Monday, September 26, 2011

Maluka

The other night I cast on (yet another project!!) shawl.  This one is called the Maluka, and is a shawlette.  I chose this as it was something a little different, and should knit up relatively quickly.

It is actually knit in a slightly different way to other shawls, in that the edging is knitted first, but luckily the stocking stitch that follows is done in short rows, so hopefully that will make it seem a little less daunting.

I am just over halfway through the edging at the moment, I have finished the 17th pattern repeat of 33.  It's a little hard going at the moment, as I want to finish it, but I don't want to get too bored.

Here is a photo I took the other night.  It's a little longer now though :)

Pretty Pink Curtains

So, not knitting related, but I just wanted to share the pretty pink curtains I made yesterday for my partner's daughter's bedroom.  For some reason, I really seem to enjoy making (hemming lol) curtains.  While I wouldn't want to do it all that often, I still enjoy the process of measuring, cutting and winding the bobbin (although my very old sewing machine doesn't seem to like winding bobbins so much any more lol).

As we are in the process of moving all of my stuff, I forgot to bring the pins, although I remembered the sewing machine.  I have to say though, I just ironed the hem into place and that seemed to work quite well.  While I would rather have the pins next time, it's nice to know that I can improvise and make it work.

Nessa was so excited about her pink curtains that she wanted to have her photo taken with them!  I have some left over material, so I might make some tiebacks for them as well when I get a chance.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Knitworthy People

I am quite a selfish knitter.  I love knitting and making things, however, I have learned over the years that I really dislike making something that someone has asked for, I much rather make it on my own steam.

While surfing Ravelry (in the Selfish Knitters forum no less lol), I came across this post which has made me think about all of this again.  The reaction that pinkundine got from her boyfriend is, in all respects, probably one of the best possible reactions that you can hope for.  If I am to make something for someone, I want the "oohhhhh" and "aaaaahhhh" factor, whereby the person in question makes it known that they understand how much work goes into anything hand made.

Maybe I sound a little precious, but recent experience has left me a little wounded.  I made a pair of socks for a close family member and basically got a "that's not a good enough present" back. While I was quite devastated at the time, and contemplated writing this post back then, I have moved on somewhat and am just very much more selective in who I make for. 

Sometimes it's not just about the gimmepigs out there, sometimes it's about the response that you get can get back.  Knitting something for someone brings me happiness, and seeing their excitement just brings so much more additional happiness.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Cinderella Topsy-Turvy Doll

I seem to have lost my knitting mojo with everything going on in my life at the moment.  All of my current projects on my needles, just don't seem to be doing it for me.  I needed something new, exciting and different.

A few weeks ago I had to the idea of making a Cinderella Topsy-Turvy Doll for my partner's 3 year old daughter for Christmas.  I bought the wool on the weekend, but only cast on last night.  All of a sudden, my knitting mojo has come back with a vengeance and I can't wait to get home tonight to keep working on it!
Vanessa is a very girly girl, which was quite obvious when I introduced her to the world of Barbie DVDs - which has become a new love for her.  I thought about making her a little doll or something, and then I remembered the Cinderella doll.  I have always wanted to make it and this gave me the best option.

For the first time in a long time, I am using acrylic.  Yes, I can hear most of you groaning now, but let's face it - it's for a 3 year old and who knows how many times this is going to have to do a run through the wash?
The good news is that as she is so young, I was able to get her to help me pick her favourite colours in the wool without her having any idea what was going on.  Instead of being blue, the ball gown will be pink (her favourite colour) and rather than the yellow on the rags dress, it will be light and dark teal.  I haven't decided what colour the raggy bodice will be, but I will see what I have in my stash.
I hope she will love it as much as I am loving making it.  I really think that she will get a lot out of it!



These pics are from the Jean Greenhowe website