Menu

Home
Blog
Patterns
Craft Tutorials
Recipes
About me
Get in touch

Home
Blog
Patterns
Craft Tutorials
Recipes
About me
Get in touch

Browsing Tag

elderflower

Make Your Own Elderflower Cordial

Stay updated on the socials

Connect with @merino_and_tomatoes

In case you’re wondering why the slipover in the

In case you’re wondering why the slipover in the previous post might be a bit tight… the reason is the little human that is currently growing in my belly! I’m pregnant and this summer the two of us will become three!

It was quite a journey to get to this point and we are very grateful that it is finally happening!

And the #stockholmslipover is finished! It turned

And the #stockholmslipover is finished! It turned out lovely, I like it! The pattern calls for an Italian bind-off for all ribbing and I was in doubt about that… Mainly because it is a slow process (and patience is not one of my strengths). But it does look very neat so I went for it!

Let’s admire the tip of the v-neck and its ribbing too for a moment… such a pretty detail 🥰. And this is even before blocking! (Swipe for the detail)

The stern is very clear and easy to follow. Mette @petiteknit also has a few very helpful video tutorials on her website. I made two minor adjustments to the pattern: I increased the length of the body slightly and I chose to do a split hem. Just in case my bind-off would turn out a little tight 😉.

Now, what to knit next?

Pattern is Stockholm Slipover V-neck by @petiteknit / Yarns are @knittingforolive Merino (in Navy Blue) and Soft Silk Mohair (in Dark Blue) bought at @wolverhalen

Knitting a garment from the top down usually means

Knitting a garment from the top down usually means that there are three main stages in the process. You start at the neck and shoulder part of the garment and this is the part where you have to pay a bit more attention because there's a lot going on: increases, decreases, short rows. Everything to achieve the right shape and a nice fit.

That stage is followed by mindless knitting-in-the-round until you've reached the hem at the bottom of the garment.

And finally, there are the sleeves. Though not in this case since it's a slipover (phew!).

Each of these stages has its own 'charm' or 'attractiveness'. I like the first stage because it requires me to pay attention to what I'm doing. For me, that's good for when I need to distract my mind from something. The mindless knitting-in-the-round is perfect in front of the TV or when levels of concentration are a bit lower. And the sleeves? Well, I usually dread that part and in the end, they're finished faster than I thought.

Anyway, I made good progress on my #stockholmslipover and I've reached the mindless knitting stage! And the big advantage of knitting from the top down is that you can try it on and see if the fit is okay! 😉

What's your favourite stage when it comes to garment knitting (or crochet)?

Pattern is Stockholm Slipover V-neck by @petiteknit / Yarns are @knittingforolive Merino (in Navy Blue) and Soft Silk Mohair (in Dark Blue) bought at @wolverhalen

I had a productive Sunday for a change! I made a l

I had a productive Sunday for a change! I made a large batch of bolognese for the freezer (I usually keep a few portions there to have a homemade meal is no-time). I baked scones because the husband bought clotted cream when he went to the supermarket. And I made a #keyfob using Steffi’s latest sewing pattern called #whatthefob.

My intention was to create a maritime ‘look’, but it turned out looking like a Dutch fire brigade vehicle 😂! Too much red. It’s attached to the car keys now anyway and I’ve planned the next one. They’re quick and fun to make!

Pattern is What the Fob by @quiltwerke / Fabrics are from my scrap bin 😉 / Label by @kylieandthemachine

And on to the next knitted garment: the #stockholm

And on to the next knitted garment: the #stockholmslipover (v-neck version) by @petiteknit.

It’s my first time knitting one of her patterns and it’s my first time knitting with @knittingforolive yarns. I’m using their Merino and Soft Silk Mohair held double and I’m very happy how these yarns work up together. The difference in colour creates a nice semi-solid effect 🥰.

I started the slipover weeks ago thinking it would be a quick knit. Which it basically is, I’m just a slow knitter 😂!

Anyway, the gauge swatch was spot on. So, that’s a good start, right?

Pattern is Stockholm Slipover V-neck by PetiteKnit / Yarns are Knitting for Olive Merino (in Navy Blue) and Soft Silk Mohair (in Dark Blue)

I needed a quick little gift and made this #devonp

I needed a quick little gift and made this #devonpouch using a canvas, a @rubystarsociety print and a pink zipper.

The back of the pouch was the perfect spot for experimenting with my newly acquired (secondhand) cutting machine. I used a flock foil for the name and a glitter foil for a few decorative, shiny stars.

Little girl was happy with her gift. I’m happy with the result. Mission accomplished! 🥰

Pattern is Devon Pouch by @sotakhandmade / Fabrics from @dasmachichnachts / Foils @plottix.de Flock and Effekt foils from @hobbyplotter.de

I owe you some pics of my finished #shiftysweater!

I owe you some pics of my finished #shiftysweater! I finished it over a month ago I think and forgot to take a few photos.

So, here it is! I’m so pleased with the result! It fits like I wanted it to fit. I increased the length of the body a little and decided on (very) long sleeves. They double as wrist warmers 😂!

My estimation on the required amount of yarn was a bit off… I bought three Zauberballs and needed only one and a half. I guess I’ll be making matching socks then!

Pattern is Shifty 2.0 by @dreareneeknits / Yarns are @camarosedk Yaku in Jægergrøn from @mylys_hamburg and @schoppelwolle Zauberball Crazy in Flussbett bought at @dolopwol

There were a few firsts when making my #spatzjourn

There were a few firsts when making my #spatzjournal. The first time applying eyelets, for example. And the first time working with faux leather.

Having never worked with real leather before, I chose faux leather for this first attempt. I learnt my lesson: don't take faux leather with a white backing! Because that means that all the cut surfaces are also white and not dark brown like the top is. This is not helpful, because the rough sides (the cut surfaces) remain visible!

To solve that, I made all the sides dark brown with a permanent marker. That was a bit of work (especially since not everything went right the first time), but it paid off! The visible edges are no longer white! Swipe to see the difference 😉.

Pattern: Spatzjournal in A5, created by @spatzundlux, available from @dasmachichnachts / Materials: Canvas from @seeyouatsixfabric, Speckled from @rubystarsociety, other materials from @spreefee.bagmaking.supplies

© 2023 - Judith Heller / merino & tomatoes. All Rights Reserved.