I have a new toy!

It's a Singer Memo-Matic 321 knitting machine from the early 70's (I believe??)! 

I'm just a tad (read- super duper!!!) excited to start using it, but trying to contain that excitement for a couple of reasons. 

Firstly, I had never laid eyes on a real life one until two days ago when hubby bought it home. And secondly, to my knowledge this machine hasn't been used for decades. I bought it off eBay for $30 from someone who found it in their attic, no manual, battered case... But from what I can tell in pretty good condition still. 

I found a manual online for $5 and managed to check out the sponge bar, as I've read that it would likely be shot and not to even try to work it without a replacement. It is shot, the 'sponge' looked more like a flat piece of cardboard, so I've ordered a new one and will now sit on my hands patiently for 2-3weeks until it arrives. 

Oh, the ideas I have floating around my head!! So rad to learn new yarny things! Just have to hope and pray it works and I can figure out what I'm doing! 

But for now my crochet hook is getting a great workout making orders. Lots and lots of slipper socks, beanies and cosies heading out of late. I've also been trying to get this blanket done in between. 

There has been a bit more progress, but I'll have to take some more pics to share. And also a retro circles pram blanket in fab bright rainbow colours for a friend.

I also ordered this yarn for a blanket... what kind of blanket? I have no clue yet!

How super fab is wool? Right? The possibilities that can come from a hook/needle/(hopefully) knitting machine and a ball of wool are endless. Love it! 

Until next time,

Adele

Mug cosy pattern

Hi!

Happy Easter! Or if Easter doesn't happen around your parts, Happy Weekend! Hope you're enjoying it.

Thought I would share a quick fun pattern with you since I haven't shared for a while, my basic Mug Cosy.



Yarn: 8ply/DK
Hook: 4mm (3.5mm if you crochet loosely)

Ch 40 join

Rnd1: Ch2 hdc in each JOIN with a slip stitch to first hdc
Rw2: Ch2 hdc in each DON'T JOIN, turn
Rw3: Ch 3, dc in each turn
Rw4: Ch2, hdc in each turn
Rw5: Ch3, dc in each turn
Rw6: Ch2 hdc in each turn
Rw7: Ch3 dc in each turn
Rw8: Ch2 hdc in each at end of row ch 28 join with a slip stitch on side of last hdc (take care not to twist chain when joining). Slip stitch 3 times along side of work. Fasten off and sew in ends.

Sew a button on opposite side of your chain loop approximately 2 or 3 hdc in on your last row (or pop your cosy on a mug to work out where your button should sit).


Put the kettle on, unwrap an Easter egg & enjoy your new cosy!
x Adele


***If you're finding your edges aren't neat enough, instead of ch3 at the beginning of each DC row, try ch2, DC in same space as ch2. Just remember not to work your ch2 on the return row.

Squirrelling

I've been prepping for Winter here in Australia. I have a zillion ideas floating around that now need to be manifested before its too late!

The next few weeks I'm dedicating to making some of stock. I have a few new designs in the works, dropping a few and holding onto the ones I love (like monkey below); I need all new photos and listings... It's making me feel a bit like a squirrel, scurrying around gathering my stash. It won't see me through winter, but will be a start.

Lots going on, but for now I need to get hooking!
x Adele

Harrison

My little beans turn 3 in less than a week. To be honest, I am struggling a bit, watching them grow up too fast. So bare with me as I feel the need to express my adoration for these little men.




Harrison

AKA - Harrison Christopher, Harry, Harry high pants

I love that you assess situations carefully before diving in.

I love that you love mumma cuddles.

I love that you're a quiet fighter, you have been from the moment you were born.

I love your air guitar, total rockstar.

I love that you tell your 'little' brother he's too young to do X (a whole 90 seconds younger).

I love the way you sleep with a dummy (pacifier) in your mouth with another touching the end of your nose. (although we really need to say goodbye to these soon)

I love that you have a mean drop kick, your hand-eye coordination totally rocks!

I love that you're so fab at sharing, thanks mate, it makes my life so much easier!

Jack

AKA- Jackson Johnathan, Jacksie, Jacksie Taxi.

I love that you're my 'bonus/buy on get one free' baby.

I love that you're a crazy, no fear type of kid.

I love that you're too bloody cheeky!

I love that you notice my nail polish, hair, shoes and bags... SO totally love that!

I love that you say 'Pardon' instead of what or huh.

I love that you love gnomes and call them 'Missy Brillo' (although completely random!).

I love that you put your own shoes on this morning.

:{W.I.P Wednesday}: January 16th

Well, I've been making blankets, playing with Tunisian crochet and fondling yarn.

Not too many WIP's at the moment, more like Almost There's.

1. A baby blanket for a gift, need to finish off the border with some more pale grey.

2. A grape & cream striped pram blanket that just needs some loose ends sewn in

3. An aqua, green, yellow & white pram blanket. I think it needs some aqua in the border still. This photo really doesn't do the colours justice *sad face*

4. Some more Tunisian crochet cosies, these are now available in my Madeit.com.au store.

5. A red tone colour palette I'm playing with. Pretty sure this one is calling for a chevron blanket or a similar 1970's - ish style.

6. I've added more colours to the Sublime yarn (silk, cashmere, merino) I bought a while ago & I think it flows a lot better. I STILL don't know what kind of blanket to make with it! It's really difficult because I know this colour palette will either look fantastic or just wrong depending on the style I choose. And I don't want to mess up with such gorgeous yarn.


What are you working on?
Do tell,
x Adele

Tunisian Adventures

I've had this desire to learn new yarn-y type skills of late, perhaps it's the new year. So I thought I would give knitting another go, popped to the shop to buy myself some knit sticks, watched some YouTube vids, settled down on the couch and got set to make a scarf (isn't that what everyone knits first?).

I lasted a whole 15 minutes before giving in and picking up my hook..

BUT then... What's this Tunisian crochet (aka Afghan crochet) business all about? It's crochet but looks like it could be a knit... I gave it a shot with my regular hook. SO not as difficult as it looks! The next day I bought my first (of what I suspect to be many) Tunisian hooks.

It was a little slow going at the start since I crochet differently. I had to relearn how to hold the yarn properly and regulate my tension, but for you who already know how to do this it should be a breeze! Granted, I've only mastered the basic Tunisian Simple Stitch, but there is a whole new crochet world opening up now. EXCITING!

You can go here http://www.crochetmagazine.com/stitch_guide/index.html?content_id=58 and have a try too (hope the link works, posting through the blogger iPhone app for the first time so things are a little different). Or have search on YouTube.

One little tip I've found for making it a little easier, if you know how to cast on with knitting you can do that and skip the chain/cast on at the start. Just remember to add one to the length.

I made this guy from a grid and he's found a home in a frame. It's a bit squishy for him but I preferred it with the mount.

And I've been making some cosies too, which has worked well, given it produces a thicker fabric than regular crochet.

Be sure to let me know if you give it a go.
x Adele