tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87773453146045638922024-03-13T14:11:51.966-07:00A Little KnitA blog about a little knit, a little crochet and a lot of fun!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-84086365439138469052015-04-25T21:35:00.003-07:002015-04-25T21:43:12.434-07:00Knitting Trolley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wn7yvaHOvhM/VTxg12ag08I/AAAAAAAACq4/R8hbCw3tzSI/s1600/Trolley8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wn7yvaHOvhM/VTxg12ag08I/AAAAAAAACq4/R8hbCw3tzSI/s1600/Trolley8.jpg" height="320" width="295" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKOf9mWbfRg/VTxg3Yd5cGI/AAAAAAAACrA/BCP0pa4nMGM/s1600/Trolley7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKOf9mWbfRg/VTxg3Yd5cGI/AAAAAAAACrA/BCP0pa4nMGM/s1600/Trolley7.jpg" height="200" width="106" /></a></div>
I have had my eye on <a href="https://www.spotlight.co.nz/departments/fabrics-and-yarn/yarn/storage/">this knitting trolley from Spotlight</a> pretty much since I bought my first pair of needles.<br />
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I am quite a girly girl and I love cute little bags an accessories, so I fell in love with this, but until recently I knew I didn't need something this big to store all my yarn and knitting accessories, so I held off buying it for so long.<br />
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It used to sell for $90, but they reduced the price to $45, and then on a 30% sale I decided I couldn't resist any more.<br />
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I haven't yet stocked it up with loads of yarn, just for the projects I am working on, but there is loads of room in there.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5yJ4LxD8XU/VTxg0JSaR_I/AAAAAAAACqw/VuvYYPt18fE/s1600/Trolley9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5yJ4LxD8XU/VTxg0JSaR_I/AAAAAAAACqw/VuvYYPt18fE/s1600/Trolley9.JPG" height="183" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YsUcXN8RRg/VTxhFZT2jWI/AAAAAAAACsA/9Bt0eMKhRGI/s1600/Trolley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YsUcXN8RRg/VTxhFZT2jWI/AAAAAAAACsA/9Bt0eMKhRGI/s1600/Trolley.JPG" height="187" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Of course one of the best things about this trolley is the pattern on the outside, adorable yarn balls, needles and socks!
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<span style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PIkqb7kaOao/VTxg_9IJDaI/AAAAAAAACro/nsVUZ-M0hHo/s1600/Trolley2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PIkqb7kaOao/VTxg_9IJDaI/AAAAAAAACro/nsVUZ-M0hHo/s1600/Trolley2.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EzbYxjlilso/VTxg-YVPlFI/AAAAAAAACrg/VQh6-AiQ8jo/s1600/Trolley3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EzbYxjlilso/VTxg-YVPlFI/AAAAAAAACrg/VQh6-AiQ8jo/s1600/Trolley3.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv8TvrWNbLU/VTxg7W8lU0I/AAAAAAAACrQ/e3_ys4rvgXs/s1600/Trolley5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv8TvrWNbLU/VTxg7W8lU0I/AAAAAAAACrQ/e3_ys4rvgXs/s1600/Trolley5.JPG" height="194" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o9aPdIqWExc/VTxg5r-7CFI/AAAAAAAACrI/1o20P--WII8/s1600/Trolley6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o9aPdIqWExc/VTxg5r-7CFI/AAAAAAAACrI/1o20P--WII8/s1600/Trolley6.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NZqezjkeq8/VTxhCElcGdI/AAAAAAAACrw/vdSaQ0qeVC8/s1600/Trolley11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NZqezjkeq8/VTxhCElcGdI/AAAAAAAACrw/vdSaQ0qeVC8/s1600/Trolley11.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love that all my needles and accessories are in one place and I love rolling my little trolley round to the couch ready for an evening of knitting. Where do you keep all your knitting and yarn?<br />
</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-91395312376288049522015-04-22T13:45:00.001-07:002015-04-22T13:45:13.101-07:00It's a bit quiet around here...So I have been a little bit quiet on both the knitting and blogging front because I've had a lot going on (new job and moving house amongst other things) and now my laptop is out of action so I am unable to upload any of my photos for my new blog post. I'll be back soon though :-)Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-65380631829434602432015-04-05T12:00:00.000-07:002015-04-05T12:00:02.554-07:00Coat Extender for Baby Carrier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X01OIL13OuI/VRjtvSCccBI/AAAAAAAACnw/v_44z1v4eVk/s1600/Coat8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X01OIL13OuI/VRjtvSCccBI/AAAAAAAACnw/v_44z1v4eVk/s1600/Coat8.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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A friend of mine asked me to make her this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/mycupcake/skoodlet-2">Hooded Coat Extension pattern</a>, but it had been made by adjusting a different pattern for a hooded scarf, so I did a little searching to see if there were any other existing patterns, but the only one I found looked too different, so I decided to make my own.<br />
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To clarify what this is, when you wear you baby carrier on your front during the winter, if you can't button up your coat around your baby, this extender attaches to the existing buttons to keep baby warm.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWQWFZ0MzbE/VRjt6HWsMiI/AAAAAAAACoY/wR0rajigOnI/s1600/Coat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWQWFZ0MzbE/VRjt6HWsMiI/AAAAAAAACoY/wR0rajigOnI/s1600/Coat3.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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I started by knitting up a small patch to work out my gauge, then measured out the width I wanted the extender to be and the space between the buttons. I also wanted the top to be more narrow then the bottom so it fitted comfortably around the shape of baby.<br />
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I found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1016541348?campaign_label=transaction_buyer_notification&utm_source=transactional&utm_campaign=transaction_buyer_notification_010170_10529880387_0_0&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&email_sent=1427189633&euid=x4fsstLhxyiWgJsi6EMFZ2TksQpQ&eaid=22628995141&x_eaid=3656a96aad">these buttons on Etsy</a> which closely matched the coat buttons, and used the coat to work out the best positioning for them.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAIcVbFyER8/VRjtxvQbh2I/AAAAAAAACn4/FfS20HDY2lA/s1600/Coat7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAIcVbFyER8/VRjtxvQbh2I/AAAAAAAACn4/FfS20HDY2lA/s1600/Coat7.JPG" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HD4g_ihoSQE/VRjt0hQ3giI/AAAAAAAACoI/MA0QURA6nkk/s1600/Coat5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HD4g_ihoSQE/VRjt0hQ3giI/AAAAAAAACoI/MA0QURA6nkk/s1600/Coat5.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y-yqOAOODY/VRjt3sDkfvI/AAAAAAAACoQ/pCQBRgzzk3Y/s1600/Coat4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y-yqOAOODY/VRjt3sDkfvI/AAAAAAAACoQ/pCQBRgzzk3Y/s1600/Coat4.jpg" height="200" width="166" /></a></div>
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I wasn't sure how to do the hood, so I incorporated the method used in this <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kts-hood.html?ss=">Hooded Baby Poncho</a> pattern, which worked really well, although if I made another one I would probably make the hood a little bigger (baby is about 3 months old so will fit now, but by the end of winter it will probably be a little snug).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alj3fjiZpec/VRjuADr20PI/AAAAAAAACoo/eCkHoVS-0l0/s1600/Coat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alj3fjiZpec/VRjuADr20PI/AAAAAAAACoo/eCkHoVS-0l0/s1600/Coat.JPG" height="178" width="180" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7qjLQynnhY/VRjt9vxedZI/AAAAAAAACog/Sm1slRhVuG4/s1600/Coat2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7qjLQynnhY/VRjt9vxedZI/AAAAAAAACog/Sm1slRhVuG4/s1600/Coat2.JPG" height="178" width="200" /></a></div>
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The whole thing was really quick to knit up and took me two evenings to finish. I am very pleased with how it turned out, and super proud of myself for writing my own pattern.<br />
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So here is the pattern I came up with:<br />
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You'll need: Moda Vera Monkey super Bulky Acrylic in Pink and 10mm needles<br />
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Gauge: 10 stitches (stockinette) = 4.25inches<br />
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Pattern:<br />
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(Starting at base of extender)<br />
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Cast on 42 stitches<br />
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1. Knit rows 1-4 (garter stitch)<br />
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2. Knit 42<br />
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3. K5, P32, K5<br />
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4. Repeat 2 & 3 until piece measures 8 inches<br />
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5. K2, YO, K2tog, K38 (adding first button hole)<br />
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6. K5, P32, K5<br />
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7. K5, K2TOG, K28, SSK, K5<br />
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8. K5, P30, K5<br />
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9. K40<br />
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10. Repeat 8 & 9 until piece measures 12.5 inches<br />
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11. K2, YO, K2tog, K36<br />
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12. K5, P30, K5<br />
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13. K5, K2tog, K26, SSK, K5<br />
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14. K5, P28, K5<br />
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15. K5, K2tog, K24, SSK, K5<br />
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16. K5, P26, K5<br />
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17. K5, K2tog, K22, SSK, K5<br />
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18. K5, P24, K5<br />
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19. K5, K2tog, K20, SSK, K5<br />
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20. K5, P22, K5<br />
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21. K32<br />
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22. Repeat 20 & 21 until piece measures 17 inches<br />
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23. K2, YO, K2tog, K28<br />
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24. K5, P22, K5<br />
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25. K5, (K2tog x 5), K2, (SSK x 5), K5<br />
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26. K5, P12, K5<br />
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27. K5, (M1, K2 x 6), K5<br />
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28. K4, P20, K4<br />
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29. K28<br />
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30. K3, P22, K3<br />
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31. K28<br />
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32. K2, P24, K2<br />
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33. K28<br />
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34. Repeat 32 & 33 until hood section measures 8 inches [for 0-3 months, longer to make bigger hood]<br />
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35. 3 needle bind off; Move 14 stitches onto each needle, use a third needle to Knit 1 stitch from each needle together. Make sure that the seam side is inside the hood.<br />
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For the pocket:<br />
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Cast on 13<br />
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Knit rib for 3 rows<br />
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Knit stockinette for 8 inches<br />
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Knit rib for 3 rows<br />
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Bind off<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-s8ZTNgEPk/VRjtzIdzlHI/AAAAAAAACoA/wXdRg5bDD1I/s1600/Coat6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-s8ZTNgEPk/VRjtzIdzlHI/AAAAAAAACoA/wXdRg5bDD1I/s1600/Coat6.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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Sew the pocket onto the extender, you may need to pin it into place when wearing over your baby carrier (not with a baby in!) so you can make sure it is a comfortable position to put your hands in.<br />
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Please feel free to share/use this pattern, but please link back to this page.<br />
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Oh and in case you were wondering, my 'baby' is <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2015/01/oswald-owl.html">Oswald the Owl</a>!<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-19402812003905804992015-03-22T12:00:00.000-07:002015-03-22T12:00:01.630-07:00Alan the Lion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtGY-l4AR9I/VQzyv35NkTI/AAAAAAAACmQ/jiSwQOsbFrE/s1600/Alan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtGY-l4AR9I/VQzyv35NkTI/AAAAAAAACmQ/jiSwQOsbFrE/s1600/Alan.JPG" height="400" width="293" /></a></div>
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This week I crocheted Alan from Super-Cute Crochet (<a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.com/2015/03/im-back.html" target="_blank">from this old post</a>) but I used different yarn then the pattern suggested; a cool multicoloured acrylic for the body and a strange shaggy acrylic (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/sarnew88/stash/jazz" target="_blank">find this yarn on my Ravelry page</a>) for the mane.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBg6_--Qhhc/VQzyrua27pI/AAAAAAAACmA/zhnHIm2RICQ/s1600/Alan2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBg6_--Qhhc/VQzyrua27pI/AAAAAAAACmA/zhnHIm2RICQ/s1600/Alan2.JPG" height="320" width="233" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xg5bag9vQsQ/VQzytkLOr2I/AAAAAAAACmI/iY34UpExLu0/s1600/Alan1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xg5bag9vQsQ/VQzytkLOr2I/AAAAAAAACmI/iY34UpExLu0/s1600/Alan1.JPG" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
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Because of his little body and crazy big hairy head, he is really hard to photograph, so hopefully you get a good idea of what he looks like. If you have a look at the picture in the Super-Cute Crochet book, you can see his face looks pretty different to how mine turned out. Because I was making Alan for a one year old, I thought it would be a potential choking hazard to put on plastic eyes, so I just used scrap yarn to embroider his face. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P94jcIBjMlU/VPeGJHgob9I/AAAAAAAACew/JL8HcdkhhSo/s1600/AlanTheLion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P94jcIBjMlU/VPeGJHgob9I/AAAAAAAACew/JL8HcdkhhSo/s1600/AlanTheLion.JPG" height="200" width="186" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zy9Ro1j2OkA/VQzymng1TLI/AAAAAAAAClo/CYFHWREk5o8/s1600/Alanmouth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zy9Ro1j2OkA/VQzymng1TLI/AAAAAAAAClo/CYFHWREk5o8/s1600/Alanmouth.JPG" height="200" width="181" /></a></div>
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He is very cute and was very quick to crochet together, so I would recommend projects from this book for a quick easy gift, or just if you want a new stuffed toy friend!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R-Iz9lWWREM/VQzyn1FDdEI/AAAAAAAAClw/2e3wZm5OhJc/s1600/Alan4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R-Iz9lWWREM/VQzyn1FDdEI/AAAAAAAAClw/2e3wZm5OhJc/s1600/Alan4.JPG" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vk4tx1dyu_4/VQzyp3_nFJI/AAAAAAAACl4/71hQqpC3w2s/s1600/Alan3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vk4tx1dyu_4/VQzyp3_nFJI/AAAAAAAACl4/71hQqpC3w2s/s1600/Alan3.JPG" height="268" width="320" /></a></div>
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I would also like to share this amazing card my hubby gave me for my birthday this week:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARIuT8MQDPw/VQzyls2L9NI/AAAAAAAAClg/IL-o9CeelA0/s1600/bdaycard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARIuT8MQDPw/VQzyls2L9NI/AAAAAAAAClg/IL-o9CeelA0/s1600/bdaycard.JPG" height="320" width="255" /></a></div>
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He even incorporated my fave knitting brand, what a cutie!<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-46543832859869339152015-03-15T12:00:00.000-07:002015-03-15T12:00:02.340-07:00Patchwork Baby Boy Blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So as I mentioned in my post <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2015/02/scrap-yarn-baby-blanket.html" target="_blank">back in February</a>, I have made a patchwork baby blanket, and this weekend was the baby shower where I gifted it, so I can now share it with you:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfQU_1GFqnU/VP6e4sgU7PI/AAAAAAAACj8/1kTEkbtpe5I/s1600/blueblanket2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfQU_1GFqnU/VP6e4sgU7PI/AAAAAAAACj8/1kTEkbtpe5I/s1600/blueblanket2.JPG" height="288" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started with a centre panel where I wanted to knit in some wording, and then I used the pattern from my <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/12/cable-knit-throw.html" target="_blank">cable knit throw</a>. Around the outside of this panel I created a patchwork made up from squares.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOwlM0qRRpo/VP6ecYswtoI/AAAAAAAACic/aNOyUI5f0cc/s1600/blueblanketletters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOwlM0qRRpo/VP6ecYswtoI/AAAAAAAACic/aNOyUI5f0cc/s1600/blueblanketletters.JPG" height="143" width="320" /></a></div>
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I came up with the idea of making a patchwork because I wanted to use up the scrap yarn I already had, but because I hadn't calculated how much yarn I would use, I did need to buy some extra yarn to finish off the blanket. Rather than make a poor colour match with the yarn I already had, I chose too buy a new shade of blue altogether; 'Pale Ocean'.<br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UexF9LShOJ8/VNAtFGZY08I/AAAAAAAACbY/zGbUK61jCTY/w608-h590-no/baby%2Bblue.JPG"><img alt="Baby Blue" border="0" height="60" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UexF9LShOJ8/VNAtFGZY08I/AAAAAAAACbY/zGbUK61jCTY/w608-h590-no/baby%2Bblue.JPG" title="Baby Blue" width="60" /></a>
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cPY_KNsz658/VNAs9VYJkII/AAAAAAAACa4/1m-OkDdfHY0/w589-h590-no/turquoise.JPG"><img alt="turquoise" border="0" height="60" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cPY_KNsz658/VNAs9VYJkII/AAAAAAAACa4/1m-OkDdfHY0/w589-h590-no/turquoise.JPG" title="Turqouise" width="60" /></a>
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k54CyUZAvUk/VNAs-21wMzI/AAAAAAAACbI/ayZBLD7jTK8/w649-h590-no/ocean%2Bblue.JPG"><img alt="Ocean Blue" border="0" height="60" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k54CyUZAvUk/VNAs-21wMzI/AAAAAAAACbI/ayZBLD7jTK8/w649-h590-no/ocean%2Bblue.JPG" title="Ocean Blue" width="60" /></a>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2ONEUeHxJE/VP6eXyzEvuI/AAAAAAAACiM/6_z-66O8G_E/s1600/LightOcean.JPG"><img alt="Pale Ocean" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2ONEUeHxJE/VP6eXyzEvuI/AAAAAAAACiM/6_z-66O8G_E/s1600/LightOcean.JPG" height="60" title="Pale Ocean" width="60" /></a>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oLnRwgOWq04/VNAtBci-IGI/AAAAAAAACbQ/S2GlOInMhMc/w598-h590-no/navy.JPG"><img alt="Navy Blue" border="0" height="60" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oLnRwgOWq04/VNAtBci-IGI/AAAAAAAACbQ/S2GlOInMhMc/w598-h590-no/navy.JPG" title="Navy blue" width="60" /></a>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5f4cXZVwdXE/VNAtDazpMJI/AAAAAAAACbA/Hc-jLlsFudY/w670-h590-no/light%2Bblue.JPG"><img alt="Pale Blue" border="0" height="60" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5f4cXZVwdXE/VNAtDazpMJI/AAAAAAAACbA/Hc-jLlsFudY/w670-h590-no/light%2Bblue.JPG" title="Pale Blue" width="60" /></a>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3GJYEJ_wYY/VNwvibf3B-I/AAAAAAAACdI/higqfJlriu8/s1600/Charcoal.jpg"><img alt="Charcoal" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3GJYEJ_wYY/VNwvibf3B-I/AAAAAAAACdI/higqfJlriu8/s1600/Charcoal.jpg" height="60" title="Charcoal" width="60" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Baby Blue Turquoise Ocean Blue</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale Ocean</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Navy Blue Pale Blue Charcoal</span><br />
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I knitted the squares in garter stitch using 4mm needles, cast on 19 and did roughly 36 rows (all knit), this gave me the 4"x4"square. Initially I was going to make all of the squares using the plain garter, but on the outside border I decided I could mix it up a little bit; I used the stitch library in my <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/10/the-knitters-bible.html" target="_blank">Knitters Bible</a>, to find some cool patterns, and also just experimented with some simple stripes and shapes with some other squares<br />
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I thought the blanket knit up really nicely, the squares all kept their size perfectly and I only had to block the cable squares and the knitted writing.<br />
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I started by attaching the squares randomly as I knit them, but the closer I got to the end, I had to start plotting where each square would go so that I didn't have two of the same colour touching. I found this easiest to do on the computer so I could keep changing them around.<br />
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I am really happy with the finished blanket, although I couldn't picture exactly how it would look like when I first started, I had a certain 'look' in mind, which I think I have acheived!</div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-64899579077352556532015-03-08T12:30:00.000-07:002015-03-08T12:30:01.091-07:00I'm Back!Sorry that I have been absent for a couple of weeks, I have had some things going on that have been consuming my attention and distracting me from updating the blog. I also haven't been able to put loads of concentration into my knitting, but I have been slowly but surely finishing off my one WIP... which I will be able to reveal next week!<br />
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So for now I wanted to share two books I recently borrowed from the library; Super-Cute Crochet by Nicky Trench and Super-Super Cute Crochet by Brigette Read:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nVZ9fGHJ5o/VPeF9BNGzlI/AAAAAAAACd4/_4Tp1fQfYxg/s1600/SuperCuteCrochet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nVZ9fGHJ5o/VPeF9BNGzlI/AAAAAAAACd4/_4Tp1fQfYxg/s1600/SuperCuteCrochet.JPG" height="161" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am currently trying to only start projects which I already have the yarn to make, I also have a few children's birthdays/baby showers etc coming up, so I thought these were perfect for some project ideas.<br />
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Both of these books are published by Cico Books, they are the same size, very similar titles and the books are laid out in a very similar style; but when it comes to the actual content, I have to say I prefer Super-Cute Crochet by Nicky Trench. Each of the toys have been given cute names and a funny little character back stories, and generally look more cartoony and fun, which personally the style I am more drawn to.<br />
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Here are some of my favourite 'characters' that I hope to make; Camilla the Pretty Pony, The Fish Brothers (I don't particularly like fish, but know someone who would love these!), Alan the Lion, Dimitri the Donkey and Pickles the Puppy!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwvZPBBPdbQ/VPeGG6FMMyI/AAAAAAAACeo/SH4jhsETy7s/s1600/CamillaThePrettyPony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Camilla the Pretty Pony" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwvZPBBPdbQ/VPeGG6FMMyI/AAAAAAAACeo/SH4jhsETy7s/s1600/CamillaThePrettyPony.JPG" height="120" title="Camilla the Pretty Pony" width="120" /></a>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuRbBHCxULE/VPeGCJq1R0I/AAAAAAAACeQ/lrnxWW6xDYE/s1600/FishBrothers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Fish Brothers" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuRbBHCxULE/VPeGCJq1R0I/AAAAAAAACeQ/lrnxWW6xDYE/s1600/FishBrothers.JPG" height="120" title="The Fish Brothers" width="160" /></a>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P94jcIBjMlU/VPeGJHgob9I/AAAAAAAACew/JL8HcdkhhSo/s1600/AlanTheLion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P94jcIBjMlU/VPeGJHgob9I/AAAAAAAACew/JL8HcdkhhSo/s1600/AlanTheLion.JPG" height="120" width="120" /></a>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAkj6iSVQUE/VPeGDVPvlCI/AAAAAAAACeY/0w7rnwiEUMs/s1600/DimitriTheDonkey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAkj6iSVQUE/VPeGDVPvlCI/AAAAAAAACeY/0w7rnwiEUMs/s1600/DimitriTheDonkey.JPG" height="120" width="160" /></a>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9k6buweyisg/VPeGAWaRP_I/AAAAAAAACeI/d8GuCwMqyZM/s1600/PickleThePuppy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pickles The Puppy" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9k6buweyisg/VPeGAWaRP_I/AAAAAAAACeI/d8GuCwMqyZM/s1600/PickleThePuppy.JPG" height="120" title="Pickles The Puppy" width="120" /></a>
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Super-Super Cute Crochet by Brigette Read had a lot of cute toys, but the book just didn't have the same finishing touch making me fall in love with the little characters. Having said that, there were a couple of toys I would be interested in making, in particular the gorgeous little puppy and the cute crocodile.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgp-C2BXj9g/VPeF-vnpm3I/AAAAAAAACeA/LsI2_4XeJE4/s1600/Puppy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgp-C2BXj9g/VPeF-vnpm3I/AAAAAAAACeA/LsI2_4XeJE4/s1600/Puppy.JPG" height="200" width="170" /></a>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3VAwH8l680/VPeGFoO_8iI/AAAAAAAACeg/77eIj4igKLw/s1600/Crocodile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3VAwH8l680/VPeGFoO_8iI/AAAAAAAACeg/77eIj4igKLw/s1600/Crocodile.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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Although I am sure I have got suitable yarn to make most of these, I did have to go and buy more toy stuffing, and I may have to invest in some toy eyes… but I still think this makes for thrifty crafting!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-53353606427921329002015-02-15T12:30:00.000-08:002015-02-11T21:13:56.050-08:00Scrap Yarn Baby BlanketI would like to share a little bit about my current WIP. I wanted to make a baby blanket, but because I have so many random odd colours of yarn in my stash, I knew I would not enough yarn in any one colour to make a whole blanket, but I wanted to use what I already had.<br />
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I was really keen on doing another patchwork blanket, so just had to decided what colours to use. I found this fantastic colour combination chart on Pintrest:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://besweetproducts.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/mixedbags_mohair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://besweetproducts.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/mixedbags_mohair.jpg" height="200" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://besweetproducts.com/yarns/extra-fine-mohair/" target="_blank">Be Sweet Yarns</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I really liked the 'Underwater' combination, and since the blanket is for a baby boy, I thought the blue shades were very fitting. I looked through my stash and found some similar colours that I thought would really compliment each other:<br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UexF9LShOJ8/VNAtFGZY08I/AAAAAAAACbY/zGbUK61jCTY/w608-h590-no/baby%2Bblue.JPG"><img alt="Baby Blue" border="0" height="80" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UexF9LShOJ8/VNAtFGZY08I/AAAAAAAACbY/zGbUK61jCTY/w608-h590-no/baby%2Bblue.JPG" title="Baby Blue" width="80" /></a>
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cPY_KNsz658/VNAs9VYJkII/AAAAAAAACa4/1m-OkDdfHY0/w589-h590-no/turquoise.JPG"><img alt="turquoise" border="0" height="80" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cPY_KNsz658/VNAs9VYJkII/AAAAAAAACa4/1m-OkDdfHY0/w589-h590-no/turquoise.JPG" title="Turqouise" width="80" /></a>
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k54CyUZAvUk/VNAs-21wMzI/AAAAAAAACbI/ayZBLD7jTK8/w649-h590-no/ocean%2Bblue.JPG"><img alt="Ocean Blue" border="0" height="80" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k54CyUZAvUk/VNAs-21wMzI/AAAAAAAACbI/ayZBLD7jTK8/w649-h590-no/ocean%2Bblue.JPG" title="Ocean Blue" width="80" /></a>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oLnRwgOWq04/VNAtBci-IGI/AAAAAAAACbQ/S2GlOInMhMc/w598-h590-no/navy.JPG"><img alt="Navy Blue" border="0" height="80" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oLnRwgOWq04/VNAtBci-IGI/AAAAAAAACbQ/S2GlOInMhMc/w598-h590-no/navy.JPG" title="Navy blue" width="80" /></a>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5f4cXZVwdXE/VNAtDazpMJI/AAAAAAAACbA/Hc-jLlsFudY/w670-h590-no/light%2Bblue.JPG"><img alt="Pale Blue" border="0" height="80" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5f4cXZVwdXE/VNAtDazpMJI/AAAAAAAACbA/Hc-jLlsFudY/w670-h590-no/light%2Bblue.JPG" title="Pale Blue" width="80" /></a>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3GJYEJ_wYY/VNwvibf3B-I/AAAAAAAACdI/higqfJlriu8/s1600/Charcoal.jpg"><img alt="Charcoal" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3GJYEJ_wYY/VNwvibf3B-I/AAAAAAAACdI/higqfJlriu8/s1600/Charcoal.jpg" height="80" title="Pale Blue" width="80" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Baby Blue Turquoise Ocean Blue Navy Blue Pale Blue Charcoal</span></div>
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These photos don't do the yarn colours justice, but gives you an idea of the colour palette I was working with.<br />
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I don't want to give away too much more of what I have been doing, because I'm sort of making it up as I go, but I am really pleased with how the colours are looking together.<br />
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I also think I will use this colour chart again for inspiration for future projects where I want to use up some of my stashed yarns.<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-68721222451249238752015-02-08T12:00:00.000-08:002015-02-08T12:00:01.552-08:00Another Slouchy Beanie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cIRr_RcM-c/VNAghromLQI/AAAAAAAACWE/H7TDNMqaULo/s1600/hat4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Slouchy Hat" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cIRr_RcM-c/VNAghromLQI/AAAAAAAACWE/H7TDNMqaULo/s1600/hat4.JPG" height="320" title="" width="287" /></a></div>
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This is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stripes-hat-ribby-or-slouchy" target="_blank">Slouchy Stripes Hat pattern</a> I initially started on my camping trip, but found it too much effort knitting magic loop with my circular needles, so put it on hold until I got my DPNs.
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These DPNs are great to knit with, they are very strong and have a really smooth finish, the only down side is that because they aren't particularly long, and they are so smooth, the stitches can easily slide off of the needles if you aren't careful, but for something smaller, like socks, the needles would be plenty long enough for this to not be an issue.
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Also, an update after my confusion on my needle sizes in my <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2015/02/new-knitting-goodies.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, I had to contact KnitPro direct, and it turned out to be something to do with different sizes being sold in UK to rest of Europe, and there had been a mix up on the packaging. So, living up to their reputation of having great customer service, KnitPro are sending me the missing needle sizes.
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Anyway, back to the hat… It was a really straight forward pattern, and once I had my DPNs, it was very quick to knit up. I had to increase a few stitches when I switched to my DPNs though because I didn't yet have the 4mm needles.<br />
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I am content with the way the hat turned out, but the yarn I used is a cheap acrylic, and I found that, particularly the grey, doesn't have a lot of give in it, making the hat quite stiff. In fact I think I had a similar issue with my <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/06/intermediate-poncho.html" target="_blank">Poncho</a> last year, as I used the same yarn.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdUNbbWb-Zg/VNAgcE0Xk5I/AAAAAAAACVk/iMsks_9yANk/s1600/hat8.JPG"><img alt="Slouchy Hat" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdUNbbWb-Zg/VNAgcE0Xk5I/AAAAAAAACVk/iMsks_9yANk/s1600/hat8.JPG" height="150" width="130" /></a>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJV2jPReH0c/VNAgeMrfcqI/AAAAAAAACVs/mDSyFgX4ktY/s1600/hat7.JPG"><img alt="Slouchy Hat" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJV2jPReH0c/VNAgeMrfcqI/AAAAAAAACVs/mDSyFgX4ktY/s1600/hat7.JPG" height="150" width="130" /></a>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHHwVKasRV0/VNAgfI0DEwI/AAAAAAAACV0/0QDWs2FKD5A/s1600/hat6.JPG"><img alt="Slouchy Hat" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHHwVKasRV0/VNAgfI0DEwI/AAAAAAAACV0/0QDWs2FKD5A/s1600/hat6.JPG" height="150" width="130" /></a>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UBrwvFmBXc/VNAggJl09HI/AAAAAAAACV8/W8ZUZXhGQJU/s1600/hat5.JPG"><img alt="Slouchy Hat" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UBrwvFmBXc/VNAggJl09HI/AAAAAAAACV8/W8ZUZXhGQJU/s1600/hat5.JPG" height="150" width="130" /></a>
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So despite all the issues I came across over the course of making the hat, my husband is happy with it, and it looks good on him (anything would…) so overall I am pleased with this project.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-20014420080921610362015-02-02T17:16:00.000-08:002015-02-02T17:16:24.727-08:00New Knitting GoodiesYay, my Christmas goodies have arrived! These are the latest additions to my knitting bag:<br />
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<a href="http://hiyahiyanorthamerica.com/image/cache/data/accessories/hicable2additional-1000x600.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://hiyahiyanorthamerica.com/image/cache/data/accessories/hicable2additional-1000x600.png" height="120" width="200" /></a></div>
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I got these <a href="http://hiyahiyanorthamerica.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=186" target="_blank">Hiya Hiya Cable Needles</a>, they are really low priced and very pretty; I love the glittery look to them. The set contains a 3mm, 4mm and 5.25mm sized needles, so are useful for most common sized cable projects. The needles are made from a light plastic, which feels like it would snap quite easily under pressure, especially the small 3mm, but for the price, they are a quality I would expect. </div>
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I have never bought any Hiya Hiya products before, so I can't comment on the quality of the rest of their products, but they have some super cute sets and accessories on their page: <a href="http://hiyahiyanorthamerica.com/" target="_blank">http://hiyahiyanorthamerica.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/613MbNihxVL._SL1000_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/613MbNihxVL._SL1000_.jpg" height="180" width="180" /></a></div>
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I have seen these scissors being used in lots of craft tutorials previously, but have never seen them in any craft stores. I finally stumbled across them on <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BKU5MJ8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00" target="_blank">Amazon, and they are actually eyebrow/eyelash trimmers</a>! </div>
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Anyway, I think they are gorgeous scissors, and pretty inexpensive, so I ordered them. They feel really good quality and cut through yarn really easily.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lMvE2niGz_A/VMbmWoe3HCI/AAAAAAAACUk/BdxzSmDf5mc/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-27%2Bat%2B2.13.40%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lMvE2niGz_A/VMbmWoe3HCI/AAAAAAAACUk/BdxzSmDf5mc/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-27%2Bat%2B2.13.40%2BPM.png" height="148" width="200" /></a></div>
This is a <a href="http://www.knitpro.eu/Materialwise-size-Details.asp?id=36&Language=" target="_blank">KnitPro Needle Sizer</a>; I bought it primarily because of the new DPNs I ordered, as they don't have their size marked on them, I had read in reviews they were easy to muddle up if you accidentally tipped them out of the case.</div>
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It feels quite strong and is really handy to measure gauge and/or small pieces of work too, as it has a 6inch/15cm ruler along the side. The clear panel in the middle is magnified, I'm not really sure what that will come in handy for yet, but it is another feature!<br />
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Finally, my favourite buy, my new sock needles! They are the KnitPro Nova Metal DPNs. I am yet to be disappointed in KnitPro needles, I think they feel really strong and sturdy, even though they are such small needles. The tips are strong and pointed suitably.<br />
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My only complaint about this set is that I actually couldn't remember the exact needle sizes in the set I had ordered, my invoice simply says they were a set of sock DPNs, when they arrived the packaging said there was a set of 5 (2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm & 4mm) but inside was a set of 6 (2mm, 2.25mm, 2.5mm, 2.75mm, 3.mm, 3.25mm) which is very confusing to me.<br />
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Although I have 6 instead of 5, I don't have any 3.5mm or 4mm DPNs for any slightly bigger projects. Even more confusingly, <a href="http://www.knitpro.eu/Materialwise-size-Details.asp?id=12&Language=" target="_blank">the listing on the KnitPro page</a> has a picture that doesn't match the listing. I have followed this up with the company I ordered from, so hopefully this will be cleared up.<br />
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I am currently testing them out on a hat, because I have never knitted socks before, but I am looking forward to trying my first pair.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-1420571737979871272015-01-25T12:00:00.000-08:002015-01-27T20:48:12.811-08:00Baby Blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxFnCFUBtbk/VLtKVff0MaI/AAAAAAAACRQ/h_qMiL4E6Ak/s1600/Blanket1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxFnCFUBtbk/VLtKVff0MaI/AAAAAAAACRQ/h_qMiL4E6Ak/s1600/Blanket1.JPG" height="278" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the third project I have made from leftover jumbo yarn <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/12/cable-knit-throw.html" target="_blank">from my cable knit throw</a>, although it was never intended to be used at all! I had some of this unusual yarn that I was really unsure how it would knit up. It's a Moda Vera Hue Bulky 12ply acrylic & wool mix yarn in the color 'Pastel Mix'.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTcor-3-FAI/VLtKPiNxyYI/AAAAAAAACPo/DSeZ0S_cAQs/s1600/Blanket3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTcor-3-FAI/VLtKPiNxyYI/AAAAAAAACPo/DSeZ0S_cAQs/s1600/Blanket3.JPG" height="172" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wanted to make a baby blanket for an expecting friend, who is having a girl, so I thought all the purples and pinks through this would keep this a girl friendly color without being typical plain baby girl pink.</div>
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I used a 4mm crochet hook and started making a basic granny square; 3HDC, CH1 along the sides and then 3HDC, CH2, 3HDC at the corners. To finish a round/start a new one;<br />
CH4, 3HDC (this is the new corner) crochet round, when you get back to your CH4; 2HDC, slip st into 2nd chain, slip st into corner space.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftRAI1B7p-g/VLtKRFZkJhI/AAAAAAAACPw/fDGHzgPzO-0/s1600/Blanket2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftRAI1B7p-g/VLtKRFZkJhI/AAAAAAAACPw/fDGHzgPzO-0/s1600/Blanket2.JPG" height="186" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0hd4eDAUDE/VLtKSFuz4xI/AAAAAAAACP4/LzB3Qrm4raU/s1600/Blanket5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0hd4eDAUDE/VLtKSFuz4xI/AAAAAAAACP4/LzB3Qrm4raU/s1600/Blanket5.JPG" height="186" width="250" /></a></div>
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The colours looked really cool, but I used up all the yarn really quickly before the blanket was big enough, so I decided it would be cool to continue with a really plain neutral colour. Luckily for me the Pastel Mix had a lot of stoney tones which matched the colour of the leftover jumbo yarn. When I changed over to the jumbo yarn, because it was thicker, I switched to 3DC instead of 3HDC. I continued in the new colour for a few rounds, then decided to block it out so I could get an idea of size.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQCFsAcq_34/VLtKTLHEU8I/AAAAAAAACQA/YfjZLuFY7yY/s1600/Blanket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQCFsAcq_34/VLtKTLHEU8I/AAAAAAAACQA/YfjZLuFY7yY/s1600/Blanket.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eyZepNiihYM/VLtKUPMpaDI/AAAAAAAACQM/b-d47q7Dg1w/s1600/Blanket4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eyZepNiihYM/VLtKUPMpaDI/AAAAAAAACQM/b-d47q7Dg1w/s1600/Blanket4.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Blocking made a massive difference, at this point the blanket was about 20"x20", which I still wasn't happy with, so I kept adding until the blanket measured roughly 30"x30".<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hdKX1lxQ6cM/VLtKWTioviI/AAAAAAAACQY/PTPpLcEPm24/s1600/Blanket6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hdKX1lxQ6cM/VLtKWTioviI/AAAAAAAACQY/PTPpLcEPm24/s1600/Blanket6.JPG" height="190" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am really happy with the way the blanket has turned out, and I love the cool mix of colours with the plain neutral border to calm it down and stop it from being too garish.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8FpoTPUnxII/VLtKXISenBI/AAAAAAAACQg/mHJlYkFb8j0/s1600/Blanket7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8FpoTPUnxII/VLtKXISenBI/AAAAAAAACQg/mHJlYkFb8j0/s1600/Blanket7.JPG" height="184" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIUHHx2ZbIE/VLtKYJo4gJI/AAAAAAAACQo/z0ke0kg4fkY/s1600/Blanket8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIUHHx2ZbIE/VLtKYJo4gJI/AAAAAAAACQo/z0ke0kg4fkY/s1600/Blanket8.JPG" height="184" width="200" /></a></div>
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As it is my first gift of 2015, I am using my gift tags for the first time; I think they add that perfect personal finishing touch! I can't wait to wrap this little package up and post it to my friend… in fact I can't wait to see her little bundle of joy wrapped up all snug in this blanket!</div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-12848557375266267042015-01-18T15:10:00.000-08:002015-01-18T15:10:00.046-08:00Unisex Slouchy BeaniesAlthough Summer seems to finally be in full swing here, I am from the northern hemisphere, so I am used to this time of year being cold! So here are two really quick and easy slouchy beanies, one is knitted and one is crochet.<br />
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I found <a href="http://thinkcrafts.com/blog/2013/05/08/easy-slouchy-unisex-beanie/" target="_blank">this really cute pattern for a slouchy knitted beanie</a>, and I had loads of leftover yarn from my cable throw, which I thought would be perfect for a hat. The pattern is quite vague and tells you to cast on the appropriate number of stitches for your yarn and needles to fit your head; I used chunky yarn on 8mm needles and cast on 52 stitches. It took me a few attempts to get the right size, but once I had it worked out the hat knit up really quickly and I finished it in one day.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WdsWLoEd9Aw/VJdOJaI8qCI/AAAAAAAABwE/UTL9Qo3bquY/s1600/DSC_1006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Slouchy Beanie" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WdsWLoEd9Aw/VJdOJaI8qCI/AAAAAAAABwE/UTL9Qo3bquY/s1600/DSC_1006.JPG" height="133" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pz_Mjovl-2M/VJdOKfFg2WI/AAAAAAAABwM/h2Ho46MOKEc/s1600/DSC_1005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Slouchy Beanie" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pz_Mjovl-2M/VJdOKfFg2WI/AAAAAAAABwM/h2Ho46MOKEc/s1600/DSC_1005.JPG" height="133" title="" width="160" /></a></div>
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You can do the whole thing on circular needles because you draw up the end with over 20 stitches rather than reducing down really small. I really like the way the hat looks on, and I love that the pattern is so adaptable, you could easily keep going for a couple more/less inches if you want the hat to be more/less slouchy.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYvnLEt2nQg/VJdOMKSVB4I/AAAAAAAABxA/tDSrI4G398U/s1600/DSC_1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Slouchy Beanie" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYvnLEt2nQg/VJdOMKSVB4I/AAAAAAAABxA/tDSrI4G398U/s1600/DSC_1002.JPG" height="200" title="" width="134" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fReaZItWqXI/VJdOLARlfFI/AAAAAAAABwU/xuxGNp2NWqo/s1600/DSC_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Slouchy Beanie" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fReaZItWqXI/VJdOLARlfFI/AAAAAAAABwU/xuxGNp2NWqo/s1600/DSC_1004.JPG" height="200" title="" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGetUekSGGg/VJdOPHD7UBI/AAAAAAAABw0/id_zMmGGmdY/s1600/1003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Slouchy Beanie" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGetUekSGGg/VJdOPHD7UBI/AAAAAAAABw0/id_zMmGGmdY/s1600/1003.JPG" height="200" title="" width="156" /></a></div>
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Next I found <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/free-pattern-the-hadley-slouch" target="_blank">this slouchy crochet beanie pattern</a> which is so short and simple I took it as one of my 'pick up and go' projects on my camping holiday. I searched through the worsted weight yarn in my stash and found a gorgeous deep turquoise colour; there was no wrapper on the yarn so I have no idea what the name of it was, but it is definitely acrylic.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDmie-yyR7k/VLOP8ZQI5UI/AAAAAAAACLs/2oSFOvtrmmc/s1600/DSC_9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDmie-yyR7k/VLOP8ZQI5UI/AAAAAAAACLs/2oSFOvtrmmc/s1600/DSC_9.JPG" height="175" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfMjpKVA1OE/VLOQBAxRm9I/AAAAAAAACMM/gcu5gxmjPqU/s1600/DSC_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfMjpKVA1OE/VLOQBAxRm9I/AAAAAAAACMM/gcu5gxmjPqU/s1600/DSC_10.JPG" height="175" width="190" /></a></div>
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I finished this hat in two short sittings, it is super quick and really easy. I did however have to make some amendments to the pattern towards the end because I found the rim too loose for the hat to sit comfortably on my head;</div>
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Round 18. *sc6, c2tog* rep * to end (63 sts)</div>
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Round 19. *sc5, c2tog* rep* to end (52 sts)</div>
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Round 20-25. sc each st (52 sts)</div>
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The fit is really comfy and the hat is <i>really</i> slouchy, almost like a beret or rastacap! I would probably choose a different colour if I had a male recipient in mind, but I don't think it is <i>too</i> girly so I will still class this as unisex.</div>
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The knitted hat is definitely more wintery and warm, but the crochet hat is a lot easier to make. Both are comfortable and functional as winter hats or just to style a particular look.</div>
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I had a third slouchy beanie I started, but I am waiting until I get my new dpns because it is just too fiddly trying to do it on circulars, so I will update you when I have finished that one.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/sarnew88" target="_blank">Both of these hats can be found on my Ravelry project page</a>.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-23544579240285453412015-01-11T14:50:00.000-08:002015-01-11T14:50:00.089-08:00Oswald the OwlIt seems like a long time ago now already, but for Christmas santa brought me a crochet kit for this gorgeous toy owl.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvcE-x2QI10/VKSozbQPXEI/AAAAAAAACKE/-ZWn-DdJjQo/s1600/DSC_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Owl Toy" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvcE-x2QI10/VKSozbQPXEI/AAAAAAAACKE/-ZWn-DdJjQo/s1600/DSC_5.JPG" height="320" title="" width="265" /></a></div>
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I have named him Oswald, after my family name, and I love him! I am a real sucker for soft toys, and he is the perfect size for cuddling; I have already had to pry him out of a few pairs of tiny hands... he is just too cute to give away!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cudI3FY00FI/VKSo1aJlTXI/AAAAAAAACKU/3CwYT5dQf7U/s1600/DSC_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Owl Toy" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cudI3FY00FI/VKSo1aJlTXI/AAAAAAAACKU/3CwYT5dQf7U/s1600/DSC_3.JPG" height="200" title="" width="149" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RsFw4AukpEQ/VKSo2env-NI/AAAAAAAACKc/m_TKTiZZdx8/s1600/DSC_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Owl Toy" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RsFw4AukpEQ/VKSo2env-NI/AAAAAAAACKc/m_TKTiZZdx8/s1600/DSC_2.JPG" height="200" title="" width="153" /></a></div>
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The kit contains two balls of patterned yarn, one ball of white yarn and the pattern. To complete the project you need a 3.5mm hook, two buttons for eyes and toy stuffing. It only took me a couple of days to finish and says on the packet that it can be done in a weekend.<br />
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It is the same brand as the knit kit I got for my teddy bear back in April (<a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/05/intermediate-teddy-called-doodles.html" target="_blank">A Teddy Called Doodles</a>); the teddy came out a few cm taller than the 23cm it said in the instructions but I had only used half the yarn. The owl was supposed to be 26cm, so I was expecting it to turn out just a little bigger, but he stands at 38cm tall! This time I used up all the yarn, but I didn't check my gauge with either kit, so sizing probably would have been more accurate had I done this.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQnNpJrx_y0/VKSo0hY81JI/AAAAAAAACKM/1Bkl9nHQhrg/s1600/DSC_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Owl Teddy" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQnNpJrx_y0/VKSo0hY81JI/AAAAAAAACKM/1Bkl9nHQhrg/s1600/DSC_4.JPG" height="238" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think the finished product looks quite different from the picture on the kit, especially as you have the freedom to position the eyes wherever you wish. For some parts of the pattern I questioned whether the owl on the front of the kit had even used the pattern, but in any case I actually prefer my finished owl to the one on the packet.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6PLkaTu-iM/VKScFHrs6eI/AAAAAAAACJc/JfzApAF13nQ/s1600/new%2Bdoc%2B2_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6PLkaTu-iM/VKScFHrs6eI/AAAAAAAACJc/JfzApAF13nQ/s1600/new%2Bdoc%2B2_1.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WCcsTtodNGg/VKSo3ekoHwI/AAAAAAAACKk/3hNlLZ6mfxM/s1600/DSC_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Owl Toy" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WCcsTtodNGg/VKSo3ekoHwI/AAAAAAAACKk/3hNlLZ6mfxM/s1600/DSC_1.JPG" height="200" title="" width="158" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[Kit produced by <a href="http://saleutions.com.au/home.asp" target="_blank">Saleutions Pty Ltd</a> & <a href="http://www.passioknit.com.au/" target="_blank">Passioknit</a> | </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Purchased from <a href="http://www.spotlight.co.nz/store/manukau-city/" target="_blank">Spotlight</a> | Pattern free with kit]</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I would definitely buy one of thee kits again in the future, it's quite fun putting the toy together and seeing it take shape, they are also fairly inexpensive, they are around $12 but usually go down to $5-$6 on sale.</span></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-63894175833229258272015-01-04T14:38:00.000-08:002015-01-04T14:38:00.775-08:00Happy New YearHappy New Year! I hope you have enjoyed the Christmas period, maybe had time with loved ones, a break from work, lots of great food or if you are really lucky, all of the above.<br />
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2014 was a great year, in April I started knitting, it has been a great big learning curve, I have improved on a lot of things, overcome my fear of 'bigger projects' and started building up a better quality needle and hook collection. This year I also started this blog, which has been a lot of fun and I have discovered a lot of other knitters through doing it.<br />
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Here are some of my favorite knits from this year:<br />
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<a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/p/patchwork-blanket.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Patchwork Blanket" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mS03UEMBZBY/VBVVf5x3RGI/AAAAAAAABYg/qK_id54q9Hc/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" height="140" title="" width="190" /></a> <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/12/cable-knit-throw.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Cable Knit Throw" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAPqBelqJq4/VIlPqo05VuI/AAAAAAAABs8/lqRHKQYsvj8/s1600/DSC_0801000.JPG" height="140" title="" width="210" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/p/patchwork-blanket.html" target="_blank">Patchwork Blanket </a> <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/12/cable-knit-throw.html" target="_blank">Cable Knit Throw</a></div>
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<a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/06/intermediate-poncho.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Poloneck Poncho" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSsnqgZsViM/U-m2MZhOobI/AAAAAAAAA24/LqKAi7fXkIk/s1600/DSC_0229.JPG" height="200" title="" width="187" /></a> <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/05/intermediate-cheeky-monkey-hat_3.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Cheeky Monkey Hat" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNhp4izCAKM/U-m2T5J2IWI/AAAAAAAAA4A/Ivc20sUI55M/s1600/DSC_0261.JPG" height="200" title="" width="146" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/06/intermediate-poncho.html" target="_blank"> Poloneck Poncho</a> <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/05/intermediate-cheeky-monkey-hat_3.html" target="_blank">Cheeky Monkey Hat</a></div>
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<a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/09/two-very-hungry-caterpillars.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Two Very Hungry Caterpillars" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPeWvuC8S_c/VBzxNKn1J_I/AAAAAAAABbI/6eHqLh2h9_Q/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" height="153" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/09/two-very-hungry-caterpillars.html" target="_blank">Two Very Hungry Caterpillars</a></div>
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I was reading a recent blog post over on Wollen Wilderness (<a href="http://woollenwilderness.com/projects/year-knitting/" target="_blank">post here</a>) where she counted the number of projects she had done that year and what percentage were gifts, and I thought this was a fun idea, so here are my 2014 knitting statistics: </div>
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I have knitted 24 projects over 9 months, an average of 2.6 projects per month. 16 of these projects were gifts, so 66% of my knitting was gifted. </div>
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To be fair though a lot of my gifts were small (hats, gloves, toys etc) and a lot of the things I kept for myself were a lot more time consuming (poncho, throw etc) so I would say my knitting hours would probably be more selfish!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSa4vuQ2B1E/VKR-jq9a_jI/AAAAAAAABxU/jU2TioMhd0s/s1600/51zrGWmbKkL._SX355_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="KnitPro Sock Needles" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSa4vuQ2B1E/VKR-jq9a_jI/AAAAAAAABxU/jU2TioMhd0s/s1600/51zrGWmbKkL._SX355_.jpg" height="120" title="" width="120" /></a></div>
In 2015 I hope to venture into sock knitting; and to encourage myself to keep my resolution, I have ordered the KnitPro Nova Metal 15cm Double Pointed Needle Set!</div>
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I am also pretty excited to knit up more gifts this year, especially since I received this gorgeous personalised stamp set for Christmas:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njxCJWtbxXU/VKSDolvtj5I/AAAAAAAACBs/nTyF4mVc9eQ/s1600/IMG_4911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Personalised Stamp" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njxCJWtbxXU/VKSDolvtj5I/AAAAAAAACBs/nTyF4mVc9eQ/s1600/IMG_4911.JPG" height="137" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oaK8kW9RVAI/VKSAp3569yI/AAAAAAAABxk/NtAh6RYiTwI/s1600/IMG_4918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Personalised Stamp" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oaK8kW9RVAI/VKSAp3569yI/AAAAAAAABxk/NtAh6RYiTwI/s1600/IMG_4918.JPG" height="137" title="" width="220" /></a>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-7583516155722391372014-12-28T12:00:00.000-08:002014-12-31T20:37:26.102-08:00Cable Knit Throw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rng01y3EKYU/VIlPlTGrTLI/AAAAAAAABsM/9fiff1xgmxo/s1600/DSC_0784000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cable Knit Throw" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rng01y3EKYU/VIlPlTGrTLI/AAAAAAAABsM/9fiff1xgmxo/s1600/DSC_0784000.JPG" height="221" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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A few months ago you may remember I got some bargain priced yarn (<a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/09/a-jumbo-bargain.html" target="_blank">post here</a>), I was unsure what I would end up making with it, but decided on the throw. However when I read the throw pattern on the back of the label, you had to knit several separate strips of cables then sew them together. I had a look through some of the other patterns on the <a href="http://www.knitwisepricewise.com/index.php?cID=62#grange-fashion" target="_blank">Knitwise Website</a> and found <a href="http://www.knitwisepricewise.com/files/4646133099872011164KWPWwebpstwh.pdf" target="_blank">this pattern</a>.<br />
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It took me about a month to finish because I had a few other things I was working on at the same time. The pattern was actually really simple and it was quick to work up although towards the end it was quite heavy to whilst knitting.<br />
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Some of my progress photos:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ32XgI8oAU/VIlb4NPGWqI/AAAAAAAABtc/4j-rLOD5fcM/s1600/IMG_4394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cable Knit Throw" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ32XgI8oAU/VIlb4NPGWqI/AAAAAAAABtc/4j-rLOD5fcM/s1600/IMG_4394.JPG" height="100" title="" width="100" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BM85jxkcaFE/VIlb5ruyiRI/AAAAAAAABtk/v9LmjbvVYPo/s1600/IMG_4425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cable Knit Throw" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BM85jxkcaFE/VIlb5ruyiRI/AAAAAAAABtk/v9LmjbvVYPo/s1600/IMG_4425.JPG" height="100" title="" width="100" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3fWm089MBo/VIlb7QGg_EI/AAAAAAAABts/rD4Rn9SAILo/s1600/IMG_4552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cable Knit Throw" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3fWm089MBo/VIlb7QGg_EI/AAAAAAAABts/rD4Rn9SAILo/s1600/IMG_4552.JPG" height="100" title="" width="100" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-ErekprfxA/VIlb80_rAUI/AAAAAAAABt0/xYZDFjfU8Ow/s1600/IMG_4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cable Knit Throw" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-ErekprfxA/VIlb80_rAUI/AAAAAAAABt0/xYZDFjfU8Ow/s1600/IMG_4655.JPG" height="100" title="" width="100" /></a></div>
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The way the pattern describes adding the tassels is not clear and doesn't turn out quite like the picture so I made it up a little. I found it really hard to make them all hang at the same length, especially because the edge doesn't sit completely straight.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zISCJRR9Es/VIlPnRRrzbI/AAAAAAAABsc/0M6wfrnu83w/s1600/DSC_0789000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cable Knit Throw" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zISCJRR9Es/VIlPnRRrzbI/AAAAAAAABsc/0M6wfrnu83w/s1600/DSC_0789000.JPG" height="166" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once I had finished I decided I wasn't completely happy with the uneven tassels, so I took them off and added a few rows of garter stitch to match the long edged border, then reattached the tassels and trimmed them all to an equal length.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAPqBelqJq4/VIlPqo05VuI/AAAAAAAABs8/lqRHKQYsvj8/s1600/DSC_0801000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cable Knit Throw" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAPqBelqJq4/VIlPqo05VuI/AAAAAAAABs8/lqRHKQYsvj8/s1600/DSC_0801000.JPG" height="209" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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Although it was a time consuming fix, I am so much happier with the way it looks now. It is so snuggly and warm, now all I have to do now is wait for winter so I can use it as a blanket!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-39044835303926406542014-12-21T12:00:00.000-08:002014-12-31T20:40:10.446-08:00Christmas Decorations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kUmFwrreUQ/VHksF4YZB6I/AAAAAAAABqo/7peKLrdzKe4/s1600/DSC_07929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kUmFwrreUQ/VHksF4YZB6I/AAAAAAAABqo/7peKLrdzKe4/s1600/DSC_07929.JPG" height="235" width="400" /></a></div>
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As it's that special time of year, I wanted to make a collection of small Christmassy decorations to make as gifts. There are so many out there but I chose my favourites and now want to share with you the results:<br />
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<a href="http://www.simplynotable.com/2011/how-bout-a-nightcap/" target="_blank">Santa Hat</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxHbmc8HW24/VHLHMM8zmFI/AAAAAAAABnE/T1mF8XhrNvw/s1600/DSC_07851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Knitted Santa Hat" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxHbmc8HW24/VHLHMM8zmFI/AAAAAAAABnE/T1mF8XhrNvw/s1600/DSC_07851.JPG" height="320" title="" width="292" /></a></div>
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I loved this idea of making a little wooly hat for your bottles, but being Christmas, I had to use white and red to make it a santa hat! It's a bit 'fiddly' to make because it's such a small size to knit in the round, but it's pretty straight forward.</div>
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Find the <a href="http://www.simplynotable.com/2011/how-bout-a-nightcap/" target="_blank">pattern here</a>.</div>
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I decreased the stitches a lot quicker than the pattern suggests because I wanted it to look more Santa-ry.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7LLwqx0TjM/VHLHKk0ppfI/AAAAAAAABmw/TAhq2K8x_-w/s1600/DSC_07831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Knitted Santa Hat" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7LLwqx0TjM/VHLHKk0ppfI/AAAAAAAABmw/TAhq2K8x_-w/s1600/DSC_07831.JPG" height="200" title="" width="129" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9mUKU3plZA/VHLHLXvYl_I/AAAAAAAABm4/hQH_P2UEJoY/s1600/DSC_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Knitted Santa Hat" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9mUKU3plZA/VHLHLXvYl_I/AAAAAAAABm4/hQH_P2UEJoY/s1600/DSC_0784.JPG" height="200" title="" width="88" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://livingthecraftlife.blogspot.co.nz/2011/12/mini-snowman-christmas-ornament.html" target="_blank">Snowman</a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4VpyoRpRr4/VHLHOGhQSDI/AAAAAAAABnY/IaB-25aAOrc/s1600/DSC_07921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Snowman" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4VpyoRpRr4/VHLHOGhQSDI/AAAAAAAABnY/IaB-25aAOrc/s1600/DSC_07921.JPG" height="320" title="" width="268" /></a></div>
This cute little crochet snowman was pretty easy to make and the pattern was simple to follow.<br />
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I added a tiny pom-pom on the top of the snowmans hat and sewed on his eyes rather than using beads.<br />
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Find the <a href="http://livingthecraftlife.blogspot.co.nz/2011/12/mini-snowman-christmas-ornament.html" target="_blank">pattern here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OA1HK0arbuE/VHLHNTjM4hI/AAAAAAAABnQ/MyjZDVjO8tU/s1600/DSC_07911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Snowman" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OA1HK0arbuE/VHLHNTjM4hI/AAAAAAAABnQ/MyjZDVjO8tU/s1600/DSC_07911.JPG" height="200" title="" width="115" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvDpN3I0zdI/VHLHM33moeI/AAAAAAAABnI/BRIrueeGBz8/s1600/DSC_0790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Snowman" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvDpN3I0zdI/VHLHM33moeI/AAAAAAAABnI/BRIrueeGBz8/s1600/DSC_0790.JPG" height="200" title="" width="119" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://knots-thoughts.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/rudolph-reindeer-christmas-ornament.html" target="_blank">Rudolph</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wOYoLzrKFZE/VHLHQgx-xuI/AAAAAAAABnw/z6s3MFSK9NU/s1600/DSC_0805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Rudolph" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wOYoLzrKFZE/VHLHQgx-xuI/AAAAAAAABnw/z6s3MFSK9NU/s1600/DSC_0805.JPG" height="320" title="" width="306" /></a></div>
I wasn't sure how well this one would turn out as I have never tried amigurumi before, and although it isn't perfect, I am pretty please with the results!<br />
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Find the <a href="http://knots-thoughts.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/rudolph-reindeer-christmas-ornament.html" target="_blank">pattern here</a>.<br />
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The only alteration I made was sewing the eyes on rather than using beads.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjywnyrN5FA/VHLHO5bsyZI/AAAAAAAABng/WBCBL0h7HHs/s1600/DSC_07941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Rudolph" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjywnyrN5FA/VHLHO5bsyZI/AAAAAAAABng/WBCBL0h7HHs/s1600/DSC_07941.JPG" height="169" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zlqw5-XFEPk/VHLHPsUrEBI/AAAAAAAABno/U2ZzB6060GY/s1600/DSC_0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Rudolph" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zlqw5-XFEPk/VHLHPsUrEBI/AAAAAAAABno/U2ZzB6060GY/s1600/DSC_0803.JPG" height="170" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/free-crochet-pattern-key-chain-flip-flop" target="_blank">Jandal</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-6TldvqhiA/VHLHe4MDz9I/AAAAAAAABqA/hvT7wGbq0nI/s1600/DSC_0841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Jandal" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-6TldvqhiA/VHLHe4MDz9I/AAAAAAAABqA/hvT7wGbq0nI/s1600/DSC_0841.JPG" height="156" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
Ok so a Jandal isn't traditionally Christmas related, but it is definitely part of a Kiwi Christmas, so it made my list!<br />
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Find the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/free-crochet-pattern-key-chain-flip-flop" target="_blank">pattern here</a>.<br />
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The pattern suggests putting a keyring on the loop, but I left it open so it can be hung on the tree.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6gwmtiwClY/VHLHcf2BEAI/AAAAAAAABpo/w0JjNLzeURo/s1600/DSC_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Jandal" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6gwmtiwClY/VHLHcf2BEAI/AAAAAAAABpo/w0JjNLzeURo/s1600/DSC_0833.JPG" height="196" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDweCp-zrB4/VHLHd7lnIbI/AAAAAAAABp4/90tyvtmMkEQ/s1600/DSC_0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Jandal" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDweCp-zrB4/VHLHd7lnIbI/AAAAAAAABp4/90tyvtmMkEQ/s1600/DSC_0838.JPG" height="200" title="" width="182" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns/merry-christmas-wreath.html" target="_blank">Stocking</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGwvMARthyQ/VHksDhnfKlI/AAAAAAAABqQ/fkYREu8slXE/s1600/DSC_07839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Stocking" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGwvMARthyQ/VHksDhnfKlI/AAAAAAAABqQ/fkYREu8slXE/s1600/DSC_07839.JPG" height="276" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
I found a Christmas Wreath design which had present boxes, stockings and santas on, so I decided to knit just the stockings. I used a cute red/hot pink with a shiny thread running through it. I found the instructions a little confusing, but it turned out generally ok!<br />
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Pattern <a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns/merry-christmas-wreath.html" target="_blank">found here</a>.<br />
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The only change I made was to add a loop to hang the stocking on the tree.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFC_1z9YS9U/VHksEbI35JI/AAAAAAAABqY/OLs7akNgMv0/s1600/DSC_07888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Stocking" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFC_1z9YS9U/VHksEbI35JI/AAAAAAAABqY/OLs7akNgMv0/s1600/DSC_07888.JPG" height="200" title="" width="142" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3O2422Ir18/VHksFLqgP_I/AAAAAAAABqg/Eiw_B_UNdn8/s1600/DSC_07899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Stocking" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3O2422Ir18/VHksFLqgP_I/AAAAAAAABqg/Eiw_B_UNdn8/s1600/DSC_07899.JPG" height="200" title="" width="141" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bunnymummy-jacquie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/easy-crochet-owl-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Owl</a><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FzGlYcDQ3x0/VIFVJ2yaBFI/AAAAAAAABrc/2WrLWqm4mbY/s1600/DSC_078500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Owl" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FzGlYcDQ3x0/VIFVJ2yaBFI/AAAAAAAABrc/2WrLWqm4mbY/s1600/DSC_078500.JPG" height="249" title="" width="320" /></a>This one isn't really Christmas related, and wasn't a part of the above set, but it is my personal favourite! You can chose whatever colour you want. It was a really simple pattern to follow and came together really quick.<br />
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Pattern <a href="http://bunnymummy-jacquie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/easy-crochet-owl-tutorial.html" target="_blank">found here</a>.<br />
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The only thing I changed was using buttons instead of beads for the eyes. I also did the entire back piece in dark brown.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xf3PYlABzyk/VIFvkK5y2oI/AAAAAAAABr8/dQj707_Hyus/s1600/DSC_080100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Owl" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xf3PYlABzyk/VIFvkK5y2oI/AAAAAAAABr8/dQj707_Hyus/s1600/DSC_080100.JPG" height="200" title="" width="129" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTFf5HC8nWs/VIFvjGjql0I/AAAAAAAABr0/029gdM4-jbw/s1600/DSC_079700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Owl" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTFf5HC8nWs/VIFvjGjql0I/AAAAAAAABr0/029gdM4-jbw/s1600/DSC_079700.JPG" height="200" title="" width="151" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l06bdgJptr4/VHLHTx1IjII/AAAAAAAABoQ/fb7bs6tiftg/s1600/DSC_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Wrap" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l06bdgJptr4/VHLHTx1IjII/AAAAAAAABoQ/fb7bs6tiftg/s1600/DSC_0812.JPG" height="338" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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A little while a go I posted about<a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/10/untwisting-skein-of-yarn.html" target="_blank"> untwisting a sequinned skein of yarn</a>, you may have noticed in the photo that there was a picture of a crochet wrap on the label:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lSzMq1mH--E/VDpK3V4IrmI/AAAAAAAABgM/03QEUGugGxg/s1600/DSC_0052b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sequin Yarn" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lSzMq1mH--E/VDpK3V4IrmI/AAAAAAAABgM/03QEUGugGxg/s1600/DSC_0052b.JPG" height="187" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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The pattern was really simple and used a series of squares created using triple crochet, this meant it could be done while sitting in front of the TV. To finish the piece you have to attach a buckle of some kind, and I found this beautiful clasp that looks like a bow.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5B5ETSJuSQ/VHLHVnbEvzI/AAAAAAAABog/0swhIz9eQ80/s1600/DSC_0814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Wrap" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5B5ETSJuSQ/VHLHVnbEvzI/AAAAAAAABog/0swhIz9eQ80/s1600/DSC_0814.JPG" height="213" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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I liked how quickly this piece came together, and the sparkly sequins are so Christmassy. I made this with someone special in mind, so have given it as a festive present.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KfiJ52F2o_Y/VHLHWXPixQI/AAAAAAAABoo/wJ9mx3g0rto/s1600/DSC_0816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Wrap" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KfiJ52F2o_Y/VHLHWXPixQI/AAAAAAAABoo/wJ9mx3g0rto/s1600/DSC_0816.JPG" height="241" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_g4fkeiVQo/VHLHU8mWHGI/AAAAAAAABoY/Y3Xql-RAdtg/s1600/DSC_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Wrap" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_g4fkeiVQo/VHLHU8mWHGI/AAAAAAAABoY/Y3Xql-RAdtg/s1600/DSC_0813.JPG" height="224" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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Find this on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/sarnew88/crochet-wrap" target="_blank">my Ralvery Project page</a>.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-28097203498049856512014-12-07T22:00:00.000-08:002014-12-31T20:41:56.758-08:00Yarn Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xXyTzhTVI4/VHLHZ0s2bkI/AAAAAAAABpQ/wMy9Ix7deHI/s1600/DSC_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yarn Wreath" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xXyTzhTVI4/VHLHZ0s2bkI/AAAAAAAABpQ/wMy9Ix7deHI/s1600/DSC_0825.JPG" height="363" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ok so this isn't exactly knitting or crochet, but it is crafty and Christmassy! I was inspired by <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/442197257137240083/" target="_blank">this pin on Pintrest</a>, unfortunately it just links to an image, so I have no idea where it came from or who made it. Anyway, I decided to create my own. </div>
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It was quite simple to do, but very time consuming; I got a few packs of styrofoam balls, fixed them in a circle using toothpicks and a glue gun, then covered them with yarn. To finish I slipped in a cheap pair of needles; I didn't glue these in place just incase I ever want to use them.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDqOPUIfG3I/VHLHZVZfV1I/AAAAAAAABpI/P0mr3Oc0Z7w/s1600/DSC_0824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yarn Wreath" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDqOPUIfG3I/VHLHZVZfV1I/AAAAAAAABpI/P0mr3Oc0Z7w/s1600/DSC_0824.JPG" height="229" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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In hindsight it would have been a lot easier to cover them before securing them in a circle. The time consuming part is wrapping the yarn around enough times to cover the white underneath.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WGP2mQfNJmY/VHLHbh9P_JI/AAAAAAAABpg/TYsivJ60_7E/s1600/DSC_0827.JPG"><img alt="Yarn Wreath" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WGP2mQfNJmY/VHLHbh9P_JI/AAAAAAAABpg/TYsivJ60_7E/s1600/DSC_0827.JPG" height="320" title="" width="294" /></a>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o0RA4qvd4Ic/VHLHas86bvI/AAAAAAAABpY/eVF4FfECPro/s1600/DSC_08261.JPG"><img alt="Yarn Wreath" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o0RA4qvd4Ic/VHLHas86bvI/AAAAAAAABpY/eVF4FfECPro/s1600/DSC_08261.JPG" height="320" title="" width="241" /></a>
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I really love the simple arrangement and neutral colours, and I will keep this up all year round as 'craft room decor'. However, if you did want to make more festive looking wreath, or a more layered look, here are a few other home made yarn wreaths I found online for inspiration:<br />
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<a href="http://www.tuscanydesign.net/craftbook/2011/10/yarn-ball-wreaths/" target="_blank"></a><img border="0" src="http://www.tuscanydesign.net/craftbook/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Yarn-Ball-Wreath.jpg" height="170" width="170" />
<a href="http://texasbooklady.blogspot.co.nz/2011/12/december-2011.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fjiNxP7ll84/TtxHeA1waKI/AAAAAAAAAK0/k1EUlrSZ-mE/s400/KNITTING+WREATH.jpg" height="170" width="170" /></a>
<a href="http://www.styrofoamcrafts.com/project.aspx?id=179-01503#.VHLtNyhE4_g" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.styrofoamcrafts.com/179-01503/image" height="170" width="170" /></a>
<a href="http://www.recapturedcharm.com/2010/11/holiday-yarn-wreath.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uZYuy_wJRxg/TNc-cCJvdqI/AAAAAAAAEDg/NMS8MTuLFFA/yarn%20christmas%20wreath%20015a_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="170" width="170" /></a>
<a href="http://distractedcrafter.com/2010/11/yarn-wreath/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://distractedcrafter.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/yarnwreath-final2-256x300.jpg" height="170" width="170" /></a>
<a href="http://www.homemaker-mom.com/the-homemakers-journey-blog/knitting-ball-wreath" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.homemaker-mom.com/uploads/7/5/3/7/7537272/5967539_orig.jpg" height="170" width="170" /></a>
<a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=280949.0" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.craftster.org/pictures/data/500/medium/Knitters_wreath_13_Large_.JPG" height="240" width="170" /></a>
<a href="http://butterflycottagearts.blogspot.co.nz/2012/10/handmade-christmas-wreaths.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kl1UAMiGVfM/UJEIVfc1s5I/AAAAAAAACME/ZMpD3mUCpqg/s1600/knitting+wool+wreath.jpg" height="240" width="170" /></a>
<a href="http://twojunkchix.blogspot.co.nz/2011/01/snowball-wreath.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imXc3E_znJg/TSSMyJTwLbI/AAAAAAAABfI/qdCDYtP36CE/s400/snowball1.jpg" height="240" width="170" /></a>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-84367205603503254112014-11-30T12:00:00.000-08:002014-11-30T14:16:55.363-08:00My Favourite Knitting BlogsThere are lots of great knitting blogs out there, so I would like to share some of the ones I read regularly and look to for inspiration. Each of the blog authors have written a small piece about themselves and their blogs:<br />
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<b><a href="http://abso-knitting-lutely-nadia.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Abso-knitting-lutely</a></b></h3>
<a href="http://abso-knitting-lutely-nadia.blogspot.co.nz/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Abso-knitting-lutely" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZ4dEmFcZ5w/VG2XzJ1LzEI/AAAAAAAABlk/JjA2o83Ydz8/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-20%2Bat%2B20.26.30.png" height="167" title="Abso-knitting-lutely" width="320" /></a><i>"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Hi, I'm Nadia and I blog at Abso-knitting-lutely! I post about all things woolly and colourful. If you love reading about knitting, spinning and dyeing, then you should drop by my corner of the internet: every five days, you can read new posts about things I have been making, craft books I've read, and find knitting or crochet inspiration. I'd love to hear what you are making, so feel free to comment on posts. I look forward to meeting you." </span></i><br />
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Nadia also has a shop which you can <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AbsoKnittingLutely?ref=offsite_badges&utm_source=sellers&utm_medium=badges&utm_campaign=en_isell_1" target="_blank">find here</a> selling yarn and knitting accessories, including loads of super cute stitch markers.<br />
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<b><a href="http://hardknitlife.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Hardknitlife</a></b></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i>"My name is Jenna. I'm always up for an adventure. I love to knit, cook, eat, drink tasty beer, and hang out with interesting people. Those who knit are infinitely more interesting to me than those who don't. The hardknitlife blog is about my adventures in knitting and life. I try to be honest about my personal knitting process and like to post on the blog as a way to connect with other people who work with fiber"</i></span><br />
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Jennas blog is full of tasty looking yarns and the intricate projects that she is working on.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.nogetuldent.dk/" target="_blank">Noget Uldent</a></b></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i>"Hi there, I’m Pia, a twenty something full theology student, with 2 part time jobs. <b><a href="http://www.nogetuldent.dk/p/noget-uldent.html" target="_blank">Noget Uldent</a></b> is where I share all about my life and struggles as an emerging <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/noget-uldent---pia-koch-hansen" target="_blank">knit wear designer</a></b>, which is my 3rd part time job. When I began designing I looked in vain for blogs that shelled out the good, the bad and the ugly of the life of a designer. Now I pride myself on honestly sharing successes, trials and the <b><a href="http://www.nogetuldent.dk/2014/11/lessons-learned-from-test-knits.html" target="_blank">lessons learned</a></b> along the way. If I can help you not feel alone or get over a hurdle with a bit more grace then I’ll be elated, if I can only make you laugh at my misfortune, then I’ll take that too… I’m passionate about helping others by <b><a href="http://www.nogetuldent.dk/search/label/Knit%20Crush" target="_blank">promoting them</a></b><b>,<wbr></wbr> </b>sharing <b><a href="http://www.nogetuldent.dk/search/label/Review%20and%20Interviews" target="_blank">their stories</a></b> and what <b><a href="http://www.nogetuldent.dk/search/label/Micro%20Business%20and%20Blogging" target="_blank">humble insight</a></b> I have to offer."</i></span>
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Noget Uldent means Something Woolen, although Pias blog also includes other creations, including food how-tos.<br />
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<b><a href="http://woollenwilderness.com/" target="_blank">Woollen Wilderness</a></b></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: -apple-system-font; line-height: 16px;"><i>"My name is Tahnée and I’m a passionate knitter from the Netherlands. I’ve dabbled in some knitting as a teenager but didn’t quite catch the knitting bug. Then when I went off to uni I really needed a better way to relax and get my thoughts off of studying. And ever since I’ve been quite addicted. At the beginning of this year I decided to expand my knitting world by starting a blog, Woollen Wilderness. I love blogging and the connection you create with the online knitting community is so rewarding and loving!"</i></span><br />
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A great blog with lots of gorgeous projects, in particular I am a massive fan of Tahnées amazing socks!<br />
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I hope you enjoy looking at these pages as much as I do. Please share any other blogs you regularly read.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-9584586102401587562014-11-23T12:00:00.000-08:002014-12-31T20:43:39.039-08:00Knitted Drop Slippers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy9TcvUl23A/VG2EAv6VzlI/AAAAAAAABlQ/2jCgDJHs7hg/s1600/DSC_0790_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Knitted Drop Slippers" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy9TcvUl23A/VG2EAv6VzlI/AAAAAAAABlQ/2jCgDJHs7hg/s1600/DSC_0790_2.JPG" height="385" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have had this pattern: <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/us/pattern.php?id=6198&lang=us" target="_blank">Knitted Drops Slippers</a> pinned on Pintrest for a while now, and finally decided to make them for my friends birthday. I didn't buy the specific yarn suggested in the pattern, instead I used some 8ply acrylic yarn that I had leftover from my <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/06/intermediate-poncho.html" target="_blank">Poncho</a>. I used my 6mm circular needles with a 30cm cable.<br />
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I found the pattern a bit confusing at places, it's not the most comfortable to read and follow; at one part it says 'when the piece measures **cm..." but it doesn't explain whether it means the whole piece, or just the section you are currently adding to. Another part reads 'Insert 1 marker mid front of toe and 1 marker mid back on heel' but at no point in the instructions has it explained which part of the foot you are currently stitching. However, with a little trial and error, I was able to figure it out and end up with two foot pieces and two ankle pieces.<br />
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From here the instructions say to 'Pull leg 2 cm / 3/4'' down on foot with buttons on the outside of slipper and sew leg to cast-on edge on slipper from WS with invisible stitches.' which, although pretty wordy, is quite simple to do.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6PmX-h2mIA/VG2D8B9829I/AAAAAAAABkw/H6w9HWZdeV8/s1600/DSC_0783_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Knitted Drop Slippers" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6PmX-h2mIA/VG2D8B9829I/AAAAAAAABkw/H6w9HWZdeV8/s1600/DSC_0783_2.JPG" height="169" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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Because the yarn I used wasn't as bulky as the one the pattern suggests, the slipper looked very 'gappy' when I tried it on, so I decided to sew in some socks to line the inside of the slipper and this improved the look significantly, and made them much more snuggly and warm.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJDtuvYoE6E/VG2D6EyrCsI/AAAAAAAABkg/HBEKZkg-JqY/s1600/DSC_0795a.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Knitted Drop Slippers" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJDtuvYoE6E/VG2D6EyrCsI/AAAAAAAABkg/HBEKZkg-JqY/s1600/DSC_0795a.JPG" height="320" title="" width="281" /></a>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrEANfWv-_4/VG2D-VMXouI/AAAAAAAABlA/OUx8lEtpujo/s1600/DSC_0785_2.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Knitted Drop Slippers" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrEANfWv-_4/VG2D-VMXouI/AAAAAAAABlA/OUx8lEtpujo/s1600/DSC_0785_2.JPG" height="320" title="" width="320" /></a><br />
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Overall I am happy with how the slippers turned out, but if I made them again I would go for a chunkier yarn probably in a different colour. I really love the cable band around the ankle and I think the buttons make the slippers look really cute.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCVTv_wNbNg/VG2D7afbJjI/AAAAAAAABko/UfNu1VzRhco/s1600/DSC_0826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Knitted Drop Slippers" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCVTv_wNbNg/VG2D7afbJjI/AAAAAAAABko/UfNu1VzRhco/s1600/DSC_0826.JPG" height="246" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4DHLE69iB2A/VG2EBmnasWI/AAAAAAAABlY/b0Riwc4bTgg/s1600/DSC_0793_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Knitted Drop Slippers" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4DHLE69iB2A/VG2EBmnasWI/AAAAAAAABlY/b0Riwc4bTgg/s1600/DSC_0793_2.JPG" height="262" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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Find this pattern in my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/sarnew88/150-4-little-red-riding-slippers---slippers-with-cables-in-eskimo" target="_blank">Ravelry Projects</a>.<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-43749305037432684372014-11-16T16:43:00.000-08:002014-11-16T16:44:10.886-08:00Knitting SongsI hope you're feeling musical.... after stumbling across <a href="http://woollenwilderness.com/uncategorized/tiny-song-fill-silence/" target="_blank">this post</a> sharing a song about knitting, I decided to do some research and see what other knitting related music there was out there... I was pretty surprised/ amused by some of these. Here's what I found, enjoy:<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-82667632052180039122014-11-09T18:27:00.004-08:002014-11-09T19:26:40.507-08:00KnitPro ReviewSorry I didn't post last week, I've been on a really great family holiday.<div>
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So last month I posted about my new <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/10/knitpro-needles-and-hooks.html" target="_blank">KnitPro Needles & Hooks</a> I've now had a chance to try them out, and I have to say, I am very impressed!!</div>
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<b>KnitPro Nova Cubics Interchangeable Needle Deluxe Set, Shiny Brass</b></div>
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I love these needles; they are square (or 'cubic') rather than round which I thought may be a little odd, but it actually feels really comfortable to hold and gives good grip. The brass feels really strong but also very lightweight in your hand. The smooth surface means that the yarn glides on the needles, and the join of the needle to the cable is seamless, so the yarn doesn't catch at all, which is a problem I have had with other cable needles.</div>
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I like the neat packaging and the smart look of the set, and I know it isn't exclusive to KnitPro, but the whole idea of interchangeable cables is great. The different length cables and needle sizes make these suitable for such a wide range of projects, and I can replace a whole bunch of odd needles I've collected over time with this one set.</div>
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I particularly love the stoppers you can put on the end of the cables, which was particularly useful for me while I was on holiday; I could just throw my work back in my bag without worrying about losing stitches. The needles are easy to take on and off, and the little pin ensures they are screwed on tightly so they don't come loose.</div>
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<b>KnitPro Waves Aluminium Crochet Hook, Set of 9, Pink</b></div>
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I do way more knitting than crocheting at the moment, so it was never my intention to buy a full set of hooks at this stage, but this set was so pretty I could not resist. I love the casing because pink is my favourite colour, but I also love all the fun bright coloured hooks.</div>
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Aside from the appearance of this set, the hooks all feel really strong and durable. The rubber handle is new to me as I have not used hooks like this before, I was really impressed with how comfortable it was in my hand and the extra grip it gave me.</div>
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Overall I would highly recommend both of these sets to either beginners who want a ready-to-go kit, or to more experienced knitters/crocheters who want to update their needle/hook collection to these uniform sets.</div>
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KnitPro has loads of other sets available, varying in material, styles and budget, so go check them out. The cheapest place I found the above sets available was <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a>, the NZ supplier is <a href="http://www.trendytrims.co.nz/" target="_blank">Trendy Trims</a> and they have suppliers for all available countries on their webpage: <a href="http://www.knitpro.eu/" target="_blank">http://www.knitpro.eu/</a>. </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-89885351705682379132014-10-27T15:25:00.000-07:002014-12-31T20:44:42.707-08:00Mug Cosies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cvlrIXKKxWI/VDMp_-_Jo-I/AAAAAAAABdY/A4_64fXeA_4/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Knitted Mug Cosy" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cvlrIXKKxWI/VDMp_-_Jo-I/AAAAAAAABdY/A4_64fXeA_4/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" height="201" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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A mug cosy is usually one of the more basic knitting patterns, but I have never made one before. For my parents wedding anniversary I thought it would be cute to make his and hers cosies with their initials on.<br />
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I found this <a href="http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/valentine-mug-hug?utm_source=Publicaster&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=KITL%20February%202012&utm_content=http%3a%2f%2fwww.redheart.com%2ffree-patterns%2fvalentine-mug-hug" target="_blank">free Valentine Mug Hug pattern</a> and decided to give it a go. The pattern states "Use any size needles to obtain the gauge" but I just chose needles suitable for my yarn and decided I'd just go for it... the pattern was easy to follow and turned out correctly, but was too small to fit around a mug and has now become my button jar cosy... although it's actually more like a jar cape.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U91-DK7xi-E/VDr6zQ_ZzsI/AAAAAAAABhA/tLSEpf4YR34/s1600/IMG_4060.JPG"><img alt="cape cosy" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U91-DK7xi-E/VDr6zQ_ZzsI/AAAAAAAABhA/tLSEpf4YR34/s1600/IMG_4060.JPG" height="185" width="200" /></a>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uM_UkezecsQ/VDr6z6vOxLI/AAAAAAAABhM/7B94MQOaFiQ/s1600/IMG_4062.JPG"><img alt="cape cosy" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uM_UkezecsQ/VDr6z6vOxLI/AAAAAAAABhM/7B94MQOaFiQ/s1600/IMG_4062.JPG" height="185" width="183" /></a>
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But the good thing about the first attempt going wrong was that I was able to adjust what I didn't like about the pattern. I decided I would make the button loop in the middle rather than the top to avoid the cape effect. I also learned that I would have to cast on more stitches to make it fit a mug.<br />
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I know that my Mum likes drinking from really large Disney mugs, so for her cosy I cast on 60, then did the increases in row 7 (75 stitches). In row 17 I continued the K2, P3 ribbing but cast on 14 more stitches to make the loop. I continued with the ribbed pattern until I was happy with the height of the cosy.<br />
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For my Dad's cosy I decided to still cast on 60, and knit ribbed, but I did not make the increases.<br />
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Once I had finished both cosies I knitted two little white panels with my parents initials on. I used my <a href="http://t.co/Ga4FXb2yG6" target="_blank">Knitters Bible</a> which has an alphabet graph to knit the letters.<br />
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I am happy with the finished cosies, they both look very cute and easily fit around a large mug. You can really see the shape difference between the pink one where I increased and the Blue one where I didn't. It's worth keeping in mind the shape of your mug before starting the pattern.<br />
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To illustrate how the shape makes the cosy 'fit' and to show just how stretchy the ribbing is, I tested out my cosies for other possible uses...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihCozzm01NU/VDr6vQbUxmI/AAAAAAAABgk/xzVG2U6LQ7U/s1600/IMG_4012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Measuring Jug Cosy" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihCozzm01NU/VDr6vQbUxmI/AAAAAAAABgk/xzVG2U6LQ7U/s1600/IMG_4012.JPG" height="316" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring Jug Cosy</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Goz70VPELbQ/VDr6wRt9TsI/AAAAAAAABgs/KwVKXb7pT9o/s1600/IMG_4021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Blender Cosy" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Goz70VPELbQ/VDr6wRt9TsI/AAAAAAAABgs/KwVKXb7pT9o/s1600/IMG_4021.JPG" height="400" title="" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blender Cosy</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yAuOrlTn3gs/VDr6xrthHjI/AAAAAAAABg0/aHFj_k8CE_0/s1600/IMG_4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Spray Bottle Cosy" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yAuOrlTn3gs/VDr6xrthHjI/AAAAAAAABg0/aHFj_k8CE_0/s1600/IMG_4025.JPG" height="386" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l44-oxzC8WY/VDr6yqppFLI/AAAAAAAABhI/3XWq0BjoAzU/s1600/IMG_4027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Coffee Plunger Cosy" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l44-oxzC8WY/VDr6yqppFLI/AAAAAAAABhI/3XWq0BjoAzU/s1600/IMG_4027.JPG" height="400" title="" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee Plunger Cosy</td></tr>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-87479491776652140682014-10-20T01:17:00.000-07:002014-10-20T01:17:00.032-07:00KnitPro Needles and HooksI was recommended KnitPro by a friend so decided to treat myself to these two sets:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/KnitPro-Cubics-Interchangeable-Needle-Deluxe/dp/B00F0LFGVC/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91uRwdxzjtL._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazon UK</td></tr>
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7 Pairs of Needles -<br />
4.00mm (US 6)<br />
4.50mm (US 7)<br />
5.00mm (US 8)<br />
5.50mm (US 9)<br />
6.00mm (US 10)<br />
7.00mm (US 10.75)<br />
8.00mm (US 11)<br />
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4 Cables -<br />
1 x 60cm (24")<br />
2 x 80cm (32'')<br />
1 x 100cm (40'')<br />
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8 End Caps<br />
4 Cable Keys<br />
1 Cable Case<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/KnitPro-Waves-Aluminium-Crochet-Hook/dp/B00F3CVII8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81PZUfQOBqL._SL1500_.jpg" height="290" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
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Contains Sizes: <br />
2mm<br />
2.5mm<br />
3mm<br />
3.5mm<br />
4mm<br />
4.5mm<br />
5mm<br />
5.5mm<br />
6mm<br />
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KnitPro generally seems to be rated as having good quality products, and reviews on these sets in particular have been very good, so I am very excited to receive them and give them a try.<br />
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Watch this space for a review in the near future. Please also let me know your experience and/or recommendations with these or other KnitPro products.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-33145946567071559602014-10-12T15:28:00.000-07:002014-10-12T15:36:40.167-07:00Untwisting a Skein of Yarn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you had asked me a week ago if I would have needed to watch a tutorial explaining how to untwist a skein of yarn, I probably would have laughed, but now I will never underestimate just how tangled these kinds of skeins can get if not 'un-twisted' correctly! I spent about four hours unravelling a big messy knot of sequinned mess to get just one skein neatly rolled into a useable ball.<br />
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Once I realised there must be an art to unravelling them without making a giant knot, I searched YouTube to see if there was such a thing as an 'untwisting how-to'... Luckily for me there are tutorials out there and this meant that my second and third skein were transformed into balls within a matter of minutes.<br />
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This is not my video, just one I found on YouTube, skip to about 1:50 for the demo to start:<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777345314604563892.post-11531625358942383612014-10-06T20:44:00.000-07:002014-10-06T20:44:43.636-07:00The Knitters Bible<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wx-DQwheRZ8/VDNSZxnmKkI/AAAAAAAABeA/fBJhhFZGxvc/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wx-DQwheRZ8/VDNSZxnmKkI/AAAAAAAABeA/fBJhhFZGxvc/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" height="382" width="400" /></a></div>
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I recently picked up this book in a second hand shop, thinking I would maybe get a few patterns for a cheap price. However when I got home I was glued to the book for hours!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Knitters-Bible-Complete-Handbook/dp/0715317997" target="_blank">The Knitters Bible on Amazon UK</a> is only £11.89 or available to NZ at <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Knitters-Bible-Claire-Crompton/9780715317990" target="_blank">the Book Depository</a> for $28.08.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pE7Gx8-qW0I/VDNShZZDSwI/AAAAAAAABfY/RjyqhBODwI8/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG"><img alt="The Knitters Bible" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pE7Gx8-qW0I/VDNShZZDSwI/AAAAAAAABfY/RjyqhBODwI8/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" height="200" width="129" /></a>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgF-P0nSUh8/VDNSfUMuGFI/AAAAAAAABfA/llXIt_wqkoM/s1600/DSC_0044a.JPG"><img alt="The Knitters Bible" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgF-P0nSUh8/VDNSfUMuGFI/AAAAAAAABfA/llXIt_wqkoM/s1600/DSC_0044a.JPG" height="200" width="125" /></a>
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I think the copy I picked up is an older edition of this book (the cover is different) but the content is still amazing. There are simple, easy instructions with pictures & diagrams from choosing your yarn and needles to more complex patterns and knitting techniques.<br />
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As a fairly new knitter I love having a neat catalogue of different stitches, edgings and methods. I usually use the internet to find patterns and learn new techniques, but I still found this book an invaluable source. It's also useful if you want to make something without a set pattern.<br />
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For me personally I was very happy to see suggested patterns to make a patchwork blanket (plenty of inspiration for <a href="http://alittleknit.blogspot.co.nz/search/?q=label:patchwork" target="_blank">my ongoing project</a>) I have also been working on a little gift (which I will post about once it has been given) using this book.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0fn83Z6Blac/VDNSb40J-4I/AAAAAAAABeY/7_q08QB-ClE/s1600/DSC_0037a.JPG"><img alt="The Knitters Bible" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0fn83Z6Blac/VDNSb40J-4I/AAAAAAAABeY/7_q08QB-ClE/s1600/DSC_0037a.JPG" height="110" width="280" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUPTcEi1U58/VDNSf_8ItRI/AAAAAAAABfI/PvMlfZE9DUk/s1600/DSC_0045a.JPG"><img alt="The Knitters Bible" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUPTcEi1U58/VDNSf_8ItRI/AAAAAAAABfI/PvMlfZE9DUk/s1600/DSC_0045a.JPG" height="110" width="280" /></a>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6ZU23tUJlM/VDNSbST6OII/AAAAAAAABeQ/DWdWq5170Cg/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG"><img alt="The Knitters Bible" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6ZU23tUJlM/VDNSbST6OII/AAAAAAAABeQ/DWdWq5170Cg/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" height="121" width="280" /></a>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nlp3cq4dnnw/VDNSeh5UVII/AAAAAAAABe4/8lieujKnr10/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG"><img alt="The Knitters Bible" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nlp3cq4dnnw/VDNSeh5UVII/AAAAAAAABe4/8lieujKnr10/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" height="121" width="280" /></a>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NykS4qogO0k/VDNScpyFljI/AAAAAAAABeg/OMZbd0h8xNQ/s1600/DSC_0038a.JPG"><img alt="The Knitters Bible" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NykS4qogO0k/VDNScpyFljI/AAAAAAAABeg/OMZbd0h8xNQ/s1600/DSC_0038a.JPG" height="134" width="280" /></a>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76bpeYwig78/VDNSd-TO0HI/AAAAAAAABew/YtthmWZfXyU/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG"><img alt="The Knitters Bible" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76bpeYwig78/VDNSd-TO0HI/AAAAAAAABew/YtthmWZfXyU/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" height="134" width="280" /></a>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GyJlmc5HmyM/VDNSdWzLXJI/AAAAAAAABfo/Z8ZWT_0gh8s/s1600/DSC_0039a.JPG"><img alt="The Knitters Bible" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GyJlmc5HmyM/VDNSdWzLXJI/AAAAAAAABfo/Z8ZWT_0gh8s/s1600/DSC_0039a.JPG" height="105" width="280" /></a>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODR5zosZ7Sg/VDNSgg72P8I/AAAAAAAABfQ/tJ0seeiaRq8/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG"><img alt="The Knitters Bible" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODR5zosZ7Sg/VDNSgg72P8I/AAAAAAAABfQ/tJ0seeiaRq8/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" height="105" width="280" /></a>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00627274364040552368noreply@blogger.com0