Between Christmas and New Year

I hope everyone had a joyous Christmas full of family, friends, love and hope.

Now we have that lovely time between holidays, when even if we have to work, there's a certain quietness that means we can relax and enjoy ourselves. I've been to the Boxing Day test (day 2), eaten leftovers, sorted out some files and, made some more scarves.

The first has been quite a trial - I was wanting a chequerboard effect with drop stitches in between. Unfortunately, this required too much casting off and on and the drop stitches sort of got lost. Maybe blocking would have helped, but it still wasn't working. I settled for casting on lengthwise, knitting a 3x3 rib then dropping stitches in a Fiobonacci pattern (is that how you spell it?).

I started the second last night and picked a pattern from the Vogue Knitting Stitchionary, the Daisy chain stitch. I've used much larger needles and made everything garter stitch. I quite like the effect and will make a long thin scarf.

Next week will be blocking everything! and getting them ready to sell.

In my image

I've now put a picture of 'me' on my blog. Courtesy of Elaine, one of the HWSG Spinning Certificate students. For her final project she made a series of dolls, each based on a different person involved in the course, to highlight her spinning skills. She did one of me and I'm highly delighted. As I'm usually reluctant to have my picture taken, this is the obvious alternative, navel ring and all!

Inspiration strikes at last

I think I've finally come up with the design for the next scarf. A mixture of dropped stitches and cabling. I quite like it, however, I'm a bit concerned that I won't really know if it has worked until I block it.

Yes, I know, should do a test swatch first, but these are my test swatches!

I also like the handspun, as it changes from cream through to a dusty pink.

Inspiration required

Less a week before Christmas and plans, cleaning, card writing and present buying all in full swing. I'm still in need of inspiration. I'm trying to make a 'pasta' scarf and not having much success. On a long drive today and I think I've got an idea about knitting long strands and at times knitting them together whilst also wrapping around each other. Will try tonight.

Another scarf.

Yes, I've finished yet another scarf. I actually like how this turned out. I was using Cleckheaton Country Silk, which I won as the Patons fastest knitter 2007. I have alot of it!

I have been keeping a work journal to record both times and patterns and general information. This is proving helpful, especially in the area of pricing. However, it is opening a can of worms as it becomes obvious that I need to raise the price of my scarves. I am however, reluctant to go over the $100 mark. It seems like a barrier. I think what I need to do is make one, which I couldn't possibly justify for less and see what happens. Then, if that is successful, slowly creep the prices up. I think this is an ongoing issue for everyone.

A good book from the library

Yesterday was mostly taken up with costuming (Hollywood) my oldest for a party - he's going as a 'Blues Brother' and the 9x5 market planning session. All very interesting, I did, however, have to leave the meeting early, so I will be looking forward to the outcome. It's starting to get really serious, as we realise that we're off to a really good start, but that to make the market work we need to become more professional in the approach and organisation. I am looking forward to working out how I can contribute.

I did however, have a look through a book I finally borrowed from our local library. Aren't libraries wonderful. This particular book has been sitting on the shelf waiting.....I finally decided I'd better have a good look. It is quite beautiful with fabrics that cover different fibres such as silk, linen and synthetics. There's a handmade feel to the fabrics, even though they are commercial. The pictures are beautiful and full of ideas.

I must start another weaving project!

NOTE: 'Fabric' by Suzanne Trocme. Published by Mitchell Beazley, London, 2002.

Another scarf on big needles

I finished another scarf last night. Just using up purple yarn from the stash. Big needles, knit lengthwise. People really like these bright and quick to make scarves.

The next one will be a bit slower, as I'm going to use the camel and wool yarn that I've spun. I want an open overall lace and insert a few areas of folds. That will need some sampling before I get it right, but it should be quite effective.














I have a steering committee meeting for the 9x5 market, where we'll be discussing a marketing strategy. This should be interesting and more importantly, useful. The next step in the development of the market is to get more people there.