How did it end up being a month since I last blogged? Time flies when you’re having fun! Since then, I’ve knitted a fair few things, starting with a baby blanket in a lovely squishy wool – Peter Pan Merino DK. It’s a really easy pattern, all in garter stitch and shaped by increasing from one cast on stitch and then decreasing back down to one cast off stitch. I’ve made it a few times before, but never so big and in such a great wool. The finished result is cosy and feels amazing!
It’s been a month for baby knitting, as I then managed to finally use up my Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino stash. This yarn is an absolute dream to work with, so soft, and knits up into beautiful garments, the only drawback is that it’s pretty expensive. I used it to make a pair of tiny baby socks from Debbie’s book “Simply Baby”, and then adapted a nightcap pattern to make a little bobble hat.
I’ve also been working on a crochet project, my first ever crocheted baby blanket which isn’t based round a granny square pattern or created in pieces and then sewn together. The pattern is from a magazine that I forget the name of, but basically it’s a shell-like stitch which is made from clusters of trebles. It took a while to get into the swing of it, and the yarn is very splitty and not ideal for crochet – Rowan Fine Milk Cotton. I’ve got about 10 balls to use up, so I think I’ll make a nice big blanket and add a pretty scalloped border.
I also made a set of clothes for my son’s baby doll – wee trousers and a V-neck sweater, and have been commissioned to create a fair few more outfits, as well as knit Yoda and Minion hats and some Adventure Time stuff. That’s not to mention the other 10 or so projects that I have on the needles, or waiting to be sewn, so it looks like I shall be busy over the next few months!
It’s not as if I need any more yarn, but I was passing my local Shelter the other day and noticed New Lanark Aran in the window at only £1 a ball! This kind of bargain couldn’t be passed by, so I ended up spending £12 on 20 balls of a “Highland Aran” in 100% wool, as well as 5 balls of the New Lanark stuff. Next job is to find patterns to do it all justice, and on that note, I’m off to try to finish at least one of my works-in-progress before starting anything new!
Torya Winters Designs 