My SIL sent me a beautiful picture of my great niece in her new jumper. Behind her on the sofa is a Fair Isle Blanket. I made that when this tot's Mum was born, back in the 80s. How lovely that Denise has kept it and it is still in use. [no more of these- I've sold the knitting machine] I did a lot of knitting back then. Bob was working most evenings, and once Liz and Steph were in bed, I'd sit and craft in front of the TV. I churned out loads of babyknits for friends, family and charity, as well as jumpers for the girls.
A while back I put out a request on Ravelry but with no success. I decided I would have to bite the bullet and try and work out the chart with the photos and some squared paper. How hard can it be? I knew I could do it, but that it would take me quite some time.
Then I had another look on Etsy - and thank you Eileen, of MiniHobo. I have downloaded the pattern, all ready to go. The original is in Pingofrance, a long discontinued French Yarn - a lightweight DK.
If I wanted an equivalent now, I could use Stylecraft 'Life', but I think I shall just check out my stash and see if I can weigh out enough of 4 different colours to create a jumper. I need no more than 200g main, and 100g,50g and 50g of contrasts. The first size on the pattern is for a 6 year old - so I would need much less yarn if I reduced it to fit George! Watch this space.
Such a clever jumper!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at the skill you have to be able to even conceive working the pattern out for yourself, let alone making it! Amazing!!
It's amazing how you can find things 2nd hand that you want at the right time! Etsy, eBay, Vinted, Depop- all of these are very useful and helped me out a lot!
I love the blue and yellow combination!
And 2nd hand is usually a wise eco-choice too
DeleteP.S. Also, I love the pictures of Steph and Liz- their features are so strong that you can clearly tell it is them!
ReplyDeleteAnd Rosie is so like Liz !
DeleteYour Rosie's like a clone of her mum isn't she?
ReplyDeleteI did a lot of machine knitting from 1976 onwards, and made some wonderful things, but when I met and married DH, our first house was fairly small, and I had to let my knitting machines go. I didn't want to, as I had both a Knitmaster double bed machine and a Knitmaster double bed chunky knitter and every accessory known to man! I gave both of them to a local lady who made clothes for prem babies and blankets to send to foreign aid agencies. I had an enormous collection of cones of yarn too, and I know she made very good use of everything, so it was my loss, but a lot of good came of it.
Now that we live in our small bungalow, there's no space for much craft stuff, my yarns live in boxes in the loft, my WIP is kept in an old fishing basket (well cleaned, obviously), my sewing machine and fabrics also reside in the loft and are brought down when I need them.
Fortunately our loft is really large, and all boarded over, so we have room for a lot of stuff up there!
Years ago, my mum wanted to knit our son a Dennis the Menace jumper, but couldn't find a pattern, so she made a plain jumper, and I embroidered Dennis onto it, he loved it!
I'm no hand knitter, but can crochet up a storm, our grandson has a lot of 'Nanny Originals'!
I bet George will love his Robot, and it'll bring back some lovely memories for you too! X
Wow, TWO knitting machines. I always aspired to a double-bed, but never got one. You do realise that other sare reading this and quite baffled by that term! I am glad that yours went to a good home. Like you, retiring to a small bungalow has meant much downsizing. And a well-fitting, strong loft ladder! I'm impressed by your Dennis the Menace idea. Thank you for sharing your knitting memories, Col
DeleteI am incredibly impressed by anyone who attempts colourwork. Though the robot sweater looks like it is worth it!
ReplyDeleteIt is not too complicated - the sleeves are simply stripes...
DeleteI don't trust myself with proper stripes. I've only ever done that with self striping yarn or when I was going for the random. You are still impressive.
DeleteThe stripe pattern is just knit 6 rows red, 8 rows black, 6 rows yellow etc. You just have to be diligent about counting. I have a pencil and paper to hand so I can keep a tally.
DeleteHow nice that you got the pattern! It must be fun to knit it for a new generation. At first I thought it was Rosie on one of the photos!
ReplyDeleteThat's what everyone says!
DeleteWe should have a stash sharing basket in Blogland - do tell us if you find you don't have quite what you need for robot construction. I'm share we could all rummage through the stores! Are you playing Wordle? Robot was the word that taught us we could use one letter more than once!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mag - the Stash has provided the yarn. But if anyone out there needs a particular DMC embroidery thread, please get in touch as I probably have it
DeleteI'm so glad you were able to find a pattern for the new sweater! Looking forward to seeing the finished item!
ReplyDelete👍 I will post a picture
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