the twisted yarn

Knitting, crochet, running, and silliness.

  • Home
  • About
  • Tutorials/Patterns
  • Contact/Media
  • Gallery (outdoors)
  • Gallery (yarn)

Hair

February 21, 2020 by The Twisted Yarn 41 Comments

Today’s thesis: it’s amazing how many hair products are also useful in knitting. No seriously, hear me out.

I posted a tip on Instagram about using elasticated hairbands to secure your circular needles when your knitting is squished into the bottom of your handbag. As your knit-in-progress languishes down there in the dark, stitches slip from the needles amongst the till receipts, samples of oolitic limestone, and tulip bulbs. (What? Why are you looking at me like that?!)

I bought a couple of tools that semi-solved the problem, but they were a minor faff to use. Also, I had to remember to carry them with me, and my ability to remember stuff is… imperfect.

Then one day I realized that an easy, reliable solution was quite literally within my grasp. Elasticated hairbands. If I’m not wearing one, there’s one around my wrist, or in my bag. To secure circular needles, wrap a hairband around the two cables just below where they join the needles, make a loop and pull through tightly. Ta-da! It really works, although some types of hairband are better than others. So now my hair is a mess, but my knitting is tidy.

Actually, most of the quick knitting hints I’ve shared over the years have been hair-product-related. Perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising: these things are designed to tame, restrain, shape, and manage unruly hair – it makes sense that they also have their uses with unruly yarn.

Oh hello, Robyn-the-robin. Good to see you. No, it’s OK, I wasn’t doing anything important. I’ll go and get the mealworms from the shed so I can feed you. Again.

So in addition to the above, here are five more yarny tips that use products more usually seen in your hair. If you know me in real life (hi Mum), you may say, “I’m not taking advice from someone whose hair looks like a musk ox that’s been back-combed” and I can’t deny that you might have a point, but these tips are very much for your knitting and other yarnery:-

There you go, Robyn. Happy now?

2. Claw-grips as mini yarn-ball holders. As someone whose hair is reliably unreliable, I have a lot of these:-

They’re reasonably useful for hair, but they’re extremely useful for managing a gazillion small balls of yarn in intarsia.

They can grip whichever balls of yarn you’re not currently using, and if you’re struggling with all 80 bobbins tangling, they can even grip small balls of yarn directly to your knitting.

The above two tips are my own invention, but the next two ideas have come from other people.

3. Hairspray. You know that feeling when you’re due to attend a yarny event in about half an hour’s time, but you haven’t quite finished knitting the Fair Isle skirt that you designed for the occasion? Yeah, me too my friend, me too.

using hairspray tip to secure ends knitting crochet
In emergency: spray those blighters!

Even if you get to the point of casting off, that leaves eleventy million ends that you haven’t woven in. When this happened to me, I was with Sarah Neal (editor of Let’s Knit magazine), and she told me that hairspraying the ends will keep them in place for the short term. She wasn’t wrong. Five years later, and I still wear the skirt, and I still haven’t woven in the ends. (Oops, did I just confess that out loud?)

stranded fair isle design knitted skirt

4. Another one that’s not mine. Have you ever knitted/crocheted a garment of exquisite beauty but struggled to wear it because *whispers* the yarn is a bit too scratchy? It’s OK, you’re amongst friends, you can be honest here. It’s probably happened to most of us at some point. Please don’t give up on this gorgeous-yet-uncomfortable object. Simply wash in water with a little hair conditioner, and your yarn will soften. Easy!

This is how I spend half my life – waiting for Madam to come and eat the mealworms that she loudly demanded.

5. Stitch markers. We all need them. We all fail to have them to hand at the right moment. After plenty of years of experience, I can confirm that kirby grips (for knitting and crochet) and elastic hairbands (for knitting) work just perfectly.

6. Whilst we’re discussing hair products, we may as well include things designed to remove excess hair. If you’ve knitted something in yarn prone to pilling, use a razor to remove those little felty blobs of yuck.

(This is a camera strap. Free pattern is right here.)

Those are the main ones that come to mind. Perhaps you have others?

This blog post is only here because of the efforts of my friend, the Webscape Gardener, who stepped in to help when this whole site mysteriously imploded yesterday. Thank you Alice – you’re above-averagely awesome.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • WhatsApp

Filed Under: Knitting Tagged With: hacks, hair, knitting, tips

« Progress, Of Sorts
Clothes For Vegetables »

Comments

  1. Kathleen Rausenberger says

    February 27, 2020 at 8:18 pm

    Your advise is always welcome. Thanks for the advise, especially the hair spray,

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      February 27, 2020 at 9:17 pm

      You’re very welcome. ????

      Reply
  2. Shelagh says

    February 27, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    Spiral hair ties can be cut up to wrap around your needles to keep them together. Clover (I think) do make something for knitting needles, but hair ties are a lot cheaper.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      February 27, 2020 at 9:17 pm

      Like it! Thanks for the tip!

      Reply
    • Claudia T says

      March 22, 2020 at 5:53 am

      Love this tip bc i bought some of those spiral bobble hair ties and they just dont work for me, and now they wont need to sit wasted and languishing in the back of my haircare drawer.

      Reply
  3. Jane says

    February 27, 2020 at 8:25 pm

    Oh my; what is that beautiful colour work that you are knitting in greens and red? It looks amazing!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      February 27, 2020 at 8:41 pm

      Thank you! It’s a design for the book. Stylecraft Dreamcatcher.

      Reply
  4. Gwauacrosio says

    February 27, 2020 at 8:43 pm

    Oh thank all the Deities of Knitdom – for one horrible moment I thought you were going all Georgian mourners on us and suggesting we knit trinkets from our own hair – sheep/bunny/alpaca locks are fine but human hair would bring on the heebie-jeebies for me! Thanks for the tips – and the beautiful robin pics – I amazed you find time to knit between feeds!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      February 27, 2020 at 9:18 pm

      Ha ha ha ha ha! Now you’re giving me ideas for new blog posts…

      Reply
    • ReginaMary says

      February 28, 2020 at 2:54 pm

      Hahaha! I joke that I knit with dog hair, but that is only a half-truth. He sheds so often times, if he lays on my knitting, I’ll get floof in my project.

      Reply
  5. M-R says

    February 27, 2020 at 8:44 pm

    Nah, not a clue about hair products .. owing to having had a No. 3 clipper-job a few weeks back. 😀
    My problem with hair, as of about five or six years ago, is growing it out again: it comes to look as if someone has gone over it with a lawn edge-trimmer, and I just can’t bear it. So I sigh, and have another clipper-job.
    Phil, à propos of nothing, are you also a brioche knitter ?

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      February 27, 2020 at 9:24 pm

      Hair: it’s a nightmare. *sigh* I think you may have the right approach. As for brioche, I’ve done a little, and will do more when I have time, because I LOVE what it can achieve. You?

      Reply
      • M-R says

        February 27, 2020 at 11:21 pm

        Trying (VERY, as some have been heard to utter). The choice of colours is my main problem at the moment. Currently gone back to making the shawl thingy I should’ve made when I did an online course – great teacher, she was; and not even Nancy Marchant ! 😀

        Reply
  6. Alice says

    February 27, 2020 at 8:44 pm

    Very glad we got it sorted – we would all miss you terribly if we couldn’t read your blog. And thank you for the hair-related tips! x

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      February 27, 2020 at 9:22 pm

      Thank you SO much for your help. I will reply to your email, honest!

      Reply
  7. Tineke says

    February 27, 2020 at 8:50 pm

    Oh I knew I wasn’t the only one using hair things in work! Thanks dear, now I feel a lot less worried about what my kids will , nah, do think about me. My thread snapped from the luxaflex and those clips keep them up now. Problem sloved. And indeed hairbands work perfectly to keep things together, yarn, needles, hooks. I loose mine so a hairband keeps them together during a trip. They tent to slip through my bag and as a cluster of hooks it happens less or I see them sooner on the floor of the car. I doubt my sons will thank me from lending their razors but hé, I’ve got to do the sweaters XD And unruly hair, sigh, I think we’ve to live with it.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      February 27, 2020 at 9:21 pm

      ???????? We think alike!

      Reply
  8. Bobbie Jean says

    February 27, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    I have one! I have one! I recently read that baby shampoo can be used in lieu of SOAK.
    My VERY big grin! –> 😀

    I do enjoy your posts. Robin’s cool too. Now if you could steer me to a beginner’s sock pattern that’s knitted in a single color and NO fancy stitches, I’d be much obliged.

    Be well.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      February 27, 2020 at 9:20 pm

      Ooh, thank you, I’m going to try that. As for basic socks, I can recommend Ann Budd’s book on knitting socks.

      Reply
      • ReginaMary says

        February 28, 2020 at 2:57 pm

        I agree with you on Ann Budd’s book for beginner sock knitting; she really breaks it down beautifully and covers toe up and top down.

        Reply
        • Bobbie Jean says

          February 28, 2020 at 8:06 pm

          Thank you.

          Reply
      • Bobbie Jean says

        February 28, 2020 at 8:05 pm

        Thank you! I think I’m ready to go beyond hats and scarves but the tens of sock patterns I find are too complex.

        Reply
      • Bobbie Jean says

        February 28, 2020 at 8:07 pm

        Oops! You’re welcome. I discovered the tip on another knitter’s blog. Knitters are such generous people.

        Reply
    • Isabel Jordan says

      February 28, 2020 at 9:52 am

      Try Winwick Mum (blog, book, etc) for basic socks…

      Reply
      • Bobbie Jean says

        February 28, 2020 at 8:15 pm

        Isabel, I tried Winwick Mum because she does the knit-alongs but she confuses me. She assumes I know more than I do, sadly. I think she said I need 2.5 AND 3.0 mm circular AND DPN. But aren’t they the same? I’m congested so am getting less oxygen which makes me feel dull witted and slow. LOL. I want a beginner’s sock pattern that does not require changing yarn for stripes, knowing how to do complex things like argyle or kitchner. cables, etc. I’ll try the book. Thanks for responding.

        Reply
  9. Julia Dain says

    February 27, 2020 at 9:10 pm

    Awesome tips. Hair conditioner for scratchy wool!! I really hope that works.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      February 27, 2020 at 9:18 pm

      It does help, honest!

      Reply
  10. Julie says

    February 27, 2020 at 9:21 pm

    Another lovely smile-inducing post. Love all the Robyn pix and your skirt is lovely. Rather like those boots too! It’s always good to pick up sensible and simple tips for common problems with our yarny work. As ever, thankyou.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      February 27, 2020 at 9:23 pm

      You’re extremely welcome. And thank you for such kind words.

      Reply
  11. kayT says

    February 27, 2020 at 9:59 pm

    I never knew that bobby pins were kirby grips across the pond. Do you suppose Kirby and Bobby knew each other?

    Reply
  12. Laurel says

    February 27, 2020 at 10:12 pm

    I put a hook sort of bend in a hairpin to create a cable needle for sock cables that can then be pinned in securely so it doesn’t get lost between rounds. (I’m working on DNA socks that have 1-2 cables every round.) Bobby pins were too thick with the flat edges they have, hair pins are round, thin, and have cushioned ends. (Which is why paper clips didn’t work.)

    Reply
  13. Louisette says

    February 27, 2020 at 10:22 pm

    I thought this was going to be a blog post about how hair always get knitted inside wips (and cat hair, and boyfriend hair, and I swear I once knitted one of my bald dad’s hair into a scarf)

    Reply
  14. Claire C says

    February 27, 2020 at 10:30 pm

    The inginuity (sp?) of knitters never ceases to amaze me…for those of us who can do the magic thing with pointy sticks and string we seem to be able to find uses for all sorts of household things… I’ve used yogurt pots as yarn bowls, and toilet rolls as the inside of centre pull balls. Thanks for the further tips…my daughter has a habit of leaving hair bands around the house so I’m thinking some of them may be repurposed…! Lovely to see Robyn again.

    Reply
  15. Caz says

    February 28, 2020 at 8:44 am

    Great post. There is another tip for your list. The snappy hair grips, the ones that you crack backwards on themselves to fasten or undo, are brilliant for holding the ends of balls of yarn in your stash. There are a gazillion on a card for £1 in the Pound shop.
    I absolutely love your knitted skirt. Did you use a pattern?

    Reply
  16. quietwatercraft says

    February 28, 2020 at 9:49 am

    I am definitely trying the conditioner tip. I made a cowl in gorgeous alpaca yarn, beautiful colours, but I can’t stand it scratching my neck! Hopefully that will sort it.

    Reply
  17. Isabel Jordan says

    February 28, 2020 at 9:54 am

    Loom bands are good for keeping needle tips together too. (Thanks Danielle for that one) Sadly this only uses a tiny few of the millions still lurking from 5 years ago…

    Reply
  18. Sharon says

    February 28, 2020 at 11:49 am

    Thanks for the hair product tips. Alas they are a few years too late as Daughter (flowing blonde locks, not jealous. At. All.) left home years ago and I keep mine (dark brown but greying rapidly) short because so much easier!

    But – something I find useful: Stitch markers, those you thread onto your needles, are lovely but often heavy and have a nasty tendency to drop off when you aren’t looking. Then go right to the mostly inaccessible bottom of my (knitting) chair. I now tie short lengths of cotton yarn in a contrasting colour into loops. They still try to fall off, but not because they’re heavy, and are dead easy to replace. Plus doing so doesn’t break the bank. (More to spend on yarn!)

    Reply
  19. ReginaMary says

    February 28, 2020 at 2:52 pm

    Great tips. I have used some of them myself. We have a brand of hair elastics that are literally small elastics with no fabric cover. They are smaller than a dime and in all colors. I have used these to hold my needles together in my bag, as well as keep dpn sets together in my needle case. They also make great stitch markers; I’ll use one color for the project with a different color for the beginning of round.
    I love the skirt, by the way!

    Reply
  20. Jane Ezell says

    February 28, 2020 at 4:46 pm

    Now I have to try the hairspray!
    I am smitten by the garment and yarns. I hope they will be in your book!

    Reply
  21. Amy I TX says

    February 28, 2020 at 6:53 pm

    I use those claw clamps to hold edges together for seaming. They’re especially nice for trying on a garment to check the fit before seaming.

    Reply
  22. theknittingmagpie says

    June 15, 2020 at 11:00 am

    Very true. Also should you inadvertently shrink your favourite linen sundress a soak in straightening hair conditioner restores a good few inches of length to it. ????

    Reply

Please do leave a comment - I love to read them.Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

British Craft Awards 2017
crochet knitted ikea poang chair cover cottage house garden
Have a seat!

Recent makes:-

This is thetwistedyarn. Be afraid. Be very afraid...

I'd be honoured if you followed this blog.

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 3,954 other subscribers.
Phil, knits+runs+cancer. 🇬🇧🇪🇺

thetwistedyarn

755 5,999

Knitting+silliness at thetwistedyarn.com.
NHS psychologist. Stranded knitting book out 2022. Stylecraft Blogstar. Runner. Garden @the.twisted.garden

thetwistedyarn

View

Apr 16

Open
Kittens sitting in the crocheted garden. By the way, someone pointed out that there's a fake account pretending to be me: it's at thetwistedyarn_  I can't view it because they've blocked me, but if any kind soul would be kind enough to report it, I'd be very grateful. Thank you, my Fine Fibrous Friends!

Kittens sitting in the crocheted garden. By the way, someone pointed out that there`s a fake account pretending to be me: it`s at thetwistedyarn_ I can`t view it because they`ve blocked me, but if any kind soul would be kind enough to report it, I`d be very grateful. Thank you, my Fine Fibrous Friends! ...

301 75

thetwistedyarn

View

Sep 21

Open
NEW BLOG POST at thetwistedyarn.com (see link in bio) with link to a marvellous* new pattern. Enjoy. 
.
* In other news, I'm very modest.
.
.
.
.
.
#stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #newknittingpatterns #knitspo #knitspiration #nevernotknitting #knittingpatternsonline

NEW BLOG POST at thetwistedyarn.com (see link in bio) with link to a marvellous* new pattern. Enjoy.
.
* In other news, I`m very modest.
.
.
.
.
.
#stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #newknittingpatterns #knitspo #knitspiration #nevernotknitting #knittingpatternsonline
...

157 2

thetwistedyarn

View

Sep 10

Open
Knitting the 'spring' colourway of my next pattern. Nearly done. Yarn is @stylecraftyarns Highland Heathers. 
.
.
.
#stylecrafthighlandheathers #strandedcolourwork #strandedknitting #strandedcolorwork #fairisleknitting #fairisle #fairislefriday #knitspo #knitspiration #knitdesigner #freeknittingpattern #garn #virkning

Knitting the `spring` colourway of my next pattern. Nearly done. Yarn is @stylecraftyarns Highland Heathers.
.
.
.
#stylecrafthighlandheathers #strandedcolourwork #strandedknitting #strandedcolorwork #fairisleknitting #fairisle #fairislefriday #knitspo #knitspiration #knitdesigner #freeknittingpattern #garn #virkning
...

159 0

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 10

Open
Playing with Finnish-inspired motifs for a new design. 
.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #garn

Playing with Finnish-inspired motifs for a new design.
.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #garn
...

155 4

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 2

Open
Sometimes, the reverse is almost pretty as the front, in its own subtle way. (Long floats left deliberately because these pieces will only be used for photography.)
.
.
.
#nevernotknitting #strandedknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #knitspo #knitspiration #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #fairislefriday #fairisle #rowanfeltedtweed #knittingblog #garn #strikkedilla #strike #strikkeinspo #tricot #tricotage

Sometimes, the reverse is almost pretty as the front, in its own subtle way. (Long floats left deliberately because these pieces will only be used for photography.)
.
.
.
#nevernotknitting #strandedknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #knitspo #knitspiration #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #fairislefriday #fairisle #rowanfeltedtweed #knittingblog #garn #strikkedilla #strike #strikkeinspo #tricot #tricotage
...

210 5

thetwistedyarn

View

Sep 2

Open
An afternoon walking in the New Forest with the Twinnage and the Stoic Spouse. Of course I brought yarn.
.
.
.
#newforest #newforestpony #newforestnationalpark #knittingandwalking #knitinpublic #stylecrafthighlandheathers #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #tricoteuse #tricot #garn #virkning #knitspo #knitspiration

An afternoon walking in the New Forest with the Twinnage and the Stoic Spouse. Of course I brought yarn.
.
.
.
#newforest #newforestpony #newforestnationalpark #knittingandwalking #knitinpublic #stylecrafthighlandheathers #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #tricoteuse #tricot #garn #virkning #knitspo #knitspiration
...

209 4

thetwistedyarn

View

Aug 22

Open
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.
.
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.
.
.
#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.
.
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.
.
.
#breastcancerawareness #breastcancer #ibeatcancer #mammogram
...

396 32

thetwistedyarn

View

Jun 15

Open
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

View

Feb 5

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

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

146 2

thetwistedyarn

View

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

View

Dec 4

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

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

888 54

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 9

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

209 5

thetwistedyarn

View

Feb 25

Open
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

View

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. 
.
.
.
#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.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisletechniques #steek #steeking #howtosteek #fairislecardigan #fairisle #fairisleknitting
...

285 12

thetwistedyarn

View

May 2

Open
I finished designing a thing. @novitaknits yarns are lush. 🙂
.
.
.
.
.
.
#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. 🙂
.
.
.
.
.
.
#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

View

Jun 24

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

Thank goodness I`m not a perfectionist.
.
.
.
#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.
.
.
.
.
#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.
.
.
.
.
#garn #strikke #strikkedilla #rowanfeltedtweed #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisle #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #virkningsprojekt #virkning #nevernotknitting #knittingblogger #knitspo #knitspiration
...

662 15

thetwistedyarn

View

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. 
.
.
.
#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.
.
.
.
#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 .
.
.
.
#fairisleknitting #fairisle #fairisleknitting #jacquardknit #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #yoke #yokejumper #yokesweater #knittingtopdown

A yoke is taking shape. Yarn by @novitaknits .
.
.
.
#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.
.
@permaculturemagazine This post includes a heartfelt recommendation of Alan Carter's brilliant book about food forests.
.
.
.
#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.
.
.
.
#stylecraftyarns #stylecraft #stylecrafthighlandheathers #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairislekjitting #tricot #tricoteuse
#garn #strikke #virkning #yarnspo #knitspo #knitspiration #knittingpattern #howtoknit
...

182 0

thetwistedyarn

View

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?
.
.
.
.
#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?
.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #Fairisle #knitdesigner #knitspo #stylecraftspecial #stylecraftspecialdk #knitspiration #fairislefriday #garn #strikke #virkning
...

303 9

thetwistedyarn

View

Dec 6

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

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

169 1

thetwistedyarn

View

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...
.
.
.
#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...
.
.
.
#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 
.
.
.
.
#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
.
.
.
.
#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!
.
.
.
.
.
#knittinginpublic #knitinpublic #placesyoucanknit @novitaknits

Places you can knit: deep underground in a cave!
.
.
.
.
.
#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.
.
.
.
.
#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.
.
.
.
.
#knittingoutside #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairisleknitting @stylecraftyarns #stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers
...

299 13

thetwistedyarn

View

Mar 31

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

Progress.
.
@novitaknits
.
.
#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.
.
.
.
#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.
.
.
.
#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.
.
.
.
#running #freedomforukraine

Decent weather for a run. Yes I do occasionally put my knitting down. The colours of this view are a statement, too.
.
.
.
#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. 
.
.
.
#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.
.
.
.
#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
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Knitter Of The Year 2017

Knitter Of The Year 2017
Knit Now magazine, Knitter Of The Year 2017

As seen in:-

Read my occasional column in:-

Top 100 crochet blogs via Feedly

Top 100 knit-blogs via Feedly

Follow me via Wordpress

Follow the twisted yarn on WordPress.com

Recent Posts

  • The Four Seasons Cowl: A New Pattern
  • Nearly There
  • Weirdly Wintering In August
  • Colour Me Seasonal
  • Blogstars On The Beach: A New Pattern

RSS Follow my blog via RSS!

  • An error has occurred, which probably means the feed is down. Try again later.

Archives

Copyright © 2023 · The Twisted Yarn · Log in

 

Loading Comments...