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Stitch Marker Bracelets

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I got these pretty charms and the bracelet to hang them on from Primark (I don’t think they exist in the US, but I bet Forever21 has something close) with the intention of using them as stitch markers. They work like a charm (ho ho) and would make great (inexpensive) gifts for knitting friends. You can then purchase them charms on other special occasions to add to their collection. Stitch markers with clips would also work; I know Atomic Knitting makes beautiful ones.

The regular charms from Primark fit needles up to 3.5mm.

There are some adorable charms in the kids section too, but they’re smaller (and cheaper) and will fit needles up to 2.75mm. Perfect for socks!

This is a colourwork hat I’m working on with designs from the Perpetual Colourwork Calendar (October). I’ve already attempted filming one tutorial about creating your own colourwork charts, but the lighting was so poor that I think I will try again. Sorry for the delay!

The needles are KnitPro Symfonie (short 3mms with 60cm cable) and the yarn is Pure Wool Superwash from Nako.

If you go to the Primark in Birmingham, say hello to the Bullring Bull in his woolly jumper. :)

8th December, 2011 // Inspiration // tags: colourwork, gifts, hat, stitch markers.

The Revised Little eBook of Knitting Stitches

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It’s been a couple of years since I created The Little eBook of Knitting Stitches, and it’s been so well received that I thought I’d issue an update. It got me thinking how re-prints won’t be a feasible measure of success in digital publishing anymore. Instead, the advantage of knowing almost exactly how many times digital goods have been downloaded will become invaluable in deciding the popularity or success of a book. As I have nearly 2000 knitters on my newsletter list, I assume that’s about as many copies of The Little eBook of Knitting Stitches as have been downloaded. Not nearly as popular as my Shawl Knitting Cheat Sheet which has been downloaded over 5000 times. Wow!

Plenty of copies, in my opinion, to merit an update. Little eBook v2 now has charts for each of the 6 knitting stitches. I’m not sure why they didn’t occur to me back in 2009, but they’re certainly included now, and will hopefully save knitters lots of time. However, as I mentioned in the latest newsletter, what gave me most pleasure was reformatting the PDF as a booklet, so that it can be printed using half the number of pages (printed back-to-back), and be assembled like a proper little printed book.

Download

Click here to download the ebook.
Click here to download the booklet.

The eBook now contains:

6 stitch patterns

2 texture
2 lace
2 rib stitches

photographed on both right & wrong sides
charted
& laid out with clear instructions & advice on usage.

Once you’ve downloaded your ebook, you might like to queue your favourite stitch patterns on Ravelry!

I do hope you enjoy it! Happy Knitting. :)

1st November, 2011 // Downloads, Ebooks, Inspiration // tags: free, knitting stitches, print.

3 Things to Enjoy in October

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3 things that go together: bonfires, The Bonfire Band, and Lapsang Suchong.

Autumn means bonfires! In addition to knitting, here are a couple of things you can enjoy while awaiting combustion:

1. The Bonfire Band is a delightful London-based band whose music makes me smile every time. This is one of my favourite songs of theirs, and one that I think captures their lighthearted ways. It’s called “Good Times” (in Londontown), and it’s a reworking of Bob Dylan’s “Hard Times in New York Town”. Give it a listen & download it on iTunes if you like it.

Good Times by The Bonfire Band

2. Lapsang Suchong, if you haven’t heard of it before, is a strange tea which has a distinctly “smoky” aroma, a result of its being dried over pinewood fires. Admittedly it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you like the smell of bonfires, I strongly recommend you give it a try.

For best results, indulge in all three (& knitting) on the same day! :)

P.S. Thank you to Al & Mr. Jingles T.B. for making many of my slideshow photos possible!

1st October, 2011 // Inspiration // tags: autumn, hottie, music, tea.

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