Double Knitting

Starting my double knit series with the basic stitch. The plan is to make a cushion cover with each double knit stitch as swatches. From there, I can decide what type of scarf I want to make with my more expensive yarns.

Double knitting creates a thick, double-sided fabric that knitters normally make into scarves. It also makes great cushion covers as it is plush and shows an obvious knit pattern. 

Double knitting always takes up a lot of yarn, more so than normal. Remember to prepare lots of material in advance. 

The finished product! Looks more interesting in neon, glad I chose it.

Salvatore Ferragamo S/S 2013 Fashion

I vote Ferragamo's Spring Summer 2013 Womens collection the most wearable this season. Any single item from there would fit into every girl's wardrobe and be worn regularly.

The entire collection is in neutral earth tones. What makes it worth your money are the interesting cuts that are expertly tailored and high quality patterned fabrics. It introduces a little edginess and glamour in the usually staid working wardrobe.

In contrast, the menswear collection features lots of bright neon colours in blocks and tie-dye. Very fun and attention grabbing, it occupies a niche unfilled so I guess if this is what you are looking for then now is your chance to buy it. 

Displaying Plates

Gone are the days when you use a metal or wooden hanger to display your plate collection. Cement those collectible plates on the wall of your kitchen or dining area for added visual interest.

MaxStudio

Another one of my favorite brands that offer high quality fabrics and skilled stitching at prices we can afford. You can't wear high fashion everyday but you can wear the clothes from this place everyday.

This brand loves working with light airy fabrics that breathe and are suitable for our climate. Do note that some of the fabrics used are quite delicate and require extra care in washing and ironing.

 It is stylized casualness, a difficult mix to achieve but always done here masterfully. MaxStudio store is located at Paragon S.C.

Laduree

I stopped by the temporary Laduree counter at Ngee Ann City Level 1 outside LV and Chanel, to pick up a bite. There is an actual store somewhere else in the building.

A big part of the display is taken up by macarons The macarons cost S$3.80 each, I guess it's cheaper than flying to Paris.

All sorts of candies and biscuits are sold here, prettily packaged. I saw sugared violets that are quite uncommon.

Matching Yarn

Previously, I mentioned running out of yarn halfway through my craft project and it happened again. It's hard to find the same thing or colour again, but sometimes you can substitute with something similar. Like my Moda Vera Aurelia Mesh that I substituted with Moda Vera Bellevue, it doesn't have the sparkly thread and is 2mm thinner in width.

Here we have Moda Vera Manhatten 70% Wool & 30% Bamboo that matches in yarn size, colour and lustre with Moda Vera Chantilly 70% Acrylic & 30% Milk Protein. You really can't tell the difference just by looking at it.

Winding Yarn

I have been wondering why yarn isn't sold in ready-made spools like thread. It really should be an industry standard. Instead, yarn skeins come in all shapes and sizes like twisted rolls, donuts, balls and the more common roll. If you work slowly and carefully you can knit the yarn as is. However, it is advisable to spool the yarn first before starting or it will get entangled mid-way and hours will be spent unraveling.

Electric or manual yarn ball winders are commonly found in the knitting section.

And if you prefer something more artisanal, there is this foldable spooling umbrella.

I still like to use cardboard or plastic bobbins to wind my yarn around. If the basic versions sold in craft stores don't excite you, Etsy sells really adorable novelty bobbins.