It’s a Stitch Up

I’ve only been knitting since December 2006, but already I’ve developed a few bad habits. I have a number of WIPs that have been hanging round for months, my stash is out of control and I’m definitely guilty of avoiding a challenge. I know I’m not the only knitter who suffers from these afflictions,  but with some simple ground rules I’m going to new start in 2009.

1. Stop buying yarn

I pride myself on having an eye for a bargain, so when I see lovely yarn for half price what am I to do? Some of my favourite yarns are now discontinued - Noro Cash Iroha, Jaeger Extra Fine Merino DK, and Rowan 4 Ply Soft - so if I see them in a nice colour, I buy them, it might be my last chance! I am also a sucker for Colinette’s monthly specials, all those lovely colours, how could anyone resist? Despite being conscious of my weakness, I am shocked at how bad yarn situation has become - I have amassed over 250 balls of yarn,  a terrifying 22,500 m.

I really don’t need any so I must stop buying. Anything I make will have to come from the existing stash (buying more if I run out mid-project is OK right?). I’ll make an exception if I’m making someone a special gift, but that’s it! Getting the stash down by 100 balls by the end of 2009 will be acceptable. If that means selling some, so be it.

2. Finish what’s started

I tend to work on several projects at once; something portable that I can knit on underground, something knotty that requires concentration, a big long-term project - a throw or similar, a couple of gifts and a sweater for myself. Sometimes perfectly good projects just fall out of favour and go into hibernation while I work on more enjoyable ones. In 2009 I want to clear the decks and either rip or finish everything remaining from 2008.

3. Embrace a challenge

I have knitted the ‘Gemma’ beret by Sarah Hatton (December 2007 Rowan free download) nine times! It’s a nice hat, and a quick knit by I can do it blindfolded. In 2009 I want to learn some new skills; more fairisle, more complex lace and aran, and design of fitted garments. Eunny Jang’s ‘Endpaper Mitts’ have given me a taste for colour work, so I’ll be having a go at Kim Hargreaves’ ‘Meredith’ sweater soon.

4. Be practical

Short sleeved cardigans, cabled tanks and chunky sleeveless jackets may be cute but I get cold arms so I just don’t wear them. Noro Kureyon looks amazing but it’s itchy as hell. Silk blends are luxurious until I accidentally put them on the hot wash and accidentally felt them. It’s time to be realistic - in 2009 I am only going to knit myself garments that I will wear and can look after.

5. Pass it on

A surprising amount of people have shown an interest in my knitting in 2008, but often they think they wouldn’t be able to do it themselves (just as I did two years ago). I want to help others take up the hobby in the hope that they’ll love it as much as I do. And of course, I’ll be continuing to share my experience and free patterns here on It’s a Stitch Up!

I have often looked longingly at pictures of neatly wound yarn on Ravelry after spending hours standing over an upturned table, fending off two cats while hand-winding metre after metre. The thought of hand-winding 900 m of Colinette Jitterbug was actually deterring me from using it, so it was time to invest in a ball winder. Read full post…

Delicate mohair, lightweight cashmere, and pastel hues take a soft spin this autumn…

That’s according to British Vogue, and who are we to argue. The November 2008 issue features the photo-story ‘Postcards from the edge‘, presenting pale, dreamy knits juxtaposed with a backdrop of stark, Hungarian architecture. Downy textures are complemented by simple, classic silhouettes. Read full post…

Winter is well and truly on the way, which thankfully means the high street is full of lovely knitwear. Many of the current trends translate easily into hand-knitting.

French Connection are going boxy - chunky, unstructured pieces are adorned with geometric patterns. Over-sized belts balance out what would otherwise be a difficult silhouette to carry-off. For a hand-knit alternative, look no further than Kim Hargreaves’ ‘Storm’ cardigan.

The batwing shape is echoed in finer knit dresses and sweaters. French Connection also have interesting sideways-knit garments including large-cabled sweaters knit from sleeve to sleeve. Read full post…

I’ve been working on a cardigan for my friend’s new baby boy. I couldn’t find a pattern that was quite right so I decided to create one. I wanted a wrap cardigan - a wrap being easy to put on a new born baby - that would be suitable for a boy (cardigans can be a bit girly). I have created something with no seams - it’s knitted in the round with the sleeves knitted onto the body. Read full post…

It’s a Stitch Up is finally up and running. Why has is taken so long? I’m a website manager by day and to be honest, the last thing I feel like doing when I get home is building a new website - that’s kind of why started knitting! I am really keen to share some patterns and I’m sure it will be worth the effort.

There’s still much work to do on the website. I would love some feedback on the site so far so I can keep on making it better. Please leave your comments below.