I’ve finished knitting a thing. It’s a big thing. 110cm (43″) square, to be precise.
You’re looking at 123 500 stitches which, it’s fair to say, took a good while to complete. It’s made of Jamieson’s of Shetland Spindrift, and it weighs in at 500 grams. That’s a kilometre of yarn.
It was knitted in the round with a steek, which I then cut. (Steeks aren’t as scary as folk think, I promise. Here’s a quick how-to.) I used 3mm needles for the stranded work, then 2.5mm needles for the non-stranded sky.
Want to watch some knitting being cut?
Some of you asked* about the design process that led to this picture, and I’ll write a separate post about that in a couple of weeks’ time, if that’s OK? But today’s self-indulgent post is all about the finished object.
So, this is a picture that I plan to stretch over a canvas frame and hang on the wall. It includes two fascinations that I’ve had since mid-childhood; freshwater life and geology. (This post explains the freshwater life thing, plus the wildlife pond that I dug last summer.) As for the geology, well I discovered my father’s cache of geology books at an early age and I’ve been hooked, ever since. (One day, I’ll tell you about our family dinosaur.)
But let’s have a little tour of this piece of knitting. You might notice that there’s not a great deal going on above the water’s surface. That’s deliberate.
Yeah, there’s the dragonfly, because dragonflies and damselflies were amongst the first and keenest visitors to our new pond:-
And there’s the flag iris and the yellow (‘brandy bottle’) lilies.
Our last house was on the river Thames in rural-ish Berkshire. When I say ‘on’, I really do mean: back door–>small patio–>river. I wish I’d had my blog back then because man, I could tell you some stories about our shenanigans on the river. Here’s a photo I took ten years ago, of one of ‘our’ lilies.
And whilst we’re lingering by the Thames, a weird coincidence of scheduling meant that I was back in that same village yesterday for an appointment, so I took the opportunity for a photo. Our old house was just off to the left of this picture:-
But the lack of activity above the water is because I’ve always been fascinated by what’s beneath the surface. (Maybe that’s why I became a psychologist.) When we lived in that house, I used to wonder what treasures lay buried in the silt beneath the water. Sure, there were probably coke bottles and car keys, but imagine what else might have been down there.
A 17th century helmet from the English civil war? A stash of Roman coins? A Medieval goblet tossed overboard by a careless nobleman? That’s why in this piece, I’ve included a few archaeological treasures, just waiting to be uncovered.
And below those, the bedrock. Some folded blocky limestone, as it so happens.
But it was in the water that I had the most fun. There are a couple of things that shouldn’t be there – the shopping trolley and the boot – but aquatic life is carrying around these things as best it can, because no matter how murky or and dried-up a water body may be, you’ll always find life hunkering down in the mud.
When I was a child, nobody yet cared very much about pollution of our waterways. I have memories of splashing playfully about in the local river amongst submerged shopping trolleys and broken bottles (yikes!)
Plus, there was the ever-polluted micro-stream that flowed across the bottom of our garden and which left me with angry red rashes on my skin every time I tried to dam it (which was often). But even there – at the risk of sounding like a bad parody of David Attenborough – there was always life; tiny fairy shrimps and water lice, braving the pollution.
There are fish, too, in this knitted picture. The pike was fun to create:-
And this chap(pess) is looking at you:-
Also, there’s this frog, diving down:-
And that, my fine fibrous friends, pretty much covers the major elements of the picture. The knitting has had a bath:-
…and stretched out across blocking mats, its stitches already look much more even than they did beforehand. When the finished thing is up on the wall, I’ll show you an update.
*Honestly, they really did. I know bloggers are notorious for saying things like, “Lots of you have been asking why I’m so stunningly beautiful and where I got this £500 handbag” or whatever, but I promise that in this rare case it’s true that at least several of you have asked. (About the design process I mean, not about how I maintain such traffic-stopping good looks – nobody ever asks about that, strangely enough.)
Christine Falkingham says
…WOW!!! I’ve been watching you knitting your picture and have been fascinated by your patience!! It’s fabulous!! …and for your next project…?? !! Well done ????????
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you! (And the way I feel right now, my next project will be a plain garter stitch scarf in chunky yarn!)
Rachelle Coulson says
It’s fantastic – I hate to think how may hours it took you in total. xx
The Twisted Yarn says
I could calculate the number of hours quite easily… but I daren’t.
Marie Sims says
Wow you are amazing. I love it X Marie X
The Twisted Yarn says
Awww, thank you!
Debbi says
That is amazing and I love how you included a bit of trash along with the sublime – a bit like real life. Why has it never occurred to me that I can use one needle size for the stranded colorwork sections and a smaller needle for the stockinette sections? Sometimes my denseness amazes even me!
The Twisted Yarn says
You’re no denser than I am. This was a lesson that I learned the hard way!
stgeorgeknits says
Now that is a masterpiece if I ever saw one! The pike is my favourite piece of detail. Stunning!
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you! The pike was fun to create.
Toni says
Your knitted “thing” is quite remarkable! So much so,it needs a remarkably grandiose moniker.
The Twisted Yarn says
I’m finding this thing particularly tricky to name.
theknittingmagpie says
What a stunning piece of work, I’m happily in awe. I shall now curl up with coffee and read through your back story and site in general. Alas no knitting for me for some months after hand surgery so I can enjoy everyone elses creations ( and watch my stash get totally out of control as my ‘ Pay now ‘ finger still works ????
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. I hope the backstory wasn’t too disappointing. But more importantly, YIKES at the enforced non-knitting! Wishing your hand a very rapid recovery.
theknittingmagpie says
Thank you, much appreciated (my husband is currently building me a cage in the attic!) Enjoying reading your back catalogue with coffee ( and possibly wine at the weekend). X
Julie says
Wow! I did not realize it would be so BIG.
The Twisted Yarn says
Nor did I, really. Or at least, I didn’t realize quite how enormous 110cm squared would look!
Debbie says
Fabulous and amazing! I am in awe! BTW, you look beautiful in your picture and from one curly girl to another, I love your hair! You and your creativity are just stunning!
The Twisted Yarn says
Awww, I’m blushing. Thank you! That photo needs replacing, really, because having kids has added quite a few wrinkles and grey hairs. (Nothing to do with the late nights and wine – it’s definitely because of the kids!) Enjoy your curls. Curls are cool. #notbiased
Susan Ketley says
I have enjoyed looking over your shoulder (via your blog) at your creation, which is amazing. What are you going to make next? All I know is that I will be looking over your shoulder to check it out ????
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you! The way I feel right now, it’s tempting to knit a plain garter stitch scarf in chunky yarn next! But realistically, I’ll probably attempt another too-complicated picture. Sigh.
Gwauacrosio says
This. Is. MAGNIFICENT. Only word for it!
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you so much!
Arlene says
You do such awesome work! I think my favorite part is the pike. My husband and I have caught several of them in our fishing trips. You captured their look precisely. 😀
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. I’ve never actually seen a real one, so I’m grateful to hear that I didn’t get it too far wrong.
Arlene says
My Husband and I had a banner year of fishing in 2015. This is a link to my other site Our Retired Llife. It has pictures of the northern pikes he caught that day.
https://arlenedavidsully.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/david-caught-twins/
leslieplaytonLeslie Llayton says
This is incredible and beautiful. Did you design it stitch for stitch on graph paper first or did you design it generally then finish the design as you knit?
The Twisted Yarn says
I usually design in pencil on graph paper, but this thing was so big that I designed it on-screen using the Stitchfiddle website. And yes, I finished designing the whole thing before casting on.
Linda Jackson says
I hope you have an opportunity to display this work of art publicly so that others can appreciate it. Well done.
The Twisted Yarn says
I might enter it in the village produce show later in the year, but there are some seriously skilled knitters in this village, so I’m not sure I’d win!
Elizabeth McGuire says
Fabulous ????. Reminds me of the song The Bedstead Men by Flanders and Swann. Might be on YouTube xx
The Twisted Yarn says
OK, now I’m curious. If I go and search for this on YouTube, will I end up with a terrible earworm??
Jo says
Oh. My. Giddy. Aunt. Totally bloody brilliant!
The Twisted Yarn says
Ha, thank you!
jeanie says
Bravo!!!
The Twisted Yarn says
Merci!
Joanne Grace Hortensius says
Once again, I’m blown away by your talent!!
The Twisted Yarn says
I’m not sure I deserve such words, but thank you anyway.
Georgy says
This is simply FABULOUS! I am very much looking forward to reading about the design process too.
The Twisted Yarn says
It’ll probably be the blog-post-after-next.
Tineke says
Stunning. Absolute stunning. I’m curious how it will look on the wall. Next blog ????
The Twisted Yarn says
I’m curious about that, too. It’s a bit… large. Not sure the Stoic Spouse will agree to this one!
Ms Sue says
That is such an interesting and unique “thing”. I was impressed before with your designs and work, but now I am speechless – it is definitely “one of a kind”. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
The Twisted Yarn says
Gosh, thank you. And yup, I’m fairly confident that it’s one of a kind – nobody else would be this crazy!
Juliet says
Words fail me, this is just amazing. I am completely in awe.
The Twisted Yarn says
OK, now I really am blushing.
Sarah Lloyd says
Phil, didn’t think that you could top the chair project, until you just did ???????????? You are one amazing lady and I hope that you are suitably proud of your talents ????????
The Twisted Yarn says
Gosh, thank you. At least was quicker to make than the chair, so I’m getting (slightly) more efficient…
margaret says
this is an incredible accomplishment … you are truly talented and brave to design and complete such a detailed and amazing ‘thing’. Congratulations!!!
BTW, does ‘thing’ have a name???
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you! I’m struggling on the naming front. That’s proving more difficult than knitting the blimmin’ thing!
Jane Ezell says
I agree with the others! Congratulations on problem-solving, perseverance, creativity, and perseverance…all inspirational!
WOW
KUDOS!
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you so much! Seriously. ????
Mary says
Absolutely stunning. What a fertile imagination you have! That piece needs to be shown.
The Twisted Yarn says
Or possibly ‘bonkers’ imagination. But thank you!
leighdudenhoeffer says
This is a gorgeous piece of art knitting! I’m intrigued by the ideas and history that went into creating this. I’m also one of those people who has tried steeking yet and am terrified by the very idea of cutting into my work (I shouldn’t be as I cut my weaving for sewing all of the time.) I can’t wait for the post about your design process!
The Twisted Yarn says
It’s funny how different things seem daunting to different people. You happily cut your fabric in sewing, but to me that seems so terrifyingly irreversible…
Ann Wilson says
The Bayeux Tapestry has nothing on you! I know you have received recognition – official, that is – but this tops it all. You WIN – finally and for ever – that’s it. The dragonfly just about breaks my heart followed by the frog and lastly the shopping cart (as we call them here on this side of the big pond). Thank you, Phil, for your inspiration, your humor, your appreciation of life and all it has to offer. I love you.
The Twisted Yarn says
I really am so grateful to you and everyone else who follows along the journey here. It keeps me going with these crazy projects. So THANK YOU.
Lynn Butler says
So impressed! What a fabulous piece of art! I can’t wait to read about your design process for it.
The Twisted Yarn says
I’d better get on with writing the post, then! 🙂
jackallcraft says
Fabulously, wondrously, bizarrely amazing as always, dear Twisted.
The Twisted Yarn says
I’m definitely taking ‘bizarrely amazing’ as a compliment! ???? But seriously, thank you, as always.
jackallcraft says
Bizarrely amazing, or amazingly bizarre. Y’know, in the nicest possible way, it works both ways round. And i definitely do mean it as a compliment.
SharonC says
Wow!!!!! Just amazing!
There are such things in the Thames. A few years back when they were doing some maintenance on Sandford Lock and drained it, they found some Roman artefacts, including a knife or sword if I remember correctly; the found artefacts weee on display in the museum in Abingdon, probably still there.
The Twisted Yarn says
Oh my goodness, that must have been FASCINATING. Wow. I think they found a Civil War helmet at Wolvercote, too. Makes you wonder what we haven’t (yet) found. I feel a visit to Abingdon Museum coming on. Thanks for the tip!
Rebecca Eveland says
The first word which came to mind was “awsome,” but I had to put that away, because your blanket, in its truest form, is “awe-inspiring.” As I caught this journey mid-way, it’s clear I must not only catch up, but am really keen to learn your design process. This is one thing that is probably holding a number of us back from reaching new heights. Really, really looking forward to your next installment.
The Twisted Yarn says
Gosh, thank you for such kindness. The piece about the design process will probably be the post-after-next. I’d better get on with writing it!
josypheen says
Wooooow! This is epic! What a fantastic design and piece of art. I love that you even included a trolly!!
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you so much! The trolley was fun.
Jamie@hookthisweavethat says
That truly is a work of art and dedication. Really shows that knitting is no just about hats and jumpers and socks, but you can crate artistic pictures from it too.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thanks. And yes, I’m always curious about pushing boundaries and seeing what’s possible.
Sharon says
That is utterly amazing, Phyll. Where, with the Twinnage, let alone everything else, d’you find the time to create such masterpieces?
The Twisted Yarn says
Well, the twinnage haven’t been fed for three weeks and I can’t quite remember my husband’s name… But seriously, I just use any old spare moments for knitting and it all adds up…
Wendy Alexander says
This thing is brilliant! Delicate, detailed, bold, intriguing, amusing, rich and generous. A dedication to rivers and their life, and to the ART of knit. Love it. If this is Thing 1, where and what is Thing 2? asked the Cat in the Hat 🙂
The Twisted Yarn says
Ha, I LOVE your Dr Seuss reference! When my twins were tiny a friend gave us Thing 1 and Thing 2 t-shirts for the boys.
But the knitting? Thing 2 is going to need to be even more bonkers…
Wendy Alexander says
Well, we’re all very inspired by your bonkers knitting, and I for one will be ratcheting up the bonkers-o-metre in all future projects. Thanks for forging the knit-path 🙂
The Twisted Yarn says
MY WORK HERE IS DONE!!! ????
Ruth says
You are an amazing artist. I wish my mother were alive to see what you produce. Love peeking in on your fiber work.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you for such generous words. Seriously. Thank you.
Nina Kellock says
There are no words….. well there are obviously, but everyone else before me has already used them. So I’ll just say…Amazing!
The Twisted Yarn says
I’m blushing! Thank you.
Gallivanta says
Not just a thing but a wondrous thing.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. A slightly crazy thing. ????
Laura says
This is absolutely fantastic.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you.
Anita Boekee says
It’s wonderful, a real work of art. I’m so glad that you’re putting it on the wall to be enjoyed as it should be.
Kit Dunsmore says
Amazing piece of work! And I’m on the list of people who would love to read about your design process.
Sue says
My goodness it really is lovely! Please tell me its going on your wall and not on the floor ( noticed you had your feet on it !! )
Claire Holmes says
What a stunning ‘Thing’! I have been fascinated by it and watching its progress on your blogs has been delightful. Thank you for explaining how it came about and congratulations for being creative and dogged enough to bring it to completion. Looking forward very much to seeing it mounted and on the wall! x
Born To Organize says
I love every single detail and your stories behind them. Once again you’ve created an extraordinary work of art and craftsmanship. Surely the TV people can’t be far behind featuring this piece as well. Phil, I don’t know how I found your blog many years ago, perhaps through Pauline, but I’m so glad I did.
quietwatercraft says
It’s incredible, and you’re even more incredible for creating it!
diane willard says
How beautiful a piece of work with so much memory and feelings in it. A work of love
Going Which Way says
Fabulous!
Alka says
You are really a great knitter and fantastic created, I always appreciate your work. Thanks for sharing.
The Twisted Yarn says
And you are extremely kind for saying so. As always, thank you.
Bestemor says
Phil, I haven’t dropped by for some time (the chair, maybe? No, I think more recently than that . . .), but saw a photo of your piece on Lucy’s blog. Words are not enough!! I love stranded knitting, but haven’t yet done one from my own chart; I’ve done a pair of mitts out of my head, but that’s another story . . .
I wouldn’t have thought of using smaller needles for the single-stranded portion; I always do double-stranded, even if it’s only one colour, because I like the thickness to be uniform. A great idea, though.
I love that you used Spindrift, too; it’s pretty expensive here (BC, Canada), so I use Jamieson & Smith wool for stranded knitting these days.
Thanks, too, for mentioning Stitch Fiddle; I have a program to create cross-stitch pictures, but am going to enjoy playing around with this now.
I am beyond impressed by your choice of subjects that are so meaningful to you. The wildlife and plants in particular are amazing! And that trolley! We’ve had the same problems here for decades and more, so I can understand your including debris as well as living things. And, as you say, the living things do seem to adapt and work around the junk.
Your choice of colours and the shapes you use; the overall composition . . . as I said, words are just not enough! I look forward to reading about your design process and even more to seeing whatever turns into Thing 2!!
Thanks for a great post! I feel inspired all over again! ~ Linne