Geri's Cosy Corner

Patons Art on Sale on Etsy

2011-03-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

Long time no see everyone. I am trying to sell some of my yarn as I have a new home which is smaller than the one I was living in one year ago, and besides not having space, I am completely broke and need the dosh - both by selling my yarn and by working harder, which leaves me no time to use it!

I sometimes use ebay, but this time I am selling my Patons in my Etsy corner.... please have a look if you are interested! The Yarn is Patons Art, in Ginger (colourway 00026), lot 932.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

2009 was a year of many developments for me, on the crafts level. I actually shifted from making toys and scarves to garments, and I also began to work on some serious crochet, and finished myself a few bags and a lovely halterneck top as you can see from my previous posts. Of course, nothing would have come this far without the great push I got from the Stitch N Bitch books, which I bought in 2008. These are really useful handbooks for knitting and of course for crochet. I had never crocheted before, and all of a sudden I could take the plunge and first made myself a very basic bag, and then moved on to crocheting my lovely halterneck top, which you've read so much about.

I have now ventured well into the world of pattern working, as I can finally say I can read a pattern without getting all cross-eyed. Besides this collection from Debbie Stoller, I have leaned heavily on Simply Knitting Magazine. Again, I was driven to subscribe because of all the lovely Alan Dart toys featured, but when I began to see the delightful garments shown, I was inspired to have those garments and therefore, of course, to knit them. I am also susbcribing to The Art of Knitting, which does have some delightful items too, although I did find a number of page-fillers in some of the issues. I recently also bought Le Idee di Susanna (Solo Maglia), but you have to be very familiar with italian to work with this magazine. The thing with this lovely italian publication is that the Italians have a knack for fashions - I prefer Italian fashion to that of the English-speaking world, and therefore I was excited by - promise! - each and every project in that book! Well worth my six euros!

I'd also love to thank all my friends at ravelry for the great support given to me in my mad quests for success in my projects. It's worked so far, and yes, the Internet is very rich in resources - both for knitting and crochet. I thought I'd also venture a little into beading when it gets warmer later into the year, but for now I will be happy with the thick wools....

As for thick yarns, I have bought some Wendy Viva, Wendy Fusion (3 colourways) and a host of other yarn! It's preposterous, my yarn is taking up all my free space! So I have embarked on a new poncho, to be knitted with Wendy fusion, and on a sweater dress, which will take up 9 balls of my eletric blue dk. Pictures below tell the story... but frighteningly there's more awaiting me at the post office... yes, I had an ordering moment of madness in December! Still I'll knit it all up somehow!!

Christmas Knits

2009-12-19T01:27:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished my sister's bolero - all I have to do is make it up. I will crochet the seams instead of sewing, since the type of pattern allows me to. Photos will come later :)

I am now working on a lovely jumper dress in this month's issue of Simply Knitting. Vanguard have a lovely electric blue yarn which I am using - it's a double-knit and 100% acrylic but I normally wear something under jumper dresses so the acrylicy feel won't affect me at all.

I want to try something more adventurous soon, but I normally don't wear very fancy clothes. This means I stick to plain knits more often than not. In a way that is great because I can knit while watching TV - I would definitely make too many mistakes in complex knits if I were to watch TV at the same time. Yes, i know, I often cannot just sit and do the one thing!! :)

Anyways that's it for the moment but I will be back soon with pics of my stuff. Camera's charging right now...

Back on track!

2009-12-14T09:26:00.000-08:00

I usually 'get knitted' round about this time of year, more than anything else. Because I discovered crochet in the summer, I thought I was hooked to the point of forgetting my lovely needles, but now that winter has really hit, I am back on track with the needles, and will leave the crochet hook until warmer days.

I have so, so, so many things to make. I am using 12 balls of Wendy Narvik to make a shrug for my sister, just like the Wendy Pampas shrug I made for myself earlier this year. I used Iceland (641) as a colourway, as it is rather versatile - the greys and whites tend to match with most things that one would wear. I've also bought a number of skeins in the Polar colourway, as I plan to make a long jacket designed by Artesano. I don't have a design name for it, so I will wait until it's done to upload a picture. you may have to wait a while ...

The current (January) issue of Simply Knitting has some really gorgeous knits that I can't wait to start either. There's the lovely jumper dress, which I bought some spanking new royal blue yarn in DK. Actually, I did try to look in my stash for a suitable yarn, but I did not have the right amount, or the amounts available were not in the right weight. Since there's some shaping involved, I preferred to use yarn of the same weight so I can concentrate on the pattern without having to think about adapting it. There's also a lovely party top which I plan to make in a ribbon yarn instead of the expensive silk chosen, and of course Alan Dart's Snow Queen.

To top it all, my LYS has got a new colourway for Wendy Fusion so I bought enougb yarn to make a cardigan. I figured I'd need it- I always need cardigans on top of a shirt or poloneck. And I bought three in the aquamarine colourway to make one of the lovely scarfs on Ravelry...

Is this list long enough...?? I just don't think I will finish them all by winter, but I will definitely try!

Beginnings and endings

2009-11-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

The thrill of beginning a new project, whatever your hobby, is as great as completing one. Of course, a lot of work goes in between, and unless you persevere you will find that you begin many, only to complete very few.

Just now I finished my double moss-stitch scarf, which is a project that I left off when the weather got warmer last April or May. That's two skeins of yarn from my stash.... but so many more to go! I have been working on my Shaker-Style throw and my Jean Greenhowe Pirate in fits and starts - though I have indeed been so busy that days have passed without touching my needles.

I was about to start Simply Knitting's winter wrap, when I realised that I still have a pair of socks that I started just before going abroad last month. The yarn was bought from Lidl (manufactured by Zettl GmbH, and is 75% superwash new wool (whatever that is) and 25% polyamide. The yarn is really thin (is this what sock-weight is really like ?) so it will take rather longer than planned to finish these socks (and I'm only at the beginning!) but never mind... I'm getting on a little better than I thought I would when I first cast on.

I have many, many plans for projects but time is always a factor. That, and the fact that my elbow aches (down to my wrist, and up to my shoulders), especially after a day of typing translations, which leaves me little room and time to knit as hard and as fast as I would like to.

Nevertheless, efforts are always rewarded. I've had this idea of giving the double moss-stitch scarf as a present, or selling it on etsy... we'll see how that goes.

Beach Boys and Bunny Babes - Alan Dart

2009-10-31T02:32:00.000-07:00

I bought these two patterns, and afterwards (before I'd even looked at them), I bought 'Irresistible Gifts to Knit', which included these sets of patterns as a whole.

I am therefore trying to sell them on ebay, if anyone's interested. I've not even used them, and they are still in the envelope as received :)

I've finished my Sweet Pea Shawl, and mum took it to Spain with her on holiday. We'll see how she gets on with it - I'm flattered she wanted one. I have other cotton yarns so I might as well get crocheting another one! I'll include a pic shortly!

I've also started again with my Shaker-Style Throw. I've bought until issue 37 but shamefully I'm still at Square 12. Nevertheless, if you apply yourself it will pick up very quickly, I'm told, as the work is not that difficult...

As to other projects - lots of people I know seem to be preparing to have babies.... or having babies... so that will be a lot of nice knitting of toys or shawls!

Winter ...

2009-10-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

It's suddenly turned chillier, and of course we're getting rain a tad more often. All of a sudden I've realised that I've not finished my summer projects (at least 3 left, with yarn and patterns handy) and have yet to start my winter stuff. I definitely have some gifts to make, but I'm now seriously wondering whether they will be ready on time. One of them is half way there but it's still too warm to handle such thick yarn. In this country each season is so short that you have to knit really quickly for that season, or you'll miss the boat.

Of course, I am trying to keep my own limitations in mind. When the party season opens, which is soon. I get less time to do my own knits and often have to prepare for a party, or spend a lot of time resting afterwards. Still, I plan to make the maximum effort possible to at least have a few projects to be proud of this winter!

Rediscovering creativity

2009-10-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

The weather has taken a sudden turn for the cooler, and so I can now handle my knits again. This week I met a very nice lady from the UK, who came to Malta on holiday. I originally made friends with her through Simply Knitting, but then discovered she comes to Malta very often and so we've met up. I enjoyed the chat with her, and pity we could not stay on longer, but it was definitely very good to meet up.

I have taken up my Sweet Pea lace shawl again, and have also decided to give many hand-made presents this year. I have all this lovely yarn and cannot afford to continue to spend on it - so why not have an excuse - making stuff for others. I already plan to make toys for my nephews, as well as a couple of christening presents. That should work out really great. I will try to post pictures as I go along :)

Meanwhile, I have so much to knit and yes! you have it! not enough time!

Summer progress ...

2009-08-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

The summer is moving on and the middle of August brings with it, at least in Malta and Italy, the largest amount of holiday-makers. Most companies and workplaces are on summer shutdown so that little gets done by way of trade.

I have spent much time swimming and boating lately, at the expense of my craftwork. I've not picked up a hook or needle in a couple of weeks, after having finished my mum's crocheted bag with beads sewn on. I am still working on my Blissful halterneck top and this is progressing quite nicely. However it does look a little small - perhaps it will improve once I've steam-blocked it as per the instructions. some of the comments I found on ravelry were quite disheartening on the subject - people have found it too small, or too flimsy or too daring to wear. About the daring, mum informs me that it is possible to buy cups for the bodice part of tops so that they are not so transparent! interesting!

Today I've picked it up again but have hardly progressed a single row because the row i'm workin on involves a 2-treble bobble in each stitch - almost triple the work!! But I did stop to write a little note here, just to keep you all informed.

Hope you're all enjoying summer and I'll be back soon with more news!

Hello again

2009-07-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

I've been silent a while, admittedly. It's the heat that does my head in - I'm often out at the beach, and therefore whenever I am at work I cannot stop to blog :)

Today I decided to spend a few minutes teling you what I've been up to. I've fallen in love with pure cotton yarns - I never imagined they would be such fun to work with. And I've progressed well with crochet. I have finished my red bag,

and started a new crocheted halterneck camisole, Blissful, from Stitch ' n' bitch ...
I think I really like crochet. and I am making more plans for new projects .. watch this space !!

My achievements

2009-06-27T04:10:00.000-07:00

Today I've finally sat down with my SD card and downloaded the crafty pics

Here is the bag which I am trying to imitate:It is made of 4-ply cotton and is simply double crochet.

When I have time I will add some pics of my new top which is quite popular :)

watch this space!!

Summer begins...

2009-06-19T23:50:00.000-07:00

Summer has now begun - yesterday we finally put our boat in the water, after a laborious month of working on her - engines, decks, seats, the works. It's been a gruelling week too, because we were in a rush to finalise all that needed doing. Her hull needed some polish, and the engines required some final touches to be as they should. The deck also needed a face lift - the wooden parts were made to look pretty with some Cuprinol, while the fibreglass was polished with regular grade paste, and then some boat polish.

Yesterday we went for a ride to test the engines, as far as the little cove by St Paul's Islands. The water was very clear and the bay was practically deserted. There were no jellyfish. "Ha!" I hear you say! Indeed it was crystal clear and we happened to hit a clear beach. Hurrah, because I was dying to swim. And so I began my exercise in the water, and glorious, joyous freshening up.

Although we went late and I put on sun cream, I still got a sunburn on my face. The delicate skin under my eyes was burning not long after we'd anchored. And this after 5 pm. Goes to show the strength of the sun ....

My Stuff on Etsy

2009-06-14T07:58:00.001-07:00

Today I saw a little ballerina mouse on Etsy and could not resist the urge to buy her. So I became a member - here is my profile. I have now placed my Miss Amelia / Miss Geri on sale in my Etsy Shop as well as the single hank of Berroco Glace' that's left over from my Sexie top, which by the way is ready. I have decided that I have to work to support my knitting habit so a number of items will be on sale there - either leftovers from a project for your odds and ends, entire knitting supplies, or handmade items.

I like Etsy because it costs a flat $ 0.20 to list an item, and the fees are applicable on a flat rate too (3.5%) making it easier to predict what your costs will be when you sell your item. Also, it is dedicated to crafters so you are more likely to find like-minded people. However I shall still be using ebay for some of my items on sale, such as my Berroco Glace hank.

I am sick at home today with flu so I am busy, busy, busy with my 3 projects in hand: My Shaker-Style Throw, My Red Crochet Bag and Piratus (Jean Greenhowe's pirate from her Storybook Dolls pattern book).

I will let you know what's going on sale from time to time.... meanwhile watch this space!

Hook, line (and sinker) ......

2009-06-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

I recently visited a LYS, the Wool Shop in Msida, and Trish had this bag up for sale, which she had crocheted herself. The pattern was, she told me, very simple indeed, and the colour is a rich turquoise blue, very brilliant for the summer. I fell in love with it right away and wanted one for myself. What's more I found it would be the ideal birthday present for my sister. So, after some thought, I bought it, and bought a ball of the same yarn in a different colour - a bright summery red. Off I went home.

Until I sat down and found out that I had never really crocheted anything at all, except a few experimental items on my hook, with some of the spare yarn in my stash. Not to be defeated, I thought this would be the opportunity to really get going on the craft, rather than just idle with thoughts of making something but never getting down to it. Imagine, that I had to whip out my Happy Hooker book to remind me exactly how to hold the hook and string.

It took a few chain stitches and double crochets until I got the hang of it, and then I fell in love with crochet too. Indeed, I think it's just as addictive of knitting and I cannot put down my project for too long. So, while finishing off the upper half of my top (photos of which should come up this weekend), I was also sneaking some time to add to a few rows on my bag.... and here's a picture of the progress till now...

Back on track

2009-05-29T01:41:00.001-07:00

I've finally settled down, and so has the weather. I've started a bit of work again. Yes, it's my 'Sexie' pink vest top from Stitch N Bitch Nation! I had let go of it, and forgotten which row I was on in the lace pattern / straighy / lace pattern part (i.e. lower half of the top). Today I took the bull by the horns while waiting for my laptop to start up (it takes a full 10 minutes when McAfee is updating but I prefer the peace of mind!) and found out I had to start row 5. And since row 5 and 6 are very straightforward, I did both (don't be fooled, this post is a reminder to myself of where I left off today.....)

So, watch this space because as soon as I can, I will post more updates on my work ...

Wind again - so I'm confused what to knit!!

2009-04-26T04:06:00.000-07:00

Unusually for this time of year, it is still quite chilly and while we've abandoned scarves and mitts (except perhaps the light shawls), it has become rather too hot to knit anything warm. Thus I've shelved my Simple blue cardigan and my double-moss stitch scarf, until next October, when the weather becomes cool enough for me to consider knitting anything warm.

I have continued with my Greenhowe projects - the pirate, and of course Miss Christabel. What with the puppy around, I have to be very careful with leaving yarns around - I have to hide things all the time, particularly things which can attract her attention and cause damage to my precious yarns and projects!!

I am also working on the halter-top - I wish I could finish it by my birthday, 15th May, but I do think that's a tall order... we'll see....

A new puppy joins our family

2009-04-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

One Friday before Easter, Andy, my partner's younger son, came home with a little puppy in his arms. A little boxer mix-breed. This puppy was supposed to be a gift for someone who was unable to keep her.... so we took the decision to keep the little girl. She was only five weeks old (that makes her six weeks now).

Her name was originally Scarlet, but we did not think that it was an appropriate name for a doggie. Especially a pup! I thought I'd call her Sophie but since some people call our other dog Xuxa (pronounced Shoo-Sha) Sushi in error, Xu ("Shu" or even better, "Shoe") was responding to this name... and after lots of thinking we decided to call her Nellie.

Xu has taken her on as though she were her own pup. I've seen her nestling Nellie, playing games with her, and all that. What a lovely pair...

Here are some pics for you to enjoy!

Miss Christabel is ready!!

2009-04-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

And so I have also finished Miss Christabel, from the Jean Greenhowe collection - specifically 'Jemima Jane and friends'. She's cute as well. I made a small mistake in the legs and they are larger than they should be, but that is neatly hidden under the skirt. Gosh I have destashed quite a little thanks to this doll and Miss Sophie ....

Meanwhile, I have shelved the warmer knits. It's true, it's become cold again and I am wearing warm clothes and jackets but I cannot see myself finishing the warm knits in time to wear before it gets really hot - which is around mid-May. So I will continue with my cooler knits, and then hope to finish the warmer ones in October, when the weather cools a little, and in time for the really cool months...

laughing purple goldfish designs: topsy turvy delight

2009-03-22T04:22:00.000-07:00

laughing purple goldfish designs: topsy turvy delight

I like this variation of Jean Greenhowe's topsy turvy Cinderella! The knitter uses some recycled items and created a variation all of her own !!

Reflections on progress

2009-03-22T03:59:00.001-07:00

I've finally finished Miss Sophie, and am very pleased with the results. Here she is:

I also cast on Miss Christabel. You can find these patterns in Jemima Jane and Friends, from Jean Greenhowe.

The Wraparound Cardigan I mentioned before is giving me trouble. I found a lot of mistakes - so many that it looks intentional so I let it be. I might be allergic to the fibres in the yarn, as I have been coughing a lot, particularly yesterday when I spent almost all day trying to make progress.

When I got tired of this item, I started Sexie, from Stitch N Bitch Nation. I'm trying to learn to follow a lace pattern closely. This will be the first lace pattern item that I've followed correctly. We'll see....

I do ... too !!

2009-03-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a friend of mine complained that friends were bitching at her. I asked why and she said 'Because I knit.' I thought I'd misheard (so delighted was I to hear that someone I know also knits), and so I asked 'What ??' and she replied 'I knit', to which I replied: 'I knit too'.

As I mentioned earlier, somehow a lot of Maltese people regard knitting as the nerdy thing to do. To my delight, the people who are buying the Art of Knitting are overhwhelming, which means that people are very keen on the hobby and are willing to learn it. Did I say hobby? Perhaps I meant vocation.... to colour at least!!

Since I've started knitting more openly, I find I've opened up a world of colour that's delightful and unbounded. And I've also found a greater openness in people willing to admit that they knit - funnily, yes, it is quite an admission to make here, believe me.

I can also now have unique accessories and garments - things which others do not find readily available in the shops and therefore I can be unique....

On another note, I've finished Sophie's skirt. All that's left are now her adornments like her shoulder ruffle, flowers and jewellery .... here's a picture, without the skirt

The Art of Knitting

2009-03-15T01:28:00.000-07:00

In the last couple of months, Hachette has come up with a new collection of magazines (known as partworks), The Art of Knitting. It is also available directly from the UK. I have already collected The Art of Calligraphy and was quite satisfied with the number of tools they provide, and the ideas for creativity.

The main project you set out to make, together with the magazine, is the Shaker-Style throw, which I have already cast-on and have posted in Ravelry. Fortunately Ravelry already has this pattern on its list of projects. Some other projects are available as well. I will of course cast them on as the need arises :)Above is a picture of the wraparound cardigan in issue 1. It's knit horizontally from left, to back, to right. I'm about half way through the back and still have to do the sleeves, which I think I will knit in the round. Below are the first 4 squares of the shaker-style throw, for which needles are provided with issue 1 and wool are provided with each issue .... ! It might be almost too simple for some, but the pattern ideas are very interesting to incorporate in a garment or scarf ....

Berroco Glace'

2009-03-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

I've been complaining about not finding berroco glace in Malta. When I bought Debbie Stoller's Stitch 'N Bitch books, I began to read delightfully through the patterns and by far my favourite was the Sexie - a small halterneck top with a lace-up back. It was simply delicious and the designer did warn the reader that there is not much that can replace berroco glace. While it was easy to find something of a similar weight, I was a little worried - how would i knowt he texture is identical ? you cannot make body-hugging clothes in anything that's not suitable for wearing against the skin ...

so, i took the plunge, and hunted up and down ravelry, ebay and other stores, until I found a ravelry member, vtfiber, who was willing to sell me six skeins of raspberry red. i was delighted when they arrived, so off i went in search for more, and found some true red and black. i'm really hooked on this yarn. pity that i could not find it anywhere in Europe ....

Wendy Pampas Shrug Complete !!

2009-03-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

I finally finished my Wendy Pampas Shrug! I had such a time knitting it and this is my very first full garment (i.e. not a scarf or blanket) so I'm considerably pleased.

I used Wendy Pampas Mega Chunky, which is best knit on 12mm needels. The pattern I used is a manufacturer's pattern, so I used these needles. The yarn is 70% acrylic and 30% wool so it is indeed vertt warm. Tension is 7.5 st / 11 rows to 10 x 10 cm

The single mistake I made is to buy exactly what the pattern told me - 6 balls of yarn. I ran out as I was finishing off, and I simply had to have another ball because the shrug would have been uneven. The local yarn store had run out and this yarn, in particular in this colour, was out of stock in most shops and it is a discontinued yarn. The colour, grape, has been very popular in fashion in these last few months.

So I resorted to the web, but found nothing remotely similar - let alone the same - on ebay. I searched my favourite yarn stores and then came across a new yarn store - new to me that is - by the name of Clicketty Clack, in Bucks, UK. They had just one ball left of this yarn, and it was not even available for ordering any more on the net. Luckily, after a phone call, I managed to secure it and purchase it and so I have now finished the item. I matched it with my favourite purple cocktail dress and necklace and wore it to one of our Friday gatherings. Hurray !!

Cold, cold, cold

2009-02-23T09:29:00.000-08:00

It is so cold and humid that i have even shied away from my knitting for a few days. I met up with some people from Ravelry in attempt to start to think up a local Stitch n Bitch Group last saturday, and the idea has kicked off in me the desire to continue to work at my projects.

I have finally managed to trace 1 ball of Wendy Pampas in Grape. I bought six of these to make a shrug, designed by Wendy specifically for this yarn. However, I finished the 6th ball and there was still some more work required. To my dismay, the LYS had run out of that colour and i began the hunt. I found out it is a discontinued colour and so I had to trek all over the UK sites until i found a shop, clickettyclack, which had ONE ball in the SAME DYE LOT!! I could hardly believe my luck.

This new skein arrived on saturday and i have started my project again..... back to my needles and yarn !!

Crochet tried and tested - finally!!

2009-02-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

When I bought my Stitch N Bitch knitting books, I also threw in Happy Hooker for good measure. I'd always wondered what the big deal was about crochet, since it looks so complex. I was thus very surprised to find that Debbie Stoller thinks crochet is easier than knitting!

So yesterday, I picked up a 4mm hook from the LYS and chose some of the odd yarn I had from some other project. And away I went. I mastered the chain stitch, which I already knew when grandma taught me. I also managed the single crochet (which in UK is known as double crochet), the double crochet (which in UK is known as a treble crochet), and the triple crochet (which in UK is known as something else). I then practised the v-stitch pattern, which is also very sweet. So my plans are to now practise these stitches to perfection before bunging up a skein of yarn. So i am thinking i will crochet a hairband in double (treble) crochet, until i have the stitch perfected, and then try something else. Any ideas?

Meanwhile I've also started a new bolero, using wendy pampas yarn in dark purple. This is mega-chunky yarn and knits fantastically fast with 12mm needles. I also am making a double moss-stitch scarf, which entails K2P2 as opposed to K1P1, and is worked by knitting a purl into a knit stitch and vice versa.

Flower Loom

2009-01-25T02:03:00.000-08:00

I have a couple of dull-ish scarves that I want to brighten up, so I invested in a flower loom. I chose the Prym one, though there are a number of varieties and brands on the market. I strongly suspect that if i had the time, I would make one but I don't have the time, so I bought one from ebay. surprisingly i did not find this jewel in the LYS !!

I remember making countless flowers as a child, so i did have an idea how to use it. however prym are quite helpful with varieties you may want to create, based on the basic pattern - check out their consumer website.

I must say that I did not quite find their binding off instructions clear, but thanks to Karen's Variety, I have a clear idea of how to go about things. I think my first project will be to enhance a throw-over i am making for my mother in a gorgeous blue. I am making it with the Knitting Mill Maxi so the edges of the panels are not quite neat. I think I will place a flower at random to cover any patchy spots... we'll see how that goes ...

52 Books for 2009

2009-01-23T06:38:00.001-08:00

back to reality ...

2009-01-08T09:46:00.000-08:00

To all those who have started leaving comments, a very big thank you!!

I have started work again so my handiwork has had to take a huge halt. I found a lot of work when I returned to my desk. I complain about this in Me, Myself and I. thus, my blanket has really slowed down, which is disappointing as I want to finish it for my little nephew before the cold season ends (it ends in march here, but there's still quite a lot of work to be done). Perhaps I should be knitting a few rows instead of writing here, but truth is I'm expecting someone to hop over for a few ballet items, and I do not want to be stopped mid-row. I'd rather be stopped mid-blog than have to pick up the rows. I'm using sirdar snuggly DK on aero 5 needles for the side panels, and it's very very soft, and consequently finds it easy to slip off the needles.

Anyways I'm off to try to get myself something warm to drink. It's very cold today and despite the activity of my fingers (typing), they still feel icy.

Have a nice week to all and drop a line to tell me if your projects are still progressing more healthily than mine ...

Alien Illusion Scarf / Baby blanket

2008-12-29T10:40:00.000-08:00

As I've said on Ravelry, I am using Shetha Nolke's alien illusion scarf (featured on Stitch 'N Bitch The Knitter's Handbook) to incorporate it in a baby blanket. I knitted two scarves in plain knit, all in one colour, and in the middle will place the alien face, knitted in two contrasting colours that are similar to the flecks on the white yarn (which is a sirdar snuggly dk, white and flecked with many colours).

It's become cold now and therefore I don't mind sitting cuddled up with my wool while the rain and wind blow outside. It was bright and sunny a few days back but that no longer is the case, after quite a rainstorm a few days back. So i retreated to my study with fibre and needles, and off i go... i will of course put up pics when i remember to download them.

I also finished my Jean Greenhowe penguin from Knitted Animals, and my Santa Clause from Jiffy Knits. I had some lovely time making them just before Christmas....

Anyway hope you've all had a great Christmas and are looking forward to a good New Year !!

Knitting to Heal

2008-12-26T09:48:00.000-08:00

I was having a chat the other day with a friend of mine, and I was telling her that I find knitting extremely therapeutic. During the last few weeks of high tension and stress, I have turned to my needles and yarn for a bit of creativity, allowing my mind to be blanked to everything. I feel I am still on the way to recovery, but my creations are helping.

I am still working on my penguin from jean greenhowe, and then I have to finish a blanket for my nephew. I thought of including a bit of illusion knitting, inspired by the Alien Illusion Scarf in Stitch 'n Bitch.

I have bought three of the Stitch 'n Bitch Books and, while some of the patterns have no use for me as such, they will be interesting to try so that I can learn the techniques, just like following the exercises in a maths book. I found that the books have a delightfully simple way of explaining things, making me more amenable to understanding certain patterns than I was before I read them. Even if it is for this alone, they are worth it!!

Crochet bun (hair) holders for sale on ebay

2008-12-03T23:10:00.001-08:00

A person I know makes bunholders for our ballet shop. Apparently this person is unable to work full time due to some illness, and therefore makes these bunholders for us. She personally selects the yarn, makes the bunholders, and threads the ribbons through them.

We think she is very capable with her hands, and she enjoys making them too.

We have a few of these items for sale on ebay. Grab one now!

Tips on the Knitting Mill Maxi

2008-12-01T22:44:00.000-08:00

After reading the blogs of most of you, I took the plunge and decided to try again with the Knitting Mill Maxi. My main concern was getting a straight edge if you're knitting a square or rectangle.

I read somewhere on the Prym consumer website that you have to make sure that the tension is very tight when you are changing rows. So, what I did was, I held the yarn just outside the yarn guide until the first hook of the row had gone completely down. This allowed the formation of a neat(ish) edge because the yarn was pulled taut when it was falling off the first ridge and being knitted into the hook. It takes a little more patience, but at least the work is being produced fast and neat. My first project here is an afghan for my mother, made out of blue Sirdar Salsa DK.

Another tip is - work slowly. If you rush, you will begin to lose stitches. Once you do this, it is difficult to put them back onto the hooks - you risk dropping others while doing this, or putting them back on unevenly. It's not worth the risk - pace yourself when turning the handle and the work will come out quite neatly. This is also mentioned in one of my previous posts.

Thank you to "Laris" for your tips too. I had a few questions that she answered. Basically, we don't think you can knit a smaller tube than the maximum size. We may complain that this does not make the Mill very 'flexible' to our demands, but yes it's far cheaper than any knitting machine i've come across. since i live in Malta, postage is also cheaper and anyway most people would not be willing to ship a knitting machine as it's far too heavy.

All in all, I'm pleased with my purchase!

My favourite creations

2008-11-29T09:32:00.000-08:00

My favourite creations are my Jean Greenhowe dolls. I've started a collection of them, and slowly working my way. It's an excellent way to use up those extra balls of yarn, though sometimes I have to buy a particular yarn with a particular project in mind.

I have them all posted on Ravelry. Mostly they have images. So far I've managed to make my own version of Miss Amelia, and have two of the season's mice. I also have the easter bunny and the Big Robot from the Jiffyknits booklet, and the ballerina from the Little Mascot Dolls. This last little dolly I've misplaced when moving house... but when I find it I will upload the photo. I also made the aeroplane and the dinosaur from another of the booklets.

My next trial, once I've done enough of Jean Greenhowe, will be to try Alan Dart's projects. I like his little toy collections, and particularly like the mice.

If anyone wishes to buy these items, please send me an email on gspiteri@moose-mail.com, and I can arrange to have them auctioned on ebay. My username is knicknacks0515 and I post worldwide!

Welcome to my Cosy Corner

2008-11-29T03:21:00.000-08:00

I've taken the plunge and decided to start writing about the things I love doing with my hands. I've always loved crafts - whether it was calligraphy, tapestry, sewing or knitting, and I've even painted in the past, using watercolour.

Therefore I decided not to name this blog for any particular craft, so that I can use it to share anything that tickles my fancy. You will see that in summer I set aside anything to do with wool. This is because in Malta it's too hot to come anywhere close to a strand of wool - whether it's real wool or some other synthetic stuff.

Of course, you can find me on ravelry, with the username gerimaus. Much of what I do on the knitting side is there.

I've also recently purchased a new Knitting Mill Maxi from Knitwell UK. I'm still having teething problems with this gadget, as I seem to get untidy edges. I read a helpful article on Purplelinda Crafts, which says to keep the yarn taut when starting a new row, but I'm still trying! Here's what she has to say:

If you are having teething problems with the knitting mill maxi it is usually just a tension problem as all mills are tested at the factory to ensure all the latch hooks are running. Here are some tips to help -

Drop a long end of yarn down the middle of mill when you start so you can grab it and place tension on the yarn as it moves through the mill. Slowly turn the handle and watch each latch hook open and close, if one doesn't stop. Use a fine crocket hook or a yarn needle to open and close the hook that doesn't cooperate. I do recommend starting very slowly and pick up speed gradually. Once you have made enough of a square to hold on to and put tension on it, it gets easier because the tension helps the hooks open and close. You will find that different yarns work better than others. Clip on weights could be used at the end but I still recommend using hand at the beginning.