During spring break last week, I felt the urge to start a knitting project for myself. I wanted to try something small and learn a new skill at the same time. This Union Jack Tea Cosy pattern from Ravelry is just what I needed!
In order to knit this british beauty, I needed to teach myself intarsia. Haha, easy right? Wrong. On my first attempt I spent a minimum of four hours knitting away, only to realize that my yarns were tangled and I was doing it completely wrong. I couldn't even salvage the twisted mess...so into the garbage it went. *sigh*
I think I was having difficulty for two main reasons:
1. This pattern is done in garter stitch, not in the traditional stockinette, so I got confused when twisting the strands on the wrong side.
2. Intarsia is HARD!
Thanks to the lovely forums on Ravelry I found some great resources, like this site explaining how to knit intarsia with a garter stitch. I also used these YouTube videos found here and here.
I finally got the hang of it and it is coming along nicely!
Do you think Wills and Kate would like it as a wedding present? ;-)
like like like--you are way more patient than i am
ReplyDeleteOh I love this! I'm looking forward to the finished thing, complete with the tea pot, it's so cute! loving your Earl grey tea in a proper cup and saucer, so sophisticated!
ReplyDeleteThank you both! I can't wait to post the finished pictures!
ReplyDeleteyour knitting is so clean and perfect! i'm continually impressed. love the project. i do the same thing...try to learn a new technique with each project.
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ReplyDeleteOh, I would love a knitted Union Jack tea Cosy, but I can't knit very well. It looks complicated and great fun!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit to your blog. It was lovely to stop by and visit you.
Have a good weekend! ;-)
Jo May
Intarsia is one of those things I have yet to attempt. Major kudos for teaching yourself!
ReplyDeletehi, dear! your blog is so neat! I reaallly love your header! we should be friends! I am your new follower!!
ReplyDeletefollow me, too ?;D
hope to be friends,
love, polly :)
I just started trying Intarsia and it is really tough! Definitely requires more focus then I'm used to giving to my knitting haha but thank you for the tools! Sometimes wading through the internet for helpful videos and sites can be tough!
ReplyDeleteWow - what a deal!!! Nice find.
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