As I look back through this blog, there is a definite pink theme. That is purely by coincidence and I'm not really sure how it happened! Just to be different, I dug into my bag of bargain wool and pulled out:
- lime green wool
- grey and brown camouflage wool
- cream wool that was a little too rough to be used on its own
These came in one of my bargain buys and I can understand why someone else would avoid using them. However, I like the challenge of producing something useful from the unlikeliest of yarns.
I knitted 2 little waistcoats by combining the cream and lime green for one and the cream and camouflage wool for the other. The cream softened the lime green and gave more of a tweed effect to the camouflage wool. All the wool was dk weight so the end results are warm and chunky.
The buttonholes are quite large and the only suitable buttons in my box were a plain beige colour. So I used grey thread on the camouflage waistcoat and pale green thread on the green waistcoat. Small details matter and I think the buttons now look perfect.
I used up the remainder of the wool by knitting 2 little baby hats. The colours are not the obvious choice for baby hats. But these items are destined for Greenfields Africa which is an organisation that supplies blankets and clothing to children in Kenya and Uganda. Colours that would look strange in an English nursery will fit in perfectly in another part of the world.
The waistcoat was very easy and quick to knit. The pattern is called "Mayflower's Basic Bodywarmer" and it can be found in the pattern section of the Loving Hands website.
For the ribbed hat, I used the Basic Ribbed Baby/Child Hat pattern.
For the plain hat: I used the Basic Baby Hat pattern.
Lovely Una they have turned out really nice. I know you aren't stash busting as such but I think you have busted that stash quite nicely, that's what it's all about really challenging yourself to use yarns that you wouldn't usually use. :)
ReplyDeleteDid your body warmers curl at the edges, I remember mine did when I made them, have you got a way to stop that happening. :)
Hello, Linda. When I sewed them up and gently steam ironed them, I was able to make them lie flat. The way I buy wool I suppose I'm using what most other people give up on, which is quite satisfying.
DeleteThose little waistcoats are so gorgeous. Thanks for including the links to the charities you knit for I have been wondering what I can do to use up some of the yarn I've collected over the years so this might be just the thing.
ReplyDeleteWell done! Also, about colours for babies - I think it has changed a lot in the last couple of years. Colours we never would have considered for our kids when they were babies are now very popular.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea. Combining colors to soften the boldness of one over the other. The sweaters and hats are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am going to check out Greenfields Africa. I have wanted to do some charity knitting for a while.
Lovely and for such a good cause too!
ReplyDeleteThank you for including the charity links! I often knit hats and mitts for the 'Operation Christmas Shoebox' project, but I'd be happy to knit for other charities, too - it doesn't take long, the rewards are that needy children will benefit - and it's a great way to make good use of remaindered wool!
ReplyDeleteUna these are lovely I love the colours you have used and your causes you are knitting for are good too xx well done xx
ReplyDeleteWell done! Great knits!
ReplyDeleteHi Una, they both turned out very nice! Your knitting is superb by the way! :D
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Beth P