Sunday 10 June 2012

Year of Projects Week 49

Wow, we're so close to the end here!

A quick update so say I have finally finished my socks!
Saying that it took 4 goes to knit them, I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. There are some issues with my tension in places, I think a combination of the purls, twisted stitches and cables over 4 needles mixed with the fact that the yarn is slightly overspun. I also didn't help myself by knitting with the kinked yarn instead of soaking it to get the kinks out after frogging.

Blocking fixed a few of the problems, and I was excited to try my new sock blockers
A close up of the pattern, you can see the ladders where I wasn't very good at changing needles with purl stitches though!
All in all, I think they'll probably get a lot of wear, and I still love the yarn and the pattern, so I'm happy with them!

Monday 4 June 2012

Free Pattern - Warhammer Double Knit Scarf


Well I have finally got round to writing up the pattern for this scarf. It's been a long time coming, but you can now download the PDF pattern here and find it on Ravelry here.

This scarf measures 7 feet 4 inches (88 inches) length by 9.5 inches width, and the double layered double knit fabric mixed with the lusciously soft yarn makes it something to snuggle up in which will keep you warm in the coldest weather. Plus the colours mean that it is perfect for either men or women, the only requirements are a liking for Warhammer. The double headed aquilla logo celebrates the famous models without being too loud or obvious; a great way to subtly show off your geekery.

Yarn used: Rowan DK Cashsoft, Black, 11 skeins
                    Rowan Pure Wool DK, Yellow, 0.5 skeins

Yarn requirements: 1550 - 1650 yards MC, 65 - 100 yards CC

Needles: 3.5mm straight
Gauge: 12 stitches, 17 rows in 2 inches, measured on one side of the double layered fabric only.
This is not a very difficult pattern, though it does take a long time to do, so I would suggest that some knowledge of double knitting is useful.
If you are a beginner at double knitting, I can highly recommend the tutorial and instructions found here: http://www.knittinghelp.com/c/free-knitting-patterns-heart-double-knit-hot-pad
A video tutorial for the cast on used can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GQpsC1FKGrU

Year of Projects Week 48

Just a very short update this week. I'm now half way through  sock 2, having turned the heel yesterday, and I'm really pleased with how they're looking. Plus I'm shocked at how quickly I'm getting through this one. It looks like I'll have a quite a lot of yarn left, so I might use the leftovers to make some trainer socks for my Mum at some point.

I'm loving the 4 day Jubilee Weekend we're getting at the moment. It's really helped me to get cracking on some more work, plus I went out for my 21st yesterday night, and don't feel guilty about spending most of today on the sofa, since I have 2 more days to get everything done. And my parents are coming down to visit tomorrow to celebrate with me, since I'm on placement on my actual birthday, so I won't get to see anyone then.

I hope everyone has had a good weekend, and I can't believe how close we are to finishing  this!