Knitting

Knitting is not my forte!

Wow, did I ever step outside my comfort zone when I decided to knit the Oriental Lily from Tikki.

My knitting capabilities have previously extended to dish cloths and a basic beanie and anything requiring a basic square! But I was determined I could do it.

I had multiple, multiple issues in knitting this – mistakes requiring me to start over, gaping holes, dropped stitches, my insufficient dye job that sticks out like a sore thumb……

But it’s finished, and my darling daughter “LOVES IT!” and finds the cotton so comfortable and doesn’t want to take it off. That part is good. Now I just have to get over the fact that it didn’t turn out perfect and be grateful for the massive learning experience it’s been. I also really enjoyed the process and am looking forward to knitting another Tikki pattern very soon.

I must say a great big thanks to all my Crafty Mamas friends who encouraged me to have a go and helped me sort out my various stuff ups. Also, thank you to the countless ladies who have taken the time to post videos on Youtube – without their help this project would be shoved away somewhere, never to be completed!

Frogging!

by Kelly 5 Comments

It was all going so well, but after many hours of knitting (long after this photo was taken) it became apparent that I had stuffed up.

Allow me to explain. With my limited knitting capabilities (hey, my dishcloths look great!) I decided to set myself a challenge in the form of the Oriental Lily pattern by Tikki. No, I’d never knitted with increases, used circular needles or even stitch markers, but so many people are good at this knitting thing, how hard can it be?

Lets just say I’m humbled and am now familiar with the knitter’s term “frogging” and no, it doesn’t involve any lovely little amphibians but does involve a fair bit of heartache.

Back to the drawing board and thank God for youtube tutorials!

Old treasures

by Kelly 2 Comments

This cardigan was knitted by an elderly lady I used to care for in a nursing home. She was born with an intellectual disability and was deaf. She was abandoned by her parents at a young age and raised in a home run by some religious sisters. She always had a knitting project on the go and could follow any pattern. All of her knitting was given to friends or charity.

Look at that beautiful trim! God bless you Bernie, you are a treasure.

Having worked in aged and disability care I have seen so many souls languishing, living day to day and waiting to die. Many of these people have knowledge and skills that can’t be measured but are not given the opportunity to use. Lets not forget the value of each individual, whatever their stage of life.

Getting ready for a little one

by Kelly 1 Comment

I finished knitting up this little hat for the impending arrival lastnight, it turned out beautifully and increased my knitting confidence substantially. Its supposed to be in gender neutral colours, as we don’t know the sex of the baby, but I think it looks a little boyish. We shall see….

Today I got a parcel of exciting fabric from the Crafty Mamas Shop.
I’ll be making pants and a top for one of the girls (the tomboy!) so I have another weekend project to add to the list.

The giveaway is still on, but not for long!

Time to pick up old threads

by Kelly 2 Comments

My doll sales at Etsy have steeply declined; that is to say, I haven’t had a sale in weeks. Its been getting me down quite a bit as I feel the dolls I’m making now are the best I’ve ever done and I really don’t want to lower my prices as they are already low. Some other dollmakers seem to be booming.

Anyhow… in my mopey state I decided to refocus. I hadn’t embroidered for some time so I picked up the needle and hoop again. I went through all my designs (of which there are plenty that are still just on paper) and I picked out Mr. Brown. Poor Mr Brown has been flat shades of grey for so long I simply had to do something about it. This is a sneak peek and I must say I’m loving stitching all over again.

I’m also knitting possibly the smallest thing I’ve ever knitted for this project.

Must put in a reminder for the GIVEAWAY!

Knitted pouch doll

by Kelly 2 Comments

What a blurry photo! I just finished this little doll tonight, she is so cute! She is a pouch doll with a knitted body and hat. I used some beautiful organic Victorian wool for the knitting, it is so good to use. I’m giving her to 18 month old daughter (no hair, so she can’t pull it all out!)