Malstrøm Fisherman's Sweater

 

I was delighted to see this finished Malstrøm Fisherman's Sweater, made by Joanna. Joanna lives in Edinburgh, and has only been knitting for about two years. She says she learned to knit so that she was doing something more productive with her hands than scrolling on her phone—and I’d say that plan worked out beautifully!

This was her first time doing colourwork, and I think she has done a fantastic job. Her husband had been pointing out Nordic jumpers that he would like for a birthday present and she decided it would be far nicer—and far more unique—to make one herself.

 

If you have used one of my patterns I would love to see your finished project, and always welcome feedback. Jumpers take a while, and although the Malstrøm Fisherman's Sweater has been selling well, this is the first project that I has been linked. It made my day to see it! 

Mosaic and Willow

I don't seem to have posted very much crafty on here recently. I am at the sewing up stage of my husband's jumper, so there will be something crafty soon. But I have been crafting, and I just thought I would update you on what I (and my son) have been up to.

Since August we have been helping each week with a community project to restore the mosaic that hangs in Tavistock Pannier Market. We go once a week, and there are others on different days, all co-ordinated and organised by Andy Cairns. It has been such a big project, as each piece of the mosaic has been traced, and then every piece has to be removed, cleaned of the old grout/glue/wooden backing, and then glued back in the right place. If anything is broken, than a new piece is made. So as you can see, it is not quite done, but I think next week we will be grouting.

The mosaic was originally erected in 2006 on the outside of the Tavistock Pannier Market after being designed by artist Emma Spring. The mosaic features locations of archaeological and industrial, commercial buildings and schools sites that have existed since the 1830s.

Our other weekly activity has beenworking on our willow and tissue lanterns for the Dickensian evening. The course is over, but we still have access to the studio to finish them. I am keeping mine a secret, but my son's anomalocaris is coming along. We brought him home today, so he can start working on the colour. Got quite a lot of stares as we came out the building. I am still keeping my lantern a secret.

Crochet and Knit Cushion

I mentioned that I was having a go at crochet for a change, and was aiming to make next a blanket or throw. Two problems came up: first that I only had so much wool, and second I am not very quick. 

I see other crafters, who seem to be able to knock off a blanket in a few weeks, and am amazed by how they manage this. When I showed my husband the pile of granny squares I had made, his first suggestion was that we just have a large set of coasters! Can you imagine me rolling my eyes? My daughter wanted me to create a jacket, but there really weren't enough for that. A cushion seemed a good answer, and then I had to send off for a cushion pad. 

For the back I only had a small selection of colours left, so decided to knit a square on the diagonal. Really pleased with how this turned out. Julie from Sum of Their Stories told me that her nan used to combine knit and crochet in one project, using which ever worked best. Have you ever made something using knit and crochet? I would love to hear about it. Or perhaps you have combined two other crafts in an unusual way.

I also wanted to mention the wool I used. This wool came from my sister-in-law, and was a kit for a fair isle jumper that she did not want to make.  I have got so much pleasure from this wool, as it is all the same ply, and has been used in so many projects, so "thank you". Here are just a few.

 

Just a reminder that there is still time join in my Ginx Woolly Linx party for February. I would love to see what you have been working on.