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. 
 
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  1. A New Appreciation for Acrylic Yarn - Behind the Scenes at Spa Mills:

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    The Huddersfield branch of The Knitting & Crochet Guild AND the knitting group I attend every week had a wonderful few hours on a guided tour of Spa Mills this past Wednesday. Nestled in the picturesque village of Slaithwaite, just 5 mins walk from my house, Spa Mills has a rich history—once a cotton mill, it has been home to Stylecraft yarns and other wool brands for several years now.

    Stylecraft is well known for its Special DK yarn, a popular 100% acrylic staple in the knitting and crochet world. For years, this yarn was produced in Turkey, but in an exciting and expensive development, the process has recently been brought back in-house. As part of this shift, Stylecraft introduced 20 new shades, each bearing a proudly Yorkshire-inspired name. Seeing this production process firsthand was an incredible experience!

    The transformation from a massive cake of acrylic into the soft, bouncy balls of Special DK we all recognize is a surprisingly complex and fascinating journey. Although we weren’t allowed to take photos—no doubt due to the top-secret nature of the process—we watched in awe as the raw material underwent multiple stages to achieve qualities that mimic wool. The fiber's staple length, softness, and twist are all carefully engineered, ensuring the yarn behaves beautifully in knitting and crochet projects.

    I left the tour with a newfound appreciation for man-made fibers. While I’ve always leaned towards natural wool, I can now see the appeal of high-quality acrylic—especially when it’s designed to combine durability with softness. For projects like children's garments, where vibrant colors, softness, and easy care are key, acrylic yarns like Stylecraft Special DK offer an undeniable advantage.

    This visit was a fantastic reminder that every yarn has its place, and understanding how it’s made can deepen our appreciation for the materials we choose.
    Stylecraft say

    "As a family business we are always mindful of the impact we have on the environment.  With our new set up we can be more efficient with our resources, use less water and energy, and reduce our carbon footprint. By manufacturing in Yorkshire, we are also reducing transport distances, cutting both fuel consumption and pollution"
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    Some photo's taken of the tour (where we were allowed).
    The Knitting & Crochet Guild is a UK-based voluntary organisation dedicated to hand knitting, domestic machine knitting, and crochet. Its mission is to preserve the heritage of these crafts while inspiring and educating both members and the public.

    The Guild maintains an extensive collection of knitted and crocheted items, patterns, and artifacts, showcasing the rich history of these crafts.

    Through a network of branches, workshops, and publications like their quarterly journal Slipknot, the Guild fosters a community where enthusiasts can share knowledge, develop skills, and engage in creative projects.

    Membership offers access to exclusive resources, events, and opportunities to contribute to the preservation and advancement of knitting and crochet traditions.
    Find a Knitting & Crochet Branch near you

  2. Meet Fisterra - inspired by the dramatic beauty of Spain’s ‘Land’s End

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    Hi, 

    Meet "Fisterra", my latest creative design. inspired by the dramatic beauty of Spain’s ‘Land’s End

    This shawl combines the rhythmic flow of brioche with the delicate beauty of lace. It features one-color brioche and stocking stitch stripes, leading into a simple lace pattern. The shawl begins with a garter stitch tab and is worked outward from the center spine to form two triangles. Once the brioche and stocking stitch stripes are established within the increases, the lace pattern is introduced. Like most lace patterns, the decreases and eyelets are worked on the right side. A final row of eyelets adds the finishing touch.
    Buy the Pattern
     
    Buy the Kit - low stock

    Why Brioche Lace?

    "I was inspired by Nancy Marchant’s exploration of brioche lace, particularly her innovative techniques for creating openwork within brioche fabric. However, I wanted to keep my own brioche lace design as simple and approachable as possible. Like traditional knitted lace, I have chosen to work in a single color to highlight the eyelets clearly. I have also kept the structure straightforward—using just one yarn over for each decrease and working the lace pattern only on the right side of the fabric. This keeps the rhythm intuitive while still creating a beautifully delicate effect."

    The Fisterra shawl finishes off being over 2 metres wide and 30 inch deep and so is incredibly versatile. Here are some different ways to wear it:

    • Classic Point Front – Drape the shawl around your neck with the point hanging down in front, wrapping the ends around your neck for warmth.

      • Shoulder Wrap – Wear it draped over your shoulders like a traditional shawl, perfect for layering over a dress or top.

      • Kerchief Style – Fold the shawl in half to create a smaller triangle and tie it loosely around your neck for a casual, scarf-like look.

      • Off-the-Shoulder Wrap – Let the shawl sit asymmetrically across your shoulders and pin it with a shawl pin or brooch for an elegant, secure fit.

      • Wrapped Like a Poncho – Cross the ends over your chest and tuck them under the back of the shawl for a poncho-like effect.

      • Belted – Wrap the shawl around your shoulders or waist and secure it with a belt for a chic, structured look.

      • Back Drape – Wear the shawl with the point down your back and wrap the ends around your neck for a dramatic yet cozy style.

      • Twisted Loop – Fold the shawl into a long, narrow shape, loop it around your neck, and tuck in the ends for extra warmth..

     

    Interested in learning Brioche ? Well I have some learning material specially for you. From a beginners headband (I've seen this knitted a multitude of times) to the 2 coloured Heatwave cowl I've got it all covered. Techniques are explained in photo snap shots and videos. 
    I plan to add videos of Brioche lace in here too..... watch this space.