Tuesday 23 September 2008

Off with the old, on with the new

I barely glanced at my knitting over the summer, somehow it didn't feel a very summery activity for me. These last couple of weeks I've had the urge to pick up my needles and finish a dishcloth that's been in-the-knit since back in the spring.


I think it's a nesting thing...imagining evenings snuggled on the sofa with some lovely wool, needles clicking away, dogs curled up at my feet, pitch black outside (ok, I'm getting carried away here!) So a few more rows and the above has been cast off, to add to my little pile. I was trying out various brands of cotton, and stitches. My favourite is still Rowan Handknit DK Cotton - both to knit with, and to use as a cloth.


So what next? I would really like to knit some of these - they're so cute. I have the pattern, but I've yet to master knitting on dpns. You Tube videos are a great help but I need hands-on assistance. So to get a simple winter project going I've decided to knit a blanket (I think in real knitter speak it's an afghan?) using this yarn.


I love these colours (no surprises there, they're blue!) so I'm knitting large squares in stocking stitch which I'll then patchwork together, and probably add a border. And I'll probably still be at it come spring. I also have my eye on knitting some Maine Morning Mitts from The Knitters Book of Yarn (free pdf pattern here) but that also means mastering the dpns! I thought they'd make great presents. Christmas isn't that far away...

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the color of the yarn in the top photo! Just perfect!

I am thinking of Christmas gifts too. Most of my stuff will be handmade this year so I had better get started!

A time to dance said...

Your cloths are lovely but they look too good for washing up with - especially in Rowan. I taught myself to knit a few years ago - making blankets with denim wool (from Rowan) the wool is in 4 diferent shades of denim and as you wash it fades like jeans I think you would like it as its blue and its cotton. You can experiment with sttches in each square and I got loved ones who knit to do some of the squares. I then progressed to bags - there are some lovely pattern books out there! and now I do socks - 4 pins are not at all intimidating honestly - take it fom a novice - ask if you want some advice. Drop by soon
H

Pipany said...

Hello Diana. That stash of dishcloths looks so pretty. Love the image of you knitting away in the evenings; my idea of bliss too. I am after a pattern for fingerless mittens as I want ot knit some for Lauren for christmas. My mum used to make them for us and I really fancy a go. Hope the sun is out in Penwith xx

Sally Anne said...

Oh I wish you could come and visit me, I'd have you mastering the dpns in no time at all. The discloths are beautiful and I love the colours.The blanket will be perfect to work on as the evenings become shorter.Good for you Diana!

Tilly said...

I watched an online video tutorial for knitting on dpns before I started my first socks last month. It scared the life out of me! Honestly, it's not so different from knitting on 2 pins. Just have a go, you'll love it!

Heart in the country said...

I'm very impressed with your dishcloths Diana, they look much too nice to use for washing up!
Love the colours for your blanket, I'm in the middle of making one myself and I think I will be joining you in finishing it in the spring.
Kx

dragonfly said...

I'm a bit scared of DPN's too...but the ones used for the bowls are so huge, they are a doddle! Give them a go - they are addictive! They'd look good in blue too!

Anonymous said...

Your knitting looks really neat! Don't be scared of the dpns - the hardest bit is joining them together at the start, after that you just knit, knit, knit! Glad to see you have invested in some New Lanark yarn - I have exactly the same plans for mine as you do! I have the feeling that you will be finished waaaaay before I am!

Clare said...

I have to agree with Randi the colour of the top yarn is lovely. I am being brave this winter and trying socks - I am a late convert to knitting needles, having been a dressmaker for more years than I want to admit to. so wish me luck.

kristina said...

I'm knitting a pale blue Debbie Bliss cashmerino blanket at the moment! I actually started it quite a while ago, but lost the knitting bug over the summer. I agree in general it's a real homey autumn/winter pursuit. And I love the Rowan Handknit DK cotton--fab for baby projects. K x

Anonymous said...

You choose the most gorgeous colours, I have to say. I'm very impressed with your winter project and hope you post photographs once it's finished.

Anonymous said...

Hi Diana
All those lovely dishcloths, the colours you choose are just perfect for Penzance.
I have just started my first dpns project, a felted French market basket. Don't ever say I don't jump in the deep end.

Pippa xx

Irene said...

Oh, how lovely your knitting is and I had in the past only thought of crocheted afghans, not knitted ones, which must be far superior and make me want to knit. I think I need to find someone in my area who knits and will help me read patterns. That will be my next challenge.