SIO Tips no. 71 - Casting on: loosen up!

It's important when casting on to make sure it's neither too tight nor too loose. If you find that it's difficult to knit the first row after you've cast on then you need to loosen it up a bit; try one of the following methods:


1. As you cast on space your stitches out across the needle, it might be tempting to push them neatly together but this can make your stitches too tight.

2. Use a needle one or two sizes larger than the one you plan to use for your project. This naturally means the cast on stitches are looser.

Knitting is good for you...

Well, so a recent newspaper article said.  For two main reasons; firstly as a stress buster and secondly as away of keeping the brain active for older knitters. Relaxing some of the time I agree but not when struggling to learn or following a tricky pattern.

Our own research told us that newbee's often find knitting stressful; they told us that they want simple but not making endless doll's neck ties or small squares for charity blankets. In response the Nesta kit came to be. Simple to do and room for tension variations with easy to follow pattern but the result must be good enough to use, Nesta is just that. The pretty cushion would grace any decor and the process build confidence, as promised crafting without tears.

Nesta is named after a very talented lady, wife of a Snowdonia sheep farmer who transformed an ancient ruin of a large slate farmhouse into one of the most sympathetic and stunning restorations I have ever seen. The cushion would have fitted in a treat with its natural tones, so reminiscent of the sheep they farmed high on their Welsh mountain.

Rosie 

Creative Director SIO

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

© Gail Johnson - Fotolia.com

SIO Tips no 33

If you put your knitting down mid row the wool should always be on the right hand side of the work when you set off again.

SEEKITOUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time.

SIO Tips no. 31

Make a photocopy of your pattern so you can write on it to mark off complete rows in knitting or crochet.

SEEKITOUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time.

Two lovely ladies, one in Aberdeen and one in Cornwall, with a fascinating tale to tell of family tradition, a simple business vision and a quality of life to envy. Tea Cosies are their speciality, all hand knitted with so much love.  They create stunning masterpieces; from sheep grazing in a field a top your pot to wild Scottish thistles and more.  They have to be seen to be believed, they are unique and fun.  

Knitting by hand and living hundreds of miles apart might leave the Dragon's Den cold, but they are not aiming to be rich just content and that is one of the best reasons ever to buy their fine creations.  Own a slice of tradition, of the good life, a unique design and of course keep your tea warm to boot.  Just marvel at these wonder, we did.

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time