They do say you never stop learning. This week in particular the world of social media friends has taught me a few new things.  I have shared with you previously that I have rediscovered knitting. On my knitting to do list is to knit myself a hat. Well just before Christmas this is something I attempted, using standard knitting needles. Result – a hat project fail of tea cosy proportions, for that is just what it looked like.
My brother in laws mum is a fabulous knitter, it’s positively embarrassed to admit to knitting in her company because I do it so badly and have had so many failed attempts. But she kindly lent me a knitting needle for my hat, so I can knit in the round. Having discovered a suitable hat pattern I set to starting a fresh with the right tools for the job. I had only managed to cast on when I realised the length of the needle was too big. I shared this dilemma complete with photo on my Instagram and Facebook feed, I am so pleased I did. What wonderful people you are! My fellow knitters have come to the rescue, for I  have now discovered knitting using the ‘Magic Loop’ method – who knew!! Also I received some advise on marking my starting point. I guess I now just need to hurry up, Spring is after all upon us and there will be no need of a hat soon.
I don’t know why I am in such a rush to try my hand at new things, but last month I also had a dabble at learning some new and recalling some long forgotten embroidery stitches. I had chosen to join in with a crafting task, partly to raise money for a local charity and partly for fun. The task was to decorate a piece of fabric any way you like, so I decided on simple embroidery. Chain stitch is something I was taught at school, I recall using it to stitch my initials on my pump bag. But I have not used it since, but it was easily remembered. French knots, something I had tackled when I made my cross stitch spectacle case, but they can be so tricky. Cue the need for a handy You Tube video.  A step on from French Knot is the Pistil stitch, which is a French knot with a tail. I enjoyed this stitch and love the different designs you can create with it. 
  • French Knots
  • Pistil Stitch
  • Knitting in the round
  • Magic Loop
  • Knitting markers
The last few weeks I have discovered and learnt quite a few things, some more ground breaking than others. I may not be an expert knitter or stitcher, but I have now taken a step forward from where I started.

I linking to Five on Friday at Amy’s Love Made My Home.