A Couple of Patterns and Some Blurb about why I designed them...

Cable and Lace Wristwarmers and Beanie

Cable and Lace Wristwarmers and Beanie modelled by Moi!

I made this pattern up a year or so ago, after searching for a nice beanie that had an easy pattern and wasn't too hard to decrease.  After wasting many metres of wool, I came up with a decent fitting hat that I liked.  The wristwarmers were added because I like matching sets :-)

Fast forward to 2011 and my online wool shop has been up and running for a few months.  I'm thinking of ways I can engage with my customers and provide something for them that is easy to make and also showcases my products. I'm still learning how to design my own patterns, based on getting an idea for something that I can't find elsewhere, or think would be useful.

When I took out advertising in several knitting magazines, I was asked if I wanted to provide original patterns as part of the overall cost.  At first I said NOOOOO I'm not ready for that!  But when I looked at some of the things I'd made over the previous year I realised that, yes I can submit some designs!

Lacy Bamboo Scarfette

Lacy Bamboo Scarfette modelled by Scary Head Lady!

So, armed with my (hand-knitted) thinking cap, I came up with a couple more designs that I wanted to fill a gap in my needs.  One was a lightweight shortish scarf, as even winter weather here in Perth Australia is mild at worst.  Couple that with my absolute hatred of long repetitve projects and the Lacy Bamboo Scarfette was born!  It was also a grand way to test and advertise the yarn that I used, firstly Heirloom Bamboo, then, for the magazine version, Heirloom Bamboo Wool.  The result is a super nice scarf that I will get loads of use out of, 2 yarns tested for yarn reviews and customer assistance, and a pretty pattern that fits the intended magazine demographic (or so I've been told by the magazine man!)

Of course, the added bonus is that I get to publish my patterns here on my blog for all to see and use if they wish.  I just hope the instructions aren't littered with mistakes or are too confusing.  One thing that I am pretty passionate about is producing easy to understand patterns, as my designs are targeted at ordinary knitters like myself, who don't have the time or patience to struggle with 36 row lace repeats using thread-like yarns.   I used to write process and training documents in a former life and am very aware of the need to make sure all instructions are relevant and concise...I'm a bit rusty at this so if you find anything baffling in my instructions do let me know!

Anyhoo, it's time to upload this post, pick up my knitting again and catch up on some TV before my eyes get the better of me and close despite my best efforts to keep them open!

Happy Knitting and Crocheting!

I love freebies!

Let's face it – we all want to be able to buy all the yarn and patterns that's on offer out there. It's just not possible though is it? OK, so I am in the enviable situation of owning my own yarn shop, so I am surrounded by loads of gorgeous yarns and designs every day! Even so, I had to spend money on it, and I am well aware of how hard it is these days to feed your obsession at the same time as juggling mortgages and bills.

So, what's a girl to do? The answer is – drum roll – search the net for free stuff! Now I don't mean the free things that come at a price (signing up for some bogus offer that just fills your inbox with spam). I'm talking about free knitting and crochet resources that make the crafter's life just that little bit easier.

I admire independent designers for not only their talent (and I wish I'd inherited some design talent from somewhere), but also their drive and passion to produce their designs at their own expense, often with little or no financial reward. This is one reason why I rank knitwear designers as artists, in the same way that painters and sculptors, to name but two, are recognised.

In a future blog I will be presenting interviews with some of my favourite independents, to say thank you to them for their inspiration and talent. But for now, let me show you a few of the patterns that I am working on to show off these wonderful people, but also to show you how you can use the beautiful fibres from YarnSoft to compliment these designs.

Tikki aka Georgie's Blog is a showcase for her amazing childrens' designs. Her motto is "Simple, Seamless Knitting Patterns" and her colourful designs are well known for being easy to make and look awesome on kidlets. I've completed one of her designs, Eden, for my Grandson, Liam. I used Twilleys Freedom Sincere, which is a 100% organic cotton that is machine washable. I must mention though, this was not a free pattern, but I did want to show off some of Georgie's designs (and put up a pic of one of the golden grandchildren!) And please don't ask me why he is on his side...I tried and tried to get Blogger to insert the pic right way up but it wouldn't play nice :-(

 
I'm about to start another Tikki design, this time it's a free pattern, Sid's Beanie. I'm going to use Naturally Loyal, Lt Blue and Blue Print, which is an 8ply 100% wool. I'll post a pic when it's finished. I'll try to get Liam to be my model but he usually whips hats off as soon as they are put on him so I might get his mum Lou to be the camera person!

Other freebies on my list are –
Paula's scarfette. Another Tikki design.  I'm going to use Filatura di Crosa Lovely Jeans, 100% worsted weight cotton

PersnicketyKnitter – ZigZag Lace Scarf. Tahki Rio, a chunky alpaca, merino, silk blend.

Hey Julie – Baby Cabled Hat. Filatura di Crosa Zara Plus, worsted/12ply 100 % extrafine merino wool.

Well, if I'm going to get these things knitted, I'd better get to it!

Until next time, happy creating!