Everybody loves Urchin ... or Can one get addicted to a knitting pattern?

Ysolda Teague is one of Ravelry's best known independent designers and deservedly so.

Apart from the fact that I consider her patterns well written, intelligent, well - presented and stylish, I also think that her career to date is both mind - blowing and utterly inspirational.

Strangely enough, I first came across Miss Teague in a Times Article whilst browsing the web and not, as one would expect, on Ravelry.

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/fashion/article7043321.ece

Outside Ravelry, Miss Teague can be found on her own website / blog, which is available here:

http://ysolda.com/

Amongst her free patterns are the (by now) famous "Urchin" beret, which was featured in Knitty's Fall 2007 issue and the garter stitch mittens (both are available here: http://ysolda.com/patterns/patterns/ ).

Even though I don't think that there are many knitters left, who haven't yet knitted one or the other, I urge anyone, who hasn't, to give Ysolda's patterns a try. If there is such a thing as "getting addicted to a pattern", then Urchin had that effect on me.

I am sure I speak for many others, who feel the same.

All in all, I have knitted 4 Urchins so far, and I am sure there will be more...

Pictures will be following shortly...

Project: Hat - Louisa Harding's "Brimming With Style"

A few days ago I posted a book review on Louisa Harding's "Hats, Gloves, Scarves". The above hat is one of the projects featured in the book. I like the chunky stitches and the pattern is relatively uncomplicated. The hat is ideal for all those women who like wearing their hair up when wearing a hat, as it gives you more space than a beany hat. Having said that, the pattern requires you to pick up 72 stitches on the shorter edge of the brim before shaping the crown. I didn't quite manage to do this correctly and the symmetry of my crown suffers accordingly.

I am a perfectionist knitter and end up unhappy with a project unless it is entirely flawless. Most of the time I deliberately end up knitting a project twice. First time round I choose cheap yarns and familiarise myself with the pattern before I move on to dearer yarns.

The pattern specified Rowan Chunky Print. I was unable to source Rowan Chunky Print (Harding's recommended yarn) and therefore tried to knit the first version with Robin Chunky - another reason why my hat is a tad out of shape. Robin is a cheap 100% acrylic yarn, and my preferred choice when knitting a new project for the first time. You can see where you go wrong and improve during the second session without the risk of wasting loads of precious yarn.

For attempt number two I am planning to substitute Rowan Chunky Print with Rowan Cocoon, but as yet I am undecided...

Easter Knitting - Egg Cozy

Browsing through Ravelry, I found a knitting pattern for a Chicken Egg Cozy.

As I had a little spare time and some scrap yarn, I decided to have a try. It turned out to be a rather quick and pain - free project, which is suitable for the beginner knitter.

I used 6mm knitting needles, Robin (acrylic) for the chicken body and Rowan Cocoon in Quarry Tile for the comb. The end result will provide enough space to accommodate two medium - sized chocolate eggs. Once Easter is over, it 
 can be used as an eggwarmer for boiled eggs - the dual use egg cozy as it were!!!

The knitting pattern is available free on the following blog:

 http://angelus-errare.blogspot.com/2008/03/need-last-minute-easter-gift-or.html

Compared to my chicken the original looks a little different as I used different yarn, different needles and my chicken sports different accessories, but I still think she is rather fetching.