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. ✨ 5 little things to inspire calm and creativity

    Posted on

    Hi, 

    There’s something special about this time of year — the long golden evenings, the quiet hush between projects. It’s the perfect time to let your knitting slow right down and become a little ritual again.

    No pressure, no deadlines. Just small, beautiful things that bring joy with every stitch.

    Here are five ways to bring a little stillness and inspiration into your knitting week:

     

    1. Knit a little colour, just for you - The French Inspired cowl
    My Slip-Stitch Colourwork Cowl is simple, relaxing, and completely free. A great project to try out slip-stitch colourwork without anything too fiddly — and it makes the most of leftover Aran weight yarn.

    👉 Download the free pattern here »

     

    2. Play with a new idea: Short rows
    Short rows are one of my favourite design tools — they shape fabric gently and add subtle interest. If you've never used them before, or just want a refresher, I’ve written a little guide on how I use them in my designs.

    👉 Read the blog posts »

    👉 Buy the pattern »

    👉 Download the Guide »

     

    3. Add a tiny treasure to your toolkit
    These Zentangle & other ceramic Buttons are individually hand-drawn and sealed — perfect for cardigans, pouches, handmade notebooks, or just as a lovely gift for another maker. 

    👉 See the Zentangle buttons »

    👉 See the Ceramic buttons »

     

    4. Organise your projects (and your thoughts)
    Now’s the perfect time to take stock of your WIPs and ideas. These handmade A5 Project Notebooks are ideal for jotting down yarn details, stitch counts, sketches, or even just your knitting mood.

    👉 Browse the notebooks »

     

    5. Just enjoy the quiet
    Whether you pick up your needles tonight or simply sit with a cup of tea and your thoughts, this season is for slowing down. Take a moment to breathe, to swatch, or to knit something soft and simple — just for you.

    👉 Browse the knitting tools »


    I hope something here brings you a small, quiet joy — a pattern, a notebook, or a beautiful button. Thank you for being here and being part of this calm and creative space.

  2. ✨ New Pattern – Delphinus Cushion

    Posted on

    Last year, my Delphinus cushion design was featured in The Knitter magazine, and I’m so pleased to now release it as an individual pattern in my shop.

    Delphinus is an elegant cushion cover featuring a subtle, grid-like colourwork pattern inspired by the stars. It’s named after the Delphinus constellation – the dolphin in the northern sky – and its design reveals patterns within patterns, echoing the layered beauty of the night sky.

    Knitted seamlessly in the round and finished with a neat zip fastening, Delphinus combines practicality with quiet sophistication. I used Rowan Felted Tweed for its vintage softness and delicate flecks, perfect for adding timeless calm to your favourite chair or sofa.

    👉 [Browse the Delphinus pattern here] and bring a little starlight into your home.
    And here's the beautiful cushion proudly on display in my 'tulip' chair
    Delphinus in the sky
    Want to view more of Sandra's cushion patterns? - click here