I Knit 3 from iKnit7

There is strength in unity, fabled Aesop in the 6th Century BC.  

"Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results" according to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and Louisa M. Alcott wrote in "Little Women" that it takes two flints to make a fire.  

People have been coming together to help each other for many moons and the impact of working for the common good, especially in the time of a global pandemic, cannot be underestimated.

When seven feisty local yarn shop owners from across these isles faced the potentially dire consequences of Covid to their businesses, they decided to band together and form iKnit7 - a unique collaborative yarn experience.  

I followed most of these shops on social media at the time, Edinburgh's Ginger Twist Studio and the three London stores - Hackney's Wild and Woolly, Knit With Attitude in Stoke Newington and Richmond's Tribe Yarns - fill my Instagram feed with inspirational knitting and colour.  A Yarn Story in Bath was on the itinerary for my planned, then cancelled, mini-break to the city at Easter with my daughter.  We really hope to visit in future.  I also knew of Emily Foulds in Lancashire, and This is Knit in Dublin, through the knitting podcasts I enjoy whilst stitching.  These shop owners have come together to collaborate and support one another as iKnit7.

By taking part in the iKnit7 week of online events in May, I got to know these local yarn shops and the lovely ladies who own and run them, a whole lot better!

It wasn't long before my purchases from three of the stores started to arrive.  

First was this jewellery kit I bought from Emily Foulds to make a knitted necklace featuring crystal beads.

The designer and creator of  Mahliqa hand knitted jewellery is Suraya Hossain.  I first saw Suraya's exquisite work when she designed this stunning two-piece outfit for Vogue Knitting Live in January.  How amazing to be able to create something wearable for myself from Suraya's design!

The Maliqa wire kit contained beautiful Schwarovski crystals in colours inspired by the painting L'alcove by Eva Gonzales.  Everything I needed was included in the box except needles but my Knitpro Zing double pointed pins were ideal for knitting with the fine, malleable wire.  

I thought attaching the clasp might be fiddly but I was able to make a pretty neat job thanks to some jewellery pliers we had in the house.  Please look at the finished necklace and not my multiple chins!

As I always have several projects on the go, I also cast on the wool I received from Milli at Tribe Yarns as soon as it arrived.  When Milli showcased the Anica Shawl Kit, I knew the lacey triangle shape was one I'd love to wear.  The kit comprised this pattern by Alina Appasova and a skein from Urth Yarns, brought to the UK by Tribe Yarns from Turkey.  As well as providing valuable employment for women in their own country, Urth Yarns plant a tree in Africa for every skein created according to the label.  Their Uneek Fingering Yarn is a beautiful soft self-striping 100% merino in gorgeous harmonising colours.  I chose the earth tones, pictured on the pattern, and also purchased a pretty dandelion sock blocker and some beads from Tribe at the same time.

As for my actual knitting - this pretty shawl knit up quickly as the pattern was quite easy to memorise.  The beautiful yarn stripes itself and enhances my garter stitch, eyelets and picots no end. 

So much so, I've knit a second, this time in merino/silk/yak from The Yarn Badger in her beautiful Winter Rainbow.  Neither of these is adorning my neck though - I gave the first one to a good pal who'd just had a big birthday and the second shawl has also become a gift, this time from my Mum to send to her far-away friend.  You know what that means?  I shall just have to cast on a third!

Meanwhile, I also had plans for the yarn I ordered from Jess at Ginger Twist Studio.  Several birthdays ago my sister gave me the book Botanical Knits 2 by Alana Dakos and I really fancied making the Sunlit Autumn cardigan, especially after I got this White Stuff skirt in their sale!  The yarn is Diggle DK by Woolyknit, a gorgeous tweedy British wool and I chose the colour Autumn Nepp (not neep as one of my Insta pals thought, making me laugh as a neep is a turnip hereabouts!)

Anyway, with the current trend for knitting seamless top-down garments, it was a change to go back to knitting all the pieces separately again.  It appeared to take me nearly as long to sew up as it had to knit the last sleeve!  I blocked my cardigan prior to assembly which helped flatten the curling stocking stitch edges and then added these beautiful flower shaped ceramic buttons by The Irish Handmade Button Company, a gift from Connemara from my sister-in-law following her trip there in 2018.

The cardigan has autumnal leaf details on the pockets and at the back of the neck.  I had to take  all these selfies of my finished garment as I'm home alone again with my husband, Geoff, offshore.

So I've knit three very different pieces with the materials I got at iKnit7 in May and I've enjoyed lots of making, both for myself and others in the process.  The event was a high spot during enforced time at home.  Being able to knit and share what I've made has helped me feel less alone.  iKnit7 has brought together more than seven businesses - it's created a welcoming community of shared knitting fellowship.

And the great news is that the ladies are back! 

The iKnit7 Holiday Extravaganza is coming in November - sign up for the newsletter to hear about the interviews, features, a treasure hunt and an international knit night happening from the 9th to the 15th November 2020.

Personally, I can't wait!

The Spice of Life Crochet Blanket (or what would Shaun Bythell think?)

I can virtually hear Shaun Bythell guffawing up his sleeve as I chose to base my recent crafty colour choices on the cover of his bestselling book.  

Last year on holiday I read The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell.  Apart from being a top book in my estimation, as its waspish humour made me laugh out loud, I knew I wanted to make something inspired by the cover illustration.  If you haven't had the pleasure of holding this particular volume in your hands, be warned - the author rejoices in taking pot shots at Kindles and I mean literally shooting electronic reading devices to pieces then displaying them in his shop as a warning to others!  It's described in the publisher's blurb as 'a wry and hilarious account of life in Scotland's biggest second-hand bookshop and the band of eccentrics and book-obsessives who work there'.  I'm aware that few things would give Shaun Bythell more cause for acerbic comment than a craft project based on his book's dust-jacket!

Shelving Mr Bythell for a moment, as authors may have limited input into their book's cover, the eye-catching illustration here is designed by Royal College of Art graduate Bill Bragg, with print design by freelance creative Peter Dyer.  Be sure to have your magnifying glass to hand as their credits at the bottom of the back cover are tiny.  I've now developed more appreciation for what is often an overlooked work of art in my hands and not just an invitation to explore the writing within.

So... Craft project... As soon as the Scottish government lifted the 5 mile travel restriction on 3rd July, I hot footed it to Baa!, the wool shop in Stonehaven.  I already had some crochet in mind and knew the yarn I wanted to use.  

In 2015, as a relative newcomer to crochet, I followed the make-along by craft blogger and podcaster, Sandra Paul known online as Cherry Heart, for the Spice of Life Crochet Blanket.

Admired by my sister-in-law, Fiona, I decided to make this blanket again for her birthday in early August.  I'd need to get my skates on and commit to some monogamous crochet!  The Spice of Life Blanket pattern calls for 13 colours.  I'd been tempted on a previous visit to Baa! by the practical, but beautiful, Scheepjes Stone Washed cotton/acrylic DK yarn.  There's a mouthwatering palette of 31 different shades in stock at Baa!.  Plenty of choice for me with the book cover in mind.

The sheet details the original colours called for in the pattern

So I started crocheting on July 10th

and enjoyed adding many rows during the retreat I staged for myself at home in the cosy craft corner I'd created.  

Podcaster Ellie of Craft House Magic kept me company

I crocheted outside in the sunshine, inside whilst watching my favourite podcasts, and even in bed!  The blanket grew and grew.

Three weeks later, on August 1st, I was adding the final rows to the turquoise border with the 3.5mm Prym crochet hook I used throughout

and the weather stayed fine as the blanket enjoyed a freshen up on the line - just like its 2015 twin!

Whilst in the making, I kept all photos of the blanket off social media so it would remain a surprise for Fiona.  

I was so excited to present it to her at our family birthday barbecue last weekend.

Safe to say, she loves it!

As for Shaun Bythell, I'm pleased to report his book is being made into a TV series - and he's written a sequel!  

Not more crochet?

Who knows what I might be inspired to make next with these colours?

A Holiday at Home

Just as well it wasn't going to be our year for an overseas trip.  

We'd already been talking about a holiday in Scotland before the current pandemic, possibly a break in the Borders, with golf aplenty for Geoff, and a craft workshop or two for me whilst he strode the fairways.  But Covid19 ensured that wasn't going to happen either.

Seeing empty workshops prompt craft tutors to stage their classes online, and dispatch boxes of materials by post for participants to complete in the comfort of their own homes, a kernel of an idea was forming that I could stage my own craft retreat.  For me.  At home.

Print by @by.eilidh

Enjoying some 'Me Time'.

Perhaps I need to back up and explain what the summer holidays are usually like for me.  My job in school library means I only work in term time, giving me 6 weeks off in July and August. Despite Coronavirus, I continued to work my part time hours, in a re-deployed role at home, from Easter onwards so was delighted when the last day of term arrived.  Geoff's job at sea means he may, or may not, be at home during this time but he's been ashore for the last six weeks and won't be back again before I return to school.  So that left me with three weeks home alone to fill.  But, like everyone else who isn't a key worker, I've been at home since the end of March, sometimes with Geoff for company and sometimes just me and the dog.  

I needed to do something special to feel like I'd had a holiday.  A holiday involving relaxation and crafts, but not my usual routine.

So for three days last week I did just that.  It took a bit of planning - but that was half the fun.  First, I thought about how I could create a sanctuary and set about making a spare bedroom into the ideal guest venue, installing fresh flowers, scented candles and mood lighting.  

Here's a wee video :

To truly be able to relax in my own house, I spent the two days prior to my retreat making sure my regular household chores and laundry were all up to date.  As someone who enjoys cooking, and makes most meals from scratch, I entrusted my dinners to Marks and Spencers ready meals which also ensured minimal washing up.

I let M&S take care of my lunches too, and chose foods I love but wouldn't normally buy.  Scotch egg and pork pie- you are my guilty pleasures!  Sunny days meant I could enjoy eating them outside.

Naturally, I managed to keep myself adequately hydrated too.  You'll note that I took the 'treat' part of 'retreat' very seriously! 

I kitted out the shower room with toiletries from Scottish Fine Soaps after drenching myself in the Sea Kelp range during a luxury mini-break at Foyers Lodge on the banks of Loch Ness last autumn.  The Au Lait Noir hand and body fragrance I chose is decadently delicious.

I factored in some home pampering too with a beauty mask for each evening.  It was a happy coincidence that my hairdresser rang during my retreat to say she'd had a cancellation and was able to offer me an appointment for my first professional haircut in 5 months.  I've saved you from the sight of me in my Simple Face Mask but did feel my radiance was boosted, exactly as promised!  The Superdrug Foot Mask left my feet feeling lovely and soft once I'd got over the initial disconcerting cold squidgy feeling.  In the end, I didn't use the Elvive self-heating hair mask I'd bought as I felt my hair was pampered enough by my own lovely hairdresser.

Each afternoon I enjoyed a different craft activity, thanks to the kits I'd purchased.

First up was the Pot Heads Postal Pottery Package from Peaceful Pots.

The brainchild of Bristol based community artist, Tasha Bee, the kit contained everything I needed to create my own handmade ceramic being, and even included a tiny live plant.  In fact, I was able to create two planters through judicious use of my clay.  Tasha's kits were created during lock-down with the specific purpose of allowing people to be creative whilst stuck at home and I really enjoyed the YouTube instructional video which made me feel like I was at a pottery class with Tasha herself.  I'm very proud of the wee pot heads I made.

On day two I made my own chocolates using the dark chocolate truffle making kit I bought from the award winning ethical chocolate business Cocoa Loco.  

As a self confessed chocoholic, these are a delicious little bites of chocolate heaven. 

Some for me - and some to share.

On the final day of my retreat I made a fabulous scented Rainbow Candle using the Rainbow in a box candle kit I purchased from Falkirk business, Candle Shack.  Again, everything was included in the kit.

The fun instructional accompanying video on YouTube guided me through the necessary steps to make this huge, stripey, fragrant candle.  

There's some waiting time whilst the layers set but it was another sunny day and I was able to sit in the garden and crochet, read my book or just relax and listen to the birdsong.  

And that's what a retreat is all about - giving yourself the gift of time for yourself.  If there happen to be holiday keepsakes, then that's a bonus!

I have a lot more to say about each of the craft kits and intend to make each one a blog post of its own.

A tale of two tops

My daughter, Maddy, came to visit us in February, just before Corona Virus had such an effect on all our lives.  She lives in London and travelled home, quite apprehensive, with hand sanitiser and a pack of cleansing wipes tucked into her pocket.  Little did we know we wouldn't be seeing her again for months to come.  

I offered to knit something for Maddy as I imagined I might have more crafting time then usual and showed her this pattern by Jessie Maed Designs.  She loved the Ripple Bralette, chose yarn from my not inconsiderable stash, and airily waved a hand over the pattern, stating she was usually an XS.  So I cast on for that size.

Cookston Crafts 4 ply in the Hairst colourway

It looked like it would fit my upper thigh but I persevered because blocking* can solve a multitude of sins. (*blocking is the process of wetting or steaming your final piece of knitting to set the size and even out the stitches.)

Whilst blocking achieved all these things, it can't work miracles and didn't actually make the top any bigger.  It was clearly way too small for Maddy, even if she is a beautifully willowy 22 year old who normally wears XS!

I must stress that any errors were of my own making and not the fault of the pattern.  It is inclusive when it comes to sizing and includes a useful schematic as well as a table of dimensions.  The trouble was I didn't really look at it before I cast on - then I doggedly continued knitting without reference to the likely finished outcome.  So the fact that it just didn't fit is entirely down to me.

Eager to make amends, and create a summer top whilst it is still summer, I went in search of another pattern and selected the Spotty Totty top by Katie Jones.  This is made from seven colourful crocheted squares.  I already had all the cotton yarn I needed in my stash, leftover from other projects, so there was nothing to stop me.

I challenged myself to make one square a day.

And by the end of the week, I was joining the squares together...

and getting the finished top ready to post.

But what about the other top?  

Maddy chose merino sock wool dyed by Claire at Cookston Crafts.  I remembered Claire has a young daughter the top might fit so I parcelled it up and sent it off - along with Haribo for her big brothers.  

Here's six year old Ailsa modelling the tiny top...

And Maddy wearing hers!

I've also plenty of the original yarn Maddy chose to make her a Ripple Bralette one day.  But I'll be getting my measuring tape out first!

 

A Post About Post

During the lock-down period, I've been able to liberate a number of knitted items and send them off into the world.  My craft room was becoming overcrowded and it was high time they were popped in the post.

I sent this shawl to my friend Ann.  Knitted between February and May this year, from a beautifully soft combination of merino/alpaca and mohair/silk yarns, it's light as air but warm as toast and has a beaded edge to add a little weight and glamour.

Pattern is Winter Wander Shawl Yarns by Dragonfly Dyes and Henny Penny Makes

Ann is my mosaic tutor, as well as lovely friend, and someone you just have to hug when you meet.  Since it's still going to be a wee while til I can hug her in person, this shawl will act as a virtual hug in the meantime.

Another dear friend to benefit from my knitting skills is Vicki.  She admired this colour-work hat after I'd made it in January and I decided to give it to her.  While we've been unable to meet friends lately, Vicki has been giving a wave to her pals each week from one of her rural walks and sharing her photo on social media.  In this latest picture, she's wearing her hat!

Vicki is a nurse so it's particularly appropriate that she should be wearing this design called Harriet's Hat which has raised over £50,000 towards the Shetland MRI Scanner Appeal.  I bought this fundraising pattern last September when I learned the good folks of Scotland's northernmost isles were aiming to raise over one and a half million pounds to purchase an MRI scanner for their hospital in Lerwick.  Islanders must currently travel to Aberdeen by ferry for half a day, through one of the roughest crossings in our waters, then stay overnight at hospital before sailing home again.  The lady behind the pattern is Shetland knitter extraordinaire, Harriet Middleton, and her intricate design can now be seen in knitted hats, gloves, mitts and cowls, all over the world.

I used local yarn from J C Rennie, leftover from my Korat Sweater, to knit Vicki's hat plus some Kingcraig colours from a variety pack purchased at Dornoch Fibre Fest in 2017 and my chosen colours echo the appeal logo.  Isn't the star crown just beautiful?  You can purchase Harriet's Hat pattern here knowing 100% of the cost will benefit the Shetland MRI scanner appeal.

I knitted some tinier hats early in the year after a post on Instagram alerted me that a Glasgow hospital was running low on baby bonnets.  I always have suitable wool to hand, and hats can be knitted in a couple of evenings from just a little yarn.  Ideal telly knitting.  

This quote from Esther Rutter's enjoyable hand knitting travelogue around the British Isles I was reading at the time, This Golden Fleece, captured my feelings perfectly as I packaged my wee bonnets ready for posting:

...and in hospitals babies are welcomed with minute hats made by hands they'll never know

It was a request on a Facebook craft group I belong to that led to me knit these hearts for my local hospital.  I mentioned them in a previous blog post and now they've been carefully packaged and posted.  

Here's what the nurse who requested the hearts said:

Patient's families are so appreciative to have that little connection with a loved one near the end.

These hearts were mostly knitted during the hour of Sunday morning worship on television, since actual church services are not an option right now.  It's such  a small thing for me to do but obviously means a great deal to the recipients.

Tributes to the dedication of NHS staff throughout the Coronavirus pandemic have taken many forms as the nation shows its appreciation.

My own contribution to one such hand made tribute is this knitted letter for a banner stating 'East London Knitters say thank-you to all the NHS workers'.  I was allocated letter 'K' after Maya from Wild and Woolly shop in Hackney asked makers on Instagram to knit, crochet or weave the required rectangles.  Also involved are Knit With Attitude in Stoke Newington and Fabrications in Broadway Market as well as knitters from East London - and further afield.  

But I'm from North East Scotland - why would I join in?  Well, both my daughters live in London, not that far from these creative outlets, and I know I will be able to visit the capital, hug my girls and even see this banner in real life - at some point in 2020.  Something to look forward to - and a blog post of the future, no doubt.

So I've posted my knitting, and knitted in response to posts on social media, but sending it out into the world would be pointless without the postie!  I'm thankful that Royal Mail staff have been working throughout the lock-down period, ensuring everything I posted reached its destination.  

Colour in picture by Catherine Redgate Art

I'll be leaving my colouring-in inside our postbox to show my gratitude to our own postman.