Had to type that title carefully…
Some of you may remember that last year, mostly from reading other blogs and drooling over the beautiful creations, I finally decided to pick up my knitting needles again. Well actually I had to buy a set, because I had given all of mine away in a random act of tidying up, but you know what I mean.
So far, I have started four projects, and finished one. Doesn’t sound too promising, does it? But, actually it is fine. Two of the unfinished ones (scarves) are almost completed, just a row or two to go and then working in the ends. I wish I had done that as I went along, but I just forgot.
The fourth project is one I have only just started – a blanket for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. I found out about the project from Kick Arse Crochet (what a great name!) a little while ago. Thanks to her mentioning it on her blog there will be a few blankets heading their way as my mother has already made two, a friend’s mother is mid-knit and I have bought enough cheap (they specify it needs to be acrylic) yarn to make maybe three. Battersea is a very worthwhile cause, although it would obviously be good if there was no need for it to exist because every animal had a loving home. I like to think that a dog will look so adorable on their nice new blanket that it might help get them a new family. Even if they just chew it to shreds, I don’t mind really! There is a downloadable pattern for the blanket and cat toys, plus a list of other items they can use here. Again, thanks to Beth at Kick Arse Crochet for her original posting of this.
Anyway, the finished object is not for me, but a gift for my mum, which is why I have actually completed it. Only a scarf, and a simple free pattern which I found on Ravelry, but I enjoyed making it. Good job too because I had to start it three times. Due to still not having mastered the art of tinking (I really need to watch those YouTube clips again), every time I made a mistake, I was stuffed. I think it is the ’yarn forward’ that throws me. I kept ending up with significantly less stitches than I should have. So I just gave up, unravelled it and started again! Third time lucky. Also I got a much neater (or less hole-y) cast on edge the third time – I remembered about doing it with your thumb instead of a knitting needle. I couldn’t actually remember how, though…After many fumbled attempts I got it. I guess knitting is nothing like riding a bicycle. I have since found out when I mentioned the ‘thumb method’ to my mother and sister that we each do it differently!
And, although I had ditched my needles, for some reason I kept a bag of this yarn. Probably because it is Rowan, wool and cotton mix, and cost a bit at the time. But now, I have a nice lightweight scarf, pretty much for free! And also another project in the queue as my sister would like one too…
Ooooooh that scarf is so lovely! What a pretty stitch!
And i am so glad to hear you are all getting stuck into the blankets! I am sure all the doggys at battersea will be most greatful! I havent actually managed to start yet but I now have 19 days off work so I am gonna get started!
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Yep, I have made a good start. I like that it can be done in squares. Less chance of me messing up! Enjoy your time off work!
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I love it! The stitch pattern and color are beautiful! I will be sure to check out the links 🙂 xx
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Thank you! My mum loves it too, which is good!
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I love that!
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Thank you so much!
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This is rather lovely isn’t it? 🙂 I have had a cream scarf on the go for about 9 months now! it was meant to be for last winter…maybe I’ll finish it for this winter! I love the stitch pattern here and it does look nice and snuggly! I’m sure the little poochies will love their new blanket too 🙂
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I like the idea of helping keep a dog warm. I’ll have to try the cat toys too though, just to be even-handed! Hope you finish your scarf!
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Such a lovely idea to knit for Battersea dog and cat home and your scarf is lovely – such a pretty stitch.
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Thanks!
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The scarf is so pretty! I love the idea of making items for animal shelters – my dogs love the blankets I’ve made for them. I need to see if any animal shelters near me would benefit from some dog and cat blankets. 😀
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Yes, it is such a nice idea, isn’t it? I bet all animal shelters could benefit from new blankets. You have lucky dogs!
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It’s lovely..um..what does FO mean? Is that a really stupid question…
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Is it…is it…FINISHED OBJECT???
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YES!! And therefore a UFO is an unfinished object. We need never fear alien invasion again. They will get close to the planet and a screw will come loose, or they will run out of petrol…
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HA HA HA HA HA!!
Do excuse me…too many chocolate biscuits…:)
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Talking of which, you like a Digestive, I think I remember? Have you tried the ‘Thins’ version?
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I haven’t actually…I haven’t seen the digestive version, only the Oreos (yuk) and the Nibbles (pointless)…hmm will have to have a look for those 🙂
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The jury is undecided…. it feels like they are British biscuits pretending to be French…
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Good point-you can get these tricksters, jaffa “cakes” being a case in point…btw, where do you stand on florentines?
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I like them! The more loaded with nuts and fruit, the better!
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PHEW!! That was a difficult moment…I would have hated to have disappointed you as I love them too!! I was given a box for Christmas from John Lewis…dark, milk and white chocolate!! I was absent for quite some time with those…!
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Yum! I expect the wardrobe came in handy!
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That looks really fabulous! I love the way it’s knitted up – it has a sort of honeycomb effect, and that gives it a kind of snuggly look.
Way to go, you clever thing.
Coo .. you are SO talented, and wasted too. You should be on TV in a craft type programme. Not a Kirsty Allsop, but more like a young Mary Berry but of all sorts of crafty things. You’d be brilliant, and I could be your fan club letters sorter. Sending out signed photographs and dealing with your book launch!
Ok … where shall we start? Are you going to ring Channel 4? …. and I’ll get the note pads so that we can work on your book.
SORTED. Let’s go!!!
…. …. … … .. .. . . . … well, a girl can dream, can’t she?
❤ ~ Cobs. x
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Lol, Cobs! You flatter. I am an ok card maker and a basic knitter!! Plus, I HATE having my picture taken, always have. But, now, a ‘crafters collective’ TV programme…that might be fun to watch. Definitely not enough proper crafting on TV!
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Tellin’me!
You’re not an ‘OK’ card maker, you is brill! Some of your card are totally breath-taking, and the rest are brilligog! I honestly don’t think that you’ve made a card which I wasn’t fussed over. Every single one is a total delight. Don’t you sell yourself short missy!
But … I’m with you on the photographs being taken. I’ve been like that all my life. Even when a little girl, I can remember screaming blue murder because the camera came out. There are very few photos of me in existence.
Cameras give me a very uncomfortable feeling. Now I know that this is perhaps going to sound bonkers to you but … When I hear that shutter do that whirring click, it sounds like a guillotine coming down, and I genuinely feel like a small peice of my soul has been captured and that I am diminished by the same amount. As if my time is reduced by that amount.
I could pretend and say that it’s down to the second commandment but the truth is that I just feel bl**dy uncomfortable, … so at weddings, anniversaries, parties .. I stand at the back and bend ze knees. You can usually see the top of my head. lol. At other times, I’m usually the one with the camera, hence the reason there are very few photos.
So … I’m with you there Puff and will support that. We’ll put the photo of your paper bag on the back cover of your book, and on all the TV programmes we’ll just have your hands doing the crafting, and if there is a shot of your face, we’ll just do a photoshop jobby and put pink hair and someone elses face in place of yours. We’ll find someone on the street who’ll do it for a fiver. 😉
Can’t wait for this programme to start! 😀
What shall we call it? We’ll need a name! [thinks]. . .
Puff the Magic Crafter? Hmmm. nah, I think we should be able to do better than that.
loving your work Puff. 😀 :p lol ~ Cobs. xxx
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What a lovely scarf, great job. It’s fab that you’re making the animal blankets too. 😊
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Thanks. Yes, the animal blankets are such a good thing.
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That looks so pretty! I have been thinking about picking up the knitting needles again…although I think I’ve forgotten how to…
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Well I felt exactly the same! I used to knit far more complicated things but am doing baby steps now. It feels good though. Maybe try it?!
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Hopefully I will 🙂
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Oh my, I have not knitted in almost 2 years! The last thing I made was a baby blanket for my grandson… Lovely scarf! 🙂
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Thank you!!
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That is a really cool stitch! Good for you on taking up those needles!
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I think I may become addicted to them!
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Well done, you! Such a pretty scarf. I wouldn’t have a clue how to do something like that; for me, basic knit and purl only (and I hate purl). I, too, got rid of all my knitting stuff a few years ago in an insane fit of … insanity. You have inspired me to get back to it again, even if it’s just for something very small and basic. I have something in mind. Give me about 3 months and I’ll get back to you.
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I am not fond of purl either, which is why I loved this pattern. It only uses ‘knit’ and if you can knit 2 stitches together, well that is the only other thing you need to do!
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Really beautiful scarf! Crocheting is one thing that has eluded me. I can pretty much do anything else but only ever mastered the basic stitches, but when I see projects like yours, I truly wish I had!
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I can’t crochet either!
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But it looks like you can! I know you knitted but it looks crocheted, clever pattern!
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Yep, and all knit stitch – hurrah!
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Your scarf is knitted beautifully. I am sure that the Battersea dogs will be feel very blessed with your blankets. 😊
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Thank you, and I hope so!
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Beautiful scarf, Gillian. 🙂 I really like the stitch pattern, and I imagine the wool/cotton blend is just perfect for Springtime. I’m sure your mum will love it. I commend you on getting through the multiple start-overs, too. I’m coming to terms (a little more) with having to start over after a couple hours of work. But, as you mention, the next go usually gives interesting results. Happy knitting on the remaining projects!
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Thank you! I had decided that if it went wrong again, I might knit two pieces and join them together at the centre back, but really that would not have been a great solution. Have a good weekend!
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You, too! Have a great weekend. 😀
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Lovely, that scarf looks so soft and touchable
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Thanks! The yarn is lovely. For once I am glad of my ‘keep it in case’ tendency!
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I learned to knit 30 years ago when I visited a friend in Germany for the summer (I was 17!) I still have the waist of the sweater on my knitting needles…Maybe one day I’ll finish it, if I can remember how!😂 Kudos for finishing your mom’s scarf! 👏🏻
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Lol, I have the bottom front of a sweater that I started in 1980-something still on the needles too! I am waiting for it to come back into fashion!
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😂
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It’s amazing how much easier it is to complete projects for other people. I have only finished 2 scrapbooks. They are for other people. My wedding album is 10 years in the making at this point.
I have considered taking up knitting. I do not believe I have the patience.
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With your maths brain you might love knitting?! But, yes, finishing stuff. With yarn I get things to ‘almost done’ and then move on to something else. I think that is why I gave up on it before. Perhaps you might finish your wedding album for your next anniversary?
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Oddly, it is the one project that I haven’t touched in years. At this point, I would have to find where I placed my photos.
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Wow, I love your beautiful scarf! That really is nice yarn; isn’t it great that it was there when you were ready to pick up the needles and knit again? I’m also glad to hear about your blanket project for Battersea Dogs (and cats!) Home. I looked it up online and got all teary-eyed (“Older Gent Buster…”) It’s a good thing I don’t live anywhere near Battersea; those sweet faces at the shelter are what made us a 4-cat family, LOL.
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I avoid it for the very same reason! I’d come out with my pockets full of pets. It is an amazing place though. They never turn an animal away. It is nice to be able to make a small contribution.
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Love it! Sounds like a wonderful place.
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Is there no end to your talents woman!! 🙂 The scarf looks so pretty and delicate. Beautifully made. Good luck with the blankets.
Hugs Flo x
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Um, no, I have no great talent. I just like making stuff! But thanks for the kind words!
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you have so many skills-the projects are beautiful What a kind heart you have and it just keeps showing up in all sorts of ways!
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Oh, I just like to make things, really. Always have. But thank you for always being so kind in your comments.
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Well, you have such a flair! so talented!
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Hurray! It looks great!
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Thanks!!
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What a beautiful scarf, your mum must be so pleased with it.
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Yes, she loves it. Thanks!
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It’s so pretty!!! You are one talented lady!
😉
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Oh, thank you! It is very basic knitting. I am too rusty to try anything ambitious!
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I’ve got a great rust remover…hahaaa…no seriously, I found a great rust remover. Only took 50 yrs or so.
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basic knitting!!! I never did anything that ambitious with my basic knitting. Of course I would end up and make a 7ft scarf…I still don’t know basic techniques.
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