Increase terminology

I am having quite a few emails regarding bootee patterns in some of my books. Each pattern states the way the increase should be made, either m1 or inc. It seems that some knitters are mixing up the two methods and getting into problems because of it !!   It isnt the pattern that is wrong , it just isnt being followed correctly.
 To Clarify ......
    M1 or m1 is worked by picking up the  horizontal strand of yarn that lies between the stitch you have just knitted and the next stitch on the needle,  and knitting into the back of it.

Inc or inc is worked by knitting into the back and front of the next stitch.

I am more than happy to accept and rectify any problems resulting from printing errors but it does seem a bit unfair to make scathing remarks about patterns that have not been followed correctly in the first place.  All part of lifes rich pattern I am sure : )

Just Rosy Mittens From Cutest Ever Baby Knits

 I am posting this ammended pattern for the Just Rosy mittens incase they havnt changed the text in the print run for the book. Hope it is hepful.

 

 

Mittens.

Using 3 ¼ mm ( Uk 10/ US 3 ) needles and pink yarn cast on 37 sts,

Commence pattern as follows

Work 3 rows garter stitch.

Break pink and join in white, Continue in pattern as follows :

Row 1: ( RS ) K1, * yfwd, sl1,K2tog,psso, yfwd, K5, repeat from * to * to last 4 sts, yfwd,sl1, K2tog, psso, yfwd, K1.

Row 2: And every following alternate row Purl.

Row 3: As Row 1.

Row 5: K4, * yfwd, sl1,K1,psso, K1, K2tog, yfwd, K3, repeat from * to * to last st , K1.

Row 7: K1, * yfwd, sl1, K2tog, psso,yfwd,K1, repeat from * to * to end.

Row 8: Purl.

These 8 rows form the pattern and are repeated throughout.

Repeat these rows once more, decreasing 3 sts evenly on the last purl row.

Change to st st, continue until you have worked 2 ¼ in ( 6cm) in st st, ending on a purl row.

Shape top.

Row 1 : K1, ( k2togtbl, K12, K2tog ) twice, k1.

Row 2 : and every following alt row, Purl.

Row 3 : K1, ( k2togtbl, K10, K2tog ) twice, k1.

Row 5 : K1, ( k2togtbl, K8, K2tog ) twice, k1.

Row 7 : K1, ( k2togtbl, K7, K2tog ) twice, k1.

Row 8: Purl. Cast off.

Make another mitten to match.

To make up, sew side seam and top of mitten. Thread ribbon through last row of holes on border pattern.

Another Busy Year

I just don't know where this year has gone ! Just 7 weeks until Christmas and I havn't even thought about it yet, Most of the year has been spent burried under a huge pile of wool ( sheer bliss ) designing new patterns and writing new books.  I love every second of it and it is made all the more special by the lovely letters I get from everyone who enjoys making some of the toys and projects from my designs. 
 It is a  shame though, from time to time that printing errors show up in patterns and books, although every effort is made to ensure this wont happen it inevitably does.   There are so many processes in the publishing and editing of books that even after a professional pattern checker has gone through all instructions, a nasty little gremlin STILL finds its way in somewhere : (   All printing errors are reported to the publishers who assure me that they will make sure that in the next print run they will be corrected. 
       My designs have been many and varied this year, ranging from Unicorns, London Buses and Dinosaur hand puppets to some very pretty new toddler designs for my book which is due out in March next year. My favourites being the sweetest fairisle angora puffed sleeved cardi for little girls, and a dear little bunny bag to keep special treasures in.
         I am busy working on bunny rabbits for another new book, they will all be  different sizes and characters and will range from  teeny tiny ones that sit in the palm of your hand to a lovely sleepytime bunny that is just right size to snuggle up in bed with.
       Thank you to everyone who enjoys making my designs and who buy my patterns and books, you make all my work worthwhile. Do send me pictures of your work, I love to see them.
             Wishing everyone hours of happy knitting in the months to come !!

     

Happy New Year

I would like to wish everyone a healthy , prosperous and happy 2012. May all your dreams come true and may you never lose your interest in knitting and crafts !! What a year it has been in so many ways for me, new books published and many designs featured in magazines. Craftseller magazine have now enlisted me to produce designs for them on a regular basis which is great fun. 2012 will see the publication of three new books, one is out in April and the other two will follow towards the fall. A follow up to my Cutest Ever Baby Knits, this time for Toddlers is due out in early 2013. Lots of new toys planned for next year so be on the look out for them in Let's Knit magazine. I would like to thank everyone for buying my books and also for your lovely letters and pictures of your fantastic work that you share with me. Keep them coming !!
Happy 2012 and Happy Knitting to everyone everywhere. Godbless.

Cutest Ever Baby Knits Errata

A few silly mistakes/typos are showing up in my latest baby book so I thought I would list them for anyone who needs to use them.

Ballet Wrap cardigan. On the back pattern Row 5 : should read repeat from * to * to last 4sts and NOT 5sts as listed in the pattern.

Christening Bib. You should cast on 42sts and NOT 44sts as listed in the pattern.

Baby Blue Bootees : Tension should read 32sts x 36 rows.

Just Rosie Baby Set. Pattern Row 1 should read : K1, * yfwd, sl1,k2tog, psso, yfwd,K5 * rep from * to * to last 4sts, yfwd, sl1,k2tog,psso,ywfd,k1.

Teddie Hoodie : After casting off / binding off for sleeves you will be left with 41 sts and NOT 31 st as stated in the pattern.

Bears, Bootees and Babies !!

It has been quite the year for me already, more books written and published and three more books in the pipe line, inbetween doing all this I design many projects for magazines too. Sometimes I wonder where I find the time, but when your job is doing what you love best then I guess it's all a pleasure and never a chore. My 20 to Make crochet bears and mini crochet christmas are doing so well, I loved designing and making the projects for them both, perhaps the Christmas book was my favourite though : ) There is just something special about a praying angel and a snowflake. I am going to put some free patterns on my web site soon, a toy of sorts I think since my toys are always so popular. Havn't decided which one as yet. My two latest books will be on sale in a couple of months time, 20 to Make Bootees and Cutest Ever Baby Knits. I loved designing and making the projects for them, though that was quite a few months ago. Nothing prettier than baby bootees and there are quite the range to chose from, super cute duckling slippers to tiny lace up baby trainers !! I love recieving all your letters, it is so nice to know that you enjoy making my designs. Folks from all around the world contact me and I endeavor to answer everyone as quickly as I can. Once again thankyou to everyone who buys my books, and those of you who knit the toys and projects I design for Knit Today and Let's Knit, youmake my hard work so worthwhile. I a always happy to help anyone, be it with problems or sourcing materials forprojects, just drop me a line ay my email on my website. Wishing you all a wonderful Fall, and Happy Knitting to everyone everywhere.

Teddy Head Making Up Instructions

A few people have had problems making up the head of the bears in my 20 to Make Teddy book. I have now got a PDF file with extra charts and some details to help. If you would like me to send them to you, then please email me from my website by clicking on the " envelope " on the contacts page and I will be pleased to forward them to you.