Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Chunky Knits by Biscuit Scout

While searching through etsy this week, I came across a truly remarkable shop and just needed to share with you today. 

Cables and Bobbles make a statement in beautiful knit sweaters, mitts and hats.  But when you find these gorgeous designs on ottomons, chairs and lampshades the designs pop and I, for one, am in awe! 

I'm hoping you will visit BiscuitScout's etsy shop and see her fabulous work.  Here is some information from her profile:
"I am a graphic designer who left the big city in search of my fortune. (Actually I just really wanted to live in the countryside.)

I have recently settled in Napier in the Overberg (near the bottom, most Southern tip of Africa) and apart from discovering the joys of no traffic and growing your own vegetables, I have had time to indulge my passion for knitting.

"It all started a long time ago when I decided to knit a cover for my ageing washing machine. I loved the result so much, that I experimented with various patterns and wools and shapes and sizes; using knitting as a functional art form. It opened up a whole world of possibilities, but back then I still had a day job and knitting took a back seat.

So when I found myself sitting on my porch staring at the cows in the valley, I decided it was time to knit in earnest. I now knit in a thoroughly contemporary way using a chunky Aran style and do winter “jerseys” for ottomans and armchairs, funky cross-shaped scatter cushions and pretty much anything that takes my fancy".

I am truley amazed at her fabulous work.  I would love to cozy up in a chair covered with cables wrapped in one of her blankets, with my feet up on an ottomon while reading a good book using lighting from her  light cover on a cold winters day.  My idea of true bliss! 

Lynn ~ Thank you so much for sharing your creative work with us today!

Blue Heather Bobble Neckwarmer

I woke up to 33 degrees this morning.  Winter is going to come fast and summer is behind us already.  Last weekend I cleaned out what was left of the garden and I hope to plant some more bulbs for spring flowers this week.

So, it is time to start thinking about keeping warm this winter.  And what better way to stay snuggly than with this soft blue heather handknit neckwarmer.  Kind of classic, kind of hip... a great accessory either way!

Visit valeriesgallery.etsy.com for more fun neckwarmers.

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Bobbles and UFO's

Do you ever have projects that you start and put aside?  They call them UFO's (Unfinished Objects) in the knitting circles and I have more than my share. 

The one that continues to haunt me is an afghan that I started for my daughter when she was in college that is unfinished 10 years later. That has got to be my oldest UFO, and I have many more.

But, recently I picked up and complete a pillow cover that began last winter.  I knit this with two strands of worsted weight wool and it was my very first project utilizing the bobble stitch.  I admit, that I was hesitant to try bobbles, but I was amazed at how easy they really are. Although they take some practice with tension, bobbles can be used in so many different patterns to add texture.

I thought that making flowers with them would be unique and fun.  I added a bit of creative cable work to make the stems to create a field of flowers.  I used 5 stitch bobble for the center and worked 3 stitch bobbles for the surrounding petals.

Making Bobbles: (5 stitch) worked on a background of reverse stockinette stitch

Make 5 stitches from one stitch ( Knit in front and back of same stitch 2X and in front once more)
Turn knitting work toward you (working on the back) Knit 5 stitches
Turn knitting work toward you (working on the front) Purl 5 stitches
Turn knitting work toward you (working on the back) Knit 5 stitches
Turn knitting work toward you (working on the front) Sl 1, K2 tog, Pass slip stich over, K2 tog, Pass slip stich over.

Work the same for 3 stitch bobble only make 3 stitches from one stitch and only Knit 2 tog and passover once at the end.

There is a great feeling of accomplishment when picking up a forgotten project and I am so glad that I completed this one. 

I took a break while writing this entry and went to find my daughter's afghan.  Her major in college was International Relations and I had a vision to incorporate flags from several nations into the afghan.  It looks like I only completed 3 nations and half of 3 more. Perhaps digging it out is one step closer to completion.....

Hopefully you will dig out some of your UFO's and get them completed this summer. 

Until next time, keep your needles clicking!