Sandra's Designing Blog

This is an exclusive area of my web site where you can find out more about my knitted designs, what inspires me, how I work and what I like (and don't like) to design. 
 
Click on the arrows on the right to see my other blog posts.
 

 RSS Feed

  1. Sideways top update & new filter

    Posted on

    Hello !!            Sideways Top Update

    After a bit of thinking time, I’ve picked my sideways-knit top back up — and it’s finally taking shape! I’ve seamed the shoulders and side seams and tried it on, and I’m delighted to say it fits perfectly. That’s always such a satisfying moment when a design starts to look just how you imagined.

    Now I’m tackling the tangle of yarn strands hanging from the bottom edge. It’s very much a process of trial and error (and I’m so glad I don’t have to document this one for a pattern!). I decided the piece needed an i-cord edge — partly to hide those strands, but mostly to give a clean, finished look.

    I picked up stitches along the bottom using one of my yarn colours and worked a few rows in stocking stitch. On every alternate stitch, I used some of the hanging strand yarn, hoping this would help secure them. Then I knitted one more row in a single colour and knotted the strands together two at a time to keep everything snug.

    Now I’ve started a 5-stitch i-cord cast off and have woven the remaining strands through the i-cord itself. I’m not yet sure whether to trim them off neatly or leave them as a fringe — that’s a decision for next time!

    Here’s how it’s looking so far — a peek at both the right side and the wrong side, where you can see the new i-cord edge and those mischievous yarn tangles.
    The right side — you can see how the i-cord edging gives a lovely clean finish along the bottom.
    Christmas Gift Guide - Get Christmas pressies early
    The wrong side tells the real story — those strands and knotted yarns waiting to be neatly woven into  the i-cord.

    It’s amazing how ideas evolve once you start experimenting — sometimes the best design decisions come from simply playing with the process.
     

    New on the Website

    I’ve been working on something useful behind the scenes—a little tool to make browsing my patterns even easier! You can now filter designs by technique, whether you’re in the mood for stranded knitting, brioche, mosaic, or something else entirely. You’ll find the filter right on my home page and at the bottom of every pattern page. Just pick your favourite technique and browse away to your heart’s content.
    Head to my homepage, scroll down and give the new filter a go!”  
    TFT Designs |The Feminine Touch Designs | UK Knitting designer Sandra Nesbitt

  2. Recharged and inspired — a Lake District escape & a creative spark!

    Posted on

     
     

    Hello,

    I’ve just come back from a wonderful weekend away in the Lake District — Coniston, to be exact — and I feel completely recharged. The weather was glorious for October: crisp mornings, clear skies, and just enough chill to make a cosy knit your best friend. There were plenty of long dog walks through golden leaves and, naturally, a few pub meals to round off each day!

    It was also the perfect excuse to wear two of my own designs — Gwenvor and Dusty Lilac — layered up in true autumn style.
    Gwenvor – a soft, textured lace cardigan in gentle heathered tones. Feminine, comfortable, and just right for sitting outside the pub with a pint and a view of the hills.

    Find Gwenvor on Ravelry here 
    Dusky Lilac - a beautiful textured array of cables, worn over a short sleeved t-shirt and a long sleeved top. Layering to perfection.

    Find Dusky Lilac on Ravelry here
     

    When Inspiration Circles Back

    Back home, something on Facebook caught my eye — Joe Browns have just released a new cowl and hat set that looks remarkably like my Flowery Infinity Scarf design! It made me smile — creative ideas have a funny way of finding their way into the world.

    If you love that “Joe Browns” look, here’s how you could adapt my pattern to get a similar effect:

    • Use smaller needles to create a denser, less open fabric

    • Cast on fewer stitches for a snugger fit

    • Add a furry or fleecy lining for that extra cosy, luxury feel

    And once you’ve made the cowl, you can easily calculate the stitch count for a matching hat — the perfect winter gift set idea!

    👉 Find the Flowery Infinity Scarf on Ravelry
    Long, open and flowing array of flowers

    🌿 What’s Next

    Now I’m back home with my head full of new ideas — clearly the Lakes worked their magic! I’ll be sharing a peek at what’s on my needles very soon. Until then, I hope your week brings a bit of fresh air, good food, and time for your knitting.

    Happy stitching,
    Sandra x