Crafts and BC

Not sure if I have already posted these pics so apologies if you have already seen them!!!

My 'Knitted Knockers' went to the Oncology Unit today and they were very pleased with them and said they will certainly be given out to anyone who wants one.

Just feel better trying to give something back.

These pictures are of my first attempt at circular knitting.

I have just taught myself circular knitting!!! Ha ha.

I have been a knitter for many years and can do all the usual i.e. cables, fair isle, intarsia etc but have always knitted on straight needles. Why do I need circular’s I asked myself?? A lot of ladies think they are much better than straights.

So, I asked hubbie for a set of circulars for Xmas, which I duly got and started straight knitting with them and had no long needles poking into me, got on great with them.

So yesterday, I had a beautiful afternoon in the garden and actually knitted my first item in the round!!! So proud of myself, yes, there are a couple of mistakes however, the second one is even better. I now must say I much prefer circulars for ALL of my knitting now.

The next thing is to teach myself continental knitting. This will be hard as have been a ‘thrower’ for too many years but I will overcome it and then see what I prefer.

Well done taralou looks fab. I saw your post on the other thread and I'm glad I helped you even if it was a tiny bit.

Good work Taralou. I too use circular needles for everything.  I find that my arms are a lot less sore than with regular needles.

Best of luck with your the continental knitting. I have never mastered it unfortunately .

Very clever taralou from someone whose mother is an amazing knitter and found teaching her daughter so frustrating. I unfortunately do not appear to have a crafty bone in my body.

thankyou for your message on the Awake thread and I'm glad somewhere along the line I have managed to help! This site is pretty amazing that's for sure!

i can bake, but they never look anything special but I am told do taste good! 

My latest creation for a reindeer mad friend:

Oh Cathy - he's gorgeous. You have inspired me to make a few little toys for my cousins' children (of which there are several). I bought a job lot of 24 large balls of different colours for an impossibly low price on ebay and have found a few patterns. Haven't started yet though as I'm trying to finish the marathon tapestry. I'm determined not to have another half done project around the house lol.

Well done Cathy he is lovely, it has been quiet on here, everyone must be out walking!!!, haven't done much for a bit, have a cross stitch on the go, but don’t seem to find the time to finish it, did manage some baby cardigans and blanket for the new baby next door but that is as much as I have done, need to get my mojo back and finish my cross stitch.

love Jenny xx

Hi Kacang 

I love doing toys as you can use all those odd wools up (or like me and you, buy new ones!!) 

If you would like to do little sets of toys for the children, then I would recommend the toys of Alan Dart - the reindeer is one of his - he is a very talented designer and does e.g. circus mice, fairy tale mice, Noah's Ark etc. 

He has done series before e.g. Beatrix Potter characters but the patterns are quite difficult to come by and go for a fortune on ebay! 

He has his own website and the patterns are downloadable! Not cheap, but e.g. the Noah's Ark pattern is 30 odd pages for about £4. The knitting is relatively easy, but the putting together can be a challenge!!! 

I've done some of his bits and pieces - below! 

Thanks Cathy. They're perfect, I love them all. I'll check out Alan Dart's website. xx