Search Results for: kina

the shawl grows

February 24, 2013 By 3 Comments

Every night I’ve been making some progress on the shawl. I’m more of a small project knitter like a baby or toddler cardigan but I’ve got to admit this shawl knitting is pretty addictive.

I just love watching it grow and am actually thinking I might do another shawl after this one. I know. Instead of a kina!

Now a few of you have asked about the yarn I’m using, it’s Allegro by Bendigo Woollen Mills. Sadly it’s not available anymore (see retro daddy, it pays to buy yarn as soon as you love it) except for a few destashes over on Ravely here. It’s a really nice one and the colour is lovely. And I’m not really a purple person.

My floors make for a nice backdrop since my dining table which I usually use is in the garage all wrapped up and waiting to come back into the house.

Tomorrow night I’ll be getting out my ‘hidden muscles’ to move all the furniture back into the house.

Oh and the pattern – I forgot to mention the pattern. The pattern is Textured Shawl Recipe here  and I’m following the instructions here.

Filed Under: kniting

what’s in my knitting bag this week?

February 13, 2013 By 9 Comments

I’m a year round knitter………summer, winter, autumn or spring I am knitting. I don’t wait for the cold weather. Now that I have my fancy pants knitting bag I’ve been keeping my projects in there and taking it wherever I go and know I’ll have a little time up my sleeve for a few rows of knitting.

At the moment I have 2 kinas on the go. (You can read more about my obsession with the Kina here) This pretty one is going to one of the twins preschool teachers who is off to have a baby soon. The yarn is hand dyed by Little Plum Yarns who you will find on Facebook here. She sells her gorgeous stuff on Saturday afternoons (not every week) and has the most gorgeous yarn.

I am just loving the pretty shades in this one. It’s nice when you’re making something small to use something a bit more special. It feels gorgeous. This is an 8ply and I’ve used 4mm needles to knit it. A little trick if you are ever stuck substituting yarn or needle sizes is to jump onto ravelry (www.ravelry.com) and look at patterns, put in the pattern you’re knitting and then search for the yarn you have or want to use. Chances are someone has used it before. Alternatively, instead of pattern search by yarn and see what needles and projects they have used.

And here is a little something I stashed away last year from Little Plum Yarns. It’s a similar colour but has a bit of silver in it. This will be so cute for some little hats for my girls I think……………

What are you knitting this week?

Filed Under: babies, baby, knitting, ravelry

I now have a fancy pants knitting bag

January 30, 2013 By 12 Comments

Notice there hasn’t been any craft on the blog of late? Yes. Ahem, cough cough. I’ve been going very slow on a knit for keira. There is a bit difference between knitting a cardigan for a baby or a 2 year old and knitting a cardigan for a 6 year old. This is clearly why I don’t knit for myself. I started this towards the end of last year and have been so slow getting to it. It’s a Kina (no surprises there, what is this? my 6th Kina?). The last one I made was for elodie here. But it’s been hard in school holidays as I’ve been entertaining little ones and had quite a few posts to write.

But you know me. I haven’t been knitting but I have been shopping. I decided after all of these years knitting that I wanted to stop taking my knitting in a ziplock bag or wrapped up in a pattern and chucked in my handbag.

But I needed a proper knitting bag. I saw this bag online and loved it. Then I thought no that is too bright for me. It’s the Zuma by Namaste. Just be warned if you’re going to look at their bags you might be there a while. Oh and it’s not made from leather/vegan friendly which some people will like.

I kept checking it online and then decided what the heck, I’ve been so good and saving my money for the house and I’m sure I’ll put it to good use as a handbag and do more knitting at the same time.

I bought mine at The Wool Shack and I’ll have to show the other little goodies I ordered too, and they were sneaky and popped in a little extra wool for me.

And the verdict on the bag? Love it. Want it in more colours. It has a huge opening with magnetic closures so it easily opens for you and you can just pop a project in. The front pocket (above) has all these cute little pockets for circular needles, measuring tapes and all your little knitting bits and pieces. And best of all it’s bright and fun and so much better than any knitting bag I’ve seen.

Traditionally I’ve always bought my handbags in brown and black. But look at me now! bright yellow knitting bag and I bought a gorgeous big teal handbag from Novo which I’ve never shopped at before but got this for $69 and thought it was great for the size and colour. And considering rice crackers, tiny teddies and the odd jatz cracker will end up at the bottom of my bag I won’t mind when it gets really dirty.

p.s And I always get a few questions about the Kina and since I’m always happy to help here is how to find the pattern.  Now you will find the pattern links on the Ravelry page for Muriela here. And her website which is in french is here, just to the left hand column, scroll down until you find English patterns, find the age you want and you’ll find the kina patterns under each age. The sizing is doll, baby, kids and ladies. Don’t blame me if you get addicted. I am well and truly under the spell of the Kina. After this one I’ll be doing a little one for one of the preschool teachers.

Filed Under: knitting

looking back on 2012 – the knitting

December 28, 2012 By 9 Comments

One of the hardest things for me is finding time for my craft. It’s such a fun and essential part of my life but so hard to sit down and do when people need to get dressed or be fed or the house needs to be cleaned. But for my own sanity I need to have knitting nearby or be sitting at my machine. Some people run, some people eat chocolate………………I craft. Ok I eat chocolate too. Knitting, sewing, quilting, crocheting, stitching. It all gives me huge satisfaction, lets me destress and gives me something that is mine. Oh and saps my bank account dry because I love to shop craft.  Here is baby emerson modelling the puerperium – blogged here and ravelry details here.

And while I’m not crafting as much as I’d like,  a quick look back through flickr and my blog reveals it wasn’t all that bad. I did finish things………….and start things. I’m always starting a new project and whether I finish it or not is another matter. And I knit 2 baby kina’s this year. My nana was telling me that when she googled the kina pattern it kept coming to my blog. Oh yes, that would be addiction to the kina. I’m surprised I haven’t cast one on over the holidays. Ravelry details for my kina’s this year are here and here.

and I knitted my first Milo and tackled my first cable. It was easy. What was I worried about? And when I look at this photo I realise I’m not over having babies. Uh oh. Blogged here.

I crocheted emerson a little blanket since we were swimming in girly girl pink blankets. Blogged here.

 modelling it

I also made emerson some super quick and easy baby facewashers. The kids adore these and I really think they are the perfect project when you don’t want to tackle a big project. But you won’t just make one. You’ll make a pile of them. Blogged here and ravelry details here.

facecloths

I also made elodie a super cute little coat. I adore this coat and will get another winter out of it. Great little pattern and I’ll be making emerson a little boy version before winter is here. Blogged here and ravelry details here.

ear muffs

 I made a cardigan for another little elodie which was so adorably cute and kept me busy while we were living in the serviced apartment waiting for this house to settle. This is a lovely project. Blogged here and ravelry here.

love the neckline

I whipped up a super quick baby cardigan which really is a favourite of mine from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I’ve made this a couple of times and it never disappoints. Blogged here and ravelry here.

all ready for baby

And the last thing off my needles for the year was a cute little cardy for elodie. Called In threes this was easy and fun. Blogged here.

and my top tips to get more craft into your life. Have a few projects ready to go so that if you’re going somewhere with time to spare (dr’s surgeries are my favourite) then you can quickly pop it in your bag and go. Always have your machine out and a pattern or fabric nearby. Set aside time on a weekend when your other half minds the little ones and you get some time to yourself. And my best ever secret – learn to love night times and stay up late in peace and quiet!

Filed Under: babies, baby, kina, kniting, knitting, last minute knitted gifts, ravelry

what I’ve learnt about waldorf dolls

November 28, 2012 By 11 Comments

Well my doll making classes are coming to an end and I’m a little bit sad. It’s been so nice to slip out of the house for a few hours and learn something new. These dolls take time and that’s before you’ve even started on the hair. The hair would have to be the most time consuming part of a dolly as you have to sew each strand on.

I was feeling pretty proud of my dolly until I found out I made a boo boo with the hair and changed the shape of the dolls head. And no I won’t be showing you the back of the head. But once I’ve made a mistake I learn and make sure I never do that again. Like if you’ve ever sewn a pair of pants and sewed them shut or sewn one piece the wrong way or my old favourite you make something and then realise the fabric design was going the other way.

Getting the head right is really important. I was too scared to tackle the head of the bigger doll we do in the class so saved it till today. You don’t want it too big or too small and you need to wrap your wool around the dolls head to give it a face. Then you stitch over the wool and then you add an outer layer of fabric that is also stitched on. And we’re doing all of this by hand.

It’s certainly given me a new appreciation of the hours that go into making a doll. And I’ve also had a quick look around on the net for tutorials and patterns and I’ve realised that everyone has different methods. Heads are done differently, some people machine sew their dolls, some are very traditional and some are more modern. And I hope my teacher doesn’t mind me sharing but this is the gorgeous assortment of dolls that she has made which are on her spare bed! I can assure you that these dollies wouldn’t last long if my lot were let into the room!

I’m just aiming for 3 dolls, one for each girl! And I can’t wait to finish my dolly off and start making her a little wardrobe – top of the list is a little kina! I can’t wait for that. The doll size kina pattern is a free download and you’ll find it here.

oh and how did that cute face get on here! I love elodie’s little hand in this shot…..as soon as I put emerson down for a play on the floor she is there hovering over him getting her head as close to his. Their little bond is precious, they smile and laugh at each other on the mat and are going to be best buddies. I just know it!

Filed Under: craft

Which craft projects to pack

September 11, 2012 By 17 Comments
Retro daddy and I were having a little conversation about our holiday – I said we should have either lunch or dinner out each day. He thought we should always have lunch in (remember he’s the accountant). I made it clear this is my holiday too and I’d like a tiny break from the cooking, the dishes and the groceries…thank you very much.
 
the hexagons are done
I also hope that means I get a bit of craft time while we’re away. And part of the fun of taking some projects away is deciding what to take. I’ve decided a summer knitting project would be perfect. All of my girls could do with a little cotton bolero or cardigan each. You know how much I love the baby kina pattern! And you know how much I love bendigo cotton for my summer knitting too. And also try the spring cotton which knits up tighter and holds it’s shape much better.

still big squishy cheeks

Another favourite summer knitting project is this little knitted tee, the cap sleeved tee. Super easy and knit in one piece from the top down. It’s super addictive too. Or maybe it’s just me. Once I find a pattern I can’t stop making it. I also have everything here to try this pattern which would look pretty on elodie too.

happy model

And I’m thinking some hexagons to stitch would be nice too. Of course my first hexagon project is still waiting to be quilted so I could attempt to hand quilt it which could look nice! Or I could take my machine away with me to machine quilt it but I have a feeling I won’t get that one past retro daddy. Pack light are his words to me at the moment. And we have a pram, portacot, suitcases and more to fit in the van.
 
the kids get in the act
 
But whatever happens I’ll have some fun picking through my stash and deciding what to take and then there is the fun that is having some quiet time to myself to get a bit of craft done. Something I’m struggling to do at the moment.
Filed Under: knitting, quilting, sewing

some of my favourite baby knits

June 25, 2012 By 16 Comments
With just over 2 weeks to go I’m finding all these gorgeous baby knits that of course I want to make. In fact knitting for a baby is all I can think of. Maybe because it involves sitting on the couch and not doing much more. But who am I kidding………………….time is not on my side. I really want to make baby a new blanket………..I’m loving this one from More Last Minute Knitted Gifts (a fabulous book for the knitter!).
so making this one for elodie
Then on ravelry I recently found this seriously cute chevron blanket here and it reminded me of the ripple blanket I made a few years ago.  It hangs over little Elodie’s cot and is just so beautiful. It took a couple of months to make but was such a perfect project and it’s great if you’re looking for something once you’ve mastered the granny square. This was the biggest blanket I’d ever made. For a boy this would look just gorgeous in pale blue, grey, white and taupe….I won’t rule it out.
ripple is done!
Now one thing I do have to make are a few little hats for baby number 5. I have an all time favourite pattern by Debbie Bliss which is on ravelry here. Super quick and easy with a little bit on the top but if you want even faster then you can’t beat the umbilical cord hat. Ravelry details here and here is one I made for Finn. The chunkier the yarn the faster the knit and there is no need to always stick to baby wool when it comes to knitting for babies these days.
hat
and if you want an easy baby cardigan then this is top of my list…….the easy baby cardigan from More Last Minute Knitted Gifts. On ravelry here. I’ve made it 3 times and will keep making it as it’s so quick, easy and perfect.
easy baby cardigan
And everyone knows I’m the Baby kina addict. You can never knit this too many times……you’ll find it on ravelry here
kina
Lastly, I don’t really do baby booties but I love baby socks. My favourite pattern is a very simple Debbie Bliss one knit on 2 needles which is on ravelry here.
warm tootsies
If you have a favourite baby knit I’ve missed then let me know!!!
Filed Under: babies, knitting, ravelry

my knitting and sewing plans

May 1, 2012 By 22 Comments
Once the craft room is cough cough unpacked and sorted, I have grand plans to do a bit of sewing and knitting this winter. I always have grand plans at the start of a new season but since I’ve just unpacked and put away clothes for 4 little people I know what they need this winter. First up are some little dresses for church. I find it really hard to find nice dresses for winter, we have a lot of denim dresses and a couple of country road ones but I love this little dress from girly style wardrobe
P1019626
If you’re after a great winter dress pattern I really love this simple one that I made for keira a couple of years ago. It’s now in Tillie’s wardrobe and very simple and pretty. The pattern is Simplicity 3510 and it’s a great pattern to have in your stash.
sassy
I really love the little detailing on it.
all the little pintuck details
I’m also rather taken with this little jacket and skirt. I don’t know if I have time to squeeze the jacket in but it’s definitely something I’d love to make down the track.
P1019633
Also for my big girls I’d love to whip up this little tunic for them from Jennifer Paganelli’s Girl’s World, a gorgeous book if you have girly girls like I do. The yellow is a bit too much for me and I’d probably do something a little more classic in red, navy or aqua but this would be great to get through winter and it’s an easy pattern too. I love that.
P1019632
I’m working my through another baby kina for Elodie (it will be her 3rd) and the 5th I’ve made so far. I do get a little obsessed by a good pattern when I find one and the Kina never disappoints. Knit all in one piece it’s perfect in summer or winter and I can’t wait to finish it off. Um, I’m only up to row 11 but I’ll get there. The pattern page on ravelry is here. You won’t be disappointed AND it’s great for beginners. I don’t lie.
still big squishy cheeks
for the new little man who is coming into our life in July I’d love some little stripey knits. These are from Millamia’s Wonderland, their latest book so kindly given to me by Suzy Hausfrau. It’s a gorgeous book and these little tops and pants would be adorable. I’ll aim for a top. In the smallest size. Keep it simple and small.
P1019631
And if I had the time I’d love to do a big hoodie for Elodie too. I love Debbie Bliss patterns and this one has been on my wish list for years. I love that’s a cardigan hoodie and being knit up in an aran means it would be fairly quick on the needles. This is from Debbie Bliss Simply Baby, one of my favourites.
P1019630
And that’s about it. Let’s see how much I can achieve but it’s good to dream big!
Filed Under: craft, knitting, ravelry, sewing

a few crochet questions answered

April 30, 2012 By 11 Comments
I’ve received a couple of crochet questions by email and have been a little tardy replying so thought I’d put them into one blog post! Kill 2 birds and all that.
my knitting basket!
First up the lovely Michelle asked me what is worsted weight yarn? I call it a 10 or 12 ply. I like to use Bendigo (no surprises there) Luxury 10 ply or Rustic 12 ply when I need a worsted weight yarn. Another lovely one is Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran which is also lovely, more expensive, but lovely too. I found this very useful website here which had a great chart with all the yarns and weights.
Michelle also asked about crochet hook sizes and what do all the letters mean. In Australia we use metric measurements for our hooks and needles and I found this simple conversion chart which I hope helps.

Then last week I received a lovely email from Betty. She’s a grandma betty like my grandma betty! And she wanted to crochet hats for children and teenagers with leukemia and wanted to know where she could find some free patterns. I have a cute and easy pattern here which I wrote for Samaritans Purse. Ravelry is also an amazing search engine in itself. I found a couple of lovely free ones here, here, here and here. And I couldn’t go past this baby one here. Seriously cute.
I hope that helps! As for me I’ve cast on another baby kina for elodie and about to cast on the placket knit from last minute knitted gifts for her too. She’s really short of little knits at the moment so thought I’d do two at once to beat the boredom!
keeping themselves busy
and this is monday morning at our house! I’m blogging from just near the window, they are playing, the washing machine is working hard and I can hang it out while they play! It’s a great little set up but took almost an hour before I could sit down for a bit as someone wanted something then something else and so on! Oh and we’re still waiting for foxtel, they’ve rescheduled on me for this morning after cancelling yesterday and ringing the wrong number to tell me. Then they rescheduled again for late this afternoon. So not a happy customer and hoping nothing goes wrong this afternnoon! Please foxtel, 4 small children and an exhausted mummy.
Filed Under: bendigo woollen mills, crochet, ravelry
« Previous Page
Next Page »