This morning I am forcing myself to break free of the funky cycle currently in and start afresh with a real knitting project. Hence all the yarn, books, ideas surrounding me this morning. I have about five and half hours to myself today to see this happen. Wish me luck. If you are going through a slow period in your crafting, I send you my well wishes too.
Click here for notes on the photos.
My creative energy did not completely dwindle away the past few weeks. I was able to keep it afloat, with easy projects. A hat and a beret. In tweed. Pretty obsessive yarn.
So, I made two. One with a twisted ribbing and the other with a crocheted band. See, I have not quite dropped the twisted stitching thing yet. It's becoming a habit am embracing.
Hat knit in Donegal Tweed, colour #809 (leftover from Chevalier mittens. Very simple and reversible with a prominent concentric ridge. Knit in reverse stockinette. Knit int he round. Either side, there is some tweedy goodness.
The magnificent tweed yarn came from Victoria, {Thank you Victoria!} who likes vintage knits. Lace weight, triple stranded. Both knit on US 6/4mm. Less that a hank each.
I think Fall calls for some great hats. Have you knit any yet? I gathered a few odd balls of yarn to make some more hats for holiday gifting.
Remember this sweater I've been knitting in the shadow of the other Demi? Well, it was worn on Saturday morning (the temps were in the 60's) at Big T.'s soccer practice. We all gave it a two thumbs up for being a great sweater all around. I am particularly thrilled for it's addition to the hand knit wardrobe, which awaits the upcoming cooler weather!
Pattern: Demi from Rowan Vintage Style. Raverly link.
Size: Small. Fits a little snug. I should probably have knit a Medium size with this yarn on the US#7's to get a little ease especially around "you know where". It feels so comfortable so I probably will skip the extra blocking.
Yarn: Tivoli Irish Wool Aran in Natural. Approximately 800g. This yarn was gifted to me by my former coworkers; that makes this sweater special. You might not remember the yarn being previously knit into something that got frogged ages ago. It's woolly, soft (not scratchy) and warm.
Needles: Addi Turbos US 6/4mm and 7/4.5mm.
Mods: The body was knit in the round. Added an inch or so on the ribbing to both the body and sleeves.
The Verdict: Like them both equally!
My crafting/inspiration well feels a bit empty at the moment. Just bear with me for a bit as I pick up the pieces and the pace in my life and crafting.
Maybe too much twisted stitches isn't a good thing after all?
Yes?
No?
Yesterday when we woke up, it was like this outside - hot, humid, wet and drizzly. We spent the day inside, watching football, knitting and doing nothing much really.
As I was cuddled under this quilt while knitting, it occurred to me that I haven't shared about this quilt before. Apparently, this quilt was my 3rd in line since the first one "Malawi Quilt" and the 5th "African Mama" (both of which I shared a while ago here and here).
All the quilts except one, were done over 5 years ago, back in Africa. All quilts are made with 100% cotton African fabrics I've collected and stashed over the years. This particular quilt is made with fabric from Malawi (the print inside the log cabin) and Ghana (the printed star) and other solids from South Africa.
Much of the detail of where I came up with the star over the log cabin is fuzzy right now although, I know I didn't get the pattern from the only two African quilt books I owned (and still own). I know the border was just my own inspiration as I spent a lot of time figuring out how to do it.
The quilting was machine done. Not perfect but it worked. At the time, I didn't have much quilting sense (like pre washing fabrics, stretching the fabrics when putting the three pieces together etc etc) hence the puffiness.
We all enjoyed it yesterday, especially Little T.who declared loudly that "it's mine" when he saw his sister cuddle up under it. That made me feel good that these quilts were not a bad handmade investment at all, especially as the kids enjoy and appreciate them. It also inspired me again that I should quilt, maybe do a few quilts a year in between knitting OR maybe plan on a knitting sabbatical (if there is such a thing) and focus on sewing/quilting in the future. Right now, am tossing on the idea and will see where it takes me.
If you are interested to see more of my quilts, you can view them here. Full view.
Still here.
Still trying to figure out a new normal to family life and crafting, now that school is in (for Big T.} while little T. is trying hard to renegotiate his napping {he thinks he doesn't need naps anymore!}
Knitting has become quite monotonous around here, therefore, sorting out things in my head is in order. Just as Fall is calling.
Happy Thursday!
p.s. Thanks for all the lovely comments on Demi.
