Chunky Cable and Diamond Drop Knit

 

Additional Instruction:

C10B: Slip 5 stitches to a cable needle and hold in back of work, k5, then k5 from the cable needle.

Abbreviations:

st, sts: Stitch, Stitches

R: Right side

W: Wrong side

K: Knit

P: Purl

Yo: Yarn over

SSK: Slip slip knit

K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together

Pattern for Middle [Chunky Cable]

Cast on a multiple of 24 stitches 

Row* Side Begin Row Repeat Repeat From+ End Row

1 R * p2, K10                                 + p2

2 W k2* p10, k2,                                 +

3 R * p2, k10,                                 + p2

4 W k2* p10, k2,                                 +

5 R * p2, C10B, p2, k10,                         + p2

6 W k2* p10, k2                                 +

7 R * p2, k10,                                 + p2

8 W k2* p10, k2                                 +

9 R * p2, k10,                                 + p2

10 W k2* p10, k2,                                 +

11 R * p2, C10B, p2, k10,                         + p2

12 W k2* p10, k2,                                 +

13 R * p2, K10                                 + p2

14 W k2* p10, k2,                                 +

15 R * p2, k10,                                 + p2

16 W k2* p10, k2,                                 +

17 R * p2, k10, p2, C10B,                         + p2

18 W k2* p10, k2                                 +

19 R * p2, k10,                                 + p2

20 W k2* p10, k2,                                 +

21 R * p2, k10,                                 + p2

22 W k2* p10, k2,                                 +

23 R * p2, k10, p2, C10B,                         + p2

24 W k2* p10, k2,                                 +

Repeat Rows 1 -24

Pattern [Diamond Drop]

Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches

Row* Side Begin Repeat Repeat From+

1 R * p1, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, p1, +  

2 W * K1,  p4, k1,         +    

3 R * p1, k2tog, yo, yo ssk, p1, , +

4 W k1, p2, k1, p1, k1         + 

5 R * k2tog, yo, p2, yo, ssk, +

6 W * p2, k2, p2,         +   

7 R * yo, ssk, p2, k2tog, yo, +

8 W * k1, p1, k2, p2,         +

Repeat Row 1 - 8

Wall Basket with Flowers

 

Materials:

Wall Basket (wicker, metal, wire, etc.)

Paint (optional, colours like terracotta, teal, sunshine yellow, burgundy red, sage green, distressed turquoise, matte charcoal grey)

Floral Foam (optional, for added stability)

Scissors

Wire Cutters (if using floral foam)

Ribbon (twine, gingham, satin, lace, black ribbon - choose based on desired style)

Flowers:

• Cornflowers (vibrant blue)
• Lavender (purple stalks or fragrant bundles)
• Strawflowers (golden, natural, or bleached)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Basket:
• Decide if you want to paint your basket. Choose a colour that complements your chosen style and the flower colours. Let the paint dry completely.
2. Floral Foam (Optional):
• If you want a more secure arrangement or your basket is deep, cut floral foam to fit snugly inside the basket.
3. Flower Arrangement:
• Start with the larger blooms: Arrange the cornflowers in the basket, spreading them out for a balanced look.
• Fill in with lavender: You can use individual stalks or small bundles, placing them throughout the arrangement for a pop of colour and fragrance.
• Add texture and pops of gold: Nestle the strawflowers in between the cornflowers and lavender, creating depth and visual interest.
4. Ribbon:
• Cut a length of ribbon that suits your taste.
• You can tie it around the handle of the basket for a simple look.
• Drape it over the front of the basket for a more cascading effect.
• Secure the ribbon with a bow or knot.
5. Hang and Enjoy:
• Find a suitable spot to hang your beautiful wall basket and admire your creation!

Arrangement Tips:

• Play with the placement of flowers for a unique look.
• Consider using filler flowers or greenery (dried eucalyptus, baby's breath) for added texture and fullness.
• Adjust the flower quantities based on your basket size and desired fullness.
• Experiment with different ribbon colours and styles to match your décor.

Loops of Joy

 

Stitching Your Way to Happiness

Knitting, the art of creating fabric with loops of yarn and needles, goes beyond just warm scarves and cozy sweaters. It's a practice woven with benefits for both mind and body, making it a wonderful pursuit for people of all ages and backgrounds. Here's why taking up knitting might be just the stitch you need in your life:

Stress Buster: The rhythmic clack of needles and the soothing glide of yarn have a calming effect, lowering stress and anxiety. Studies show that knitting can help release serotonin, a mood-boosting neurotransmitter, leaving you feeling serene and centred. It's like meditation with a tangible outcome!

Brainpower Boost: Don't be fooled by the simplicity! Knitting engages multiple brain regions, improving memory, focus, and hand-eye coordination. The act of following patterns and counting stitches stimulates cognitive function, keeping your mind sharp and preventing age-related decline.

Creative Outlet: Let your imagination run wild! With countless yarns, colours, patterns, and techniques, knitting offers endless possibilities for self-expression. Design your own creations, personalise existing patterns, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of bringing your vision to life with your own two hands.

Sense of Accomplishment: Seeing a project progress from a ball of yarn to a finished piece is incredibly rewarding. Each completed stitch brings you closer to your goal, building confidence and a sense of achievement. Plus, the joy of gifting a handmade item that someone will cherish is truly special.

Social Connection: Knitting isn't a solitary pursuit! Join a local knitting group, online community, or find friends who share your passion. You'll find a supportive network where you can learn, share tips, and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals.

Mindfulness Magic: Knitting demands present-moment awareness. You focus on the stitch in your hand, forgetting worries and distractions. This mindful practice promotes relaxation, reduces overthinking, and allows you to truly be in the moment.

These are just a few reasons why knitting is more than just a hobby. It's a path to stress relief, mental stimulation, creativity, and social connection. So, why not pick up some needles and yarn today? You might just discover a delightful new world of relaxation, accomplishment, and joy.

And remember, knitting is for everyone! There are no age restrictions, no skill levels too high or low, and no pressure to be perfect. It's simply about enjoying the process and creating something beautiful with your own hands. Happy knitting!

Summer Flowers suitable for drying

 

Here are some of the many summer flowers suitable for drying and why they make lovely dried arrangements:

• Everlastings: This category includes classic choices like strawflowers (Helichrysum) and acrocliniums. They hold their vibrant colours beautifully when dried, often lasting for years. Their papery texture adds a unique touch to arrangements.
  
  
• Showy Blooms: Celosia (cockscomb) with its feathery or crested flower-heads in red, yellow, orange, and purple dries well and retains its bold colours and interesting shapes. Globe amaranth (Gomphrena) comes in vibrant pinks, purples, and reds, and its round, clover-like flower-heads dry to a rich, velvety texture.
  
  
• Fragrant Fillers: Lavender is a must-have for dried flower arrangements. Not only does it retain its beautiful purple colour, but its calming scent adds a delightful touch. Statice (Limonium) offers a wide range of colours and textures, from feathery plumes to flat, papery blooms. It dries well and maintains its colour, adding beautiful filler and texture to bouquets.
  
  

Why Dried Flowers are Great:

• Long-lasting beauty: Dried flowers can last for months or even years with proper care, offering a decorative element that endures.
  
  
• Low maintenance: Unlike fresh flowers, dried flowers require minimal care. No watering or misting is necessary!
  
  
• Versatility: Dried flowers can be used in various ways, from classic bouquets to wreaths, potpourri, and decorative accents in mixed-media arrangements.
  
  
• Sustainable choice: Using dried flowers reduces waste compared to fresh flowers with short lifespans.
  
  
• Year-round enjoyment: Capture the essence of summer with dried flowers, enjoying their beauty throughout the year.
  
  

Plant and Daisies

 

Additional Instruction:

RC: slip 1 stitch to dpn and hold in back; k1; k1 from dpn

LC: slip 1 stitch to dpn and hold in front; k1; k1 from dpn

RPC: Slip 1 to dpn and hold to back k1, p1, from dpn

LPC: Slip  1 to dpn and hold to front p1, k1, from dpn

WYIF: slip the next 5 sts to a cable needle        purlwise  dropping the extra wraps, wrap the yarn around the 5 sts on the cable needle twice, then slip the 5 sts to the right-hand needle.

Abbreviations:

st, sts: Stitch, Stitches

R:         Right side

W:         Wrong side

K:         Knit

P:         Purl

Pattern for Middle [Plant]

Cast on a multiple of 18 stitches 

Row* Side Begin Row Repeat         Repeat From+

1 R * p3, RC, k1, RC, k2, p3, LPC, k1, p2 +

2 W * k2, p2, k4, p2, k1, p3, RPC, k2

3 R * p2, k3, RPC, p1, k1, LC, p3, LPC, p2 +

4 W * k6, LPC, p2, k2, p4, k2

5 R * p2, k2, RPC, p2, k1, LC twice, p5,         +

6 W * k4, LPC, p4, k3, p3, k2

7 R * p2, k1, RPC, p3, k2, LPC, k1, LC, p3 +

8 W * k2, LPC, p3, k1, p2, k4, p2, k2

9 R * p2, RPC, p3, RC, k1, p1, LPC, k3, p2         +

10 W * k2, p4, k2, p2, RPC, k6                 +

11 R * p5, RC twice, k1, p2, LPC, k2, p2         +

12 W * k2, p3, k3, p4, RPC, k4

Repeat Rows 1 -12

Pattern [Daisies]

Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches plus 3 additional stitches

Row* Side Begin Repeat Repeat From+ End Row

1 R k2* [knit the next stitch wrapping the yarn 2 times 

around the needle] 5 times, k1 +           k1

2 W k2* [WYIF slip the next 5 sts to a cable needle 

purlwise  dropping the extra wraps, wrap

the yarn around the 5 sts on the cable needle

twice, then slip the 5 sts to the right-hand 

           needle], K1          +           k1

3 R knit                          +

4 W knit                          + 

5 R k5* [knit the next stitch wrapping the

Yarn 2 times around needle] 5 times, k1  +           k4

6 W k5* [WYIF slip the next 5 sts to a cable needle

purlwise dropping the extra wraps, wrap the

yarn around the 5 sts on the cable needle twice,

then slip 5 sts to the right-hand needle], k1  +           k5

7 R * knit                          +

8 W * knit                          +

Repeat Row 1 - 8