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. 
 
Click on the arrows on the right to see my other blog posts.
 

 RSS Feed

Category: Kits & Patterns

  1. ✨ 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
     
  2. Meet Fisterra - inspired by the dramatic beauty of Spain’s ‘Land’s End

    Posted on

    Hi, 

    Meet "Fisterra", my latest creative design. inspired by the dramatic beauty of Spain’s ‘Land’s End

    This shawl combines the rhythmic flow of brioche with the delicate beauty of lace. It features one-color brioche and stocking stitch stripes, leading into a simple lace pattern. The shawl begins with a garter stitch tab and is worked outward from the center spine to form two triangles. Once the brioche and stocking stitch stripes are established within the increases, the lace pattern is introduced. Like most lace patterns, the decreases and eyelets are worked on the right side. A final row of eyelets adds the finishing touch.
    Buy the Pattern
     
    Buy the Kit - low stock

    Why Brioche Lace?

    "I was inspired by Nancy Marchant’s exploration of brioche lace, particularly her innovative techniques for creating openwork within brioche fabric. However, I wanted to keep my own brioche lace design as simple and approachable as possible. Like traditional knitted lace, I have chosen to work in a single color to highlight the eyelets clearly. I have also kept the structure straightforward—using just one yarn over for each decrease and working the lace pattern only on the right side of the fabric. This keeps the rhythm intuitive while still creating a beautifully delicate effect."

    The Fisterra shawl finishes off being over 2 metres wide and 30 inch deep and so is incredibly versatile. Here are some different ways to wear it:
    • Classic Point Front – Drape the shawl around your neck with the point hanging down in front, wrapping the ends around your neck for warmth.

      • Shoulder Wrap – Wear it draped over your shoulders like a traditional shawl, perfect for layering over a dress or top.
      • Kerchief Style – Fold the shawl in half to create a smaller triangle and tie it loosely around your neck for a casual, scarf-like look.

      • Off-the-Shoulder Wrap – Let the shawl sit asymmetrically across your shoulders and pin it with a shawl pin or brooch for an elegant, secure fit.

      • Wrapped Like a Poncho – Cross the ends over your chest and tuck them under the back of the shawl for a poncho-like effect.

      • Belted – Wrap the shawl around your shoulders or waist and secure it with a belt for a chic, structured look.

      • Back Drape – Wear the shawl with the point down your back and wrap the ends around your neck for a dramatic yet cozy style.

      • Twisted Loop – Fold the shawl into a long, narrow shape, loop it around your neck, and tuck in the ends for extra warmth..

     

    Interested in learning Brioche ? Well I have some learning material specially for you. From a beginners headband (I've seen this knitted a multitude of times) to the 2 coloured Heatwave cowl I've got it all covered. Techniques are explained in photo snap shots and videos. 
    I plan to add videos of Brioche lace in here too..... watch this space.