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. Another cool way of creating 2 coloured knitting

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    If you find "Stranded Knitting" a little too complicated and fiddly or you just want to try a new way of working with 2 colour's then why not try mosaic (slip stitch knitting). I came across this way of knitting colourwork only a few years ago and was totally mesmorised!  and I have ended up creating a number of  original patterns since then.  This technique involves only knitting with 1 colour of yarn at a time, so there is no twisting or entanglement of yarns to worry about and you end up with a professional neatness to the wrong side of your work. 

    The flower motif pattern I use in my logo is one of my first designs and is still my favourite. If you want to learn mosaic, then I explain how the flower motif pattern is worked in one of my free tutorials here. 

    There are also some FREE mosaic charts that you can incorporate in to your own designs. How about a plain stocking stitch cardigan with a band of mosaic instead of the ribbing at the bottom. 

     

    Today I'm going to share some of my original mosaic designs with you.
      A mixture of patterns, kits and finished knits.

     

    My latest design is this original kit which is available in 2 choices of yarn. 
    1. 6 colours of Stylecraft natural cotton yarn as in the finished blanket    £16 
    2. 6 colours of West Yorkshire spinners Bopeep luxury baby yarn (wool/nylon)   £27

    Want double the size? then order qty of 2 and I'll refund you £3 for the pattern price.

     

    All over mosaic patterns are great on cushions! and a band of mosaic on the Christmas cushion is really fetching.

     
     
    The 'Slip & Switch' Infiity Scarf knitting Kit. Worked on 4.5mm needles and uses West Yorkshire Spinners ColourLab 100% wool yarn.  Available in other colour combos too.
     
    Free UK shipping in my Etsy store
    Learn Mosaic Slip Stitch Here
     
     

  2. I love knitting in 2 colours. Do you?

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    Usually I write to you about my love for 2 coloured Brioche or colourful mosaic knitting, which because they are knitting techniques I just picked up these last few years they come to mind as being my favourites. 

    But I also love stranded knitting too, by using two strands of yarn at a time it enables me to create wonderful patterns in the knitted fabric. Stranded knitting also creates fabrics that are warmer and more durable than single-color knitting. In my designs I only use two colors in each row, and only one strand is used at a time. This makes the knitting relatively easy, even for a newcomer to stranded knitting.  
    Today I'm going to highlight some of the stranded knitting designs that I have created over the last few years PLUS my latest kit - The Alexandria Mittens. 
    The Alexandria Mittens are worked in the round, starting off at the cuff and working towards the fingertips. This gives you the chance to just concentrate on working the stranded pattern until you get to the very end. Once you do get to the end I talk you through grafting the fingertips and adding the thumb. 
    NOTE-
    Fair Isle: Made famous by knitwear from Fair Isle, one of the islands of Scotland, the Fair Isle technique is one form of stranded colorwork. Fair Isle is typified by its use of symmetrical geometric motifs, two-ply Shetland yarn, and muted, sophisticated colors.
    Scandinavian: Stranded colorwork originating in Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland) is very different from Fair Isle, though the knitting techniques are similar. Scandinavian colorwork is distinctive in its large, often asymmetrical motifs, three-ply yarn construction, and bright, clear colors.
    The Christmas star pattern looks great worked in Christmas colours ! but why not try sparkly yarns in colours to match your decor.
    Click on the photo above to download the Christmas decoration pattern - only £1.50
    CHRISTMAS GIFTS / PATTERNS & KITS are now available - check them out please
    Knitted accessories, patterns, kits, yarn and gifts now included in the sale. Most half price!