KNITTING, KNITTING, KNITTING ALL THE THINGS!
Do you find yourself becoming consumed by knitting and forgetting crochet exists? That's me! For some reason I feel I have to 'knit all the things'.
Sharing what we make is one of the joys, inspirations and fun of social media. It's exciting to see what everyone else has on their needles and it helps to see how a pattern is evolving on someone else's needles.
There has long been a standoff between knitting and crochet. They both have different reputations it seems. Knitting produces a finer fabric whereas crochet can look more chunky - horses for courses. I don't think they'll ever be on the same social standing despite many designers creating incredible crochet designs. For those of us doing both, we don't care as long as we have yarn in our hands and in our stash! Over the last 15 months, I've made three test knits for designers in Germany, Japan and New Zealand. Taking part in knitting someone else's designs takes you out of your comfort zone and introduces you to new stitches and design structures. The first text knit was a very sweet crew neck sweater (the Vanilla Heirloom by Verena Cohrs you can find it here Vanilla Heirloom, Verena Cohrs - Ravelry . I dyed the yarn turquoise and decided not to alternate yarn cakes but I think it turned out well.
The reason the stripes appeared on the sleeves is due to the shorter stitch count in the rows. In longer rows (as in the body) the lengths of colour are further apart so stripes don't happen. I rather like the mix of the striped sleeves and the variegated body. It's a nice contrast.
At first, the neck was too tight but Verena sorted this out in time for the release and I love it! it's great to throw it on over a skirt and top or over jeans and the turquoise colour is one of my favourites!
Summer Olive by Kouvive (Summer Olive )
This test knit proved to be more complex and I often wondered what I had taken on. I was knitting it in unison with my dearest friend, Lulu @luluadora on Instagram. Lulu lives in Jakarta but distance doesn't matter when you're connected online and both knitting the same item. We shared laughter and tears over this design and it was good to have someone to share the process with.
Again, I used my handdyed yarn and was chuffed to know I only needed two skeins. I chose the smaller size as it is an oversized vest and worn over the top of another garment. What was different about this design was starting at the back, progressing over the shoulders whereupon I divided for the fronts. In this test knit, I did alternate cakes of yarn as I knew there was a definite variation in the colours and the dyeing pattern. I love the texture that Kouvive achieved on the shoulders. It's just gorgeous. This little sleeveless cardi is an easy wear garment to throw over a strappy top accompanied with pants or a skirt.
The Floozy Cardigan Find it here (Floozy Cardigan)I'm a cardi girl! I have more cardigans than any other knitwear type and no matter what the weather, I wear one.
The last test knit was most enjoyable and is enjoying a revival at this very moment as a sweater, the Floozy Too. :-) Libby of Truly Myrtle, a New Zealander, is a prolific knitwear designer with her own podcast. I hope she returns to Australia again soon so I can take a class with her. Her designs are all so beautifully executed with clever details and exquisite finishes, and the yarn! Oh the yarn is so soft and delicate.
The Floozy Cardigan gives the appearance of colourwork but the clever use of slipped stitches gives that illusion making it such an easy knit for even a beginner. I haven't worn the Floozy yet as it's summer here in Australia and our country is in the midst of the worst bush fires ever. I am safe where I live but many of my friends in this and other states and regions are in dire straits. Some of the fires have sadly been deliberately lit, but others are the result of a very dry winter, much wild bush land that is too large to maintain, combined with hot conditions and winds.
To understand the breadth of the fires, the Amazon forest was burning and lost 110 000 hectares. Here in Australia, we have 980 000 hectares on fire, homes and lives are now lost and we are not out of danger yet, so it is indeed an horrendous start to summer. Thanks goes out to our firefighters who are risking their own lives to save everyone else's.Our country is broad so the fire crews are stretched to the limit. Some fires are burning out of control because they're in dense bush where they can only be reached by helicopters and planes dropping water bombs.
Of course, I did say I've been knitting all the things. Have I told you how much I love sock knitting? Socks are always on my needles. They're such a portable project and the circular needles and magic loop are my favourite method. I travel on a monthly basis to teach workshops in the fibre arts, clay and paper so there's nothing more fun than packing my knitting bag for the flight. Do you find you take more projects than you could possibly manage to knit? I always think I'll manage to get more done than I do. I have lists of projects to make, the Soldotna being the next garment. (the yarn dyed and caked up ready!😊)
A question I am often asked is if there is a problem with taking my needles on flights. (I used bamboo circulars) Here in Australia, there is no issue. (I figure that someone could do just as much damage with a pen so I'm glad needles are permitted on flights.)
What do you have on your needles?
Are you in the process of knitting a garment or a test knit?
Is your knitting selfish knitting (as most of mine is?)
I'd love to hear.
Happy Knitting,
Lu xxx
Instagram: @wildaboutyarn
Facebook: Linda Douglas
You can also find some of my handdyed yarn, patterns and enamel pins
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