Frost Flower Lace Scarf

My lovely, lovely Frost Flower Lace scarf:


I've used both Habu Silk Mohair in a pale shimmery grey and a silk/linen mix in a soft light denim blue running alongside to create this scarf - both yarns are as thin as sewing thread and together they create a stunning pale blue with the softness of the mohair/silk and the crispness of the silk/linen.

I had real trouble for some reason to memorise the lace pattern, but I love the way it creates little flowers or maybe snowflake patterns.

The edges of the scarf have been crocheted and beaded with clear Matatama drops and there's a flower brooch that comes with it - partly knitted and trimmed in more Magatama drop beads, partly organza in various shades of blue, grey and silver and with a vintage faceted crystal bead in the centre.

The scarf isn't as long or wide as some of my other scarves, but perfect for Spring and Summer or even inside in the Autumn and Winter. It's extremely light and floaty and complements a whole range of colours.

The scarf will be available in my Etsy shop shortly together with the flower hair barrettes and clips.

Raspberries and Blueberries Scarflette

I got some delicious yarn for my birthday from Caroline. :-)

It is a mix of mohair and silk from Habu, probably my favourite yarn company. They have a huge range of unusual and high quality yarns that are lovely to work with and that make wonderful garments.

I've used Habu before in the blue Shosenshi shrug and the tiara and matching corsage I made last year and I am currently working on a lacy frost flower scarf with more Habu yarn.

This is a really versatile scarf because it's fairly 'skinny' and so soft.

You can wear it long:

Tied in a bow:

Just tied:


It is simply knit in stocking stitch with three rows of beads crocheted into the fabric at one end:


Each row of beads is different. I've used pink lined clear beads, metallic pink beads and purple velvet iris beads:

This scarf is mine, but I will make more like this as they're perfect for Spring and Summer as they're so light and a brilliant way of adding a splash of colour.

Making Waves

Blame the weather for this late post. Whenever there was a bit of sunshine, I had to do something else, or, by the time I had everything to hand the sun had gone again! Arrrgh!!! In the end I gave up and took the photos inside.

However, this way I managed to finish three projects to post here rather than just one...


Wave Scarf

This is a totally delicious scarf made with three types of different wool - knitted and crocheted.


I started of with the most delightful Louisa Harding Harding hand painted turquoise merino and silk yarn, which I crocheted into waves on two sides.


I then added beautiful Rowan Kidsilk in a teal green, which was knitted in a wavy pattern. More Rowan Kidsilk in a soft silver grey added splashes in crochet. Finally, I added a bit of glitz and glam with a turquoise and black lurex yarn (crocheted again).


The scarf is long enough to go round the neck twice or can be worn long. It's soft, it's light, it's warm, it's totally gorgeous and works for every day as well as for an evening out.



Teal Flapper Hat

I am so proud of this as I designed the pattern all by myself. Okay, it was meant to be a beret, BUT it worked out just the way it is and it's keeping me warm when I am cycling or walking.


It's made from the softest 100% merino wool which is shimmery and soft and very warm. The hat has been knitted in a pattern that resembles leaves with a lacy panel between each leaf.

(This is a picture taken without the flash to show the colour better.)


The rose and two leaves have also been knitted and adorned with a gorgeous ebony wooden bead.



Crochet Lace Beret

I just find crochet sooooo much easier and more versatile. Here's my latest exploration of all the possibilities:


I've used a gorgeous Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed made from wool and angora in pale blue that has lovely little inclusions adding extra texture and colour to the hat.



It's easy to wear, won't crush your hair and looks fab with pale winter skin whilst keeping your head warm.

A detail picture of the pattern:


A detail picture of the border:



The scarf and beret will be in my Etsy shop soon. If you'd like a flapper hat, send me an e-mail and I see if I can fit it in before Christmas.


Newsflash:

What else am I working on? There's still my raspberry sorbet shrug to finish... and there are two pairs of wrist warmers to make (why did I show them to my friends? Now they all want some for Christmas!), and there are scarves and hats and other things for Christmas.... I am also trying to sort out my displays for a jewellery party in December. Fingers crossed I'll get it done this weekend. I am also at the sketch stage of two more of my weird and wonderful dresses.... So watch this spot!

The Weather and More Wrist Warmers

What awful weather we've had this week! Ever since last Saturday I've been hoping for the rain to ease off long enough to take some pictures. I don't like taking pictures inside as it changes the colours and I prefer to make the colours as realistic as I can.

Here are my latest wrist warmers. They're similar to the other ones but I've simplified the pattern and there's no complicated/complex cable pattern in the middle; they're longer and have a crochet edging in the charcoal at one end and in pale grey kid silk at the other end.


The wool I've used is a mix of cashmere and cotton (Debbie Bliss Cotton Cashmerino) and the edging is in Rowan Kidsilk Aura.

These are mine and I've been wearing them lots. They're just so handy for cycling in this weather.

However, if you want some like it, drop me a line and we can discuss colour options etc.

Scarflettes - Autumn and Stormy Day

Here are my latest knitting adventures - scarflettes.

Scarflettes are little scarves that keep you just as warm as the big scarves but are more versatile. If you are a cyclist like me, you know what hassle it is when it's a bit windy and the scarf keeps blowing into your face. This is the solution.

The designs are all my own.


Autumn Scarflette

This scarflette has been made with loopy fluffy mohair (80% mohair, 16% acrylic, 4% polyester). The loops in dark red, coral red, pink, magenta, and copper are wound around a black thread core. I love the colour changes and it looks so autumnal to me.


The scarflette goes round your neck and is closed with three flower buttons in red, puple and orange. There is a lot of give in the knit (it has been knitted in ribs for this purpose) and it sits snug with a lovely ruffle at the bottom that keeps the top of your neckline warm (the bit where the coat always seems to let in a draft!). The top cleaves open slightly to flatter your chin line.

Above you can see the lovely flower buttons and the yarn in detail.



Stormy Seas Scarflette

This little number has been knitted from chenille yarn and then been decorated with more chenille and Italian fashion yarn. The chenille is a lovely stormy blue, the Italian yarn is a pale grey with strands and little papery bits sticking out of it, which gives it a feathery luxurious effect.


The construction for this scarflette is slightly different. It still sits snug around your neck but there's an added 'bib' that flows down from your neck in ruffles in pale grey and blue. If your coat doesn't close all the way up to your neck, worry not, this is the perfect scarflette, it will keep that delicate area warm that isn't covered by your coat.

The scarflette is also ideal to be worn over a jumper. Let it flow over your shoulder by moving the buttons to the side or let if ripple over your back and add style to a simple jumper.



For a bit of whimsy I've added three different buttons in a slightly lighter aqua colour.



Here you can see the soft velvetyness of the chenille and the feathery luxury of the Italian yarn.



Both scarflettes will go in my Etsy shop if you don't snap them up now. The chenille scarflette is £18, the mohair scarflette is £15 (plus P&P). Both are totally unique.

Other colours available for the chenille scarf: red, green, cream chenille.