New pattern Coming soon.

As I was working through WIP mountain Looking at each project deciding weather to finish or frog it, I got sidetracked by my pile of knitting books. As I looked through the books avoiding the ever growing pile of WIPs I noticed a stitch pattern I couldn't take my eyes off. As I thought about the stitch I started putting the stitch pattern into different items and finally settled on my favourite combination.

The swatch is done, the stitch count caculated all that is left to do is write up the pattern and put out a call for test knitters. 

After months of thinking about what to design and trying to force the process I went back to the inspiration journal my cousin brought me several years ago. Within minutes of rereading the introduction I realised what the problem was, I was to focused on searching for inspiration to let the inspiration find me.

When you stop and clear your mind you create space for ideas to form, sometimes from the most unexpected places. Now I have a new problem to many ideas. Which one should I focus on first, Which combination of stitch patterns to use, which item to place the stitch patterns on, and the biggest problem of all where do I find the time to knit them all.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Happy crafting

Rachael

Gearing up for gift crafting.

With Christmas fast approaching and last years scarves still being worn regularly (For free pattern click here), the pressure is on to find or design a gift for this Christmas. I have had many ideas over the last few months, to many ideas, I don't know where to start.


The 4 objects I keep coming back to are

1. A new scarf design.
2. A new shawl design.
3. A new cowl Design.
4. A hot water bottle cover with hot water bottle.

The hot water bottle cover is quick and easy. I have more then enough yarn, All I need to buy is hot water bottles to put inside the cover. I can buy the hot water bottles wholesale for less then £5, it's the design that is slowing me down. Should the cover be plain or textured? One colour or multi coloured? Strips or fair isle? So many ideas I don't know which one to start with.

I'm having the same problems with every item, to many ideas. With all the ideas flying round my brain I can't focus on any idea long enough to test knit a swatch.

As I look over my Christmas gift list there is enough names to design and make a different item for each person leaving the problem of is there enough time.

Then I realised the easiest place to start is with the men, teens and children. For them I have a much more limited selection to choose from. The men most likely prefer a scarf or cowl, the teens are female and will probably find fault in anything they get from me. A hot-water bottle and cover will be the most acceptable to them as it will stay at home where none of their friends will see it and pass judgment. The kids won't notice their gift unless its a toy, hats scarves and mittens will be appreciated by the parents.

The problem is the ladies. They would like any and all of my options. With them still wearing and commenting on last years scarves I accidentaly set the stranded to high to met this year.

The only way I will solve my crafty dilemma is to dive in and start crafting. Watch this space to see where my Christmas crafting journey takes me.

Who's the reason for the Christmas season? In my house the reason is JESUS! If I keep Jesus in mind as I begin crafting every gift will be as close to perfect as a mere mortal can manage.

May all your handie crafts be filled with love and warm wishes for the recipent.

Happy crafting

Rachael