Wednesday 30 July 2014

Simple Scarf and Yellow Submarine update.


 Recently I found a new yarn called Moda Vera Hudson.  This brand is only available at Spotlight which has stores in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.  The yarn looks like a fine icord.  I played around with needle sizes because I knew I wanted a chunky knit, the free pattern that came on the yarn use 7 mm needles.  I used the yarn doubled to make it really chunky but none of my needle sizes worked, until I hit on the idea of holding 2 needles together.  Only because I didn't want to buy bigger needles for a possible one-off project.  I taped together 10mm and 15mm needles.   




Taped the needles near the end where the stitches would not catch on the tape.  Once I got used to them they were surprisingly simple to use.

 
Detail of yarn showing icord like construction



Free Scarf Pattern

This is a very basic scarf just knitted in stocking stitch with reverse stocking stitch stripes.

Holding 2 strands of yarn together, cast on 12 stitches

Row 1 :  knit

Row 2 : Purl

Row 3 : knit

Row 4 : Knit  - this is the right side of the scarf

Row 5 : Purl

Continue these 2 rows until knitted stripe is as wide as you want it, I chose 5 rows divided 3 rows of reverse knitting.  Just remember that  when reversing knitting to use the stitch as you used the row before. 

Result is a soft, chunky knit.  

This pattern is very basic and can be used with a variety of yarns, from lace to chunky.  More or less stitches, the choice is yours.   The stripes can be as thick or as thin as you like.  The stripes can be a different colour or yarn.  


Just have fun with it.


Update on Yellow Submarine.

 The project was a complete success, I am disappointed that I didn't get to see it in person.  I didn't get the time to drive the 5 - 6 hours one way trip.  I did try to get my parents to go as they were passing by the area for an Aunt's 90th Birthday.  Until earlier this year she lived in Holbrook.

It's now been made into blankets for animals shelters.

http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/country-living/an-ornamental-submarine-in-holbrook-nsw-has-been-yarnbombed-to-turn-it-into-a-yellow-knitted-submarine/story-fnkeragy-1226951893912

Monday 5 May 2014

Yellow Submarine

Yesterday I found out about a project to yarn bomb a submarine.     The submarine in question is hundreds of kilometres from the sea, in a country town called Holbrook.  It's a real submarine, HMAS Otway, the top part anyway, the town originally lost the tender to purchase the whole submarine but was able to negotiate the purchase from the tender winner, saving it from being scrapped



Part of my heart belongs in Holbrook, it was were my Grandparents lived, as well as a couple of Aunts and cousins.   I'm happy to be able to be part of this project.

There's still a bit to do, the foundation  based on the Jewellery bag in my last post, the edging is crocodile stitch.  Not sure how big it's going to get, may do more pieces.  I'll be posting pics when it's ready to go.  I am hoping to get to see it in person if I get the chance.

Saturday 22 March 2014

As usual it's been ages since I last posted here, hoping that it's going to change as thanks to my son I now have a computer in my sewing room.  Actually it started with my Father In Law getting a new computer and asking us if we could use it.  Then I asked son if instead of an old very slow tower taking up space if I could use his old school notebook, he just connected a full size monitor to it, I can barely read a notebook screen and a full size keyboard.  Here I am on the first day, I no longer have to wait my turn, or get kicked off husband's computer.

I have been busy since my last post, not just with craft but I actually have a SOCIAL life.  Last year I made a ton of new friends at a local Spiritual Centre and my life has been full.   I go there for Crochet Circle, Spiritual Circle and Psychic Development on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well as call in on other days just because.  It's not only there, the social life has extended to other pursuits, Ghost Hunts, parties.  Tomorrow I am meeting up with a friend to visit a nearby historical village site and next weekend we are heading out into the countryside for a weekend away/ghost hunt.  It's going to be fun.
I have been busy with crafting, before Christmas a couple of friends and I held a market stall, I made Dream Pillows, scented with a Herbal mixture to promote peaceful sleep and wonderful dreams.  

The last few weeks I have been madly making Jewellery pouches, 

I needed something to carry my crystals in so they didn't get banged around and scratched.  My beautiful Amethyst point sits nicely in the centre section.  Of course the bags can be used for jewellery.
My friends love them and have asked if I could make some for them as well, the turquiose one in the top picture has since been given to one for her birthday.  The pattern is available for free from The Crochet Dude.  Tonight is actually the first time I visited the site, my daughter originally found it and printed it out for me.  From what I've seen over there definitely going to keep the site in my favourites.  The cream bag is made from the new Lincraft 4ply cotton and has crocheted up lovely and soft, while the Turquoise is Moda Vera Gelato, Acrylic/Cotton Blend, again a lovely yarn.


I recently bought Knitting in Tuscany by Nicky Epstein.  The beautiful crocheted Bella Bride's Dress is the pattern that sold me on the book.  I've decided that I am going to make it as a shorter dress or top for my daught in a Mint green.  I am trialling it in fingering weight yarn, but have noticed the measurements do not what the book says, I am going to have to add extra motifs or go up a size in hooks.  Right now I am using a 3.5mm steel hook.  Will test another hook later on, but right now it's time for bed.