We're busy right at the moment ...

for a week or so - see you soon!

Bobbles - tips and tricks.

Lifted Loop 2 rows down and 1st across from booble st.

Oh gosh, just look at that - blogger has placed the photos where-ever!

Bobbles are not my favourite addition to any knitting project, but I've included them as the pattern directed, so as the garment would resemble the pattern I'm actually working on.

Bobbles can be annoying, leaving holes, falling to the back of your work and simply just not co-operating, but, there is always a way to beat these little devils no matter how many stitches are involved. Sometimes it's the yarn, as in this case, the Zara is very soft and the bobble needs a little help to stay on top of things.

I've worked this particular sample on a 2 stitch bobble.

Knit into the front and back of your stitch. Turn work and purl these 2 sts.

Turn work, knit the 2 bobble sts tog tbl.

Working with left needle point to back of work (purl side), pick up a loop 2 rows down and one stitch over to the right from the initial bobble stitch and slip it onto the right needle.

Knit 2sts tog tbl to form one stitch.

As you can see from the completed bobble photo there is no hole and the bobble sits perfectly. I have completed the bobble row and purled a row for the photo.

I've got other knits eagerly waiting in line ....

Here I am blindly knitting away, thinking how clever I am to have almost finished Brocade.

The body of the garment is complete, yes, even the ribbed bands ... but wait. What do I see when I lay it down to admire what I have done? With only the collar and little sleeves to knit - a flippin' mistake on the left front. Of course, just below the beginning of the armhole shaping!!! Rats - do I ignore this? Will anyone really notice?

No doubt it will get the better of me and I'll have to reknit... groan.

I'm going to knit the collar and sleeves before I frog and reknit this section.

How did I miss this? How did I miss this!

Brocade and Martin Storey

Next to Kim Hargreaves, Martin Storey would have to be my next favourite designer. Consistently releasing classic design after classic design, that most people can knit and wear.

Once again he has not let me down. Brocade is a feminine cardigan, mostly stocking stitch, with a single rib band (which I have done in one piece), a cable and bobble border running each side of the front panels, and a delicate little collar. The cable and bobble pattern are used around the elbow length sleeve edge, just adding that extra touch of feminity to the design.

The RYC book 13, Classic Alpaca, has some gorgeous designs and I've chosen Brocade to fill my knitting time this spring. I'm using Zara as it's a lightweight wool, cool enough for this time of year - a perfect knit for Zara.