Knitting natter

[Louise Moran]

I think we're about due a catch up of what is on (or off) the needles.  After the big sale at Kemps earlier this year (the one in summer where I buy my Christmas shopping!) I had a box full of stuff waiting to be created.  I have 'designed' (let's face it, its not exactly tricky!) a gorgeous snuggly soft red handbag, run up a few novelty yarn scarves (don't be too disappointed in me, it was merino tape yarn, so not cheap and plasticy...), done a few gifty bibs, double checked the boot cuff pattern to make it saleable by running up another pair of those, whipped up a few cup cosies for a fundraiser, done about two rows of the amazing sheepheid (knit it - you cannot imagine how simple instructions can make something that makes you look so talented, it is a joy!), finished most of a pinwheel cardi for Miss Thing (just on sleeves.  I hate sleeves.  Why aren't body warmers cool?) and some fluffy socklet things so I can wear my crocs about the house in winter without losing a toe to frostbite, and am in the land of hats today.  Photos will come by soon, but let me assure you that I have been thinking festive thoughts and then rummaging in my stash, and allowing the results to flow from my needles in the form of small-person headwear.  The initial test knit of DH's gift set looks promising, and today I have made a rough pattern for a tv character plush for my nephew.  

You know how you get knitting for beginners books?  I am designing for beginners, as a beginner.  My patterns are all small and simple, and an experienced knitter could look at the item picture and not need to buy them, or buy them and modify them to their level, but I am hoping to sell some to knitters who are in a rut or looking to be inspired to do something that is a step beyond basic but fast enough that a mistake is not a disaster! 

I still have a few not-quick and certainly not simple patterns I want to work through in my head...but they will have to stay there till I get enough free time to do that, which could be years.  But hopefully in the next month, you will be able to try out 'Almost Instant Gratification' - a booklet of quick-to-knit patterns for knitters of any level, where you can find gift ideas for the hard to please relatives, teachers, nieces and nephews and anyone else who needs a gift that can be done in an evening but shows that you've put time and talent into it...  

But before that, I must make some more teeny Christmas items (oh, I might just add those patterns too, if you're all really kind about my first attempts at spreading the LouMo woolly love!) so I am off to cuddle up with some yarn, some needles and my duvet.  You have to be snug in a blanket for the Christmas magic to work, you know...

[Rebecca Watkins]

I can't wait for the pics!