I thought we’d update the video we originally produced to show you how to work the drop stitches in Rosalind and close of the cable. Dropped stitches never get boring, I’m tempted to work on some more designs with them after doing this!
I'm photo editing for a new design!
I'm getting the hang of DarkTable now and I LIKE it. Diving into light settings and depth of field I'm more familiar with (subject matter too, of course) has really helped me get over a mental hurdle with it, and now it feels full of potential instead of overwhelming. Which is quite the result when you bear in mind how much I hate photo-editing!
eta/ I'm trying out a new bit of code (via IFFFT) that allows me to post some of the photos I share on my Instagram feed directly to my blog, and this was the first try of it... and it went a bit wonky! But - I know now what needs to be done, and hopefully it'll all make sense. I thought it'd be a good idea to share some IG photos here for folks that can't/don't follow along there? I'd also like to find ways to post to this blog without being sat at my laptop or other computer (trapped nerve is being especially difficult this week) whilst SquareSpace work on fixing bugs in their app...
I've never really been comfortable with the idea of donations. Don't get me wrong, I do donate to charity and open source projects when I can, as well as the odd kickstarter to support friends and interesting projects, when I can afford to. But receiving donations is a whole other thing. I'd add the button when folk request it, but then end up taking it down again... and it's hard to explain exactly why, but suffice to say I'm a proud working class girl?
That said, I appreciate that folk want to support me, us. I really do. Usually I'd say "buy a pattern or eBook!" or if that fails 'cos you've bought them all already "buy a pattern or an eBook for a friend!" (seriously, you are bloomin' amazing). And sometimes I know folk just want to give something, and I think I've found a way to let you do that that sits well with me, too.
tip jar
On the free content pages (free patterns, tutorials) you'll find something that looks like this:
It's discreet, simple and hopefully inoffensive and totally not in your face when you click through to one of those pages. I think it'd be better in the sidebar on those pages rather than where it is right now, but SquareSpace haven't made that easy in SS6/7 (it was an option in SS5 and is a commonly requested feature) and my coding isn't up to working it out backend today, so it is where it is for now.
This feel like such a big step! We'll see how I get on with it...
It's new pattern time again!
This month's new release is Fabales, and as you can see, it's on special offer until the end of the week!
Fabales was designed for a gorgeous skein if hand-dyed aran weight yarn that Ginger Twist Studio sent me. Some time ago Jess and I got talking about the possibility of being Designer of the Month in the shop, and that's a thing right now - if you're in Edinburgh, do pop along and see the samples for yourself and try on a few Hats. From there a couple of gorgeous skeins of Jess's own hand-dyed yarn arrived, one of which has been this week's #hatseasoncometh giveaway, and another of which became this Hat.
I deliberately wanted something simple with this Hat, to show off a special skein and let the yarn do all the talking. Even with a solid or semi-solid, Fabales has just the right amount of detail. The leaves grow from the stem and work their way through to the crown, where the twisted stitch stems gather nicely into the crown. The yarn was really lovely to work with, and being British wool it's perfect for all supporters of home grown yarn!
The shape of the Hat is that comfy slouchy but not too slouchy look, comfy and wearable and easily at home dressed up. This is a style that suits just about anyone, and the pattern is also adjustable in length to help you get the right fit. 4 sizes are included, and you'll find the motif fully charted alongside the written instructions.
There are so many new designs on the horizon - I hope you're ready for the coming season's Hat knitting!
I've been meaning to post for ages and let you know that I've been adding lots of new tutorials, and now that pile has grown somewhat!
The landing page is the best place to find them all, but I haven't yet figured out how to make it active by simply clicking on Tutorials in the header (something I loved in SS5 and is sorely missing in SS7). Fear not though, as I'm keeping the page up to date with links to all of the methods.
And there are new pages! I've since added Grafting, Garter Stitch, Short Rows, Slipped Stitches, Cables and probably a few more I've not mentioned before. As there are rather a lot, here's an overview below, and feel free to go and have a rummage through the pages.
German Short Rows
I've only recently started to explore this method, and didn't want to recommend it until I'd learnt how they grafted, how much they differed to the wrap and turn method, and the best situations to use them. Currently I have PDF tutorials for GSR in garter stitch, and for grafting GSR in garter stitch. Further more, I've short video clips for each, too!
(I really want to expand on the blurb for the IG videos... "Short knitting tutorial video clips - ideal for slow internet connections, limited bandwidth or those who like their info succinct. No music, no talking, no time wasting - just straight to the point." but figured that sounded a little off)
This is one of the videos, to give you an idea. You'll find the rest from the Short Rows page. And naturally grafting GSR is also on the Grafting page.
I do like this method, it has advantages and disadvantages just like any other method. It's not as invisible in garter stitch, it gives a more pronounced look, which is not necessarily a bad thing. And I don't think it will be as adaptable in 2 sided stitch patterns or blend as easily (the main reason I ran with w&t for Going Straight). It is easier to graft though, which is a huge bonus as grafting w&t can be fiddly. Like most knitting techniques, there isn't a right or wrong method. As long as you understand what your stitches are doing and are happy with the result, it's all good.
Slipped Stitches
I'm enjoying these right now. So simple in their concept yet so effective. And I really like them with garter stitch.
There's more to follow on this method, and the PDFs can be on the Slipped Stitches page. I'm working on a very special project that involves slipped stitches and grafting and sideways knitting, but I'll talk more about that another time!
Cables
We finally had the chance to shoot some short videos for Cabling Without a Needle, and the first has just gone live. The PDF tutorial was published years ago, but once we started with the IG videos I knew this was one I wanted to cover. The second tutorial is due in a few days.
There will be overlap between the pages, which is how it should be I think. I like the way I can expand on the methods and topics, rather than have things cramped or layered under pages - it's easy to navigate, and you can get straight to where you want to.
If anyone is concerned that they don't have an IG account but still want to watch the videos - you can! They will play on the page as you view them, within this website, and if you want to click through and read the discussion, clicking on the comment's bubble at the bottom of the frame will open a new window in your browser where you can read the discussion and view at a larger scale. You only need an IG account if you wish to comment or follow along directly.
On the RSI and trapped nerve front, I have more movement and less pain than I had a week ago! Regular exercises, lots of breaks, painkillers, ice packs and more has helped. I am still working (albeit slowly), I have to, and it's great to see improvement. I am a bit bored though, as I really want to dive into things but I'm holding back so as to not make anything worse. Patience was never my virtue, as we know...
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