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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     Achieving a Professional Finish for your knits.

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    My story:
    As knitters or knitter/designers we don't start off knowing how to make our knits look professional. I took up knitting seriously around 12 years ago and whilst I was practising knitting I sold my knitted accessories on Etsy (I also designed my own so as to avoid any copyright infringements).  I also worked for a company called "Wool and the Gang" who back then employed knitters to knit up their kits so they could sell the creations on line.  I started off knitting the Zion hat a simple stocking stitch hat, knit in the round using chunky yarn, knit up really fast so was a good little earner. But.... I wanted a challenge so moved on to a colourful cowl, This was knit flat, garter stitch with stripes in chunky yarn. Once the cowl was knitted, the cast on edge and the cast off were joined and the side seam joined (the wrong side was then hidden inside the tube) and colourful yarn was woven through the garter stitch stitches.

    Interesting challenge........but I wasn't happy and Wool and the Gang wasn't happy. My chunky seams were totally horrible, so messy and well, chunky.  Within days of receiving them, Wool and the Gang returned them to me and said the seams needing redoing. This was the hardest knitting lesson learnt. I did do as they asked, I couldn't afford not to. They had a tutorial which once I undid all the seams (and the extra weaving)  I followed  and I was amazed! The tutorial is here.
    These are 3 cowls with the seams redone.
    What I'm trying to get across from my story is that as a knitter you don't automatically know how to get that polished look, so you can gift or sell your work or even feel proud to wear it.

    How many of you have finished garments in your stash and they just need seaming?
    How many of you have WIP's and are not happy with the picking up you did round the neckline so you have simply just put it away?


    Well now is your time to rectify that.

    Pick up the guide and see what area you are struggling with, Zoom in on solving that issue, watch the videos and tutorials I suggest and get back to me with successes and failures ( I will follow up on the failures to make sure we have a success!).

    Any of these techniques can be practiced on swatches, so pick up 2 swatches you have and have a go at seaming or picking up stitches. or even blocking!
     
    In this guide, you will find detailed instructions on how to tackle common knitting challenges, tips for perfecting your projects, and recommendations for tools and resources that can support your knitting journey. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced knitter, these tips will help you achieve a polished, professional finish that you can be proud of.
  2. Pottery and Mindfulness Crafting: My Journey to Inner Peace

    In today's fast-paced world, finding creative outlets that fosters mindfulness has been incredibly rewarding for me
    Earlier this year I decided to join a pottery class at The Clay Mill in Slaithwaite where I could start to learn the craft in a 6 week course (1 afternoon a week),

     The process of shaping clay whilst it's spinning on the wheel brought me a profound sense of calm and satisfaction. I was surprised how the process did just take over my mind and empty it out; it stopped the niggly thinking and agitation.

    Learning to Spin on the Wheel

    My journey began with learning to spin on the potters wheel. This practice demanded focus and patience as I centered the clay and guided it with steady hands. The rhythmic motion of the wheel and the tactile sensation of the clay beneath my fingers created a deeply immersive experience. 

    3 Small Bowls

    I started with throwing small bowls, a perfect introduction to pottery. These manageable projects allowed me to practice and refine my techniques without feeling overwhelmed. As I molded and shaped each piece, I experimented with different forms and sizes, finding joy in the imperfections and unique qualities of each creation. 

    Playing with Colors

    Once my bowls were formed and dried, the next step was to play with colors. Selecting glazes and mixing hues allowed me to express my creativity and individuality. The anticipation of seeing how the colors would transform in the kiln added an element of excitement and wonder. 

    Painting the Glaze On

    With each brushstroke, I lost myself in the gentle rhythm of applying the glaze. This act of painting encouraged mindfulness, as I focused on the texture and coverage of the glaze, ensuring each piece was evenly coated. 

    Waiting for Results

    The final stage of pottery was perhaps the most challenging for me: waiting for the results. Once my glazed bowls were placed in the kiln, I had to wait for the firing process to complete. When the kiln was finally opened, the sense of anticipation and excitement was unparalleled, as I witnessed the transformation of my creations.

    Conclusion

    Pottery has become more than just a craft for me; it is a journey of mindfulness and self-discovery. From the initial steps of learning to spin on the wheel to the final reveal of my glazed creations, each stage offered an opportunity to practice presence, patience, and creativity. 

    I MUST join the classes again in September.