Knitting a Tee for me

I had a huge stash of silk blend yarn in cupboard for years (this yarn) and after I didn't manage to sell it at a Destash Market (see my stall here:  https://youtu.be/tYulpKSyJyA?si=WXr1MhpsdUyMIsrB) then I decided to actually make myself something rather than tossing it back into the depths of the cupboard!

I used a knitting pattern called Fire & Ice, it's super size inclusive and it was so easy & fun to knit up!  I'm actually pretty happy with how it turned out AND I enjoyed knitting it, so I'm keen to make another one from my stash!

Edits that I made to the pattern: I knit the 5xl using 3mm needles for the ribbing & 4.5mm for the body & sleeves. For the front band, I cast on 30 stitches for the Front Band 1. For the neckline shaping, I case on 25 stitches (instead of the 15) as I wanted wider neckline.  For the band 2, I cast on 41 stitches as I wanted it to be 'deeper' but I don't think I'd do that next time, I'd just stick with the pattern as is (same with the back band 1 too).

If you have a moment, I'd love it if you could show your support by either shouting me a cuppa here: https://ko-fi.com/craftyrie or on Youtube by hitting that Subscribe button, like this video or leave an emoji or comment below! Thanks, I appreciate it!

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie 

Using not hoarding (or stashing!)

 

I've been moving a big box of yarn around the cupboard for years now but stuff it, I couldn't be bothered finding yet another space for it so I decided to pull it out for good and turn it into something useful.

Hence this gorgeous squishy mixed matchy striped cardigan was born. Also, because the yarn is kinda bulky, I finished it within months not years like normal! Yay! I love it. I added pockets to it as I'm a pocket girl. I bought the buttons from a local button collector. Any scrap yarn that I have left will not go into the cupboard, instead I'm knitting something up for my son!

Yay to making not stashing! Do you like the cardi ...or are you 'old fashioned' and don't like stripes on bigger bodies? Also, I finished it in time for our very cold autumn weather and perfect for the #memademay or even better #memademay2024

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Hello my deer....

 

I recently finished the cutest thing ever, this gorgeous baby deer.

I knitted it for my daughter's 10th birthday, as a surprise, so I had to secretly knit it during the day when she was at school.

The fawn is so soft & squishy, it knitted up bigger than I expected but gosh, it's just the perfect snuggly size.

Typical for me, I made a few mistakes but hey, that's all part of being an individualised project, right?!

The pattern is from this book and you can see my knitting journey with the fawn softie here. 

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

What are the best knitting needles?

 

The best knitting needles are ones that you use over & over & over again. They are the needles that glide easily with any project with any yarn. Bonus points if those needles are have interchangeable swivel cables & cables ends to make life easier, so you switch from the back to the front, sleeves etc with your project and not have to worry about dropping stitches or losing needles.

I absolutely recommend these KnitPro knitting needles, not only are they are incredibly beautiful, I love the style, the feel and how they all come together in the set. 

The knitting needles set that I'm using is The Gratitude set that is from the Mindful collection by KnitPro. They are an all inclusive set, knitting needles in a large range of sizes, with all the cables & accessories that you need.

The knitting needles are smooth gliding needles that are easily attached to the cables. The cables have a swivel action, so they won't tangle, bend or crimp in your knitting. If the cables aren't long enough then there are cable connectors included so make the cables longer. The matching accessories included in the cute case are cable ends, darning needles, cable keys (for attaching the cable to the knitting needle) and a large variety & styles of stitch markers.

This handy knitting set is the perfect gift for yourself or the new or seasoned knitter in your family. 

Check them out here for more information!

This has been a collaborative blog post, all images, thoughts & comments are my own.

The Skull Cowl

 

Joe turns 12 in a few weeks and I wanted to knit him something as he loves wearing handmade. Choosing something to knit a preteen is difficult, it's not about what I think he'll cute in but rather what he would choose to wear & like wearing. 

When I discovered this skull pattern, well, it kinda just ticked all the boxes. The pattern actually comes as either a scarf or a cowl, I chose the cowl version and also chose the bulky yarn version so I had a chance of finishing it before his birthday.

You can't tell from these photos but the yarn is actually a dark hunter green.

The pattern is this one and yes, it's "lace" but hey, I did it & didn't even have to block out any mistakes, so if you've never done lace work before, then this is perfect for you! And I also just discovered that the knitting designer who made this pattern is actually Australian!  Yay for supporting local!

I used yarn from my stash, but here's a few suggestions for you to use: this gorgeous dark colour or maybe this bold colour yarn too.

Also, I have say that I used this stitchers gps to make reading a lace chart super easy. I'm so glad that I used it and have actually bought another one so I never ever ever get lost in a pattern again!  I can't believe that something so simple made it easy for me to knit lace! 

I'd totally appreciate your support if you popped over to my YouTube channel & possibly subscribe to my channel or even liked some of my videos.

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

The Barbie Onesie

 

I knitted this super cute Barbie cat onesie for Delaney's 9th birthday.

She loved it, she also told me that her Barbies love it too and could I please knit some more!

It's a great stash buster as it doesn't use much yarn, pattern is this one....

I'd totally appreciate your support if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it or even liked or commented some of my videos!

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Sewing beanies

I'm currently in between major knitting projects and I hate being idle, so I decided to start knitting beanies for charity. 

I asked my Mum for her beanie knitting pattern and memorized it after the first time I knit one. I'm using up my stash, so the beanies are all different, wool, acrylic, wool blends.

I then thought that I needed pompoms, I was going to buy some and shuddered at the price, so I decided to make some. They're actually easy to make, let me know if you want me to do a tutorial on making them.

I then decided to sew some beanies as my favourite 'go to' beanie that I wear is actually fabric, not knitted. I used this easy sewing pattern...  and gosh, it's possibly the easiest thing that I have ever sewn. Can you guess how long it took to sew one?  If you want to find out how long it takes to sew one, then click here... to see the clip I filmed.

These beanies have been donated to my local public hospital, to the cancer treatment ward, to help keep patients warm as it's super chilly cold here as it's mid-winter.

I'm going to keep knitting & sewing beanies because I can't choose what to knit but I'm narrowing it down ... it's just the cost of yarn that is truly stopping me.

What do you do in-between projects when you need something to keep your fingers busy not idle at night time?

I'd totally appreciate your support if you popped over to my YouTube channel & possibly subscribe to my channel or even liked some of my videos.

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

A Knitted Jacket

 

I just finished sewing on the final details of this awesome knitted jacket, it's the Penguono and ohmygosh, it's awesome!

I added pockets and reinforced the shoulder/neck edge as I didn't want it to stretch if it's hung on a chair. If you recall, I also knitted one for Joe a few years ago, check his out here...

I had to finish the back off, I orignally was just going to leave it as the gradient/ombre but after trying the jacket on, I felt it needed to be as 'jazzy' as the rest of the jacket. 
So tell me, what do you think of the sequin eye patch? Do you like it? I absolutely adore it, I think it fits the jacket perfectly. Joe is a little jealous now because his jacket hasn't got a patch on it!   

How did I do that awesome eye? Well, I used this eye patch from here... it was so easy to put on!

I used this gorgeous binding to add strength to the neckline.

This was also the perfect stash buster as you knit 2-3 strands of yarn at a time & I had lots of scraps left over from other projects, a big box of them. Well, now that box of scraps is almost empty as it's all been knitted into this jacket - perfect of Tasmanian weather!

I'd totally appreciate your support if you popped over to my YouTube channel & possibly subscribe to my channel or even liked some of my videos.

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Knitting Needle review

 

I'm showcasing & reviewing these gorgeous knitting needles, the KnitPro Zing Interchangeable Needle Set.

The set includes 8 different sized knitting needles that are interchangeable with the cables that are included in the handy pouch. 

There are 4 cables included; 2 x 80cm (I'm using 1 in these photos), 1 x 60cm & 1 x 100cm.  Also included within the kit, are 8 end caps, 4 cable keys, 1 set of cable connectors, 1 set of wool needles & 1 set of stitch holders.  

The cable end caps are handy when you want to try on your knitting for size & fit, you can unscrew the needles & screw on the end caps as it stops the knitting from coming off (& coming undone). 

The cable keys are what you use to screw on & unscrew the knitting needles to the cables so they're not too loose when you're knitting.

The cable connectors are used when you need to add extra length to your cable, so you can join two cables together. They're fantastic for those wider projects like blankets and other types of projects.

The wool needles are super handy to have to weave in those ends and I really like these type as the 'eye of the needle' is easy to thread and doesn't snag on the yarn or project.

The stitch holders are always useful and I love the colours that these ones come in.

Things I really love about these KnitPro Zing Interchangeable Needles:

~ they have a lovely smooth firm grip, not slippery at all

~ they are evenly balanced 

~ the cables are easy to use & change (& join) 

~ the cable doesn't kink at all

~ the gorgeous range of colours 

~ the handy box & notions that come with this kit

~ and best of all, there is just something joyous & magical about matching your needle to your yarn!

I love using these Zing interchangeable needles rather than 'straight needles' as the cables are soft & flexible and don't whack my boobs when I'm knitting. 

They are also handy when you pop your knitting down, the needles are NOT sittings straight up in the air and therefore won't get snapped or broken.

To be honest, I switched to interchangeable knitting needles when I had my second baby as I was knitting whilst breastfeeding and the straight needles would constantly tap,tap,tap the baby on the head whereas when I switched to interchangeables, they didn't tap the baby as they were no where near the babies head! 

I also love using these interchangeable knitting needles for projects when I'm knitting in the car as they aren't wide or pointy at all, so they are un-obtrusive and the knitting can easily be pushed to the centre of the cable & the needles stuck into the balls so they don't get in the way when I'm getting in & out of the car.

Overall, I recommend these needles, they would make a great present as they're boxed up so prettily or they'd be the perfect gift for yourself as everything is stored neatly inside the box. 

I'm so glad to know have this full colourful kit as owning a clickety clack rainbow makes my heart sing!

Head over to and check out the KnitPro Zing Interchangeable Needle Set now, you won't be disappointed! 

This has been a collaborative blog post, all images, thoughts & comments are my own.

Sock Arms Cardi

 

I'm so truly, madly, deeply in love with my latest knitted piece. 

Do you adore it as much as I do? 

It's knit in fingering weight yarn, so yes, it took me ages but those sleeves were super fun to make!

I used this yarn for the body and this yarn for the sleeves. As suggested by the blog title, you're supposed to use sock yarn, so I could have used this type of yarn, this yarn or this yarn too.

Pattern is from this book or if you're in Australia like me, then grab the book from either here or here.   FYI, my name is in the back of the book because I was a pattern tester for this cardi. Let me know if you see my name in there! If you want to see what other awesome knitting patterns that are included within the same pattern book, then click here to see my review of it where I give you a sneak preview of all the patterns!

Need more Crafty Inspo list, then check out my shoppable lists here.... 

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel? Click here to check it out & let me know your thoughts on what you'd like to see there! 

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

Interchangeable Knitting Needles – Review, How To Knit

Are you a novice knitter? Then you might want to know what kind of needles you need for your new hobby. Today we would like to show you how useful interchangeable knitting needles are. We will also answer a few common questions that you might have about interchangeable knitting needles, let’s get started. 

Are Interchangeable Knitting Needles Good?

Yes, they are. Interchangeable knitting needles are very easy to use and give you flexibility when it comes to different kind of projects and yarn choices. 

Whether you just want to knit a cuff in a smaller size or you want change the size of needle for a colourwork section, the interchangeable circular knitting needles make this change very easy.

An interchangeable knitting needle is made out of two needle tips that are connected via a cord.  They are very similar to a circular needle; the only difference is that you can easily change a needle tip to a different size.

How Do You Use Interchangeable Knitting Needles?

The interchangeable knitting needles are used in the same way as circular knitting needles. 

They are good for all kind of knitting projects, whether they are knit in the round or knit flat.

If you would like to find out how to attach the cable to the needle tip, make sure to watch our video tutorial. 

What's The Best Knitting Needle for Beginners?

Most knitters will learn their first steps with straight knitting needles, as they can be rested against the body and they give stability whilst knitting. 

They are a great tool to learn on, but in the long run we recommend every knitter to try out interchangeable circular knitting needles. 

Modern patterns are mostly knit seamlessly and therefore require you to knit in the round. As this is not possible with straight needles, it is worth to get used to knitting with circular knitting needles early on.

Top 5 Reasons, Why Interchangeable Knitting Needles Are Great

As previously mentioned, you can use interchangeable knitting needles for any kind of project. They are the most versatile tool when it comes to knitting. 

Here are our top 5 reasons why it’s totally worth it to try them out:

1. You can be flexible when it comes to needle sizes and it’s a great investment in your hobby. Purchasing an interchangeable knitting needle set instead of individual circular knitting needles in different sizes and lengths is more affordable.

2. Do you need a shorter cable for a section of your pattern? You wouldn’t need to transfer your stitches onto a different cable, you can just simply use a shorter cable with the same needle tips that you’ve been working with already. 

3. Do you like to knit on different kind of projects at the same time? With interchangeable knitting needles you can park a project on a cable whilst using the needles on a different project. 

4. Using an interchangeable circular knitting needle instead of a straight knitting needle will reduce the weight that your hands need to carry whilst knitting. You will be able to knit for more hours without getting tired hands.

5.  Do you need a really long cable for a blanket? You can even connect two cables to each other by using a cable connector. 

 

Conclusion

Interchangeable knitting needles are the go-to tool for many knitters around the world. They are very flexible and a smart investment for any passionate knitter. If you would like to see our full range of interchangeable circular knitting needles, make sure to visit our website. 

This has been a collaborative blog post.

Marching

Well, hello!  Did you blink and discover it was almost the end of March too? I did, phew, the year is flying by for me! Maybe because I'm trying to squeeze too much in!

Here's just a few things that I'm working on:

Crocheting this blanket. I was hoping to turn it into a jacket but I don't think I'll have enough yarn, so a blanket it is.

Knitting this shawl with self-striping yarn.

Knitting this top using mini skeins that I prewound into a ball so I'm having to stop judging the colours that keep popping up!

Need to block & press this cardigan. I've been waiting for the pattern book to arrive in the mail before I was going to do a proper show & tell but I've been waiting almost three months now and it's still on pre-order. Sigh.

I did get the buttons for it though, what do you think of these ones? I got them from here.

My 10yo son & I have been going through his craft supplies, tossing out what he doesn't actually want, so I've now ended up with a big box of scraps. I've been sewing them together and trying to film me doing it so I can add it to my YouTube channel. 

Also, yes, I'm trying to breathe some life into my YouTube channel, I have a few videos already planned for it. Have you subscribed to it yet? Before I bring it back to life, I thought I'd add some colour to things and have just ordered a new logo (from here), can't wait for it to be finished! If you subscribe to my YouTube channel, you'll be the first to see my new logo, I can't wait for you to see it!

 We started an art junk journal over the summer holidays and every now & then we do some more work on it. It's really relaxing and a great way to reuse something that was originally headed to the bin.

I sold my old sewing desk, it just wasn't working for me. I'm planning & building a new desk and will certainly show you that once it's done.

Oh my gosh, there's just so much more stuff that I'm doing but I try not to clutter my brain with all my wips! 

What have you been up too?

Can you do me a huge favour? 
Can you click over to here & check out my lists/ideas for
more crafty inspiration & great crafty supplies
and let me know what else I need to include there!

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Teds for two

I finally got around to finishing the kids pressies that I made & gave them for Christmas! I started knitting these bears and outfits for them but then I had a bad sinus infection and only managed to complete the bears. I wrapped the bears up for them & gave them to them with a promise to finish a bunch of outfits for them when I was feeling better. So then I was feeling better but then Covid19 happened and well, life got a little weird. I 'slow' knitted' these things for a couple of months, a row or so a day until finally, all done!

I also sewed a couple of simple (no pattern) drawstring bags to pop the bears & their clothes in and handed them to them one day after school. They absolutely adored all the clothes, they had so much fun playing with them.

A couple of dresses and a rectangular skirt aka a kilt that Joe wanted for his doll.

I used this (easy) pattern.

Some of the gorgeous yarn I used was this yarn for the teddies and this yarn for most of the clothes - it's so gorgeous, I'll definitely be buying more of this brand.

This kids absolutely adore them!

To check out some more crafty stuff, please click here.

I utilise affiliate links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you.   So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Two little pixies

I knitted these little pixies for the kids.

I had planned on making lots but for me, the pattern just sucked. I struggled through it, knitting only two (one for each of my children) and then tossed the pattern.
Now, I don't know about you but I like a well layed out knitting pattern. To me, this pattern had too much 'white space' within the pattern and the graph/chart wasn't complete, you had to refer to the line in the graph/chart then turn the page to the instructions to find out how many rows you needed to do of it. I like graphs/charts that tell you exactly what to do without having to refer to the instructions for further details otherwise, why do you have the chart?

How do you like your knitting patterns (with graph/charts) to be layed out & written? Do you have a favourite pattern or a prefer a designer just because they layout their patterns & graphs/charts wonderfully, care to share which ones in the comments as I'd love to know.

Anyway, the kids loved them, they play with them and that's all the really matters.

Pattern is this one.
The stunning yarn was this and it's seriously gorgeous!
You can get the wooden peg dolls from here or here.

Click here, to check out my Amazon Page for some great crafty inspo and links to some great books to read.

I utilise affiliate links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you.   So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

            

Howl

It's summer here in Australia but this is me today: I'm wearing my thick raincoat & beanie. Brr, it's super cold, we've had the heater on every day!

So I thought it was time that I showed you the hat/cowl combo that I made. I actually finished knitting this last year but didn't have a chance to wear it. This winter, I wore it a lot and I really like the floppy hat and the cowl that I can keep loose or wind around me on those bitter cold days.

Pattern is this one, it was easy to follow and I ended up adding a extra width to my cowl.
Yarn was dyed by me and I dyed lots, so I'll probably end up stocking it in my Etsy store soon.

I utilise affiliate links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 

So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie