Knitting Duds

I have not spoken about knitting here as of late and there is a good reason for that.  Yes, there has been a whole bunch of it going on.  It's just that they have all ended up in the 'dud' basket.

I have a bit of a theory about the 'duds'.  I think that my brain can only handle knitting, sewing or crocheting at one time.  Just one.  Despite the lack of evidence, I don't want to accept the theory because I also believe that I am an excellent multi-tasker.  Hmmm

Saying that, I am not going to give up hope.  This morning I decided that I needed some inspiration.  What better form of inspiration than a browse through Wondoflex Yarn Centre.  The rows and rows of yarns and colours was just what I needed.

So after some wandering, some pattern sourcing and a few new skeins.  I have a fresh start.  A cardigan for Gracie.  I have a good feeling about this one, I really do.  It has to work out because I do not want to add to my ever growing Basket of Duds.

Knitted Dishcloth ~ Pattern

When I was young my maternal grandma (my Mama) always used crocheted washcloths and dishcloths.  At that time I just didn't get it.  Yes, I thought they were beautiful but I couldn't work out why she would make something so pretty to clean the dishes or to wash her face.  It seemed like such a waste.

However, now that I crochet and knit my own I totally get it.  These cloths are so beautifully.  They looks pretty in the kitchen (or bathroom) and are such a quick and easy knit.  In fact, I think they are a perfect way for beginners to learn new stitches and improve their knitting skills without the worry of expensive yarn. Plus they are quick to finish.  It is so satisfying finishing something in a short period of time.

I also think they make for a lovely gift wrapped up with some handmade soap.

Personally, I prefer my dishcloths to be on the smallish side and I like them to be textured.  The pattern below can be altered to create your own cloth size.

Yarn - 1 ball of cotton yarn (I used Moda Vera bamboo/cotton ~ purchased at Spotlight $3.50 a ball)

Needles - 4mm 

• Cast on 35 stitches
• Knit 8 rows
• Row 9 - knit
• Row 10 -K4 *K1, P1 repeat from *knit last 4 stitches
• Row 11- knit
• Row 12 -K4 *P1,K1 repeat from *knit last 4 stitches
• Repeat rows 9-12, 9 more times
• Knit 8 rows
• Cast off and weave in ends

Textured Scarf

I finished Martin's scarf a while back but I thought that I would share some photos and the pattern with you.  It was a quick and easy knit.  I love the texture of the finished product.  It's starting to get cold down here in Melbourne and it won't be long before we're all grabbing our scarf and coat before heading out the door.

The Pattern

Yarn - 3 balls of Filatura di Casa 

Needles - 4mm and 5 mm

• Using the 4mm needles cast on 41 stitches
• Knit 4 rows
• Change to 5mm needles
• Row 1 - K2 *P1,K1 (through back loop), repeat from * to last 3 stitches, P1, K2
• Row 2 - Knit
• Repeat these two rows until the scarf measures approx. 165cm (ensure you still have enough yarn for remaining 4 rows and to cast off)
• Change to 4mm needles
• Knit 4 rows
• Cast off

With the weather being cold and a few months of fireside time ahead of me, I can see a whole lot of knitting and crocheting being done.  At the moment I am working on a crocheted pram blanket for a friend who had a baby girl.  The baby is now a few weeks old so I have to get cracking on it.  With all  of all the winter woolies that I have planned, I am think it might just be a wonderfully warm Melbourne winter, after all.  Well in my house anyway!

Store Crush ~ The Purl Bee

For many years, The Purl Bee has been one of my favourite blogs to visit.  The site shares loads of project ideas using fabrics, yarn and more and they also have a store - Purl Soho in NYC.  This was a "must-do" on our recent trip and I was so lucky to spend an hour or two oohing and ahhing over everything in the store.

I also managed to snap some photos to share with you.

The shop has an amazing array of quilting fabrics from designers like 

Denyse Schmidt, Kokka, Moda, and the like.  

Oh, and they had Liberty prints too. I just drooled over the selection. Liberty cottons are not cheap, though- something like $37/yard. But at least they are 54" wide, not 44" like most.

Note that this store is not for bargain hunters.  

It is for people who want to work with the highest quality and best products available.

I was tempted to buy this adorable cross stitch iPhone case. 

 I have regretted not getting it since we left the store so I might just have to purchase it on-line.  

The pattern is here.

(Sorry for the blurry photo but the case was inside a glass dome)

The wall of wool was AMAZING.  

They had numerous projects on display and a huge variety of wools and colours available.

With winter just around the corner I ended up buying a few skeins of the Brooklyn tweed.  I'm not sure what I'll knit or crochet with it but I couldn't resist not buying it.

Isn't it an inviting store?  

So much sewing, knitting and crafting inspiration in one little store.

I felt like I was in heaven.

It was definitely worth visiting and  I am glad that I made the effort to get there.  I just wish there was a store like this in Melbourne or even Australia, but alas, there is not (well not that I know of).  

Maybe I'll just need to get back to NYC to re-visit this wonderful store.

I'm tempted!!

The Baktus Is Done!

I decided to get cracking with my needles and I finished the Baktus.  It was a super quick and fun project so I thought I'd share it with you.  It is the perfect knitting project for the beginner.  I knitted it in garter stitch but you could easily do it in stockinette (knit, purl)

What you Need:
I used 3 skeins of 8 ply wool (Jo Sharp Silkroad DK in Treasure)
4.00mm needles

How to Knit:
Cast on 4 stitches
Row 1: K1, YO, knit the rest of the row
Row 2:Knit (make sure that you knit the YO through the back loop)
Row 3 and 4: Knit

Repeat rows 1 through 4 until you have used up half your yarn, or until your scarf is 50% the desired length.

Then decrease 1 every 4th row
Row 1: Knit, K2tog through the back loop. Knit the rest of the row
Row2,3 and 4: Knit

When you have 4 stitches left, cast off.

I am hopeless at getting pictures of myself.  For a start, there is no one here during the day to take pictures of me and secondly, I don't like having my picture taken.  Anyway I do love wearing the Baktus.  The wool is absolutely beautiful and has a tweed like finish.  The whole project measures about 145cm and sits right on my waist line.  It can easily wrap around my neck to keep me extra warm (perfect for when we're in NYC).

I am going to try and blog during our journey through the US.  I don't know if I will be on here everyday but I will keep you up-to-date with photos and a story (or two) when I can.  

Thank you for all the well wishes. x

On My Needles

There has been a lot of crocheting and knitting go on around here lately.  I think it's because of the gorgeous autumn air, combined with a whole lot of quiet nights - Patrick is at camp, Martin is busy working and Gracie and I at home, just the two of us.  Holding something in my hands, knowing that I am creating a special piece for the ones I love brings me a whole lot of satisfaction.  I just love it.

I couldn't help myself.  I ended up casting on and starting the scarf for Martin and the Baktus for me.  It was just sitting there waiting for me to begin.  I couldn't resist.  Now I need to stop and wait for our flight, or even better, finish off and find a new project for the plane.

Today, I also bring you progress on my crochet project Flowers in the Snow.  I know that this was suppose to be for our guest bed, but in all honesty the whole family love it on our couch.  We all agree that the pop of colour brings happiness into our little family room and if we had it on the guest bed we wouldn't enjoy it as much.  So it's a unanimous decision to leave it where it is for now and maybe, sometime down the track, I will crochet a few more squares and then we'll take it to the guest room.

Isn't it an inviting snuggle rug?

Yes, I Knit

My Mum was the one who taught me to knit (and sew and craft and use my time wisely).  I remember so clearly watching over her shoulder when I was 6 or 7 years old and being mesmerised as her needles moved at a million miles an hour.  I started knitting with the standard scarf (or two) and then moving onto my first jumper when I was in Year Six - 11 years of age.  I distinctly remember how incredibly frustrated I was when I dropped a stitch or it didn't look right and then watching patiently as my Mum corrected my work and made me feel better about what I was trying to achieve.  I think that secretly she would 'fix' my mistakes when I was asleep.


It was about 5 years ago, when Grace was still a toddler and Patrick had started school that I decided to pick it up again.  As I looked at the patterns that seemed all too hard, everything slowly came back to me.  It was as if everything clicked.  Since then, I have had something on my needles.  It is always around me.  It is who I am!  And sometimes, more often than not, I have a little girl next to me asking me to pick up her stitches and secretly I'm fixing her work while she is tucked up in bed.  It's wonderful to see that it has come full circle. 


Ah, the magic of knitting is well and truly alive in our house and it warms me to the core.


Check out some of my knitting ideas on my Crochet/Knitting page on Pinterest.


My newest knitting project is the Boot Toppers below.  After living through one Melbourne winter I know how much I need to keep warm and autumn is just around the corner...yikes!

Source: ravelry.com via Jane on Pinterest

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety-Jig

We're home again!  The past week was magical in so many ways.  We were incredibly blessed by good company, wonderful weather and beautiful sunsets every evening.  There was giggles and laughter morning noon and night, late nights with the kids falling asleep as soon as they were tucked into bed, and plenty of delicious meals shared between friends.  We feel so lucky to have such dear and special friends and family.  It was a blissful week

We all came home with tired but happy bodies, and me, I came home with lots of new sewing ideas.  I visited a few of my favourite sewing stores in the city and I was inspired in so many ways.  I also came home to laundry.  Lots and lots of laundry.  And now, as much as I feel sad about leaving friends and family (again) I am ready to return to the routine of home and to get the kids ready to return to school.

It is wonderful to be back in this space.  I love 'home'.  I love being back into sewing, knitting and crocheting.  As much as I am tired and exhausted I feel so ready to create.  This is what I made last night...

I made two Note Folders last night.  Grace is going to a friends party and she will take one as a gift.  We need to go shopping together and select some special things to go inside.

The little girl who will get the Note Folder will also receive this cute little bag.  Having a daughter, I know how much fun can be had with a bag and that the right bag is important.

A bit of embellishment on the bag.  Buttons - how i love thee! 

I also created and made this little purse for Gracie.  She was given some money for Christmas and needed somewhere to keep the coins.  It has two little pockets inside (see below).

These are the wristers I made while we were away.  In fact, I made two pairs because I felt the need to knit.  I had to add a button or two.

Wishing you a happy week!

The Blog Begins!

Well, it has been a LONG time coming but I have decided to start my blog.  I want to document my family life and also keep a record of the things I create and make.  I usually scrawl my ideas onto serviettes at restaurants but this way, I'm going to keep it all in one place..here!

At the moment I am a stay at home mum to two great kids aged 10 and 7.  I also teach (primary children) on a casual basis.  I LOVE to knit, sew, bake and also to decorate my house.

I am looking forward to sharing my ideas and documenting my life.

Come along for the ride...