Well those needles of mine have been busy so here's a few more pics of my recent makes.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Recent Knitting Stuff
To say I've been busy knitting is an understatement - I've designed a few items myself but have done many from patterns too. I will eventually write up the patterns I've designed and add them here. In the meantime here's a selection of my lastest knits.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Fire & Ice
Just thought I would post a short story I wrote in 2002! Hope you like it.
FIRE AND ICE
The air was crisp and cold, leaving clouds of condensed moisture to ride the air with each breath. The cobbles of the courtyard glimmered as ice crystals caught the early morning light, sparkling like jewels against the frigid winter morning. Ayran shivered involuntarily as he looked out. His were the only shutters open to the world within the keep.
Already he hated it here. His arrival last night sparked unwanted memories, which only served to fuel his fear and loathing of the bitter northland. A month now lay behind him, a month of travel by ship and beast to bring him to this detested place.
Closing his eyes, he fought against his feelings of anger at having to return. This place brought forth memories he previously managed to hide for years. Facing them was not something he felt strong enough or prepared enough to do. Confronting his fears was inevitable after his father’s death two months past.
A sound at the door alerted him and he moved away from the open window just as the latch lifted and the heavy door swung inwards.
“Ah, you’re awake.”
“I couldn’t sleep Uncle. It’s far too cold.”
Gregor looked to the empty hearth as he replied. “Perhaps a fire would have made you more comfortable. You are not used to this climate.”
“Neither are you.”
Gregor smiled. “I had the sense to keep the hearth well stoked. It’s chill in here.”
“I don’t like fires,” Ayran replied forcefully and turned back to face the window.
The unwanted memory of searing heat and flames rose unbidden in his mind. He shivered at the memory and stared down at his hands, expecting to see scar tissue. His sun drenched skin held no blemish or aberration though. There were no marks on his body at all to lend truth to the memory of abuse.
“I’ve come to take you to the great hall, your father’s widow wishes an audience with you.”
“Already?” Ayran asked as he turned back to his uncle.
“You have to pay your respects.”
Anger boiled within Ayran. He wanted to shout at his uncle, he wanted to ask him why he should pay any respect to a father who loathed him so much that he sent him away. Instead, though, he nodded his head as if in agreement.
Still, the protest at Gregor’s words flashed across his face and showed with betraying clarity in his eyes. He kept his own counsel though. His uncle nodded his approval at his restraint then turned to the door.
Ayran walked besides him in silence, their boots scuffing against the creaking old floorboards the only sound within the silent castle. The stone around them felt oppressive, the weight of it pushing against Ayran so strongly that he felt suffocated, even more so as they took the spiralling steps down to the great hall, small slits in the stone allowing them little light to see by.
As they stepped out into the great hall, the heat of the fires from four hearths hit them, the flames casting dancing shadows into every corner so the walls looked as if they writhed with life. Huddled close to one of these fires a woman sat, shrouded within the red veil of mourning. She looked so small and vulnerable that for a moment Ayran felt confusion. In his mind he saw a towering monster. That came from the memory of a frightened child though and he came before her now as a man.
His attention was drawn towards the far hearth where soldiers were now rising in response to his entrance. They did little more than watch him uneasily though, hands straying towards the pommels of their swords as they parted to allow another man through.
Ayran recognised him immediately although Martyn looked considerably older than he remembered. A shock of white hair replaced the greying locks Ayran recalled and he moved with the stiff gait of an old man fighting against the injustices and ailments of winter. Once Martyn stood before him though Ayran noticed immediately how his eyes were bright and the memories that came flooding back to him were good ones for once.
“Ayran,” Martyn began then faltered. He gripped Ayran’s shoulders, his eyes now filled with tears. “It’s good to see you.”
Ayran glanced once in the direction of his stepmother. “How is she?” he asked more for the formality of the question than out of true concern for her. Of Jaclyn, he possessed little in the way of pleasant memories although he did understand her grief. Losing a husband would be bad enough. Losing the clan’s leader was far worse.
Ayran nodded in quiet understanding then looked over to Jaclyn once more. She was looking in their direction now, her eyes showing her pain clearly, the veil covering the rest of her face so completely any further expression was difficult to judge.
This was it, Ayran thought as he took his first step towards her. In his mind, he had been over this so many times this past month, imagining how it would be, how he would feel. Truthfully, he felt numb and in a way that helped steel him for the meeting to come.
Despite the heat radiating from the fire, he shivered as he reached his stepmother. Close up her eyes glinted icily as she looked up at him and for a moment he faltered.
“I have come to claim my birthright,” he said finally with such cool calm conviction that Jaclyn shrank back.
The ice in her eyes melted as a fire swept through them, the fire of childhood fears. Ayran took a step back as she rose to confront him. To his surprise though, she dropped down on one knee and lifted her hand up to him.
“My lord, you have my allegiance.”
Ayran accepted the cold hand. Fire and ice ruled this unforgiving land. He just hoped he had the strength to temper both.
Writen by Suzie of Su2ieknits
Copywrite Su2ieknits
FIRE AND ICE
The air was crisp and cold, leaving clouds of condensed moisture to ride the air with each breath. The cobbles of the courtyard glimmered as ice crystals caught the early morning light, sparkling like jewels against the frigid winter morning. Ayran shivered involuntarily as he looked out. His were the only shutters open to the world within the keep.
Already he hated it here. His arrival last night sparked unwanted memories, which only served to fuel his fear and loathing of the bitter northland. A month now lay behind him, a month of travel by ship and beast to bring him to this detested place.
Closing his eyes, he fought against his feelings of anger at having to return. This place brought forth memories he previously managed to hide for years. Facing them was not something he felt strong enough or prepared enough to do. Confronting his fears was inevitable after his father’s death two months past.
A sound at the door alerted him and he moved away from the open window just as the latch lifted and the heavy door swung inwards.
“Ah, you’re awake.”
“I couldn’t sleep Uncle. It’s far too cold.”
Gregor looked to the empty hearth as he replied. “Perhaps a fire would have made you more comfortable. You are not used to this climate.”
“Neither are you.”
Gregor smiled. “I had the sense to keep the hearth well stoked. It’s chill in here.”
“I don’t like fires,” Ayran replied forcefully and turned back to face the window.
The unwanted memory of searing heat and flames rose unbidden in his mind. He shivered at the memory and stared down at his hands, expecting to see scar tissue. His sun drenched skin held no blemish or aberration though. There were no marks on his body at all to lend truth to the memory of abuse.
“I’ve come to take you to the great hall, your father’s widow wishes an audience with you.”
“Already?” Ayran asked as he turned back to his uncle.
“You have to pay your respects.”
Anger boiled within Ayran. He wanted to shout at his uncle, he wanted to ask him why he should pay any respect to a father who loathed him so much that he sent him away. Instead, though, he nodded his head as if in agreement.
Still, the protest at Gregor’s words flashed across his face and showed with betraying clarity in his eyes. He kept his own counsel though. His uncle nodded his approval at his restraint then turned to the door.
Ayran walked besides him in silence, their boots scuffing against the creaking old floorboards the only sound within the silent castle. The stone around them felt oppressive, the weight of it pushing against Ayran so strongly that he felt suffocated, even more so as they took the spiralling steps down to the great hall, small slits in the stone allowing them little light to see by.
As they stepped out into the great hall, the heat of the fires from four hearths hit them, the flames casting dancing shadows into every corner so the walls looked as if they writhed with life. Huddled close to one of these fires a woman sat, shrouded within the red veil of mourning. She looked so small and vulnerable that for a moment Ayran felt confusion. In his mind he saw a towering monster. That came from the memory of a frightened child though and he came before her now as a man.
His attention was drawn towards the far hearth where soldiers were now rising in response to his entrance. They did little more than watch him uneasily though, hands straying towards the pommels of their swords as they parted to allow another man through.
Ayran recognised him immediately although Martyn looked considerably older than he remembered. A shock of white hair replaced the greying locks Ayran recalled and he moved with the stiff gait of an old man fighting against the injustices and ailments of winter. Once Martyn stood before him though Ayran noticed immediately how his eyes were bright and the memories that came flooding back to him were good ones for once.
“Ayran,” Martyn began then faltered. He gripped Ayran’s shoulders, his eyes now filled with tears. “It’s good to see you.”
Ayran glanced once in the direction of his stepmother. “How is she?” he asked more for the formality of the question than out of true concern for her. Of Jaclyn, he possessed little in the way of pleasant memories although he did understand her grief. Losing a husband would be bad enough. Losing the clan’s leader was far worse.
Ayran nodded in quiet understanding then looked over to Jaclyn once more. She was looking in their direction now, her eyes showing her pain clearly, the veil covering the rest of her face so completely any further expression was difficult to judge.
This was it, Ayran thought as he took his first step towards her. In his mind, he had been over this so many times this past month, imagining how it would be, how he would feel. Truthfully, he felt numb and in a way that helped steel him for the meeting to come.
Despite the heat radiating from the fire, he shivered as he reached his stepmother. Close up her eyes glinted icily as she looked up at him and for a moment he faltered.
“I have come to claim my birthright,” he said finally with such cool calm conviction that Jaclyn shrank back.
The ice in her eyes melted as a fire swept through them, the fire of childhood fears. Ayran took a step back as she rose to confront him. To his surprise though, she dropped down on one knee and lifted her hand up to him.
“My lord, you have my allegiance.”
Ayran accepted the cold hand. Fire and ice ruled this unforgiving land. He just hoped he had the strength to temper both.
Writen by Suzie of Su2ieknits
Copywrite Su2ieknits
Friday, May 8, 2009
Just lately....
Thought I'd better do a quick update as I've not blogged for a while. I've finally completed the shrug for my little girl, knit a pair of baby booties and started tonight on a women's version of the easy toddler slippers. I also knit a bag for my mum but can't find the notepad I wrote the pattern on. Once I've found it I will put the pattern up on here for anyone who wants to have a go themselves!Monday, April 27, 2009
Shrugs & Rain
I'm currently knitting a shrug for my lovely daughter from a pattern in an old issue of Simply Knitting called Hugs & Shrugs. It seems to be taking forever even though its a simple pattern. Once finished I will post a picture. The wool is sort of pink and fluffy and just so girly!
On a separate note if it rains tomorrow it will have rained for 7 days - Talk about April showers! Well more like April downpours... The sun made a brief appearance around tea time then quickly hid again. If this sort of weather carries on for much longer I may have to put the knitting aside, buy some wood and build an Ark!
On a separate note if it rains tomorrow it will have rained for 7 days - Talk about April showers! Well more like April downpours... The sun made a brief appearance around tea time then quickly hid again. If this sort of weather carries on for much longer I may have to put the knitting aside, buy some wood and build an Ark!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Super Easy Toddler Slippers
Super Easy Toddler Slippers
I’ve knit these slippers to fit my 2 ½ year old girl whose feet measure 6” from toe to heel. They are easy to adjust by either increasing or decreasing the amount of rows in the first part of the pattern or the second part after the initial decreases. As it is they are roomy which will allow for some growth. They are worked in one piece with the top section once sewn up consisting of a moss stitch panel and the sides and sole in stocking stitch.
Materials
7mm Straight Needles
50g DK Yarn (Held double)
Darning Needle
Optional – anti-slip matting to sew ovals on heel and toe area
Pattern (Knit Two)
Holding yarn double, cast on 22 stitches.
Work the following pattern for 12 rows.
1) K1, P1, K1,P1, K14, P1, K1, P1, K1
2) K1, P1, K1, P16, K1, P1, K1
Decrease as follows:
1) K1, P1, K1,P1, SSK, K10, K2 tog, P1, K1, P1, K1
2) K1, P1, K1, P14, K1, P1, K1
3) K1, P1, K1,P1, SSK, K8, K2 tog, P1, K1, P1, K1
4) K1, P1, K1, P12, K1, P1, K1
Continue in pattern as follows:
1) K1, P1, K1,P1, K10, P1, K1, P1, K1
2) K1, P1, K1, P12, K1, P1, K1
Repeat above 2 rows once more.
Decrease for Toe
1) K1, P1, K1,P1, SSK, K6, K2 tog, P1, K1, P1, K1
2) K1, P1, K1, P10, K1, P1, K1
3) K1, P1, K1,P1, SSK, K4, K2 tog, P1, K1, P1, K1
4) K1, P1, K1, P8, K1, P1, K1
Break off yarn, thread through remaining stitches and pull tight.
Fold in half lengthways from toe to heel then sew up back seam, leaving the moss stitch area open.
Sew up front from toe for around 3 inches.
I sewed 2 little pads on the bottom of each slipper cut in ovals from anti-slip matting as we have wooden floors and this has improved the grip.
I’ve knit these slippers to fit my 2 ½ year old girl whose feet measure 6” from toe to heel. They are easy to adjust by either increasing or decreasing the amount of rows in the first part of the pattern or the second part after the initial decreases. As it is they are roomy which will allow for some growth. They are worked in one piece with the top section once sewn up consisting of a moss stitch panel and the sides and sole in stocking stitch.
Materials
7mm Straight Needles
50g DK Yarn (Held double)
Darning Needle
Optional – anti-slip matting to sew ovals on heel and toe area
Pattern (Knit Two)
Holding yarn double, cast on 22 stitches.
Work the following pattern for 12 rows.
1) K1, P1, K1,P1, K14, P1, K1, P1, K1
2) K1, P1, K1, P16, K1, P1, K1
Decrease as follows:
1) K1, P1, K1,P1, SSK, K10, K2 tog, P1, K1, P1, K1
2) K1, P1, K1, P14, K1, P1, K1
3) K1, P1, K1,P1, SSK, K8, K2 tog, P1, K1, P1, K1
4) K1, P1, K1, P12, K1, P1, K1
Continue in pattern as follows:
1) K1, P1, K1,P1, K10, P1, K1, P1, K1
2) K1, P1, K1, P12, K1, P1, K1
Repeat above 2 rows once more.
Decrease for Toe
1) K1, P1, K1,P1, SSK, K6, K2 tog, P1, K1, P1, K1
2) K1, P1, K1, P10, K1, P1, K1
3) K1, P1, K1,P1, SSK, K4, K2 tog, P1, K1, P1, K1
4) K1, P1, K1, P8, K1, P1, K1
Break off yarn, thread through remaining stitches and pull tight.
Fold in half lengthways from toe to heel then sew up back seam, leaving the moss stitch area open.
Sew up front from toe for around 3 inches.
I sewed 2 little pads on the bottom of each slipper cut in ovals from anti-slip matting as we have wooden floors and this has improved the grip.
Please feel free to use this pattern for personal or charitable use but please don’t try to pass the work off as your own!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Writing
Well I did say this was a knitting and writing blog so I thought I should put something down about my other love which is writing!
I have about six novels on the go and I've been writing them for more years than I can actually remember - so long that way back then I used a manual typewriter and certainly didn't know how to use a computer...
I like to write fantasy fiction as it means you can just make up so much stuff like worlds and complete races of people and then throw them all together and see what you get!
The first novel is complete - I just keep adjusting it. Having cut out great big swathes of the first couple of chapters a few years back I decided to restore it as I felt I'd cut out a lot of character developement and background. Its now currently hibernating so when I read it again it will be sort of "new" to my mind and I can judge better how it flows.
This means I've been working on chapter 18 of the second novel. Basically I've been mulling a lot of stuff over in my head before committing it to memory stick. This is fun! Its like disappearing off into your own little fantasy world and playing with the characters. It helps me get to sleep at night, it relieves the boredom of long journeys or even passes the time during the adverts on TV!
You never know, one day I might even get around to trying to publish something but for now I'm happy just to have fun.
I have about six novels on the go and I've been writing them for more years than I can actually remember - so long that way back then I used a manual typewriter and certainly didn't know how to use a computer...
I like to write fantasy fiction as it means you can just make up so much stuff like worlds and complete races of people and then throw them all together and see what you get!
The first novel is complete - I just keep adjusting it. Having cut out great big swathes of the first couple of chapters a few years back I decided to restore it as I felt I'd cut out a lot of character developement and background. Its now currently hibernating so when I read it again it will be sort of "new" to my mind and I can judge better how it flows.
This means I've been working on chapter 18 of the second novel. Basically I've been mulling a lot of stuff over in my head before committing it to memory stick. This is fun! Its like disappearing off into your own little fantasy world and playing with the characters. It helps me get to sleep at night, it relieves the boredom of long journeys or even passes the time during the adverts on TV!
You never know, one day I might even get around to trying to publish something but for now I'm happy just to have fun.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Suzie's Easy Felted Bag
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Well I've done it and its finally finished - just needs a button which I will buy from town later. Here's the pattern for anyone who would like to have a go themselves. Any problems please let me know!
Suzie’s Easy Felted Bag
Materials
100% Aran Wool from Kerry Woollen Mills. Comes in 200g skeins but only the following amounts required.
Dark Jacob approx 50g (MC)
Brown approx 20g (CC1)
Light Jacob approx 20g (CC2)
5mm straight knitting Needles
2 x 3.25mm double point for I-cord fastening
4 markers
1 Button
Gauge not important as felting.
Bag (Front, bottom and back knit in one piece)
Work in stocking stitch throughout.
Cast on 40 st using MC and work 12 rows in st st.
Change to CC1 and work 12 rows in st st.
Change to CC2 and work 12 rows in st st.
Change to MC and work 12 rows, placing a marker at each end
Work a further 8 rows in MC , placing a marker at each end of eighth row (these 8 rows are the bottom of the bag)
Work a further 12 rows in MC
Change to CC1 and work 12 rows in st st
Change to CC2 and work 12 rows in st st
Change to MC and work 12 rows in st st
Flap
Continue with MC and cast off 3 stitches at the beginning of next 2 rows (34 st)
Change to CC1 and work 4 rows
Change to CC2 and work 4 rows
Change to MC and work 4 rows
Keeping to colour pattern of 4 rows, decrease 1 st at each end of every row until 14 stitches remain.
Knit 1 row
Cast off pearlwise.
Strap and side panels
Cast on 7 stitches.
K1, P1 to last st, K1
Repeat this row forming moss stitch and knit until work measures approx 120 cm which is about 270 rows.
Cast off.
Finishing
Sew strap to sides of bag using the markers as a guide, being careful not to twist strap
Make I-Cord by casting on 3 st onto DPN’s . Knit but do not turn. Push stitches to end of needle then knit, making sure the first stitch is pulled tight. Once the I-cord measures 6cm break off yarn and pull through stitches then attach to flap of bag.
Felting
I just felted mine by putting it in the washing machine with a pair of jeans at 50 degrees for two cycles. Once felted, shape whilst damp then dry flat.
Approx size before felting: Height 23cm, width 23cm, depth 5cm, handle 73 cm
Approx size after felting: Height 20cm, width27cm, depth 5 cm, handle 79cm
I thought it would shrink a bit more but its grown in places but the fabric is nice and dense which is the effect I wanted, hence using the 5mm needles.
Please feel free to use this pattern for personal or charitable use but please don’t try to pass the work off as your own!
Materials
100% Aran Wool from Kerry Woollen Mills. Comes in 200g skeins but only the following amounts required.
Dark Jacob approx 50g (MC)
Brown approx 20g (CC1)
Light Jacob approx 20g (CC2)
5mm straight knitting Needles
2 x 3.25mm double point for I-cord fastening
4 markers
1 Button
Gauge not important as felting.
Bag (Front, bottom and back knit in one piece)
Work in stocking stitch throughout.
Cast on 40 st using MC and work 12 rows in st st.
Change to CC1 and work 12 rows in st st.
Change to CC2 and work 12 rows in st st.
Change to MC and work 12 rows, placing a marker at each end
Work a further 8 rows in MC , placing a marker at each end of eighth row (these 8 rows are the bottom of the bag)
Work a further 12 rows in MC
Change to CC1 and work 12 rows in st st
Change to CC2 and work 12 rows in st st
Change to MC and work 12 rows in st st
Flap
Continue with MC and cast off 3 stitches at the beginning of next 2 rows (34 st)
Change to CC1 and work 4 rows
Change to CC2 and work 4 rows
Change to MC and work 4 rows
Keeping to colour pattern of 4 rows, decrease 1 st at each end of every row until 14 stitches remain.
Knit 1 row
Cast off pearlwise.
Strap and side panels
Cast on 7 stitches.
K1, P1 to last st, K1
Repeat this row forming moss stitch and knit until work measures approx 120 cm which is about 270 rows.
Cast off.
Finishing
Sew strap to sides of bag using the markers as a guide, being careful not to twist strap
Make I-Cord by casting on 3 st onto DPN’s . Knit but do not turn. Push stitches to end of needle then knit, making sure the first stitch is pulled tight. Once the I-cord measures 6cm break off yarn and pull through stitches then attach to flap of bag.
Felting
I just felted mine by putting it in the washing machine with a pair of jeans at 50 degrees for two cycles. Once felted, shape whilst damp then dry flat.
Approx size before felting: Height 23cm, width 23cm, depth 5cm, handle 73 cm
Approx size after felting: Height 20cm, width27cm, depth 5 cm, handle 79cm
I thought it would shrink a bit more but its grown in places but the fabric is nice and dense which is the effect I wanted, hence using the 5mm needles.
Please feel free to use this pattern for personal or charitable use but please don’t try to pass the work off as your own!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Cardigan Finished!!!
I finally completed the cardigan on Sunday night, much to the delight of my daughter who was obviously keen to model it. The pattern was taken from the April edition of Lets Knit and was called Sundae. I only followed the basic pattern though as it called for a different yarn and had embellishments on it that would have looked odd with the crofters yarn.
Now comes the task of making my felted bag. Its taken two days to unwind the skeins of wool and make them into more user friendly balls. Too many knots and finger aching work to unravel them all!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Kerry Woollen Mills
This weekend I visited Kerry Woollen Mills. What a wonderful place full of beautiful garments and of course, WOOL!
I wanted to buy some 100% pure wool so that I can make a felted bag as all of my stash contains blends of wool with 95% being the nearest. The wool was Aran weight with a variety of natural colour ways so I bought 5 different toning skeins so that I had plenty of choice as I want to do stripes.
Hopefully if my project goes to plan I will post pictures and the pattern.
Happy Knitting!
I wanted to buy some 100% pure wool so that I can make a felted bag as all of my stash contains blends of wool with 95% being the nearest. The wool was Aran weight with a variety of natural colour ways so I bought 5 different toning skeins so that I had plenty of choice as I want to do stripes.
Hopefully if my project goes to plan I will post pictures and the pattern.
Happy Knitting!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Crofters Cardigan
Hello there!
I started knitting a cardigan for my little girl a few nights ago using Sirdar Crofter Yarn in Shetland. Its going well and I absolutely love the stripey fair isle effect the wool creates. I'm due to start the left front today but I think I'm going to get two balls of wool out and make sure I mark the pattern repeat on the yarn on both balls so that my stripes for the front of the cardigan match.
I started knitting a cardigan for my little girl a few nights ago using Sirdar Crofter Yarn in Shetland. Its going well and I absolutely love the stripey fair isle effect the wool creates. I'm due to start the left front today but I think I'm going to get two balls of wool out and make sure I mark the pattern repeat on the yarn on both balls so that my stripes for the front of the cardigan match.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Hello!
Hello there!
This is my first blog and I would like to introduce myself.
I'm Suzie, I love knitting and I thought it would be great to share my trials and tribulations in the knitting world!
Bear with me as I'm new to this but hopefully I will have something useful to say soon, as well as life in general.
Suzie x
This is my first blog and I would like to introduce myself.
I'm Suzie, I love knitting and I thought it would be great to share my trials and tribulations in the knitting world!
Bear with me as I'm new to this but hopefully I will have something useful to say soon, as well as life in general.
Suzie x
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