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This is a picture of my new happy place. It is here where I spend time with my husband Chris, watching TV with him, playing with my little white cat, Xena and creating my knitted and crocheted treasures.
You will notice the two mint green jackets I recently completed. As soon as spoons or energy permits, I will be hand washing them. I have a fibromyalgia flare and can't do them for the moment.
I could not find my bamboo circular needle for the main part of the jackets and I used my old steel one. It seems to have made the wool grey...
I have started a lemon one and have purchased another bamboo circular needle to avoid the discolouration..
The wool is supposed to be machine washable, but I don't want to chance it. I will be washing them in Velvet soap and drying them flat inside away from the sun.
My life is a simple one and is mostly spent at home. If you like, click here for a look of our new home. It's my new happy place!
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
I finished the second jacket in mint green. They are identical, although the lighting makes one look darker...
Next I will knit two in white...
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
So the soft apple green second cardigan is taking shape. I think it will be finished over the weekend.
I know apple green is both my granddaughters' favourite colour so I know they will both be happy with their jacket.
Once again, this is my favourite baby jacket pattern in blackberry stitch. It's knitted in Patons 4 play using 3.25mm needles for the bands and 3.75mm for the body and sleeves.
My new favourite needles are circular bamboo...
Keep on clicking and stitching,
Glenys
This picture shows how my living room is today.. the wind is gently blowing my curtains as I sit knitting yet another Soft Apple baby jacket..
Another granddaughter is trying for a baby and she loves green too. In fact, I made a lovely Soft Apple green shawl for her already..
So I am extremely happy to be expecting more great-grandchildren. Especially with them being close. It will be like having twins.
In fact, I have decided to make two of each colour for the new mummies! I will post a pic when it's finished.
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
In spite of knitting the smallest size for her, it still swam on her. She's filled out nicely over the last few months, but she can still fit in to it.
My granddaughter, her mother, dresses her up with headpieces and bows. She's tiny but trendy!
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
Knitting has a long and fascinating history that originated in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean around the 11th or 12th century. The earliest knitted artifacts are Egyptian socks from that era. Knitting then spread to Europe, where male guilds used it to make religious garments. Gradually, it became an ubiquitous and critical aspect of daily life, practiced by people of all genders and cultural backgrounds, and cherished as a means of providing warmth and comfort through hand-crafted clothing and blankets. Over time, knitting was passed down from generation to generation and evolved to reflect the unique cultural influences of various regions.
Before knitting, there was a needlework technique known as Nålbinding, (a Norwegian word meaning “needle binding”). Nålbinding creates a fabric similar to knitting by looping and knotting yarn with a single needle. It is often associated with the Vikings, but it was also practiced in other parts of the world. Archaeologists have found nålbinding fragments dating from various periods, such as 10,000 years ago in Israel, 7,750 BCE in Germany, the 5th or 6th century CE in Egypt, and the 9th or 10th century CE in Norway.
Another precursor to knitting was finger knitting, which is a simple form of knitting done using only the fingers instead of needles. Finger knitting has been practiced for centuries, especially by children and those who did not have access to needles.
These early forms of needlework laid the foundation for the development of knitting as it is known today.
Over time, knitting spread throughout the world and became popular in Europe, particularly in Scandinavian countries (close to our hearts, naturally), where it was used to create intricate patterns for clothing, blankets, and other household items.
The use of high-capacity knitting machines during the Industrial Revolution did make it easier to produce large quantities of knitwear. (Fun fact: knitting machines were first used in the late 1500s.) However, hand-knitting persisted as a beloved and widely-practiced craft, enjoyed by people from all walks of life. The rise of online communities such as Ravelry and social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook has facilitated greater connection and exchange between knitters, making it easier for them to share patterns and be inspired by one another.
The benefits of knitting
Knitting offers a wide range of benefits to individuals and society. On a personal level, knitting can help reduce stress and anxiety by focusing on the present. It enhances cognitive function by stimulating various areas of the brain, including the motor cortex, frontal lobe, and occipital lobe. It’s also a great way to stay active and improve hand-eye coordination, especially for older individuals. It can also slow down cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Knitting is obviously a great creative outlet for self-expression, can provide a sense of accomplishment, and can boost one’s self-esteem, as well as being a fun hobby that can be done alone or with a group.
From a societal perspective, knitting is a great way to bring people together and promote community building. Knitting groups are a popular way for people to socialize and form new connections while enjoying a shared hobby. Additionally, the popularity of knitting has helped revive traditional crafts and techniques, preserving cultural heritage and promoting cultural appreciation. Finally, knitting can also be a form of charity work, with many knitters using their skills to create items for those in need, such as blankets for children, scarves for the homeless, and hats for soldiers.
For society, knitting is a sustainable and eco-friendly pastime, as it empowers individuals to make their own garments, accessories, and home goods, thereby reducing their dependence on mass-produced, synthetic goods, which can have adverse effects on the environment.
Knitting has been and continues to be an important part of many cultures and traditions, and it’s a craft that has stood the test of time, evolving and adapting to changing needs and styles over the centuries. By Mother Knitter
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
Not so long ago, I developed Trigger Finger and osteo arthritis in my hands which caused my fingers to not be able to bend or straighten.
I regretfully packed away all my wool and needles and hooks and lamented just another thing that age and chronic illness had taken from me.
Then I visited my twin sister who was busy crocheting baby blankets.
She too suffered from arthritis in the hands and she proudly flexed her swollen fingers and encouraged me to take it up again. I did.
I suffer with fibromyalgia and it is important to find something to take my mind off pain, and I find knitting or crocheting does that to some degree.
I believe it is healthy and very satisfying to be creative and I have knitted, crocheted or sewn many gifts for family and friends.
I can actually bend my fingers now. If you are in a similar position and have given up on handcrafts, I would encourage you to try one more time.
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
I call this little pink and white jacket my candy stripe jacket. It is done in fisherman's cable in 4 ply Patons wool.
It did look cute on my little granddaughter, Tay.
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
I know this is a fuzzy picture but I love seeing clothes I made and this includes my favourite blackberry stitch jacket and booties.
It came with a matching beanie with pom pom but it was too warm to have it on Liam. He is now 23 years old pictured here with his great-grandmother.
This was knitted in Patons 4 ply baby wool in this lovely baby blue yarn. Happy memories..
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
This is the shawl and jacket I made for my friend's little grandson. He looks lovely and warm in them.
The jacket was my favourite knitted, blackberry stitch and the shawl was crocheted.
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
Keep clicking and stitching!
Glenys
I made this lilac and white blackberry stitch jacket for Ashleigh's baby girl. It looks nicer in real life than the photo here.
Again it's done in 3ply Patons baby yarn.
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
This little matinee jacket was crocheted in shell stitch up to the yoke. I then knitted the yoke and sleeves in stocking stitch.
I added some ribbon between the yoke and bottom. The booties were knitted in blackberry stitch.. It looked better in real life than the photo...
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
This pink matinee jacket was made in Patons 3 ply baby wool. I crocheted the body in shell stitch, then knitted a yoke and sleeves to complete it...
I matched this with some crocheted booties but they aren't showing much in this picture..
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
In this shawl, I knitted the circular panels in blackberry stitch, and crocheted a long lacy border. A thin band of pink ribbon was inserted between the centre panels and border.
I made this in Patons 4 ply white baby yarn using a 3mm hook for the border.. It was a metre in diameter and very full...
Tay still has it in her treasure box...
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
