easy kids knits projects

Before I pop these pictures into my pattern book photo gallery, I wanted to share the beautiful interpretations of the patterns from my books by the wonderful Gabrielle. She is becoming prolific at knitting from both Easy Kids Knits and Easy Baby Knits for her adorable red headed grandchildren and I love how she gives each new project its own individual twist. She loves to choose the prettiest shades of gorgeous yarn from Loop yarn shop and then lets the colours dictate the end results.

Here are two very sixties style interpretations of the smock top from Kids, which is so very pretty.

I am sure Gabrielle won't mind me mentioning that the flowers were an addition to try to hide what she considered as untidy finishing round the neck, but I love the detail and the reason for it! My one big tip for knitters is to enjoy the pattern and knitting and not be too perfectionist with it - after all you could always go and buy a machine made sweater if you want perfection, and knitting is supposed to be relaxing.

Here, the mistake has become a beautiful feature of the top and I love how she has used the differing placements in each smock.

She has also made the ballet style wrap top and bonnet from Baby into a cute little set for the newest addition to the family, and there are those sweet little flowers again - not to hide anything this time, just to add a bit of colour. Gorgeous.

Keep up the good work Gabrielle!

I love to see your finished projects, so please do feel free to send me them, or to point me in the direction of them on Ravelry.

cable knit yoke sweater

The very talented animator (and now knitter) Holly Klein over at Unfurled tells me she has just finished my cable yoke sweater for a Christmas gift. Lucky little girl I say! I also love the hand made skirt she has teamed it with. Makes my sewing fingers itchy...

Check out Holly's website for other fabulous knitting projects and also for her textiles heavy animations, which are charming.

up, up and away!

A huge thank you to everyone who braved the elements to visit Loop last Thursday and support the launch of my new book, Easy Kids Knits. I had loads of fun and really enjoyed meeting everyone. There were fabulous prizes to be won, and with a grand total of twelve of them, and free samples of soak wash, most visitors went away with something lovely in their knitting bag.


The shop was packed to bursting!


Scrummy cakes baked by the lovely Gingerknits - she must've known that strawberries are my favourite fruit.



Sorry about my terrible handwriting everyone!
There were also two very special visitors in the shape of these handsome boys. If you recognise them, it is because they were models in Easy Kids Knits and little Finley was also a model for Easy Baby Knits. Well done to Fin for sporting some of the projects in very humid weather!

we have lift off!

Finally, Easy Kids Knits has been published and to celebrate the fact, I shall be throwing a launch party at Loop on Thursday the 6th August. It is my birthday the next day so I will have cake and something fizzy to drink for the knitters who make it in. The book will be discounted by 10% on the night, and if you buy it you will be in with a chance of winning some lovely yarn. We have some Debbie Bliss Eco yarn and pattern books and a selection of the beautiful Sublime yarn, which is used in the book.

The lovely folk at Sublime have even sent their yarn in beautiful gift boxes, which make me want to keep the prizes all to myself...but I shan't, I promise!

Oh, and did I mention that everyone who steps through the doors will also receive a sample of Soak wash for while stocks last?!

The launch will be on between 6 and 8pm this Thursday, I hope to see you then.

easy kids knits

It feels like I have been waiting for bloomin' ages for this book to arrive, but at last it is here! The first preview copy of Easy Kids Knits was delivered today. This time it is being released just in paperback, although you will be glad to hear that it still has the same feel as Easy Kids Knits, with sumptuous photos and simple yet beautiful knits. I tried to also keep the projects really wearable, an important factor when knitting for fussy children who can now decide what they do and do not wear!

The launch date is in the first week of August and I am going to have a big launch party at loop with fizz and birthday cake, as I will also be turning 21 again, so even more of a reason to come along and help me celebrate. I am working on other exciting elements of the launch, which I will let you in on as soon as I have them finalised. Hope you can come along, browse through the book, partake in some of the events and help me drink all those sparkles!

sneaky peak

Here is a sneaky peak at the lovely Blad copy of Easy Kids Knits I have just received. It is a little promotional leaflet with a couple of patterns in to demonstrate the layouts of the final book. Looking good, I think! Can't wait til the launch now - which I have been informed will be the 6th August, which is my late grandad's birthday and the day before my own. Most auspicious dontcha think?

pretty proofs

The postman had a lovely parcel for me this morning in the shape of the proofs for Easy Kids Knits. The models are gorgeous, the photos are beautiful and the patterns look even cuter than I had anticipated, I just hope you all like them too. The arrival of the proofs is a great moment as you really get a feel for how the final book will look, and it also signifies the imminent publication date. Not long now til spring...and the sunshine with it, crossed fingers!

taking pictures

The last shoots for the book proved that I have some very beautiful and talented young people in my family! I recruited my nephews, cousins and family friends to wear my knits as they are so gorgeous. Here are Taylor and Eoin playing with Finley, instead of getting down to work. The final shots look amazing, I will post some as soon as I can.