Juniper Wishing Scarf - knitting

Sooo, my first knitting project, the mitts, have sort of ... stopped... I had finished one mitt and although the size was ok and everything I wasn't really happy with it. So I stopped. :) But it was a nice exercise in counting and lace knitting.

I then started with the Juniper Wishing Scarf from the book "Woodland Knits" by Stephanie Dosen. You can have a look here on her Blog: https://tinyowlknits.wordpress.com/ and here: https://tinyowlknits.wordpress.com/juniper-wishing-scarf/
I think she's doing adorable stuff. :)

It was really simple. And I really enjoyed knitting cables... (for the first time) :) And it didn't take that long, all in all about a week or so. :)

I didn't use the recommended wool (would have been like 60 Euros or so...MAD!) but this one: http://www.katia.com/lana.php?idLana=peru&lng=DE
An Alpaca, Wool, Polyacryl mix, wonderfully soft and warm and cosy. About the same thickness I think. The shade is a blueish, greenish teal. Looks much nicer than on the pictures! 

getting into knitting... and crocheting.. but WHY?...

So, my 2015 project "learning how to knit (and crochet) properly" has begun.

Some of you might ask "why on earth is she doing this? Why can't she just stick to sewing?"

And there are even several answers to this question!

1. Because sewing and made to measure garments just don't make sense when you are 9 months pregnant or still have the "post-baby-belly" (for those of you not so familiar with physical changes in pregnancy remember the old saying "9 month the belly comes, 9 months the belly goes" - which adds up to 18 months of weird sizes - ideally -) - and i don't want/need that much of maternity clothes...
2. Because the children don't need that many clothes...
3. Because I couldn't resist learning something new...
4. Just LOOK at the woodland knits book, HOW can you not?!? (and theres another one just begging me to have  a look into it: botanical knits by Alana Dakos. And then you could indulge in estonian lace knits and faire island knits and norwegian patterns and and and...
5. Because for my vintage-inspired wardrobe I could do with a few of those knitted or crocheted tops/blouses ... and you can still get original instructions - what could be better? I've even seen a pattern for a 1930s crochet swim suit... Irresistable!! :) (yes, that's the real reason, really, but I am not yet couragous enough to start on those...)
 
My first project after the warming up phase (woolly hats) are mitts. They are knitted in a basic lace-pattern (Ajourmuster) in blue merino wool.  Never done mitts or Ajour before...

I am using the book "stricken basisc" by Stephanie van der Linden (a German publication, knitting proper stuff in English will be the next step). It's a basic techniques book for beginners with a few nice projects and lots of explanations. Her instructions are clear and easy to follow and the pictures that go with the intructions are really helpful. Very recommendable. They also have instructions for left-handed knitting.

My next projects are from the book "woodland knits" by Stephanie Dosen and are a lot more challenging. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of techniques involved, that the basic knitting book doesn't include, but I am going to consult youtube and knittinghelp.com and generally the internet for that. If I don't challenge myself, I will only knit garter stitch, so... I am going to learn how to knit cables, how to wrap and turn and how to knit 4 below... I might end up knitting upside down altogether. :)


Also, I think it will take me so long to master these techniques, that until then the baby bump should be ... well... considerably reduced I hope. I don't dare to hope it will go back to "before".

So, we can all look forward to weird knitted and crocheted accessoires and in the end, hopefully, vintage pattern inspired blouses/tops or even a swimsuit. ;) 

Now, if that's not a bunch of really good reasons, I don't know what to say!

monmouth cap and another one... knitting...

I've started knitting again... to get into it, I chose 2 quick and easy projects (even matching the cold snowy winterweather finally...)

4 years ago I have knitted the monmouth cap ... and then it got lost... so after contemplating (for about another year) I have decided to knit another one. :) Same instructions, even the same yarn. You can find the link to the instructions on the internet  http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/jennifer/Monmouth.htm
They are quite clear and straight forward, so nice to follow. There is also a bit of info on the history of the Monmouth Cap (dating back to the 15th century).
I really like hemmed brim, if you fold it up (like on the picture) it gives the ears triple protection against cold and wind. Really does the trick and looks good.

The perfect model for winter hats.

Easy but nice project. :) 

I also made a hat for Miss L., as usual she hates new things, but I really really like it. The colours remind me of blackforest gateau (yummy). It's just a rectangular piece knitted in garter stitch. Then sewn together at sides and top and 2 pompoms attached. Ready. I am a bit jealous (again... as usual...)..

I just can't get him to look more enthusastic, sry...

1750s La Canadienne Complete

Um das gesamte Bild abzurunden hier die absolut notwendigen Dinge, die eine Frau so braucht: Eine Haube (La Fleur de Lyse 18101 Caps and Coifs) das Modell "La cornette". Dann natürlich noch ein Fichu und  Holzschuhe. :) Selbstgestrickte rote Stockings aus Wolle sollen noch folgen. :) Mein Körchen ist bestimmt mit allerlei feinen Sachen gefüllt!



To finish off the 1750s outfit, here you can see the fichu and apron following La Fleur de Lyse 18101. For decency: the cap is "La Cornette" of the La Fleur de Lyse 18101. And to keep my feet warm and cosy in the wooden clogs: a set of self-knitted stockings in red wool is to follow. :)
And of course my little basket is filled with all sorts of goodies! :)

Monmouth cap - Wollmütze

Pünktlich zum Frühlingsanfang ist auch die Monmouth cap fertig.
Ich habe diese Anleitung benutzt Monmouth Cap History and pattern und fand sie sehr gut. Die Geschichte ist auch superspannend und geht zurück bis ins 15Jh!
Auf dem Bild sieht man auch den charakteristischen Knopf obendrauf und die Schlaufe. :)

Just in time for the beginning of spring I have finished the Monmouth cap following Monmouth Cap History and pattern instructions. There is also  fair bit of information on the history of the Monmouth Cap as well as the pattern and pictures. Brilliant!

In the picture you can see the characteristic  little "button" and the loop!

Erdbeermütze - Strawberry hat

Neuste Photos der Erbeermütze - newest pictures of my strawberry hat!