Finished: Sweater in Marble DK

Another finished object.

For more details head over to my new blog. After a bit of chopping and changing, I think I have settled on a new name, Knits and Stitches.... Let me know what you think! 

Catherine x

A little update

Hello folks, thought it was time for a little update.  I started my new job on 4th January and really like it so far.  Have had little time for sewing, and have been curling up on the sofa most evenings getting on with a little knitting!

First of all, I have finished my slouchy pull on hat that I posted about here. Need to get a photo taken off it though.

Also on the needles is a plain sweater in this variegated yarn that I bought at the Knitting and Stitching Show last year. I started this a couple of weeks ago.

The pattern is for a plain sweater, as I wanted something that would show of the lovely colours in the yarn and also that I could knit in front of the TV without having to concentrate on fancy stitch-work!

The yarn is called Marble DK from James C Brett which is not a company that I had heard of before. It knits up really well though. The pattern I'm using is Sirdar 9133.

I'm also using my Knitpro interchangeable needles that I got for Christmas.  These are gorgeous and a real treat to knit with.

Also on the needles is a cable sweater that I began in March last year, yarn also purchased at the Knitting and Stitching Show. I have knit the back and sleeves and now just got the front to finish. The front cable pattern is quite complicated and definitely one that needs concentrating on, so making slow progress with this one!

The yarn is Aztec Aran by James C Brett and the pattern is Sirdar 7188.

I definitely need this little great gadget to help me keep count! I got it a few years ago and it's been very useful.

I have bought some new sock yarn which is a lovely variegated Regia yarn, which is my go-to yarn for socks.

I got this free sock pattern with Simply Knitting magazine recently and think that these will be fun to make.

Finally I have finished this shawl neck waistcoat knitted in Sirdar Click DK.  The pattern is Sirdar 9249. All that I have to do now is sew a few ends in, add some buttons and block!

I do intend to do some sewing soon! I have cut out another trusty New Look 6262 and plan to get on with sewing it this week. I've made this three times now, so this will be dress number four!

The material was from John Lewis and was a bit pricey but the quality is gorgeous.

I have also purchased the Emery dress pattern as although this is very similar to New Look 6262, I really like the long sleeves and the collar. I have been keen to make this pattern as I've seen so many versions of this and I would also like to compare to my tried and tested New Look 6262 to see how the fit compares!

I'm definitely going to make a muslin of the bodice first and I've got some lovely fabric lined up for this one too.

I'll let you know how I get on with the Emery dress.

x

A day out....The Knitting and Stitching Show, London Olympia

I took the day off work on Thursday and went to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Olympia in London. Although not such a big show as October's Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace, it's still a great day out. I went with my mum, armed with refreshments and a large bag!

There were a lot of fabric retailers there, mostly selling affordable fabrics.  It's the first time I've added to my stash this year as I am trying to be good, and use up some of my existing fabric.

I bought this from Simply Fabrics who are a retailer based in Brixton.  I think this will make up a nice summer dress. They had a selection of excellent priced fabrics and I think their shop must be worth a visit if you live in South London.

These fabrics I think came from Fabrics Galore, another South London fabric retailer. I think I need to move!

I'm thinking of this as a short sleeved blouse....

...and this as a skirt or maybe dress.

My final fabric was from Fabric Time who are based in Kingston upon Thames.  I bought this adorable polka dot and rose print.

This is going to definitely become a summer dress.

One of the busiest stalls was the McCalls pattern company. All their patterns were on offer for £4.50 or £12 for three. How could I resist!

I bought this "Patterns by Gertie" pattern to make up for my daughter: Butterick B5895. I think she will look cute in this. However, I don't think its a design for anyone but the skinny!

Loose-fitting top has front extending into collar and tie ends, and narrow hem on sleeves/back hemline.

I also picked up two dress patterns... Butterick B5982....

 Dress has close-fitting, lined bodice, side front seams, pleated and gathered skirt, back zipper, and belt with bow, knot and Velcro® closing. A/B, C D cup sizes.

....and Butterick 4443.

 Dress: close-fitting bodice and slightly flared skirt has bodice variations, back zipper and is below mid-knee length. B: contrast band, tie belt and purchased flower. C: tie belt. D: purchased ribbon and bow trim. E: purchased ribbon bow

I've not sewn any Butterick patterns before so I will be interested to see how they fit. I'm also a planning on losing a few pounds that have crept over the last year or so before I start on these. I have set myself a goal of losing a stone, so I will let you know how I get on!

On the knitting front, I bought 5 balls of this lovely aran weight yarn from Neil the knit.

It's called Aztec Aran and it's made by James C Brett which is not a company I've come across before. It's 10 percent alpaca so has a nice fluffy feel to it and it knits up nicely. I am going to make the tunic version on this pattern...

...and have already started.

I also bought some of this patterned yarn from the same stall. It's a self striping yarn and I am planning on knitting a simple round neck sweater with this to show off the pattern. 

Maybe this pattern...

Plenty to be getting on with...

Catherine x