tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54876499801205758242024-03-16T20:25:00.856+00:00Knot GardenKnot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-10975881246199039652023-12-11T14:33:00.004+00:002023-12-12T10:28:16.531+00:00Checking In<div><br /></div>Well! A lot of things have changed since I last posted on here. <p></p><p>I am older and 3 stone lighter, and Mr Knot Garden is now retired. </p><p>We have moved house 3 times in the past few years, only to end up living around the corner from our old house with the big garden. I have got a new garden now, not as big but full of potential, and I'm looking forward to getting on with that in the Spring.</p><p>So why did I stop posting? I just suddenly felt that I had been rambling on for long enough on my blog, and the longer I left it the less I felt inclined to post. I lost the motivation, and for several years I never even looked at my blog. Then for a long time I was unable to sign in because of password issues, and I just left things as they were. I've sorted that out now, but I can't access the old email account that was associated with the blog. To any of my readers who left comments, thank you for all the nice things you said.</p><p>So a break from blogging somehow turned into 13 years!</p><p>I have still been doing a lot of knitting, things like knitted animals and blankets, and some bits of sewing as well. I have in the past year taken up cross stitch again, after a break of about 20 years, and I would also like to get back into patchwork and quilting. </p><p>We now have 2 little grandsons who we help to look after regularly, so life is a lot busier now than it used to be!</p><p>I'm not sure whether I will be blogging regularly again, but I might post occasionally in the future. Blogger seems to be more tricky to navigate now than it used to be. I have tried to enable comments but I can't get it to work.</p><p>If you have read this far, I wish you all the very best for Christmas and the new year!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><span><!--more--></span>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-52841624075351673282010-12-03T11:56:00.010+00:002010-12-03T12:50:13.152+00:00A Few Things<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TPjcVs131JI/AAAAAAAACCA/0hChOulWraM/s1600/312b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 197px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TPjcVs131JI/AAAAAAAACCA/0hChOulWraM/s320/312b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546425206479246482" /></a>Just a round-up of some small projects completed in the past couple of weeks.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TPjcK6vUxwI/AAAAAAAACB4/tRNQh-J9Z8Q/s1600/312c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TPjcK6vUxwI/AAAAAAAACB4/tRNQh-J9Z8Q/s320/312c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546425021231318786" /></a>Isn't she sweet? She is made from some Rowan Felted Tweed dk I bought half price in the John Lewis sale a while ago, with stuffed animals in mind. The clothes are various scraps in dk weight.</div><div>The pattern is <a href="http://twinsknit.blogspot.com/2010/08/olga-kitty.html">Olga the Kitty</a> by <a href="http://twinsknit.blogspot.com/">Twins</a>. As you can see I changed the face quite a bit (didn't knit the nose and used only one colour for the cat), but the pattern is an excellent one and the shaping is great.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TPjb9dksUQI/AAAAAAAACBw/xK8LQZPNK08/s1600/312g.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TPjb9dksUQI/AAAAAAAACBw/xK8LQZPNK08/s320/312g.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546424790063796482" /></a>Shoes with bows!!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TPjb1wMN2wI/AAAAAAAACBo/OsLoviayehM/s1600/312l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TPjb1wMN2wI/AAAAAAAACBo/OsLoviayehM/s320/312l.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546424657622457090" /></a>The tortoise is Tavistock Tortoise by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fluffandfuzz">Amanda Berry</a>. I love all her patterns. I used Baby Cashmerino and gave my tortoise a button flower to wear.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TPjbiPHEEhI/AAAAAAAACBg/xH9OxS9f-T0/s1600/312n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TPjbiPHEEhI/AAAAAAAACBg/xH9OxS9f-T0/s320/312n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546424322324959762" /></a>The pot of primulas is from a pattern by UK company King Cole, and the pattern number is 9000, Spring Collection. Mr. Knot Garden plants primulas in our garden every spring.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're in the UK I hope you're managing with the snow. It's not too bad where we are now because the roads are clear, but the garden has disappeared under a sea of white.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TPjbRgq1YBI/AAAAAAAACBY/GF_ARcRPns4/s1600/312k.jpg"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TPjbRgq1YBI/AAAAAAAACBY/GF_ARcRPns4/s1600/312k.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TPjbRgq1YBI/AAAAAAAACBY/GF_ARcRPns4/s320/312k.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546424034980618258" /></a>Take care in the snow and ice.</div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-56572844575378910252010-11-02T10:27:00.019+00:002010-11-02T14:08:07.713+00:00Blasts From the Past<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TM_p700hDLI/AAAAAAAACBM/CN3ewETjSVs/s1600/281013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TM_p700hDLI/AAAAAAAACBM/CN3ewETjSVs/s320/281013.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534899681062096050" /></a>Back in the 1980s and 90s I used to dabble in needlepoint, or tapestry as it's often known here in the UK. It was more popular then than it is now, although I think its popularity is slowly returning.<div>To needlepointers, this will be immediately recognisable as an Elizabeth Bradley design.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TM_prbidZTI/AAAAAAAACBE/DuI3-Z6D64Q/s1600/28106.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TM_prbidZTI/AAAAAAAACBE/DuI3-Z6D64Q/s320/28106.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534899399397565746" /></a>My Kaffe Fassett rabbit cushion is looking a bit worn these days, but it's still one of my favourite tapestry projects.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TM_paV7fgFI/AAAAAAAACA8/DXOjscsufKQ/s1600/28102.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TM_paV7fgFI/AAAAAAAACA8/DXOjscsufKQ/s320/28102.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534899105834172498" /></a>A classic!</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the things I bought back then, with needlepoint in mind, was a hexagonal footstool which I never did anything with. I liked it because of the unusual shape. I remember buying it when my second daughter was a tiny baby. How I thought I'd ever get any sewing done at that time, I don't know. (She's 23 now!)</div><div>Recently I'd been thinking I should do something with it. I'd seen patchwork-upholstered furniture in magazines and in the Cath Kidston shops, and thought I would like something like that in my house, so I decided to have a go at covering it with patchwork. Not cotton patchwork, but something more substantial - wool.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TM_pIIMqTbI/AAAAAAAACA0/j9jtFaAcRdM/s1600/281011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TM_pIIMqTbI/AAAAAAAACA0/j9jtFaAcRdM/s320/281011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534898792910441906" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Knitted cherries from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flowers-Knit-Crochet-Lesley-Stanfield/dp/1844484033/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288694454&sr=8-1">this book</a>)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I made an actual size hexagonal template to work from, cut out squares and machine-sewed them together. I did find that woven wool is a lot more stretchy than you would think - and and some wool is more stretchy than others. The seams were quite bulky as well, so it wasn't quite as straightforward as I'd imagined, but I managed to get it sewn. On the plus side, it cost nothing because it used up some long-held stash.</span></span></span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TM_oT7o0jlI/AAAAAAAACAs/Bf8rn74-LWg/s1600/281014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TM_oT7o0jlI/AAAAAAAACAs/Bf8rn74-LWg/s320/281014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534897896185695826" /></a>I tried to include a few different weaves of wool for some visual texture. I lined it with a piece of cotton fabric to stabilise it, and stretched it over the upholstery pad. I don't think it turned out too badly. What really made a huge difference was replacing the modern "mahogany" finish with a new coat of paint.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">♥</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); "><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TM_oBmELTXI/AAAAAAAACAk/STX_oknVJ78/s1600/28103.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TM_oBmELTXI/AAAAAAAACAk/STX_oknVJ78/s200/28103.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534897581157207410" /></a><br /></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-83962175444372512792010-10-06T16:08:00.018+01:002010-11-02T10:58:27.470+00:00Another Cushion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKyTKgdqLMI/AAAAAAAACAc/TwqU6OqRehw/s1600/6106.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKyTKgdqLMI/AAAAAAAACAc/TwqU6OqRehw/s320/6106.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524952651599064258" /></a>Another cushion, this time that blogland favourite, the round crocheted cushion. I expect you've seen plenty of these on your bloggy travels, and there are some lovely ones out there.<div>It's the second one of this type I've made, but this time I was able to find a proper round cushion pad to fill it.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKyS9jc2lUI/AAAAAAAACAU/quSXWJXF910/s1600/6102.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKyS9jc2lUI/AAAAAAAACAU/quSXWJXF910/s320/6102.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524952429062690114" /></a>It's just a standard flat circle in trebles (US dc) with regular increases on every round. The flowers are 2-layer ones, examples of which can be found in many good crochet books, or there are free ones to be found online. The pattern I used was from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-double-blossom-crochet-flower">here</a> (Ravelry link).</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKySxIHzmdI/AAAAAAAACAM/xV6xqmJuWyY/s1600/6107.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKySxIHzmdI/AAAAAAAACAM/xV6xqmJuWyY/s320/6107.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524952215568226770" /></a>My flowers don't seem to look exactly like the pattern, but I liked this one because it has 5 petals.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKySiF2xkeI/AAAAAAAACAE/URvem_zXuMg/s1600/2392.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKySiF2xkeI/AAAAAAAACAE/URvem_zXuMg/s320/2392.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524951957261881826" /></a>I couldn't find a pattern for the small fat leaves I had in mind, but it was simple enough to improvise a very basic one.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKySWj7vKwI/AAAAAAAAB_8/5XqZW1lIKw8/s1600/2394.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKySWj7vKwI/AAAAAAAAB_8/5XqZW1lIKw8/s320/2394.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524951759177329410" /></a>Here's a tip if you want to make a circle with a smoother curved edge. You can get a rounder shape if you stagger the position of the increases on consecutive rows.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKyR7HtoeII/AAAAAAAAB_s/14tMFKYDxy0/s1600/891.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKyR7HtoeII/AAAAAAAAB_s/14tMFKYDxy0/s320/891.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524951287745509506" /></a>For example, if you move the point of each increase one or two stitches to the left on every round, and keep that consistent throughout, the pattern of increases will still be regular but will form a gentle spiral effect, and the edge will be more of a curve. </div><div>Other methods are just as good of course, it all depends on the effect you want. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKyRqKFkTrI/AAAAAAAAB_k/RchMnRQvmJQ/s1600/61013.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 268px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKyRqKFkTrI/AAAAAAAAB_k/RchMnRQvmJQ/s320/61013.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524950996324994738" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Yarn info</b>: The yarn is a a real mixture - aran for the cushion, dk for the border and 4 ply for the flowers. This was because apart from the pink, I wanted to use what I already had, and now it's done I like the contrast in scale between the different yarn weights. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >♥ ♥ ♥</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Outside, I've been doing some late cutting back and overdue weeding between the rainy days this week. There isn't much autumn colour in the garden yet, but the leaves are starting to turn now.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKyRX4EXHhI/AAAAAAAAB_c/sFRlmBZYFBQ/s1600/6101.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 193px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TKyRX4EXHhI/AAAAAAAAB_c/sFRlmBZYFBQ/s320/6101.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524950682250452498" /></a> This hibiscus bush grows outside the dining room window. The leaves with the sun on them are such a pure yellow, the photo doesn't really do them justice. </div><div><br /></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-74677760272255905812010-09-08T15:36:00.007+01:002010-09-08T15:56:36.792+01:00September<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TIeguumnrEI/AAAAAAAAB94/5VlJ9M_Lg4A/s1600/894.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 272px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TIeguumnrEI/AAAAAAAAB94/5VlJ9M_Lg4A/s320/894.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514552993382902850" /></a>This is one of my favourite times of year. I don't know about you, but to me September always feels much more like a new start than January does. I like the feeling of change in the air, the fresher breeze, the gentler sunshine and even the rain! Most of the garden work's done, and I can't pretend I'm not pleased at the prospect of cooler weather. It's just that whole back-to-school feeling (I was one of those kids who liked school - sad, I know!)<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TIegiR5CZRI/AAAAAAAAB9w/T9lJur6GJfI/s1600/895.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TIegiR5CZRI/AAAAAAAAB9w/T9lJur6GJfI/s320/895.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514552779517093138" /></a>I must say hello to the new followers I seem to have acquired. I'm always amazed and pleased to get new followers. I've said it before and it's still the case - if you read my blog, I appreciate you!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TIegR2aPq9I/AAAAAAAAB9o/5dqDkDTFTw0/s1600/898.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TIegR2aPq9I/AAAAAAAAB9o/5dqDkDTFTw0/s320/898.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514552497262275538" /></a><br /></div><div>Large acorn (with i-cord twig added): Christmas Ornament Patterns by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AmyGaines?ref=seller_info">Amy Gaines</a></div><div>Medium acorns: Finsbury Squirrel pattern by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fluffandfuzz">Fluff & Fuzz</a></div><div>Small acorns pattern by <a href="http://flutterbypatch.blogspot.com/2008/08/knitting-acorns.html">Flutterby Patch</a></div><div>Jubilee Ladybird pattern by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fluffandfuzz">Fluff & Fuzz</a></div><div>Oak leaves and crocheted fern leaf from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flowers-Knit-Crochet-Lesley-Stanfield/dp/1844484033/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=128">100 Flowers</a></div><div><br /></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-89682527293726246312010-08-19T15:21:00.009+01:002010-08-19T22:09:23.606+01:00Forget-me-not<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TG0_KNlEkAI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/dEiljiZk1sg/s1600/584.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 279px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TG0_KNlEkAI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/dEiljiZk1sg/s320/584.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507127364020375554" /></a>This is how I made the tiny blue flowers on my <a href="http://knotgarden.blogspot.com/2010/08/posy-cushion.html">Posy Cushion</a>.<div>Knitted on 2 needles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Abbreviations:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">K = Knit</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">St(s) = Stitch(es)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">tbl = through back of loop</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">RS = right side</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Tension (gauge) isn't important but if you use needles one or two sizes smaller than recommended for the yarn, you will get a more closely knitted flower. (I used Baby Cashmerino and 2.5mm needles.)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Using blue, make slip knot on left hand needle and cast on 2 more sts (3 sts in total, RS facing).</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Cast off 2, knitting the last st tbl (1 petal made).</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">*Slip the remaining stitch back onto the left hand needle, keeping the RS of knitting facing you. Do not turn the work.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Cast on 2 more sts.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Cast off 2, knitting last stitch tbl (this just makes a firmer straight edge).</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Repeat from * until you have a line of 5 petals.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Fasten off leaving an end a few inches long. Thread this end onto a sewing needle. With the right side of the knitting facing you, use the needle to gather the straight edge, being careful not to twist the knitting. Draw up to form a flower and secure. Where the two end petals meet, secure with a tiny stitch.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TG0-_fp9kjI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/ZVB2Lcij3ds/s1600/8611.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TG0-_fp9kjI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/ZVB2Lcij3ds/s320/8611.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507127179894166066" /></a>Darn in thread ends on the back of the flower, or leave long for sewing to whatever you like.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TG0-1kVBmfI/AAAAAAAAB9I/Sdolj7Kx8_E/s1600/8613.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 316px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TG0-1kVBmfI/AAAAAAAAB9I/Sdolj7Kx8_E/s320/8613.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507127009349835250" /></a>Using yellow, make a French knot in the centre, or you could use a bead.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TG0-kRFvDEI/AAAAAAAAB9A/-E38I_AcROU/s1600/8614.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TG0-kRFvDEI/AAAAAAAAB9A/-E38I_AcROU/s320/8614.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507126712127654978" /></a>You are welcome to this design for your own non-commercial use.</div><div>It was designed a s a forget-me-not, but as a general small flower pattern it could be made in any colour.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TG0-VSExWYI/AAAAAAAAB84/Q0nYVRyhqX8/s1600/1082.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TG0-VSExWYI/AAAAAAAAB84/Q0nYVRyhqX8/s320/1082.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507126454694009218" /></a>I hope you like it and will try it!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TG0-HSUamhI/AAAAAAAAB8w/fM2mlr5RalA/s1600/1171a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TG0-HSUamhI/AAAAAAAAB8w/fM2mlr5RalA/s320/1171a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507126214241458706" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">♥</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;"><br /></span></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-74269618593107928552010-08-05T15:43:00.012+01:002010-08-05T18:32:44.334+01:00Posy Cushion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrZYtycKSI/AAAAAAAAB8o/FGCQ_sMw-t8/s1600/58a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 293px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrZYtycKSI/AAAAAAAAB8o/FGCQ_sMw-t8/s320/58a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501948913417726242" /></a>I've been waiting for a bright enough day to take these photos,we've had some dull weather lately! This is one of several cushions I'm thinking about, which will be knitted, crocheted or sewn.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrPfiKm49I/AAAAAAAAB8I/AEPAvEjokKM/s1600/5815.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrPfiKm49I/AAAAAAAAB8I/AEPAvEjokKM/s320/5815.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501938035440673746" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">It was almost an experiment really, just to see what it would look like.</span><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrPTOFSqcI/AAAAAAAAB8A/VCyqPme237k/s1600/589.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrPTOFSqcI/AAAAAAAAB8A/VCyqPme237k/s320/589.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501937823891237314" /></a>I wanted some sideways flowers as well as facing-upwards flowers.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrPHkn-aAI/AAAAAAAAB74/y0ij7v7NXIU/s1600/585.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 259px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrPHkn-aAI/AAAAAAAAB74/y0ij7v7NXIU/s320/585.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501937623783860226" /></a>And a few different sizes of leaves.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrO9b-rotI/AAAAAAAAB7w/IxfFQmY8-MU/s1600/584.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 279px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrO9b-rotI/AAAAAAAAB7w/IxfFQmY8-MU/s320/584.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501937449664488146" /></a>I wanted this cushion to be all knitted, no crochet, and I looked for a pattern for a tiny knitted flower I could use as a forget-me-not. I couldn't find one small enough, so worked out my own forget-me-not pattern.</div><div>The cushion itself is garter stitch in chunky (bulky) wool, and was made to fit a 45cm cushion pad. The flowers were all DB Baby Cashmerino and the edging is Rowan pure wool 4-ply. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrOzidaT8I/AAAAAAAAB7o/g2AP_s5K6Nw/s1600/5822.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrOzidaT8I/AAAAAAAAB7o/g2AP_s5K6Nw/s320/5822.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501937279605297090" /></a>I really went overboard with decoration on this project, and maybe having an edging as well was a bit too much? It's done now but it has turned out quite a bit "fancier" than I'd imagined it. I think perhaps it might look better when it's been broken in and squashed a bit!</div><div>I enjoyed sewing all the flowers on.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrOmmqfaPI/AAAAAAAAB7g/JMVZZhmrGe4/s1600/5812.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 303px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrOmmqfaPI/AAAAAAAAB7g/JMVZZhmrGe4/s320/5812.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501937057395599602" /></a>Now for some pattern details.</div><div>Apart from the forget-me-nots, all the flowers and leaves are from these three books as follows:</div><div><br /></div><div>100 Flowers to Knit and Crochet by Lesley Stanfield: Field Poppy, Large Leaf, Small Leaf.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers: Buttercups, Florets, American Beauty Rose and Rosebud, Small Basic Leaf Classic.</div><div><br /></div><div>Designs For Kids by Lucinda Guy: Flower Posy.</div><div><br /></div><div>The edging is from Knitted Edgings and Trims by Lesley Stanfield and is pattern 69 Bunting.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrOV5nzThI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/aQKyUkcWGcU/s1600/587.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TFrOV5nzThI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/aQKyUkcWGcU/s320/587.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501936770426818066" /></a>I'll post the pattern for the forget-me-not soon.</div></div></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-19283388657601621452010-07-22T11:05:00.009+01:002010-07-22T11:40:46.197+01:00Flower Soup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TEgafs0R13I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/tuYfPtQcXSg/s1600/867.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TEgafs0R13I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/tuYfPtQcXSg/s320/867.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496672477114390386" /></a>These are for a knitted cushion which will have a cluster of knitted flowers on the front. It's evolving as it progresses, and it's quite fun making flowers of different sizes and colours, tossing them into the mix and seeing the pile grow.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TEgaQRlpXiI/AAAAAAAAB7I/gyGHl0f4HWM/s1600/868.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TEgaQRlpXiI/AAAAAAAAB7I/gyGHl0f4HWM/s320/868.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496672212107222562" /></a>For a small thing where the edges are going to be on show, I found there could be a big difference in appearance depending on the cast-on method used.</div><div>Just out of interest, this is a buttercup flower, cast on using the thumb method.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TEgaBZabpAI/AAAAAAAAB7A/52dyz8rpDng/s1600/21611.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TEgaBZabpAI/AAAAAAAAB7A/52dyz8rpDng/s320/21611.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496671956509631490" /></a>This is exactly the same pattern (from Nicky Epstein's knitted flower book), but made with a cable cast on.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TEgZ1AzLpTI/AAAAAAAAB64/HPKH6qJi7us/s1600/2169.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 291px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TEgZ1AzLpTI/AAAAAAAAB64/HPKH6qJi7us/s320/2169.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496671743744124210" /></a>Both nice in their own way.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TEgZUMJXC4I/AAAAAAAAB6w/TXsNs-XN2rQ/s1600/1473.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TEgZUMJXC4I/AAAAAAAAB6w/TXsNs-XN2rQ/s320/1473.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496671179854252930" /></a>I'm thinking of using this as an edging for the cushion, not all the way round but maybe on the two vertical edges. Not sure yet how that will look but we'll see.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you have a favourite baking recipe you come back to again and again? This week's baking was something I've made many times before, rock buns made using <a href="http://www.janebrocket.com/kitchen_Rock-buns.asp">Jane Brocket's recipe</a>. The taste is a wonderful combination of lemon and nutmeg.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TEgYZBJgaCI/AAAAAAAAB6o/eLZp9SoMBws/s1600/2362.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TEgYZBJgaCI/AAAAAAAAB6o/eLZp9SoMBws/s320/2362.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496670163289794594" /></a>They are easy to make and are a particular favourite of Mr. Knot Garden.</div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-8136250262886363192010-07-11T13:53:00.011+01:002010-07-11T19:28:56.318+01:00Birthday Owl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TDnAwSjQHBI/AAAAAAAAB6g/b4heoBq6Fwg/s1600/2561.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TDnAwSjQHBI/AAAAAAAAB6g/b4heoBq6Fwg/s320/2561.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492633156400978962" /></a>In our family there are several birthdays close together at this time of year. This week it was daughter no.2's birthday - can you believe she is now 23. Not too old for a birthday tea made by her Mum though!<div><br /><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TDm_zeRug9I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/wUJBLZarTSQ/s1600/1074.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TDm_zeRug9I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/wUJBLZarTSQ/s320/1074.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492632111576679378" /></a>The birthday cake was a chocolate marble cake with white chocolate and cherries, with white chocolate buttercream icing.</div><div><br /></div><div>She likes owls and had asked if I would make her an owl cushion. This is my homemade version of one she saw in a shop.<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TDm_pfsAZQI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/EmfUEUUoEiY/s1600/2567.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TDm_pfsAZQI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/EmfUEUUoEiY/s320/2567.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492631940156646658" /></a>Firmly stuffed or what? A huge amount of stuffing has somehow disappeared into it.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TDm_dPVsb0I/AAAAAAAAB6I/lprRya2oYgg/s1600/2568.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 259px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TDm_dPVsb0I/AAAAAAAAB6I/lprRya2oYgg/s320/2568.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492631729609666370" /></a>Some respite from the stifling heat today. Thank goodness cooler temperatures are being forecast for next week. I might even get some gardening done.</div><div>This year I grew some marigolds and this is the first one to come out.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TDm_OaqDmdI/AAAAAAAAB6A/EJUGi1g3-OI/s1600/1171.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TDm_OaqDmdI/AAAAAAAAB6A/EJUGi1g3-OI/s320/1171.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492631474949822930" /></a>Enjoy your week whatever you're doing.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TDm_FgpR-EI/AAAAAAAAB54/IFDqaZPUC8M/s1600/1172.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TDm_FgpR-EI/AAAAAAAAB54/IFDqaZPUC8M/s320/1172.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492631321938360386" /></a><i>ETA: There is no pattern for the owl, it was based on a similar ready-made one and I just winged it (no pun intended)</i></div></div></div></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-38717097634946520392010-06-25T10:01:00.013+01:002010-06-25T10:56:59.211+01:00Birthday Quilt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRzNvoxadI/AAAAAAAAB5o/PuLWUQ5V6-Q/s1600/216e5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRzNvoxadI/AAAAAAAAB5o/PuLWUQ5V6-Q/s320/216e5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486636926007077330" /></a>I've spent the past few weeks working on this quilt, which was a requested birthday present for someone. It's been given away now, but I remembered to take some photos and now I can show you it, finished, quilted and washed.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRy-Qg6KaI/AAAAAAAAB5g/539kmmN3wjs/s1600/216e10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRy-Qg6KaI/AAAAAAAAB5g/539kmmN3wjs/s320/216e10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486636659954559394" /></a>The spec was for a multicoloured quilt with red and blue predominating, with the fabric choices left to me. </div><div>I think it must be at least a couple of years since I made a quilt, so I thought my quilting wheels would be rusty, but amazingly, like riding a bike, it all came straight back.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRyqG2h0YI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/Bc9Hv786n6Q/s1600/2165.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRyqG2h0YI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/Bc9Hv786n6Q/s320/2165.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486636313763500418" /></a>The idea was that it would be used for the seat area of a sofa. Fine, I don't mind if they sit on it. Also, part of the requirements was that it be twice the size actually needed, so it could be used <i>folded</i>. Hmm! </div><div>I stuck to the instructions though, and generally I'm pleased with how it turned out. I think the red border does a lot for it.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRycGclADI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/903Xwj-NlDM/s1600/216e8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRycGclADI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/903Xwj-NlDM/s320/216e8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486636073136488498" /></a>The best thing was, I was able to make the whole thing entirely from stash. The biggest thing was the backing, which I made by joining 3 shorter lengths. I already had the wadding, so the only thing I had to buy was thread.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRyMFoJK9I/AAAAAAAAB5I/obhvFknH05c/s1600/216e2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRyMFoJK9I/AAAAAAAAB5I/obhvFknH05c/s320/216e2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486635798038653906" /></a>Some pattern info: The quilt is based on Amy's Four Patch, a 2003 pattern by Jo Morton, but I added an extra row of blocks to change the proportions. I also did the outer border pieced instead of all one fabric, and made the border wider.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRx9o-jWdI/AAAAAAAAB5A/dMe8PSV7JNA/s1600/2163.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRx9o-jWdI/AAAAAAAAB5A/dMe8PSV7JNA/s320/2163.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486635549829847506" /></a>The circular motif I used for quilting the blue blocks is from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Machine-Quilting-Patterns-Dover-Needlework/dp/0486280136/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277458443&sr=1-3">60 Machine Quilting Designs</a> by Pat Holly and Sue Nickels, published in 1994 but still available. I've used this book many times. I reduced the size of the pattern to fit the block, and made templates to transfer the design.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRxliOUQZI/AAAAAAAAB44/S-LkCBffmjQ/s1600/2464.jpg"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRxliOUQZI/AAAAAAAAB44/S-LkCBffmjQ/s1600/2464.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRxliOUQZI/AAAAAAAAB44/S-LkCBffmjQ/s320/2464.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486635135700058514" /></a>It's been too hot this week to do any work in the garden, so I've just been keeping the plants watered that need it, and making sure the bird bath's full.</div><div>I'm not keen on the heat, but it's nice to see the garden full of flowers again after a long cold winter.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRxZE8M7ZI/AAAAAAAAB4w/N5VHwqJfGeQ/s1600/216d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRxZE8M7ZI/AAAAAAAAB4w/N5VHwqJfGeQ/s320/216d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486634921681022354" /></a>More flower pics another day.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRw34goPTI/AAAAAAAAB4o/8b5VxZLC9GE/s1600/2462.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/TCRw34goPTI/AAAAAAAAB4o/8b5VxZLC9GE/s320/2462.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486634351408463154" /></a><br /></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-45856221879477753382010-04-30T11:14:00.014+01:002010-04-30T16:17:03.679+01:00Owlish<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S9qvnS66LFI/AAAAAAAAB4g/yZDzy-mh--Y/s1600/30410.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465874187396197458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S9qvnS66LFI/AAAAAAAAB4g/yZDzy-mh--Y/s320/30410.jpg" /></a> <div>Who can resist a cute little owly? He could be made in so many different colour combinations. He is just 3" tall and can even stand unaided. </div><div>I used various old dk from stash. The most difficult thing for me was getting the beak right. It took me several attempts to come up with a beak I thought was half-decent! But that's just me and my nit-picking of my own work. What's not to love about this pattern? It's from Etsy seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fluffandfuzz">Amanda Berry </a>who has several lovely animal patterns to choose from. I found the pattern very clearly written and super-accurate.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S9qvc3lLezI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/B8dCuAEth4k/s1600/30413.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465874008258607922" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S9qvc3lLezI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/B8dCuAEth4k/s320/30413.jpg" /></a> The embroidery in the background is an ongoing project I can hardly put down. For a while now I've been thinking about doing some "vintage" embroidery from an authentic old transfer. If you're a long-time reader of my blog you will know I can mull over an idea in my mind for months or even years before I actually start it! That was the case with this.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S9qvOQ50eWI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/LR_k1b9Qct8/s1600/3048.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465873757358029154" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S9qvOQ50eWI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/LR_k1b9Qct8/s320/3048.jpg" /></a> The transfer was one of a job lot bought on ebay some years ago. If you're interested in old transfers, ebay is worth checking out. It was fairly scruffy and tattered at the edges but the hot iron process did work, and it only needed minor touching up with a permanent pen. My stitches aren't perfect but I think that's all part of the character of this type of embroidery. Cottage gardens full of flowers are what it's all about.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S9qu-VyF65I/AAAAAAAAB4I/9fQlJWGrhGE/s1600/3047.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465873483789888402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S9qu-VyF65I/AAAAAAAAB4I/9fQlJWGrhGE/s320/3047.jpg" /></a> Whatever you're doing this weekend, have a lovely Bank Holiday.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S9qujN9KZRI/AAAAAAAAB4A/MZU9uJffSPI/s1600/3049.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 274px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465873017832367378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S9qujN9KZRI/AAAAAAAAB4A/MZU9uJffSPI/s320/3049.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-35983579721645897272010-03-20T21:03:00.008+00:002010-03-20T21:19:03.204+00:00Elephant<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S6U5bDkkAdI/AAAAAAAAB3o/R2NYYBfzxkA/s1600-h/1137.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450826060979765714" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S6U5bDkkAdI/AAAAAAAAB3o/R2NYYBfzxkA/s320/1137.jpg" /></a> I made this for a friend who loves elephants. This pattern has been around for a while but it's such a clever one, and I've been meaning to try it for ages.<br />It's an absorbing and fun knit, and was definitely a learning experience for me, but everything is clearly explained in the pattern.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S6U5OZ2JuPI/AAAAAAAAB3g/hdJIMocvN00/s1600-h/1138.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450825843620821234" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S6U5OZ2JuPI/AAAAAAAAB3g/hdJIMocvN00/s320/1138.jpg" /></a> It's knitted entirely on dpns and stuffed as you go. At first this feels like quite a strange way to knit. Even the ears are knitted on in the round and the edges grafted together, so it really is completely seamless, and so cute.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S6U5B7AY_zI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/2kxXPzkunhI/s1600-h/11311.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450825629183835954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S6U5B7AY_zI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/2kxXPzkunhI/s320/11311.jpg" /></a> The wool is some dk I already had, which I thought was quite a good elephant grey, but I gave him a scarf as well to add some colour.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S6U42QhvfEI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/fgnkTOovkis/s1600-h/1133.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 310px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450825428802436162" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S6U42QhvfEI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/fgnkTOovkis/s320/1133.jpg" /></a> The pattern is Elijah, by the genius that is <a href="http://ysolda.com/">Ysolda Teague</a>.<br /><div></div></div></div></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-42349943441784130102010-03-09T12:05:00.004+00:002010-03-09T12:19:25.300+00:00Spring<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S5Y6FuH87RI/AAAAAAAAB3I/0N2d0gfc15M/s1600-h/937.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446604669306334482" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S5Y6FuH87RI/AAAAAAAAB3I/0N2d0gfc15M/s320/937.jpg" /></a> When I was little I used to love tiny things. I still find there's something particularly appealing about something nice that's very small.<br />The nest is 2" across and is just one of the many details in Alan Dart's Easter Parade pattern for ducklings in the April issue of UK magazine Simply Knitting.<br />It's knitted flat and seamed, and the eggs are very fiddly, but are sewn in with the seams underneath, which hides a multitude of sins!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S5Y58WdUy0I/AAAAAAAAB3A/aabt-b-wmuw/s1600-h/936.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 276px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446604508334705474" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S5Y58WdUy0I/AAAAAAAAB3A/aabt-b-wmuw/s320/936.jpg" /></a> I made the nest as per the pattern, and was going to leave it at that, but then I thought some embellishment wouldn't come amiss, so added the flowers, and I love the effect.<br /><br />Spring is arriving late in the garden this year, but at last we have snowdrops in flower.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S5Y5oJUFJkI/AAAAAAAAB24/eEvNqE60KJA/s1600-h/9312.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 259px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446604161208886850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S5Y5oJUFJkI/AAAAAAAAB24/eEvNqE60KJA/s320/9312.jpg" /></a> I tried to do some gardening yesterday but it was too muddy, and parts of the ground were frozen. I made a start though and I'm looking forward to sowing the seeds for this year's flowers for cutting.<br /><div> </div></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-83036021593852253902010-02-13T21:06:00.016+00:002010-02-13T21:59:54.549+00:00On a Heart Theme<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S3cVKP8TlkI/AAAAAAAAB2w/WTkYfDbeowE/s1600-h/9022.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437838340895512130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S3cVKP8TlkI/AAAAAAAAB2w/WTkYfDbeowE/s320/9022.jpg" /></a> Two pairs of fingerless mittens<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S3cU9WWZcmI/AAAAAAAAB2o/ca3bZkvqs6U/s1600-h/9025.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437838119277261410" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S3cU9WWZcmI/AAAAAAAAB2o/ca3bZkvqs6U/s320/9025.jpg" /></a>for two grown up daughters.</div><div>The pattern is Roses from Queen of Hearts by Louisa Harding. You do have to follow a chart to do the heart design, but it's only a small one (16 stitches). Normally I would run a mile from charted instructions with symbols telling you what to knit, but I wanted to knit this pattern so I gave it a go, and it wasn't nearly as painful as I thought it would be.</div><div>Any dk yarn could be used for the pattern.</div><div></div><div align="center">***</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S3cUvtLH3wI/AAAAAAAAB2g/xBeishWgouY/s1600-h/132c.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437837884885819138" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S3cUvtLH3wI/AAAAAAAAB2g/xBeishWgouY/s320/132c.jpg" /></a> It has become a yearly tradition in our house for me to bake Mr. Knot Garden a heart shaped cake for Valentine's Day. (In return he supplies me with chocolate.) This year it's a Raspberry Valentine's Cake with cream cheese frosting, from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gorgeous-Cakes-Published-Association-Magazine/dp/1856266141/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266095492&sr=1-1">Gorgeous Cakes </a>by Annie Bell, a fantastic book with very reliable recipes. I had this book for Christmas and I've been working my way through it.</div><div>A thank you to everyone who has signed up to follow my blog recently.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S3cUhszVuWI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/kChp56en6KY/s1600-h/736146.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437837644267895138" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S3cUhszVuWI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/kChp56en6KY/s320/736146.png" /></a> Hope some Valentine's treats come your way!<br /><div></div></div></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-34165825478047795582010-02-03T09:31:00.008+00:002010-02-03T10:39:07.462+00:00Cakes and China<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S2lDKzLJQjI/AAAAAAAAB2A/XePLNyor69g/s1600-h/2311.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433948278213919282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S2lDKzLJQjI/AAAAAAAAB2A/XePLNyor69g/s320/2311.jpg" /></a> Something I do quite a lot of and really enjoy, is baking. I bake for Mr. Knot Garden and myself, and also for other members of my family. I'm a firm believer in the wholesomeness of home baking with good quality ingredients. Synthetic, mass produced cakes just aren't the same.<br />Having said that, these are probably highly calorific, but who cares. I wouldn't eat them every day. Naughty but nice. The recipe is Peanut Butter Cupcakes from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cupcakes-Primrose-Bakery-Martha-Swift/dp/1856268470/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265189705&sr=8-1">this excellent book</a>.<br /><br />We've got some rare sunshine today. Isn't it lovely when the gloom lifts and there's some real light in the house? I was going to take some garden photos, desperately seeking signs of spring, but nothing much is happening out there so I'll show you some recent charity shop purchases instead.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S2lDANCPdwI/AAAAAAAAB14/e9TBql_TTjk/s1600-h/322.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433948096177338114" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S2lDANCPdwI/AAAAAAAAB14/e9TBql_TTjk/s320/322.jpg" /></a> The charity shops in the town where I live are very few and not very good, so I sometimes travel further afield in my search for charity shop goodies. That's how I found these, but not all at the same time. If I can find one thing I'm happy.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S2lCznsBiJI/AAAAAAAAB1w/S4Dyf9t-0AI/s1600-h/327.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433947879993608338" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S2lCznsBiJI/AAAAAAAAB1w/S4Dyf9t-0AI/s320/327.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-40260921799464308362010-01-24T11:27:00.005+00:002010-01-24T12:47:19.204+00:00Splashes of Colour<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S1wvbnMT4DI/AAAAAAAAB0w/KI9x10ir-xc/s1600-h/2313.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430267402125566002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S1wvbnMT4DI/AAAAAAAAB0w/KI9x10ir-xc/s320/2313.jpg" /></a> I finished my hottie cover and it turned out to be a perfect snug fit for a standard hot water bottle.<br />I'm not so sure about my Fair Isle skills though - it seems ok in the middle but not so good at the edges. Maybe I need more practise. One thing I do really like is the stripe pattern at the top and bottom. There's something about nice clean regular stripes, and I like the element they add to the design.<br />As mentioned before, the pattern is from the Fall/Winter 2009 Debbie Bliss magazine. I did find a couple of minor errors in the pattern, in the shaping of the top edge and in the cast off (this one was just the placement of an asterisk), which was slightly annoying, so I just did what I thought it should have said and it seems to have worked out.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S1wvOCGG7PI/AAAAAAAAB0o/kr6RxW9_o0o/s1600-h/2315.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430267168829140210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S1wvOCGG7PI/AAAAAAAAB0o/kr6RxW9_o0o/s320/2315.jpg" /></a> The ripple blanket is one I made a couple of years ago but didn't blog about at the time. I recently dug it out because of the very cold weather, and I was glad I did because I'd forgotten how nice ripple blankets are. I remember it consumed a huge amount of yarn, but it's quite a good size. I think it was worth it for such a nice cheery splash of colour to brighten up these grey winter days. Where has the sun gone!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S1wu_DNkuyI/AAAAAAAAB0g/a7dHQ9ua2ZA/s1600-h/2411.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430266911430851362" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S1wu_DNkuyI/AAAAAAAAB0g/a7dHQ9ua2ZA/s320/2411.jpg" /></a> </div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-15837102747377814762010-01-17T09:46:00.003+00:002010-01-17T09:48:17.751+00:00Multicoloured<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S1LcseLLDDI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/5B_7J-Pkd1Q/s1600-h/141i.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427643157507148850" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S1LcseLLDDI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/5B_7J-Pkd1Q/s320/141i.jpg" /></a> I had a lot of fun taking these collage-style photos. I hope you enjoyed daydreaming in colour with me.<br /><div></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-63849733190316080832010-01-16T09:41:00.001+00:002010-01-16T09:43:35.210+00:00Pink<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S1GKJ_DCcLI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/rtXI9X7bZVY/s1600-h/7aae.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427270930105790642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S1GKJ_DCcLI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/rtXI9X7bZVY/s320/7aae.jpg" /></a> One more tomorrow.<br /><div></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-73539870378422894672010-01-15T08:26:00.002+00:002010-01-15T08:28:42.322+00:00Blue<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S1AnCgF1kdI/AAAAAAAAB0I/R1Dtp5bKyL0/s1600-h/777.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426880474909086162" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S1AnCgF1kdI/AAAAAAAAB0I/R1Dtp5bKyL0/s320/777.jpg" /></a>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-494927969261829282010-01-14T08:36:00.003+00:002010-01-15T13:29:21.799+00:00Red<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S07XzL9G4aI/AAAAAAAAB0A/qw7ghJSv1nQ/s1600-h/71cc.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426511875410420130" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S07XzL9G4aI/AAAAAAAAB0A/qw7ghJSv1nQ/s320/71cc.jpg" /></a><br /><p><em>ETA: The pattern for the row of cherries is called Cherry Jam from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crocheting-Edge-Bobbles-Ruffles-Scallops/dp/1933027355/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263561868&sr=1-1">Crocheting On the Edge </a>by Nicky Epstein.</em></p>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-83048625020155811482010-01-13T08:36:00.002+00:002010-01-13T08:38:07.553+00:00Yellow<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S02GU8tof9I/AAAAAAAABz4/kA1n9FSB_H4/s1600-h/71b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426140820504346578" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S02GU8tof9I/AAAAAAAABz4/kA1n9FSB_H4/s320/71b.jpg" /></a>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-3887060421413485622010-01-12T08:36:00.002+00:002010-01-13T08:39:07.906+00:00Purple<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S0w0ybOoVUI/AAAAAAAABzw/ynR0fyna5qA/s1600-h/6682.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425769691981829442" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S0w0ybOoVUI/AAAAAAAABzw/ynR0fyna5qA/s320/6682.jpg" /></a>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-34662578187536528732010-01-11T08:41:00.005+00:002010-01-11T08:55:36.421+00:00Daydream In Colour<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S0rkgu23DhI/AAAAAAAABzA/r1tKHe2KTC0/s1600-h/8888.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425399952106262034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S0rkgu23DhI/AAAAAAAABzA/r1tKHe2KTC0/s320/8888.jpg" /></a> This week I'll be posting some daily colour-themed photos. They are all similar in style.<br />With the continuing snow I think I've forgotten what grass look like, so let's start with green.<br /><div></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-66226709877807154602010-01-05T11:54:00.010+00:002010-01-05T13:48:03.264+00:00Keeping Warm<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S0MpW5QQT7I/AAAAAAAABxw/PqaUqGPbG9o/s1600-h/514.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423223849587068850" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S0MpW5QQT7I/AAAAAAAABxw/PqaUqGPbG9o/s320/514.jpg" /></a> We've got several inches of snow today and it's still falling. I took some pictures of the garden from the window this morning. We haven't had snow like this for years.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S0MpJtkUOwI/AAAAAAAABxo/gImIFhkBoHM/s1600-h/512.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423223623111686914" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S0MpJtkUOwI/AAAAAAAABxo/gImIFhkBoHM/s320/512.jpg" /></a> It looks pretty but only if you don't have to travel in it! </div><div>The road outside is unusually quiet, what traffic there is is crawling along, and many of the local schools are closed. It's the right weather for staying inside with a hot drink and getting on with some knitting.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S0Mo9HqTvkI/AAAAAAAABxg/UUtCWoNlTeQ/s1600-h/51b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423223406777843266" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S0Mo9HqTvkI/AAAAAAAABxg/UUtCWoNlTeQ/s320/51b.jpg" /></a> It's many years since I attempted Fair Isle, so I chose a small project to brush up on it with. It's actually very absorbing to do, as you are constantly counting the stitches for each colour, and you see the pattern grow before your eyes. You wouldn't think so at first glance, but there are only ever 2 colours in each row. It should look smoother when it's blocked and pressed. For now I'm trying not to think about darning in all those ends!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S0Mouq_mvTI/AAAAAAAABxY/r8wMZXSrogU/s1600-h/51d.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423223158564371762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/S0Mouq_mvTI/AAAAAAAABxY/r8wMZXSrogU/s320/51d.jpg" /></a> Almost forgot to tell you what the pattern is - It's a hot water bottle cover from the most recent Debbie Bliss magazine, Fall/Winter 2009, and the wool is DB Baby Cashmerino which I love. It comes in a fantastic colour range. It can be bit "splitty", but I can put up with that for the softness and the colours.<br /></div><br /><div>Hope you're keeping warm!<br /><div></div></div></div></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487649980120575824.post-17280903958646486212010-01-01T10:01:00.000+00:002010-01-01T10:02:18.397+00:00Happy New Year<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/Sz3IJF5cj6I/AAAAAAAABxQ/g3XMzEuEY-0/s1600-h/ScannedImage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421709584951447458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ho9HVe_YW-I/Sz3IJF5cj6I/AAAAAAAABxQ/g3XMzEuEY-0/s320/ScannedImage.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div>Knot Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03918110407758829513noreply@blogger.com7