Something For the Weekend

Something quick and easy to make for the weekend and a great gift idea too. One of the lovely ladies from Loving hands has given me permission to share her Wrist Warmer pattern.  I had a little bit of chunky wool in my stash in fact just enough to give this pattern a go, if you haven't got any chunky yarn you can use two strands of double knitting wool so they are great stash-busters too.

They are very easy and quick to do and I did manage to finish them in one evening, even though it is ages since I did any cable knitting I did enjoy doing it and it does add interest to a simple pattern. Thank you Jacqui for sharing. :)

CHUNKY WRIST WARMERS

 

These simple wrist warmers can be made in an evening and fit an adult woman or man as they are stretchy but you could add 2 or 4 stitches more or less on the stocking stitch (palm) area if needed, and alter the length to suit.

They can be made using straight needles or made in the round

Materials:

Approx 60 - 75g chunky or DK yarn (use 2 strands together for DK)

6.5mm straight needles or 6.5mm dpn’s or circular if made in the round and a cable needle

4 buttons for owl eyes if you like

Basic Pattern:

Cast on 32 stitches

Join in the round if using dpn’s or circular needles

6 rows K1, P1 rib

Follow chosen pattern until work measures 22 cm from cast on edge, making thumb hole after 16 cm if knitting in the round

3 rows K1, P1 rib

Cast off in rib

If using 2 needles, sew side seams leaving 1cm gap for thumb 16 cm from cast on edge.

For ‘owl’ cable, sew on 2 buttons for owl eyes if you wish as seen in photo.

Cable abbreviations:

C4B – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next 2 stitches then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle

C4F – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at front of work, knit next 2 stitches then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle

‘OWL’ CABLED WRIST WARMERS – 2 straight needles

Left Wrist Warmer

Rows 1, 3, 5, 7: K3, P8, K3, P18

Row 2: K18, P3, C4B, C4F, P3 (right side)

Rows 4, 6, 8: K18, P3, K8, P3

Repeat until work measures 22cm from cast on edge

Right Wrist Warmer

Rows 1, 3, 5, 7: P18, K3, P8, K3

Row 2:  P3, C4B, C4F, P3, K18 (right side)

Rows 4, 6, 8:    P3, K8, P3, K18

Repeat until work measures 22cm from cast on edge

‘OWL’ CABLED WRIST WARMERS using dpn’s or circular needles in the round

Rows 1, 3, 5, 7: K18, P3, K8, P3

Row 2: K18, P3, C4B, C4F, P3

Rows 4, 6, 8: K18, P3, K8, P3

Repeat until work measures 16cm from cast edge

Make thumb hole and then continue in pattern until work measures 22cm from cast on edge

Left Thumb hole:

1st row:  K14, cast off 3, complete cable pattern for the row you are on

2nd row: K14, cast on 3, complete cable pattern for the row you are on

Right Thumb hole:

1st row:  K1, cast off 3, complete cable pattern for the row you are on

2nd row: K1, cast on 3, complete cable pattern for the row you are on

TWISTED CABLED WRIST WARMERS – 2  needles

Left Wrist Warmer

Row 1: K1, (P4, K1) 3 times, P16

Row 2: K16, P1, (C4F, P1) 3 times (right side)

Row 3: K1, (P4, K1) 3 times, P16

Row 4: K16, P1, (K4, P1) 3 times

Repeat until work measures 22cm from cast on edge

Right Wrist Warmer

Row 1:  P16, K1, (P4, K1) 3 times

Row 2:  P1, (C4F, P1) 3 times, K16 (right side)

Row 3:  P16, K1, (P4, K1) 3 times

Row 4:  P1, (K4, P1) 3 times, K16

Repeat until work measures 22cm from cast on edge

TWISTED CABLE WRIST WARMERS – dpn’s or circular needles

Rows 1, 3 & 4: K16, P1, (K4, P1) 3 times

Row 2: K16, P1, (C4F, P1) 3 times

Repeat until work measures 16cm from cast edge

Make thumb hole and then continue in pattern until work measures 22cm from cast on edge

Right Thumb hole:

1^st row:  K12, cast off 3, complete cable pattern for the row you are on

2^nd row: K12, cast on 3, complete cable pattern for the row you are on

Left Thumb hole:

1^st row:  K1, cast off 3, complete cable pattern for the row you are on

2^nd row: K1, cast on 3, complete cable pattern for the row you are on

Have a great weekend! 

Scarf Addiction

You know how it is when you start making something and you can't seem to stop.  You feel that you want to keep trying more of the same but in different patterns and of course in different colour ways.  I'm afraid I get a bit like this with everything I make! why is one never enough?  It's the turn of the scarves this addiction seems to pop up at this time every year as you can see in my scarf collection here which is only natural I suppose giving the cold weather we are having and it's threatening to get colder every day, you need to snuggle up in a scarf or cowl and so do the little ones

 Child's Cosy Scarf

You will love making this one because it's the same easy pattern as the Blue blocks throw, you can see how it happened can't you? it's all down to addiction again, I got addicted to the simple pattern, so continued using it to make this scarf then that led to the scarf addiction.

I wanted to use up the dwindling balls of Aran yarn I had left over from the throw but you are never sure if you have quite enough of a colour to get the effect you want so it was a bit of trial and error and sometimes some ripping back, I did have just enough to make this, I would have liked it to be just a teeny bit longer but it's fine for a little one to wrap around the neck at least once I think.

Soft and cosy and it will be lovely and warm. This is how I made mine but of course the possibilities are endless.

Pattern
AranYarn 
6.5 mm hook

width 6 inches, length approx 49 inches without tassels 

Chain 24 
First row -Dc in 2nd chain, *chain 1, miss 1Dc, Dc in next chain*  to the end. One chain turn on this and every row.
Second row - Dc in first Dc, *chain 1, miss 1Dc, Dc in next Dc* to the end and this forms the pattern.

Stripe Sequence         
Group One                                    Group Two
23 rows Colour A                     23 rows Colour B 
4 rows Colour B                         2 rows  Colour A
2 rows Colour A                         4 rows Colour B

1 - 2 - 1 -2 -1

To finish weave in ends and place 9 tassels at each end.

I hope that this makes sense let me know if you have any problems, and do give it a go, you can finish it in a night it's a great stash-buster!

Blue Blocks Throw

Thank you so much for all the feedback about knitting versus crochet.  It was very interesting to read your comments and I do think it's fun to compare the two when working on various projects.  I will follow this subject up at a later date and I hope you will join me in my knitting challenge which I intend to start at the beginning of the new year but more about that later.

If you remember back in October I had all this yarn I wanted to bust.

I loved the combination of colours and wanted to make something really special with it, well I think I succeeded with this, what do you think?........

I think this is a case where crochet really does comes into it's own

Most of the blankets and throws I make are crocheted and I find them much easier and quicker to make than knitted ones.  I find them easier to join, they lie better, it's easier to weave in the ends and in most cases they are reversible too.

This throw was one of the easiest I have ever made and it grew very quickly too. 

It is crocheted in strips, you make one strip then when you begin the next strip you join it as you go, so no sewing! Yes there are quite a few ends but I weaved as I went and found it was no problem at all.

The pattern is simply one dc/sc one chain and then edged with the same pattern, easy peasy and what a great result even though I do say so myself.

Made with Aran yarn and a 6 mm hook it took 750grams. 
Find the pattern here

It's soft warm and luxurious and would be a great gift for anyone. I may just make one for myself.

This one is on it's way to the Syrian refugee's.

on completing the blanket I had this much yarn remaining.

A great stash-buster too. :)

Which Do You Prefer?

Knit or Crochet? it seems to me that there are a lot of would be knitters out there.  I know we all love crochet but I see that the knitting is creeping in more and more.  Some of you who can't knit are wanting to knit and I have to say I have done more knitting of late than I have in a good long while.  See if these hats can help you make up your mind.

Knitted Version

Made with Aran weight Yarn it took 50 grams and it was so easy to make.  I finished it in a couple of hours, the sewing up of ends and making and placing the pompom took nearly as long as making the hat.  Find the pattern here  I will definitely make it again because 

you can play around with different pattern stitches for the body of the hat and make it your own like I did with this one.

Crochet Version

Made with the same Yarn and I made the same size it took 86 grams of yarn and took me much longer to make than the knitted version and that surprised me because usually crochet is faster than knitting, probably it was because it was all in sc. You can find the pattern here 

My Verdict

Knitted version

• Was quicker to make and I could watch TV while I knitted away.
• Took less yarn.
• Is super stretchy and soft.

Crochet version

• I didn't like the cuff part, it seemed to take forever to do and I had to watch what I was doing as it was sc in the back loop only.
• The finished hat looked much wider than the knitted version but didn't stretch that much.
• It had a much denser texture so wasn't as soft as the knitted one.

In this case then the knitted version wins hands down for me. the crochet hat was lovely too though and will do just as good a job as the knitted one.  It shows therefore that there is a good case for knitting and I would urge you would be knitters to give it a go.

So is it knit or crochet for you? :)

How about a knitting Challenge for the New Year?


Linking with

So did I do it?

Thank you for all your lovely words of encouragement. :)

Yes!! I'm pleased to say that I did manage to get the blanket sewn up, although I didn't actually sew it, I crocheted it together with dc/sc

I find this to be much the quickest way of joining for me.

I also managed to find all those dropped stitches and weave them back to stop them from running again and all holes were darned in.

All ends were weaved in...these are going in my scrap jar.

However I'm not completely satisfied because if I'd had a little more time, each square would have been edged in dc/sc and then either crocheted together or sewn which would have given a much stronger finish.

I would have also edged the blanket with a few rows of crochet but it needs to be packed up and on it's way very soon and there are so many other things that need my attention.  Why aren't there more hours in the day so much to do so so little time!

If you want to see a really neat way of joining a blanket visit Una and see how she has done hers it really is a work of art. Una is having a great giveaway too so do pop along.

Thank you to Hilda, Judy and Caroline for knitting all the squares

The way I see it is..these poor people need help right now they will be cold very soon as winter is fast approaching I don't think they will really mind what the blanket looks like as long as it keeps them warm and I have to say this is a very warm blanket, I know because I had it over my knees the whole weekend. :)

This was a stash-buster blanket all made with donated scrap yarn to the Day Unit so I think it deserves a place in the November link party.

Side to Side Mittens

Cute Knitted side to side mittens a little different from the ordinary. When I see something different I want to try it especially when I want to make a few of the same.  

They don't take too much yarn either so they are great for using up your little bits of stash.

Made in one piece and then folded, and sewn up the sides

The pattern comes in two sizes but by adjusting the yarn thickness and the needle size you can easily make them smaller or larger.  It takes me 2 hours to make a pair. 

25 grams DK yarn

 I don't know about you but when it comes to things that come in pairs I enjoy doing the first one but find the second one a bit of a drag and usually leave it to do later and sometimes that later just never seems to arrive.  Easy solution really just make them both together, it takes a bit longer but it's great to have both of them finished at once so it's worth that little bit of extra time.

55 grams Aran yarn

Things to note, nearly every row is different because there is a lot of  clever shaping going on, which means that there is a bit of concentration needed, also because of the shaping, adding other colours is difficult therefore it's a good pattern for variegated yarns.

This is a very clever pattern and it results in a rather lovely pair of mittens I think.

Find the pattern here

linking to

my stash-busting is coming on a treat this month. remember this....

well this is what it's looking like now :)

Where does the time go?

Don't you wish there were more hours in the day? it's seems impossible to fit everything in.  I would just love to have the time to sit for hours unhurried and read about what everyone's been getting up to but there always seems to be something else to do!  Don't you find that too? 

One of the reason's I'm so busy at the moment is because I'm knitting/crocheting like crazy trying to get as much made for the Syrian knitting Appeal before the deadline which will take me up until the middle of November.  

Another reason is a friend asked me to make her a pram cover for her little granddaughter  this was no ordinary cover and it seemed to take forever but thankfully it's finished now and I will be telling you all about it soon.

So although I have been very dilatory about visiting your blogs please forgive me I will be popping in as soon as I have a moment.

I have made time to make more preemie hats for the guardian grandmas however, it's lovely to make something quick and have a finished result.

Preemie Hats 2

So cute don't you think?

You can find the pattern for these little hats here.

They weigh in at 62 grams.

I also had time today to change my blog header to make it look just a bit more Autumnal I hope you like it.

So what stash am I busting now? wait for it! ........

Now that's 1600 grams of Aran weight yarn, that should keep me busy for a while! lets see how many things I can make with it. :)

Have a great weekend !

October Stash-Buster Link Party

Thank you for linking up all your lovely stash-busting projects for September, it's obvious you are all doing some really serious stash-busting but we are going to have to pick up the pace even more, there are only three more months to go! Lets see if we can do even 

better this month.  

You all loved the Summer Link Party projects here are your favourites.

Lisa's bag

Marianna's baby shrug

Astri's String bag

Ana's Fantasy Blanket CAL

October Link Party rules

• Stash-buster projects only please, all are welcome either complete or your works in progress.
• Remember to link the picture from your actual post and not your blog address.
• Click on other links to see what your friends have been up to and leave some nice comments.

I will be showing your September party favourites next month. :)

Have fun!




November Party now in progress
September Party
Summer Party

June Party

May Party

April Party
March Party                                 

February Gallery

January Galleries

Holding on To Summer.

Just because the Summer is past it doesn't mean we have to do without flowers.  Can you remember the flower project I'm supposed to be doing? well I promise you it's nearly finished.  In fact I began to assemble it but I realised I was still a few flowers short.

A Collection of Flowers 4

These are such fun to make, you can play around with colours and hook sizes.

Add some edging to give a different look.

The only problem is knowing when to stop :)

You can find the free pattern for these lovely flowers here
I will show you what I did with all my flowers soon.

The end of the month is upon us once again! it's time to link those last minute September projects to the September Link Party it closes on Monday Night and for those who are counting, don't forget to leave your me your totals.

Now I'm in a high state of excitement because it's Yarndale tomorrow I can't wait! I will be telling you all about it along with lots of photo's when I get back.

Have a great weekend everyone!