extreme knitting

I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Knitting and Stitching show at Edinburgh about a month ago. I got lots of ideas and inspiration while I was there. One particular stand caught my attention and that was one which featured extreme knitting, hosted by Rachel John. Unfortunately I couldn't buy any of her wool due to limited space in my hand luggage, so I made some up when I got home....

I used four stands of double knit and one strand of aran, the teaspoon is to give some idea of scale. It would be a great stashbuster. I knitted a tube with 15mm dpns and made a simple shopping bag....

The mix of different coloured yarns gave a nice mottled effect when knitted up.
I used an over sized button as a fastening and due to the loose texture, I lined the inside of the bag, adding a few pockets for phone and keys etc.

It knit up super quick but was a bit tough on the wrists. So that's what I've been up to. Hope you're all having a good weekend.
Till next time, Ali.

daisy crochet world record

I do like small projects and this crocheted daisy one is for such a good cause...
It's in memory of Emma Welch, an avid fundraiser. Her friends are organising an attempt to break two world records, all in aid of Brain Tumour Research.
The first Guinness World Record is for the Most People Crocheting Simultaneously," which is currently 485. This will take place in Bath on the 4th June 2016.

If you don't live near Bath and can crochet you can still take part as the second world record to be broken is the Largest Display of Crocheted Items, which is currently held at 13,388.
Emma's middle name was "Daisy", so they are looking for crocheted daisies to break the record. Pattern below. It is a very easy and quick pattern. Daisies are to made in pink and yellow, BTR colours with some white to make them look more daisy like. Again the record attempt will take place 4th June 2016 and afterwards the flowers will be sold off for BTR funds

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DAISY PATTERN

ch: chain
dc: double crochet
dtr: double treble
sl st: slip stitch 

UK terminology
 

Note: use any combination of pink, yellow and white DK yarns for yarns A and B
Using a crochet hook (size 3.5mm to 4.5mm) and yarn A make 4ch, join with a sl st to first ch to form a ring
Rnd 1: 1ch, 18dc in ring, break off yarn A, join yarn B with a sl st to first dc
Rnd 2: (4ch, 1dtr, 4ch, one sl st in next st) 9 times (9 petals) until petals meet

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Send your finished crocheted daisies before Saturday 4th June to:
FAO Victoria Roberts 10M1, Norton Hill School, Charlton Road, Midsomer Norton, BA3 4AD

Thanks to Ali from Random Wooliness for bringing this to my notice, she knows I love a project like this and when I saw the pretty daisies I just had to hook up a few.  

Some links if you want more info....
Book your FREE ticket for the world crocheting world record event at Event Brite by clicking here.
Learn more about Brain Tumour Research at braintumourresearch.org
Befriend Daisy Bear at facebook.com/daisy.bear.750
Till next time, Ali.

woollen woods

Tomorrow opens the only "Woollen Wood" in Northern Ireland, at the Diamond Jubilee Wood at Whitehead. The Woollen Woods, part of Voluntary Arts Week, is an outdoor art installation, which is bringing art and nature together. On display will be all sorts of knitted, crocheted or felted woodland themed items.

My contribution to the flora and fauna which will be on display is an owl.....

He is based on the pattern, Obligatory Owl designed by Sara Elizabeth Kellner. This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download, for more details click here. 

I had great fun knitting him up. He is knitted in the round and the "Obligatory Owl" is a nice clear pattern to follow.

  

Woollen Woods is happening in eleven sites across the country, during May, to find one near you, click here.

Have a great weekend, Ali.