Sandra's Designing Blog

This is an exclusive area of my web site where you can find out more about my knitted designs, what inspires me, how I work and what I like (and don't like) to design. 
 
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  1. Recharged and inspired — a Lake District escape & a creative spark!

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    Hello,

    I’ve just come back from a wonderful weekend away in the Lake District — Coniston, to be exact — and I feel completely recharged. The weather was glorious for October: crisp mornings, clear skies, and just enough chill to make a cosy knit your best friend. There were plenty of long dog walks through golden leaves and, naturally, a few pub meals to round off each day!

    It was also the perfect excuse to wear two of my own designs — Gwenvor and Dusty Lilac — layered up in true autumn style.
    Gwenvor – a soft, textured lace cardigan in gentle heathered tones. Feminine, comfortable, and just right for sitting outside the pub with a pint and a view of the hills.

    Find Gwenvor on Ravelry here 
    Dusky Lilac - a beautiful textured array of cables, worn over a short sleeved t-shirt and a long sleeved top. Layering to perfection.

    Find Dusky Lilac on Ravelry here
     

    When Inspiration Circles Back

    Back home, something on Facebook caught my eye — Joe Browns have just released a new cowl and hat set that looks remarkably like my Flowery Infinity Scarf design! It made me smile — creative ideas have a funny way of finding their way into the world.

    If you love that “Joe Browns” look, here’s how you could adapt my pattern to get a similar effect:

    • Use smaller needles to create a denser, less open fabric

    • Cast on fewer stitches for a snugger fit

    • Add a furry or fleecy lining for that extra cosy, luxury feel

    And once you’ve made the cowl, you can easily calculate the stitch count for a matching hat — the perfect winter gift set idea!

    👉 Find the Flowery Infinity Scarf on Ravelry
    Long, open and flowing array of flowers

    🌿 What’s Next

    Now I’m back home with my head full of new ideas — clearly the Lakes worked their magic! I’ll be sharing a peek at what’s on my needles very soon. Until then, I hope your week brings a bit of fresh air, good food, and time for your knitting.

    Happy stitching,
    Sandra x

  2. I've scored a hat trick!

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    I’ve Scored a Hat Trick!

    I’m thrilled to share some exciting news—three of my knitting designs are featured in this month’s The Knitter magazine (Issue 220)! If you’re in the UK and a fan of my work, do grab a copy while it’s on the shelves.

    And if you’re not in the UK, don’t worry—you won’t miss out. I’ll be self-publishing these patterns over the next 6–12 months, so keep an eye out.

    To celebrate this little hat trick, I’m offering 30% off any of my patterns (not just hats!) in my Ravelry store for the next three days. Just use coupon code HAT-TRICK at checkout. (Offer ends midnight 6th October UK time).

    👉Ravelry: Store: The Feminine Touch Designs
     

    Sideways Top Update

    Well… there isn’t one! I’m firmly in “thinking mode.” I’m playing with the idea of incorporating all those dangling threads into the bottom border somehow, and I keep coming back to the thought of an i-cord cast-off everywhere. Sometimes designs need as much space to breathe in the imagination as they do on the needles.