Beautiful Sock Yarn & Wool for Your Next Project
Some people are absolutely amazing when it comes to wrapping their beautiful hand knit presents. They are inventive and creative. Wonderful papercraft artists.
I do not profess to be one of these tallented people. But, having said that, it is worthwhile making an effort when wrapping a handmade gift, to make the experience of giving and receiving extra special.
The first day that I wore the Welted Toque was on a visit to Belfast Zoo. It was a sunny day in early March before winter came back to bite us. We were ready for some fresh air and looked forward to a walk around the zoo.
I first read the Oriel Pattern in Barbara G. Walker’s “A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns” published by Schoolhouse Press. I thought this lovely pattern would be perfect for the gorgeous skein of Halycon yarn hand dyed by Flamboyance Yarns which was in my stash. This is a wonderful 50% silk and 50% merino wool yarn. Another wonderful choice of yarn is the KS Merino Silk 4ply.
The final part of the How to Knit Your Sock series looks at knitting the foot, shaping the toe, grafting the toe, finishing and blocking your new socks.
This series on knitting a sock in four step by step articles is aimed at someone who is knitting their first sock.
Sometimes, it is just fun, to knit something that comes into your mind while you are browsing through your sock yarn stash. I chose to use the richly coloured Kaffe Fasset sock yarn made by Regia but any self striping yarn would work perfectly.
I wanted a project that would be fun to knit and a bit unusual. I’ve been wondering about how to knit a pair of slouch socks for a while. Funky Slouch Socks are the result.[Read More]
The ground here is covered in a thick layer of snow, piles of snow cover the pavements, and our neighbours have been digging their cars out of their driveways. The snow started falling last Friday, and we spent part of Saturday night with no electricity or central heating, with candles lighting the lounge. It made me think of the lovely sunny day a few weeks ago, when Neil photographed the Purple Blue Striped Socks at the Beach.
The easiest way to add interest to a basic sock pattern is to knit 2 row stripes. I love the way two different self patterning sock yarns can work together, particularly when they are from the same analogous colour scheme. I used two texturally different yarns to create the contrast between the stripes.[Read More]
Are you having a problem with your wooden needles snagging on every stitch that you knit?
This problem had developed with a few of my birch wood needles. They not only snagged the yarn and prevented the rhythm of my knitting but also gave me a blister on my finger.
Fixing Wooden Double Pointed Needles Tips
This issue seems to affect my wooden double pointed needles rather than my bamboo ones.
I needed to solve the problem or else it would mean replacement needles.
I bought a fine emery board in the Chemist and a block of beeswax (used for waxing quilting thread). I ran my finger along the point of the wooden needle to find exactly where it was split and snagging the yarn. Then used the emery board to smooth the blemish away. Sand with the wood grain, taking care not to cause the point to become too sharp or one sided in the process. Then I rubbed the sanded point of the needle on the wax and buffed it up using a spare buffing cloth for my reading glasses.
This method has been very successful and I don’t notice which needles have been fixed when I am knitting with them.
Having finished the Beachcomber Wristwarmers I just knew I needed a gorgeous cowl that would match them. This inspired me to design the ‘Beachcomber’ cowl.
The How to Knit Your Sock series covers knitting a sock in four step-by-step articles for knitters who are knitting their first sock. I have used Opal sock yarn in the lovely Fairies and Elves colour 5523 to knit this pair of socks.
What appealed to me about the Union Long Beanie pattern when I read it?
I loved the neutral colours and the combination of the wide rib stripe with the lace stripe. A very wearable hat that would be perfect for wearing on beach walks or while window shopping in the city.
Union Long Beanie designed by Connie Chang Chinchio was published in Weekend Hats by Cecily Glowik MacDonald and Melissa LaBarre. This is a wonderful book and since purchasing it I have knit several of the hat patterns.
I used Kauni DK weight wool that has a very long gradual transition in colour from camel to oatmeal to soft grey tones. I liked the combination of the wide stripes of rib and lattice lace work. I also love the shape of this beanie.[Read More]
Hello, I'm Nicolette Kernohan. I love sharing unique knitting projects, exploring colour & inspiring your creativity. Knitting Squirrel sells knitting wool & sock yarn in glorious colours & fibres.
