Ally Pally and Choosing Knitting Needles

Well I've had an action packed couple of weeks which included a trip to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace - worth a trip even just to admire the grand architecture of the building set in extensive Parkland with views across to the city's be-gerkined skyline. But that of course wasn't the main attraction for those attending the show, and there was plenty on offer to feast the eyes on or indeed relieve the pocket :)

My mission on this occasion was to buy some more knitting needles to extend my range of sizes, but also to consider some new options. I gave up the long straights a number of years ago in favour of using Knit Pro Symfonie interchangeable wooden circulars for a number of reasons:

• I have  recurrent tendon 'issues' and a touch of carpel tunnel syndrome so circulars are a more comfortable option as it reduces strain caused by the weight and 'leverage' of the long straights. The actual knitting rests on your lap, thus further relieving your hands and wrists of the weight.
• For similar reasons I favour wood which is kinder on the joints & tendons than metal, but I also just prefer the feel of wood over metal.
• Circulars are great for knitting in transit as they take up less space (to the relief of the person seated next to you), and also if you drop your needle it can't roll away down the length of the carriage thus avoiding the embarrassment of having to do an ungainly duck dive to rummage under the other passengers' seats to retrieve it - not that that's ever happened to me of course (cough cough!).
• They are pretty and a gal's gotta have some knitting bling right? 
• If you have 80cm length cords you don't need dpns as you can use the Magic loop technique, so you really can knit anything with these needles.

We have all heard the old adage 'a bad worksman always blames his tools', and whilst many a good crafts woman can work with less, life really is made much easier if you have good quality tools, and the right ones for the job. I have been increasingly working with fine yarns and like many knitters, have been enjoying the resurgence in more traditional  skills such as lace knitting so had been deliberating over getting some lace needles. What are lace needles I hear you ask? They are much like other needles except you have a longer, pointier tip, the purpose of which is to make stitch manoeuvres that often feature in lace patterns (such as knitting several stitches together, passing slip stitches over, or knitting through the back loops) a lot easier. you don't have to have special needles to knit lace but pointier tips definitely make this an easier and therefore more pleasurable experience. Also lace needles are not just for knitting lace - they are great for all types of knitting.

The picture to the left should hopefully show the difference comparing these to 'ordinary' needle tips - From left to write, 3mm knit Pro Symfonie; 2.5mm Addi lace fixed circular, 3mm Knit Pro Karbonz, bamboo ordinary straight 3mm, metal vintage size 11 (3mm).

As you can see the the ordinary needles are  less sharp, and I think the Knit Pro Symfonie & Karbonz tips are very much akin to the Addi lace. The difference looks fairly subtle but the effects are significant. You don't have to have special needles to knit lace but pointier tips definitely make this an easier and therefore more pleasurable experience.

I've been more than happy with my Knit Pro interchangeables, but as with all sets of interchangeables they only start from a 3mm and I needed finer for some projects I have in mind. You can get from 2mm in fixed circulars, but although I love the wood I find they tend to break easily. So I have tried an Addi Lace fixed circular, which does make for a smooth knit, and unlike other metal needles I have used previously they feel warmer to the touch and are less 'clanky'. There is a lot to commend them, as you can see in this review, however the Knit Pros continue to compare favourably. Having read this needle review by West Sussex blogster Sarah Knight of Crafts from the Cwtch I had been deliberating over acquiring a set of these Addi Click Long Lace needles.

However, they only range form a 3.5mm - 8mm, and I think my Knit Pros offer a more extensive size range. What is great about Addi's though is the needles and cables are clearly marked with the relevant sizes so you don't have to figure this out each time with a needle gauge or tape measure. Having said that Knit Pro have now started to mark the tips with the size, but the cords remain unmarked. This is no doubt something that they may well tweak in future. Another feature I like about the Addi's Click Long lace is the slit they have designed in the ends of the cords to aid in the placement of  life lines and, as with their fixed lace circulars, the cords feel exceptionally flexible. That said, I think the Knit Pro cords are really pretty close in terms of flexibility, and you can thread your lifeline through the little holes in the cable fittings that are designed for tightening with the little metal 'keys' - check out this video to see that in action.


I was able to have a look at these at the show, and although I was very tempted to buy a set, after much deliberation I just concluded I prefer the feel & lighter weight of wood over metal, and I have to say I think the stylish and sturdy case appealed to me as much as anything.

So I opted instead to try out some of the new Knit Pro Karbonz which are made from high-tech carbon fiber with tips in nickel plated brass. I'll let you know how I find them, but early 'tests' look promising. I doubt I'd replace my much loved Symfonies, but these may well offer a great solution for me for the finer sizes.


Whilst Knit Pros have many pros the con, if any, is that I do not like the case much and older sets do not have the size on them.What I really liked about the addi click set was I think the rather lovely case - but pink is not my colour  - so I'm on the lookout for the perfect interchangeable needle case that: also holds a number of fine fixed circulars; comes in a lovely shade of fresh green, teal, raspberry or purples; and that I can put custom labels on the pockets for sizes - not at all fussy then, am I? If you see anything that fits that description, please let me know - I would love to hear from you :-)

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Mincemeat meditations & memories of Mary

I love this time of year when the darker evenings beckon us to stay indoors and indulge in more cosy, homely pursuits (not that I need much beckoning for that!).  Whilst many loath the run down to You-Know-What, I find it a valuable opportunity for stepping out and taking pause from the hectic whirligig that everyday life seems to be these days to focus on simpler pleasures. This hasn't always been the case though and the other side of the coin is that this time of year can seem hugely burdensome, adding considerably to stress levels and an already bursting schedule. The magazine shelves are filled with bumper issues on designing and making the perfect homemade, creative, visually stunning, socially rapturous and extensive festive period - but for most of us it never lives up to such unrealistic expectations.

We find ourselves surrounded by not only pressure to buy, buy, buy, but also to become perfect cooks, interior decorators, event organisers and glamorous hostesses. This is of course particularly true for women - men on the whole seem to be largely impervious to such Yule time hysteria and, as far as I have seen, seem largely (and perhaps sagely) content to take the opportunity to park on the sofa for a few days of  R&R! This combo often results in less than harmonious relationships leaving one party frazzled & inwardly seething whilst their partners wonder why they have to make such a meal of it. Now I'm not going to start about the unfair division of festive labour here - we largely bring this on ourselves. And neither would I suggest having a 'male' approach as this would I fear be a pretty dull affair!

The tricks are, I have found, to keep things simple and start early - not original ideas I know, but takes years of practise to achieve. Keeping it simple basically involves being selective - only choose to do the things that:

• you enjoy doing
• really must be done (e.g a bit of cleaning is necessary, full refurbishment is not!)
• you want to (rather than feel you should) spend your precious time on - unless you are super gregarious you will find the number of invitations to social engagements far out ways any desire to be sociable!

Now I am no domestic goddess, and whilst I do on the whole prefer homemade stuff to manufactured,  I know there is no way I could achieve that perfect homespun Christmas we are so often 'sold', but there's no reason why you can't enjoy a little bit of homely creating. I love homemade festive preserves, but I know I can neither make (nor in fact eat) the whole array so I am selective and just pick the one I enjoy making - my own mincemeat. I chose this as it's easy to make (i.e stick stuff in bowl and stir), but is so much nicer than even 'luxury' brands of shop-bought, so really is worth going to the effort, such as it is.  I make this in October so it has time for the flavours to  develop, and I also make a big batch so I can furnish family & friends with a jar or two. The good thing too is this favour is often reciprocated with such treasures as a jar of homemade piccalilli, plum chutney or even home farmed honey - so win win, as they say.

Another reason I enjoy making this is, as well as the warm feelings the spicy Christmassy smells evoke, it also brings fond memories close to mind of the lovely Mary Molson, sadly no longer with us, who privileged me many years ago by sharing her much sought after and secret recipe. It contains no fruit peel which makes it appealing to many who may not like mincemeat otherwise. Now I couldn't possibly share that original recipe, as that would feel somehow disloyal - Mary was very particular about who got to know! However, over the years I have tweaked it a fair bit to suit my own tastes more and to make it vegetarian (for my non-carnivorous friends), so I can happily share my version with you.


Ingredients: makes approx 4 jars

250g each of currents, sultanas & raisins
250g vegetable suet
75g or so dried cranberries
250g apple, diced and steamed lightly and cooled
500g soft dark brown sugar (light brown if you prefer)
6tbsp Brandy
Juice of one small or half a large orange.
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 whole nutmeg, freshly grated.

It really is worth going to the trouble of getting a nutmeg grater - they are inexpensive and fresh grated nutmeg is a whole class apart to the pre-ground stuff you can buy.

So - wait for this it's really complicated........... Put everything in a large bowl (or stock pan) except the apple. Give it a thorough stir, cover and leave while you cook and cool your apple - not too much as they go to mush. Then - again, wait for it......stir them in to the rest of the mix, exhale breath loudly, mop brow and sit down a mo after all that exertion ;-)

I then jar them up - little kilner jars are pretty, but I favour recycling so reuse jam jars I've collected over the year. I think the Bon Maman jars are particularly nice for this. Whatever you use tho it's important to soak off the labels and then sterilize them first, and this can be done simply by running them through the dishwasher. You also need to ensure you do the lids up tightly.


If you've time and fancy a little craft time, you can prettify them with ribbons and a label. The mincemeat probably isn't likely to left uneaten for  long, however it will last a good  9-12 months. I usually make a double batch as raisins etc come in 500g bags and if I don't use it all it tends to just clutter up my pantry until it goes past the use by date! Also this means there's plenty spare for gift giving.




Making & giving mincemeat has become one of my simple seasonal traditions and one that I particularly enjoy. I'd love to hear about any little traditions you may have - don't be shy and do leave a comment :-)

Crochet from Scratch Workshop at Hazel Court

I had a great time yesterday tutoring a beginners crochet workshop with a lovely group of ladies. This is an intensive workshop as, unlike many other crafts, the basic skills are probably the trickiest to learn. The good news is though, that once you have those under your belt, it gets much easier and you can soon start creating some lovely items which are quick to make too. It's amazing what you can produce with a hooked stick and a length of string! These ladies worked really hard, but as you can see by the photos they still managed to have some fun too.

Crochet is experiencing quite a resurgence in popularity of late and crochet classes seem to be in great demand at the moment. I keep max numbers with this workshop pretty small to ensure a quality learning experience, and so this class was fully booked pretty early on with a number of people being left disappointed. But the good news is I'm holding another one in Feb next year, so if you missed out this time around here's your chance to bag a place.