In recent weeks I have conquered a new challenge. Knitting. I can remember my Mum knitting away in the evenings and my Grandma used to make the most beautiful fairisle sweaters made from alpaca yarns in delicate muted natural shades. I don't profess to be of that standard but I have mastered the art of plain knitting. Mum taught me (not a quick learner) but then I joined, believe it or not, a knitting club at work.
Initially scarves were the gaol. Quite a lot of friends got scarves for Christmas but they humour me by wearing them!
I have now progressed to a throw (picnic rug) or cosy wrap. The choice of yarns is amazing but if you haven't embarked on a project before I recommend you choose a modestly priced wool. My throw is made from a good quality aran style thickness and I used No. 8 knitting needles. Just cast on 40 stitches and knit plain each row.
My Mum gave me a tip. If you knit into the back of the last stitch on each row you get a much neater edge to your square. Continue to knit until you have your required size and cast off. How simple is that? The bad news is you need quite a few of these darlings. My throw is made up of 49 squares. The great thing about squares is they don't have to match. A crazy mix of colours would be great although I have chosen natural shades. The other plus side with kitting squares you can click away on the train or bus – you will be amazed what can be achieved on a journey.
When you have your requisite number its time to sew them together. Arrange then on the floor to get an idea of pattern etc. I sew mine a line at a time. Then pin carefully and sew the completed lines together. Don't forget to sew in all the loose ends – don't just cut them off or your masterpiece will unravel!
My Mum gave me a tip. If you knit into the back of the last stitch on each row you get a much neater edge to your square. Continue to knit until you have your required size and cast off. How simple is that? The bad news is you need quite a few of these darlings. My throw is made up of 49 squares. The great thing about squares is they don't have to match. A crazy mix of colours would be great although I have chosen natural shades. The other plus side with kitting squares you can click away on the train or bus – you will be amazed what can be achieved on a journey.
When you have your requisite number its time to sew them together. Arrange then on the floor to get an idea of pattern etc. I sew mine a line at a time. Then pin carefully and sew the completed lines together. Don't forget to sew in all the loose ends – don't just cut them off or your masterpiece will unravel!
The finishing touch is to crochet (double crochet stitch) all around the edge. To get you around the corners, crocket a double stitch 3 times into the same hole. Perfect corner. I did three laps around my blanket which I felt was enough.
Final task. Make a mug of tea, light the fire, wrap your throw around you and relax. Maybe think of your next project. I have just the thing up my sleeve watch this space!
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