Wednesday 14 January 2015

New Year Knitting - Erika Knight mittens for mum


Ooh it's been snowing... The first snow that we've seen here.  Perfect knitting weather.

I love my Dolan berets and don't want to take them off when I come indoors. Sometimes I don't. The grey and the mustard Debbie Bliss Blue Faced Leicester ones were followed by a 'True Navy' one.  A's sister fell in love with it when she came for Christmas, so I made one for her birthday. I've just posted it off today. I think I'll always have one on the needles for someone. 

I've been making cute fingerless mitts from an Erika Knight pattern that you can download free, here. The yarn is also British blue wool, but by Erika Knight. It comes in lovely colours like 'Classic', a gorgeous petrol/grey, in cute little dinky 25g skeins. It is so soft and silky. But any DK weight would work. I've made a classic  pair and a honey coloured pair and now there's a true navy pair on the needles, to match the hat. It's another easy, make-in-an-evening project that would be great for a beginner, or pick-up-and-put-down one for when you're busy. Good for when you're sitting by the computer uploading photos and it's taking so long that it  seems like the snow has got into it's works...Ahem.  Perfect for a Mother's Day gift or stocking fillers...I'm thinking ahead...

...and reading? I'm pouring over Sarah Raven seed catalogues and making mental lists. Imagining the garden billowing with lime green Nicotiana, Sutton's Apricot Digitalis, subtle blue and white Scabious, Ammi visnaga,  and towers of White Lady or Polestar runner beans. 

Knitting next? I'm looking for a sweater to make for A. Something that will knit up quickly and  keep him toasty now that the weather has changed. Maybe in Icelandic lopi wool...but it doesn't have to be...Have you any suggestions? 

Projects: Mittens for mum by Erika Knight 
              Dolan Beret by Leah B Thibault 
Yarn:      Erika Knight British Blue Wool 
              Debbie Bliss Blue Faced Leicester DK 
Ravelry: my ravelry page


joining ginny and nicole

18 comments:

  1. what great knits....and spring dreams are going on over there!!! did you also make that cute cropped sweater you are wearing???? (pattern, please, if you did!!!!! it's adorable!)

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    1. Thanks Steph...they are great aren't they? I wish that I had made the cropped sweater. It's my all time favourite little cardigan. I've had it for years and been looking for a similar pattern for a long time. So far without success but if I do find one, I'll share it with you. If I'm not successful I may have a go at making one from the original and I could share that too if it works out.
      Happy knitting,
      debx

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  2. oh, like Steph i was SO hoping for a pattern on that adorable cropped sweater!!!: )
    such lovely light in your photos, it felt like having a visit from spring for a moment while looking at them. truly enjoyed it!

    Vibeke

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    1. Hello Vibeke, I'm sorry about the pattern but if I find one I will definitely share it. Thank you the weather is beautiful today we've had both snow and beautiful sunshine. We are very lucky.
      I hope that you have lots of sunshine too.
      debx

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  3. Snow! How fun Debby, I wish we had some here. I need to start pulling out my seed books and making a plan. January is the month we usually plant peas and spinach, but it's just been too wet.
    Have fun knitting.

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    1. Oh shame about the wet Jauary. I hope that you soon get to plant your seeds Tracey. The snow didn't last but we have four inches forecast for tonight and gentle white snowflakes have just started falling. Looks like there might be more knitting weather on the way. I hope that you get some too Tracey.
      debx

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    2. whoops excuse my awful spelling...
      dx

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  4. beautiful knits so cozy and warm!! I'm loving the winter so I'm not thinking of gardens or spring as of yet. I can just imagine your new place with flowers bursting! How exciting :)

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    1. Me too, Karen. It's real hat and glove weather here at the moment. Enjoy your lovely winter days with lots of knitting.
      debx

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  5. hello debby,
    snow!!! it's so fun...i love snow . your knitting looks beautiful. i love your yellow dress,especially the short cardi.
    happy knitting,
    regina

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    1. I know it's lovely. I wonder if you get any snow in your part of spain. I love it and will never get tired of seeing it fall. Everything looks so sparkly and lovely.
      Thank you they are my favourite snowy days clothes. They keep me lovely and toasty warm.
      Take care,
      debx

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  6. Hi Deb.. Just stopping by to make sure all is well. smile.. Love your knitting.. So admire anyone that knits as I cannot... Your pics are awesome as usual ...
    Sending love across the ocean.. xo

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    1. Hi Faye, I've been thinking about you a lot recently and missing our this week in the kitchen catch ups. I must come over to see what you've been doing. I have missed you.
      Thanks love to you. I hope that you have an amazing 2015.
      debx

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  7. Such lovely knits...the colors are wonderful, and I must have one of those berets! I've been wanting to knit myself a hat, but just couldn't decide on a pattern...love this one!
    I am in love with your outfit...that little wool sweater is adorable and layered over that dress...love it!
    So happy that you finally saw snow!

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    1. Thank you Emily. Oh let me make one for you...I would love too...I'll email you.

      That's my favourite warm winter dress that I usually wear with 3/4 jeans. It's made from wool so nice and warm. The best bit is that it costs me hardly anything. I got it from a lovely lady on a car boot sale and the cardigan in a sale ages ago.

      The snow all melted but we have 4 inches forecast for tonight and its falling thick and fast. Ahmad is just kindling a cosy log fire for the evening. Nice and toasty.
      debx

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    2. Oh, Debby, I can just picture you tucked into your cozy house, a fire in the fireplace, snow falling outside...how idyllic! I hope you enjoy your cozy evening and wake up to a lovely blanket of snow.
      Oh, and I would absolutely LOVE a hand knit beret from you...I'm absolutely giddy thinking about it.
      And...that lovely wool dress would definitely be a favorite of mine too. You have wonderful taste in style.

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  8. We had a dusting of snow last week, but no storm/significant snow as yet this winter. My daughter and I are sooo hoping for a good storm. (Not my husband, who does the lion's share of shoveling).

    Beautiful knits and colors! I am working on a very basic shawl, hoping to move on to one with a pretty border sometime soon. Even 5 years into it, I'm still a pretty basic knitter.

    Hope all remains cozy in your winter world!
    Erin

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    1. I hope your wish for snow is granted in true Narnia style Erin. It transforms everything.

      It depends how free my mind is at the time how complex a pattern can be. The last few years my mantra has been 'simplicity.' I look forward to seeing your shawl both the basic one and the bordered one.

      Wishing you cosy days too.
      debx

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