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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Category: Kits & Patterns

  1. Enjoy 10% Discount From Now Til Christmas

    Posted on

     
    Just before I settle down into my latest design/knit for 'The Knitter' magazine (a lovely lace and mosaic knit shawl) I thought I'd send you a quick note about my site wide 10% off discount code. Valid until Christmas day, the code is "TILXMAS" .

    Sandra 
    A couple of weeks ago I had a few days where I knew I would be sat in the car, either as a passenger or just waiting for my other half to finish hospital appointments. I took along some yarn and double pointed needles and cast on these lovely striped socks. I'm offering them as a great Christmas kit, with 2 types of yarn (100% wool AND a wool/nylon blend for the heels and toes) and a new technique to learn too.  You or your knitting friend would love this.

    And for any newbies to sock knitting - Have you seen the easy sock pattern that I designed a few years back on my web site. Another freebie !  There are a few kits left for anyone interested. You will get the yarn and a printed version of the pattern. 
    Check out the SALE ITEMS - Always good for stocking fillers
    I have just one of these lovely little sewing kits left in stock. Order 2 kits from me and I'll pop this little sewing gift bag in with your parcel.
    FREE UK SHIPPING WHEN YOU SPEND £50 OR OVER
     
    SOME OF THE KNITTING KITS & PATTERNS IN STORE 
    Grab the last one of these kits
    Free Easy Sock pattern - for the experienced knitter who hasn't yet attempted socks
     
     

  2. 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!