The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Food & crafts => Crafts => Topic started by: ellisr on November 16, 2011, 02:56:59 pm

Title: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 16, 2011, 02:56:59 pm
This is what I finished today and popped into my shop.
I was inspired by the nip in the air today
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Bionic on November 16, 2011, 03:06:17 pm
Ellisr,
That looks really nice. Classy and cosy at the same time.
Well done
Sally,
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 16, 2011, 03:09:53 pm
Need more wool to do one for me as well and matching gloves (probably mittens)
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: doganjo on November 16, 2011, 04:54:53 pm
Looks nice.  Wish I had time to sit down and knit.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 16, 2011, 04:56:17 pm
Well I'm off work poorly and just found some more wool and some fancy yarn to put some of that in as well yippee
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Fleecewife on November 16, 2011, 08:43:23 pm
That looks lovely and cosy  :)   Someone on here mentioned a moebius scarf where you put one twist in on a circular needle - that might work well in a cowl too, especially if it was double sided.   Your shop must be full of wonderful goodies ellisr
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 16, 2011, 09:27:50 pm
I have sold out of mobieus scarfs (I knit them in the straight then join in a twist)

I have an order for a couple of mens infinity scarves. I have just finished another cowl in chocolate brown with a patch of eyelash yarn knitted in for interest it is so nice I may just keep it for myself.

My shop is filling nicely with winter warmers but I am about out of wool and can't get for any until the weekend and the rate at which things are going I think it maybe empty again by then
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Lesley Silvester on November 16, 2011, 11:32:43 pm
What is a mobieus scarf?  I am busy knitting my granddaughters scarves with pockets for Christmas.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Fleecewife on November 17, 2011, 12:28:23 am
A moebius strip is a ring which has a twist in it so if you follow say the inner surface, it becomes the outer one, then the inner one again.  Take a strip of paper and hold the two ends together, then twist one around and hold them together again to see what I mean.  You can buy rings and bracelets like that - it also has a use in physics I think.  For a cowl or continuous scarf, the twist makes it sit nicely around the neck.  I made my first one by mistake when I was first learning how to use a circular needle and got the ribbing of a jumper wrong  :dunce:

Ellisr - you are clearly a mile ahead of me  :D  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 17, 2011, 12:01:24 pm
And more but I am most definately out of wool (I think) well until I have a hunt around
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Lesley Silvester on November 17, 2011, 10:07:31 pm
Thanks for the info, Fleecewife and ellisr, all I can say is Wow!  They're gorgeous.  Do you ever stop knitting?
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 17, 2011, 10:12:19 pm
well not normally. I usually knit in the car to and from work but I have been off this week with a horrid cold so I have used all my wool now well maybe enough to make a couple of pairs of wristwarmers and I do have some socks to finish for OH so tomorrows projects lined up.

I have just finished an infinite scarf so I will allow it to settle and press and take some photos tomorrow.

Off to the market on saturday for more wool and I have a delivery of handspun yarn due any day, I am so excited.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Bionic on November 18, 2011, 08:33:50 am
well not normally. I usually knit in the car to and from work .

Ellisr,
I am assuming that its not you doing the driving  ;D ;D

Sally
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 18, 2011, 08:43:41 am
no never been good at multi tasking ;D
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Mel Rice on November 18, 2011, 10:10:16 am
I always knit whilst watching telly...It was an excuse (to myself) to watch rubish...well I was doing something constructive not just sitting!
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Blinkers on November 18, 2011, 10:55:37 am
They're gorgeous - I love the purple one.   What on earth size needles did you use  :o :o 

 :wave:
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 18, 2011, 10:56:48 am
14mm were used and double yarn like afghan knitting
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 18, 2011, 01:33:18 pm
and eventually got the photos done of yesterday evenings work.

This is an infinite scarf
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Old Shep on November 18, 2011, 01:47:06 pm
lovely knitting!!

just musing but how do you finish an infinite scarf??  :-\
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 18, 2011, 01:51:04 pm
sew the ends together
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Miss Piggy on November 18, 2011, 02:19:26 pm
You are a very accomplished knitter they are absolutlety fab. Thanks for sharing them it inspires us novices to keep at it!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Fleecewife on November 18, 2011, 04:12:07 pm
lovely knitting!!

just musing but how do you finish an infinite scarf??  :-\

Or you can knit it on a circular needle and put in one twist when you join the cast-on.  I will try to get a pic of the one I am wearing - I think I must have grafted the beginning to the end as well as using a circular needle, as I can't see a seam anywhere.  I made it up as I went along and didn't write it down  ::)
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 18, 2011, 05:05:44 pm
Fleecewife a twist in it takes it to a mobius scarf and not an infinite scarf. If you dont have circular needles just join by grafting the cast off this can be done for either style
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 19, 2011, 04:46:32 pm
ooops I somehow managed to buy 1.5 kg of wool today and my handspun arrived. OH is out tonight so lots of me time now
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 20, 2011, 08:46:26 am
Another infinity scarf
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Bionic on November 20, 2011, 03:50:11 pm
Ellisr,
How long do these take you to make?
Sally
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 20, 2011, 04:42:53 pm
Maybe a couple of hours depending on what mood I'm in and different styles have different times the wider ones in 2 yarns maybe take me 3 hours
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Lesley Silvester on November 20, 2011, 11:54:43 pm
How many stitches do you need and how long do they need to be assuming you are joining cast on and cast off edges?
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Bionic on November 21, 2011, 02:50:15 am
Maybe a couple of hours depending on what mood I'm in and different styles have different times the wider ones in 2 yarns maybe take me 3 hours

Gosh, you must be a fast knitter.

Sally 
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on November 21, 2011, 08:44:22 am
I have never really thought about it I just sit and knit whilst watching TV or in the car. I do knit the cowls on rather large needles with double yarn so that maybe why
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 24, 2011, 01:25:55 pm
New cowl I call Lilac Knots and I now have a website http://cutletcountrycrafts.weebly.com/ (http://cutletcountrycrafts.weebly.com/)
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 26, 2011, 05:16:14 pm
Another new knit fabulous with a twist to keep your neck warm
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Bionic on December 26, 2011, 05:51:20 pm
Ooooh, thats very stylish.  I am sure it will be popular
Sally
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 27, 2011, 11:20:19 am
Another couple that I knit yesterday with the extreme knitting technique
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Sunnybank on December 27, 2011, 04:08:15 pm
love these, have just been looking up about extreme knitting, can you suggest a good book to start me off, looking to make scarves and throws really, any info would be great xx
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 27, 2011, 04:14:51 pm
best advice I could give is to get needles and yarn and play. If you have knitted before you would have a good idea of stitches you like and then just run with it. There is on;y one book I have found out there but for the price over £15 I don't think it is really worth the money.
If you start building up in needle size and yarn number 14mm/2 or 3 chunky yarns and just go from there. The projects are very quick and you should get the hang of it really quickly.

I have just done a kingsize blanket on 24mm x 112cm it took me a week to knit (nights only). It was a custom order so I don't have photos unfortunately.

My next project is a simple knitted coat which I may line with a fleece material
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Sunnybank on December 27, 2011, 06:16:43 pm
thanks for your reply, think i have seen the book you mention on ebay and had wondered if it was any good and worth the money, I have only the basic knitting skills but love knitting with chunky, did manage to knit myself a jumper once with very chunky yarn and it grew so quickly:)
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 27, 2011, 06:20:47 pm
extreme knitting grows at 3 times the rate of super chunky and if you start with just a knit stitch you will be able to make rugs and blankets in no time. The needles are not the cheapest I have just paid over £30 for a pair but you can get smaller ones to start with. My only advice is if doing larger project sit close to the floor on a pouffe or something as it gets heavy very quickly.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Lesley Silvester on December 27, 2011, 10:49:54 pm
Managed to buy some 25mm needles in a shop in Poole, Dorset.  They were £7.99 and are plastic.  Looking forward to starting with them but have to finish the scarf my daughter 'started' and knit another one first.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 27, 2011, 10:54:05 pm
Plastic is not the best with such a big size but if you rub them in your hair between rows they should flow better. I know I harp on about wood or bamboo needles but the reason is they are just a better needle and don't stress your hands and chest so much, remember if you are doing a big project with big needles it is going to get heavy quickly so sit close to floor to help with the weight or you will feel your chest muscles the next day ( I know through experience)
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Bionic on December 28, 2011, 09:58:05 am
Ellisr,
I love the sound of the knitted coat. Do you have a pattern or do you make it up?
Sally
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 28, 2011, 10:08:05 am
I make up things as I go along and then write patterns afterwards. I know the style I want so it should be plain sailing. I have just been asked to exhibit at a show for 3 months so my head is all of a tizz at the moment
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Bionic on December 28, 2011, 10:13:01 am
My head is always in a tizz.  There is no way I can think up something original to do and wouldn't even know where to start.

Well done you for getting the exhibition.   :thumbsup:

I hope we will see the work that you produce and it will spur on those of us who can't think for ourselves.
Sally
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 28, 2011, 10:17:13 am
I am going to start and write down stuff for patterns for the extreme knitting as it is simple and quick which makes it addictive
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Bionic on December 28, 2011, 10:55:21 am
oh good, that will be very useful.  Do you think you will have enough for a small book at some stage?.  I would be happy to pay money for a pattern or book.
Sally
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 28, 2011, 10:57:32 am
most probably but I want it to be simple practical stuff that doesn't cost the earth to make. I bought a lovely pattern book to buy the correct wool was going to cost me a fortune not what I had in mind
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Sunnybank on December 28, 2011, 02:27:18 pm
i would buy a book of extreme patterns too x
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 28, 2011, 02:29:27 pm
well first simple pattern is done, just need a few more.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Lesley Silvester on December 29, 2011, 01:37:30 pm
I make up things as I go along and then write patterns afterwards. I know the style I want so it should be plain sailing. I have just been asked to exhibit at a show for 3 months so my head is all of a tizz at the moment

Well done.  I'm sure it will go well judging by your lovely photos.
I am going to start and write down stuff for patterns for the extreme knitting as it is simple and quick which makes it addictive

I'll buy a book as well.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 29, 2011, 01:58:10 pm
May take a little while to put together but I will try to get enough together for a book (but can't afford to publish it)
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Sunnybank on December 29, 2011, 08:43:42 pm
how about selling extreme patterns as a download, sure they would be popular. a basic scarf or rug and i would buy one x
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 29, 2011, 09:05:28 pm
OK I'll write a couple down tomorrow and make them available on my website very soon
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Lesley Silvester on December 29, 2011, 10:07:21 pm
May take a little while to put together but I will try to get enough together for a book (but can't afford to publish it)

Try lulu.com.  They do print on demand.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 30, 2011, 06:01:54 am
I will keep it in mind but at the moment I will do a few single patterns, I have most of my effort put into this exhibition as it is for 3 months and I have to make sure I have enough items as this maybe the push my little business needs to get off the ground properly
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Rich/Jan on December 30, 2011, 08:35:15 am
Ellisr, I noticed the time you posted this morning.  You are an early bird.  Do you start knitting as soon as you get up or do you knit in bed or even in your sleep.  You seem to get so much done - could you send me some of your energy please.  My eyes dont even focus at that time in the morning.  I have just finished the scarf you advised me on, with putting two colour yarns together to get a chunky wool, and had enough for a hat as well.  I have been trying to find a knitting pattern for a loose beret-type hat but so far no luck and I am no good at making up patterns.  Have looked on the net but no luck - do you know of any books that advise on making up patterns.  I suppose I would always try and buy one and take it apart to work out the stitches, method etc.  Bit drastic though ::) ::) :thumbsup:Many thanks - Jan
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on December 30, 2011, 09:18:57 am
Ravelry is good for patterns for hats etc, I have a pattern somewhere for that type of hat but if I remember rightly it has a peak at the front I'll try and find it under all my stuff I have just made.
I wasn't knitting at that time in the morning I was promoting things and putting paperwork together for the exhibition and drawing new designs I want to try, all because I couldn't sleep. I normally get up at 4.30 on a work day so maybe it was just my body getting revenge on me but I've done the animals so I'm going to pop my feet up and do another couple of cushion covers before lunch and then online to see if I can find some nice wools for jackets.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Lesley Silvester on December 30, 2011, 01:16:43 pm
You are obviously a lark, not an owl.  My natural waking up time is around 9am but I rarely get to bed before midnight.  Last night it was 2am.  Wish I was a lark.  I seem to being missing all the sunshine at the moment.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on January 14, 2012, 12:25:08 pm
A make from last night, it is so warm and cuddly
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Bionic on January 14, 2012, 12:44:05 pm
Did you really knit that in just one evening?  Its lovely.

My boiler has been out of order for a week so no central heating  :(

Your shawl looks just the thing to keep me warm when I am watching the TV  ;D
Sally

Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on January 14, 2012, 02:39:41 pm
Sally yes I knit that yesterday evening and the pattern is just from my head.
I have just been and got some more wool with a touch of mohair to make another with that special touch.

I had the red one on this morning to check for fit and that it lay properly (we had no heating on) and OH had to prize it off me as it was amazingly warm and snuggie
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Bionic on January 14, 2012, 02:55:23 pm
Ellisr,
I take my hat off to you. Not only can you knit very quickly you can just make them up.  :)

I am hopeless at anything like that and need a pattern to follow.  Were you taught your crafts or is it something that you have just grown into?
Sally
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on January 14, 2012, 03:10:32 pm
My Great Grandma taught me but I really didn't knit anything to wear until I was an adult and I don't really think in pattern form , more like what do I have to do to reach a certain shape. I am rubbish at reading patterns because of my dyslexia.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on January 14, 2012, 06:11:12 pm
OMG OMG OMG I ma in love with the shawl I am making at the moment, it should be finished by the end of the film OH has just put on. I can't wait I know this one is for the exhibition but I may just have to get some more wool and do one for my collection.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Lesley Silvester on January 14, 2012, 10:24:31 pm
People with dyslexia are often creative, eg Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso, Jorn Utzon (Sidney Opera House).
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on January 15, 2012, 08:46:42 am
Well there you go I now have an excuse for knitting more ;D
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Bionic on January 15, 2012, 08:59:53 am
I can't wait to see the shawl pics  :)
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on January 15, 2012, 09:30:56 am
I ran out of one of the yarns with 8 rows to go, so have to go and get some this morning so pictures will be delayed. I think this one maybe sold and not make it to the exhibition, but with all of my items it is first come first served.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on January 15, 2012, 01:35:53 pm
It is all finished after a very frustrating wait for the shop to open, and I accidently bought too much so I will just have to make one for me ;)
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Miss Piggy on January 15, 2012, 03:14:41 pm
Its truly great, your are star,  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Bionic on January 15, 2012, 03:16:00 pm
Thats very nice and love the colours when you look close up at it.  Well done

There is something similar in the book I have just bought. They call it a 'cuddle' which sounds very cosy.

Sally
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on January 15, 2012, 03:27:06 pm
I have that book and yes it is very similar, I got the book after I knit the first one and realised she increases and decreases at the end where I do mine at the beginning and I think she starts with 8 stitches and I choose 10 to start. Looking at her pattern I think it maybe a bit wider than mine as well. The book was a bit boring for me I was expecting more but that is maybe because I had already worked out similar patterns myself.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on January 22, 2012, 12:47:04 pm
And another
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Bionic on January 22, 2012, 12:54:46 pm
That looks sooo lovely and warm.  I could do with it right now as my central heating has broken down  >:(
Sally
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on January 22, 2012, 12:56:38 pm
I have my personal one on so I don't have to put the heating on ;D
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on January 25, 2012, 09:57:07 pm
Another 1 for the exhibition and the purple one is my personal shawl
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on February 12, 2012, 03:38:02 pm
Anyone wanting double point extreme needles I now have 10 pairs for sale, see ad in marketplace. These will be going with me to the next exhibition on 17th Feb.

Normal extreme needles will be available later this week.
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: Mel Rice on February 12, 2012, 08:38:37 pm
I found a load of patterns at a charity shop....they were all sixties and seventies ones but fit the retro look!!!
Title: Re: more knitting
Post by: ellisr on February 12, 2012, 08:40:22 pm
fantastic I got loads of wool for the exhibition at charity shops last week. Now I just need towels and sheets for weaving