These are my first gloves/hand-warmers, for the pattern I used Diana Twiss' pattern Vancouver Special Half Mitts. The pattern is a free Ravelry download and has a number of options for the rib to give different looks. I used three rows of seed stitch on the cuffs and at the top to try to mimic the seed stitch on the cowl. I knitted the size small and they fit perfectly, which for me is brilliant as I have real trouble buying adult gloves for my little hands.
The hand-warmers are both knitted identically. I knitted them in the round using the magic loop method, if you haven't tried this method, give it a go, it really is a time saver.
The hat is kind of a pattern of my own devising, I cast on enough stitches to comfortably fit my head and then knitted in seed stitch reducing at the crown every two rows to get the desired result.
Before blocking it looked pretty terrible, in fact my brother thought I was going for a Bob Marley look. I used plate to block it and the shape is much improved, weird, my hubby came up with that idea, apparently saw it somewhere and remembered - yay him!
Whilst on the topic of blocking, I have just finished the Lorna Suzanne cardigan and need to block the collar - can anyone give me some tips on the best way to this to stop the collar curling up? Any guidance would be much appreciated!
Wool - Cascade 128 Superwash Chunky in Summer Sky Heather, purchase at Tangled Yarns in Newstead, Brisbane
Coat - purchased from Myer many years ago
Your set looks so great with your charcoal grey coat! Love them!
ReplyDeleteI've had success with steaming the heck out of collars like that using my iron and steaming from both sides. Just make sure to hold the iron just above the work, and not resting on it.
Thanks for the steaming tip, I might give that a go, I'll update soon
DeleteI like steam blocking for knitting, especially tricky curly edges. But the way I do it, I put the iron on cool. Then I wet a teatowel and put it on the fabric. Then I press the iron on the towel. Don't move the iron back and forth, just press straight down and then lift it and move it to the next bit. Works pretty well!
DeleteWow! Your set looks great, and I love your hat and the casual way you said you made the pattern! I love the look of moss stitch so much, but not the knitting of it. ;)
ReplyDeleteI have made a hat before, so I guess I kind of went off that as I remembered how that was constructed, it was just different as the wool was a different weight.
DeleteI have to agree, knitting seed or moss stitch is not the most fun. I was admiring a jumper the other day, but didn't add it to my queue as the whole and sleeves were all seed stitch - tedious!
So pretty.. love the colors too.. [sorry I can't help with a hint on knitting?? never learned how.]
ReplyDeleteIt's never too late to learn!
Deletelove the idea of blocking with a plate! So practical :) The teal colour is gorgeous - and your knitting is lovely. You'll certainly be cosy!
ReplyDeleteI wore the whole ensemble tonight at the ice rink, I was super cosy!
DeleteFirstly, I admire your ability to put on all these warm clothes in a Brisbane summer, even though the temperatures have been better this week. I guess it was a quick photo shoot!! I really like your hand warmers, hat and scarf and the colour is gorgeous. I was in Queenstown, NZ last week and in a shop called Untouched World, and they were selling merino hand warmers for $50 a pair and yours look so much more cosy.
ReplyDeleteAs for stopping your collar from curling, I would try threading some clear elastic (the sort you knit into cotton yarn when making the ribbing) and pull it slightly. My Mum is an a wonderful knitter, so I will ask her and get back to you.
Thanks for the collar tip, I will try that
DeleteWhat a cute set! I bet you look adorable at the ice rink! I second Gail's advice-- steaming works well for bits like collars.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I wore it all thus night and was nice and cosy. I'll try the streaming for sure
Delete