cowl

I recently finished knitting the cowl I started a few weeks ago ...

This was the first time I have knitted "in the round". I didn't follow a pattern. I bought large circular needles and there was no choice in length where I bought them, so I cast on as many stitches as I needed to go around, and then just knitted (garter stitch I think - it's the only one I can do!) two whole balls of Rowan Drift yarn. I'm really happy with how it turned out - it's probably a bit longer than I originally imagined, but it's beautifully soft and warm, and the yarn was so forgiving in the dropped-stitch department, not to mention fast to knit. I'll definitely be knitting another one soon.

My apologies for the crap pics - it looks like I'm Queen Cranky-pants III, but I really just don't like being in pics much! Hope you're week has been great so far!

hot off the needles ...

My knitting continues at a very enjoyable snail's pace, but I wanted to show you the clever knitting of my friend Jaimie (modelled by her cute kids). Jaimie and I used to work together ... back in the day!

Milo Vest with cars (pic by Jaimie)

Butterflies Cardigan (pic by Jaimie)

Hotshot Vest (pic by Jaimie)

Jaimie knitted these lovely Milo vests for me for my nieces - they have beautiful little cable owls with wooden button eyes. They were a real hit with my nieces!

Jaimie has started a little business knitting for people using beautiful Bendigo Wool and WOOLganic wool. It's called Hot Off the Needles: Knits for kids and bubs. Have a look at all of the beautiful things Jaimie knits - she is one clever (and quick) knitter!

winter crafting

We've had a cold snap here in Melbourne this week, so winter craft has taken hold a few weeks early.

The brooch I was making earlier in the week for the flower press brooch swap is now finished thanks to the addition of some black interfacing to keep everything firm and avoid fraying. Check out the brooch swap flickr page to see what others are making.

While I was working on the brooch, I got an idea to make a scarf from some lovely wool fabric I bought last winter ...

This scarf is made from just 25cm of wool fabric - selvedge to selvedge (literally - I left them as they were) - and then embellished with some woollen fabric offcuts; machine sewn using a blanket stitch. It took about half an hour, and I love it! The photo below shows the actual colours much better ...

Last but not least, I've been knitting a cowl ... in the round (excuse my first-time enthusiasm)! I feel very advanced (and slightly out of my depth), but it seems to be working somehow. Big needles and big wool are forgiving and lovely! I'm not following any pattern, just enough stitches to go around the needles, using the one stitch I know, and I'll stop when it's wide enough (OK, not really advanced at all, is it?!).

More creativity over here today!

P.S. Now might be the time to sign up for the Yardage Design Newsletter (on the sidebar) if you haven't already - an online shop SALE will be announced shortly.

my creative space ... knitting sampler

I cannot knit well. At the moment. BUT, I am learning new things and new stitches and I hope to change that this year. This is the little bit of knitting I've been doing this week, learning how to "knit fancy" ...

I'm loving the purl stitching, but I got a bit carried away and skipped a few lessons, thinking I could go straight to the ribbed knitting - knit 3, purl 2 etc etc, except it ended up a mess as you can see by the top few rows. I don't really understand how to switch from knit to purl stitches very well yet - time to consult my buddies on YouTube, but any wise words from blogland would be much appreciated!

So why the sudden knitting bug? Well, I was totally inspired this week by this gorgeous cardi knitted by Jodie at Jellywares ...

Jodie's Green Cardi - pic from here

My goal is to knit this for myself this year. Hmmmm ... lots more practice to be done, but looking forward to the challenge. More creativity to get you inspired at Kootoyoo.

P.S. New stockists in NSW and QLD to be announced soon.

scarf progress

Getting there and enjoying the journey ....

my creative space: rusty reds

Little Mister and I went to the Melbourne Museum on Tuesday. As we were walking around the rainforest exhibit looking for crawly creatures, we came across this pretty toadstool ...

The photo doesn't do justice to the vibrant rust red and brown colours, but after we had lunch with Mr Yardage in the city, we popped in to Cleggs and found some beautiful wool in the same tones. I haven't knitted since I was at school, so when we got home I learnt how to cast on (thanks to google!) and started ...

I am just loving the relaxing nature of knitting. I'm making a scarf as a first project (which may take a while as the wool is fine and so are the needles, and I am slow!). I love the colours and can't wait to wear it - fingers crossed it will be ready in time for the cold weather this year! Thanks to Kate for sharing her newfound love of knitting and sewing the seed in my mind. More creative spaces at Kirsty's place - where you are bound to find far more beautiful woollen cleverness!