The usual Christmas knitting frenzy looked like it would be toned down before it started this year.  With one recipient not being visited until January, two recipients struck off the list as they never acknowledge what they receive and another having their knitted offering postponed until their birthday due to a perfect bought present, this meant that I could relax and just ‘quickly’ knit 4 simple knitted bags to fit hand warmers, the perfect personalised Christmas stocking present.  As is usual with my plans, the idea of a personalised bag by way of…Read more …

It started as an idea for a birthday present, way back at the start of 2022. The birthday in question was in August. Plenty of time. But the summer was sweltering and knitting was a long way from my mind. No casting on with sweaty fingers for me. September or October would provide plenty of opportunity to knit during the autumn evenings in France. The idea of posting the pizza abroad from France was a definite attraction since Brexit, but a boxed set kept my eyes on the screen and my hands in…Read more …

One of the toddlers on my list for knitted presents loves vehicles but I found a pattern for a double decker bus too late during this Christmas Knitting Frenzy of 2022 - I’d already plumped for two boats and a light house. The pattern is from 100 Little Knitted Projects by Sarah Keen and I have seen at least another 20 projects I’d like to make, from a lollipop and an ice lolly (I love knitted food) to Noughts and Crosses and dominoes. The introduction suggests each project could be done in an evening:…Read more …

One lovely young lady was the exception to my ‘knitted gifts only' rule during the Christmas Knitting Frenzy of 2022.  What to make for a (nearly) 4 year old?  Did I mention I’d left this year’s knitted present planning to the last minute?  Of course, I couldn’t let her miss out.  I’d already bought and wrapped a Build-a-Ladybird game so…I had three days…I made her a ladybird…  I’d found this pattern on line some time ago and it looked like it fit the bill and would easily be achieved in the time frame…Read more …

This has been one frenetic spell of knitting, knitting, knitting.  The standard I set myself when babies began being born in my extended family and friends’ circle – to knit individual, unique gifts rather than buy something off the shelf – has presented some deadlines requiring proportionate levels of discipline and effort.  This year has been off the scale with 2 babies and 3 toddlers to knit for, an outstanding promise for another toddler plus a baby and toddler in my extended family.  Plenty of ideas out there, Ravelry delivering, as usual, but…Read more …

Plarn. Qué? Plarn. PL astic y ARN.  See what I did there? I’m a little late to the party, I know.  Apparently, plarn has been a thing for a long time.  I know because I found Eco-Friendly Knits Using Recycled Plastic Bags by Emily Blades, published in way back in 2010.  I’d dabbled with twine and string over the years, and I’d made some shoulder bags out of discarded tee-shirts.  But plarn? Never ‘ad it, Mr Fawlty. I was very excited to discover plarn.  I’ve been a successful hoarder of plastic bags over…Read more …

Not a proverb you’d have heard of but it’s one that suits this jotting. If you’ve read any of my musings before now, you’ll know that most of the pieces I produce are knitted flat.  I’ve eschewed the Magic Loop and the dreaded sets of four or five dpns for years now after one disastrous attempt with four needles when my fingers jerked uncontrollably, needles slipped to the floor and stitches twisted upon themselves.  I couldn’t see the attraction or the point of fiddling with more than two needles.  Until the other day. …Read more …