Update on my hands and favour

 I wanted to talk about my hands and if they have become any better.

Well, no they haven't. Some days it's better and it doesn't hurt as much when I do nothing. But even pushing down the shift button on my keyboard with my thumb aggravates it and I get shooting pains.

Days after I have done stuff where I had to hold or grab things it just hurts. I can't do a whole evening of beading either because the pinching of thumb and pointy finger hurts in the joint.

So it very much looks like I have to give up knitting for good. I was afraid of that. It already caused me an endless grieving process listing yarn and knitting books on eBay. It's painful and I feel like crying a lot of times. 

So please can you do me a favour and head over to eBay (click on the logo) and help me to get rid of everything as quickly as possible so I don't get depressed every time I look at all the bags and boxes full of yarn?

Thank you so much!

I'm still here

 Sorry for being so lazy posting.

I am really busy with knitting/crochet and getting my 3d stuff set up again.

There is one reason why I hardly posted. The weather had been so gloomy which didn't help my mood and it doesn't make good pictures. Then as well I started to struggle with the new inhaler I got 2 months ago. I felt so terribly breathless and tired. I am now back to the old one and I feel much better.

So here is proof how busy I was. 😂

Very unlike me I crocheted the same shawl/scarf 6 times. 😱

All different colours. I hope I will have them for sale on eBay by the end of April.

Atm I am making glitzy stuff.

I have another 2 bags full of handknitted stuff I need to take pictures and put up for sale. I hope I will be able to do that next month. I have my fingers crossed my back will finally hurt a bit less than it does now.

I would go outside to take pictures but I don't have a garden. And being an Aspie I feel very uncomfortable standing outside taking pictures and then maybe even get reported because some idiot thinks I am working. As if that's work. I usually only manage about 30 minutes standing. Any more and I am in agony. 😩

Just a quick one

 Just to let everyone know I was just busy with other stuff which made me a bit lazy updating my blog.

Just quickly, if you are still looking for a great gift for a knitter HOBBII has a great Advent Calendar for Knitter reduced to £74. It's absolutely worth it. 

I explain why. As an Aspie I like to know exactly what I am getting.

I have opened now the 3rd box and when I am adding up everything I received I am already on about £100 worth of material.

I am not going to tell you what exactly you will get but it's really great.

So off you go and buy your wife, fiancée, girlfriend, sister, mother etc a great gift.

Knitting and Asperger's Syndrome

I always knew all my life that I was different. Even my mum told me that I was a surprise box as she never knew what came out. As my dad was working all day I spent most of the time with my mum.

She told me that I could sit in front of our radio/record player furniture and listen over and over to fairytale records. I would know all the words by heart.

Once I was in the Kindergarten each time I learnt something new I would repeat it at home.

Later in school exactly the same. We had a really good crafting teacher who taught us an awful lot. And I would repeat everything at home. Apart from the stuff that was impossible because I didn't have a furnace to burn stoneware.

Anyway my dad was very good at drawing and I used to draw flags with him. We lived close to the airport and I would learn everything about planes until I knew exactly what type of plane flew pass. I had from an early age developed a love for cars. I would know all the cars and with it came number plates. I would write lists for all sorts of stuff. Possibly for a "normal" person totally pointless but I loved doing them. 

In school and later in life I always struggled to make friends and/or maintain friendships. They always seemed to much hard work. Quite frankly I had a far better connection to animals.

From an early age I noticed that I was different to other kids. I hated talking on the phone. Still do, if I'm honest, but nowadays I can deal with it. I struggle to understand certain humour and sarcasm. I hate big crowds, loud noises and bright lights. I struggle with changes. Life has always been a struggle to fit in. I felt like an alien on this world. But one thing that was a constant in my life was knitting. I absolutely fell in love with it.

I couldn't see myself never to stop knitting. Until the day I fell down some stairs, dislocated a finger and broke my hand. Suddenly the hobby I loved the most was put on hold. After 2 month with a cast and nearly 3 months of therapy after I was still not able to hold a knitting needle in my left hand. I felt devastated. Desperately trying to find something else to do as a hobby I tried about everything that is out there. But nothing could really replace knitting.

Two marriages later and emigrating to the UK one day I thought I'll give knitting a try again. I struggle a bit in the beginning but soon I had the hang of it again and my left hand was as good as it has always been.

Still though I struggled mentally. Mid 40s I still didn't understand why I didn't understand certains things and why I struggled with so many things. By then I had heard of Aspergers but what I read about it didn't fit. I thought I might be bipolar or had other mental health issues. I just tried to soldier on and it was easier because I could knit again.

Then one evening I stumbled over The Big Bang Theory. I was hooked. Not only was it funny but there was Sheldon Cooper. A genius with Asperger's who struggled with some many things. 

I'm like, he's like me!!!

So once again I researched Asperger's but this time a little more closely. But this time I found out that there is a really big difference between Aspie boys and girls. I found a list with the typical female Asperger's traits and I finally understood. That's me!!!

If you suspect yourself or your daughter to be an Aspie you can download the list here

You have no idea what it means to finally understand the why. You finally know that you are different because your brain is wired differently.

I then was talking to my mum about it and she came to the conclusion that she also is an Aspie. And we are somewhat sure that also my grandma, my mum's mum was an Aspie.

3 generations of Aspies and my great grandma 💖

So, that's my story in a short format.

Maybe now you will understand why the name "crazyknitter". As an Aspie you tend to do the things you love rather excessively. A little bit crazy. 😄

Large Blanket

Typical for me to forget something.

Made this for my mum.

The pattern is free from Rowan.

The yarn is Sirdar Country Style DK

addiCraSyTrio testing

I received the newsletter from Artyarn the other day advertising these new addi knitting needles.

For someone who loves knitting socks, I always look for alternatives that make life easier.

They looked interesting enough for me to buy one set. The 2.5mm wasn't in stock so I went for the 2.75mm.

They arrived very quickly!

This morning I thought I give them a try.

Casting on: no problem.

First round: A bit fiddly.

After about 1cm of knitting, it does get easier.

In the beginning, I was trying to figure out where to hold the loose ends so it felt comfortable.

I guess it'll take half a sock to get really used to them.

Mind you maybe I didn't choose the best yarn to start with. The cotton stretch isn't the smoothest to knit with any needle.

I am sure other sock wool works better.

Fazit: They are very light, feel smooth and make a good set of knitting needles to travel with. But you will have to get used to them, especially how to hold them.

For myself, I will get a set of 2.5mm and a set of 3mm.

Rowan Knitting Magazines

I am selling parts of my Rowan collection.

I just don't have the space for everything.

Please check back regularly as i will add more magazines in the future.

eBay

For all the rest and knitting patterns go here:

eBid

If you are happy with just PDF knitting patterns visit my Etsy store

Etsy

Patterns for Sale!!

I am selling my collection of 

Knitting and crochet patterns ranging from the 1950's (some probably even earlier) up to present day. The condition of the pattern is in the description. 

The prices range from 60p up to £5 depending on condition and if it's just a leaflet or a booklet with multiple patterns.

I also will be listing magazines and books in the future.

My personal collection needs to shrink to a manageable size.

I will be listing almost daily, so check back regularly. 

Remember the more you buy in one go, the cheaper P&P.

Darkness-Design-Store

Felted Slippers

Well, my fiancé needed some slippers. He can't wear synthetic stuff because they just become smelly way too quickly. The solution was felted slippers but it had to be 100% wool.

I found some online but half didn't say what material they actually were and the other half was like having to get a mortgage to buy them.

The solution was make them myself.

I was combing through the internet and i found a pattern which seemed easy and cheap.

Here is the link:

duffers-revisited

It is really a good pattern. It comes on 2 knitting versions and many sizes.

I used the same yarn suggested so i wouldn't have to figure out the correct felting process.

Cascade 220

I knitted the first pair and washed them at 50 degrees Celsius (a normal 60 degrees cycle with reduced temperature) and they came out perfectly.

I managed knit 3 pairs, 2 size 10 wide and 1 size 7 normal out of 400g of yarn (Cascade is knitted using 2 strands)

To make them a more secure and longer lasting i covered the bottom of the slippers with clear silicon (the same you use for kitchen or bathroom) which gives them a nice rubber sole.

Long Aran Coat

This was once a cardigan, then it became an unfinished project, then it turned into a hooded jacket but it finally transformed itself into a gorgeous long coat.

It's partially Aran yarn I bought from Aldi last year and partially Sirdar Bonus Aran yarn. Depending on the light you can see they are different yarns but hey i only wear it at home to snuggle up in front of the TV

The pattern i used is Hayfield Bonus Aran  #9468

Warm Lace Stole

Just finished this one last night. I have not yet decided if i will keep or sell it. Maybe i just keep it a while so i can enjoy looking at it ;O)

It is made from King Cole Mirage yarn which is 50% Wool and 50% Arcylic

It's really cosy and warm and would keep the chill of your shoulders.

And this is how it looks all done up :O)

hand-knitted-wool-lace-shawl

Shiny Purple Triangle Scarf

And here he wave a triangle scarf also something for spring. Quite a simple but effective pattern.

Finished and flattened and in store now :O)

glamour-lace-shawl-purple

Light Spring Scarf

Some light lace knitting scarf made of two yarns knitted together. Another scarf which will be sold through Etsy soon. 

I really have to make up all my finished projects soon otherwise i'll end up with piles of knitted products but not one of them ready for the store.

hand-knitted-cotton-summer-lace-shawl

Corkscrew Scarf

I've made this one a while back already. If i get the proper photos done soon you'll find it in my Etsy store.

It's made of a chunky wool alpaca mix yarn.

chunky-corkscrew-scarf-alpaca

Lace Shawl Pattern

My latest project I am working on is a this lace shawl.

I use Schoppel's Lace Ball for it. 100g seems to be enough for a nice sized shawl.

If you are working with the thicker Schoppel,s Zauberball Lace you will need 200g 

Half circle Lace Stole Instructions:

Difficulty: Easy

Size: 120cm Radius

Material: Schoppel Zauberball Lace (800m/100g) approx. 200g needed

(If you chose to knit with 1 Schoppel Lace Ball the radius will be approx 80cm)

circular knitting needle 4mm

crochet hook 3mm

Lace Pattern: Right side knit as in pattern, wrong side apart from the first and last 2 stitches knit in purl.

How to double up stitches:

knit 1 stitch and 1 twisted stitch out of 1 stitch

two yarn over in the pattern are knitted on the wrong side as followed:

1 knit and 1 purl into the same yarn over stitch

Knitting Instruction:

cast on 10 stitches and knit 3 rows 

4^th row (right side): double up the middle 6 stitches (=16 stitches)

5^th to 7^th row: knit right side, purl wrong side

8^th row: double up the middle 12 stitches (=28 stitches)

9^th row: purl

10^th to 15^th row: knit in lace pattern

16^th row: double up the middle 24 stitches (=52 stitches)

17^th row: purl

18^th to 23^rd row: knit in lace pattern

24^th to 25^th row: right side knit, wrong side purl

26^th to 31^st row: knit in lace pattern

32^nd row: double up the middle 48 stitches (=100 stitches)

33^rd row: purl

34^th to 39^th row: knit in lace pattern

40^th to 45^th row: right side knit, wrong side purl

46^th to 51^st row: knit in lace pattern

52^nd to 57^th row: right side knit, wrong side purl

58^th to 63^rd row: knit in lace pattern

64^th row: double up the middle 96 stitches (=196 stitches)

65^th row: purl

66^th to 71^st row: knit in lace pattern

72^nd to 77^th row: right side knit, wrong side purl

78^th to 83^rd row: knit in lace pattern

84^th to 89^th row: right side knit, wrong side purl

90^th to 95^th row: knit in lace pattern

96^th to 97^th row: right side knit, wrong side purl

98^th to 103^rd row: knit in lace pattern

104^th to 109^th row: right side knit, wrong side purl

110^th to 115^th row: knit in lace pattern

116^th to 121^st row: right side knit, wrong side purl

122^nd to 127^th row: knit in lace pattern

128^th row: double up the middle 192 stitches (=388 stitches)

129^th row: purl

130^th to 249^th row: knit 6 rows in right side knit and wrong side purl in alternation with 6 rows in lace pattern. start with 6 rows in right side knit and wrong side purl.

250^th to 254^th row: knit on right and wrong side.

loosely cast off using crochet stitches.

Copyright:

The pattern is taken from the hardback book “Lust auf Lace” 24 elegante Strick-Designs by Anja Belle & Monika Eckert. TOPP 6763 ISBN 978-3-7724-6763-9.  http://www.topp-kreativ.de/ 

The patter has been translated into English by me. 

You are not allowed to sell this pattern either alone or as a set with other items.