Introducing my knitting group

Here is a glimpse of my knitting group. I've taken this photo late into the evening so a lot of ladies already left. We could be 25 head strong in a good evening.We've started about two years ago in Borders book shop, the west quay area in Southampton . When Borders went bust last December we finally settled in the cafe at Ikea. We meet every Thursday from 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm. People are making an effort and coming here from Portsmouth, Christchurch , Winchester..we have ladies from France, Germany, Sweden..I like the fact that we have people from all ages and social backgrounds. We all differ but have one thing in common - the passion for the craft of knitting (and yes of course the crocheting).
You're all inspired me one way or another!!
xx

Scarflet

Here is a Xmas present I've knitted my mom. Actually last year on a visit to Israel I've knitted the first version and it was snapped by my dear grandmother. It is proving very popular with my mates because it is quick, pretty and economic, only one skeins of Rowan cocoon. There plenty version on ravelry. The credit must be given to the designer Kim Seio. Here is my scarflet;

Nice!

knit o'clock

Birthday present to my husband went pear shaped. Although I took all relevant body measurements ,I trusted the pattern and kept going and the end product is disastrous. I am so disgusted with it that it is all pushed at the back of a wardrobe not to see a day light for few months .

So from big aran needles I switched to a lace weight . The yarn is malabrigo lace and has the loveliest shades of blue . The kettle dying process brings out the most subtle variations which I like. It is a very soft spin so the feel of this merino is very , very soft , cashmere like I would say for a bargain price. The only negative is that I find it hard to wind the skeins , very sticky and at times tangly as well, very time consuming. The gauge is a whopping 35 sts to 10 cm so there is a lot of knitting to be done, hence the headline of this post. I chose a pattern by Marion Foale, tailored style cardigan which was published in woman's weekly. My girls from southsea knit club alert me when a good pattern is being publish . Texts starts running to and fro..we are a great team! Happy knitting year to you!

Coraline

I found the most beautiful buttons for my Coraline . They are vintage deep ruby glass buttons encased in brass. I've already blocked the cardigan and today made the buttons loops with embroidery floss matching the light grey rowan baby alpaca. The red and grey work great together and I like the smocking detail on the yoke.

Sylvie

Here some shots of my finished coat sylvie .I'm wearing it all the time now, the easiest piece to slip on when in a hurry, school runs especially. I had a few comments about the hood , it is pointy , elvish if you like and quite charming , maybe it need a bell to attach to,only kidding!

another shawlette

19102009672, originally uploaded by bespokeknits.

A quick project, easy to memorise. Lovely brown color of the malabrigo sock ,chocolate amargo. I admit I've blocked it too harshly: the edge loops are nice and defined but the garter is stretched beyond recognition so will block it again. I've finished my cable coat and will post an entry as soon as I get to shoot a few photos.

Back is back

I've noticed a few designs that make their focal point at the back. The front is usually basic or traditional or just slightly embellished . It could be a pretty lace insert like the 'Back Lace Panel Cardigan' from the classic elite Saturday afternoon booklet.

It is interesting. There is this alluring surprise at the back, draws attention to it. Here is another example;

This is the mountain view cardigan by Connie Chang Chinchio, lovely delicate lace.

You could make the back special by adding elaborate cables .This is Sylvi by Mari Muinonen ,a charming hooded coat and she is on my needles now..

I have used 2 yarns together to achieve the right level of thickness and sturdiness. This is a coat and not a floaty wrap. I have used my rowan chunky Scottish tweed together with the rowan Scottish 4 ply. Both yarns are the same color as far as I can see. The back in the photo is blocked so the cables are much more relaxed. The stitch markers are for picking up the marked stitches and knitting the petals. I have finished the fronts and am knitting the first sleeve. This is a fast knit and very rewarding. bye for now.