Author: toryawintersdesigns

Designer, maker, lover of colourful sparkly things.
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Test knitting

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The first part of the pattern arrived last night for the sock I’m test knitting at the moment. It’s designed by Carissa at the Cupcake Factory, and the proceeds will go to Streams of Life International. The pattern comes in sections via e-mail, and I’ve knitted up the first part already – the cuff and four lace repeats. It’s the first time I’ve knitted lace in the round, and I had a few problems on my first attempt. I made the mistake of not using stitch markers, and ended up with several extra stitches and a very “interesting” pattern. Fifteen minutes of exasperated frogging later, and I started on attempt number two with stitch markers in place! Here’s what it looks like so far –

and here’s a close-up of the lovely pattern –

I’m looking forward to getting the next part of the pattern so I can see how it develops – it’s quite fun doing a mystery project!

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Baby things

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I’ve finished the present for my manager’s new baby – here are the results. I made a little tank top from a pattern in “Simply Knitting”, using wool that I picked up in a charity shop. I think it might be a cotton mix, and it’s lovely and soft and squishy. I also made some booties with Rowan cotton, which look so cute I almost don’t want to give them away.

I made a little card as well, using some tiny wooden animals that I had. Making baby things makes me so broody – only 16 weeks to go until I meet my own little one!

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Lots of finished objects

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Well, I finally finished my dad’s sweater, and he loves it! It fits perfectly, and the yarn feels so nice, soft and squishy. I have no idea what kind of yarn it is, as it was a charity shop find, but I think it’s probably 100% wool.

I also decided to make an entry for the Crafter…oo! recycled crafts challenge that was being run this weekend. I wasn’t sure if I’d have enough time to make something, but I sat down with my sewing box this morning and found some inspiration! The challenge rules stated that the item should be mainly (if not all) recycled materials, and it had to be a piece of jewellery or wearable accessory. I decided to make a brooch, and went for a starfish inspired design.

I used the rest of the mohair wool scarf that I had felted, and then edged it with scraps of metallic threads that were lying in my sewing box. I also had buttons and sequins that were all charity shop finds, so I used some of them to finish it off. I’m quite pleased with the end result, and will probably pin it to one of my hats.

My manager at work welcomed his baby son into the world this week, so I’ve got my knitting needles out and started on some presents. I’ve made the Herringbone Booties from Zoe Mellor’s book “50 Baby Bootees to Knit”, using Rowan Cotton 4ply that I had in my stash. I’m also doing a little cabled tank top pattern by Debbie Bliss which was in Simply Knitting a while ago – pics to follow when I’m finished.

After all that, my sister’s sweater dress is finally on the needles – roll on inches of stocking stitch! Then my test knitting stuff for two different projects will start to come through the post… I can see this being a busy month!

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I love charity shops!

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Is it just me, or are charity shops amazing things? I don’t know if my local area is especially good, or if it’s a nationwide phenomenon, but I love them! There are five charity shops in my small town, and I go for a wee look around at least once a week. The other day I spent £6, and got 2 t-shirts for my husband, a cross stitch kit for a cute little elephant, a paisley pattern shirt for my little boy, and this book:

There is nowhere else in the world where I can go and get that many things so cheaply.

I also like charity shops for the fabric and wool, as my budget doesn’t really stretch to buying too many craft supplies. I made a bag for my friend’s birthday with an unidentified greeny grey flecked yarn, a brown linen skirt and a brown macrame belt, all finds from charity shops. I used the Brea pattern by Norah Gaughan, and it worked out pretty well even if I say so myself!

On another subject, I’m thinking of doing a degree with the Open College of the Arts, starting with this textile course – Does anyone have any experience of the course, or studying with the OCA? I’d welcome any advice or comments that you might have before I go ahead and book a place.

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Look what I got!

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I got a wonderful parcel of goodies in the post yesterday. Melinda from Bonnie Babies offered to send me a whole load of buttons that she had, and I can’t believe how cute they are! There are some really old ones from Woolworths, and others that could possibly date from the 50’s or 60’s. Here are some of my favourites, but there were many more.

I especially love the little ice cream cones and pencils, and I have so many ideas of how to use them. At the moment, I’m thinking that they would work really well as decoration on little hair slides, brooches or coin purses.

I haven’t blogged for a while, mainly because I’ve found Crafter…oo! It’s so addictive, and there are so many great links to tutorials and useful information. I’ve also been working on a purse that I test crocheted for someone on Ravelry, but I can’t show a picture yet as the pattern hasn’t been published. I should really go and knit some more of my dad’s sweater now – only 1 1/2 sleeves to go *sigh*