She grew - Little garter gerkin - Slight Modification

She grew, this only take a couple of evenings so I whipped up another one, this time I did 2 x the CO number of stitched added to make a cross over flaps at the front, and some buttons to secure this. I was going to add some arms and make it a jacket but I ran out of yarn…I’ll do that for next winter maybe. I find this a really enjoyable knit, no pattern needed and garter short rows just looks so neat. A wrap is needed though so it isn’t holey!.

OH YES, I also added a little short row pleat at the back, more of an experiment, I should have done it twice as a bit for a proper kick - next time.

Free Pattern: Robyn Booties

Robyn Bootie

Robyn Bootie is a textured bootie/slipper that can be knitted in any yarn, on any needles & with any gauge.  Like Robyn Hat (also from Bobbin & Purl) it uses an Icord to fit the bootie and is worked using a slip stitch pattern.  Robyn Bootie is knitted in one piece with only 4 ends to sew in & no seaming.  Like all my patterns this is a recipe rather than an exact pattern, I use standard sizes & tips on fitting so you understand the construction ╨ you could knit a family of these!

Construction:

Robyn Booties are worked from an i-cord, which fits snuggly found the ankle.  Stitches are picked up around the edge and joined in the round. This is worked down a small distance before the front needle is knitted flat to make the front of the bootie.  You then re-join the round picking up the edge stitches and work back and forth picking up the edges as you work and creating the sole.

Equipment:

Any  5 DPN Needles

Any Wool (to match your needles)

Darning needle

SIZING

You can knit these booties for any size, I╒ve added some standard  baby sizes charts which I╒ve adapted for this pattern but you could just measure the wearers foot for made to measure wonderfulness.  Proportions of an adult foot are quite different so I advise measuring!  If doing a child/adult slipper I advise you make the icord cross bigger.

 

Size	Ankle Measurement cm	Icord Length (Ankle plus 6cm for cross pattern)	Front of foot cm (2/3 of the ankle measurement)
NB	9cm	15cm	6cm
0-3 months	12cm	18cm	9cm
3-6 months	15cm	21cm	11cm
6-12 months	18cm	24cm	13cm

STEP 1:

Create an I-cord to the length required for your size, cast on and Bind off with enough yarn left to sew in the ends on the finished bootie.  There are lots of excellent Icord tutorials online.  Attach yarn to show you the 3cm either side of the cord to make sure you pickup an even amount of stitches.

STEP 2:

Pick up & Knit the stitches between the two markers onto 3 needles equally.  The first needle should start from the middle of the icord, this is centre of the heel and will stop any jog running down the front of your bootie.  I pick up all the stitches and then adjust to make sure they are equally distributed. Your needles will look like the picture below (the front section will have an equal number of stitches either side of what will be the booties cross detail).

STEP 3:

Now work the following rounds 1-7 in the following slip stitch pattern. If knitting for a child or adult work down further, sorry I can╒t give you exact measurements here, the longer this section the further up the leg the slipper will come.

Abreviations (K (knit), SL (slip), P (Purl), BYTF (bring yarn to front), BYTB (bring yarn to back), P2tog (purl 2 together), K2tog (knit 2 together)

Round 1: Knit

Round 2: K1, SL1 (purlwise) Repeat to end.

Round 3: P1, BYTB, SL1, BYTF Repeat to end.

Round 4: Knit

Round 5: Knit

Round 6: K1, SL1 (purlwise) Repeat to end.

Round 7: P1, BYTB, SL1, BYTF Repeat to end.

Round 8: Knit to Beginning of the front needle (needle 2)

STEP 4:

You are now going to work the front section in the flat till it measure the length of front of ankle to toe.  As this is worked in the flat you need to work in the following pattern.  Keep checking the length as the last set are slightly different ╨ believe me, being exact is not essential!  You slip the first stitch in each row as this will make them easier to pick up.

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: Sl 1* (You now need to look at the pattern and work as it presents), P1, SL1 (knitwise) * Repeat between * and * to end.

Row 3: SL1 * (work as pattern presents), * BYTF, P1, BYTB, SL1* Repeat * to * to the end.

Row 4: SL1, Purl all stitches

Continue this until the front flap nearly measures the length of the front of foot. On the last set complete using this pattern.

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: Sl 1* (You now need to look at the pattern and work as it presents), P1, SL1 (knitwise) * Repeat between * and * to end.

Row 3: SL1 * (work as pattern presents), * BYTF, P1, BYTB, SL1* Repeat * to * to the end.

Row 4: SL1, P2tig, P to last 3 stitches, P2tog, P1

Row 5: Sl1, K2tog, K to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1.

STEP 5:

You are now going to pick up the edges of the front flap joining your work in the round on 4 needles.

1: Pick up all stitches as if working anticlockwise on your work.  All stitches should be picked and knitted.

2: knit the  ?  the stitches on needle 3

3: Knit the remaining ? and the first ? of needle 1 onto a new needle (forming the heel 1/3 of stitches.

4: Knit the remaining ? of needle 1 and pick up and knit the second front flap edge.

5: Knit the front of the toe. 

This is now the new start of your row.

STEP 6:

Your needles should now look like this

You will now work 6 rows of garter stitch, because this is in the round, you will alternate between Knit and purl rounds.

Round1: Purl all stitches

Round 2: Knit all stitches

Round3: Purl all stitches

Round 4: Knit all stitches

Round5: Purl all stitches

Round 6: Knit all stitches, at the end of this row, before you turn the work slip the first stitch from the side needle onto the front needle then turn.

STEP 7:

Now, this might seem tricky but you are going to work the sole stitches.  They are in a garter pattern and on each row you pick up a stitch from the side needles.  The first few rows will increase the number of stitches you decreased to shape the toe.

R1: Knit to end, Slip first stitch of side needle onto your work, turn.

R2: Knit to end, Slip first stitch of side needle onto your work, turn.

R3: Knit to end, Slip first stitch of side needle onto your work, turn.

You continue in this manner but so as not to increase the stitches you knit 2tog at the beginning of each row in the following pattern

K2tog, knit to end, slip first stitch of side needle onto your work.

You will work down the sole attaching to the top of the bootie.  When you get to the last row work as follows:

K2tog, knit to last st, add last side stitch & knit together.

STEP 8

Now your work will have 2 needles that have the same number of stitches on them at the heel.  Holding them together, knit each corresponding stitch to make one set of stitches.  Bind off all stitches.

Finally you sew in all selvage ends & sew the cross pattern into the front of your work, attaching to the wrong side, if you pull this tight enough the ends aren╒t see as they slip into the work.

If you want an even better fit, then pick up the underside of the icord top and create a 1x1 rib pattern to hug the ankle in a  smaller needle.

Teaser....bobbins booties

I feel like all I've done recently is knit booties.   At last here is one I'm pleased with.  Doesn't look much here but on the foot it is really quite cute.  Pattern to follow later this weekend!

Soft Sweater Knits & Fibres: New free pattern! The Elder Tree Shawl

Isn't this the most delicious shawl....Oh goodness I need more time, I really want to knit this!



Soft Sweater Knits & Fibres: New free pattern! The Elder Tree Shawl: Hi loves, I've published a more intuitive version of The Lonely Tree Shawl . Finally you can make this beautiful pattern out of wha...

Ponderings: Making is Connecting

Teaching a one off media class 4 years ago I came across David Gauntlet and his concept that making is connecting.  His fascinating lectures (an example in the link below) look at how through the open source nature of Web 2.0 (or the web as we know it now) you can feel more connected and engaged with the world around you.  So when you think about tradition media, like the TV, you are just sat watching, you are the audience, but when you think about social media, you are a creator as well as the audience.  If you post a photo on facebook people interact with that, and most of the time that is a positive experience that makes  you feel more connected with the people in your life.

Because the internet allows us to make more connections with like minded people we can take these relationships deeper, for example websites like Ravelry allow like-minded creatives to work collaboratively or just through inspiration.  This is a major success of the internet.

Another wonderful side of this making & connecting is open source content - or for non-techies - free stuff!!  In my quest to improve and develop as a designer I made the decision not to charge for my patterns, just to accept and absorb feedback.  This is working wonderfully, without the constraints of making my pattern perfect or developed enough to sell I can whizz through the learning curve and test patterns on the market.

But this is the thing I enjoyed most, the emails from grateful knitters thanking me for my free patterns, it feels wonderful, often they include details about who and why they will knit my pattern.  I have had several emails explaining my pattern will be used as a gift of love to someone recovering from an illness, or maybe to keep a precious head warm after chemo.  Every time I receive on of these messages I get a huge pull to my heart from where-ever this message was sent.  So, if you've never done so, I really advise you post something free online, make and connect with others and the best thing of all is it makes you feel amazing too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNqgXbI1_o8

Free Pattern: Lola Headband

Lola is a knitted headband that is textured with a simple slip stitch pattern and finished with a ribbed band.

This pattern is super-easy and quick to knit, with a nod to some retro styling it makes the perfect spring accessory to keep your ears toasty.

This pattern is also available in my ravelry store as a PDF

Construction:

The headband is started in the middle where the slip stitched pattern is knitted in stockinette until it measure the size required.  The start and end are seamed together.  You then pick up all top stitches and work a ribbed band before repeating for the bottom edge.  Finally you neatly ruche the seamed join to create the pinched front. Main colour in this example is Grey. You use plain Stockinette for the first & last 3 stitches of each row so that picking up the stitches is easier.

Equipment:

Size 4.5mm circular needle

2 50g balls of DK (worsted) wool in 2 colours of your choice.

Darning Needle.

** Feel free to knit in any wool & needles, the band measures approximately 15cm wide, but you could make this wider or thicker, just remembering to cast on multiples of 3**

Slip Stitch Pattern:

CC Row 1: K3 *Sl1 K2 * (repeat * to * until last 3 stitches), K3

CC Row 2: P3 *P2, Sl1 * (repeat * to * until last 3 stitches) P3

CC Row 3: Knit all stitches

CC Row 4: Purl all stitches

MC Row 5: K3 *Sl1 K2 * (repeat * to * until last 3 stitches), K3

MC Row 6: P3 *P2 Sl1* (repeat * to * until last 3 stitches) P3

MC Row 71: Knit all Stitches

MC Row 8: Purl all stitches

CC Row 9: K3 *K1 Sl1 K1 * (repeat * to * until last 3 stitches), K3

CC Row 10: P3 *P1 Sl1, P1 * (repeat * to * until last 3 stitches) P3

CC Row 11: Knit all stitches

CC Row 12: Purl all stitches

MC Row 13: K3 *K1 Sl1 K1 * (repeat * to * until last 3 stitches), K3

MC Row 14: P3 *P1 Sl1, P2 * (repeat * to * until last 3 stitches) P3

MC Row 15: Knit all Stitches

MC Row 16: Purl all stitches

CC Row 17: K3 *K2 Sl1 * (repeat * to * until last 3 stitches), K3

CC Row 18: P3 *Sl1 P2 * (repeat * to * until last 3 stitches) P3

CC Row 19: Knit all stitches

CC Row 20: Purl all stitches

MC Row 21: K3 *K2 Sl1* (repeat * to * until last 3 stitches), K3

MC Row 22: P3 *Sl1 P2,* (repeat * to * until last 3 stitches) P3

MC Row 23: Knit all Stitches

MC Row 24: Purl all stitches

Repeat rows 1-24 to create pattern

Abbreviations:

K – Knit

P – Purl

Sl – Slip Stitch from left needle to right purlwise

1 x 1 Rib – K1, P1 (repeat to end, knit the same on next round)

Step 1: Slip Stitch Band

Cast on 30 stitches and work the Slip Stitch Pattern until the band fits around your head (standard head sizes can be found here: http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/headsize.html) Bind of all stitches.

Step 2: Seam to create a round

Either sewing together or using another seam method, match each stitch from beginning and end and create a round headband.  Make sure your seam is on the wrong side!  I like to use this method of seaming: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/mattress.html

Step 3: Ribbed band

Pick up all the stitches at the top of the headband, join in the round & complete 4 rounds of 1 x 1 Ribbed stitch, Bind off all stitches.  Repeat for the bottom of the headband.  A tutorial for picking up stitches can be found here: http://www.knitsimplemag.com/node/77

Step 4: Ruche front

Using a running stitch and a darning needle sew down the front seam and pull into a ruched pinch.  I’ll be honest I do this a couple of times to make it nice and firm.

Step 5: Finish

Sew in all ends, steam or wet block gently, pop on your head & head off to smell the daffodils!

©Bobbin&Purl  Photo: Gina Jones Pattern: Lola

Teaser: Simple Slip Stitch Headband

A little teaser of my next free pattern.  I recently been playing with slipped stitch patterns for sweater project I'm working on, and I love how easy they are, and how they create a far more interesting colourwork pattern than the skill require.  If you can knit and purl you will be able to knit this headband.  A perfect beginners project....pattern to follow later today (hopefully!).

Pondering: Knitting Therapy

I gave birth with a broken foot only 12 weeks ago.  This is currently my greatest life achievement, I mean WHO gives birth with a broken foot?  Childbirth is universally recognized as the most painful experience possible, add a broken bone and I think that probably makes me the toughest person alive currently.  In 12 weeks I've worn this as a badge of honor, will talk liberally (and in detail) about it and have found that it gets me out of almost any argument with El Kapitano (well, I gave birth to your daughter with a broken foot)....end of.

It wasn't that bad (see even you believe I'm a superhuman now), the labour was quick and the foot wasn't that painful.  Nowhere near treading on lego.  But  being grounded at home for 6 weeks was horrific!  From the moment I broke that wretched 5th metatarsal (same as Becks!) I was hostage in my rural cottage, the family would leave every morning at 7.30am and return with tales of the outside world.  I do not do well alone.

Normally my husband would arrive home to some mad pj wearing banshee and handprints on the windows.  It was not my finest hour, whatever bravery I showed in the physical pain, was negated by my total inability to just slob out for 3 weeks before the birth.

This got me thinking about knitting, it is the only thing that kept me going through those long dark days (I know what a drama queen!)..ok that and Netflix. Knitting is often seen by many people who struggle with depression as a really powerful therapy.  There are not many activities that while requiring almost no physicality require agility of body and mind, but beyond this, knitting promotes a mindful state.  Like walking or running, you can allow you mind to wander while tricking it into thinking you are concentrating on something else.  This is the basis of many meditative therapies, freeing your mind enough to be mindful. But what I like is that when you look down at your knitting, not only do you feel happier/calmer but you have achieved something, created something and that I feel is wonderful for your self esteem.

So, maybe we should be looking at knitting as a way of healing the mind in more situations than we do currently.  I didn't have depression, but knitting did help me through a change in circumstances that I found upsetting.  Maybe if more hospitals, refugee camps & prisons encouraged knitting others too in times of emotional upset and inactivity could be comforted by the simple click of needles.

Free Pattern: Little Garter Gerkin

Little Garter Gerkin is a garter stitch vest that is knitted in one piece using short rows.  You can use any needles and yarn, this method of pattern take very little planning and you can adjust and modify the pattern as you work through it.  I like to keep the numbers outrageously simple, but it is very very easy to alter and adjust this pattern.  I like to understand what I'm doing, how it all works, so I'm giving you the recipe to create the vest rather than all the stitch counts etc.  Once you have knitted this once you could knit it for anyone.  Read Step 11 before you start, you might want to put a button hole in.

CONSTRUCTION:

Little Garter Gerkin works from one shoulder working down the front, using short rows to shape the front curved section, worked straight across the back, round and using short rows again to create the other front section and up to the shoulder.  Finally you pick up the middle back stitches and knit to shoulder, seam and finish.

EQUIPMENT:

1 pair of knitting needles to match you weight of yarn.

Yarn, any weight, the amount will depend on the size (the picture shows 0-3 which took about 30g)

Crochet needle of the same mm as your needles.

STEP 1:

Knit a gauge square, I normally try and avoid this like the plague but it is necessary here.  From this you can see how many stitches you have per inch.  This will allow you to work out the key measurement.

STEP 2: 

Measure across the chest (from armpit to armpit) on your muse (alternatively there are standard sizing charts online).  Divide this number in half, this is a key measurement.  Work out how many stitches you need for this measurement (half the chest).  In the picture this was 20 stitches.  20 is now your KEY NUMBER

STEP 3: SHOULDER TAB 1

CO half the number of stitches you worked out (example, 10 stitches) and knit in garter stitch for 3/4 your 'Key Number' in rows (so 20 was my key number, 3/4 of 20 is 15...I knitted 15 rows).

STEP 4: SHORT ROWS FRONT 1

You will use short rows in this session, do not fear, the deliciously clever Purl Bee have a fantastic tutorial, the wrapped stitches are important, because you have ugly holes.  Once you master short row literally your head will explode with possibilities - they are my current favorite & best!

Row 1: Knit to the end of the Row, CO the other half of the stitches (so you now have the Key Number of stitches).

Row 2: Knit to the last St, wrap and turn.

Row 3: Knit to end

Row 4: Knit to 2 st from end, wrap and turn,

Row 5: Knit to end.

** Repeat this until you are knitting half the stitches then turning (example, Knit 10 wrap and turn).

Next Row: Knit to 1st wrapped stitch, pick up wrap, repeat to end of row picking up all the wraps.

Next Row: Knit all stitches.

You now repeat this section 2 further times which creates a quarter of a circle.

STEP 5: WORKING THE BACK

Measure the back of the recipient, again you can find these standard figures online.

Work this measurement in garter stitch.

STEP 6: SHORT ROWS 2

Now you will reverse yourself and work up the second front section.  Take a look at your work, make sure you are starting from the far edge and not at the armpit. (Experienced Knitters will notice that your wrap stitches will now show slightly, I wanted this to be a very easy pattern so I haven't got clever here :-) Feel free to be very clever and reverse your wrapping to make them as invisible as the other side.)

Row 1: Knit to the end of the Row, CO the other half of the stitches (so you now have the Key Number of stitches).

Row 2: Knit to the last St, wrap and turn.

Row 3: Knit to end

Row 4: Knit to 2 st from end, wrap and turn,

Row 5: Knit to end.

** Repeat this until you are knitting half the stitches then turning (example, Knit 10 wrap and turn).

Next Row: Knit to 1st wrapped stitch, pick up wrap, repeat to end of row picking up all the wraps.

Next Row: Knit all stitches.

You now repeat this section 2 further times which creates a quarter of a circle.

STEP 7: SHOULDER 2

Next Row: CO 1/2 the stitches (making sure you CO the end starting at the centre!)

Knit 3/4 the key number of Rows (Same as step 1).

Bind off all stitches

STEP 8: BACK

Pick up all stitches across the back of the gilet.  Make sure these are picked up Knitwise or you'll end up with a seam (which if neat might look cool).

Work in Garter stitch for approximately 3/4 the key number of rows...but I'd also work this a little by eye.

Bind off all stitches.

STEP 9: SEAM

I hate seams....hate hate hate.  So I apologies, if you are clever you could have provisionally cast on the shoulder, and kept the other on yarn, and then you wouldn't have to, but simplicity is the name of the game here...so sew up the shoulders to the back, obviously at either end.

Sew in all the ends (hate doing this too - slutty knitter!) and if you are so inclined block.

STEP 10: OPTIONAL

Now, the vest is finished really, but if you want it to look dead profesh (as my hubby would say) you could crochet round the edges.  See below for a tutorial, it's really easy, this could be in a contrasting colour!

STEP 11: FASTENING

I did a simple Icord, and because my tension was quite soft I just fed it through, feeling a slightly pinched icord is better than a baggy hole showing...that sounds weird but you know what I mean! You could definitely work in a little button hole using a YO on one of the fronts, or maybe some other way of fastening.

Well there you go, that's Little Garter Gerkin, a perfect evening's knit, and rather useful spring addition for any little sartorialist.  I wanted to knit one for myself but El Kap said I'd look like an extra in the Lord of the Rings.  Personally I think working out short rows for big boobs might be too tricky to be worth the energy...instead I think Bobbin needs another cardy - watch this space!!

TUTORIALS

Short Rows: http://www.purlbee.com/knitting-tutorials-advanced-te/2008/6/18/short-rows.html

Icord: http://www.purlbee.com/knitting-tutorials-advanced-te/2006/9/29/i-cord.html

Finished Knit: Little Garter Gerkin

Just finished Little Garter Gerkin, I'll write this up later tonight.  Knitted in one piece using short rows for shaping...I think Bobbins looks very cool.

Teaser: garter gerkin coming soon

Next knit in progress... pattern to follow free on this blog and ravelry! !

Blog Crush: Knit for Life

OMG, I came across Knit for Life, softies and toys is something I've not yet attempted, my sister bought me a book on making knitted cakes and I've loved looking at it and yet never really got round to knitting anything from it.  Now I have my little Bobbin I really want to make a knitted rag doll for her.

It strikes me, you have to be some kinda construction ninja to work out how to put together these squids, they totally rock!  Clever clever knit for life!

King of the Castle

So here I am at the top of the 'hot right now' pattern stream!!  Being such a massive ravelry fan I can't believe how chuffed I feel.  I know it's for free and all that but the whole experience of working on something and seeing it appreciated is such a high.  And, it also gives me real faith this change of direction/career might work out, and also that I have blooming tons to learn!

Being too excited to sleep last night, I got the idea for my next slutty knit, a gilet....watch this space!

Robyn Pattern - FREE PROMOTION - 5 DAYS ONLY

Right-ho, promotion time, my Robyn pattern has been going down really well with test knitters so whip up some interest I'm giving it away free for 5 days only!

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/robyn-free-promotion-baby-child-adult

Occupation: Knitwear Designer!

WOOOO HOOOO, my first design for money is now available on ravelry...this feels like a very exciting moment and the start of a whole new learning curve.  The creative process is fascinating, it's so much more involved and complicated than I ever imagined, even this simple hat took weeks of working out and knitting.  But the feeling now I've battled through and designed something I'm really proud of is very special indeed.

Off to ring the hubby!

Should you wish to purchase this pattern,
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/gina-jones-designs/197361"><img src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" border="0"/></a>

Knit City: Bath

At last, El Kap (the hubby) and I had a free day with Bobbins just to mooch around our favourite town, Bath.  It never fails to make you feel young and cool, the consistently glamorous architecture and independent shops draws all the hip young things.  Was it Hannibal Lecter who said 'Start with what you covet Clarisse', just rubbing up against the affluent, cool vibe makes El Kap and I feel rejuvenated. 

Naturally though the main reason for the trip was to visit my favourite wool shop, the aptly named 'Wool', tucked away down a back lane it is not only a really cute shop but also has a variety and choice of wool that any dedicated knitter will love.  Practical cottons in all colours, tons of soft merino mixes and a good range of handspun/dyed wools you can just drool over.  And the staff are uber-friendly and very sweet indeed.

In the end, and only prompted by the baby waking up and deciding maybe lunch was in order, did I choose the colours for the final knit of Robyn Turban.  This one is for my friends baby Flossy and I chose a dusty purple and ecru, which I think her tasteful mum will approve of, and if I'm honest the blue and teal combo reminded me of R2D2!  Good old Rowan, I'm sure this supersoft Kid classic will give the turban a completely different look.  Its up on Ravelry now, and I'm getting some good responses to test knit requests.

But a girl cannot live on wool alone, we found the most amazing cheese shop, 'The Fine Cheese Co' and tonight it's cheese and crackers and a movie - LUSH! 

 Finally curiosity of an open door lead us to stumble across this university Art Exhibition, I think maybe they have some way to go, and maybe there was just a smidge of pretension but hey, you can only be young once.  This light projection on class was quite cool.

Baby Turban: Slutty Knitting Version 2

So, here is the next version of the Baby Turban I am working on, I've just received a brilliant book called  400 Knitting Stitches by Potter Craft, I've not used slip stitches much before and so this simple brick was a good way to practice, but now I'm super excited about how far this technique could go - watch this space!

Couple of little construction issues to iron out in the next knit then it's up on Ravelry!

The Big Bad Wolf of Education

Few things wind me up like Mr Gove, I cannot think of one fellow teacher that doesn't want to weep at the reckless nature he has taken to making education reforms.  I'm currently on maternity leave, but looking for a way to extend that until Flea starts school, if I'm being honest I don't feel able to return to my teaching position.  How could I do all the extra work required and be a good mum, the stress makes me want to come home and lie in a dark room, something a baby will not allow.  I feel about teaching like someone heartbroken after realising their childhood sweetheart isn't good for them anymore.  I adore classroom teaching, I find teenagers funny and inspiring, I find something good in each one of the little sods, but that's not what you need to be now, a driven robot, a thick skin, results obsessed.

With a heavy heart I've accepted I do not have the resilience to teach in the current education system, my last head actually said 'do you expect me to say thank you to all my staff when they put in extra'....yes, that is exactly what I needed.

But on the upside, whinge over, every cloud and all that!!  Here starts my new challenge, knitwear designer, merchant of wool, blogger & all round creative sort. I know I'll love it, because it's always been my passion, and maybe someday I will find a way of incorporating hanging out with young people too.

A Teacher friend sent me this inspiration today....brilliant!

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/michael-gove-perfect-gift-teacher-2346980

Any Wool, Any Needles, Any Gauge

At Last Miss Flea has woken up and I can show you a work in progress, this baby turban/clochey type hat is knitted without working out any tension, so you can use any needles or wool - Infact you don't even need to remember any stitch numbers...just my kinda pattern.  It took a morning to knit so I'm going to knit another later on and I'll post the recipe!

The Any Needle, Any Yarn, Any Gauge Icord Turban