Napery.

Knit for a silent auction on behalf of a dear friend participating in the 2011 Hands Across the Water bike ride.

Knitting has a long utilitarian tradition, and particularly since the second World War has been interwoven with a philanthropic streak. In making this shawl, I wanted to use the best of knitting’s rich history to create something meaningful in aid of this wonderful cause.

This shawl is handknit using a cushy vegan cotton/ elastane yarn handpainted in a tomboyish, earthy range of colours. The shape and structure is similar to the traditional Shetland hap shawl, with its undulating lacy border and cosy garter stitch centre. This combination of yarn and stitches creates a hardwearing accessory with elegant lines suitable for everyday use and special occasions.

More pictures here.

Meet Ghibli.

This unisex beanie features a number of identical cables running from hem to crown, interspersed with purl stitches that make for a super-cushy and flexible finished product, perfect for gift-giving or charity donation.

This is a purposefully quick project, worked on one circular needle from the hem, up to a crown shaped on double pointed needles.

The cable pattern is worked over 16 stitches and 34 rows, and instructions are given for cabling without a cable needle.  Directions are for working crown shaping with a set of 5 double-pointed needles, but can easily be adapted to the single or double circular needle magic loop method, using stitch markers where necessary.

PATTERN DETAILS
Gauge: 16 stitches and 24 rows to 4″/ 10cm in stockinette stitch
Circumference: a very stretchy 14 – 18” (21 – 25”, 26 – 30”)/ 35.5 – 45.5cm (53 – 63.5cm, 66 – 76cm)
Height: 9/ 22.75cm, hem to top of crown

MATERIALS
Needles: 24”/60cm long circular needle; US Size 6/ 4mm or size to get gauge
Set of 5 double-pointed needles; US Size 6/ 4mm or size to get gauge
Yarn: Approx. 170 (255, 340) yards/155 (235, 310) meters aran or worsted-weight yarn (I used Vanna’s Choice aran-weight yarn by Lion Brand yarns, 100% acrylic)
Yarn needle for weaving in ends
Stitch marker for denoting beginning of round

Available as a ravelry download for $5.00 USD

Towards a balance.

Regular readers will remember my decision earlier this year to rediscover my long-neglected passion for the written word by rationing the other interests vying for my free time.

Recently, however, I’ve found that something else has crept in to vie for the remaining precious evening knitting time: the internets.

While I value the human connections I’ve made through blogging, ravelry and-to a lesser extent–big social media like facebook & twitter, lately I seem to be spending a lot more time consuming information than actually interacting with others.

When new information sparks creativity or connections this can be a great source of inspiration, but I feel the need to balance this influx of new ideas with time to reflect and create for myself.

I’m going to start this week by cutting back my screen time to no more than 2 hours a day (once I get home from work), and will check in at the end of the week with my thoughts.

Have a great week!

Seeking test knitters.

I am seeking test knitters for my cabled hat pattern Ghibli.

Number of Testers: Anyone who wants to join in, being mindful of the timeframe.
Deadline: Completed by Sat 16 Oct.
Tools needed: 1 x 24”/ 60cm circular needle and set of 5 DPNs in US 6/ 4mm, or size to get gauge
Material needed: 100g Aran or worsted-weight (I used Vanna’s Choice 100% acrylic)
Pattern Difficulty: Cable stitch pattern is a 16-stitch, 32-row repeat worked in the round. Some experience with cables is desirable, but not essential. Instructions will be provided for cabling without a needle. Charts and written instructions are provided.
Compensation: Knitter keeps finished item and a final copy of the pattern.
Please leave a comment on this post if interested.
Thanks for looking!

Mega Banana Bread Recipe

Adapted from the banana muffin top recipe in 500 Vegan Recipes, this super-moist quick bread is jam-packed with goodies and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Large Bowl
2 Cups rolled oats
2.5 Cups shredded coconut
0.5 Cups almond meal
3 Cups wholemeal flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp bicarb soda
pinch salt
pinch cinnamon
0.5 Cups dried dates, roughly chopped

Medium Bowl
0.75 Cups canola oil
0.5 Cups sugar
0.25 Cups blackstrap mollasses
1 Cup soy milk
1 Tblspn vanilla
6 very ripe bananas, mashed

Method
Preheat oven to 180 Celsius/ 350 Fahrenheit.
Line 3-4 loaf tins with baking paper.
Mix Large Bowl ingredients together. Make a well in centre.
Mix Medium Bowl ingredients together.
Stir wet ingredients into dry; fold gently to combine.
Pour mixture into lined tins and bake for 50-60 minutes or until cooked in centre and coming away from sides of tin.
Allow to cool on wire rack.

No road too long.

As part of a local government urban renewal programme, a concrete thoroughfare in the centre of Perth was transformed earlier this year into an organic community garden focusing on herbs, fruits, vegetables and native plants.

I’m no green thumb, but it’s easy to recognise the same inspirational thrill that I get from knitting or cooking at work here. It’s all about making things from scratch, participating in timeless processes that nourish the body and calm the spirit.

What good things are happening near you?

If you’d like to find out more about this specific project, there are introductions and time lapse footage of the planting day online.