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

Category: Kits & Patterns

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

    Posted on

     
    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!  

  2. 156 Pairs of Gloves

    Posted on

     

    Probably wondering what ! what is Sandra on about now? 

    Well today I'm mixing and matching, which is exactly what we all do with our knitted accessories. Pulling similar colours, textures and patterns together as well as making sure that they are functional too.  
    All the gloves (knitted, kits and patterns) you find in my web store are all fingerless. There are 2 main reasons for this, 
    1. I can't knit fingers, they are too fiddly for me. I'm one of those knitters who enjoys knitting large pieces of fabric, fingers, toys, even tiny baby garments can be too fiddly for me, I get in a mess, the needles and yarn become entwined. I know my limit.
    2. I prefer wearing fingerless gloves!, yes even in the midst of a cold winter I'd rather have my fingers free.If they get too cold I simply put my hands in my pockets.
    ISSUE 156 of THE KNITTER (October) had 2 of my designs in it !!

    If you fancy knitting one of these designs sometime, then if you wait 6 months I will be supplying the individual patterns on Ravelry and on my web site.
    A sample of the Fingerless Gloves available in Sandra's store
    Stokesay from Issue 156 of The Knitter is probably my best design to date. I made my own modification to the  lace tulip pattern so that the twisty stems could continue right up the sweater. I love the sleeve lengths and the neckline. If I was knitting this for myself (and I will one day) I would make the body longer, but otherwise perfect.
    A sample of the Fingerless Gloves KIT's available in Sandra's store.  A variety of cables, fair isle and lace, some knitted in the round, some knitted flat. 

    Great to knit up for Christmas gifts or why not gift the kit! 
    Lightwaves from Issue 156 of The Knitter is a lovely slip stitch square cushion. Using natural colours of West Yorkshire Spinner Illustrious yarn in a geometric pattern. Not an easy knit, you do need to follow the instructions row by row but well worth it. Finishes with tassles on the back.