The Knitter: Knitting Masterclass (a book review)

If you're new to handicrafts, I highly recommend you visit your local library and if you're not a member, join up! It's a no-brainer. My local has a good back catalogue of Burda magazines, Handmade and Better Homes and Gardens. Even better, they have a huge range of craft books, some oldies but goodies (like Kaffe Fassett at the V&A, one of my favourite books of all time) and also, a lot of recently published stuff as well.

I'm not sure how it works in other countries but if there is a title you'd like, request it and its highly likely they'll be able to find it for you (apart from Alice Starmore's 'In the Hebrides', which would have to be the most stolen public library craft book ever and is out of print. I have given up hope of ever knitting St Kilda).

The other plus is you get to test drive books you may have seen online but you might not be sure if they'll be worth the cash. After all, the philosophy of the handmade movement is partly about being thrifty, isn't it?

I didn't know this book had been published so it's an excellent surprise to find that one of my favourite magazines has decided to share some great knitting tips and patterns. I have a digital subscription to The Knitter and find the patterns and articles to be just the right level for me. I'd say any knitter with a little experience would really enjoy it, especially the mix of designers which include the big names like Bergere de France, Debbie Bliss and Rowan, as well as lesser known designers from Scandinavia. The latest issue has a great article about a Faroese yarn and knitwear designer and now I'm desperate for her yarn!

But back to the book. Aren't these socks pretty?

I'm happy to admit I have limited skills compared to some knitters and mostly stay within my comfort zone of lace and Aran pullovers. I mean, it's taken me well over 10 years to get to circular knitting, I've only ever knitted half a sock because I wasn't happy with the heel and I'll probably never knit a 4ply fair isle vest. I'd buy this book instantly because the instructions are clear on everything from the magic loop method to making steeking sound quite plausible!

Other inclusions: adjusting the pattern when using alternative yarns, splicing, shaping, jogless stripes and Kitchener stitch. I may get that languishing sock finished after all!

Even my dear furry friend approves. If I've sold it to you, Anova online bookstore has it at a good price. This title won't be released in the USA until August so you can also preorder it on Amazon. Otherwise, get into your local library pronto and order away!

 

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Nikki Gabriel's Harlequin

Yep, I started another project, gulp. Delancey is still hanging around but I've decided to work the sleeves with some Knit Picks interchangeable circulars I've just ordered so there will be a slight delay.

In the meantime, my new fun project is from Nikki Gabriel via Cleckheaton. I'm pretty impressed with the way Auspinners (the company that owns Patons and Cleckheaton) got with the program and started to offer cool patterns recently.

For example, have you seen the Romance Was Born intarsia coat offered for free online? Personally, I would rather scratch out my own eyes than put myself through that sort of project stress (love all manner of intricate lace and Aran stitch but no intarsia for me!) but I can imagine lots of indie kids asking their nanas to whip this particular project up for them:

There are lots of other free patterns available on the Auspinners website but you will need to create a login and password.

But back to my new project! I bought the booklet from Spotlight a while back when they were having a super sale on everything and it's still available.

 

I'm knitting the cover pattern but as usual my gauge is off as I'm not using Cleckheaton Country, but some Jo Sharp from my mum's stash. The tension is supposed to create triangles of 15.5 x 13 cm but I've tried three different needle sizes and no go! Instead, I'm using the triangle tension from the alternative version which should be 17 x 17 cm and this seems to be working on 4mm needles.

The pattern has an interesting construction and it's one of those garments that is already so different that it won't be unfashionable in a few years time.

 

 

I don't think I'm imagining it - I think Nikki was inspired by history with this design and that's why I'm naming my project the Harlequin.

 

If you're interested in Nikki's design, check out her blog for more inspired construction!

 

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Cheating and Prospering

Do you cheat on your knitting? I REALLY do. For the past couple of months, I've been working on the Delancey Cardigan, a supercool design which is virtually seamless and knitted from the bottom up. There are hundreds of versions on ravelry but you can also check out knitdarling.com for Alexis Winslow's other designs. I have to say, I'm a big fan of her designs.

I'm calling my version the "Dunlop Volleys" which makes sense in Australia! Most kids born here have trashed at least three pairs of Volleys before they turn 18.

Ive just sewn the shoulder seams together in prep for starting the sleeves (knitted in the round of course!) It seems to me though, that I've been working on this project for too long. There is no good reason that it's still a WIP; I should be wearing it!

To be honest, I have been cheating and worse, justifying myself by making stock for my Etsy shop. The needles have been fairly flying in the evenings.

Apparently the magic number is 8 (or more) items in stock so I still have a few more bits and pieces to go before I open but it is really exciting to think maybe someone will like the things I make and will actually want to part with hard-earned cash for them!

So, will the cheating have a payoff? It remains to be seen. In the meantime, it's always great to delve into the latest Deramores delivery and dream about what it will look like in a couple of weeks. Have fun crafting everyone!

 

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A little jaunt

Autumn has finally made it to Perth, with much cooler nights and mild sunny days. Yippiee! This change in season always gives me more energy and I just want to get out into the country. This weekend, we finally got our act together and set off on a little jaunt to York.

York is the oldest inland town in Western Australia, just under 100km east of Perth. It has a lovely vintage feel due to a number of well-preserved old buildings. The town hall is one of the most photographed of these, and it's clear to see why. Apparently the clock face was only installed in the late eighties after a substantial restoration. Prior to this, the locals would frequently remark on the 'timelessness' of York.

We also checked out the courthouse as it was open to the public as part of the WA Heritage Festival. The Festival is still on for a few weeks so see what's on in your area. You may find entry fees waived on Sundays or special events going on.

This was a surprisingly moving experience - just looking through the cell block and the descriptive displays of how the prisoners were treated (many were local indigenous men or prisoners of war) was a reminder of how grim our local history is. Here's some graffiti left by the prisoners:

The cells were used up until the early '80s - yes, the 1980s! These buildings were made to last.

Later, we trekked down to the Old Mill, another finely restored building, to check out some local crafts and furniture.

While there, we were treated to yet another reminder of yesteryear. What a beast!

There seemed to be quite a few vintage vehicles being paraded about so perhaps it's a common custom for the locals to show off their treasures on the weekend. I'll go for that custom any day of the week!

 

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Owlish

I finally found the perfect combo: spots and owls. Erm, okay! To explain, I'm desperately whipping up a baby sleeping bag, only the second I've made in my life. This one is for my little sis who might have a new baby any day now, hence the freaking out, pallid brow and procrastination that I've been exhibiting for the last few weeks.


You see, it has to be perfect because my sis is a perfectionist (this is a good thing) when it comes to sewing at least as she's a professional upholsterer. This does make the anxiety levels slightly higher than usual...So I've been spending a lot of waking hours trying to work out the lining fabric to match this lovely flannelette which came from my mum's stash, which makes it even more special:

Anyway, to cut a long story short, Spotlight had the perfect spotty cotton which matched rather well with the turquoise owls. Mission accomplished!

However, when one has a cat as smoochy as mine, one cannot progress with a project:

Anyway, I finally plucked up the courage, cut into the fabrics and whipped up most of it in a day! Now I just have to bind the armholes and neckline and it's done, just in time, I hope.