Category: Knitting

How to block a crochet blanket

Di Povey

‘Blocking’ most simply put,  means saturating the blanket, and then allowing it to dry in the shape you want it.  It’s amazing the difference this will make to your project.  The reason is the wetting allows the yarn to relax, allowing it to settle into the required shape as it dries. What you will need: laundry trough of nice warm water, some large bath towels to remove excess moisture, large towel or old quilt large enough to lay your blanket out single thickness for drying, tape measure, pins This is…

Classic wool polo neck jumper

Di Povey

Moving to a much cooler clime triggered the need for truly warmer garments – and this of course means WOOL!  Preferably Aussie wool from my point of view, so Cleckheaton was a natural choice.  Nothing like pressure to start and complete a garment before it becomes a UFO, and I had left Mildura with virtually NO winter wardrobe!  Here is the completed project and I love it!  Here are the deets for the knitting nerds: yarn used: Cleckheaton Country Naturals 8 ply (DK or double knit).  Yarn content 85% Australian…

Yarn Bomb for Art Vault – Take II

Di Povey

(Copy requested by local paper) Local textile artist Di Mann-Povey brought a touch of colour to Deakin Avenue recently with a ‘Yarn Bomb’ installation.  Assisted by her friend, Sandra Bolton, from Geelong; Mann-Povey was discovered by our photographer, adding the finishing touches to her artwork. The work was inspired by another recent Mildura exhibition, “Voice of a River,” inviting the response of artists to the crisis confronting our local river system.  It reflects on a time when the rivers ran clear and were healthy and abundant with life, both flora…

Fox Paws

Di Povey

I found this absolutely to-die-for pattern by Xandy Peters recently, and after a couple of false starts or ‘faux pas’, (appropriately enough!), I managed to get it right. On the left is my final (successful) sample:  I ‘m not sure if I’m ready to do a whole project with it yet, but think it would make a stunning border on a shorter garment, which would really highlight this amazing pattern. It’s available for purchase here Fox Paws by Xandy Peters

Fuss Free Baby Cardigan

Di Povey

Another cute little project thanks to Ravelry.  The jacket knitted in the round from the neck down. I used a 4mm circular needle and 8 ply yarn (double knit).  The pattern used below the armholes is a fairly simple one found in an ancient book of knitting patterns, called “Chalice Stitch.”  I didn’t want to use anything too fancy – I see this as a basic pattern that can be embellished in any way you choose! This has been blocked and now ready for buttonholes, and perhaps some other accents.…

Knitted Kimono Jacket for Baby

Di Povey

Ready for assembly, only 2 side seams, and blocking. This one knitted in newborn size 4mm needles with 8-ply yarn.  Looks so small, I was making for a July baby, but will make another in 3 month size just in case – one tends to forget how small newborns can be! Pattern available online from Creativa Atelia – make sure you specify language before you purchase, comes in English and Spanish.  

Yarn Bomb for Art Vault

Di Povey

Very happy to be working on this project, coinciding with Art Vault Print Triennial. Project started on October 30, in 30 plus heat, but great to be working in the shade (thanks to the tree!), and hope to complete project in the early morning cool of the next day! I have to admit this is my first tree project, and I am relishing the opportunity to employ some of my colourful samplers!  This project was aimed at using up some of my acrylic yarns, as I mostly prefer to work…

“Warm”

Di Povey

“Warm” is the perfect title for an artwork which celebrates that wonderful fibre, wool. Lisa Kendall came up with the idea after talking with a local woolgrower, fibre artist Georgie Nicolson devised the patterns, the design was created by artist Lars Stenberg, and with the help of 200 knitters worldwide including Australia, the building blocks of this installation were created. The idea is to raise awareness of the carbon footprint we create when, having forgotten how to warm ourselves up with wool, we switch on the extra heater instead!  Think…

Yolanda’s Cardigan

Di Povey

I knitted this vibrant cardigan over 40 years ago. I still love it, and wear it occasionally. So I was very pleased to find this little treasure recently in the course of trawling through knitting books in an op shop. It’s the original pattern book, full of gorgeous designs by top textile designers of the day. Typical of the 80’s every garment is stylish and superbly coloured! I’m definitely going to knit another one of these beauties! My cardigan was designed by Yolanda Cholmondely-Smith, whom I actually met way back…