confessions of a struggling knitter

In between needlepointing, I love knitting ... I'm just not that good at it! But persistence is the key, and I'm determined to finish a project with no mistakes (haw haw).

I usually collect patterns from the 1930s and 1940s, but I'm also attracted to more unusual and funky designs (as long as they're not too difficult!).

skull jumper

I hardly ever buy knitting books, usually because they are all the same. This one is different - 'Domiknitrix - Whip Your Knitting Into Shape' by Jennifer Stafford - check out her Domiknitrix website.

I loved this design as soon as I saw it, and thought I'd knit it for my hubby. Now, I have tried to knit many things for Brett, and have stuffed up every single one - but I think I'm on a winner with this one. Of course, I had to have a stuff up somewhere - there was a technique I learnt in this book called 'short row wrap', and I followed the instructions to the best of my ability. But when it came to knitting the collar, I realised that I had a few rather impressive holes. Now, being me, instead of unpicking (I had already attached the sleeves), I decided to put a second neckband to cover the wrap holes - Brett thought it looked like a deliberate design feature - phew! If you're reading this Jennifer - sorry! I'll have to practise this short row wrap technique before I tackle my next design.

For this project, I used 12-ply Classic yarn from Bendigo Woollen Mills, in Raven and Almond. This was knitted in the small size, but I had to reduce the length of the sleeves (must have been a tension issue due to using a different yarn from the one in the book).

coming soon ...

I will soon be taking pics of some of my jumpers knitted from vintage patterns - stay tuned!