Hello and how are you? I’d like to say that Spring has sprung, but it is absolutely freezing cold here in the UK. The sun does occasionally shine, though, and I am currently looking out the window at our daffodils.
I didn’t realise how strong and resilient daffodils are. They are still glowing and bobbing about in the rather strong winds. Our daffs are super tall because I planted them quite shallow-another testament to their hardiness.
I’ve gone 100% hand made for Mother’s Day this year (In the UK, our Mother’s Day is always the last Sunday in March). I did make a video on this, which I have linked below, however I did forget to show the card I made. So, carry on reading to see it!
I made her a hat, cowl and mitts set in a gorgeous fudge brown. I thought I’d go on trend with neutral, as well as introducing mum to mittens. I keep telling her how, scientifically, they actually keep your hands warmer than gloves. True!
The wool (yes, we can say wool!) is all Toft alpaca in the shade fudge (and cream for the mittens).
Hat pattern is ‘Turret’ – also from Toft. Pom Pom from Toft, shade Camel (they didn’t have a fudge pom). I fixed it to their giant press stud so that it can easily be taken off when washed.
I will find it very hard to part with this hat. The DK weight means the smaller stitches trap in lots of warmth, yet the design allows the hat to still stretch. I think this is the most professional looking hat I’ve ever made! I will certainly be making one for myself…when I have time.
Mittens. These are knitted in the round, but don’t take too long with it being DK wool. I loved the design of the garter stitch contrast, but this wasn’t very practical when knitted as it changed the construction of the mittens. Pattern is Gatehouse by Toft.
A notice – most Toft patterns can only be bought as a kit with the yarn. So it can become costly!
Garter stitch is a square stitch and is ‘bigger’, with a different tension to stocking stitch (a rectangular stitch). So the finger parts of the mittens looked huge and when I tried them on, my fingers were drowning a bit; they did not bend with my fingers as the work was too big.
However, the blocking gods were kind to me and, once wet, I persuaded the mittens to come together at the ends a bit. I think they have blocked nicely and I’ll be able to give them to mum. Not sure how they’ll look with continued use.
Something else to mention with this pattern is that when strolling about, the natural movement of arms causes the mitts to slide down and difficult to keep on. To mitigate this, I think they will have to be worn with the cuff over the hem of a top or coat to keep it in place.
And finally, a matching cowl. Now I don’t have a bad word to say about this pattern because…it’s mine! This is the Barlow Cowl pattern and I designed it for two reasons 1) to not use much yarn and 2) I find long cowls don’t actually keep my neck warm, so this pattern is closer fitting (without strangling!) to keep you cosy. In fact, I wear mind around the house.
The Barlow Cowl is also small enough to easily fit in your rucksack or pocket on a walk. Going for walks in Spring are always a case of being freezing cold, then suddenly having too many layers on.
Did you know? The Barlow Cowl is actually my best selling pattern on both Ravelry and Etsy.
Available for purchase on Ravelry and both digital and physical copy on Etsy.
And finally, here is the card I made. I love a stamping card – I get to be creative without thinking too hard. Stamps are from Noolibird. I’d love to collect more, but don’t have the budget right now./
Have you been making anything for the super star female figure in your life? Do comment and let us know, or send us pictures via email.
Little Miss Drop Stitch 