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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Category: Kits & Patterns

  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. Between Seasons & Stitches

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    Playful Dungarees

    Between Seasons

    Now that summer has drawn to a close, the weather here in the UK can’t seem to make up its mind—one day it feels like autumn has arrived, the next the sunshine is back again. My weekends lately have been just as changeable, with plenty of travelling up and down the country to visit family. With three gorgeous grandchildren, all living more than 100 miles away (some north, some south), I’m clocking up the miles—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

    I often think how lovely it would be to design more knits especially for them, but little ones grow so quickly! Weekends together are too precious to spend with measuring tapes in hand or setting up photoshoots. So instead, I make the most of every cuddle, laugh, and story we share.

    Today I thought I’d look back and share some of my favourite baby designs—patterns that I’ve loved creating, and I hope you’ll enjoy too. Who knows, you might find the perfect project for a little one in your life.

    “Here are a few of my favourite baby knits—click through to explore the patterns.”
     
     
    View All Baby Patterns

    On the Needles: Sideways-Knit Top

    Meanwhile, on my needles, the sideways-knit top I’ve been designing is steadily taking shape. Knitting sideways brings its own challenges and surprises, but it’s always exciting to see how the fabric grows and the design unfolds.

     

    As you can see my sideways-knit top is moving along nicely—I’ve finished the back and two fronts, and given them a good block to try and tame the curl (almost successful!). With the pieces pinned together and placed on my dummy, I’ve been checking the neckline placement against the original design. The good news? The design works beautifully! The seam runs lower down the back rather than sitting on the shoulders, which lifts the front pieces slightly and creates a lovely effect where the front looks shorter than the back.

    Now the real puzzle is what to do with the nest of yarn tangles that this sideways construction seems determined to create!

    “Knitting sideways brings its own challenges and surprises, but it’s exciting to see this design unfold. I’ll share more as it progresses—watch this space for the next installment.”