Openwork Rib Toddler Socks
Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch
48st on 2.5mm 5dpns
32g in total - toes/heels Cleckheaton Merino Bambino Red and body Rowan True 4ply Botany Red
Ravelry link

I’ve been having a good sort through my *yarn chest*, actually our footstool, and wanted to use up this 28g of Botany I had leftover from this cardigan. It’s such a lovely yarn, it wears well and had some great colours. Why, oh why was it discontinued?

We’ve been busy round here - spring cleaning before spring has even sprung, knitting and enjoying cold winter days.

There has been quite a bit of knitting - lots of small projects to satisfy my mind at the moment, while the black cardigan gets the odd row done on it now and then. There are some socks for wellington boots (above), gift knitting for babes about to be welcomed into the world and some stylish knitwear for Dolly. (Well, more stylish than what she came with at any rate!)

I also did some Kool-Aid dyeing yesterday (over dyeing) and plan to do some more this week. It’s great fun but I’m so impatient about the drying process. All in all, trying to make the most of what I’ve got.

Popularity: 4% [?]

I’m having a good clear out and will be putting a number of bits up on Ebay in the coming weeks. Here’s some Rowanspun DK I’ve got on offer until February 4th. There’s also some Jaeger there too.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Ribbed Jacket by Debbie Bliss
Special Knits
12-24 months size
184g Debbie Bliss Donegal Aran Tweed 281120
5mm straights, 4.5mm circulars

A very quick and satisfying knit. I’ve made it twice before for gifts in smaller sizes but it still knit up very fast. Less than a week for me of evening knitting, which is very good going!

I have to say how surprised I am at how little yarn was used for this (just under 4 balls for the largest size). The pattern states 6 balls of Cashmerino Aran which is the same meterage as the Donegal Tweed. I am someone who knits to gauge and consider myself to be a firm knitter, so why this is so out, I’m not sure.

If you fancy doing it this way, simply reverse it once you get to the sewing up stage. A crocheted loop was added to the RHS of the ribbing to catch the horn button and one on the inside as well for balance. I did include a buttonhole on the RHS about 4 rows from the end but it didn’t look right but the way the shawl collar works, you don’t notice it. So, it’s there if she wants to put a flower in it or something to that effect!

The arms come out quite long but I love how they look turned up. If you’ve got a tall babe I’d add an inch or two to the length.

I remember my aunt commenting on the Donegal Tweed needing softening up when she last used it. The jacket certainly needed a strong blocking and pressing, so it got the conditioner treatment when I washed it and what a difference it made. What a shame it’s been discontinued.

A lovely garment to brighten up our wet, wintry weather.

Popularity: 4% [?]