Glow Hat

 I bought this yarn at PoundStretcher for £1.49 Qty 1 x 100gms
This yarn is reflective and great for when I am running at night.
Cast on 44 sts
Knit 2 purl 2 rib every row for 24 rows.
Next row - Knit 2 together Purl 2 all across the row.
Next row - Knit 2 Purl 1 all across the row.
Next row - Knit 2 together Purl 1 all across the row.
Cut yarn with enough to sew up the seam.
Using a bodkin or blunt needle, thread the yarn end through all stitches and pull up tightly to close the top.
Sew the seam and fasten off.
Turn up the bottom and there you go.

Lace Carriage

I am about to try out my lace carriage. I have used it only once. When I bought my Studio 360 back in 1982, I couldn't wait to try out the lace carriage. I made a sweater for my (then) 2 year old daughter. It was a disaster. The stitches kept dropping off the needles and because I didn't really know any better, I wasn't sure how to re-form the stitches.
In the end I had a reasonable looking sweater, with mistakes here and there, but, I put the carriage away and have never even taken it out of the box since.
So why am I taking it out now?
Over the past 3 years or so, I have been a member of 'Machine Knitting' group on Ravelry. The group has been very helpful, with hints, tips, instruction, and links to various places for instructional video's and free patterns.
'Machine Knitting' has some very talented, friendly and helpful members. It is thanks to them that I am willing to brave the lace carriage once more.
Just before I rush into my craft room, I think I will have one more peek at the Ravelry Q&A Tread: Lace Discussions, with my notebook handy.
Happy Crafting everyone.

Doubled over neckband

Here is a copy of the doubled over neckband I use on my machine knit sweaters. I use it with my cut and sew necks.
I knit two backs of a sweater (this saves time on shaping) and then I cut one for the front. I sew with a zig-zag stitch and when I am happy with the shape, I cut the neck. Then I sew one shoulder and hang the neck stitches onto the machine, right side facing. Then I follow the instructions for doubled over neckband. I makes a really nice stretchy band so there is no need for buttons on the side of a child's sweater.
Here are the instruction from Glynne Jones

Doubled over Neckband with a stocking stitch border

After joining one shoulder, with RIGHT side of garment facing you, pick
up around the neck on to main bed (rough estimate of No. of stitches
required is the No. you cast on for the back).
Knit 3 rows stocking stitch at MT-1. Raise ribber, transfer stitches to get
the rib setup you want, hang comb and weights.
Knit enough rows to double over the band (I 'guesstimate' the number by
folding over the welt and seeing what looks 'right'). Transfer sts to main
bed, drop ribber down and remove combs etc.
Pick up last row of stocking stitch so that neckband is folded up. Knit 4
rows stocking stitch, one row nylon cord, several rows of waste yarn and
strip off from machine.
After joining second shoulder and sewing seam of neckband, pin down the
stocking stitch flap and backstitch through stitches in last row of main
yarn (use blunt tapestry needle and you won't need to remove waste yarn
until after you have done all the backstitching). Work the backstitching
into and out of each knitted stitch so that there is a little 'bar' between
each stitch.

I made this bag some time ago from a pattern in a magazine. My daughters came over yesterday for sewing lessons and I decided to do some myself and added a lining to this bag. I put in a pocket for my phone, very handy!

Hello

My daughter wanted to crochet a scarf with cup-cakes today, so I had a look at some pictures and worked out how to do this and made a simple pattern for her to follow. I had not done any crochet for a couple of years and this got me started too. I made this jammie dodger (biscuit) for her to wear as a brooch, she loves it, I hope you do too,. Please let me know what you think.