery with wire and beads. I like the knit club directory and a label on each pattern indicating a skill level and what a new knitter might learn e.g make a v-neck collar. 

I'd like more yarn reviews or alternate yarn suggestions rather than a horoscope contrived to point me to a pattern in the issue (and for the record BoHo chic headbands are so not me).

Knit Today has a good range of  patterns, clearly set out but it fails to really excite me or provide a sufficient contrast to Simply Knitting. For the record the current subscription offer is £9.40 for three issues in the UK with two free books - The Knitted Teddy Bear by Sandra Polley and Special Knits by Debbie Bliss.

Knitting on the other hand stands out from the regular crop by taking inspiration from fashion magazines. The August issue features a piece of knitted fashion trends for Autumn/Winter. Style file looks like a regular feature, presenting some of the month's patterns in different colourways and offering ideas of how they might be worn with other garments.

The yarn review runs over several pages and features large pictures of moss stitch swatches giving a clear view of how stitches might sit. The patterns offer some technical challenges, interesting yarns and wearable designs such as little cardigans and shrugs. There are also some very useful technical articles and tips which cover more complex issues than basic stitches and cast on.

The one downside is that unlike the other magazines the patterns aren't printed as individual items but rather run on one from another which means I'd have to file the whole magazine rather than just file the bits I want. However, it looks like it is having some sort of redesign next month so I'll have to see what happens. They have a stand at Knit Nation so I can also find out more then.

As for the subscription offer - £54 for for 12 issues with three books, Knitty Gritty Knits, Cover Up by Nicky Epstein and Twinkles Weekend Knits by Wenlan Chia.