Divinely Crafty

I am fondly referring to them as my “doh!” socks. I think it is fairly self explanatory why.

I picked up the skein of sock yarn at a charity shop for 25p and decided to test out the pattern with it. Its a nice wool blend sock yarn in a heather green color. Broadripple from Knitty. The pattern calls for self striping yarn to have the full effect, but since I am cheap I decided to see if I like the pattern before spending real cash on a new skein. Of course if I was truly smart I would have weighed the skein to be sure it had enough yarn, but nope. That would be just too clever for me. So, nearly done with the pair as I approached the final toe I ran out of yarn. Luckily I had some odd yarn from a previous project left over that I was able to finish with. Good thing that bit is meant to be inside a shoe. And Anja is quite amused by my funny toe so not all is a loss.

The upside is that I really like the pattern. It was very easy and looks mighty impressive despite its simplicity. The self striping yarn is a must though in order to get the true glory of the pattern.

Tags: knitting

Handpainted Blue Faced Leiscester aran I dyed up this week. Gorgeous rich blue shading with splashes of greens. Not knowing what to call this beatiful colorway I sat on the loo and contemplated the hank hanging to dry on a hook across the room. When I happened to turn my head and see the print of the a Geogia O’Keefe painting of Machu Picchu in the morning mist we have on the wall – in the exact color scheme. So in its honor I am calling this one Machu Picchu Morning.

So in keeping with the South American theme I am calling this one (also BFL aran) Carnival.

Both are soon to be made into what else?…..baby hats!

Tags: dying, inspiration, yarn

I just can’t seem to get enough of these little cuties. Without question, I am addicted to making baby hats. I think its a case of “can’t make babies so I make hats”. As my work picks up and I am going to more births my baby lust is getting stronger and stronger. Putting that into cute little knit stuff seems like a good way to placate my urge to gestate. (Not that I could, even if I truly wanted to as I am lacking the vital organs for such a task.) Knitting is also a wonderful way to pass time during a labor when I am not needed to anything active and need to simply ‘hold the space’. Keeps me busy and mum doesn’t feel like she is being observed and hovered over. And we both get to make something super cute!
Luckily I have found that those who do have babies also love my hats and they are more than willing to relieve me of them.

With winter rapidly approaching I am on a run of wool earflap hats. My own pattern (just a basic cap with ear flaps and i-cord ties added on) which has been really well received. I have had several requests for customs of these as a matter of fact. I love it when others love what I make. Its all well and good that I am happy with it, but there is something really uplifting to get positive feedback from folks.

First up is a tiny newborn/premie hat made of Blue Faced Leicester aran in my own handpainted ‘totally hippy’ colorway of lucious jewel tones.

Another earflap hat in lovely dusty deep lavender tones. The yarn was received in a ‘hand dyed yarn swap’ with some of my knitting mama friends over in Mothers of Purl at sewingmamas

And a quickie that I made in a manic knitting session last night. For my current client who is at 40weeks + 17 days and was subjected to a rather stressful visit to hospital where she was given the major induction pressure (bordering on abusive in my not so humble opinion). I channeled my frustration and anger at how she was treated into making this little cutie. Made with Rowan All Seasons Cotton. Winged the hat pattern and lame-o attempt at my own pseudo Fair Isle. Simple but sweet.

Tags: knitting

For a sweet wee babe born to a client. Just a mere 4lb 2oz (at full term!) she is the tiniest babe I have ever held in my arms. Healthy and happy… just small. (And happily plumping up quite nicely thanks to her mama’s magic milk.) Made of Rowan All Seasons Cotton. No pattern, just winged it. Baby’s head is about the size of a small orange, but alas it is not orange season so I had none to try it on for size. Luckily Miss Marrow was happy to lend her services. A perfect fit!

Tags: knitting