New cross stitch design called Bristol

Introducing my new design called Bristol.  

Bristol is a counted cross stitch piece inspired, at the time of its creation, in excited anticipation of my first time joining fellow cross-stitchers at the Bristol Stitchy Day in September 2024.  I wanted to create a piece for all of us who would be there as a keepsake to commemorate what was indeed a wonderful day with friends doing what brings us joy.    

Bristol is now available for all stitchers or gift recipients who have a love for this vibrant city, or a love for the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Hot Air Balloons which grace her skies. 

Here's a little story about the things you'll find in this design.

There are lots of wonderful things to be found in Bristol which I could have included however I wanted to keep the design small so had to narrow it down to two which immediately come to mind when I think of Bristol - the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.  I chose red as the main colour for this design as a nod to Bristol Samplers. Orange and coral represents autumn which is the season when this particular Bristol Stitchy Day would be taking place. Blue represents the River Avon which flows beneath the bridge while the shapes within the border represent the rocks of the Avon Gorge. The nameplate is inspired by the style of Victorian metal nameplates which are found around the city.

Bristol is an original creation by Karen Wiederhold designing as Weediflower Creations.  The chart-pack is delivered to you as an instant download PDF direct from my Etsy Shop .

New Cross stitch design called Boo-Chic

Introducing Boo-Chic which is a counted cross stitch piece with the chart available to download instantly as a PDF in my Etsy shop.  It’s a fabulous witch’s hat for sure.

The model is shown as being stitched on Aida fabric using DMC threads.  The stitched area measures 80 x 72 stitches making it the perfect size for a quick stitch project.  Boo-Chic is a stylish addition to your  halloween, witchy, fall or autumn decorating.

Boo-Chic is dedicated to my gorgeous and brave witchy-sister Ruth x

I'm sure you'll have a lot of pleasure stitching it as much as I did creating it.

Karen x

Boo-Chic is an original creation by Karen Wiederhold designing as Weediflower Creations.  The chart-pack is delivered to you as an instant download PDF direct from my Etsy Shop .

New cross stitch design called Squeaky Halloween

Introducing Squeaky Halloween which is a counted cross stitch piece with the chart available to download instantly as a PDF in my Etsy shop.

The model is shown as being stitched on Ivory Aida fabric using DMC threads.  The stitched area measures 93 x 75 stitches.

I'm sure you'll have a lot of pleasure stitching it as much as I did creating it.

Karen x

Squeaky Halloween is an original creation by Karen Wiederhold designing as Weediflower Creations.  The chart-pack is delivered to you as an instant download PDF direct from my Etsy Shop .

Why do I call knitting socks Sock-witchery?

You may have seen me referring to sock-witchery in some of my posts and wondered why I call it that.  

The simple reason is that even though I've already been knitting socks for about three years I still find the whole process a bit like magic.  Honestly the wonderment of seeing a heel emerge out of a knitted tube still tickles me each time the heel-stage of the process is completed! 

Also, the juggling of four or five double pointed needles and a circular needle looks like you might be weaving a spell to those observing...... (even though to the beginner sock-knitter it initially feels like a feat in itself getting to grips with it all).  

If you're about the embark on the adventure of learning to knit socks I can tell you the finger-gymnastics and head scratching is well worth it.

Things I learned from learning to knit socks.

1. You can do this....you really can.

2. It becomes an obsession.

3. You have more socks than your feet will ever need.

4. Take your time and read the pattern carefully and make notes. The notes you make as you progress are so helpful.

5. There are a few different methods of constructing a sock.  Pick one method and become comfortable with it's process and then try other methods to discover which one is your preferred method.  My favourite  is the 'heel flap and gusset' method.

6. Start with DPN's (double pointed needles).  I found that using DPN's allowed me to observe and understand the construction of the sock more clearly; which was important for me in the early days.  Nowadays I cast on my socks and knit the first round using DPN's then move onto a circular needle for the leg tube.  I go back onto DPN's for the heel construction and then back onto the circular needle for the foot tube and toe.  You will find what works best for you.

8. Purchase a sock ruler to help with getting foot lengths correct if knitting for others.  If you're just knitting for yourself you don't really need one but I still find it useful.  Mine is a wooden one which is great because it is easy to make a mark on it for each person's foot length.

9. Cast on your sock using needles that are a size up from the needle size you will use to knit the rest of the sock.  This helps with the stretchiness of the cuff, especially if you tend to cast on quite tightly.

10. Prepare to collect lots of luscious yarn, and even better is that there are sock yarns available for every budget.  

11. Have fun.

I'd love to hear about your sock knitting experiences and preferred method of knitting socks.

Karen x

Sock-witchery, the Kingfisher socks.

There’s been some more sock-witchery going on this week.  It’s been a few months since the last pair and I’ve been looking forward for quite a while to casting on this lovely yarn for hubby’s socks - which he picked himself.

The yarn is Kingfisher and is by West Yorkshire Spinners and purchased from Sew U Knit Crafts in Broadway, the Cotswolds. It’s a delightful shop packed to the ceiling with yarny goodness.

This is not a sponsored post.

#weediflowercreations #sockknitting #knitting #sockwitchery