Knitting with Cables

Cable knitting is one of my favourite techniques, and it's also incredibly easy to learn. With just a few simple tricks you can make endless variations on basic cable designs and use them to add texture, warmth, and visual interest to almost anything. Here are a few of my top picks from Etsy that show just how versatile a technique it is.

 

Cable knits are still very popular for homewares, this cushion cover by jennilyons81 uses a very basic cable design to create a cosy looking piece.

This made-to-order throw by HanksAndNeedles combines cable patterns and lace knitting to achieve  a very sophisticated finish.

Cable knit headbands were everywhere this winter, and this pattern by CableCable is particularly fun, combining a five strand braid pattern (easier to do than it looks) and a simple two strand cable on the 'knot' band.

Cable knitting is probably best known in Aran sweaters, and this bag by KnuttinButYarn uses traditional Aran motifs, like travelling cables and moss stitch, to create a chunky, rustic looking piece.

Cable knits needn't be chunky; these button down legwarmers by gertiebaxter are knit in a lightweight yarn and are perfectly complemented by the delicate lace edging.

Even dogs love cables! This french bulldog is modelling a lovely basket weave sweater by bychancedesigns.

If you are in the Merseyside area and interested in learning how to knit cables you can book a place on my class with the Liverpool Happy Hookers on April 8th. We'll be at Hopscotch on Matthew Street from 7pm and I will teach you everything you need to know to create beautiful cable designs. Check out their Meetup page for more details!

Sale Now On

Having a bit of a clearance over at my Etsy shop, with 20% off all the individual Autumn-Winter prints (not including gift sets or the Valentines range.)

When it's gone it's gone, but don't worry as there will be new Spring-Summer designs coming very soon....

Green Shoots

I'm not very good with plants, they have a tendency to die on me. I currently have a very sad looking orchid on the dresser which I don't hold out much hope for (third attempt with orchids, not counting the time I looked after my friend's which also ended badly.) I've been hatching elaborate plans for our balcomy since we moved in just over a year ago.

And today my plans started to look that little bit closer.

It'll be like this in no time;

 You can see all my horticultural inspiration over on my Pinterest board (I'm aiming high)

Has anyone else had gardening successes recently? Do you have any tips for a short-on-space amateur gardener? I'd love to hear from you!