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. I've scored a hat trick!

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    I’ve Scored a Hat Trick!

    I’m thrilled to share some exciting news—three of my knitting designs are featured in this month’s The Knitter magazine (Issue 220)! If you’re in the UK and a fan of my work, do grab a copy while it’s on the shelves.

    And if you’re not in the UK, don’t worry—you won’t miss out. I’ll be self-publishing these patterns over the next 6–12 months, so keep an eye out.

    To celebrate this little hat trick, I’m offering 30% off any of my patterns (not just hats!) in my Ravelry store for the next three days. Just use coupon code HAT-TRICK at checkout. (Offer ends midnight 6th October UK time).

    👉Ravelry: Store: The Feminine Touch Designs
     

    Sideways Top Update

    Well… there isn’t one! I’m firmly in “thinking mode.” I’m playing with the idea of incorporating all those dangling threads into the bottom border somehow, and I keep coming back to the thought of an i-cord cast-off everywhere. Sometimes designs need as much space to breathe in the imagination as they do on the needles.

  2. Between Seasons & Stitches

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    Playful Dungarees

    Between Seasons

    Now that summer has drawn to a close, the weather here in the UK can’t seem to make up its mind—one day it feels like autumn has arrived, the next the sunshine is back again. My weekends lately have been just as changeable, with plenty of travelling up and down the country to visit family. With three gorgeous grandchildren, all living more than 100 miles away (some north, some south), I’m clocking up the miles—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

    I often think how lovely it would be to design more knits especially for them, but little ones grow so quickly! Weekends together are too precious to spend with measuring tapes in hand or setting up photoshoots. So instead, I make the most of every cuddle, laugh, and story we share.

    Today I thought I’d look back and share some of my favourite baby designs—patterns that I’ve loved creating, and I hope you’ll enjoy too. Who knows, you might find the perfect project for a little one in your life.

    “Here are a few of my favourite baby knits—click through to explore the patterns.”
     
     
    View All Baby Patterns

    On the Needles: Sideways-Knit Top

    Meanwhile, on my needles, the sideways-knit top I’ve been designing is steadily taking shape. Knitting sideways brings its own challenges and surprises, but it’s always exciting to see how the fabric grows and the design unfolds.

     

    As you can see my sideways-knit top is moving along nicely—I’ve finished the back and two fronts, and given them a good block to try and tame the curl (almost successful!). With the pieces pinned together and placed on my dummy, I’ve been checking the neckline placement against the original design. The good news? The design works beautifully! The seam runs lower down the back rather than sitting on the shoulders, which lifts the front pieces slightly and creates a lovely effect where the front looks shorter than the back.

    Now the real puzzle is what to do with the nest of yarn tangles that this sideways construction seems determined to create!

    “Knitting sideways brings its own challenges and surprises, but it’s exciting to see this design unfold. I’ll share more as it progresses—watch this space for the next installment.”