| Archive for Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns The Friendly UK Board that invites Knitters, Crocheters, Dressmakers, Quilters, Patchworkers, Jewellery makers and Paper Crafters to join in our chat about Craft |
| loobyj |
Sirdar Relaxed Weekend Living KALThought I'd start off a KAL for this book. I've already cast on the short-sleeved cable cardi and so has Snail - so two people = a knitalong - right
Lovely book full of aran weight patterns - I've already mentally cast on the flat collar cardi too, and my sister has her eye on the diamond cable and bobble jacket (guess who'll be knitting it though  )
Anyone else interested? lj |
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| slowasasnail |
Well I'm in this one already then. There are sooooo many lovely patterns in this book. I've just finished the cabley bits on the back. | ||
| Glynis |
I've got my book, now to see if I've any suitable yarn 
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| loobyj |
Wow - I'm impressed Snail - you've fair zoomed through that bit 
I'm about half way up the cabley bit and - hoorah - I've got the pattern off pat!! Makes it sooo much easier to work quickly on it. I'd forgotten how quickly aran knits up
Just have to stop myself from casting on one of the others at the same time 
lj |
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| slowasasnail |
I'm rubbish at remembering patterns. | ||
| pictish |
I've got the book too  On stashalong so must see if I've got anything suitable in stash - I like the cardi you and Kate are doing lj and I like the cabley yoke jumper too!!
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| melody yarns |
Me please! I have aran yarn at the ready fo the short sleeved cabled jacket too. I'm not sure when I'll be casting on though
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| Jo028 |
Me, I'm in, just need the book & the yarn I've ordered some stylecraft life aran in a new shade called cranberry mixtures & it's gorgeous.
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| loobyj |
Yarn sounds lovely Jo - where did you get it? Might have to have a squizz about the 'net to see what I can find!
The only complaint I've got about mine at the mo is that I'm knitting from a gigantic ball of yarn - so it's not very portable. But it's an enjoyable knit. lj |
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| Fi |
Some lovely things in that book its on my b/day list.
Daren't buy anything else at the moment, dread to think how mush I have spent over the summer with the time to browse. |
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| loobyj |
Back finished 1 sleeve done - really quick to do only took about two hours, 'spose it's cos it's short. Just cast on a front - hoping that'll be feel quick too with only half the amount of pattern that the back has.
Am pleased with how it's knitting up - good cable definition - will try for some pics later if the light improves. lj |
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| Glynis |
I've started the short-sleeved cable cardi, but I am using some yarn from stash. It is a thick aran and isn't going as far as I'd hoped, so it may end up as a waistcoat
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| slowasasnail |
Haven't finished the back yet but have been distracted my socks this week. | ||
| Glynis |
I've finished the cables on the back.
I'm using some old cheviot wool which is rather rough to knit, though the swatch washed up beautifully soft
I'm doing the 32/34 because by my calculations it should come up a little larger with this wool, however in the unwashed state it is bang on size. Hopefully it will relax a little in washing the way the swatch did
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| slowasasnail |
That is looking lovely. Must get on with mine as haven't touched it for a while. | ||
| pictish |
That looks lovely Glynis - what is cheviot wool? | ||
| Glynis |
It is Cheviot as in the type of sheep it was taken from I think
There is no label on the wool but it was originally in a kit with a sweater pattern which said "The Scottish wool collection. Pure Cheviot wool from the Mountains and Borders of Scotland". |
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| pictish |
Oh right - sounds nice  I thought it was an old Sirdar one maybe.
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| gilraen |
It does look lovely
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| Glynis |
You know me SO well  - the queen of the discontinued yarn
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| pictish |
I'm just wondering where you get all this lovely stuff from
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| Glynis |
I'm not saying...but heaven help my bank balance if they ever close down ebay
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| Auntie Noo |
Glynis the colour of that is really pretty, long live ebay I say!
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| pictish |
Well you have certainly had some lovely bargains recently
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| loobyj |
Looks lovely Glynis - the cable pattern really stands out well
I've just finished the left front of mine. Tell you what, this not being able to speak business seems to make me do everything much faster  As well as knit the whole of the front in just over a day, I've also pickled garlic, made lemon curd and onion marmalade, made gallons of cheese sauce for the freezer and supervised MrL in clearing up the conservatory.
Going to try and do the second sleeve by the time I go to bed tonight.
lj |
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| slowasasnail |
Wow...I'm impressed. Wish I was that quick. Just finished the front of mine and am about to block it. | ||
| melody yarns |
I've yet to cast on!!
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| Anna |
Does cheese sauce freeze well then? I always make far too much, even if I measure twice and pour once
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| loobyj |
Yep, the cheese sauce (or any other kind of white sauce) freezes well If you freeze more than one kind make sure you label it - cauliflower in white chocolate sauce anyone
I'm already planning my next cast on from this book. Am going to make the cable slipover, but for me and without so many cables Want to make it as a keep warm for the winter, and I've got some odds and ends of yarn that aren't quite enough to do a whole thing in, but with some jiggery think I could squeeze this out
Debs - cast on, cast on - it's a lovely pattern and really easily memorised, which is why I think it's such a quick knit
lj |
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| pictish |
Lj what are you using? Is it the Bonus Aran?? | ||
| loobyj |
Yeah, that's right - in Nutmeg. Which is a sort of browny colour, but with almost a purpley fleck to it Or perhaps a better description is the same sort of colour of drinking chocolate powder Either way I like it! So far I've used nearly 1 ball and I've done the back, 1 sleeve and front done, I'll get the second sleeve out of it too and probably start the second front before starting a new ball. So it'll be a good cheap knit
Once I've finished the second sleeve I'll wash and block the finished pieces seeing the weather's good today. lj |
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| loobyj |
Ooh. Before I forget. Just something to watch out for.
My tension's spot on, but I found that when I'd finished the armhole/neck shaping for the left front it was already three rows longer than the back was for the armhole to measure the right length IYSWIM So I had to jigger the last every following 6th row bit to get the decrease in, but three rows less. (I'm knitting the 40/42 size).
lj |
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| pictish |
Thanks for that!! The Nutmeg sounds a gorgeous colour
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| loobyj |
Right front finished last night Will wash and block that this evening, then start sewing the rest up Might even be wearing it by the weekend
Will now confess, I've already cast on a slipover... It's men only in the book, but I'm jiggering with it a bit. Am doing it in the round, with a plain back, less cables on the front (two not three) and possibly (if I can work it out) a slightly deeper v-neck. It's only for a keep warm round the house, so it doesn't matter too much if it all goes kaput
lj |
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| dreamcatcher |
I cast on for the v-neck cardigan last night I'm using Debbie Bliss Aran Tweed in a deep fuschia shade, from stash. It can be a bit, er, rustic but it swatched up nicely with spot-on gauge.
I wanted to do the short-sleeved one-button cardi but I don't have any suitable aran. I want it in a plain dye neutral shade, pale grey, taupe, that kind of thing, as this would be for wearing round the house a lot. I tend to wear a sleeveless fleece gilet at the moment but it's seen better days Also looking for a good pattern like that for chunky yarn, have a load of Sirdar Click Chunky in pale grey.
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| Glynis |
I've got a back, a front and more than half of the second front done!
I'm hoping the wool will relax to size in the wash, if not I'll have to borrow some of Pictish's bravery and go froggin'
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| pictish |
Hope you don't have to Glynis
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| Glynis |
Thanks
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| Glynis |
My, but it's long way round that button band!! I've done it all in one go, rather than in two halves (seemed a good idea at the time ) and I've now got one row to do before the cast-off row.
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| loobyj |
Ahh - I contemplated doing that Glynis, but decided that 190 stitches twice was better than 380!!!
Have done one half, just need some peace and quiet to sit and pick up the other half now
Are you pleased with yours? lj |
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| Glynis |
Am I pleased? The jury is still out on this one!
I'm glad I did the band all in one now that it is done, but it was a bit of a long haul 
I need to do the sewing up now and then wash it. The washing will be essential because it is such a rough and rustic wool that I need it to relax and even up a bit before I can tell if I like it. |
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| Aknita |
I'm in
I have knitted a tension square ( I have only ever done this once before when I knitted my CPH but last week Debbie Abrahams convinced me that I need to do one every time ) I seem to be spot on to tension, I am just delibereating which size to make. Do I make the size I feel I ought to, or take into account the fact that I intend to lose a stone
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| Jo028 |
Joy, I'd make it to fit now, it could be disheartening to make something that you can't wear straight away. | ||
| Woollywarbler |
Well after knitting this one http://www.ravelry.com/projects/W...ign-b---womens-cabled-yoke-jacket, I've gone and ordered the yarn for the other jacket that caught both my and hubby's eye http://www.sirdar.co.uk/designs/womens/jackets/9088 too. Unfortunately Get Knitted only had 10 balls of the colour I wanted in stock so I'm twiddling my fingers for the next couple of weeks whilst I wait for it to come in. There's nothing else for it...I shall have to tackle those wips
Tracy |
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| pictish |
That is a lovely one too Tracy
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| loobyj |
That one's on my list too - put there by my sister
lj |
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| slowasasnail |
Well I have finally finished mine. My what a mammoth job that button band was. Just waiting for a button now. | ||
| GrannySmith |
Picture, please we need a picture, but well done for finishing it.
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| loobyj |
Well done, you've beaten me - I've still got half a band to pick up and two sleeves to put in. And only 9 days to do it
lj |
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| GrannySmith |
Think of all that time in the morning Lj, you've got hours before going to work
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| loobyj |
Ain't that the truth - three hours this week! Up at 4.30 I'm not very charming company at that time. I've been working on Wisp before breakfast - only a few more rows to go and it's yummy (tho' I know you wouldn't like it!).
lj |
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| FatCat |
Are you ever ....? That IS very early hope it does the trick though. Yay for Wisp being nearly finished  Bet it's really yummy. I know that I will definitely like it
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| loobyj |
Well it's finished now, and is just what the well-dressed globe trotter will be wearing this autumn Pics over the weekend.
So back to the cardi now - in theory I've got plenty of time - it's just the thought of the second half of the button band. Must give myself a stern talking to! lj |
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| loobyj |
Well. One half is all finished - I put the sleeve in tonight. So six days to tackle and finish the second half.  So the question is - do I do the easy bits (side seam and set the sleeve in) first or do I go straight for the second button band. Decisions, decisions
lj |
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| Jo028 |
Go for the button -band, the rest wil be a breeze then Mine's all done, it's just taking a rest under some wet towels, pics soon
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| loobyj |
Well, I finished it before we went to Oz and have been wearing it non-stop since we came back.
Am pleased with it, and would make another one - tho possibly in a smaller size. And the sleeves could be set in better. Photos as soon as the light improves. lj |
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| GrannySmith |
I missed this before, you are right I would hate it, I can admire the work but the yarn - yuck and doubly yuck
Well done with the other knitting to, but we need pictures
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| FatCat |
Anyone still in on this one or are you all done and finished? Did you ever post pics of yours Looby? I've been wanting to make the cabled short-sleeved cardi ever since I saw Snail's finished one, and I've also wanted to make the cabled yoke jacket ever since I saw Warbler's finished one - both are so beautiful!
So, as of today I have acquired both patterns and some Stylecraft Life in a beautiful dark charcoal colour. Itching to cast on (WIPs? What other WIPs? *pushes them all out of sight* ) but having trouble deciding which one to do first!
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| loobyj |
I put some pics on Rav - but not sure I ever did here - oops!
I'm going to cast something else on from here - poss the short sleeve polo or the bobbly cabley jacket - my sister fancies both! The cable cardi is a really good knit - the cable pattern is easily memorised - if your mind works like that! But I like the cabled yoke too. (Not for me tho' - my jubblies look best in a v-neck )
lj |
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| FatCat |
ah yes, I've found it on Rav now. Now that you've told me it's there .... Thanks! It's lovely!
I don't have the whole book, just the two patterns as leaflets. Which is probably a good thing otherwise I'd be even more undecided about what to cast on
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| dreamcatcher |
I've almost finished the v-neck cardi, and would like to make the short-sleeved polo (probably in Sirdar Denim Aran). | ||
| pictish |
I'm thinking of maybe making the cable cardi but not at the mo
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| FatCat |
oh good, there are a few people still in on this one, yay!
I'm 99% decided on the cabled cardi - what Looby said about it being easily memorised definitely appeals to me at the moment. Wondering about size now tho .... hmm. I'm having one of my not-very-decisive days, can you tell?
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| Jo028 |
I had to follow every row  I didn't stick in my head.
I've been in this twice & will be going for a third one, I fancy the cabled yoke sweater in Stylecraft Life which I've got in the cranberry mixtures shade
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| melody yarns |
I still have the one button cardie to cast on so this is still a live knitalong!! I hope....
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| loobyj |
It might depend on the yarn I used Sirdar Bonus Aran and the tension was spot on, but it does relax quite a lot when it's washed. Consequently I've got a really 'comfy' cardi. If I made another in the same yarn, I'd make a smaller size.
Snail made hers in Lanark, and that gave a denser fabric, and her cardi looks really smart. IMHO - feel free to disagree everyone! lj |
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| FatCat |
Thanks for all the advice I have made a start on the cabled cardi Done the first 8 rows of the back and I did have to concentrate rather a lot but I think it might get easier once I'm into the next repeat. That pesky garter stitch bit in between the cables keeps catching me out  Can't just pootle along knitting the knits and purling the purls
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| pictish |
YAYY!! What yarn is it?? | ||
| FatCat |
It's Stylecraft Life aran in shade 2323 Mixtures Charcoal. (At least, that's what the ballband tells me ) It's a lovely dark grey. Got a few more rows done in my lunch hour, the pattern's beginning to set in my brain now
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| pictish |
That sounds lovely!!! Mine will probably be in a similar colour (Jaeger from stash).
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| loobyj |
Sounds good FC - looking forward to seeing some progress pics
lj |
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| Woollywarbler |
I've started my second project from this book now Christmas is out the way http://www.ravelry.com/projects/W...mens-diamond--bobble-cable-jacket
It's the Diamond and Bobble Cable jacket and I'm using the Sirdar Click Aran which hubby bought me for my birthday back in October. He was shocked to see me without a sock project in my hand
I'm 8 rows into the second pattern repeat for the back having cast on and doing a couple of rows of rib in December. I had to put it back down as I had a mad flurry of Christmas knitting to finish but now it's come back out to play and so far so good. I think I'm going to get lots of wear from this one. especially if this cold weather persists. Tracy |
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| pictish |
It's a beautiful pattern Tracy - can't wait to see it finished
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| FatCat |
oh wow, WW, that is looking fantastic! How's the Click to work with? I've never seen or squished it so no idea what it's actually like I was tempted to give it a try but went for the cheap Stylecraft option instead
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| Jo028 |
That's looking gorgeous, I love that one too, but the thought of making all those bobbles put me off
FC, Stylecraft Life aran is gorgeous, you'll be fine with it. I think I've said this before before, but I prefer Life to the Click ranges
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| franney |
That's gorgeous WW 
FC - i'm using Click DK for a crochet blankie and it's lovely to work with and i like the fabric it's giving me too, but obviously this will be different for a knitted garment
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| dreamcatcher |
V-neck cardi finally complete! Pictures tomorrow when there's daylight
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| FatCat |
Yay, well done DC - looking forward to the pics.
And thanks Jo and Franney - I'm really happy with the Stylecraft Life, was just curious about how the Click was, as I'd been tempted by it and haven't even had a feel of it. Yet Some Sirdar yarns are great and some others are, well, not so great. Thanks for the info, really useful
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| pictish |
YAY!!!! Well done DC!!
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| Woollywarbler |
Thanks all. Those bobbles aren't that bad really, and they only appear every 30 odd rows anyway, so there's plenty of time to gear yourself up for the next batch As long as I keep my row counter handy, the pattern is quite straight forward.
Well I have to admit that this is the first time I've used it too but I did go with the Stylecraft aran for the Cabled Yoke Jacket. If I were to compare the too, I'd say they're both lovely to play with and not a great deal of difference. The Click feels a little thicker maybe between my fingers maybe, but I'd have no hesitation in using the Stylecraft again. I was only blessed with the real thing as hubby bought it for my birthday and there was no way he was going to look for a substitute It was an absolute miracle he managed to buy yarn on his own anyway...I was impressed and all without me pointing him in the right direction too
Tracy |
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| loobyj |
That's lovely WW - I've got that on my to do list as well, looking forward to seeing yours progress!
lj |
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| FatCat |
Thanks WW. I do like some of the colours in the Click, so it might well be one for the future
Had to rip mine back last night because I'd been a numpty I'd done the first time through the pattern and then it said to do 79 rows. Not 79 rows MORE  So I'd counted my first pattern repeat as the first 12 of the 79 and had done my second shaping decrease waaay too early. I only realised when I had a bored moment and counted the pattern repeats in the picture on the front and realised I was going to come up short. Sigh. But I was only into the third repeat so it was far less of a drama than I'm making it But I was a tad annoyed with myself
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