Tag: Yarn

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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.

Buttons

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.

Buttons

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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Autumn in the Air

It looks like Autumn has arrived and thoughts in the crafting world are starting to go to Halloween and Christmas.

The Staunton Sweater Pattern has now been released. With its retro look, this double knit shapely jumpier is prefect for cooler Autumn days, when it can be warn casually with jeans or dressed up for that special occasion with a skirt or slacks . The stylish ¾  length box sleeves sit just below the elbow and it has a cable detail running over each shoulder, complimented by the wide welt and cuff details give it shape. The pattern is now available here, alternatively for immediate downloads visit LoveCrafts, Etsy or Ravelry.

After spending time building up my pattern portfolio, this Christmas will see the availability of a range of themed cushions for sale off the shelf. They feature various topics and are competed in Embroidery and Appliqué.
Keep an eye on the off the shelf page for updates, however the cushions will be one off items, so when they are gone they are gone.

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

Coming Soon……New Knitting Patterns currently at the proof readers include the Beckford Tunic Dress. Perfect babies and toddlers for that extra layer and can be worn with Jeans, leggings or on its own. it features a heart detail on the yoke and buttons up the back. Knitted in sports weight yarn, it knits up quickly but has substance for shape and warmth.

TIP. Not sure on what yarns to use, have a look at the yarn gauge and comparison charts. they allow you to swap and change to appropriate yarns whilst keep ing the gauge and design true.

Lastly…….Don’t forget the FREE patterns, especially the Lulsley a simple and fun tank top for new additions to the family and enjoying their first Christmas.

Happy Crafting

Deb

 

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May Update ….

April covered a myriad of activity, with 2 new patterns out, helping a friend out with some camper van cushions and visiting my annual favourite event Wonderwool Wales, add to this upgrading my site to have the extra security for online purchases. All in all a busy month. The simple but striking Hereford Baby Blanket is a FREE pattern available through my site, just click on the link and then download the PDF. Ideal for that last minute baby shower gift. Knitted in a lightweight double knit yarn, its ideal for knitters of all levels, experienced knitters who want some simple repetition or novice knitters who want to explore and develop their skills with cable work. Tension is not critical so theirs lots of scope for different yarns so why not give it a go ! The Twyning Poncho is that perfect pattern you’ve been looking for. Made in baby Aran its soft, warm and knits up quickly, with  style and that wow factor, whilst  straightforward to knit and create. why not buy it though my web site and save on price. Alternately you can buy it through Ravelry or Love Knitting. The middle of April saw a diversion away for my core business area. Helping  out a friend who received expensive quotes for making covered bed sponge cushions to match the fitted front seats of the  VW Camper Van he is fitting out.  The weight of the material distorted the needle in the machine meant replacing it countless times. The only materials I supplied were good quality polyester thread from Somac and  the Zips , purchased in a 10m strip from E bay. If your approached to do this job and are confident on a sewing machine…give it a go.  Then Came the highlight event of the year, Wonderwool Wales in Builth Wells. This annual fibre festival  gets better each year. If your going to look round, do classes, spend a fortune or not a penny, the atmosphere is relaxing, welcoming and interesting. my favourite stalls this year included The Knitting Gift Shop, where I purchased a wooden yarn Caddy, perfect to stop yarn bobbing round the floor collecting dust, whilst not being too delicate to withstand my mad spaniels darting around. Also a new Knit- Pro Wool winder, my old one was getting very tired and near the end of its days,  this will allow me to wind larger balls of the super chunky yarn I’ve been spinning from Winghams Woolworks tops.  Not to be missed were the goats,  3 kids and their mum, cute was an understatement. This wonderful simple but effective crochet design cushion from Ammonite Yarns caught my eye, they colours were reflective of many stalls this year so it looks like mustard and cream this summer.  As you will have noticed my website security has been upgraded and is now displaying the padlock. We had no issues with security previously but for peace of mind here at  Dizzy Tyke Designs and its customers is important to take all opportunities to stop internet fraud. . This upgrade should give customers more extra confidence when buying direct from my site.         

 

    Whats in the pipeline…..
Currently in my design studio are a number of new ideas for the summer and Autumn. With the new Frozen film due out later in the year, I have identified a number of what will be must have garments likely to be the top of many youngsters ‘want’ list this Christmas.  This shoulder detail is the first thing on the needles. If you want to take the opportunity to get early access to the patterns, join my mailing list by submitting the form on our homepage.  Always popular are my baby sleep sacks, so on the needles at present are 2 new design that will keep any newborn or toddler cosy. The Upton will be a simple cocoon sack, whilst the Highleadon will feature the currently popular Bee themes that are popping up all over the design scene. Why not try the Abberley sleep sack whilst waiting for the new releases.               

Thanks For visiting my blog, happy knitting.

Deb, the Dizzy Tyke

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Pirton Pattern Released.

Pattern Release………………

The Pirton Pattern has been released today. As we are so close to mothers day there is a promotional special on Ravelry, enter the code Motherday and get 50% of the pattern purchase price. This offer runs until the end of 31st March 2019 (BST).  Yes that’s British summer time don’t forget the clocks change in the UK at 2am on the 31st March. 

This  sleeveless, top, is prefect for creating a langenlook garment to add to your wardrobe, knitted on 6mm (US10) needles and is knitted in 1 piece. With only 2 short seams across the shoulders and no button holes, fancy stitches or picking up for borders makes its ideal knit for any level of knitting ability. 

The fit has a lot of positive ease, 2  darts in the back and the relaxed drape of the garment means it is forgiving if your tension is not spot on, with finished sizes to fit  34 (36,38, 40,42,44) inch.

The sample shown is knitted in Louisa Harding Anise yarn, using random look colour changes (list provided on pattern), but any yarn giving the sample tension will work perfectly well. this means you could produce a solid colour or use variegated or self striping yarn to create different effects.

 

Take a look at the details. PIRTON  

 

 

 

Happy Knitting

From Deb….The Dizzy Tyke

 

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I’m back……

January may not be seen at the best time to get the house reroofed, but when your studio is in the attic space you just have pick a date, bite the bullet and get on with it.
So that meant a week to empty the room and storage, 2 weeks for the roofers, 2 weeks to dry it out and decorate then a week to get everything back. 

What it has meant is for the first time in a while I’ve had a good clear out and stocktake, along with creating a few designs for my spring summer 2019 releases, that just need photos and a final proof read.

Here’s a sneak preview of a few…..

The Twyning is a super cute poncho, for newborn up to toddler. it gives an extra layer, but keeps arms and hands free for balance and play. The striking design is created using a slip stitch, so no complicated working with 2 colours on one row. Knitted in Aran Weight Yarn, its the perfects addition to any spring wardrobe.

The Pirton, is a Ladies casual sleeveless vest, that can be worn with anything. Its knitted in one piece and has no button holes or complicated shaping. with only 2 small seems and forgiveness for small errors in tension, this is the perfect beginners garment.

 

Lastly is a super chunky Cowl. The Rhydd is a simple but effective super chunky cowl, that can be created in one evening, for that last minute gift or prefect addition to your winter wardrobe. in with this seasons theme of slip stitch designs, its an easy to create look without getting the yarn and your fingers in a knot.

Next month sees the 2019 Wonderwool in Builth Wells, as always I’ll be visiting and look forward to meeting suppliers old and new, along with the myriads of enthusiasts that always attend come hail wind, sun or snow.

Deb ( the Dizzy Tyke)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dark Nights are for Knitting…..

The dark evenings have closed in, since the end of Summer time Hours, also Halloween and Bonfire Night are gone for another year, just St Andrews Day left and Christmas will be upon us.

So long dark evenings leave plenty of time to get crafting be that knitting sewing or an other craft that takes your fancy. Here at Dizzy Tyke Designs were busy finishing off the Christmas goodies and starting on the spring designs, with a few in the early sample stage.

Don’t forget you can still download a FREE copy of the lovely Lulsey Vest Top, making sure that new addition to your family can join in the Christmas Sweater Competiton. 

I’ve been reading on line a lot this week about the disappointment and frustration at the cost of parking at some major National craft shows in the UK. Sometimes public transport isn’t also viable option be that through lack of integrated systems or the practicalities of getting connections or the amount of goodies you carry away from the event. With this in mind I stopped going to the major commercial multi location shows last year and recommend visiting smaller regional shows with local suppliers and the much more relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
In September I visited Yarndale up in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales Town of Skipton. It was a very busy event and would recommend either going early then popping down into Skipton at lunchtime for a couple of hours, then returning to the show later in the day. There’s a free shuttle bus into town just five minutes away. The suppliers at the show  were varied, good value and showed real enthusiasm about their products not just employed to sell big brands. However some wheelchair users had difficulties visiting stands due to the show being held in the cattle sheds and the slurry gullies stopping wheelchair access., but in most cases the stall holders were on hand to help where they could.

Coming soon to Dizzy Tyke Designs will be the Pirton, a chinky easy knit ladies Vest top. No fancy stitches and made in one piece with  just 2 short seams on the shoulders.
In the final stages of design is the Mathon Layered girls cardigan. The sample shown is in lightweight aran / Wosted yarn. Both will be out before Christmas.

 

Why not Join our mailing list to be kept up to date with new releases and offers. 

If you have yarn in your stash that’s not the weight you need for the project picked don’t forget there is some flexibility if you use 2 strands, it makes approximately the next yarn weight up. But ALWAYS check your gauge before starting to knit. The Love Knitting Cheat sheet on yarn weights is a useful guide., to cutting through the mystique of not only different weights, but the different names they are given across the globe.  

 

Thanks For visiting my blog, happy knitting.

Deb, the Dizzy Tyke

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Autumn Glowing and needles Clicking…Christmas is coming…

 Well Autumn has well and truly arrived in sunny Worcestershire. To help keep you busy and get ready for those cold winter nights I’ve got 2 new Shawl patterns being Launched this month. The Madresfield and Eckington.

But before that we’ve got to mention the “Christmas Word” as we knitter know you have to start your preparation early. it get you started I’ve created a FREE pattern for a quick easy cute babies

Christmas themed Vest Top. The Lulsley  Vest Top PDF can be down loaded now.

JUST Click HERE.

 

 

The Madresfield, named after not only a local village but also a grand house that befits this design. its a shorter shawl that not only suitable for wearing over winter layers but also ideal for popping over you shoulder when sat watching the world go by, whilst knitting your winter projects . Knitted on 3.5 mm  (US4) needles, this sample is made in British Wool Marketing Board ‘Platinum’ Certified Organic Blue Faced Leicester from Wooltops,  but any yarn knitting to the same gauge will work perfectly well.
It has no complicated stitch patterns and can be made with or without the bead detail. Its knitted in one piece in  double knit yarn, you’ll soon see it growing before your eyes. 

 

 

 

Also out later this month is the Eckington Shawl. This bright , warm and versatile shawl would look perfect with that special evening wear at pre Christmas Parties or be just as home on Christmas Day walks.
This lace Weight shawl knitted in one piece and uses short rows to create distinctive shaping. Open lacework is interspersed with bands containing beads in 3 sizes.
Knitted on 3.5 mm  (US4) needles, this sample is  in Araucania Botany Lace and Rowan Finest 4 ply, but any yarn knitting to the same gauge will work perfectly well.
The finished size when blocked are 76” long,  and the width is 8” at ends and 18” at center.

Happy Knitting.

Deb…….the Dizzy Tyke

 

 

 

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Easter and Spring are coming.

Spring is almost upon us and with an early Easter just around the corner it time to start thinking about those new projects in lighter weigh wool and cottons.

Time to delve into you warm stash and plan for those finer festivals on the horizon. This year I will visiting Wonderwool Wales in April and bringing back some ideas and photographs to get your creative juices flowing. Anyone making the list the show web site has a healthy list of near by accommodation, which enables an early start to the full day show

Bromyard Sleep Sack

The Bromyard, which is last of this seasons sleep sacks has just been released. you can by direct from this  site for just £2.00and I’ll e
mail you the Pattern PDF within 24hrs.

This sumptuous sleep sack has a delicate cable design, is knitted in one piece and has a novel buttoning hood to allow for more versatility.

The sample shown as a fleece lining making a striking contrast with the cream Patons Favrito Yarn and creating a feature of the button line on the hood, giving it the feel of luxury.


If you just can’t wait you can down load immediately from Ravelry, Love Knitting, Crafts or Etsy. prices will vary due to VAT and £/$ exchange rate dependant on site purchased through. 

 

On the needles at present is the first in the spring summer range, the Knightwick Caftan, has clean simple lines, with a cable detail on the neckline and hem.

Most patterns are write in UK sizes and inches., have a look at this handy conversion chart for guidance.

 

Join my mailing list for offers on new releases.

Deb

Keep in touch on Twitter and Instagram.

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All Change at Dizzy Tyke Designs.

All aboard the Happy Bus.

Dizzy Tyke Designs is entering a New Era this month.  From small beginnings as a part time business interest, supported by a second job. The winds of change are now allowing me to be employed full time at Dizzy Tyke Designs as of Valentines Day 2018.
This will mean more traffic to my site, with pattern offers and scope to develop the off the shelf and made to measure garments later in the year.

Kempsey with elbow patches

New out for this month is the Kempsey, this delightful button neck jumper is ideal for spring conditions, when the top coat can go back in the cupboard but an extra layer is still needed.
Its available here on my site, I will e mail the PDF on receipt of order.

or you can purchase At Love Knitting , Ravlery , Etsy and Craftsy . Note some prices on these sites may not include VAT, I have no control over that. If you buy direct you pay £2.00 no added extras. 

Don’t forget there is an easy to read conversion chart for international size comparison. 

Join me on Instagram or twitter for updates and information and general crafting chit chat.