For many knitters and stitchers (me included), it’s more the relaxing hobby or a creative outlet. The ethical factors that compel us to the handmade lifestyle also matter, be them environmental – a desire to reduce clothing miles or wear more… Read more
When I wrote the original article back in 2009 I was looking for a soft and more affordable substitute for Rowan Big Wool. I had no idea that this would become one of the most… Read more
To make up for the less than successful attempt, I dyed a few skeins with some other, more reliable natural dyes, and I’m so happy with these beautiful autumn colours. All yarns were pre-mordanted with… Read more
Obviously, it’s the knitting and yarn stands I’m most eager to check out at Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace, but this aspect has left me disappointed in past years. Each year I am hopeful… Read more
Hannah Fettig’s ‘Featherweight Cardigan’ perfectly combines elegance and simplicity. Its airy gauge makes it quick to knit, gives it a lovely drape and makes it a practical garment for the unpredictable British summer. Having just about recovered from the loss of my last featherweight, I decided to make a replacement. Read more
I’ve been doing a fair bit of spinning recently. One thing I’ve been disappointed with in the past is undesirable colour pooling with yarn spun from hand-dyed top. As seen on my , large patches… Read more
Despite my penchant for all things stitch-related, I have never before been to a craft-related exposition. The Knitting & Stitching Show runs a large event at Alexandra Palace, London every October and a smaller, sister… Read more
When my regular partner in craft, Jessica from The Toile and Trouble, expressed an interest having a go at hand-dyeing I of course obliged. Much fun was had, many methods tried and a rainbow of… Read more
I just completed probably my best ever spinning. It started life as Fyberspates Sparkle Fibre dyed top, a luxurious blend of merino, silk and glittery stelina, in ‘grey and mauve’. It’s pretty, evenly spun, evenly… Read more
You could be forgiven for thinking that not much knitting has been happening at Sparkle Towers, but this is not the case. I have a new pattern in development (more about that soon) and a… Read more
A little project from earlier in the year I thought I’d share… Knitting blankets in 4 ply yarn is slow going, but when that yarn is Kureyon Sock it’s so worth it. This one took… Read more
A while ago, Jessica, one of my partners in craft, mentioned that she wanted some drapey, lace-weight yarn in a bright, light green for a summer shawl. I happened to have a bargain cone of… Read more