Popsugar Reading Challenge 2017 update – halfway there

In between knitting for my latest pattern release – Hessian Shawl, I’ve been reading reading reading. Audiobooks are a knitter’s best friend and I’ve really enjoyed broadening my reading horizons, whilst being able to thoroughly ‘crack on’ with my various knitting projects.

I’m halfway through my journey to read at least 40 books this year, with the help of a little reading challenge by Popsugar. You can check out my progress on my shawl and reading list below!

What have you been reading lately? How do you balance reading and knitting in your spare time?

Hessian Shawl Shortrounds Knitwear Continue reading

What’s on my knit list?

When I first started knitting I focused on one project, and one project alone until it was cast off, ends woven in, blocked, finished. It was methodical, serene, focused – productive.

Since then and over the years I’ve developed a habit of half-starting several projects, to a point where I can now have five WIPs on the go! Developed from wanting to knit for myself, friends, family, work… It’s certainly a more frantic approach to knitting, and one I’m definitely not wanting to encourage. It’s led to a nasty habit of indecision and procrastination. Not a great combination.

Hessian Shawl | Shortrounds Knitwear Continue reading

Christmas Knitting

We’re well and truly into the Christmas knitting season now. December has started, so it is now officially acceptable to talk about the festive season. If you haven’t already started your knitting your Christmas gifts just yet, don’t panic. There are plenty of inspirational, recent knitting pattern releases from some of the greats. You may not have enough time to get started and finished on some now (bookmark for later!) – but there are plenty of quick knits around. Giving you plenty of time to knit up a speedy Christmas gift.

Wool And The Gang

If quick knits are what you’re after, WATG are smack bang in the middle of their 12 days of making. Releasing ridiculously quick knitting and crochet patterns, as well as handy technique tutorials this week and next. Love the charging cable braid!

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Falkland Aran by Debbie Bliss

Debbie Bliss is one of the greats. A knitwear designer and yarn purveyor with over 30 years’ experience and a long list of accolades and published books attributed to her name.

So imagine my excitement when I was sent her latest pattern book to get my teeth stuck into. Falkland Aran Pure Bliss Collection is a celebration of organic and naturally farmed yarns. The Falkland archipelago are a natural habitat for a large variety of wildlife, not least the Falkland sheep – from which Debbie Bliss’ Falkland Aran yarn derives.

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What is it about Autumn?

It’s been a while since I’ve delved into the new knitting releases world. I had such a growing stash of projects and materials, that I had to reinstate the yarn embargo. That meant no pouring over beautiful skeins on Loveknitting or Loop. No Googling Brooklyn Tweed, Quince & Co. and Woolfolk. It also meant shutting my eyes as I scrolled through my Instagram feed, every time Melanie Berg, Melanie Hoffman or Andrea Mowry post oh-so-tempting knits…

But I’ve caved… Continue reading

Sonic Knits Christmas Kits with Fyberspates

I’m not even going to apologise for mentioning the ‘C’ word. I’ve already been knitting my Mum’s present for the last two weeks, so I’m fully in the pre-Christmas planning mode already! Get on board 🙂

If you’re struggling to find the perfect handmade gift for someone this year, I’d look no further. You all know I’m partial to a Sonic Knits kit – I’ve signed up for six months! And now I’m treated at the first of every month to a brand new set of knitting notions, British yarn and a great pattern to get stuck into.

Sonic Knits Christmas Special Kit | Shortrounds Knitwear Continue reading