Festive Gift Guide Part 8: Colourful Kits & A Selection of Top Deals

It may be "Black Friday", but today's FGG selection includes some lovely colours! First up, something gorgeous and fluffy I think will be popular this Christmas. 

I've been a fan of Spin City for some time, and first interviewed Louise back in March 2014 when she was still establishing her brand. Since then she has become a regular face to so many of us who have attended UK yarn and fibre festivals. Having just launched her own online store (after starting out on Etsy), Louise's latest kit would make a wonderful festive gift and I'm pleased to be able to share it with you today.

Spin City Image Source: (C) Spin City Shop, used with permission
Each luxury kit comes in a hand-printed bag and includes 130g of beautiful fibre (in a choice of colours), a handmade wooden drop spindle, illustrated instructions and a link to a free video tutorial you can access online, to help you get started. 
Choose from purples (pictured), naturals, pink, blue or green colour-schemes
This is the perfect gift for a knitter/crocheter who loves handspun yarn or anyone who is interested in learning to spin  - including children! (My children have their own spindles and while they haven't really mastered the techniques yet, they love to join in with me!) They are called "drop" spindles for a reason - and while you're learning to spin, a plain wooden spindle is perfect and it's less likely to get damaged when it drops to the floor (really!). Of course, once you're used to working with a spindle, you'll probably want to go back to pick another which is as pretty as it is functional - lots of gorgeous options are also available from Louise's shop


Find Louise's shop here. You can also follow her beautiful work on Instagram.

A WEEKEND OF DEALS:  

Affiliate links and exclusive discounts are included.
While queueing all night and fighting over bargains seems completely ridiculous, this is a Festive Gift Guide, and it would be remiss to ignore that some of my favourite sellers have great offers this weekend. Here's a round up of those I think you'll like the most, all of which can be ordered from the comfort of your favourite device.  There are also some exclusive codes for extra discounts.

Image source: Boden, used with permission
BODEN - 30% off
Readers can get 30% off plus FREE UK DELIVERY & FREE RETURNS using this link together with the code 7H9S. I got myself the most amazing sparkly silver shoes - they are from the children's range but go up to size UK41 and look really cute on!

EASTON DESIGN STUDIOS - 35% off
Shona is a local (to me) handbag and accessories designer whose products I buy quite regularly. You may remember I reviewed one of her bags here a while ago. For the next few days, Shona is offering a 35% discount and FREE UK SHIPPING to all readers using the code SarahK35 (note that it's case sensitive). The discount is available until midnight on 1st December and there is one condition of use: as this is a significant discount, returns will only be accepted in the unlikely event of a fault.

'Bella' zipped tote in Mango - source: Easton Design Studio, used with permission

SWIG FLASKS - 15% off EVRYTHING - including SALE items!!!!
The Festive Gift Guide kicked off with ideas for the 'impossible' people in your life and the most popular item was the SWIG flask I featured/reviewed. As a thank you, readers can use the code ChristmasDreaming for 15% off everything and as there is currently a 'Black Friday' sale, which means you can get even more off! Click here to visit the site.

I'm thinking this would look really cute in that Bella bag! Source: SWIG, used with permission
JORDANA PAIGE - 56% off Cora in selected colours
More bags! If you recall my interview with Jordana and my review of Cora, you'll know what a great deal this is! Each deal only last 2 days, but currently you can get Cora in dark green or dusty rose (pictured) for 56% less than the normal price with FREE US SHIPPING - no code needed as the discount has already been applied online.


And finally, the Amazon Kindle Fire, 7" Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB is down to £35 today only, so a few couple of those may have fallen into my basket too!

I wish you a stress-free weekend, with lots of laughter and crafting, and maybe a few more things ticked off your to-do list. Next week I have some DIY gifts for kids - stay tuned. 

Cwtch Speak Lesson 9: Seasonal Overwhelm

While the advertisers would have us believe christmas is full of magic and sparkle, I'm not feeling very sparkly today*. Yes, I'm willing to admit that the thing I refer to as 'Seasonal Overwhelm' is breathing down my neck and I don't like it one bit. Today I took some time to re-evaluate what actually needs to be done in the next three weeks (so much to organise before the holidays, and gifts to sort and pack), what else I want to get done, and how it can all happen. It's a start. 


As you can see, I've also taken my own advice and found some solace in knitting - which happens to be a decidedly festive little thing, but in a good way! You'll get to see the rest of it next Tuesday by which time I'm hoping to have my shopping finished, the food ordered, and everything wrapped. Wish me luck!

(*As I like to keep this a mainly positive space, I have edited out a huge rant about the international news, the UK Chancellor and tampon tax, lots of school-related stuff, including the peer pressure of expecting everyone to fill a box with gender-specific plastic tat, plus various other 'stuff'. ) 

1940s Knitting Patterns to Download (& tips for using them!)

Did you know that the Victoria & Albert Museum (amazing place, if you ever have the chance to visit) has an online catalogue of downloadable knitting patterns? As it happens, I've known this for a while, but when my friend Lee asked if I knew, I realised that I've never written about it here before.

 
Essentials for the Forces & 'The Victory Jumper' - Source
The V&A collection (HERE) contains various patterns from the hey-day of hand knitting in Britain. For many women, knitting was the best way to make a contribution to the war effort, and you'll see that the patterns contain useful wartime items like a balaclava with ear flaps and mittens with a trigger finger! As well as being interesting historical documents, it's a lot of fun to look at the patterns, but before knitting from them, you will need to consider these points:

1. NEEDLES - Vintage sizing uses imperial measurements and you may need to use a converter, or perhaps you'd prefer to knit on authentic vintage needles.

2. YARN SUBSTITUTION - It is unlikely the yarn used in the pattern will still be available and modern yarns have very different qualities to those used in the patterns. Pre-1950s, 'wool' meant '100% wool'. You can find a useful list of vintage yarns and their qualities here. Unless using authentic yarns, it is really important to SWATCH. You will most certainly need to do this to calculate the quantities of yarn required as you won't find grams and meters on these patterns. 

3. SIZING - 1940s bodies were significantly different to modern-day bodies and sizing is likely to be radically different - many knitting patterns only give one size (and it's small) and you'll need to work it out from the stated tension (gauge). In this case you may need to resize the pattern yourself. Vintageknits.com have a page of useful sizing information including a comparison chart. Spoiler: it'll tell you to SWATCH!

4. TERMINOLOGY - I saved this one for last as it's the most tricky, in my opinion. If you have pictures to work from this may be a little easier to work out - if not, you can try this list of vintage knitting terms, or Google - there are various resources available online, mainly on specialist blogs. 

If you're serious about knitting from the patterns, there's also really useful article on Geraldine Warner's blog which goes into a lot more detail on these points and other things you need to consider when knitting from vintage patterns. 

A perfectly easy pair of increases (M1L & M1R using the 'loop' method)

I think I first read about these left- and right-leaning stitches in Elizabeth Zimmerman's book Knitting Without Tears and since then, they have become my go-to increases for many different projects. When I was searching for a tutorial to forward to someone else, I struggled to know which terms to use and then to find something which showed both methods with photos. In the end I did what any blogger would do, and got my camera out.

Before the photos, here's why I like these increases:
1. They are very quick and easy.
2. They are brand new stitches, and (unlike the other options I used before) do not affect those around them - they do not pull the yarn from either side or below. In other words, they are very well behaved.
3. They're a perfect pair and I have a 'thing' for pairs (see this post if you're in any doubt).
4. Depending on the way you knit into them on the next row, they can be 'untwisted' if you want the increase to be opened out as a design feature, or leave them 'closed' for a subtle and inconspicuous addition to your stitch count. 
  
M1L increase on Crafts from the Cwtch Blog

M1L = yarn over left index finger, pick up the back ‘loop’ with right needle, as if to purl.

    M1R increase on Crafts from the Cwtch Blog

    M1R = yarn over left thumb, slip the front ‘loop’ onto the right needle, as if to knit.


    And there you have it! A perfectly easy pair of increases. 

    Do you have a favourite? Is there a reason for this, or merely habit? (I'm guilty of this with my cast on and bind off methods!) I'd love to hear your thoughts.  

    Handmade Wardrobe Inspiration: Freehand Fashion (Book Review)

    As I always like to give a balanced review, you need to know a few things upfront of today's post: After my mum left the Sewing Bee I was really hoping Chinelo Bally would win (you can read my interview with her here). Having been on set during the final, and seen Chinelo's work up close, it was clear that she has a special something which would lead to success regardless of her position in the competition - she has a true creative flair and an eye for bold fabrics and design.  I think this came across to viewers and is the reason the show earned her an army of fans - myself included. So when Chinelo's publisher offered to send me a review copy of her first book, I was delighted. I've tried to be impartial. I may not be. 

    All photos credit: Claire Pepper, used with permission. 

    THE TECHNIQUE: As you might expect with the title of 'Freehand Fashion', there are no patterns in this book.  Not one. Instead it teaches the freehand cutting method Chinelo uses to make classic garments that fit perfectly every time. That is quite a bold claim, but if you saw her on the show, you'll know that Chinelo hadn't previously used any sewing patterns - instead she works from a series of basic garment blocks. These 'blocks' are the foundation for all the designs, and once you know how to draft, cut and construct them, you can mix and match, make your own adjustments and sew an entire wardrobe. The technique is surprisingly simple and uses your own measurements to create everything from simple skirts and tops to stunning evening wear. 


    Chinelo says it took her 3 months to learn this technique from her aunty, but has condensed everything into simple step-by-step instructions which will have you making things very quickly. Starting with the essential kit (very little), and basic techniques (seams, finishing, hemming, zip insertion etc) the book is suitable for all levels. Experienced dressmakers who are used to following patterns would find it equally useful, as this traditional Nigerian technique is still relatively uncommon. 

    Even if you are a brand new sewist (or someone like me who has made a couple of basic things and would like to be able to translate your ideas onto fabric without finding the elusive 'perfect pattern') you should be able to follow exactly what to do, as there are lots of clear illustrations. 
    THE DESIGNS: As there are no patterns or size restrictions, the will particularly useful for anyone with a body shape that is not easily accommodated in standard patterns. If you're tall, short, tiny, large, it really doesn't matter - all these designs work with your body, not against it. The designs are classic, elegant and pretty timeless (maxi skirt, wrap dress, pencil skirt...) and they can be made 'fashionable' by using on-trend fabrics - something Chinelo is very good at. My favourite design, and probably the one I'll try first, is this bat wing top. I don't for a minute imagine that it'll look like this on me, but love it! 


    If you are the type of crafter who only ever likes to work from patterns, you will probably find this book a little overwhelming. On the other hand, if you're someone who likes to make things your way, who modifies things, who struggles to find things which fit or suit your personal style, or you just want to dive in without learning to follow patterns that aren't right anyway (this is me!) then this should be right up your street. My guess is that newer sewists might find it easier to pick up this technique than more experienced people who would need to 'un-learn' things they already know (I can imagine it's like learning to knit Continental style when you're a 'thrower'), but I think it's great and am sure it will be a success. 

    You can pick up a hardcover from most good bookshops now, or from Amazon (affiliate), where it's also available in Kindle edition. 

    A Startling Discovery about the Subconscious Mind of a Knitter

    It was with a mixture of relief and sadness that I bound off my 'secret' Rhythm project last night - it is now getting ready for it's short hop over to the Netherlands, by which I mean it is damp and pinned to some blocking mats. I am left with the eternal dilemma of what to cast on. The "to make next" list, written on a whiteboard by my desk, includes:
    • knitting up two things I've already swatched and planned in great detail, 
    • a cute little blog project for Christmas, 
    • finishing at least three half-written patterns (that need minimal work before testing can begin), 
    • the project I was swatching for when the Rhythm yarn arrived, and which has now evolved into something different with the addition of a few weeks of pondering
    • making the crochet socks from Maria's Rock Those Socks make-along pattern
    This is without the hundreds of half-formed ideas in my notes or the pile of sewing patterns I really want to try out, but never have the time for. 

    The bottom line is that I have enough to be getting on with for the foreseeable future.... but instead of being motivated to tick these things off my list I'm getting that feeling. You know the one? It's like a little voice, calling to me. Tempting me to forget everything except playing with pretty yarn and needles. I'm certain I can't be the only one who hears it's call and I'm pretty sure it's the precursor to a bout of startitis. Now that I think about it, another early sign was there a few weeks ago and I completely ignored it...

    Half-knitted Manos del Uraguay sweater salvaged from the Charity shop (700g for £7!!) 
    At half term, when the clocks were changing, there was what can only be described as manic stashing going on. I ordered various oddments of yarns "to try" (one was Malabrigo Rasta in Lluvia - the purpley-brown one) plus three sweater kits - I mean seriously, I hardly ever knit sweaters! I also salvaged a further sweater's worth of yarn from the charity shop. What was I thinking? (They were all an absolute steal, but still.... you get my point.) 

    Designette  Sweater Knitting Kit, which was in the Amazon Daily Deal
    Looking at these photos, it became clear that I might be able to blame the season - they are all autumnal colours. Which gave me another thought... I checked back over my photo reel from around the same time and made a startling discovery:


    Each of the 'nature' photos was taken at least a week before I made the related purchase, which leads me to believe that some kind of strange subconscious thing is going on. Have yarn fumes addled my brain so that I am hypnotised by nature and unable to resist the lure of seasonal yarns? (Have I *actually* been hypnotised without my knowledge?) I'm not yet sure about any of this, or the future implications  (on my Instagram account or my stash...) but please tell me I'm not the only to be affected. Oh and don't alert my husband or he may just confiscate all the cameras!

    Festive Gift Guide Part 7: Daily Greatness!

    As regular readers know, I've been on a mission to be more organised since the new (school) year started in September. It's been going pretty well (see my two month review here) but there are areas for improvement. There are two particular things I want to work on next - one is having a 'vision' for what I want to achieve, and the other is striking the balance between what I have to do with what I want to do. In my search for answers, I kept coming across the following tool. A little basic research (a shout on on social media) showed that some of the entrepreneurs and all-round awesome people I admire already used them and would recommend them. Obviously I had to buy one to see if it would be a good candidate for the Festive Gift Guide.

    There are four different options to choose from via the Dailygreatness website or Amazon.com* - a business planner, a body and mind training journal, the (original) greatness journal and the Yoga planner.


    I ordered the original (orange) one directly from the Dailygreatness website and it arrived a few days later. It is priced at the higher end of the market, and I can see why - it's really good quality and bigger than I was expecting (24.5cm x 18.5 cm x 2.5cm ). I could tell you about it in my own words, but I think the official description does it more justice: 

    Dailygreatness Journal: A Practical Guide for Consciously Creating Your Day

    How we start our days determines how we spend our days. How we spend each day determines our future. What, then, is more important than beginning and ending each day with clear intentions, a positive focused mindset and conscious reflection? You've probably read a million self-help books but how do you apply those ideas and make lasting changes? The Dailygreatness Journal: A Practical Guide For Consciously Creating Your Days, combines a yearly diary, goal and appointment planner, and daily tools for self-mastery. Designed to be used daily throughout the calendar year, the daily pages will guide you to form great habits through the 8 daily steps of meditation & visualisation, intentions, dream journalling, gratitude, evening self-awareness questions, exercise, inspired actions & inspiration. The weekly and quarterly check-ins keep you committed, accountable & motivated. With a yearly review that celebrates your achievements and highlights new opportunities for the coming year. Each stage laying the foundations for achieving self-mastery, reaching your goals and finding and following your purpose. The flexi-bound cover means the journal is sturdy and durable yet light in weight. The smooth matt finish makes it a pleasure to handle and the beautiful design, with 432 full colour pages, will inspire you to use it often. Inside, the premium quality paper is easy to write on with 2 silk ribbon markers for keeping your place. Caution! This journal if used everyday, could radically transform, profoundly shape and dynamically alter your destiny.

    Features include :

    Day-to-a-View Planner | Comprehensive Goal Planning System | Gratitude Journal | Weekly, Quarterly and Yearly Check-Ins | Weekly & Quarterly Goal Planners | Inspirational Quotes | Appointment Planner | Soul Clarity Worksheets | Prompts and Reminders for Staying on Track | Un-dated, so you can start anytime.


    WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT: The journal takes a holistic approach to a 'life revolution' - goals are set for all aspects of your life - health/body, emotional growth, relationships, fun, work, money and community. But before setting any goals and working out your 'why' there are places to list the things you need to let go of or forgive to be able to move on. And a whole page to list your achievements to date - these are to refer back to when you're having a bad day! 

    The content is great - I love the idea of 'creating' your life, rather than just living it. The exercises and questions may seem a little daunting at first (you have to face up to things) but the way it does this is really good, and while there is a structure to each of the daily pages, they are not exactly the same. By asking daily questions in slightly different ways, it makes you think! The regular check-ins are a great way to take stock of achievements and to reflect on everything before planning the next steps.

    WHAT I DON'T LIKE: The only downside to this journal is that it's too big to carry around in my handbag to have it with me all the time - which is not a deal-breaker as I'm usually at my desk anyway. The key is to making it part of a daily routine (morning and night) so that it's not missed. 

    WHO IT WOULD SUIT: This is an ideal tool for anyone who wants to be more mindful and conscious of their life. It would suit someone who is interested in personal development, who wishes to improve their work/life balance, or who is simply looking for some direction with aspects of their life (this is me). It's not going to be for everyone - my husband, for example, would never ever think of using something like this (although as a self-employed freelancer, with huge career aspirations, and poor work-life balance, he would probably benefit from it enormously).

    If you're looking for something with more business-focus, then the yellow journal looks great too. I think this would be the one to choose for entrepreneurs or people working in a target-driven environment. I haven't seen it in person, but heard great things about it from people who use it themselves. Here are the details, if you want to check it out:


    Dailygreatness Business Planner: An Actionable Plan for Expanding Your Mind & Exploding your Business

    Arguably the most comprehensive business planner on the market, the latest planner in the Dailygreatness series is a must-have for your business. Encompassing everything you need to succeed in your business over the coming year, this planner is designed to upgrade your thinking while helping you hit your yearly business goals. With a unique combination of a yearly undated diary (you can start anytime), finance & budget worksheets, goal, action & appointment planners and the best personal development tools, distilled down into a simple daily, weekly & quarterly structure, this powerful tool will support you in creating the habits of a Peak Performer. Designed for optimal focus, personal growth and organisation, the week-to-a-view pages will guide you in forming excellent thinking habits while taking action on your most important priorities. The weekly check-ins, challenges, planners and inspiration, keep you firmly on track with your goals while the 90-Day high-level check-ins and challenges keep you committed, accountable & motivated. Each stage lays the foundation for staying true to your purpose as an entrepreneur, reaching your goals, expanding your mind & exploding your business. The flexi-bound cover means the planner is durable, yet light in weight. The smooth matt finish makes it a pleasure to handle and the beautiful unique full-colour design will inspire you to use it often. Starting your day with the Dailygreatness Business Planner will empower you to create your days in new and exciting ways, utilising your time effectively and enabling you to be the best entrepreneur you can be.

    Features:

    Week-to-a-View Planner | One Page Business Plan | Business Vision Planner | Comprehensive Goal Planning System | Weekly, Quarterly and Yearly Check-Ins | 90 Day Business Challenges | Weekly Priority Planners | Weekly Action Planners | Inspirational Quotes | Weekly and Quarterly Goal Planners | Finance Manager and Budget Worksheets

    As with anything like this, these tools are only good when you actually use them. I'm just getting started with mine, but I'll be sure to update you with how it's going over the next few months. And if you are already using any of the Dailygreatness journals, please leave a comment and let us know how it's going. 

    NEXT WEEK: In part 8 of the Festive Gift Guide, I have something for the spinners, and wanna-be spinners out there, and it's a real feast for the eyes. Don't miss it! 

    *Affiliate links - read more here

    How to read electronic books and PDF patterns without an "eReader"

    One of my recent giveaways was for an ebook, and a few people didn't think they could enter without an eReader, which makes me think this post is probably long overdue. As increasing numbers of knitting / craft books (and patterns) are available as ebooks, I find myself reading and reviewing them more frequently, and I have a few posts coming up which recommend books you can instantly download.

    First I should perhaps tell you the main reasons I love ebooks:
    • Immediate downloads perfectly suit my lack of patience (this is also the reason I have a Kindle with 3G capabilities. I was never more grateful for that than when I finished my book in hospital at 3am, after unplanned surgery, and downloaded the next in the series!) 
    • There's no need to fit another book on my shelves - I have so little space in my Cwtch and most of it is taken up with yarn *blush*
    • I can carry an entire library around in my pocket, almost weightlessly - I have bought several books in both physical and ebook format for this reason...
    Reading ebooks without an ereader on Crafts from the Cwtch blog
    My favourite knitting resource: The Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt in hardback & on a 7.6mm Kindle Voyage with 300+ other books
    My love of ebooks isn't new - I've had various incarnations of Amazon's Kindle since they were launched several years ago and absolutely love the Kindle Voyage 3G I had last Christmas. I read many more novels at bedtime because of the (auto) backlit display and carry it at all times - it even fits in the pocket of my jeans. So it may surprise you to learn that I prefer to read most full colour knitting/craft books on my iPad. Why? Because the photos look so much nicer and it's easier to zoom in and out.

    Reading ebooks without an ereader on Crafts from the Cwtch blog
     Custom Socks by Kate Atherley - looks much nicer in colour, but is also handy in the portable Kindle format
    But you don't need an iPad to read ebooks either, in fact, the device you're reading this post on is probably a great candidate for ebooks too. Here's how... 

    AMAZON KINDLE APP 
    The easiest place to buy content is often Amazon and their Kindle App is available for most computers, tablets and phones (using iOS and Android). Once you have downloaded the app(s) and logged in, any content will be synced across your devices and accessed almost anywhere! (This is especially useful if you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription as there are SO MANY great books to borrow.)

    IBOOKS
    Aside from my Kindle, I'm an exclusive apple-gadget user. A lot of my downloaded patterns come in PDF format. To use those I click the download link, and then tap on the screen on my iPad which gives the option to open the file in other apps, including iBooks. Selecting this opens (and saves) the document in iBooks where it can be accessed at any time.

    ADOBE BLUEFIRE READER
    As a Netgalley member, many of the books I review are in protected PDF format and need to opened using Adobe Bluefire Reader. I'll be honest, this is my least favourite option as it's not as intuitive as the Kindle app or iBooks, but it does work on both my iPad and my Mac.

    There are sure to be other apps that you can use if you're using other devices too, so if you haven't already it's definitely worth checking out. Next week I'll be posting a list of great books you can download. 

    I've Got Rhythm (new Mohair and Alpaca yarns & 5 tips for using them!)

    Five years ago, when I didn't knit and hadn't thought about writing more than a shopping list, I couldn't have imagined I'd be sitting here writing a blog that other people read, or that I'd be working on 'secret' knitting designs. Yet that is exactly the position I find myself in. It's fun and exciting, but also a little frustrating not to be able to show you what I'm working on - after all, that's how this blog started. So I have another plan. A distraction which I think might work, because if you're here, (a) you probably really like yarn and (b) you might enjoy tips on working with specific types of yarn...


    As you know, I've been collaborating with Scheepjes on several projects this year, and my latest design uses their brand new Rhythm* yarn. It was launched just a few days ago, but I was sent some to work on my design ideas - hence the secrecy. It's not yet listed on all stockist websites but should be any day now, so I'll take this opportunity to tell you about it. NB: The yarn was supplied by Scheepjes for my design projects, but all opinions are my own and completely honest. 


    Scheepjes Rhythm is part of the luxury 'white label' collection and features alpaca and mohair lace weight yarns in glorious hues. Yes that's right, two different yarns - each shade is available in both the mohair and the alpaca blend so you can combine them together, mix and match, or use them separately to create all sorts of different light soft fabrics. They are sold in individual 25g balls and each is a whopping 200m. (I've tried to show you quite how light and soft they are in the photos.)


    THE DETAILS: 
    • COMPOSITION: 80% Alpaca, 20% Extra Fine Wool / 70% Mohair, 30% Microfibre 
    • EASY START: The yarns come with 'easy start' centre-pull tabs which means that they do not roll around, and it's easy to find the end, even with the very fine mohair which likes to stick to itself. 
    • USAGE: Knit or crochet with the individual yarns, held double, or hold the mohair double with with other yarns to give a soft light finish, using larger needles (I tried this with Stone Washed and loved the results).
    • NEEDLE / HOOK SIZE: The "recommended" needle/ hook size is 2-2.5mm but this shouldn't limit you. The mohair in particular works well on much bigger needles. I'm using 3.5mm for the alpaca and 4mm for the mohair to achieve the fabric I want, but swatched on 4.5mm and 5mm needles and all would have worked well. 
    • WASHING: Handwash at 30C and dry flat.
    • BLOCKING: Wet blocking is very effective on these 'woolly' yarns. For best results, pin to size and spray with room-temperature water, then allow them to completely dry (naturally) before unpinning. 


    FIVE TIPS FOR USING THESE YARNS:
    • TIP #1: As it likes to stick to itself, undoing (frogging) your work can be incredibly frustrating (I don't really want to say any more about it!) so if you're doing anything which could go wrong, I'd highly recommend using stitch markers, lifelines, and careful counting. Especially when knitting lace patterns - it will be worth the extra effort, trust me! 
    • TIP #2: The positive side of this, is that if you drop a mohair stitch, or accidentally pull your needles out of your knitting (lightweight yarn and long circular needles - it was bound to happen!), the stitches just sit there waiting for you to notice them and pick them back up again. 
    • TIP #3: Using larger needles, the stitches can look a little uneven while knitting, but don't worry, it sorts itself out after blocking.
    • TIP #4: For the mohair, I much prefer working with metal needles - the bamboo needles I tried swatching with caused far too much 'drag' and would have driven me crazy for lacy stitch patterns. Using metal needles, the yarn glides really well and my knitting is much more smooth and efficient. This is precisely why every 'serious' knitter needs a good selection of different types of needles. 
    • TIP #5: For lace / openwork patterns, it's advisable to also consider the needle points you are using. If the needles are too rounded, it'll be harder to pick up and manipulate the tiny stitches.

    That's all from me for today - I'm off to finish knitting my sample (there may be a few sneaky peeks to follow, on Instagram). I have already come up with another project which will use a lot more colours, but I'll tell you about that another day.

    *Affiliate. Rhythm Mohair and Alpaca are available in the UK from Wool Warehouse and Deramores and internationally from other Scheepjes stockists.  

    5 Great Sock-Making Resources (AND Giveaway!)

    Today, the final Rock Those Socks Make-along pattern has been published - you can download Maria's 'lacy' sock pattern HERE. (If you missed them, last week we published the chevron knitted socks and stripy crochet socks.) But it's not over yet as the "sock-making" continues. Several participants have finished more than one pair already, and may even be showing early signs of sock-addiction!! To keep the momentum going, and to help you expand your skills, I've listed five great resources for taking your socks to the next level. (Affiliate links included.)
    1. 'HOW TO KNIT SOCKS THAT FIT' by Donna Druchunas
    This is a useful little book which will fit in your knitting bag (or on your Kindle) for easy reference and contains answers to most of the questions you are likely to have as a novice or intermediate sock knitter. Although I've already made several pairs of socks, I enjoyed reviewing this book very much and found it to be full of tips on getting a great fit without getting bogged down in too much detail. It covers how to measure your feet, how to swatch, and includes both toe-up and top-down sock construction, and is illustrated with clear charts and graphs (sample below) so they are easy to follow on black and white eReaders as well as in paperback. Order or download now from Amazon, or read on for details of the giveaway! 
    Sample illustration, used with publisher's permission
    Donna is a true sock expert and has several related Craftsy classes for both toe-up and top-down socks, which lead me nicely onto these...

    If you would like in-depth sock knitting instruction via video, you can find just about everything you need on the Craftsy platform where there are various options for sock-knitters of all levels (including Donna's excellent classes).  Click on the images below for more information - you may want to be quick because at the time of writing, some of the classes are on sale! (Craftsy classes all have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and are available to watch or download at any time after purchase.)

    2. MY FIRST SOCKS with Lucy Neatby
    Haven't cast on yet? This class includes step-by-step help for knitting your first pair of socks. 
    Learn how to mix and match different heel and toe shapes to create your perfect socks! 
    Learn to mix and match your favourite stitch patterns to create and chart custom sock designs.

    5. CREATIVEBUG
    If you already subscribe to Creativebug, you'll find three different sock classes waiting for you to watch or download to your device. For some reason, they are all top-down socks so I'm hoping there might be more in the works - but you can find  'Hudson Valley Winter Socks', 'Twisted Rib Socks' and 'Knitted Pom Pom Socks' - complete with step-by-step video tuition, and PDF patterns. Simply log in to access them.
    Pom Pom Socks & Twisted Rib Socks on Creativebug
    If you haven't tried Creativebug yet, get your first month free with code: HALLOWEEN (until end of November).

    GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will be sent a paperback copy of 'How to Knit Socks That Fit', courtesy of Storey publishing. To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment telling me where you're at with your sock knitting and what you'd like to learn next. Be sure to leave your Ravelry name, email address or alternative method of contact - the winner will be drawn next Wednesday (18th November 2015).

    As well as drawing the winner's name next week, I'll be back on the subject of socks with a selection of my most thumbed sock pattern books. (HINT: They are mostly available to borrow from Kindle Unlimited but unfortunately for me, I bought nearly all of them before KU was around.)

    Festive Gift Guide Part 6: Knitting Goddess Zip Pouches


    As a fan of Knitting Goddess yarns (pretty much since I first started knitting), when I heard that Joy was selling her own range of project bags, and that she was printing her own fabrics to make them, I was really curious. Her prints certainly did not disappoint, having been designed with the knitter and crocheter very much in mind! Before featuring them in this year's Festive Gift Guide I asked Joy to tell us more about the reasons for adding this line to her shop and what makes them special. Here's what she had to say:
    "Like a lot of craft people I’m always keen to find homes for whatever I’m working on, and it’s fair to say that I’ve collected several project bags. I always wanted something that was ‘right’ for my knitting or crochet, and somehow the colourful craft cottons which many project bags are made from weren’t what I wanted. "
    "When Bobbie and I started talking about offering project bags, we planned to buy printed fabric and make bags. Having been unable to find what we wanted we decided to print our own. This meant creating designs from scratch, transferring them onto silk screens, printing and heat setting the fabric and making it into bags. Because we control every step of the process its given us lots of control. We wanted to make project bags which would stand up to years of use." 
    "Our cotton fabric comes from just along the road in Bradford, and we’ve chosen to worth with a cotton canvas rather than a lightweight cotton. We use water based inks which are soil association approved and non toxic. We use good quality interfacing, zips and thread. So rather than try to make something as cheaply as possible we’ve aimed to make the best bags possible, using UK suppliers every step of the way."
    "Our zip pouches come in two sizes and four designs. The larger pouches are the perfect size for a ball of yarn and sock pins, a circular needle or crochet hook. The smaller pouches are great for keeping small things together - mine contains a tape measure, notebook, pencil and lip salve."
    "We’ll be posting parcels up to and including the 22nd of December, but we’d recommend ordering by Monday 19th December to give your parcel the best chance of reaching you. If your parcel needs to travel outside the UK please check the last posting date here ."
    If you'd like to see the full range of pouches, box bags and totes (as well as Joy's beautiful hand dyed yarns and other notions), visit the online shop HERE

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