Once Upon A Time...

There was once a knitter, who worked very hard but just didn't have enough hours in the day to knit all the orders she was getting - in particular the twin lsets that had been ordered by her good friend Putri which she promised to have completed in just over a week.

She worked as late as her eyes would stay open, and as long as she could before her husband protested, but she had to sleep - so she left her needles and yarn out, all ready to start with again the next day (when the children were sleeping). The next lunchtime when the children were tucked up asleep in their beds she sat herself down to her work; when, to her great wonder, there in her knitting bag was a shrug all ready made. The knitter knew not what to say or think at such an odd thing happening.

That evening, after working until her knitpicks poked holes in her fingers she again left out her work - this time an Aviatrix hat and went to bed early, that she might get up and begin early the next day; but she was saved all the trouble, for when she got up in the morning the work was done already.

This continued for the week until the knitter decided to see exactly what was happening. The knitter and her husband decided that they would stay up and see who it was that was coming and completing the knitting. The husband liked the thought; so they left the light on and hid themselves behind the couch, and watched what would happen.

As soon as it was midnight, there came in a little dwarf; and it sat upon the couch, took up all the work that was out, and began to knit it, stitching and purling away at such a rate, that the couple watched on in wonder, and could not take their eyes off him. And on he went, till the job was quite done, and the knit lay ready for blocking upon the knitting bag. Just as he was about to leave, the knitter slowly came out of her spot (for she was starting to get pins and needles and her husband was busting to use the toilet) and thanked him. 'It's been no trouble' the dwarf replied 'I've been a bit tired of making shoes in the evening'. 'How can I repay you?' the knitter asked. 'Truly, I've enjoyed it. But as the sets are completed now it's time I moved on to the next place that needs me' and with a little skip and a hop he flung open the fireplace door and vanished. Never to be seen again

And the results of the week equalled a twin set of layettes - 2 Confection Shrugs, 2 Aviatrix Hats and 2 sets of Mary Jane booties (with the permission of the designer ;) more info to follow), ready to be delivered to their orderer once blocked so they could be sent on to their new owner in Singapore (born today!)

 

 

 

When I Can't Sleep

When I woke early the other morning I found myself lying in bed trying to go back to sleep. But instead in my head I found myself composing a blog entry. Goodness knows what it was meant to be about, I just remember being frustrated with myself because I had this important entry flowing through my head instead of nothing so I could go sleep again

So, it must be time for another blog entry

This time, I've got a lot of F.O's to share. Years ago if you'd said to me 'I've got some F.O's to share' I would've been very confused as F.O stood for something quite different.

Anywho

I made a stack of dishcloths for my friend who was going to babysit. I actually think it may have been only the second time we would've left the kids since having Tim (the first time being my G'ma's 90th back in Hastings in August) but Tim was a bit under the weather so we didn't end up going out anyway

These are knit in Anchor Magicline, a self striping 10ply cotton

This is a test knit for tiKKi of a new pattern she'll be releasing shortly (I know SQUEEEE, lucky me!). I have plans to test knit another (in the next week hopefully) and it's an incredibly versatile pattern...but I'm sure I'll blog more about that soon

(The beads were Penny's idea - not mine!)

I also knit a little soaker and hat set  - I know the hat is in here already under the Aviatrix info, but I love it, I've got 2 more on the needles at the moment for a twin order) The soaker is Kelly's Vanilla pattern - of course, and the little heart embellishment is designed by Watermellish Designs - something else I'm testing. Again, I'll post more info another day :)

A little pink shrug I knit for a little girls birthday party yesterday. I must admit, I'm always a little nervous knitting things for other people (who haven't proclaimed a love of all things yarny) as I'm not sure what people think when they open their presents. I do love this pattern designed by Stitchy Mama/Katherine though and think it's both practical and pretty so I do hope others see the same as I do

And then there's the pair of cabled hats I made for an order recently. I do love this pattern, and I love that the person who ordered has 2 children about the same size as mine so I can check the fit is ok. What will I do when my children no longer fit the orders?!

And lastly, another order for a Vanilla in girly colours. I popped the little heart on the bottom both because I love this Watermellish design, as well as an extra surprise for the customer (I do hope that she doesn't mind it!). It is a size bigger than what my model would wear normally, hence why it might not look like a good fit :)

 

And last, but hopefully not least - my little competition for the Snakes & Adders pattern closes on the 12th of March - there've only been a few knit at the moment so you're in with a good chance to win if you get a chance to whip some up

Aviatrix

And another hat! This one called 'Aviatrix' for obvious reasons was designed by Justine Turner, a fabulous New Zealand designer. (You'll see a lot more of her designs starting to appear on my blog too)

It comes in a wide range of sizes: newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 2-4 years and 4 years plus (I have the measurements for these if you'd like to check which is the right size for your child). It looks great on both boys and girls, awesome for kids that pull off hats. I've added 2 buttons to this one so that there's room for growth.

For anyone interested, I can also knit another of Justine's fabulous patterns which is similar in design, but without the chin strap. I'll be adding it to my list soon, but haven't had the opportunity to knit one yet.

Contact me via email if you are interested in finding out more information or would like to place an order. Prices start around the $20 mark (depending upon on the type/quality of yarn and size)

Propeller Hat

Thinking about winter hats yet?

The Propeller is a gorgeous little unisex hat, with a beret-like style

This is just 1 in a series of 8 beautifully designed hats by Woolly Wormhead that I am able to knit for little ones.

These hats are available in 4 sizes:
XS - Premmie (12"/30.5 cm)
S - Newborn to 3 months (14"/35.5cm)
M - 3-6 months (16"/41cm)
L - 6-12 months (18"/46cm)

In saying that, I found this quite a relaxed fit, the largest size fitted both my 12 month old and my little almost 3 year old (at a push)

I am planning on knitting all the other ones in the series to pop on here, but if you are interested in seeing the others then email me and I'll show you the designers pictures. There is a wide range of styles, including some that tie under the chin like earflap hats - they're all fabulous, of course!

Contact me via email if you are interested in finding out more information or would like to place in order. Prices are around the $20 mark (depending upon on the type/quality of yarn and size)

Tubey Hat

Another custom knit available for this winter!

The Tubey is a great little woollen hat, easy to pop on and looks stylish

Oh how we love raisins when trying to get a photo!

This is just 1 in a series of 8 beautifully designed hats by Woolly Wormhead that I am able to knit for little ones.

These hats are available in 4 sizes:
XS - Premmie (12"/30.5 cm)
S - Newborn to 3 months (14"/35.5cm)
M - 3-6 months (16"/41cm)
L - 6-12 months (18"/46cm)

In saying that, I found the Tubey was quite a relaxed fit, the largest size fitted both my 12 month old and my little almost 3 year old.

I am planning on knitting all the other ones in the series to pop on here, but if you are interested in seeing the others then email me and I'll show you the designers pictures. There is a wide range of styles, including some that tie under the chin like earflap hats - they're all fabulous, of course!

Contact me via email if you are interested in finding out more information or would like to place in order. Prices are around the $20 mark (depending upon on the type/quality of yarn and size)

Cabled Hats

I've had a number of lovely comments and enquiries lately about this hat and so I'm thrilled to be able to offer these for orders.

This chunky cabled hat designed by Amy Swenson comes in three sizes: 3-9mo, 1-3yrs and Kids-Adult (Finished Circumference at Brim: 16(18, 22) inches)
I knit the one pictured in the smaller size

Prices start at $18 for the 3-9 months, $22 for the 1-3 year and  $26 for the kids-adult size. It can be knit in your choice of colour.

Email me at jstanfield@xtra.co.nz to place an order or for more information.