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. Learning a new trick

    Posted on

    Macrame is a fun, tactile craft that’s great for creating small, decorative pieces perfect for the Christmas season. Using just a few simple knots, you can make charming ornaments like mini Christmas trees, stars, or angels, which bring a handmade touch to Christmas decor. Small projects like these are also ideal for beginners, allowing you to explore basic macrame techniques without committing to a large project.
    A couple of days ago I decided to have a go at this wonderful craft, see if I could recreate the beautiful circular visions I had seen.  The 'SNOWFLAKES' kit I sell seemed the obvious choice, little mini projects, each of which could be completed in an hour or two. Well to my delight I smashed it. 
    The macrame bug took hold and other creations appeared.
    Bergin & Bath Mandala Kits -   Premium craft kits, planet-friendly projects, packaged with style.   Our motto is  #CraftnotCrap
    The joy with purchasing a kit is that ALL the instructions, macrame yarn, circles and beads are included in the kit so as a starting point these are great. Once you've mastered the 1st one, you then know what materials to buy and there are plenty of free tutorials to move you on a stage.

    1. Macrame for Beginners offers a range of Christmas tutorials, including projects for mini wreaths, Christmas trees, and stars. Each design is beginner-friendly, using accessible materials and providing step-by-step guides for easy crafting. You can explore options like cinnamon stick ornaments or gnomes, which are perfect for the holidays​

      Macrame for Beginners.

    2. Marching North has tutorials for several easy macrame Christmas ornaments, like macrame angels and a tassel ornament incorporating dried orange slices for a rustic feel. These projects use simple materials and can be completed quickly, making them great for quick gift ideas or festive touches around your home​

      Marching North

    3. Macrame Reindeer Ornaments - Carolina Montoni offers a tutorial on crafting small reindeer ornaments that would add a whimsical, handmade charm to any Christmas tree. This beginner-friendly project focuses on simple knotting techniques, making it accessible for anyone looking to add a festive touch to their decor​

      Grit and Graceful

    4. Macrame Angel Ornaments - Chasta from Soulful Notions has an easy-to-follow guide on creating angel ornaments using soft, golden-hued macrame cord. These delicate angels can be customized with various colors to suit your tree or holiday theme. Lori Lori also offers a simpler version if you're looking to create a few in quick succession​

      Curious Craft Studio

    5. Macrame Candy Cane Ornament - Julia Tothefullest shares a DIY for candy cane ornaments made with colorful macrame cord, perfect for a traditional holiday look. This quick project uses basic knots and can be a fun way to introduce kids to macrame​

      Grit and Graceful

    For more inspiration, consider joining a macrame community, such as the Macrame for Beginners Facebook group, where crafters share ideas, troubleshoot projects, and offer support to fellow beginners.

    These sources provide creative ideas that balance skill-building with the joy of handmade Christmas decor!

  2. You don't know what you don't know until you know it

    Posted on

    I got to the finishing stages of the Art Nouveau sweater  just a few days ago and I came across something in the pattern so simply, yet so affective which I had never seen before. 

    The sweater was worked top down and I had completed the bottom rib which was a Ktbl, P1 rib, ie I was working twisted knit stitches which I was very fine with and actually love as a rib. I always cast off rib in pattern and just assumed I would do the same but no!. The pattern said, Knit 1 row and then cast off in knit. 

    Before I cast off though, I did a little research to see if this was correct, it seemed too simple. And whilst I found plenty of stretchy cast off's that could cope with a normal k1,p1 rib or k2, p2 rib there was nothing for a k1tbl p1 rib. So I thought, Ok, lets' give this is a go. 
    What an easy change and what a lovely result.  As the twisted knit stitches actually stretches the rib out so it lays flat and doesn't contract like standard rib does, therefore you don't need any complicated stretchy cast off, just a nice neat one.

    So remember things are not nearly as difficult as you might first think. Approach a new technique, pattern, yarn or whatever with the confidence of a toddler in their favorite super hero shirt.

    Some of the results of my research............ (click on the buttons below)
    Normal Cast off for K1, P1 rib
    How to knit Twisted Rib
    Different Stretchy cast off's for rib
    Strawberry Hill was featured in The Knitter magazine last year and is now available to purchase via my web site.,
    Want to learn lace knitting. I have a little info on this page. 
    Whilst you are here, reading and browsing, please don't forget to check out my Crafty kits, beautiful gifts for friends and family this Christmas.

    Free UK shipping for orders over £35!
    Knitted Christmas Decoration Kits
    Knitted Scarf / Cowl Kits
    I'm currently working on another commission for The Knitter, (a swatch preview below). Whilst I can't tell you anything about the design I can tell you that the latest row I worked has over 600 Brioche stitches and took
     
    2 HOURS ! 
    No wonder my hands ache
    A flowery Brioche border
    Knitted Shawl Kits
    Knitted Hat Kits