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How to make button loops….

Knitted buttons loops allow you to easily add to the edge of knitting without interfering with the cast on or off.

Here at Dizzy Tyke Designs we use them a lot on sleep sacks to stop corners flapping around. Have a look at the Martley, Abberley and Honeybourne sleep sacks

They look great when finished and are not complicated or difficult to make. Have a practice on the edge of an old bit of knitting or even fabric as consistency is the key to a professional finish.

Identify where you want the edges of the loop, then using a tapestry needle attach yarn so there are 2 thickness.

Thread the needle through the work from back to front, where you want the second edge of the loop to be. The long stitch should be slightly bigger than the button diameter.

Pass the needle through the long loop from front to back, then pass the needle through the small loop, then pull firmly but not excessively. This creates a stitch around the long loop.

Keep repeating the needle going through the long loop from front to back, then pass the needle through the small loop, until all of the long loop is covered. By keep the firm pull consistent you will get a neat edge. but not excessively. This creates a stitch around the long loop.

Once the long loop is all covered, pass the thread back through a few stitches to secure and allow the end to be hidden when cut.

Thanks for taking a look at my update and site.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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Bespoke Orders

Bespoke orders

Don’t forget here at Dizzy Tyke Designs , I can work with you to come up with personal and imaginative designs for that special gift.
All the cushion designs at Dizzy Tyke Designs are exclusive to my label and shipping is worldwide.

This pair of cushions were a special something for a cycling loving couple. The mirror images cyclists and bikes were colour coded to suit the couples kit.
This bird and flower design with a hint of skull, was commissioned as a gift for an ageing rock chick who now lives in a country cottage.

Both of the above designs will be making an appearance on the for sale page soon, but if you are desperate to get one early drop me a line, using the link at the bottom of the page..

Astley Beret

The Astley Beret is designed to fit a 6 to 12 month old child. Its knitted flat and has no complex stitches.

The tassel creates a fun finishing touch and the instructions on how to make it are below.

How to Create at Tassel

What you need (A) Yarn, Cardboard, Scissors and a darning needle

  1. (B) Cut piece of cardboard template 5” wide, (C) Wrap yarn around cardboard 15  times.
  2. (C)Thread tapestry needle with yarn, pass between yarn and template, tie round yarn snugly. 
  3. (D) Thread tapestry needle with of yarn and wrap around tassel 6–10 times, snugly. Then pass through the center of the tassel and out of the head. 
  4. (E) Remove from cardboard and Cut ends of yarn .
  5. (F) Trim tassel ends evenly if necessary.
  6. Attach to desired location .
A
B
C
D
E
F

What’s coming over the next few months….

  • Christmas decorations start to make an appearance
  • More designer cushions and bespoke ideas
  • More bridge are looking for that special something to show off their rings and make their wedding album a bit different, so a new range of ring cushions will be here before the Autumn.

Don’t forget to join my mailing list for update and offers.

Thanks for taking a look at my update and site.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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Early July Update

The WESTON Cardigan released last week is proving a big hit. The clean lines and easy construction makes it an ideal go to patten for any occasion. I have has a number of enquires about the cape clasp on this design and will be starting to stock them in the next few weeks once my suppliers are fully working after lockdown.


For those wanting to purchase a finished WESTON Cardigan.

I am now taking orders for commissioned work. drop me a line of the size and colour combination and I will be happy to provide you with a price and timeline for supply.

What’s coming over the next few months…..

My update later in July will have a link to this cute Beret Pattern and for the first 2 weeks it will be FREE on my web site. so why not make sure you get a copy and join my mailing list to find out when its released.Displayed here on my cute sheep manakin, its designed to fit up to approx 2 years old. Knitted flat in 4ply, there is one simple seam down the back.


Watch out for the Astley release date.

Thanks for taking a look at my update and site.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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Weston and Bearwood

Bearwood Vest – NEW FREE PATTERN

An any season smart vest finishes any ensemble, for boys or girls. Knitted flat this simple but striking design would suit any baby and make a perfect baby shower gift. 

The small feature breast pocket adds detail without being complicated. 

To fit 18” to 24” (46-61cm) chest with finished size having approx 2” (50mm) positive ease.

Sample shown is knitted in Snuggly Snowflake.

A great addition to the Bearwood Vest is a sew on pocket topper. These simple additions look great without overcomplicating the knitting pattern. Designed to be stitched in place they avoid the need for hot irons to attach them. there are 2 designs available at present with more in the pipeline.


Weston

Also released today is the WESTON Cardigan.

Knitted in Baby Aran, it has clean lines and can be knitted one solid colour or a striped option is included in the pattern instructions.

The front is fastened with either a clasp and hook or button and loop, so no working out which side you want the button holes on or worrying if you have them in the right place.

Work in knit and purl stitched, there are some short rows, that the pattern guides you through.


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Camper Vans Galore.

In anticipation of a limited Camper Van season starting soon, I’ve created a range of luxury cushions to suit any decor combination.

All edges of the cushion are salve edges or overlocked to prevent fraying. The appliqué itself has no raw edges, although this dramatically increases the stitch count of any design it gives not only stunning outlines, but also longer lasting finish.

Like many other items sold by Dizzy Tyke Designs, the materials are ethically sourced to not only prevent good new fabrics going to waste, but to nurse the best prices possible are passed onto customers.

This means there is a limited supply of each designs and or colour combination, but on a positive note you are getting an individually designed and hand made product made using exclusive designs created in my studio.

Here’s a quick sneak peak of the WESTON a new a pattern that will be released in early June as soon as I get it back from the final test a knitter is doing at present. This cute cardigan is Knitted in baby Aran and easy to create, there are no button holes but a simple toggled fastener.

Don’t forget my handy Needle Conversion Chart for US and UK sizes.

Join the mailing list to be amongst the first to get a copy.

What’s coming over the next few months…..

  • A FREE pattern for a child’s vest, with a front pocket, prefect for pocket toppers to change the season and theme with one sweater.
  • Hopefully a review of the Malvern Quilt show, COVID19 permitting.
  • A quick knit winter cowel pattern.
  • I’m looking to start a you tube channel with knitting and sewing tip, with particular help for left handed crafters.
  • Look forward to Christmas, quick trimmings to make and gifts to purchase

Later this week this eye catching Land Rover Discovery Design will be added to my cushion range. The VW Camper was such a hit Ive been working on this brand new design that is the perfect gift for anyone who loves everything ‘Landy ‘ .

Thanks for taking a look at my update and site.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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Stash Busting Times…

The relaxing of Lockdown may have started, but for many not much in life will change for a few weeks. As may small yarn suppliers have had limited opportunity to reach their customers, why not use patterns that need smaller amounts of a number of different yarns. This is an ideal way to bust some of your stash and get some colour combinations you may not otherwise have considered.

The Eastnor Scarf looks very different in these blues and greens compared to the original Christmas colours.


If your having trouble getting just the right buttons for your project. Why not check out my new Range of Buttons, they come in a variety of shapes and colours.


2 years ago I was enjoying a cruise around Norway, Iceland, Faroe and Shetland Isle, where I met a group on an organised craft holiday. With yarns and fabrics available in every port and enough downtime to knit the Madresfield Shawl.
Covid 19 has devastated the live craft show program for this year, along with the craft cruises and crafting holiday breaks many had planned. Many artisan shows have took the bull by the horns and had online virtual shows, getting the crafting commuting chatting, buying and keeping motivated and active, both physically and looking after there mental health in these trying times. This surge in online contact and community sprit has been reflected in communities across the country during these unprecedented times.

Just before lockdown, I was so lucky to have spent a day foraging for fabric, this has kept me busy, expanding my cushion range. Some are available on Etsy, but the full range are on my site And if you buy direct you’ll get the best prices. These beauties (except the brown van…sorry that sold as soon as I posted a picture on Instagram), will soon be on my site.


Many Thanks for Visiting and having a look at my update.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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Lockdown Spring Clean….

The unexpected imposed lockdown due to COVID19 has provided me with an opportunity to spring clean and refurbish Dizzy Tyke Designs web site. So what will you see differently….

  • The home page now not only has quick links to the latest information posts, but also has direct links to the latest Instagram and Twitter feed.
  • Store front – quick links to different sections of the site.
  • Checkout – This is where you will see the biggest changes, with a customer friendly checkout process.
  • Post and Package – is now free in the UK and for anywhere outside the UK the checkout will work out the best price for your purchases dependant on your location and basket content.
  • Knitting patterns – PDF’s are downloadable immediately on completion of purchase, for you to print and use.
  • Cushions – An easier to navigate pages to view goods , with all the materials and product information in a consistent format.
  • Haberdashery – A growing range of products linked to the patterns to help you achieve a professional finish to your crafting.

So why not join my mailing list to get the latest site releases, special offers and discount code.

Many Thanks

Deb the ‘Dizzy Tyke’

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Update…..

Over the past few weeks I’ve been exploring WordPress and it’s it’s plug-ins and how to modernise the look of Dizzy Tyke Designs web page along with ensuring all purchases are fast and secure. So your going to see a few changes around the site.
I’ve started to add Haberdashery and Artisan Cushions to the site.

So come in and have a look around ….


Many of the fabrics I use for cushions and applique are end of role or repurposed new products ( e.g excess store stock such as new curtains or throws), along with fabric sample books from stores that are replacing. This style of material sourcing enables me to minimise production costs and to put perfectly good materials back into the production cycle in this throw away world. However, this does mean there may only limited stock / production of each material combination.

New Knitting Patterns Coming Soon….

Birtsmorton

The Birtsmorton is a child’s cardigan that gives warmth whilst keeping individuality and fashion that can’t be ignored. It has a wide boat neck and shaped front panels. The cabled sleeves and edging create detail without overcomplicating the finished look.
Recommended to be  knitted on 5mm (US 8) needles.  
Whilst the sports weight Brinksty is a simple yet stunning shawllette, perfect for any occasion. It,s created with a tweed effect stitch, shorts rows, a contrasting scolloped border and a single button. Having a  shorter length in the back makes it ideal for sitting or an extra layer on long journeys. 

Brinksty

Anything else I can help with……

Please note, due to the nature of electronic devices the actual colours of goods may vary. This is due to computers, phones, pads and monitors displaying colours differently and everyone can see these colours differently. We try extremely hard to ensure our photos are as life-like as possible, but please understand the actual colour may vary slightly .

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Cushions Galore…

The New Year is looking bright here at Dizzy Tyke Designs. Late last year I  branched out into embroidery work to compliment , embellish and enhance my  knitting designs and products.
 The arrival of Bertha a Brother PR1050X a couple of weeks ago has meant I have been able to review my production costs of  embroidery and appliqué, these price reductions are now starting to filter through to my web site and soon to be on other on line shops including Etsy and Folksy.  The savings have been further enhanced as I have changed my preferred postal service to Hermes, who are delivering trackable parcels in 48hours.

So keep an eye out for new cushion  designs and knitwear embelsihments including this yoga inspired design with a tartan theme.

Many of the  fabrics I use are end of role or repurposed new products ( e.g excess store stock such as  new curtains or  throws), I also source fabric sample books from stores that are replacing them, these make amazing appliqué fabrics. This material sourcing process enables me to minimise production costs and to  put perfectly good materials back into the production cycle in this throw away world.  However, this does mean there is only limited stock and production of each cushion and material combination.

Release of the  Birtsmorton and Dunhampton patterns have been delayed for a few weeks, but I anticipate they will be launched well in time for easter and the arrival of spring. The Birtsmorton is a delightful spring cardigan with a cable detail and the Dunhampton is a cape inspired by the new Frozen film. Join my mailing list , just tick box and add your details to be the first to ge these patterns when released. 

How Cute !
Birtsmorton

 

Happy Crafting

Dunhampton

 

Deb
The Dizzy Tyke