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The Near-Disaster Of Felting The Knitted Bag

October 5, 2014 by The Twisted Yarn 72 Comments

This blog post is jinxed, jinxed, I tell you. In the course of its making, I’ve broken the washing machine, over-shrunk a knitting project, mislaid an important piece of technology without which I couldn’t finish illustrating the post, and almost flooded part of the house. I drafted the first, pre-disaster, part of the post earlier. It went like this:-

Well, the Toddler Twinnage are abed, the Stoic Spouse is quietly playing ‘Live Forever’ on his guitar in the dark in another room, and I am sitting at the kitchen table nursing a goblet of wine and feeling nervous. It’s not the Stoic Spouse’s music that’s making me nervous, it’s the washing machine. Because for the first time ever, I’m having a go at felting my knitting, and now that the machine has started, I’m worried that the programme is too hot, too long, and that having started with a huge, floppy knitted bag, I’ll end up with a tiny woollen thimble that’s useful mostly for storing toenail clippings, should I ever become weird enough to do so. Yeah yeah, first world problems, I know.

Ah, to return to those semi-innocent times of mere hours ago, although as you can see, I wasn’t entirely confident that all would be well. But the washing machine was doing its stuff, and I was hopeful.

What could possibly go wrong with this?
What could possibly go wrong with this?

I’d knitted a bag, you see, from a lovely kit that was given to me by my departing psychotherapy trainee. I know this a swerve from the usual business of this blog, but I just wanted to mention it. The knitting was rapid and went well. The pattern is Circus Bag by The Mercerie, and the yarn supplied in the box is their own Yorkshire-produced aran-weight wool.

image

The result was an enormous, floppy sack, but it was designed to be felted so I didn’t worry too much. The yarn allowance in the kit was a smidgeon on the generous side, so I added a couple of extra stripes.

image

So far, so good, no?

Well, no, actually, because our normally cheery washing machine started beeping in distress, and I had to put down my wine and deal with this:-

:-(
🙁

Yup, my felting project had blocked the machine with fluffy gunk. So instead of cooing smugly over a lovely finished bag and showing off the little crocheted flower I’ve made to adorn it, I get to try and find the blimmin’ blockage. Thus far I’ve failed. So armed with advice from the internet, I’ve got to try and conduct some more serious minor surgery on the machine tomorrow. Because we’re potty-training the Toddler Twinnage at the moment and so one thing I really REALLY need in my life is a functioning washing machine.

Anyway, I’ve retrieved the soggy bag, and I’m not entirely on speaking terms with it. It’s……. quite small. Too big for the storage of toenail clippings, I’m happy to say, but maybe half the size it started out. Want a photo? Well when I’ve found my missing bit of technology then I’ll try and take one for my next blog post. Grrr…… (Actually, it is quite pretty, but I want to take a decent photo to do it justice.)

Can you tell that felting just isn’t going to be my ‘thing’, knitting-wise? Reckon I’ll go back to fairisle. 🙂

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Filed Under: Knitting Tagged With: felted bag, felting, how to felt knitting, knitted bag, knitting, the mercerie

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Comments

  1. jengolightly says

    October 5, 2014 at 9:15 pm

    The bag looks fab I love the mercerie designs and I’m sorry it appears to have damaged your washing machine. Felting is obviously Very Tricky. Good luck on the repair!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 3:57 pm

      Not just Very Tricky, but clearly Quite Beyond Me. Ah well, lesson learned. And yes, Mercerie designs are lovely. 🙂

      Reply
  2. pennylibrarian says

    October 5, 2014 at 9:32 pm

    I rate washing machines very highly on the list-of-domestic-appliances to not be without, hope yours is fixed quickly!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 3:58 pm

      Absolutely agree. Fortunately it seems to be OK now. Phew!

      Reply
  3. Cammie says

    October 5, 2014 at 9:33 pm

    Oh no! Sorry to hear that felting has made the all important washing machine ill! I hope you will be able to repair it soon!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 3:58 pm

      I THINK I’ve sorted it… for now. Phew!

      Reply
  4. ohmissusgee says

    October 5, 2014 at 9:33 pm

    Yikes. You soynd (quite rightly) stressed out.
    May I suggest. ..more wine. Then haul OH off the sofa to fix the washing machine.
    Then more wine. Wirh choc biscuits.
    At least that’s what works for me! X

    Reply
    • ohmissusgee says

      October 5, 2014 at 9:34 pm

      *with. Not wirh!! Sorry

      Reply
      • The Twisted Yarn says

        October 6, 2014 at 4:00 pm

        Ah, more wine. Hmmm…. I think you might be on to something, there. Pass me that bottle please, if you’d be so kind? And help yourself to a glass or two whilst you’re at it.. Cheers!

        Reply
  5. Sharon Mann says

    October 5, 2014 at 9:49 pm

    I hope your cute purse can be salvaged. Next time just use a pot of hot water and a wooden spoon to twirl the knitting around. I hope your washing machine isn’t too damaged.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:00 pm

      Yes, that would be a much safer method. Sigh. I think I’ve unblocked the machine. And lesson learned. Phew.

      Reply
  6. dotstestsite says

    October 5, 2014 at 9:55 pm

    Hope its fixed son. Will ask my friend Eileen about felting, she’s an expert
    Sounds awful, a washing machine, in working order, is definately up there on my list of things I don’t want to do without (though Bathroom is fast overtaking it – woodworm in the floor, discovered after plumber had removed all old bathroom!) Agree that more wine is probably called for!
    Hope its fixed v. soon, will try to remember toask my felting expert friend what method she uses

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:01 pm

      Yikes to woodworm and possibly non-functioning bathroom!
      I’ve unblocked the washing machine, so it’s OK again for now. Phew!

      Reply
  7. Barbara says

    October 5, 2014 at 9:58 pm

    Sorry to hear this. It seems that disasters come in threes sometimes. After your bad day, maybe things will be smooth again, at least as much as possible with potty training going on . . .

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:03 pm

      Thank you. 🙂 NOTHING goes smoothly with potty training going on, but as long as I have a sense of humour, some knitting, and nearby wine, I can cope. 🙂

      Reply
  8. thecontentedcrafter says

    October 5, 2014 at 10:36 pm

    Oooooooooh dear!! Potty training aside, a twinnage = washing machine necessity surely! Now I know I’m getting on in years and therefore am likely to be a bit out of the loop so to speak – but I did not know you could felt in a washing machine. Once-upon-a-time, long, long ago [etc] I did it on the stove top in a big jam making thingy that I forget the name of it was so long ago 🙂 This way you can keep an eye on temperature and do the required swirling with a big wooden spoon and also watch shrinkage and felting mass etc.. Plus still sip on the carafe of wine and write up the blog post between stirs and checks. Fingers crossed it all works out okay and the twinnage have clean underwear soon.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:04 pm

      I think your method is much, MUCH better. I have learned my lesson.

      Reply
  9. greenelephantcrochetandthings says

    October 5, 2014 at 10:49 pm

    Uh oh! Hope you get your washing machine sorted quickly. Can’t wait to see the finished bag 🙂

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:05 pm

      Thank you. 🙂 Well I think I’ve fixed the machine, although it keeps coughing up blobs of pink felt.

      Reply
  10. Avril says

    October 5, 2014 at 10:58 pm

    I did exactly the same thing and killed our washing machine 🙁 however I did learn 2 things – one, if using a washing machine always put items to be felted into a pillowcase and tie tightly which stops all the fibres escaping and two, my favourite – forget the washing machine and buy a deep, strong bucket and a sink plunger suction thingy, put hot soapy water in bucket and use plunger with abandon to felt knitted items!! It’s good exercise and also gives a lot more control over the felting process! Hope this helps.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:06 pm

      Ah, a plunger! That’s a genius idea. But I’m sorry about your dead washing machine, rest its poor soul. Sigh. Like you, I’ve learned my lesson (and I THINK our washing machine may have survived…)

      Reply
      • Gallivanta says

        October 8, 2014 at 1:37 am

        Bless your felted bag……the washing machine will be perfectly safe if you place your garment to be felted in a zipped pillow protector. Of course, it kinda ruins the pillow protector but better than messing with the washing machine. Be not afraid. You can do it again fortified with wine and hindsight.

        Reply
  11. Flip Coast Creations says

    October 6, 2014 at 1:29 am

    Perhaps for storing toenail clippings from a rather large dinosaur? Good luck!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:07 pm

      Ha ha, yes! That is pretty much the sort of size we’re talking about here. 🙂

      Reply
  12. dianesoldrecipebox says

    October 6, 2014 at 3:49 am

    Oh my. Sure hope the washer is salvageable. I was thinking of felting an old wool sweater but think I will boil it in hot water instead of using the washer. Good luck on the potty training.

    Reply
  13. onedabbles says

    October 6, 2014 at 3:59 am

    OK. This jinx thing. How powerful is it? Is it safe for me to merely read the post on the other side of the world? If not, it would explain my endless unpicking of bad sewing this morning and absolute inability to master a gathering line for a skirt.
    Good luck with finding the blockage in the washing machine, the missing technology (which hopefully isn’t causing the blockage in the washing machine) and potty training (first, catch your potty.)

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:08 pm

      Ooooh, I’d say it’s pretty powerful. I know you’re only reading this…. and you’re a long way away…. so the jinx will be weakened somewhat… we’re probably talking slight-paper-cut level of disaster rather than complete Armageddon. If I’m responsible for your sewing stress, I sincerely apologise.

      Reply
  14. Toasty Strings says

    October 6, 2014 at 4:37 am

    I have never been brave enough to try felting. It’s right up there with steeking.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:10 pm

      Steeking is fine. Steeking is easy (as long as you close your ears to the stitches as they scream when you’re cutting them). But felting…. Well let’s just say that I’ll leave it to the experts from now on.

      Reply
  15. Crochet Club says

    October 6, 2014 at 5:41 am

    I look forward to seeing the finished product – only you will know what size it was supposed to be!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:10 pm

      That’s true, I can PRETEND I was deliberately trying to make a miniature bag. 🙂

      Reply
  16. gladeridercrafts says

    October 6, 2014 at 6:18 am

    Oh dear! I hope you manage to fix your washing machine! And if you think the bag is too small to be a bag, it can always be a ‘clutch’ instead!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:11 pm

      A very small clutch… more of a ‘pinch’….

      Reply
  17. eclectichomelife.blogspot.com says

    October 6, 2014 at 6:24 am

    Hoping all gets fixed, the jinx disappears and that the twinnage potty train without too much distress to you all. As to felting, try again, it can be addictive, we make slippers here for felting and it’s great fun x

    Reply
  18. Deb says

    October 6, 2014 at 6:38 am

    Seeing as we have had a horrible streak of bad luck anyways I will risk commenting! When I felt in the washing machine I put the item in a pillowcase with a hair elastic holding it tight. That keeps the fluff in the pillowcase and saves the machine.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:12 pm

      You’re far more sensible than I am, and your washing machine will probably have a long and happy life compared with mine. But seriously, thank you for the idea. That would have made all the difference. Oh well, I’ve learned my lesson.

      Wishing you some good luck.

      Reply
      • Deb says

        October 6, 2014 at 4:14 pm

        Our machine usually plugs up with golf tees, rocks and beach glass from our children’s pockets.

        Reply
  19. The Snail of Happiness says

    October 6, 2014 at 7:05 am

    Probably too late to mention this, but, like Deb, I always machine felt in a pillow case to catch the fluff.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:12 pm

      I’ve definitely learned my lesson. 🙂

      Reply
  20. mollieandclaire says

    October 6, 2014 at 8:03 am

    Oh no! You have every reason to be stressed. The colours are lovely though.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:14 pm

      Thank you. 🙂

      Reply
  21. bcre8v2 says

    October 6, 2014 at 1:05 pm

    Reblogged this on storyline creations and commented:
    Well, since I’ve been so undisciplined about blogging lately, I’ve taken the lazy girl’s approach and am reblogging, this funny and “I can relate to this” post.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:13 pm

      Awww, thank you!!!!!!! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Missy's Crafty Mess says

    October 6, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    Oh no.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:13 pm

      Oh yes. 😉

      Reply
  23. bonnyknits says

    October 6, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    Oh no! That does sound dreadful. But I hope it doesn’t cause you to give up on felting altogether–it’s so fun to see the end product. It takes some trial and error to figure out how much something will felt, but I love how it erases any imperfections or mistakes in the knitting. I’ve had to move onto hand felting because my washer doesn’t agitate enough to felt things well, so give that a go if you’re brave. It’s cathartic to take the wet knitting and throw it against the sink or beat it with a spoon (or even take it outside and whack it against the side of the house). Anyway, good luck with the washer…and the potty-training!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:15 pm

      Yes, I think that hand-felting is probably the way forward. Sounds as though you – unlike me – actually know what you’re doing, though. 🙂

      Reply
  24. sweetlittlewood says

    October 6, 2014 at 2:42 pm

    Oh no! I am so sorry to be laughing at you misfortune but… put down your wine… hahahaha. I know exactly that feeling.
    I’ve never been brave enough to machine felt. But I adore the color combo! That orange stripe is a fantastic addition.
    Good Luck!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:16 pm

      🙂 Glad I can raise a smile. 🙂 I was too stupid to realize that machine felting was actually brave. Oh well, I’ve learned my lesson.

      Reply
  25. Carole says

    October 6, 2014 at 3:14 pm

    Oh dear. Hope you get your machine fixed successfully. Not something I’d want to be without and I’ve only got a husband to wash for.
    I’d agree with other commenters on the ‘using a pillowcase’ for felting too. Anything I’ve crocheted that needs washing or felting gets sewed into an old pillowcase before being lobbed into the machine. It protects both the crochet and the machine 🙂

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:17 pm

      You’re much wiser than I was. Sigh. And thank you for your kind thoughts – I think I’ve unblocked the machine, although it keeps spitting out gobs of pink fluff at me.

      Reply
  26. Woollen Wildnerness says

    October 6, 2014 at 3:27 pm

    Ouch, that’s a lot of thing to go wrong! Hopefully both washing machine and bag will make it out okay.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:18 pm

      Thank you. 🙂 I THINK I’ve fixed the machine…. for now.

      Reply
  27. slippedstitches says

    October 6, 2014 at 4:23 pm

    Love this post. I have a washing machine I’ve been trying to kill for the last 4 years. A big felted project might just work. Thank you.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 4:28 pm

      Ha ha ha, yes I do recommend a large felted project. Maybe I should have asked to borrow your machine. 🙂

      Reply
  28. savannagal says

    October 6, 2014 at 6:24 pm

    Next time toss it in a pillow case and fasten closed. Keeps the fuzz out of the machine.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 7:33 pm

      Yup, I’ve definitely learned my lesson. *hangs head in shame*

      Reply
  29. knettycraft says

    October 6, 2014 at 6:52 pm

    Oh what a desaster! I love felting… but it is the only crafting technique I didn’t learn autodidactic cause I always was afraid of the result. I knitfelted some slippers in my washing machine without problems – I did it 40°C, like coloured clothes, only with washing powder – without liquid detergent and absolutely without any fabric softener; and additionally I always put 2 spiky massage balls in the machine too… until now I had never problems with the wool or fluff. Perhaps the reason was this special wool?

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 6:54 pm

      I think you did it rather more skilfully and with more thought than I did. Were the slippers lovely?

      Reply
      • knettycraft says

        October 11, 2014 at 9:17 pm

        Hi, yes, they were… I showed them on my blog… and you were the only one who Liked it http://knettycraft.wordpress.com/2014/09/04/mug-rug-and-felted-slippers/
        🙂

        Reply
  30. narf77 says

    October 6, 2014 at 7:05 pm

    Felting, Fairisle, all of the “F’s” methinks tangled into one. I once watched Hugh Fearnley (another fine “F” of a man 😉 ) Whittingstall and a couple of wonderfully hairy legged hippy girls felt some wool that Mr Whittingstall had been collecting his pee for. I can’t remember exactly why he was collecting his pee for this project but it had something to do with dying or other but the end result was wool that had been peed on, thrashed to within an inch of it’s life, rolled, folded, squeezed, hand wrung, carded etc. and that ended up as a very unusual looking hat if my memory serves me correctly. Around about then I relegated my interest in felting to the “F” basket.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 6, 2014 at 7:33 pm

      🙂 🙂 Yup, felting is most definitely an f-word. 🙂

      Reply
  31. caityrosey says

    October 6, 2014 at 9:02 pm

    Oh dear. Hmm. I’ve never had a blockage while felting, but I suppose it could happen. Good thing to watch out for. Louet Euroflax sport really sheds in the washer too.

    Reply
  32. Allison says

    October 7, 2014 at 4:45 am

    Oh noes! I hope the bag turns out ok. I am very scared of felting…I know there are tons of useful books etc. out there but I already have gauge issues so it seems like tempting fate…

    Reply
  33. annabellefranklinauthor says

    October 7, 2014 at 4:47 pm

    Poor you! Hope everything is sorted soon.

    Reply
  34. kazacrafty says

    October 7, 2014 at 7:30 pm

    …and my husband’s managed to professionally felt all manner of things I’ve knitted I’ve the years without pillow cases or damage to the washing machine. Damage to him now, when a cardigan I’ve slaved over is suddenly too small for the baby…..Hmm

    Reply
    • Gallivanta says

      October 8, 2014 at 1:38 am

      Oh dear, I have done that too!

      Reply
      • kazacrafty says

        October 8, 2014 at 6:13 am

        When it’s me it’s ok, when it’s my husband ego accidentally left the cardigan in the white wash, grrrrrr!

        Reply
        • Gallivanta says

          October 8, 2014 at 6:51 am

          😀

          Reply
  35. bamcrafts979 says

    October 8, 2014 at 1:32 pm

    I felt crochet in my washing machine and (touch wood) haven’t had any problems yet! I use Drops Eskimo which felts beautifully at 40 degrees, plus it’s super chunky so it works up quickly! It’s important to use a low spin so the wool is still damp then you can pull it into the right size and shape and let it dry out slowly. I wonder if an aggressive spin cycle would spin out more fibres and increase the risk of clogging. Hmm. Have no idea really! Just guessing! I think I’ll start using in a pillow case though.

    Reply
  36. pippa says

    October 18, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    Just joined your followers, so this comment is a little after the fact. However, I have a couple of suggestions – you have a front-loading washer by the look of it – when I moved from a top loader to a front loader, felting got very difficult. With a top-loader you can check the progress of felting without stopping the entire process – just take stuff out and check it, and if it still needs more, put it back. So I bought something called a “Wonder Washer” which is a “portable” small washing machine, designed for use in campers, etc. [got mine from Amazon] and works perfectly for felting. Whether or not there is something like this in Britain [I think that’s where you live???] I don’t know, but check into it. I love felting, and have made numerous purses, bowls, vases, etc. It’s a great way to use up small amounts of 100% wool. Anyway enjoy your blog, and will keep following you.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      October 18, 2014 at 7:50 pm

      Oh wow, thank you SO much for your advice. I don’t know whether that would be available here, but I’m off to have a Google.

      Reply

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#breastcancerawareness #breastcancer #ibeatcancer #mammogram

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: CHECK YOUR BITS AND PIECES, PEOPLE! Today was the third of my annual post-cancer mammograms. Honestly, it`s uncomfortable rather than painful, and definitely worth it.
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Also, top tip: if your hair is somewhere between chin and shoulder length, take a hair bobble to tie it back, so that it doesn`t interfere with the imaging. (Longer hair isn`t a problem, because it can be draped over a shoulder.) I forgot this time, and had to improvise with a surgical glove! By some miracle I remembered to remove the glove before venturing back out into the hospital.
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#breastcancerawareness #breastcancer #ibeatcancer #mammogram
...

396 32

thetwistedyarn

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Jun 15

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A new pattern for you! Today sees the launch of Stylecraft's Blogstars On The Beach initiative. See my blog post at thetwistedyarn.com or follow linky in profile.

A new pattern for you! Today sees the launch of Stylecraft`s Blogstars On The Beach initiative. See my blog post at thetwistedyarn.com or follow linky in profile. ...

112 3

thetwistedyarn

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Feb 5

Open
Today. I'm mostly contemplating shoulders (pic 1) and walking with the Twinnage and Stoic Spouse (pic 2). 
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#knitdesigner

Today. I`m mostly contemplating shoulders (pic 1) and walking with the Twinnage and Stoic Spouse (pic 2).
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#knitdesigner
...

146 2

thetwistedyarn

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Dec 14

Open
There's a new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (or see link in bio). Just sayin'.

There`s a new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (or see link in bio). Just sayin`. ...

162 3

thetwistedyarn

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Dec 4

Open
Steek without the 'eek'!
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#steeking #steek #cuttingthesteek #rowanfeltedtweed #garn #strikke #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting #fairisle

Steek without the `eek`!
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#steeking #steek #cuttingthesteek #rowanfeltedtweed #garn #strikke #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting #fairisle
...

888 54

thetwistedyarn

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Nov 9

Open
Playing with the Estonian stranded technique of roosimine. Floats on the right side look like embroidery! Kinda fun.
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#roosimine #roosimineknitting #Estonia #estonianknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting

Playing with the Estonian stranded technique of roosimine. Floats on the right side look like embroidery! Kinda fun.
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#roosimine #roosimineknitting #Estonia #estonianknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting
...

209 5

thetwistedyarn

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Feb 25

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When life imitates "art". Note the little crocheted kitten beside the pond, paws stretched out, just like the real thing. I had no idea when I crocheted/knitted this chair cover that I'd one day be a kitten-slave for real. #blackcatsrule

When life imitates "art". Note the little crocheted kitten beside the pond, paws stretched out, just like the real thing. I had no idea when I crocheted/knitted this chair cover that I`d one day be a kitten-slave for real. #blackcatsrule ...

291 9

thetwistedyarn

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Mar 15

Open
How on earth am I going to spend this hour whilst I wait in the car for my mum? Oh hang on, I have knitting and green tea: I'll be fine for half a day at least.

How on earth am I going to spend this hour whilst I wait in the car for my mum? Oh hang on, I have knitting and green tea: I`ll be fine for half a day at least. ...

310 18

thetwistedyarn

View

Sep 11

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (or see link in bio). 🙂

New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (or see link in bio). 🙂 ...

152 5

thetwistedyarn

View

Jul 21

Open
@novitaknits have done a fabulous job of photographing my cardigan design. ❤ I HIGHLY recommend following their beautiful Insta page. Pattern out very soon. 
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#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisletechniques #steek #steeking #howtosteek #fairislecardigan #fairisle #fairisleknitting

@novitaknits have done a fabulous job of photographing my cardigan design. ❤ I HIGHLY recommend following their beautiful Insta page. Pattern out very soon.
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#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisletechniques #steek #steeking #howtosteek #fairislecardigan #fairisle #fairisleknitting
...

285 12

thetwistedyarn

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May 2

Open
I finished designing a thing. @novitaknits yarns are lush. 🙂
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#strandedcolourwork #strandedknitting #strandedcolorwork #fairisletechniques #fairislefriday #fairisledesign #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #nevernotknitting #novitaknits #novita #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning #knitspo #knitspiration

I finished designing a thing. @novitaknits yarns are lush. 🙂
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#strandedcolourwork #strandedknitting #strandedcolorwork #fairisletechniques #fairislefriday #fairisledesign #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #nevernotknitting #novitaknits #novita #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning #knitspo #knitspiration
...

351 48

thetwistedyarn

View

Mar 25

Open
Spring has never been more welcome. View looking upwards as I walked home after taking the twinnage to school. For once, I wasn't even knitting as I walked.

Spring has never been more welcome. View looking upwards as I walked home after taking the twinnage to school. For once, I wasn`t even knitting as I walked. ...

261 15

thetwistedyarn

View

Aug 25

Open
Another crochet-to-the-rescue post! Two days ago I had more surgery, to deal with the outcome of previous cancer-tackling surgery. They installed a clever wound-vaccuuming device which was fine but inconvenient to carry. So I crocheted a device-carrier and now, life is so much easier! Yarn by @stylecraftyarns .

Another crochet-to-the-rescue post! Two days ago I had more surgery, to deal with the outcome of previous cancer-tackling surgery. They installed a clever wound-vaccuuming device which was fine but inconvenient to carry. So I crocheted a device-carrier and now, life is so much easier! Yarn by @stylecraftyarns . ...

303 30

thetwistedyarn

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Jun 24

Open
Thank goodness I'm not a perfectionist. 
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#fairislecardigan #fairisletechniques #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #fairisle #fairislefriday #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting

Thank goodness I`m not a perfectionist.
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#fairislecardigan #fairisletechniques #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #fairisle #fairislefriday #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting
...

200 14

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 25

Open
There are SO MANY swatches needing knitting for the book. I reckon I can show you this one in progress, because only the reverse will be visible in the finished shot.
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#garn #strikke #strikkedilla #rowanfeltedtweed #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisle #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #virkningsprojekt #virkning #nevernotknitting #knittingblogger #knitspo #knitspiration

There are SO MANY swatches needing knitting for the book. I reckon I can show you this one in progress, because only the reverse will be visible in the finished shot.
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#garn #strikke #strikkedilla #rowanfeltedtweed #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisle #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #virkningsprojekt #virkning #nevernotknitting #knittingblogger #knitspo #knitspiration
...

662 15

thetwistedyarn

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Apr 30

Open
Washed ready for blocking... and mysteriously suddenly enormous. The swatch didn't behave like this!

Washed ready for blocking... and mysteriously suddenly enormous. The swatch didn`t behave like this! ...

263 25

thetwistedyarn

View

Jul 30

Open
I've done walking-and-knitting plenty of times on here. Time for WALKING-AND-KITCHENER-STITCH! OK, I was only wandering round and round outdoors, not hiking up a mountain in a blizzard, but still. 
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#stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #walkingandknitting #knittingandwalking #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #strandedknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #fairisle #fairisleknitting #garn #strikke #strikkedilla #strikstrikstrik #virkning #nevernotknitting #kitchenerstitch

I`ve done walking-and-knitting plenty of times on here. Time for WALKING-AND-KITCHENER-STITCH! OK, I was only wandering round and round outdoors, not hiking up a mountain in a blizzard, but still.
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#stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #walkingandknitting #knittingandwalking #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #strandedknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #fairisle #fairisleknitting #garn #strikke #strikkedilla #strikstrikstrik #virkning #nevernotknitting #kitchenerstitch
...

144 10

thetwistedyarn

View

May 24

Open
A yoke is taking shape. Yarn by @novitaknits .
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#fairisleknitting #fairisle #fairisleknitting #jacquardknit #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #yoke #yokejumper #yokesweater #knittingtopdown

A yoke is taking shape. Yarn by @novitaknits .
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#fairisleknitting #fairisle #fairisleknitting #jacquardknit #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #yoke #yokejumper #yokesweater #knittingtopdown
...

123 4

thetwistedyarn

View

Aug 15

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (link in bio). It was going yo be about knitting, but then I got carried away...

New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (link in bio). It was going yo be about knitting, but then I got carried away... ...

219 7

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 11

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, yeah?

New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, yeah? ...

217 7

thetwistedyarn

View

Aug 29

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com,  or see link in bio.
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@permaculturemagazine This post includes a heartfelt recommendation of Alan Carter's brilliant book about food forests.
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#stylecraftyarns #stylecraft #stylecrafthighlandheathers #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairislekjitting #tricot #tricoteuse
#garn #strikke #virkning #yarnspo #knitspo #knitspiration #knittingpattern #howtoknit

New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, or see link in bio.
.
@permaculturemagazine This post includes a heartfelt recommendation of Alan Carter`s brilliant book about food forests.
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#stylecraftyarns #stylecraft #stylecrafthighlandheathers #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairislekjitting #tricot #tricoteuse
#garn #strikke #virkning #yarnspo #knitspo #knitspiration #knittingpattern #howtoknit
...

182 0

thetwistedyarn

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Sep 6

Open
Hunter would like to inform you that after very extensive testing, he can confirm that @stylecraftyarns are soft and cosy and excellent for napping against. (Pictured: #stylecrafthighlandheathers and a cushion cover I designed with #stylecraftdreamcatcher ).

Hunter would like to inform you that after very extensive testing, he can confirm that @stylecraftyarns are soft and cosy and excellent for napping against. (Pictured: #stylecrafthighlandheathers and a cushion cover I designed with #stylecraftdreamcatcher ). ...

135 2

thetwistedyarn

View

Mar 11

Open
Good morning, lovely people. Isn't knitting just the BEST distraction?
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#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #Fairisle #knitdesigner #knitspo #stylecraftspecial #stylecraftspecialdk #knitspiration #fairislefriday #garn #strikke #virkning

Good morning, lovely people. Isn`t knitting just the BEST distraction?
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#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #Fairisle #knitdesigner #knitspo #stylecraftspecial #stylecraftspecialdk #knitspiration #fairislefriday #garn #strikke #virkning
...

303 9

thetwistedyarn

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Dec 6

Open
Still knitting and walking. Photobomb of twinnage feet at the top of the photo. 🙂
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#knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #knittingandwalking #nevernotknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #rowanfeltedtweed

Still knitting and walking. Photobomb of twinnage feet at the top of the photo. 🙂
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#knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #knittingandwalking #nevernotknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #rowanfeltedtweed
...

169 1

thetwistedyarn

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Jun 8

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com,  or see linky in bio.

New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, or see linky in bio. ...

179 9

thetwistedyarn

View

Jun 3

Open
My lovely friend (since the age of about 4) has just turned 50. We don't usually exchange gifts but she sent me such a thoughtful present when I hit the half-century, and I wanted to do something nice for her. So I designed and made this cowl. I hope she likes it...
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#stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairislefriday #knitspo #knitspiration #garn #strikke #virkning

My lovely friend (since the age of about 4) has just turned 50. We don`t usually exchange gifts but she sent me such a thoughtful present when I hit the half-century, and I wanted to do something nice for her. So I designed and made this cowl. I hope she likes it...
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#stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairislefriday #knitspo #knitspiration #garn #strikke #virkning
...

362 52

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 5

Open
My new dress design is in the latest edition of Novita magazine. OK so you'll need to speak Finnish to understand it, but six months from now I'll be allowed to publish the same pattern in English on my website. @novitaknits is awesome.

My new dress design is in the latest edition of Novita magazine. OK so you`ll need to speak Finnish to understand it, but six months from now I`ll be allowed to publish the same pattern in English on my website. @novitaknits is awesome. ...

186 15

thetwistedyarn

View

Jul 4

Open
Been a while since I posted some hospital knitting, but today I had a pre-op appointment for my post-cancer evening-up-the-boobs-so-I-don't-list-to-the-left-when-I-go-running surgery. @novitaknits

Been a while since I posted some hospital knitting, but today I had a pre-op appointment for my post-cancer evening-up-the-boobs-so-I-don`t-list-to-the-left-when-I-go-running surgery. @novitaknits ...

220 13

thetwistedyarn

View

Dec 31

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com,  or see link in bio.

New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, or see link in bio. ...

271 6

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 14

Open
Time to stop the colourful stuff for a while and begin crunching some serious numbers. Crunch, crunch, crunch...
Depressive Pencils = a fabulous gift from my super friend @toads_mum 
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#knitdesigner #knittingschematic

Time to stop the colourful stuff for a while and begin crunching some serious numbers. Crunch, crunch, crunch...
Depressive Pencils = a fabulous gift from my super friend @toads_mum
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#knitdesigner #knittingschematic
...

136 13

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 20

Open
Hairy trouble is afoot. See thetwistedyarn.com or linky in profile for new blog post.

Hairy trouble is afoot. See thetwistedyarn.com or linky in profile for new blog post. ...

212 6

thetwistedyarn

View

Dec 25

Open
Merry Christmas, people! May the coming year be filled with your favourite yarn.

Merry Christmas, people! May the coming year be filled with your favourite yarn. ...

224 7

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 29

Open
There's a new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, or see link in comments.

There`s a new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, or see link in comments. ...

191 0

thetwistedyarn

View

Jun 2

Open
Places you can knit: deep underground in a cave!
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#knittinginpublic #knitinpublic #placesyoucanknit @novitaknits

Places you can knit: deep underground in a cave!
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#knittinginpublic #knitinpublic #placesyoucanknit @novitaknits
...

109 0

thetwistedyarn

View

Jul 27

Open
Annnnnd breathe. Post-work knitting in the garden. Not shown because I don't have four hands: a large glass of wine and a book.
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#knittingoutside #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairisleknitting @stylecraftyarns #stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers

Annnnnd breathe. Post-work knitting in the garden. Not shown because I don`t have four hands: a large glass of wine and a book.
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#knittingoutside #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairisleknitting @stylecraftyarns #stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers
...

299 13

thetwistedyarn

View

Mar 31

Open
Progress.
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@novitaknits
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#steek #knittersofig #knitspo #knitspiration #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisletechniques #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #Fairisle #nevernotknitting #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner

Progress.
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@novitaknits
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#steek #knittersofig #knitspo #knitspiration #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisletechniques #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #Fairisle #nevernotknitting #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner
...

395 16

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 9

Open
Working on the book, fuelled by green tea and optimism.

Working on the book, fuelled by green tea and optimism. ...

193 4

thetwistedyarn

View

Oct 31

Open
Corrugated rib. The trickiest bit of this technique is finding a third hand to hold the camera.
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#corrugatedrib #corrugatedribbing #fairisle #fairislefriday #rowanfeltedtweed #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #advancedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration

Corrugated rib. The trickiest bit of this technique is finding a third hand to hold the camera.
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#corrugatedrib #corrugatedribbing #fairisle #fairislefriday #rowanfeltedtweed #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #advancedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration
...

269 9

thetwistedyarn

View

May 11

Open
View from a sofa, as I contemplate ideas for a new blog post (that'll doubtless take weeks to be drafted and re-re-re-re-re-drafted).

View from a sofa, as I contemplate ideas for a new blog post (that`ll doubtless take weeks to be drafted and re-re-re-re-re-drafted). ...

168 18

thetwistedyarn

View

Apr 26

Open
Decent weather for a run. Yes I do occasionally put my knitting down. The colours of this view are a statement, too.
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#running #freedomforukraine

Decent weather for a run. Yes I do occasionally put my knitting down. The colours of this view are a statement, too.
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#running #freedomforukraine
...

206 4

thetwistedyarn

View

Aug 16

Open
Strolling and knitting with one half of the twinnage, watching combine harvesters at work because my son is fascinated by farming. 
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#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #knittingandwalking #knitspo #knitspiration #stylecrafthighlandheathers

Strolling and knitting with one half of the twinnage, watching combine harvesters at work because my son is fascinated by farming.
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#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #knittingandwalking #knitspo #knitspiration #stylecrafthighlandheathers
...

214 6

thetwistedyarn

View

Oct 31

Open
There's a new blog post in town. See link in bio or explore thetwistedyarn.com.

There`s a new blog post in town. See link in bio or explore thetwistedyarn.com. ...

157 5

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 14

Open
Uh-oh. #knittingwithcats @stylecraftyarns

Uh-oh. #knittingwithcats @stylecraftyarns ...

231 15

thetwistedyarn

View

Aug 9

Open
There's a new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com. Enjoy.

There`s a new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com. Enjoy. ...

145 0
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