Knitting & Crochet Guild Open Day

On Saturday 4th of May, I took part in the knitting & Crochet Guild Regional Open Day 2013, held in Linslade, Leighton Buzzard.

There was a lot to look forward to, including the Margaret Stove wedding gown, coat and veil, where she had both woven the cloth for the dress and and hand knitted the fine coat and veil.  Along with this we had a collection of 1950s children's knitwear which will be featuring in a BBc documentary later this year.

From this collection I had a complete turnaround of natural beauty and was astounded by the colours and the quality of the yarn used for a child's fair isle cardigan. Although the garment is over 60 years old it still looks as if it has just been purchased from a designer store.

We also had a large selection of vintage knitting patterns available for sale along with our "Rogues Gallery" featuring some interesting knitting fashions of the past!

Our patron, Debbie Abrahams came along and was a pleasure to meet.  She gave us a fascinating talk about her background and what inspires her. After which she gave us an insight along with showing us samples from her new book "Kaleidascope" co-written with Jane Crowfoot.

A yummy buffet lunch was served followed by afternoon workshops.  Debbie Abrahams workshop was based on beaded knitting, Yolande taught crocodile stitch for crochet, Judith's workshop explored various knitting techniques including cast-on edges, Jane held a project based class with lacy wrist warmers using Rowan "Kid Silk Haze" and I taught a project based crochet workshop teaching popcorns and clusters.

The day ended with tea and cake of course........ and a good old natter and catch up with friends new and old.

Mystery Knitted Bag - Part 4

Wendy Poole © Wendy Poole 2013.

For personal use only and not for re sale.

This month we finish the back section, by stitch ing up and making a braid trim to cover and embelish the vertical seams.

We then make a start on the centre front panel of the bag with the staghorn cable strip.

Next month we will be the two top squares of the bag that will sit either side of the cable strip.

Happy knitting folks and enjoy.

Wendy xx

Staghorn Cable Strip, Mock Cable Rib Trim, plus Making Up Info.

Staghorn Cable Strip

Using pink yarn (light colour) cast on 26 stitches.

Row 1 – Knit 3, purl 2, knit 4, cable 4 back, cable 4 forward, knit 4, purl 2, knit 3.

Row 2 – Knit 5, purl 16, knit 5.

Row 3 – Knit 3, purl 2, knit 2, cable 4 back,

knit 4, cable 4 forward, knit 2, purl 2, knit 3.

Row 4 – Knit 5, purl 16, knit 5.

Row 5 - Knit 3, purl 2, cable 4 back, knit 8,  cable 4 forward, purl 2, knit 3.

Row 16 – Knit 5, purl 16, knit 5.

Continue until work measures 12” (30cm) when slightly stretched, cast off in stitch pattern.

Eyelet Mock Cable Trim

Using plum yarn (dark shade) cast on 7 stitches.

Row 1 – Purl 2, Slip 1, knit 2, pass slip stitch over, purl 2.

Row 2 – Knit 2, purl 1, yarn round needle, purl 1, knit 2.

Row 3 – Purl 2, knit 3, purl 2.

Row 4 - Knit 2, purl 3, knit 2.

Continue until work measures 12” (30cm) when slightly stretched, cast off in stitch pattern.

Making up back section of Bag.

Top tip – Make up the back section of the bag now and try and stitch the horizontal seams as neatly as you can.  However the vertical seams will be covered with a knitted trim, so don’t worry if they don’t look perfect.

The front of the bag is a different design and won”t have any seams on show.

1.     Mattress stitch the bottom of the bobble square to the top of the mock cable square.

2.     Then mattress stitch the bottom of the crisscross square to the top of the cable forward square.

3.     Arrange to 2 pieces so that the bobble square is on the top right and the cable forward square is on the lower left, then mattress stitch these two panels together, making sure that the corners match neatly in the middle.

4.     Finally mattress stitch the cable back strip to the right hand side of your 4 squares to form a rectangle.  Pull the strip gently as you go, as the band looks better slightly on the tight side, rather than too loose. You can always undo a couple of rows if need be to reduce the length if needed.

5.     At this stage I would block the piece by pinning it into shape on an ironing board with the pins pointing inwards. Cover with a damp tea towel and leave overnight, to settle into the correct shape.

Mystery Knitted Bag - Part 3

Hello Folks

I'm back again with Part 3 of the Mystery Knitted bag. By the end of this section you will have completed the back of the bag, used both the "cable forward" and "cable back" techniques and made the gusset which will give the bag depth.

You can also print off the pattern pages from my website as downloadable pdf's along with a printable pdf file  showing you how to do the cable techniques used in the pattern so far.

Just go to www.wendy-poole.co.uk  and check out the Mystery Knitted Bag Page.

Next month, we'll start the front section and developing our skills further.

Happy knitting and enjoy.

Wendy xx

Cable Forward and Crisscross

 Wendy Poole © Wendy Poole 2013.

Cable Forward 6” Square (15cm)

Cable 4 forward = Slip next 2 stitches on cable needle and leave at front of work.            

Knit the next 2 stitches from the left hand needle, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.

Using grey yarn (mid shade) cast on 40 stitches.

Row 1 – Purl 2, *knit 4, purl 4*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, purl 2.

Row 2 - Knit 2, *purl 4, knit 4*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, knit 2.

Row 3 – Purl 2, *knit 4, purl 4*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, purl 2.

Row 4 - Knit 2, *purl 4, knit 4*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, knit 2.

Row 5 – Purl 2, *Cable 4 forward, purl 4*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, purl 2.

Row 6 - Knit 2, *purl 4, knit 4*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, knit 2.

Row 7 – Purl 2, *knit 4, purl 4*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, purl 2.

Row 8 - Knit 2, *purl 4, knit 4*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, knit 2

Repeat until work measures 6” (15cm) and cast off in the stitch pattern.

Crisscross 6” Square (15cm)

Using cream yarn (neautral shade ) cast on 42 stitches.

Row 1 – Knit.

Row 2 – Purl.

Row 3 – * Work right cross of 4 stitches as follows:  Slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at back of work, k2 from left needle, then knit 2 from cable needle, k2*, repeat from * to* .

Row 4 – Purl.

                       

Row 5 – Knit.

Row 6 – Purl.

Row 7 – * Knit 2, work right cross of 4 stitches as follows:  Slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at front of work, k2 from left needle, then knit 2 from cable needle, *, repeat from * to* .

Row 8 – Purl.

Repeat last 8 rows until work measures 6” (15cm) cast off.

                       

Gusset

With Dark shade cast on 15 stitches

Row 1 – Knit 1, Purl 1, rep to end.

Work this work until work measures approx 39 inches, leave stitches on needle.

Double Knitting Wrist warmers with Crochet Flower Tim

Hi Folks

Here is my latest free pattern for knitted wrist warmers with a crochet trim.

It's a slight adaptation of my original version, being slightly longer in the hand and cuff, long with ribbed edgings, and feels slightly more generous when wearing.

There is also a downloadable pdf version of this pattern on the "Free Knitting Patterns" page of my website 

www.wendy-poole.co.uk

Happy knitting and enjoy,

Wendy xx

A Wendy Poole Pattern

www-wendy-poole.co.uk

©wendy poole 2013

Materials

50 grams double knitting and 1 pair of 4mm needles.

1 x 4mm crochet hook.

2 small diamante buttons.

Right Hand  = *Using 4mm needles cast on 38 stitches.  Work 6 rows in 1 x 1 rib. Then starting with a knit row, work 10 rows stocking stitch*.

Thumb Gusset = Row 1 = Knit 19, inc into next stitch, k1, inc into next stitch, knit 16.

Row 2 = P.  Row 3 = K.  Row 4 = P.  Row 5 = K19, inc into next stitch, k3, inc into next stitch, k16.

Continue inc 1 st on each side of gusset on every 4th row until there are 48 sts on the needle.

Work 3 rows straight.

Next Row = k 32 sts, turn, cast on 2 sts.

Next Row = P 15 sts, turn, cast on 2 sts.

**Work 3 rows stocking stitch on these 17 sts. Then work 2 rows, 1 x 1 rib.  Cast off in rib.  Sew up thumb seam.

With right side facing, pick up and k 4 sts at the base of the thumb, and k to end of row. (39 stitches).

Starting with a p row, work 10 rows of stocking stitch.

Knit 3 rows.  Cast off.  Join side seam**.

Left Hand = Work as for right hand from * to *.

Thumb Gusset = Row 1 = Knit 16, inc into next stitch, k1, inc into next stitch, knit 19.

Row 2 = P.  Row 3 = K.  Row 4 = P.  Row 5 = K16, inc into next stitch, k3, inc into next stitch, k19.

Continue inc 1 st on each side of gusset on every 4th row until there are 48 sts on the needle.

Work  3 rows straight.

Next Row = k 29 sts, turn, cast on 2 sts.

Next Row = P 15 sts, turn, cast on 2 sts.  Complete as for right glove from ** to **.

Crochet flower trim

Using a 4mm crochet hook, make 5 chain and join with a slip stitch to make a ring.

Round 1 – Make 1 chain, then make 9 double crochet, working into the ring.  Join with a slip stitch.

Round 2 – Make 1 chain, then make 3 trebles all into the next stitch, make 1 chain.  Now *1 slip stitch into next stitch, followed by 1 chain, then 3 trebles into the next stitch, then 1 chain*.  Repeat from * to * 4 more times.  Join to the beginning of the round with a slip stitch and fasten off.

To make up = Stitch up side seams of the wrist-warmers.  Then with a needle and spare yarn, stitch the flower onto the wrist-warmer and stitch button trim through the centre of the flower.

Mystery Knitted Bag Project for 2013

Hello Folks

I'm not quite sure where January went, but I'm finally back and blogging again and one of the new year resolutions is to blog more often (even if it is February now)!

My DVD launched back in mid December and basically it sold out, so thank you to everyone who purchased a copy and I hope you're loving your crochet.  I've now had more reproduced and it is now available online from my website www.wendy-poole.co.uk

I've now re-created my website and started from scratch, making it myself, which I'm really proud of. I'll now be updating it regularly will be adding more patterns and ideas over the year.

I'm also in the midst of finishing crochet samples for my forthcoming "Crochet Handbook" which which is designed to compliment my crochet DVD, which is keeping me really busy.  Although it's a slower process, I always make all my own samples, so that I know all my patterns inside out. I love my crochet, so it doesn't feel like work at all and am buzzing with ideas...

The pile of "Unidentified Finished Objects" was growing higher and higher and becoming a daunting task! So I've gritted my teeth and waded in - before it completely takes over the house and Mr P discovers my trail of tangled yarn. I'm supposed to be having a clear out - but the problem is that every bit of yarn and fabric has a thought in mind or purpose, somewhere...!!

Well its finally here the start of "The Mystery Knitted Bag for 2013".  Originally I said that it would start in January, but to be honest I kept tweeking the original design till I was happy with it.

Just go to www.wendy-poole.co.uk and you'll see the link to it on the front page.

Each month I'll be posting the next section of the pattern on my website and later in the year I will also give instructions on how to make an optional fabric lining and fabric backing for the strap.

The idea behind it, is that it should be an interesting project to learn how to develop your confidence with textured stitches and and start to make, cables, aran stitches and bobbles without having to knit large pieces and also excluding shaping.

I've given lots of flexibility with yarn choice and kept it to a standard double knitting yarn. Use any make that knits to a standard DK.  I used 4 different colours Stylecraft Special DK for a patchwork effect, but Jarol Heritage, Sirdar Country Style or Patons Diploma are also good standard DK yarns that would work well for this pattern.  Or you could even use yarn out of your stash!!

I hope you decide to knit along with me and send your pictures when its finished - it will be great to see  all the different versions.

And now..... well I'm about to disappear under a crochet blanket to darn all the ends in.... Hot chocolate and a secret biccie might help at this point I think.

Ta ta for now and will be back soon, promise.

Wendy xx

Knitted Wrist Warmers Pattern

Double Knitting Wrist warmers

©wendy poole 2010.

Materials = 50 grams double knitting and 1 pair of 4mm needles.

Right Hand  = *Using 4mm needles cast on 36 stitches.  Work 3 rows in garter stitch (all rows knit). Then starting with a knit row, work 8 rows stocking stitch*.

Thumb Gusset = Row 1 = Knit 18, inc into next stitch, k1, inc into next stitch, knit 15.

Row 2 = P.  Row 3 = K.  Row 4 = P.  Row 5 = K18, inc into next stitch, k3, inc into next stitch, k15.

Continue inc 1 st on each side of gusset on every 4th row until there are 46 sts on the needle.

Work 3 rows straight.

Next Row = k 31 sts, turn, cast on 2 sts.

Next Row = P 14 sts, turn, cast on 2 sts.

**Work 3 rows stocking stitch on these 16 sts. Then starting with a k row knit 2 rows.  Cast off knitwise.  Sew up thumb seam.

With right side facing, pick up and k 4 sts at the base of the thumb, and k to end of row. (38 stitches).

Starting with a p row, work 8 rows of stocking stitch.

Knit 3 rows.  Cast off.  Join side seam**.

Left Hand = Work as for right hand from * to *.

Thumb Gusset = Row 1 = Knit 15, inc into next stitch, k1, inc into next stitch, knit 18.

Row 2 = P.  Row 3 = K.  Row 4 = P.  Row 5 = K15, inc into next stitch, k3, inc into next stitch, k18.

Continue inc 1 st on each side of gusset on every 4th row until there are 46 sts on the needle.

Work 3 rows straight.

Next Row = k 28 sts, turn, cast on 2 sts.

Next Row = P 14 sts, turn, cast on 2 sts.  Complete as for right glove from ** to **.

Knitting Pattern for DK Ribbed Beanie Hat

KnittedRibbed Beanie Hat

©wendy poole 2011

 

To fit average Mens/Ladies adult size head.

100 grams of DK yarn for plain version or 25 grams of 4 different colours for striped version.

1 pair of 4mm knitting needles

Cast on 110 stitches.

Row 1 - *Knit 2, Purl 2*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, knit 2.

Row 2 - *Purl 2, Knit 2*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, purl 2.

Repeat last 2 rows, working in the following colour pattern for striped pattern.

8 rows in Blue

8 rows in green

8 rows in yellow

8 rows in red

Work until piece measures 10” (25cm) – or 10 stripes if working striped version.

Top shaping – With right side facing.

Row 1 - *Knit 2, Purl 2*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, knit 2.

Row 2 - *Purl 2, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, purl 2.

Row 3 - *Knit 2, Purl 1*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, knit 2.

Row 4 - *Purl 2, Knit 1*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, purl 2.

Row 5 - *Knit 2 together, Purl 1*, repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches, knit 2 together.

Row 6 - *Purl 1, Knit 1*, repeat from * to * to last stitch, knit 1.

Row 7 - Knit 1, *Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to end.

Row 8 - Purl 2 together to end.

Cut thread at about 10” (25cm) and using a darning needle draw the thread through the stitches on the needle, to gather the top.  Darn in loose ends and stitch up the back seam.