I've been very busy!

I've been knitting and purling my fingers off! I've finished (with the exception of a button) my first bucket list item, a cardigan for Bella! It was a real learning process and it's definitely not perfect but I'm really proud that I've done it.

I started on the 4th of January and finished this morning, the 23rd of January... I knitted almost every day for a few hours (some days more than others) so it's taken me a very long time! I'd estimate maybe 80+ hours has gone into Bella's cardigan, I said to Scott yesterday that I need to install a tracking device into it because I'd be devastated if it got lost!

Don't look too closely because there are definitely some mistakes in there... I couldn't figure out how to do the 'one row button hole' properly (and YouTube didn't help!) so it's a bit wonky and my increasing stitches aren't as invisible as I'd like them to be but I'm still proud! I will do another one, probably a smaller size so that Bella can wear it this winter! I've also got a patter for a doll version which would knit up a lot quicker and might be fun :-)

So the knitting techniques I used were:

* Casting on
* Knitting
* Purling
* Increasing stitches (knitting on the front and back of one stitch... AKA k1fb)
* Garter stitch
* Stocking stitch
* Casting off

I've known how to cast on, knit and cast off since I was a little girl but never done anything other than very dodgy scarves so this was a real stretch for me!

I made a '4 year' size and it's definitely too big for her. I'm glad that I made it a lot bigger rather than maybe too small though, it was a huge investment of time and effort and I would have been really annoyed if it didn't fit! So once I get a button stitched on it's all done!

So this is what I was aiming for...

This is what I made...

R's #10: Knit an item of clothing

I've decided to knit an item of clothing for Bella, I thought a little cardigan would be just the thing! I'm sure it'll be ready in time for next winter... that is winter 2013!


I visited my local yarn store this morning and I am now the proud owner of a pair of 4mm bamboo knitting needles ($6.50) and two balls of hot pink cotton 5 ply yarn ($3 each). The pattern is called Kina, it's from a French company called Kids Tricots and it cost me €3 (or $3.89) and that was for a PDF download (got to love instant gratification!).


The pattern is in English so that's a good start right? It's a one piece knit (from the top down) and is a mix of stocking stitch (the main part) and garter stitch (the edges). See, don't I sound like I know what I'm talking about!

So I guess now would be a great time to talk about my knitting experience (or rather lack thereof!). I love creating things, sewing would have to be my favourite crafting activity but knitter I am not! Not for lack of trying though, I have many, many, many half knitted (wonky) scarves and only just started blankets to prove my determination to learn how to knit. Though I've never attempted to knit anything that wasn't square or rectangular before so this could well end up being a lesson in humility!

As soon as I remember how to cast on I'll knit up 26 stitches by 36 rows, this in theory should measure 10cm x 10cm and if it does then it means that I'll (also in theory) knit the right size cardigan for Bella. All I can say is wish me luck and I'll keep you updated!!!!