Free Knitting Pattern - Needle/Pincushion!

I really just winged this!  I was watching tv and fancied doing some knitting - and ended up with this!  Whenever I'm knitting and put a needle down on the sofa ...... I invariably lose it down the cushions - or somewhere they disappear to!  So it occurred to me that if I have a large needlecushion and just poke the needles into it,  I would know where they were!!   I know I should probably get out more, but if you've got an oddment of yarn and have itchy fingers .....  try this!

I used Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino with nos. 11 (UK) needles.

Begin by casting on 30 stitches, knit approx 6 - 7" (2 pieces) or 12 - 14" if knitting in one piece.

Stitch seams leaving a gap at the top, stuff, sew up, embroider edges if wanted, add button - that's more or less it!  Measurements are not really crucial at all.

This needlecushion measures approx. 6.5"x 5.5" (x 2 pieces or 1 long piece). 
The front is Garter and Stocking Stitch, and the back is just plain Stocking Stitch.
I knitted a heart motif into the centre - but you could knit in anything of course, and I added a large decorative button. (Click on photo to see larger image.)
You could also knit it all in stocking stitch and embroider initials on the front too.
I stitched the seams, leaving a gap at the top and stuffed it with wadding and  also embroidered a line of chain stitch on each of the long sides to make the edges look neater.

The Purl Bee

 This is a lovely (New York) website with lots of projects, sewing, knitting, crochet, etc. There are also some super things to buy such as yarns, threads,  the children's felt slippers - gorgeous colours and beautifully made, and lots of other interesting items for craftspeople.

Website: Purl Soho

Blog: The Purl Bee

Knitting "Log Cabin"

I knitted this as a bit of occupational therapy while watching tv. I originally made it thinking I would wad and line it with a pretty fabric, and use it as a lap quilt. However, it turned out a bit small, but fits perfectly over a beanbag cushion I'd made.

I knitted 4 mitred squares, then using the patchwork 'log cabin' technique, knitted in rounds until I reached the size I wanted, then joined them together with knitted borders and a bit of sewing where needed, - - (and crocheted a flower in the centre.)

I used the super Spud & Chloe yarn which, even though a bit expensive, is just a pleasure to knit with. I'm still not sure whether I'll knit a 'backside' or use some matching fabric ........ dont hold your breath though, as busy time of year is on its way!

New Year - New Yarn!

This is my new Adriafil Knitcol yarn - yay!
(£3.50 per ball from McA - Colourway 046)

Lovely silk Toronto-bought sock yarn ............... mmmmm!

This is a new Berroco Sparkly Sox Yarn it looks super!
(next yarn purchase on List!)

Socktopus

These useful keyrings are a terrific idea - (super gift for a knitty addict) - you can have them to hand in your bag, along with your knitting. Very portable.
Check out their website for all things knitting & sockwise.
They are situated in London, also do workshops - - and have a great Blog .

Knitting & Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace - 2008.

This yarn is so gorgeous , I love it as it is, and cant take it out of the packet yet!
It's Biggan Yarn from Australia - and Biggan is such a sweetie!

This is some dyed cotton velvet and felted squares.
Maybe ..... some little embroidered/beaded pincushions....?

Couldn't resist some sock yarn!

Daughter bought this lovely Regia sock yarn - amongst a few other bits and pieces!

The Knitting and Stitching Show this year, was really enjoyable - I think as we went early in the day it wasn't quite so manic! (and we did take our own sandwiches!) - The choice of everything is overwhelming but we did manage to whittle things down!
The exhibitions are worth seeing too -
go see John Allen's new pieces, in his Gallery space at Ally Pally - wonderful!

Montreal and Toronto

Toronto - Wards Island

We've just got back from a great trip to Canada - (still jetlagged!) ...............

Toronto has to be "Yarn City Central"!!
these are just a few bits that were bought for me, or I purchased .....

above from The Knit Cafe



Two pics. above from Romni Wools