Friday 13th - another way!

This is NO April fool at all. In fact quite the opposite and the only 'fools' would be those who don't give this a whirl!!!

This is the other way to work a split chain which Judith and I have been discussing and working on together. The 'Australian' split chain. I've had the cheek to call it that for two reasons. 

One, it was 'born' there and

Two, you do sort of turn the chain upside down to work it although you don't really!!!!  Least you don't have to stand on your OWN head!!!

The only way you're going to see the advantage of this is to 'do it yourself'!!!!

Here's the link.

A good way of teaching this method is, as Judith mentioned, to show new students how to make it on a cabone (curtain) ring - see below a diagram from Judith. I reckon that's a great idea even just to teach yourself!!!!  

New (to ME) split chain technique

Now I was really gobsmacked by this. Although she doesn't claim it as 'hers' (bet it was really as she's one VERY clever tatter) I will always think of Judith Connors and thank her for not only showing me this but also helping me to get the page right too.

I've always used the technique shown to me by Marie Smith but after doing one split chain this way I've completely forgotten the 'old way'!!!!!

The page will be ready tomorrow and I'll blog the link here but, believe me - it's a winner, winner chicken dinner!!!

Judith did point out that this was all done by Dora Young originally and the diagrams were good too. I think following tatters just complicated the issue which is easily done!!!

Trying to downsize the stash!

I have yarn. Not too much, but more than I really want/need at the moment.  There’s around a carrier bag ‘and a bit’ of yarn lurking and glaring at me.  All odds and ends I’ve acquired over the past few years.  I want/need it GONE.

I decided to start a blanket either for a local care home or for those who have no home and live on the streets.

My issue with blankets whether knitted or crocheted is that you have to sew or join the motifs at the end and I’m no great lover of that!!! So I decided to go in search of a pattern that you could join the motifs on as you work the blanket.

I found this pattern and thought I’d give it a go. As you know I’ve recently taught myself to knit the continental way and now find it pretty fast. I followed the instructions for the first four squares and found it quite straightforward. Now to expand after the red one is done.

Three times six makes eighteen

I didn’t really like that pink and white diamond motif next to the purple and green one. Too much of a contrast, I think.

Anyway, I had another rummage through my size 40 threads and came up with the lighter purple (lavender?) and a darker pink which seem to have taken the ‘starkness’ off that contrast. I’m going with this for now and we’ll see what happens!!!