Knitting Needle Size Chart

Quick Knit Large Items

The shawl begins with four stitches at cast on and is increased evenly by one stitch at each end until the desired maximum width.  A few rows without shaping are knitted and then it is decreased evenly by one stitch at each end until four stitches remain for cast off.



Select an easy stitch such as Garter Stitch and use Double Knitting, (8 ply) with Large needles.  Use a simple Pattern. In the photo below the pullover is merely waist bands knitted in rib with the body knitted in Garter stitch and a simple neckline.
Sleeve bands are knitted in rib and the sleeves increase very gradually in size from the wristband to the shoulder
After joining the back and front by a few stitches first at the top left and repeated at the top right to form the shoulder seams and leaving the remaining area open for the neck, the sleeves are sewn into place.  The side and sleeve seams are then sewn.  (See Blog Post: 'Free Knitting Pattern No. 5: Fast Chunky Pullover' for complete instructions).
The shawl begins with four stitches at cast on and is increased evenly by one stitch at each end until the desired maximum width.  A few rows without shaping are knitted and then it is decreased evenly by one stitch at each end until four stitches remain for cast off.

Find Your Niche

My Mother made and sold Handspun Gloves

There's a lot of competition out there!  It's not going to be easy to break into the market and start selling unless you can think of a way to get your product noticed.
One way to achieve your goal may be to find your very own niche market.  My mother did this successfully. She had no sales or work experience but she was an excellent Spinner and Knitter.
She contacted a local business that had a shop that sold locally made clothing and souvenirs and that operated in the midst of the tourst trade.  There followed an enduring business arrangement for her.  On a regular basis the shop ordered from my mother:  handspun gloves, mitts, socks and hats made with wool from local breeds of sheep. My mother supplied them for a number of years.
The golden rule of success lies in the ability to fulfill a shortage - find something that is in short supply and find a way of supplying it.
The photos below show gloves spun and knitted by my mother.  They were made many many years ago and are well worn but such is the longevity of handspun they will surely last for many more years to come!


Handspun Gloves keep in the warmth like no other wool!


These are very old and well-worn favourites

Babies Look Cute in Shawls

Photo by Kathy Elliston
When you want to create a cute Baby photo there's nothing like a shawl to enhance the picture!
They have a practcal purpose too, since the cosy warmth of a shawl is just right for keeping baby snug - cuddle rugs too!


Photo by Kathy Elliston
My Grandson Jamie thinks his shawl's just fine!


Photo by Kathy Elliston
The colours can match the clothes!


Photo by Kathy Elliston
They keep baby very snug.

Shawls

Shawls are beautiful to make.  It is really satisfying to complete one - there is often a lot of work involved especially in making a knitted shawl.  Crocheted shawls are generally quicker to make unless they are very fine and intricate.

The photos below show two shawls that each have a small tie to hold the shawl in place when worn.  The brown one is made from handspun wool.  It was spun and knitted by my mother.

My grandson Jamie with older brother, Java - Photo by Kathy Elliston

Shawl Spun & Knitted by my mother

                                                                                

                                                     

                                        Knitted Shawl