Tuesday 28 June 2011

Want to upcycle those little glass dessert pots?



Or maybe you just want an excuse to buy more? In case you haven't fallen for Gu desserts (really?), you could use any similar sized jar. They are about 3 inches across.
I love a bargain, so I've been indulging in some special offer desserts that come in little glass jars - but now I have a stash of little glass jars! I can't bring myself to throw them away and I've already seen quite a few in charity shops, so I decided it was time to think of a way to use them *drumroll* so I've got a couple of free patterns for you!

The jars are a perfect size for storing little bits and bobs, but have no lids. I've designed pin cushions which fit snuggly over the rim of the jar and keeping the contents safe at the same time. They don't take much yarn and are quick and easy to knit.

I've added flowers made on my flower loom, but you could use buttons, beads or shop-bought flowers - anything you fancy!

This pattern is for the pink/purple version. I like the contrasting colours, and it's a good stash-buster!

I used double-knit yarn and UK size 9 needles (3.75mm US size 5), but it's not too important. It's knitted in rows, and uses stocking stitch (1st row knit, 2nd row purl). All increasing is by knitting into front and back of same stitch, all decreasing is by knitting 2 together. You'll also need some filling - cotton wool would do if you don't have toy filling) and a short length of cord elastic.

Cast on 5 stitches in your main colour.
row 1: increase by knitting into front and back of next stitch (I'll call this "inc 1" in future), repeat to end = 10 stitches
row 2: purl
row 3: (K1, inc1) repeat to end = 15 stitches
row 4: purl
row 5: (K2, inc 1) repeat to end = 20 stitches
row 6: purl
row 7: (K3, inc 1) repeat to end = 25 stitches
row 8: purl
row 9: (K4, inc1) repeat to end = 30 stitches
row 10: purl
row 11: (K5, inc1) repeat to end = 35 stitches
row 12: purl
row 13: (K6, inc1) repeat to end = 40 stitches
row 14: purl
row 15: (K7, inc1) repeat to end = 45 stitches
row 16: purl
row 17: (K8, inc1) repeat to end = 50 stitches

Then work 3 rows stocking stitch. This will give you a height of about 4 inches including an inch and a half of jar. If you want it to be taller, work more rows.

Now decrease back to 10 stitches following the same structure:
row 21: (K8, K2 tog) to end = 45 stitches
row 22: purl
row 23: (K7, K2 tog) to end = 40 stitches
row 24: purl
row 25: (K6, K2 tog) to end = 35 stitches
row 26: purl
row 27: (K5, K2 tog) to end = 30 stitches
row 28: purl
row 29: (K4, K2 tog) to end = 25 stitches
row 30: purl
row 31: (K3, K2 tog) to end = 20 stitches
row 32: purl
row 33: (K2, K2 tog) to end = 15 stitches
row 34: purl
row 35: (K1, K2 tog) to end = 10 stitches



Cut yarn leaving long end, thread on sewing needle and pull through last 10 stitches. Sew row ends together but stuff before fastening seam completely.



Take a few last stitches back and forth between top and bottom to draw into a slight doughnut shape, this helps to bulge out the "equator" and sit more snugly.



Now for the bottom strip.
Cast on 50 stitches (in contrasting colour if you wish)
row 1: knit
row 2: purl
row 3: knit
row 4: purl
row 5: purl *this is not a mistake! it will give a useful purl ridge for threading the elastic.
row 6: purl
row 7: knit
row 8: purl
cast off, leave a long end.

Fold in half at the purl ridge and stitch to form one double strip.



Now measure a length of elastic long enough to go round the rim of the jar and enough over to knot securely - around 12 inches should do it. Using a needle, thread the elastic in and out of the purl ridge (I said it'd be useful!).



Place on jar and knot to fit, then stitch the two ends of the strip together. You can tuck the knotted end of the elastic inside at this point if you remember!

With the other edge of the elasticated strip pointing up from the rim, seat the other section on top and stitch in place. This is what it looks like without the jar from underneath (note it's the other colour variation) - actually, it works well as a pincushion without the jar, but that rather defeats the point of my plan to upcycle them!



Finally, embellish and make beautiful and fill your jar with bits and bobs!



More free patterns (including the green cactus shown here) available on my patterns page *click here*

Can't knit? Buy one from my folksy shop

Wednesday 22 June 2011

Cactus pincushion knitting pattern ...

... to upcycle those little glass Gu jars you're hoarding!

I love a bargain, so I've been indulging in some special offer desserts that come in little glass jars - but now I have a stash of little glass jars! I can't bring myself to throw them away and I've already seen quite a few in charity shops, so I decided it was time to think of a way to use them *drumroll* so I've got a couple of free patterns for you! Please feel free to pass on the link and to make them for yourself or as gifts. The meerkats will not look kindly on anyone trying to pass the pattern off as their own, or offering my designs for sale.

The jars are a perfect size for storing little bits and bobs, but have no lids. I've designed pin cushions which fit snuggly over the rim of the jar and keeping the contents safe at the same time. They don't take much yarn and are quick and easy to knit.

I've added flowers made on my flower loom, but you could use buttons, beads or shop-bought flowers - anything you fancy!



I used double-knit yarn and UK size 9 needles (3.75mm US size 5), but it's not too important. It's knitted in rows, and uses stocking stitch (1st row knit, 2nd row purl). All increasing is by knitting into front and back of same stitch. You'll also need some filling (cotton wool or old washed tights would do if you don't have toy filling) and a short length of cord elastic.

Cast on 25 stitches.
row 1: knit (K)
row 2: purl (P) *note* I like to knit the 1st and last stitch of purl rows. It isn't essential but helps with sewing up. don't worry if you forget!
row 3: K
row 4: K
row 5: K
row 6: P

rows 3-6 form the pattern. Repeat 14 times more (or until it is wide enough to go round the rim of your jar), cast off leaving a long end to sew cast on and cast off edges together to form a tube.



Thread your elastic through the stitches at one end of the tube - this is where those knit stitches at the ends of the purl rows become useful.


Knot the elastic after checking it for size on the jar. Leave that section aside and knit the circular base:

Cast on 5
row 1: (knit into front and back of stitch) repeat to end = 10 stitches (I'll be calling this "inc 1")
row 2: Purl
row 3: (K1, inc 1) repeat to end = 15 stitches
row 4: Purl
row 5: (inc 1) repeat to end = 30 stitches
row 6: Purl
row 7: (K1, inc 1) repeat to end = 45 stitches
row 8: purl
cast off



Stitch edges together to make a rough circle.



The next part is the only slightly tricky bit - tricky for me to explain! Your tube should still be on the jar. Thinking of your jar as shoulders, and the tube of knitting as a long polo neck - now roll or push the polo neck down over the shoulders, revealing the top edge of the jar but keeping the lowest elasticated section of knit still in place. (Told you it was hard to explain!)



You are now going to stitch into place the lower circular base of your cactus, the bit that will stop your filling falling into the jar. In the picture below, I'm holding the jar with the rolled-down "polo neck" while stitching the circle. There's probably a better way to do this, but hey - it works! This *might* be why I'm not a pattern-writer.



Once that's in place, roll your polo-neck back up and stuff!



Draw a thread through the end stitches of what is now the top to close your cactus.



Embellish with buttons/flowers of your choice and fill your jar!



More Niftyknits patterns available here.



And if you don't fancy knitting, I've listed them in my folksy shop *click here*

Sunday 19 June 2011

Who knows how long I've loved you?



"Who knows how long I've loved you
You know I love you still
Will I wait a lonely lifetime
If you want me to, I will.

For if I ever saw you
I didn't catch your name
But it never really mattered
I will always feel the same.

Love you forever and forever
Love you with all my heart
Love you whenever we're together
Love you when we're apart.

And when at last I find you
Your song will fill the air
Sing it loud so I can hear you
Make it easy to be near you
For the things you do endear you to me
Oh, you know, I will
I will."


Listened to this song this morning with the father of my children (It's Fathers Day, it was one of his gifts)

It doesn't "really" fit - we met in 1977 so I'm pretty familiar with his name by now - but it's such a sweet song. I turned to Etsy to make a treasury - but funnily enough there isn't much based around the White Album, so I used Sgt Pepper instead (and then found my two favourite pieces weren't even listed!) Here's the first...

Sgt Pepper Cats by QuernusCrafts


and here's the treasury:

'Listening to the Beatles with the father of our children on Fathers Day' by niftyknits

What could be better?


The Beatles Set
$70.00

The Beatles Sgt. Pe...
$8.95

Beatles Guitar Pick...
$14.95

SALE Sgt Pepper'...
$39.99

Applause Sgt. Peppe...
$35.00

John Lennon Mouse -...
$35.00

Ringo Starr
$40.00

White Album, George...
$15.00

Sgt Pepper
$30.00

Doll Clothes Beatle...
$93.00

SALE St Pepper Lone...
$23.00

1960s Sgt. Pepper B...
$110.00

The Beatles Sgt. Pe...
$250.00

BEATLES - Sgt Peppe...
$24.99

Orange 70s Retro ...
$15.50

Beatles Sgt. Pepper...
$20.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.


and my other favourite... sold by TheHouseOfMouse

Friday 17 June 2011

So *that's* where wool comes from

Our local farm Silcocks had an open day last weekend and we never have to think twice about sampling their hog roast.

I did feel a bit mean when I saw the cute piglets, but I'm not a veggie and Silcocks home-grown organic meat is delicious.


The shearer was hard at work in one of the barns. I hadn't realised he would work suspended in a sling, but I guess all the bending would wreck his back otherwise. He was very quick!


















The shearer almost tripped as he moved to the next sheep - he'd actually already started shearing again by the time I'd taken the next shot of the departing sheep.




I like this shot - look at the sheep at the back, pondering whether they're next, and wondering what that chap is doing with their fleece!



Mmmmm, how cute are these little piglets?! They've just started using twitter (the farm, not the piglets), so if you want to find out when the next open farm Day is, I suggest following them here @silcocksfarm