The reality of crafting a lot, and trying out new things, is that it doesn't always work out as planned. Take for instance one of my recent projects which I was quite excited about but which ended in disappointment. I was with crochet designer and blogger Sarah Shrimpton recently. The conversation had turned to unusual yarns and she mentioned Phildar's 'Phil Techno', a 100% plastic yarn. Of course I had to try some! 


Sarah told me the yarn was very rubbery, but I was still surprised at quite how stretchy it felt, I couldn't resist giving the end a tug and it snapped fairly easily - about the same as regular animal-fibre yarn that has been lightly spun. As there are only 15m and it's relatively expensive per meter, I realised it would need some careful handling.

I wanted to try knitting with it, but it is very 'sticky' and stretches a lot so it was quickly evident that wasn't going to work out for me - I'm too heavy-handed. I decided to make a finger-knit necklace instead (tutorial here)...


It was looking great, but unfortunately I didn't get far before the feeling in my fingers went and they started looking blue - it's hard to keep an even tension on something so stretchy when you're afraid to snap it. I'm quite attached to my fingers, and didn't want to deprive them of blood for the 5 minutes it would take to make the necklace. Onto plan C, then... 


Using a lucet (tutorial here) made it much easier to work with but it was still hard to keep an even tension. I decided to make the whole ball into an icord and to fashion it into a necklace. It looked ok, and I wore it out. Unfortunately, by the time I got home and photographed it, it started to look a bit messy, as though the stitches had started shifting. Pretty disappointing, really. 


Overall, it was fun to try a completely different yarn and I will still wear the finished necklace. Due to the cost (£8.45 + shipping for 15 m) and the relative difficulty of knitting with this yarn, and the relative ease of snapping, it's not something I would rush to use again. But it has me thinking about other things which might be fun to try knitting with. I'm seeing the jumble of cables in D's computer drawer in a whole new light!

What's the most unusual yarn you've used? Have you ever used something unconventional as yarn? Did it work out for you, or was it a 'fail'?

Project fail: Lucet knitting with Phil Techno Plastic Yarn

The reality of crafting a lot, and trying out new things, is that it doesn't always work out as planned. Take for instance one of my recent projects which I was quite excited about but which ended in disappointment. I was with crochet designer and blogger Sarah Shrimpton recently. The conversation had turned to unusual yarns and she mentioned Phildar's 'Phil Techno', a 100% plastic yarn. Of course I had to try some! 


Sarah told me the yarn was very rubbery, but I was still surprised at quite how stretchy it felt, I couldn't resist giving the end a tug and it snapped fairly easily - about the same as regular animal-fibre yarn that has been lightly spun. As there are only 15m and it's relatively expensive per meter, I realised it would need some careful handling.

I wanted to try knitting with it, but it is very 'sticky' and stretches a lot so it was quickly evident that wasn't going to work out for me - I'm too heavy-handed. I decided to make a finger-knit necklace instead (tutorial here)...


It was looking great, but unfortunately I didn't get far before the feeling in my fingers went and they started looking blue - it's hard to keep an even tension on something so stretchy when you're afraid to snap it. I'm quite attached to my fingers, and didn't want to deprive them of blood for the 5 minutes it would take to make the necklace. Onto plan C, then... 


Using a lucet (tutorial here) made it much easier to work with but it was still hard to keep an even tension. I decided to make the whole ball into an icord and to fashion it into a necklace. It looked ok, and I wore it out. Unfortunately, by the time I got home and photographed it, it started to look a bit messy, as though the stitches had started shifting. Pretty disappointing, really. 


Overall, it was fun to try a completely different yarn and I will still wear the finished necklace. Due to the cost (£8.45 + shipping for 15 m) and the relative difficulty of knitting with this yarn, and the relative ease of snapping, it's not something I would rush to use again. But it has me thinking about other things which might be fun to try knitting with. I'm seeing the jumble of cables in D's computer drawer in a whole new light!

What's the most unusual yarn you've used? Have you ever used something unconventional as yarn? Did it work out for you, or was it a 'fail'?

This post is the final instalment of the Rock Those Socks Make-along knitting pattern. Find the third part of the crochet sock pattern on Maria's blog here, and earlier posts in this series here. Last week I left you to finish the patterned section of the leg, so it's time to knit the cuff and insert the heel to get a finished sock!  


Stitches / techniques used

- Picking up stitches
- Ssk = slip two stitches onto the right needle without knitting them, and then knit them together through the back loop to form a left-slanting decrease
- k2tog  = knit two stitches together (as if they were a single stitch) to form a right-slanting decrease
- Kitchener stitch / grafting. Written instructions are provided, but you might like this free online class 'Ins and Outs of Grafting' in which Anne Hanson shows exactly how it's done or if you work better from photos, try this Knitty tutorial.

Instructions 

Note that numbering is continued from the previous posts.
11. Work in k2, p2 rib for the desired cuff length. The pictured cuff is 7cm, to give the option to fold it over
Top of foot / front of leg with folded cuff and bottom/back, showing heel place-holder
12. When the desired cuff length is reached, bind off all stitches loosely. If you are not able to bind off loosely using your regular sock needles, you may like to try a sewn bind off (tutorial), a crochet bind off (tutorial) or to use bigger needles. Once the cuff is finished, you are ready to insert the afterthought heel.

13. This is the fiddly bit so take your time and start by turning the sock inside out. Between the 'scrap' yarn place-holder, you'll see two rows of purl stitches. Use your empty needle to carefully pick up one of the rows. As pictured below, don't worry if you pick the stitches up 'backwards'  - I find it easier and more natural to do this, and to untwist the stitches on the next round of knitting - easy!

Picking up stitches, ready to insert the heel
14. When you've picked up the correct number of stitches from one side of the place-holder (half the total = 32 stitches, if you're following the pattern), repeat the process with the other needle tip and the other row of stitches, until all stitches (64) are on your needles. Note that it is quite common to pick up an extra stitch at either side - don't worry if you do this, you're about to decrease anyway so it's easily fixed. 

All stitches back on the needles - don't worry too much about their direction!
15. You are now ready to remove the scrap yarn. It's easier to work from the right side of the sock and to use a needle or crochet hook to unpick the scrap yarn stitches (pictured)

  

16. With the scrap yarn removed, turn the sock so that the right-side is facing out, and put the needles through the opening, ready to knit the heel. At this point you should try the socks on. If (like mine) the sock is snug and only your heel is showing, you're ready to work the "afterthought" section. If your sock is looking a bit too small, you will have the opportunity to add a few rounds of plain knitting before decreasing for the heel at the end of step 17.
Try your sock on before decreasing!
17. WORKING THE HEEL:
  • Rejoin the yarn and knit across one of the needles (working into the back of any twisted stitches you picked up the 'wrong' way)
  • In the gap between needles 1 and 2, pick up and twist a stitch, pass it onto the left needle and k2tog, then knit across the second needle to end
  • Knit one more round, repeating the previous step between needles 2 and 1
  • If you wish to add extra rounds to make the sock longer before adding the heel, do so before going onto the next step
18. If you have ever made a top-down sock, you'll quickly realise that the heel is actually a 'second toe', as it is worked as follows:
- Round 1 - *k1, ssk, k to last 3 st on first needle, k2tog, k1, repeat from * on second needle
- Round 2 - knit
- Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 16 sts remain on each needle (or the heel is to the desired size, if you're making a custom size)
- Cut the yarn leaving a 30cm tail


19. Thread your needle and graft the heel closed using kitchener stitch, as follows (refer to the links in the glossary at the top of this post if you haven't done this before):
SET UP ONLY: Front stitch, purl, keep stitch on THEN back stitch, knit, keep stitch on,
THEN
(a) Front stitch, knit, slip stitch off
(b) Front stitch, purl, keep stitch on
(c) Back stitch, purl, slip stitch off
(d) Back stitch, knit, keep stitch on
REPEAT steps (a) to (d) until all the stitches are bound off. 
20. Sew in all ends for a finished sock. (If you still have a little gap where you picked up stitches for the heel, sew that closed too).
The pictured sock blocker is bigger than my foot, but easier to photograph!
With all three parts of the pattern, you will now be able to get your knitted socks finished before the weekend! Don't forget to link up to the Ravelry page, and to tag any social media posts with #RockThoseSocksMAL

NEXT WEEK I'll be back with a summary of the entire pattern in PDF format, so you can download it to your device or print it off for quick reference. In the meantime, if you're enjoying this series, you might also like to check out my other tutorials and patterns

Rock Those Socks Part 3: The Cuff & Inserting the Afterthought Heel

This post is the final instalment of the Rock Those Socks Make-along knitting pattern. Find the third part of the crochet sock pattern on Maria's blog here, and earlier posts in this series here. Last week I left you to finish the patterned section of the leg, so it's time to knit the cuff and insert the heel to get a finished sock!  


Stitches / techniques used

- Picking up stitches
- Ssk = slip two stitches onto the right needle without knitting them, and then knit them together through the back loop to form a left-slanting decrease
- k2tog  = knit two stitches together (as if they were a single stitch) to form a right-slanting decrease
- Kitchener stitch / grafting. Written instructions are provided, but you might like this free online class 'Ins and Outs of Grafting' in which Anne Hanson shows exactly how it's done or if you work better from photos, try this Knitty tutorial.

Instructions 

Note that numbering is continued from the previous posts.
11. Work in k2, p2 rib for the desired cuff length. The pictured cuff is 7cm, to give the option to fold it over
Top of foot / front of leg with folded cuff and bottom/back, showing heel place-holder
12. When the desired cuff length is reached, bind off all stitches loosely. If you are not able to bind off loosely using your regular sock needles, you may like to try a sewn bind off (tutorial), a crochet bind off (tutorial) or to use bigger needles. Once the cuff is finished, you are ready to insert the afterthought heel.

13. This is the fiddly bit so take your time and start by turning the sock inside out. Between the 'scrap' yarn place-holder, you'll see two rows of purl stitches. Use your empty needle to carefully pick up one of the rows. As pictured below, don't worry if you pick the stitches up 'backwards'  - I find it easier and more natural to do this, and to untwist the stitches on the next round of knitting - easy!

Picking up stitches, ready to insert the heel
14. When you've picked up the correct number of stitches from one side of the place-holder (half the total = 32 stitches, if you're following the pattern), repeat the process with the other needle tip and the other row of stitches, until all stitches (64) are on your needles. Note that it is quite common to pick up an extra stitch at either side - don't worry if you do this, you're about to decrease anyway so it's easily fixed. 

All stitches back on the needles - don't worry too much about their direction!
15. You are now ready to remove the scrap yarn. It's easier to work from the right side of the sock and to use a needle or crochet hook to unpick the scrap yarn stitches (pictured)

  

16. With the scrap yarn removed, turn the sock so that the right-side is facing out, and put the needles through the opening, ready to knit the heel. At this point you should try the socks on. If (like mine) the sock is snug and only your heel is showing, you're ready to work the "afterthought" section. If your sock is looking a bit too small, you will have the opportunity to add a few rounds of plain knitting before decreasing for the heel at the end of step 17.
Try your sock on before decreasing!
17. WORKING THE HEEL:
  • Rejoin the yarn and knit across one of the needles (working into the back of any twisted stitches you picked up the 'wrong' way)
  • In the gap between needles 1 and 2, pick up and twist a stitch, pass it onto the left needle and k2tog, then knit across the second needle to end
  • Knit one more round, repeating the previous step between needles 2 and 1
  • If you wish to add extra rounds to make the sock longer before adding the heel, do so before going onto the next step
18. If you have ever made a top-down sock, you'll quickly realise that the heel is actually a 'second toe', as it is worked as follows:
- Round 1 - *k1, ssk, k to last 3 st on first needle, k2tog, k1, repeat from * on second needle
- Round 2 - knit
- Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 16 sts remain on each needle (or the heel is to the desired size, if you're making a custom size)
- Cut the yarn leaving a 30cm tail


19. Thread your needle and graft the heel closed using kitchener stitch, as follows (refer to the links in the glossary at the top of this post if you haven't done this before):
SET UP ONLY: Front stitch, purl, keep stitch on THEN back stitch, knit, keep stitch on,
THEN
(a) Front stitch, knit, slip stitch off
(b) Front stitch, purl, keep stitch on
(c) Back stitch, purl, slip stitch off
(d) Back stitch, knit, keep stitch on
REPEAT steps (a) to (d) until all the stitches are bound off. 
20. Sew in all ends for a finished sock. (If you still have a little gap where you picked up stitches for the heel, sew that closed too).
The pictured sock blocker is bigger than my foot, but easier to photograph!
With all three parts of the pattern, you will now be able to get your knitted socks finished before the weekend! Don't forget to link up to the Ravelry page, and to tag any social media posts with #RockThoseSocksMAL

NEXT WEEK I'll be back with a summary of the entire pattern in PDF format, so you can download it to your device or print it off for quick reference. In the meantime, if you're enjoying this series, you might also like to check out my other tutorials and patterns


Being both a bibliophile and a crafter, I love hearing about the craft book releases each Autumn and get to review* many of them. Here are a few I think are worth checking out as gifts for your family and friends. Beneath my opinion of each, I've included who I think would like them. All are widely available and I've also included Amazon (affiliate) links.

1. WALL ART, by Clare Youngs

Clare Youngs is a crafter with a history in graphic design, product design and illustration / book design and these are all evident in the range of interesting and varied projects contained in this 140+ page book. You could just follow the step by step instructions to product some lovely pieces, but using the techniques shown, the author encourages experimentation and adding your own personality - she  says "Be bold. Be brave. Unleash the artist in you and go create some amazing walls!

Projects include weaving, fabrics, appliqué,paint, macramé, paper, washi tape, magnets - you name it!  The blurb says: 
"Treat your home as your canvas and adorn your walls with hangings, paintings, stencils, paper crafts, tapestries, plants and more. Make a geometric work of art using silber adn copper leaf and turn your vintage ephemera into a gallery wall in your living room, using simple handmade box frames.... Update your interiors with these innovative, contemporary projects, some of which can be created in an afternoon... All you need to do is find a bare wall and get started."
WHO WILL LIKE IT? - Me! I like this book a lot. I think it would appeal to a wide range of people, including anyone who is interested in interior design, who is decorating on a budget, or is interested in trying out some different craft techniques. 'Wall Art' is widely available in shops and online, including Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

  

2. SEW SCANDINAVIAN, by Kajsa Kinsella


Kajsa Kinsella's book includes four different sections (Home, Accessories, Nursery and Celebrations) which all combine Scandinavian simplicity and elegance. The collection includes various projects inspired by the author's childhood as one of a 'creative family of six'. The projects are designed to be easy to follow and indeed there are several which my daughter is hoping to make, and could probably manage quite well. 

While a few of the household projects are a little twee for my personal taste, the nursery section is a total joy with cute slippers, a felt memory game, matchbox pets, a cute bag, and a fabric 'tic tac toe' which would make a lovely gift. 

WHO WILL LIKE IT? - This book is a great source of gift ideas, for crafting with (reasonably competent) children, and for anyone who loves the Nordic aesthetic and to sew. It is available in all the usual stores, including Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

3. MODERN GRANNY SQUARE CROCHET and More, by Laura Strutt

Laura Strutt's name is not new to this blog as I reviewed another of her books previously. This latest offering is a crochet collection of "35 stylish patterns with a fresh approach to traditional stitches". As you'd guess from the title, there are a whole lot of granny squares, circles and triangles in this book! Many are on a large scale, and most are in vibrant colours.

Patterns are clearly laid out with stylish photography which also makes it easy to see exactly what you'll be getting. There are no charts, but as the patterns are straightforward I'm sure that's little more than an inconvenience to people like me, who find it much easier to work from a visual chart than a written crochet pattern.

WHO WILL LIKE IT? - I think this is a good collection of patterns for a novice crocheter. The author talks about going 'back to basics' and that's exactly what she does with these simple but attractive designs - there's nothing innovative here, but the does exactly what it sets out to do, and does it well. Order a copy from your local bookseller, or from Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com.

   


4. BIG NEEDLE KNITS, by Melanie Porter

Melanie Porter is a graduate of Central Saint Martin's College and worked as a knitwear designer for a decade, before turning her hand to designing prestigious furniture and hand-knit panels. In this book, Melanie presents a collection of patterns which use 10 mm to 25mm needles which use a variety of large yarns.

There are all sorts of projects including homewares, garments and accessories. Some of them I absolutely love (mainly the homewares) and others not so much (some of the clothing is 'interesting'), but this kind of enormous knitting is proving popular with people who are younger and more fashionable than me, and I think the book will be popular as a result.

WHO WILL LIKE IT? Those who'd like to knit big things for their home, but don't know much about knitting and need to learn from scratch (there's a good chapter on techniques and materials), fans of Wool and The Gang, experimental knitters, and trendy young people who can get away with unconventional clothing. Get it for them from good booksellers, including Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

Next week I have a gift guide post which includes 'stocking filler' ideas. (I may have added all of them to my own wishlist!!)
----
*I was provided with review copies of all these books (and more) courtesy of the publisher(s). All opinions are entirely my own. 

Festive Gift Guide Part 4: Newly released craft books



Being both a bibliophile and a crafter, I love hearing about the craft book releases each Autumn and get to review* many of them. Here are a few I think are worth checking out as gifts for your family and friends. Beneath my opinion of each, I've included who I think would like them. All are widely available and I've also included Amazon (affiliate) links.

1. WALL ART, by Clare Youngs

Clare Youngs is a crafter with a history in graphic design, product design and illustration / book design and these are all evident in the range of interesting and varied projects contained in this 140+ page book. You could just follow the step by step instructions to product some lovely pieces, but using the techniques shown, the author encourages experimentation and adding your own personality - she  says "Be bold. Be brave. Unleash the artist in you and go create some amazing walls!

Projects include weaving, fabrics, appliqué,paint, macramé, paper, washi tape, magnets - you name it!  The blurb says: 
"Treat your home as your canvas and adorn your walls with hangings, paintings, stencils, paper crafts, tapestries, plants and more. Make a geometric work of art using silber adn copper leaf and turn your vintage ephemera into a gallery wall in your living room, using simple handmade box frames.... Update your interiors with these innovative, contemporary projects, some of which can be created in an afternoon... All you need to do is find a bare wall and get started."
WHO WILL LIKE IT? - Me! I like this book a lot. I think it would appeal to a wide range of people, including anyone who is interested in interior design, who is decorating on a budget, or is interested in trying out some different craft techniques. 'Wall Art' is widely available in shops and online, including Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

  

2. SEW SCANDINAVIAN, by Kajsa Kinsella


Kajsa Kinsella's book includes four different sections (Home, Accessories, Nursery and Celebrations) which all combine Scandinavian simplicity and elegance. The collection includes various projects inspired by the author's childhood as one of a 'creative family of six'. The projects are designed to be easy to follow and indeed there are several which my daughter is hoping to make, and could probably manage quite well. 

While a few of the household projects are a little twee for my personal taste, the nursery section is a total joy with cute slippers, a felt memory game, matchbox pets, a cute bag, and a fabric 'tic tac toe' which would make a lovely gift. 

WHO WILL LIKE IT? - This book is a great source of gift ideas, for crafting with (reasonably competent) children, and for anyone who loves the Nordic aesthetic and to sew. It is available in all the usual stores, including Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

3. MODERN GRANNY SQUARE CROCHET and More, by Laura Strutt

Laura Strutt's name is not new to this blog as I reviewed another of her books previously. This latest offering is a crochet collection of "35 stylish patterns with a fresh approach to traditional stitches". As you'd guess from the title, there are a whole lot of granny squares, circles and triangles in this book! Many are on a large scale, and most are in vibrant colours.

Patterns are clearly laid out with stylish photography which also makes it easy to see exactly what you'll be getting. There are no charts, but as the patterns are straightforward I'm sure that's little more than an inconvenience to people like me, who find it much easier to work from a visual chart than a written crochet pattern.

WHO WILL LIKE IT? - I think this is a good collection of patterns for a novice crocheter. The author talks about going 'back to basics' and that's exactly what she does with these simple but attractive designs - there's nothing innovative here, but the does exactly what it sets out to do, and does it well. Order a copy from your local bookseller, or from Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com.

   


4. BIG NEEDLE KNITS, by Melanie Porter

Melanie Porter is a graduate of Central Saint Martin's College and worked as a knitwear designer for a decade, before turning her hand to designing prestigious furniture and hand-knit panels. In this book, Melanie presents a collection of patterns which use 10 mm to 25mm needles which use a variety of large yarns.

There are all sorts of projects including homewares, garments and accessories. Some of them I absolutely love (mainly the homewares) and others not so much (some of the clothing is 'interesting'), but this kind of enormous knitting is proving popular with people who are younger and more fashionable than me, and I think the book will be popular as a result.

WHO WILL LIKE IT? Those who'd like to knit big things for their home, but don't know much about knitting and need to learn from scratch (there's a good chapter on techniques and materials), fans of Wool and The Gang, experimental knitters, and trendy young people who can get away with unconventional clothing. Get it for them from good booksellers, including Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

Next week I have a gift guide post which includes 'stocking filler' ideas. (I may have added all of them to my own wishlist!!)
----
*I was provided with review copies of all these books (and more) courtesy of the publisher(s). All opinions are entirely my own. 
There has been a hiatus in my Handmade Wardrobe Project since the summer, but plans are afoot for something new, cosy and woolly. I've also scheduled more interviews with inspiring makers, but there are other projects to finish first. In the meantime, mum and I were talking about the blanket coats, capes and ponchos that are everywhere right now... and decided to try some up-cycling.


We had a Tweedmill 100% wool recycled blanket (size 150 cm x 180 cm), sharp scissors, a shawl pin, belt, and an overlocker. (Well, Mum has the overlocker, so that bit was left to her.) The blanket hadn't been used and isn't very soft so I'm going to give it a soak in wool wash to see if that makes a difference to the way it feels, but here's how it turned out...


If you try something like this, I'd recommend using a heavy-duty shawl pin, which can strategically hold everything together. This one is hidden under the collar when worn as pictured top right, and the cape stays in place perfectly.


It is very warm and cosy (suitable for the coldest of days) and the style surprisingly flattering on a real body with arms. It's definitely a good up-cycling project and I'm going to keep a look out for a nice soft second-hand blanket (this Avoca throw, which I saw in real life a few days ago, would be perfect but I can't afford it *sob*).

Because someone always asks for the 'how to', here is a rough sketch which explains it all. Simply remove a small section and overlock the cut edges. As the longest sides were plain on this blanket, it was necessary to fringe and hem those too.



That's it for today - I'll be back tomorrow with the next Festive Gift Guide post, and on Wednesday with the final part of the Rock Those Socks knitting pattern. Hope to see you then. 

Handmade Wardrobe Project 8: Up-cycled Blanket / Coat / Cape

There has been a hiatus in my Handmade Wardrobe Project since the summer, but plans are afoot for something new, cosy and woolly. I've also scheduled more interviews with inspiring makers, but there are other projects to finish first. In the meantime, mum and I were talking about the blanket coats, capes and ponchos that are everywhere right now... and decided to try some up-cycling.


We had a Tweedmill 100% wool recycled blanket (size 150 cm x 180 cm), sharp scissors, a shawl pin, belt, and an overlocker. (Well, Mum has the overlocker, so that bit was left to her.) The blanket hadn't been used and isn't very soft so I'm going to give it a soak in wool wash to see if that makes a difference to the way it feels, but here's how it turned out...


If you try something like this, I'd recommend using a heavy-duty shawl pin, which can strategically hold everything together. This one is hidden under the collar when worn as pictured top right, and the cape stays in place perfectly.


It is very warm and cosy (suitable for the coldest of days) and the style surprisingly flattering on a real body with arms. It's definitely a good up-cycling project and I'm going to keep a look out for a nice soft second-hand blanket (this Avoca throw, which I saw in real life a few days ago, would be perfect but I can't afford it *sob*).

Because someone always asks for the 'how to', here is a rough sketch which explains it all. Simply remove a small section and overlock the cut edges. As the longest sides were plain on this blanket, it was necessary to fringe and hem those too.



That's it for today - I'll be back tomorrow with the next Festive Gift Guide post, and on Wednesday with the final part of the Rock Those Socks knitting pattern. Hope to see you then. 
Some lovely knitters and crocheters have been joining in with the 'Socktober' Rock Those Socks Make-along. This is the collaboration Maria and I have been working on for the last month or so. In a few days time we'll be publishing the last instalments of the knitting and crochet patterns and, if you're up-to-date, you'll be able to finish one or both of your socks before the end of the week.


I've been busy photographing the final part of the knitting pattern/tutorial, after casting on the second sock last night. Working on this between other projects, it seems to be flying along, but if you still need to catch up you'll find the knitting pattern instalments here and the crochet sock tutes on Maria's blog (see: part 1 and part 2).

Maria's crochet sock - source: 50 Shades of 4 Ply Blog
If you've been making-along already, you should know that Maria and I are answering questions and chatting about our projects on social media (with the hashtag #rockthosesocksmal - please tag us) and on the 'Crafts from the Cwtch Community' Ravelry group. I'll publish a summary of the the entire pattern as a PDF download after all of the blog posts are live. In the meantime, knitters can link their sock project to the Ravelry page for the 'Rock Those Chevron Socks' pattern. Haven't started yet? Don't worry, the make-along is ongoing until the end of November and we'll be checking in on the Ravelry group daily.

If you follow Wool Warehouse on Facebook, you may have spotted their lovely shout-out and collage of the yarns we are using, which are now available from their website. (Both Invicta Colour and Stone Washed are also available from Deramores, and other Scheepjes* stockists.) 

Thanks to everyone who has emailed, commented, joined the group and participated in any way so far. Unless you write a blog, you may not know quite how much work goes into running this sort of make-along (especially when writing the pattern and tutorials too) so it's really great to see what you're all making and that you're enjoying it - it makes it worth while. Please do keep the pictures and tags coming! 
----
*Scheepjes kindly sponsored this make-along but the yarn choice, knitting tutorial and opinions are all mine.

Are you ready?

Some lovely knitters and crocheters have been joining in with the 'Socktober' Rock Those Socks Make-along. This is the collaboration Maria and I have been working on for the last month or so. In a few days time we'll be publishing the last instalments of the knitting and crochet patterns and, if you're up-to-date, you'll be able to finish one or both of your socks before the end of the week.


I've been busy photographing the final part of the knitting pattern/tutorial, after casting on the second sock last night. Working on this between other projects, it seems to be flying along, but if you still need to catch up you'll find the knitting pattern instalments here and the crochet sock tutes on Maria's blog (see: part 1 and part 2).

Maria's crochet sock - source: 50 Shades of 4 Ply Blog
If you've been making-along already, you should know that Maria and I are answering questions and chatting about our projects on social media (with the hashtag #rockthosesocksmal - please tag us) and on the 'Crafts from the Cwtch Community' Ravelry group. I'll publish a summary of the the entire pattern as a PDF download after all of the blog posts are live. In the meantime, knitters can link their sock project to the Ravelry page for the 'Rock Those Chevron Socks' pattern. Haven't started yet? Don't worry, the make-along is ongoing until the end of November and we'll be checking in on the Ravelry group daily.

If you follow Wool Warehouse on Facebook, you may have spotted their lovely shout-out and collage of the yarns we are using, which are now available from their website. (Both Invicta Colour and Stone Washed are also available from Deramores, and other Scheepjes* stockists.) 

Thanks to everyone who has emailed, commented, joined the group and participated in any way so far. Unless you write a blog, you may not know quite how much work goes into running this sort of make-along (especially when writing the pattern and tutorials too) so it's really great to see what you're all making and that you're enjoying it - it makes it worth while. Please do keep the pictures and tags coming! 
----
*Scheepjes kindly sponsored this make-along but the yarn choice, knitting tutorial and opinions are all mine.
When I was a child (in the 70s and 80s) Halloween wasn't a very big deal on this side of the Atlantic. If we were lucky, one of the local families might host an apple bobbing party, but that's about it. Over the last few years it has become a much bigger 'thing' - in fact, many of the houses around us will be completely transformed over the next week, and people will travel to our neighbourhood to come 'trick or treating'.

This post has a promo code for you, and affiliate links to help me with the cost of running the blog.

With the children breaking up for their half-term holiday today, I've been looking at various craft ideas which will keep them busy and get us halloween-ready by next weekend. Here are just a few of the Halloween Classes at Creativebug. Creativebug offers over 500 classes which can be viewed for just $4.95 a month. Some classes are free! Sign up to receive your first month free with code: HALLOWEEN.





As well as party decor there are lots of food and costume ideas which include face painting and DIY masks for children. Find the full list here! New users can get one month access to all premium classes for free by using the code HALLOWEEN.

 Wonder why I am happy to promote these classes? Read my review of Creativebug here

Handmade Halloween on Creativebug

When I was a child (in the 70s and 80s) Halloween wasn't a very big deal on this side of the Atlantic. If we were lucky, one of the local families might host an apple bobbing party, but that's about it. Over the last few years it has become a much bigger 'thing' - in fact, many of the houses around us will be completely transformed over the next week, and people will travel to our neighbourhood to come 'trick or treating'.

This post has a promo code for you, and affiliate links to help me with the cost of running the blog.

With the children breaking up for their half-term holiday today, I've been looking at various craft ideas which will keep them busy and get us halloween-ready by next weekend. Here are just a few of the Halloween Classes at Creativebug. Creativebug offers over 500 classes which can be viewed for just $4.95 a month. Some classes are free! Sign up to receive your first month free with code: HALLOWEEN.





As well as party decor there are lots of food and costume ideas which include face painting and DIY masks for children. Find the full list here! New users can get one month access to all premium classes for free by using the code HALLOWEEN.

 Wonder why I am happy to promote these classes? Read my review of Creativebug here
This post is part of the Rock Those Socks Make-along and describes how to insert a place-holder for an 'afterthought' heel, and to knit the leg of your sock. My sock was knit and photographed at a crafty get-together - a lot of fun was had while making it, but the photos suffered from poor lighting - sorry! The second part of the crochet sock pattern is being published today on Maria's blog.


Following on from last week's pattern instalment, your sock should now be approximately ±5 cm less than the total foot length. Here's the important bit: Try the sock on the foot it is meant for at this point, remembering you need a little negative ease (stretch) for a snug fit. If your stretched sock reaches the point where your leg meets the top of your foot, you're ready to continue with step 5. (Numbering is continued from the previous post.) If it is baggy over your foot, the sock may be too loose, might fall down and twist around, or may not fit comfortably in your shoe. If in doubt, it's better to remove a few rounds / make it a little too small - you will have a further chance to add some additional rounds before inserting the heel, and we will cover that next week.

INSTRUCTIONS

A small quantity (roughly 30 cm) of sock/4 ply yarn in a contrasting colour will be used as the placeholder for your afterthought heel. As it will be removed later, a smooth yarn is recommended.

5. Work the top of the sock (needle 1) in pattern
6. Using a piece of smooth scrap yarn, knit across the bottom of the sock (pictured below) 


7. Slip the scrap yarn stitches back to the left needle, and knit them again using the normal sock yarn
8. You are now knitting the front and back of the leg. Continue to work the front (in pattern) and back (plain) for two full pattern repeats


9.  At the start of the next pattern repeat, work the Chevron stitch pattern for ALL STITCHES 
10. Continue to work the chevron pattern around the entire sock for approx. 10 cm (or to desired length), finishing after pattern round 4. 

The lighting was horrible. Lots of colour pictures to follow next week!
COMING NEXT WEEK: The cuff, bind off and how to insert the heel. Yes, next week you'll have a finished sock, and will be ready to make the second! If you want to avoid 'second sock syndrome' and have spare needles, you may like to knit the other sock to step 10 before next Wednesday, and you'll be able to finish the pair the same day.  

Enjoying sock-knitting? You might like some of the other tips, tutorials and patterns in the archives, including this post which includes a list of further sock resources. 

Rock Those Socks Part 2: Heel placement and knitting the leg

This post is part of the Rock Those Socks Make-along and describes how to insert a place-holder for an 'afterthought' heel, and to knit the leg of your sock. My sock was knit and photographed at a crafty get-together - a lot of fun was had while making it, but the photos suffered from poor lighting - sorry! The second part of the crochet sock pattern is being published today on Maria's blog.


Following on from last week's pattern instalment, your sock should now be approximately ±5 cm less than the total foot length. Here's the important bit: Try the sock on the foot it is meant for at this point, remembering you need a little negative ease (stretch) for a snug fit. If your stretched sock reaches the point where your leg meets the top of your foot, you're ready to continue with step 5. (Numbering is continued from the previous post.) If it is baggy over your foot, the sock may be too loose, might fall down and twist around, or may not fit comfortably in your shoe. If in doubt, it's better to remove a few rounds / make it a little too small - you will have a further chance to add some additional rounds before inserting the heel, and we will cover that next week.

INSTRUCTIONS

A small quantity (roughly 30 cm) of sock/4 ply yarn in a contrasting colour will be used as the placeholder for your afterthought heel. As it will be removed later, a smooth yarn is recommended.

5. Work the top of the sock (needle 1) in pattern
6. Using a piece of smooth scrap yarn, knit across the bottom of the sock (pictured below) 


7. Slip the scrap yarn stitches back to the left needle, and knit them again using the normal sock yarn
8. You are now knitting the front and back of the leg. Continue to work the front (in pattern) and back (plain) for two full pattern repeats


9.  At the start of the next pattern repeat, work the Chevron stitch pattern for ALL STITCHES 
10. Continue to work the chevron pattern around the entire sock for approx. 10 cm (or to desired length), finishing after pattern round 4. 

The lighting was horrible. Lots of colour pictures to follow next week!
COMING NEXT WEEK: The cuff, bind off and how to insert the heel. Yes, next week you'll have a finished sock, and will be ready to make the second! If you want to avoid 'second sock syndrome' and have spare needles, you may like to knit the other sock to step 10 before next Wednesday, and you'll be able to finish the pair the same day.  

Enjoying sock-knitting? You might like some of the other tips, tutorials and patterns in the archives, including this post which includes a list of further sock resources. 
In a departure from my usual Tuesday 'Show & Tell', today's post is a round-up of five things I have either talked about on Periscope or posted on social media, but which I haven't mentioned here yet. I don't want regular readers who aren't using the other platforms to miss out, so here's a quick summary. 

1. On yesterday's Periscope broadcast I was squishing some super soft Scheepjes Colour Crafter (shade: The Hague) and asking for Hallowe'en pattern recommendations. I A viewer sent me a link to this lovely hat pattern by Sarah Hood, which is available as a free download on Ravelry. I thought some of you might like it too.


2. Last week I broadcast a Periscope showing my nostepinne in action (if you missed it, see this post for a video made by someone else). Many people asked where I got it, but it looks like the shop I used is no longer stocked so I may have found an alternative - an Etsy shop called Woodbeach where everything is handmade from locally sourced materials in the Welsh hills. UK and European postage is very reasonable too. (If you're in North America there are a lot more options - I think these look especially appealing, and you can find plenty of others which are all handmade by craftspeople closer to home.)


3. I recently mentioned on Twitter that I'd spotted some lovely FOs made from my own patterns. I'm never sure many people see my tweets - personally I miss almost everything that's posted there by those I follow - as it all moves so quickly. (I sound old!!!)

Top: Christykitch's Leaf Collectors Mitts / Knothanna's Cosy Colourblock Shawl
Bottom: Sarahy75's Seafoam Shawlette-to-Shrug / Mayaz's Cwtchy Cable Armwarmers 

4. This one is for all the Outlander fans. As you may recall, I really didn't like the book, but watched TV show - mainly for the knitwear. Yesterday I spotted that Lion Brand Yarns have released official "Outlander" patterns and kits for both knit and crochet versions of key pieces from the TV show:


5. And finally, a reminder that the giveaway for a copy of the eBook edition of Louise Zass Bangham's book Knit Colour Play ends today. You can read the review and enter the giveaway here. I'll be pulling the winner out of a hat this evening, so you have a few hours to enter. 


I'll be back tomorrow with the next part of the Rock Those Socks Make-along. See you then! 

Show & Tell: Lots of Patterns and a Nostepinne

In a departure from my usual Tuesday 'Show & Tell', today's post is a round-up of five things I have either talked about on Periscope or posted on social media, but which I haven't mentioned here yet. I don't want regular readers who aren't using the other platforms to miss out, so here's a quick summary. 

1. On yesterday's Periscope broadcast I was squishing some super soft Scheepjes Colour Crafter (shade: The Hague) and asking for Hallowe'en pattern recommendations. I A viewer sent me a link to this lovely hat pattern by Sarah Hood, which is available as a free download on Ravelry. I thought some of you might like it too.


2. Last week I broadcast a Periscope showing my nostepinne in action (if you missed it, see this post for a video made by someone else). Many people asked where I got it, but it looks like the shop I used is no longer stocked so I may have found an alternative - an Etsy shop called Woodbeach where everything is handmade from locally sourced materials in the Welsh hills. UK and European postage is very reasonable too. (If you're in North America there are a lot more options - I think these look especially appealing, and you can find plenty of others which are all handmade by craftspeople closer to home.)


3. I recently mentioned on Twitter that I'd spotted some lovely FOs made from my own patterns. I'm never sure many people see my tweets - personally I miss almost everything that's posted there by those I follow - as it all moves so quickly. (I sound old!!!)

Top: Christykitch's Leaf Collectors Mitts / Knothanna's Cosy Colourblock Shawl
Bottom: Sarahy75's Seafoam Shawlette-to-Shrug / Mayaz's Cwtchy Cable Armwarmers 

4. This one is for all the Outlander fans. As you may recall, I really didn't like the book, but watched TV show - mainly for the knitwear. Yesterday I spotted that Lion Brand Yarns have released official "Outlander" patterns and kits for both knit and crochet versions of key pieces from the TV show:


5. And finally, a reminder that the giveaway for a copy of the eBook edition of Louise Zass Bangham's book Knit Colour Play ends today. You can read the review and enter the giveaway here. I'll be pulling the winner out of a hat this evening, so you have a few hours to enter. 


I'll be back tomorrow with the next part of the Rock Those Socks Make-along. See you then! 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

The free patterns and tutorials on this site are provided for unlimited personal use. You may print a copy of a pattern or keep a digital copy for personal use only. Please feel free to share links to the relevant posts but do not reproduce or sell any of these patterns (either digitally or in print). If you would like to use any of my images, please get in touch!

Yarn sellers: Please do not print patterns/tutorials to distribute with yarn sales, as this is an infringement of copyright.










Latest Instagrams

© Crafts from the Cwtch. Design by Fearne.