Ribbing Double Knitting

This is the ribbed double knit, creating pronounced rows of lifted braids that look a little like cabling.

I used a 56 large peg loom or 28 pegs on each side to create each cushion cover panel. Using 2 strands of yarn at once, each cushion cover requires 3 skeins of 100gm Thorobred 8 ply acrylic yarn.

I realize for double knitting, it's about wrapping the yarn on the loom in different ways to create different looks. After wrapping, it's the same basic knit off.

Versace S/S 2013 Fashion

Versace clothes are always showy and revealing, this season is no different. This time, its in see through black lace and stone wash fabrics. Apart from the usual studs and slashes, there is the very magical tinsel that makes these long flowy gowns look like mirages in the desert.

My favourite dress from this entire collection is this tinsel marvel that is actually quite covered up for a Versace creation.

I am in love with Versace's Atelier collection for Spring Summer 2013, everything is positively TDF!

Donatella Versace is on a roll, that gold dress is fierce.

The Versace Menswear 2013 S/S collection is for showbiz or creative types I think. See through pants, metallic vests and shirts that don't button. Hhmm, there are also neon floral prints and lustriously shiny suits for anyone trying to be more adventurous in their wardrobe.

Butcher's Block

There is something so homestead in a butcher's block, rustic kitchens usually have a big butcher's block on top of an island or central table. It's essentially a chopping mat and parts of it will get worn down over time, a testament to all the home-cooked meals in that kitchen.

I notice butcher blocks are sold nowadays with wood parquetry patterns that make it soo appealing and often used in food presentation. I guess it's a matter of time before we see the yosegi-zaiku version being sold.

Sometimes, there are hidden compartments to store utensils, knife and so on. So you are not scrambling all over the place looking for your tools.

If you are stuck on what to get for Father's Day, it is not too late to make something for dad just yet. Look at these adorable animal shape butcher blocks.

Or even monogrammed versions with recessed sections to catch the meat juice so it doesn't run all over. The design is functional. 

Something simpler but still pretty is inscribing on a piece of wood with an engraver, in this case a pizza block.

MANGO

Every Singaporean girls' go to brand for euro chic clothes. In my early 20s I got all my clothes from here as did my friends and cousins, so much so we sometimes had the same thing on. Mango has evolved from just women clothing to include men and a separate brand for its accessories called Mango Touch. After all these years, it's still got it.

Swensons

Sunday night family dinner at Swensons. Glad to see not much has changed since my childhood. Loving those ice-cream lamps.

Ice cream desserts are what make Swensons. I had the lamb chops that were delicious!

Rare Yarns

Some of the rarer yarns out there, I am sure nifty knitters already know all about that.

Qiviut yarn gathered from the soft underbelly of the Musk Ox. I hear it is collected only once a year and sent to Eskimo women to knit into garments for sale. Costs about USD$80 for 25gm.

Vicuna yarn is gathered from the rare alpine creature once every few years because that's how long it takes to grow back. This active creature is usually wild as it escapes captivity easily. Soft and luxurious, it is a rare material that costs USD$300 for just 25gms and is said to be worn by royals. Available only in its natural brown colour as it does not take to dyes or chemical treatments.

100% Yak Yarn costs USD$25 for 50gm and is fast replacing cashmere as the new luxury fibre. Known for its strength and warmth, it is also purportedly odour resistant and moisture wicking (anti-static).

Camel Yarn is another alternative to cashmere, it consists of the soft fur underneath a camel's coarser outer layer and the younger the camel the softer the yarn. Woven into a shawl, it is lightweight and soft while still able to keep you warm. Prized for its inability to felt as easily as other types of yarn. Baby camel yarns costs just USD$20 for 50gm, it is cheaper but more difficult to obtain.

Mink yarns are the new alternative to mink fur as the animals don't have to be pelted to make the clothes, minks just get a haircut a few times a year to make mink yarn that is then knitted into clothes and accessories. USD$25 for 50gms, its cheaper too but looks less pouffy.

Vegetable yarns have a lovely sheen like this Sugarcane Yarn shown here that I have yet to obtain. It's similar in lustre to Soybean Yarns and Milk Protein yarns. It is manufactured in a similar manner to Bamboo Yarn that is even shinier. I have a real love affair with vegetable based yarns. Did I mention how soft these are, USD$15 for 100gms.

SeaCell^® Yarn is derived from seaweed and is usually blended with silk to create a yarn worthy of any mermaid. Apart from being soft and suitable for sensitive skin, it is also anti-microbial and able to absorb moisture effectively. Silk blended SeaCell^® yarn retails at USD$18 for 50gms.

Knitting Accessories

Knitting accessories can be purchased separately. If you are new than just get a basic kit like the Clover Knit Mate above, you will definitely use everything in it once you get started on knitting.

  

Point Protectors are caps for your knitting needles, so you don't accidentally poke anything with it. There are larger caps for multiple knitting needles. 

Stitch Gauge that allows you to see the size of the stitches and the size of the knitting needle. Yarn size has to correspond with needle size. Patterns and yarn balls usually carry instructions on what size needle to use and stitch size.

Stitch Markers identify the areas a twist, switch or colour change is required. Martha Stewart looms have different coloured pegs for the same purpose.

Stitch Holders come in all shapes and sizes. It basically holds your stitches while you complete the rest of the row. Commonly used in cabling or when knitting rounded corners like gloves. This particular clover version allows you to slide stitches over to the other side easily.

Measuring Tape is an essential tool in any craft project. Used to measure 2 pieces of knitted fabric that are to be matched up or how many more knitted squares are required for a quilt. 

Row Counter is a really useful tool, right now I make notations on a piece of paper after each row.

Tapestry Needle to weave in the loose ends and to sew 2 pieces of knitted fabric together.