Tag: novice knitting

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West Knits Shawls That I’ve Knit So Far…

I’ve knit a few West Knits Shawls now. I’ve found the patterns easy to follow even though the finished product might seem complex when first looking at it.

The Completed West Knits Shawls

Vulpix

The first West Knits Shawl I knit, which was also the first West Knits pattern I tried, was Vulpix. Although seeming complex the patterns are surprisingly easy to follow. I hope that I can also master the art of writing patterns for the ‘Adventurous Beginner’.

Vulpix was a custom order for my boss’s brother. He was happy with the result and I enjoyed the process. It knit up quickly.

Fantastitch

When I first joined Instagram I was seeing the Fantastitch pop up a lot. Because I was really inspired by what I was seeing, I wanted to do my own.

I’d had a positive experience knitting Vulpix and Fantastitch was no different. I’d say it was one of the most fun things to knit and the gorgeous yarn just really perks me up!

Slipstravaganza MKAL 2020 – Silver Fox

Because I had so much fun with the Fantastich, I wanted to join in on the Slipstravaganza MKAL.

Slipstravaganza MKAL 2020 – Dirty Mustard

At this point in my life I was newly disabled having found out that I have cyst in my spinal cord and I was unable to work at a job I loved. I am a work-a-holic and being so limited by my body, I decided to push myself with this MKAL by knitting two versions of the same pattern.

It was a real boost to my confidence! As a result of finishing the two shawls, I didn’t feel useless and incapable. I didn’t feel weak or helpless. I’m glad I challenged myself!

Winterlights Hiberknitalong 2020

MKAL Season Fever breezed on and suddenly it was Hiberknitalong Season! I of course joined in again. I had a lot of trouble with the bubble sections. I’d say due to potato brain. So I didn’t enjoy knitting this one as much as the others.

The lessened enjoyment could also be due to the yarn I was using which was stash yarn that continuously split.

Future West Knits Shawls That I’m Planning to Knit

Waiting for the West Knits Shawl MKAL 2021

I’ve signed up for the West Knits MKAL 2021 Shawlography. However, I’m still deciding on my yarn palette. I’m sure September will pass by quickly and then October Cast On will be upon us!

Are you joining the MKAL??

Speckle & Pop Jacket

I want to knit a Speckle & Pop Jacket for my younger brother. I think the energy will really suit my younger brother’s vibe. I’ll be using lots of scrap and stash yarn but don’t really have a cast on date set for this one.

Starflanket

Of course I have to try to knit a West Knits Blanket! I’ve got a bunch of acrylic blend sport yarn I got on sale a while back that I could probably use. Although I want to knit this one, I’m still undecided on the yarn and as a result don’t have a date for cast on for this one either.

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Garter Garden Shawl – Get the Pattern Today!

Scrap Version Garter Garden Shawl Worn As Hip Scarf

I’m ecstatic to finally publish the pattern for the Garter Garden Shawl design. It’s so pleasing how this came together and how quickly, easily and enjoyably this one knits up. The shawl can also be worn as a hip scarf (perfect for the belly dancers out there) or to jazz up a swim suit. Buy it now here!

Garter Garden Shawl Design

The Idea

I wanted something that I could knit easily while watching TV, but wasn’t plain garter stitch and too boring. I’ve wanted to do an asymmetrical shawl with a pointed edge for a while. So thought this was the perfect opportunity to try.

The Yarn

I purchased the Garden Pond colourway from NNK Yarns after falling in love with it. I knew this was the perfect opportunity to use it. Paired with Currant, another NNK Yarns colourway that I had no plans for but seduced its way into my stash.

NNK Yarns Sock Colourways Currant and Garden Pond

The yarns look absolutely stunning and gorgeous together!

The Result?

Full Length Garter Garden Shawl Version 1

Garter Garden Shawl Beach Vibes

I wanted to reknit the shawl. The first time through I forgot to note properly the lace sections and didn’t trust my stitch count. Again I looked at the NNK Yarns in my stash and found colourways Glacier and Honeycomb. The yarns are both gorgeous separately but together complemented and there was enough contrast to have the stripes stand out.

Full Length Garter Garden Shawl Version 2

I love how this shawl came out with the colours. This is not a colour combination I usually use so it was surprising how well it worked. And really gives off a beachy and relaxing vibe. The beautiful model pictured has secured this shawl for her next beach adventure.

Garter Garden Shawl Beach Vibes Wrapped Around Shoulders

Time to Test Knit!

With instructions typed up and some messy hand drawn charts the pattern was ready to be test knit. The wonderful Theresa volunteered to test knit and lucky for me she is an experienced test knitter and very kind. After lots of new ideas, LOTS of corrections (to my embarrassment but also relief), the Garter Garden Shawl Pattern was improved dramatically!

Theresa’s finished Garter Garden Shawl blew me away! I was so emotionally happy I had tears in my eyes. Someone had knit my pattern! And it was beautiful! I can’t wait to see what more people knit and do with the pattern! So please tag me on instagram so I can see your progress and your finished projects!

Garter Garden Shawl 80s Synthwave Vibe

I like patterns that have the weights used for sections so you can do lots of customization and use up all those left over yarns from finished projects that are still beautiful. Of course the colourway Impossible Princess made its way into this one as it has made its way into several of my projects. I love the combination of pink, purple and aqua.

This scrappy version used two colours still for the garter stripes but there was not a high contrast between the colours, but I love the effect! Colourways for stripes were Silver Fox and Purple Rain.

Scrap Version Wrapped Around Shoulders & Neck

I also made extra sure to count my stitches for the rows to assist knitters through the growth of their own Garter Garden. And finished a little bit fancy using the OOAK colourway Post Migraine Purple, a lovely deep purple, with a picot bind off. It ties in so nicely with the lace sections.

Finalising the Instructions for the Garter Garden Shawl

All the fun stuff was done. Surprisingly the shawl was getting lots of love and instagramers were looking forward to the pattern release. Fire lit, the pattern instructions updated, charts generated, and models requested. And today is the day. It both came quickly and slowly. I’m so excited to publish this shawl pattern!

  • Wearing Shawl As a Skirt
  • Garter Garden Shawl Wrapped Over Shoulders
  • Garter Garden Shawl Wrapped Around Neck

Get the pattern now and knit your own! Buy it here!

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My Knitwear And Pattern Design Journey

My experience and slow journey from knitting novice to making knitwear and pattern design.

My First Published Pattern

(Hopefully) on Monday, I’ll be releasing my very first published knitting pattern! Although the Garter Garden Shawl will be my first published knitting pattern it isn’t my first design.

When the pattern is released, find it in my store.

What Was My First Design?

My first design was actually a cabled jacket which really pushed the boundaries of my novice knitting abilities. Inspired and requested by my younger brother, this intricate and custom design took three years to complete and knit up.

My Knitwear and Pattern Design History:

A Poncho!

I knit an easy top down poncho for my younger brother, mostly as an attempt to use up lots of stash yarn, but also to add to his magical knitwear collection. (I did a lot of knitting at work).

Some Hats!

I knit a fluffy beret for myself, a tight knit hat for my younger brother. And lots of hats for friends.

And a Yuppie Scarf

A workmate requested a custom knit scarf and the design parameters? It had to be “yuppie as”. I used a luxurious merino silk blend and it turned out beautifully.

I was starting to get more competent at knitwear and pattern design…

From there I designed more hats, ponchos, dappled with cowls and socks and of course shawls. But now I was starting to take more notes and write things down and put things into the computer.

Hopeful Shawl

This shawl I stated wanting something easy to knit while watching TV but would also be pretty with some simple lace. I really needed something to cheer me up through my health journey (Autonomic Dysfunction, Syringomyelia, Scheuermann’s Disease etc). I discovered NNK Yarns around this time. This pattern uses only 1 skein of sock yarn.

I need to update and correct the charts for this one and I’d like to knit a large version using two skeins with a couple more elements to it and then this one will be ready to publish. I’d like to release this one as a free pattern to all those that are feeling hopeful about the challenges they face in their life.

Scrap Wrap – Stashbusting Wrap/Lap Blanket

Another TV knitter. I also wanted something to use up lots of 20g mini skeins or left over scraps of yarn. But I also didn’t want to be bored knitting just stocking stitch or garter stitch. I wanted this one to be a great beginner project that would allow beginners to dapple with different techniques. However, it is in the test knitting stage and is currently too difficult for a beginner knitter so it will be updated before it can be released.

I’d also like to do a yarn advent calendar mini skein version at some stage.

Olivia Slouch Beanie

Commissioned by my younger brother for the singer/songwriter/musician Olivia Ruth (she’s gorgeous and talented). This Beanie is currently in the testing stages and will have instructions for different weights of yarn from fingering to chunky.

Fancy Clancy Bush Doof Poncho – An exclusive knitwear and pattern design!

Currently being knit and commissioned by Fancy Clancy himself. I may end up creating a poncho pattern similar to this custom poncho in the future.

Summy Socks

I’ve knit a few socks and although when actually being knit they knit up quick and are a nice small project. I find I tend to drag completion out when knitting socks. I would like to have variety to my knitwear designs and these are the start of my first sock design.

Aisu’s Armwarmers

Another commission custom design. A pair of arm warmers for my fairy goddess in America. Including girly lace flounce sleeves which I’m very proud of and happy with the result.