Sweet Chestnut Socks – Enabling Alert

Autumn has well and truly arrived in my corner of the UK.  I love the autumn, the colours, the smell, the lack of sun cream and need for knitwear…….

If you are taking part in Socktober and looking for a little bit of a sock challenge can I tempt you with my latest pattern in The Knitter Magazine (issue 89)?  These pretties are worked from the cuff down with some cable detail and a little beading.  The heel is an afterthought heel, which works beautifully, not interrupting the flow of the Zauberball yarn and it’s gently transitioning colours.

 

The pattern is written for two sizes, to fit foot circumference 23.5 (25) cm.

Skills:

  • Beading with a crochet hook
  • Cabling
  • Twisted ribbing
  • k2tog
  • ssk
  • yo
  • s2kpo

Shopping list:

  • Zauberball 4ply sock yarn
  • 2.75mm needles (or size to obtain gauge)
  • 0.6mm crochet hook
  • size 6/0 seed beads
  • cable needle
  • stitch markers

Mr KnittingImage makes his debut post

I know my wife so well I thought I may get away with writing this while pretending to be her, but it occurred to both of us that there was no point – so I’m guest writing this while Jane is busy keeping up with her deadlines – as well as making her presence known on Yarn Shop Day, but more on that in the coming days.

I’m always extremely proud to see her work in national magazines, and more so when her work is on the front cover, as in this months Simply Knitting issue 120 (the owl, top right!).

Simply Knitting Issue 120 May2014

Simply Knitting Issue 120 May 2014

The magazine features 3 creations:

Monster is a funky cover for your chosen brand of tissue. It’s made from simple parts sewn together, so is a great project for beginners. Googly eyes help with the oddball look, and the eyebrows can be arranged to create something as either crazy or intimidating as you wish :).

Pyjama Party owl is a pyjama case. I suppose it would be aimed at kids, but I prefer to think it’s for those of us young at heart. It features a cool stitch technique for creating the honeycomb pattern, and I’ve already seen knitters apply their own creative flair and use alternate colours to wonderful effect.

Finally Flying High, a relaxing mobile that’s sure to calm those still learning to find their voice when they should be sleeping – not that I’m scarred from fatherhood! It was great watching these simple balloon shapes come together, and piecing them together will be a joy for showing off your crafting skills.

First post complete – I think it’s time I make another cup of tea (knitters fuel) before getting back to writing code… well… it’s a Bank Holiday, perhaps I’ll get back to my gaming!

Until next time, stitch on and don’t forget to post your creations online and give Jane a shout on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, we love to see them!

How to add your own personal touch to my latest iPad Cover, 'For your eyes only'

for your eyes only cable ipad case simply knitting

Have you seen my cable gadget cover in this issue of Simply Knitting?  It is just perfect for an iPad and will make a great gift for the geek in your life! Would you like to personalise it?  Then I … Continue reading

Simply Knitting Magazine, 6 Summer Gifts

It’s been a busy few months here, it’s always great when the postman arrives with my magazines and I get to see my designs in print.

It’s the best feeling when I make the front cover, I still find myself picking up the magazines in newsagents to check, to be sure I have not dreamt it! I am very lucky to do what I love for a living!

skm110_cover_digi

For this issue of Simply Knitting I designed 6 quick and easy summer gifts. Flip flops, kindle case, sunglasses case, purse, bookmark and lace edging for beach towels. I love the photography!

summer gifts bookmark summer gifts flip flops summer knits glasses case summer knits kindle case