Knitted Fair Isle gift for Hen.

Hello, hello, hello! Lovely to see you, and yippee, it's Friday afternoon, hooray!

Although the weeks wizz by, and each weekend seems to come round very quickly, I'm still always so very happy when it does come round.

The first seven or so years of my job as an illustrator, I was working seven days a week to earn a crust, and I always longed to have my job be over a five day week, rather than seven. Eventually, it got to the point when I had to slow down, or I'd burn myself out, and I decided to take on less work. Now I take my weekends off, and I have been for a few years, but it's still a novelty. My weekends always feel precious, and I don't think I'll ever think otherwise.

So yes, it's yippee! The weekend is almost here!

Yesterday, I said that I'd show you the mystery item I made for Hen, and that day has arrived.

Did you wonder what it is? I know that some of you thought it might be a bag.

Well, no, it's not a bag in the strictest sense of the word.

That is, it's not a bag you can put your shopping in.

It could be described loosely as a bag, I suppose, at a stretch................

At a push, you could say it's a bag, you put..........................

.................. A hot water bottle in!

Strictly speaking, it's a hot water bottle cover, but you could also say it's a bag for a hottie!

I knitted this Fair Isle hottie cover for Hen, after starting my Fair Isle scarf. I had decided to knit a hottie cover as one of Hen's gifts, but wasn't sure of my pattern, or if it was going to be crocheted or knitted. Once I'd started my scarf, I thought, ah-ha, this is it, Fair Isle for the hottie cover too!

You can see the influence my scarf, (above), had on the hottie cover. I used all the colours, (except the green), in the hottie cover, as I did in the scarf.

(The scarf is now finished, and waiting to be photographed for your delight, soon, I hope!).

Because I enjoy knitting the Fair Isle pattern so much, the the hottie cover had pattern on both sides, and each pattern was different.

You might wonder why I made more work for myself, by having both sides with different patterns? Well, I just LOVE doing Fair Isle. Love it! It's the never ending surprise element to it. Each new row brings something different to the pattern as a whole, and whilst one row might not be working, once the next row goes in, it seems to sort it out, and come together. Very exciting stuff, in my book.

I always find the wrong side of Fair Isle knitting fascinating, so for those of you who share my interest, I took some photos for you, ends sewn in and all.

When the moment came to place the newly purchased hot water bottle in it's newly sewn up cover, (ribbons sewn on to create bows, so that the hottie wouldn't fall out), it felt very final. The moment that cover was finished, was the time to wrap it in tissue paper, and wrapping paper, and add a bow, plus one of my tags, then place it in the bottom of the box of goodies, (which you can see in yesterday's post), to send to Hen. It went in the bottom of the box, so that it would be the last thing Hen would open.

Shall we have one last look at the hot water bottle cover?

 

 

I knitted this cover using my favourite yarn at the moment, Patons diploma gold DK. I love this yarn, it's such good value for money, it's lovely to work with, and there are some fab colours. The four ply is excellent too, I'm using that at the moment, to knit a dress.

I seem to be knitting a lot at the moment, don't I? It used to be crochet, crochet, crochet, now it's knitting, knitting, knitting!

You may be pleased to hear that I wrote down my pattern for the hot water bottle cover, but I want to draw up a chart for you as well, so I don't know how long that will take me.

On Monday, I will be publishing the pattern for my Little Squares Scarf. D'you remember that scarf? Here's a picture, to jog your memory.........

There will be a step-by-step pattern for the little squares, and a separate step-by-step for the sewing up. I'll also do a separate quick pattern, for those of you who know what they're about when it comes to crocheting. (The quick pattern will show a list of yarns and colours too).

Now, something's just sprung to mind. A cool glass of white wine is what's sprung to mind! I'll be off then.

Have a lovely weekend dear readers, take care, and see you on Monday.

Love Vanessa xxx

Comments

[penny]

Gosh Vanessa, you knit so fast! The Hottie cover is fab, and like you I do find the back of Fair Isle fascinating too. I'm sure Hen will love her gift. Hope you enjoy that glass of wine, I'm off to do the same.
Cheers, have a good weekend!

[paintdropskeepfalling.wordpress.com]

That is absolutely, hands down gorgeous!It makes me want to give it a try...Enjoy your weekend and your wine! Claire x

[alisonb2]

It is beautiful! So neat and the tension is just right too! Well done you.

[Siobhan]

Nope, I wasn't even close! (I thought you were going to give away your beautiful scarf - not much original thinking going on here I'm afraid.) What a surprise, I would never have thought of it! Well, isn't that just beautiful? I think it is stunning, whether keeping Hen warm at night or for cosying up with on the sofa, in this weather it is such an appropriate gift. The colours can't help but brighten up your mood. Not convinced Fair Isle is do-able by a plodder knitter such as myself but you surely do provide some inspiration to try! Lots of Hen friendly colour too. What a lovely present. The best was definitely saved until last. Have a happy weekend xx.

[mlle paradis]

i am totally in awe of you vanessa. totally. totally.

[Heather]

Oh WOW Vanessa, that is one gorgeous hottie cover! I am very envious of Hen right now hehe.
I'm also very much looking forward to your Little Squares pattern. Very much :)
Much love,
Heather xxx

[Lorraine]

What a very lucky lady Hen is and what beautiful knitting!

have a lovely weekend.

[greenrabbitdesigns]

That sure is one pretty hottie cover. If anyone deserves a nice glass of wine, you do!
Vivienne

[Marie]

Very lovely indeed, what a gorgeous present. I agree with you about the Patons wool, I'm using it myself at the moment and it's lovely to work with!

[Kate Bruning]

Hen is so lucky!!! So good to be able to look at your blog and I loved, loved, LOVED the red abstract, in fact, I loved them all. My computer was struck down by a nasty virus and after a week of taking strong medicine, is only just back up and running so I had to rely on Mum's reports of what was going on in the blogging world... (you were always first on the list for finding out what was going on). Your knitting is so inspirational - knitting needles have been clicking in my house too but nothing so colourful (Archie is getting to an age now where he inserts his opinion on what is and isn't acceptable - lucky he has good taste).
Lots of love gorgeous Vanessa. xxooxxooxx.

[Laura]

Wow! I'm amazed at how quickly you are able to knit and crochet, even when you're busy with work!! The hottie cover looks amazing. I look forward to seeing your other projects in the future.

xxx

[Emma]

How utterly fabulous Vanessa. Hen is the luckiest of lucky ladies. Oh! The ribbons and colours. What a gem of a hottie.

Have a wonderful weekend x

[Margaret]

Absolutely beautiful Vanessa. Hen is one lucky lady. Fabulous colours. Have a great weekend.

[RachelM]

That's the loveliest hot water bottle cover I've ever seen.

[Stringsofpurls.blogspot.com]

So pretty! Looks like Easter! I love it. I have never knit fair isle and it tempts me greatly now! Thanks for sharing!

[Ellouise88]

Lucky, lucky Hen!

So beautiful, you are so clever!

[Amy]

Gorgeous photos - only been reading this blog for a month but those colours are SO your signature. What a treat! She will be thrilled!

[Steelkitten]

That is gorgeous. I love the way Fair Isle has adapted over the years. It doesn't seem to matter what era and style is in or what your own personal favourite colours are, Fair Isle adapts beautifully.

You've made me want to get my knitting machine back out!

[Sophie]

That is one of the prettiest hottie covers I have ever seen. The patterns are so beautiful, lucky Hen.
Enjoy your wine.
Luv Sophie xxx

[frances]

Vanessa, so much to comment on here.

It's grand that you've been able to recover the value of weekend days. I sorely miss them in my current retail shop manager role.

Your fairisle is so lively in its color/colourway! Years ago, I made some fair isle jumpers using up bit and pieces of dk weight yarn, and followed the same fair isle geometric patterns on the fronts and backs, and on the sleeves, but mixed up the colors. So... these sweaters are bit of a puzzle of colors and patterns. I love them, even if they are my own version of "what works."

How wonderful a gift you sent to that delightfully creative Hen.

Have fun this weekend. Charge your batteries, and keep up this intermittent posting. Each of your posts is well worth waiting for. xo

[Laura]

A fairisle hot water bottle cover! What an ingenious way to sexy-up such a prosaic item! I love the colors and the way that the wrong side is just as beautiful as the right side.

Lucky Hen!

[Sarah]

This is so very beautiful - and I love the idea of freestyle fair isle

[Sue]

The hot water bottle cover is beautiful, Hen is very lucky. Have a good weekend.

Sue

[greenrabbitdesigns]

Thanks sooo much for popping in to see me, I really appreciate your little visit. :)
Vivienne x

[Lynne]

How luxurious to have a hand knitted Fair Isle hot water bottle cover. Lucky Hen!
Enjoy your weekend.

[cathleen]

So pretty, Vanessa! Lucky Hen! And your scarf, it's beautiful and just bursting with brilliant color!

[Em]

I love love love this hot water bottle cover! I adore the way the pattern keeps changing. The colour palette is beautiful, your knitting is so neat and the wool looks so soft. Wish I could knit so well. x

[Lesley]

Vanessa, your fairisle is fantastic! The stitching is so neat and the colours are delicious.

There's an award for you on my blog, if you would like it. Bye for now, Lesley

[Barbara]

Vanessa, this is the most gorgeous "hottie cover" in all the world I am sure ... right down to its pretty pink bows and the ever-so-neat, beautiful knitting.
Seriously this is not something to be hidden under a quilt or doona but flaunted and displayed in the bedroom, on the couch, anywhere! I'm certain your friend Hen will adore it. Thank you for all the wonderful photos, they brightened my weekend!

[Tracie]

Gorgeous! By the way, I grabbed a book from the library this week and you were the illustrator. I'd go find the title, but it's in my daughter's room and she's sleeping. We can't wait to read it and to enjoy the illustrations!

[Amy]

Oh my gosh that's flippin gorgeous - I'm just starting out in Fair Isle and you've definitely inspired me! I love the little squares too, very cute!

[Jo]

Lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky Hen! That hot water bottle cover is utterly beautiful! It would be far too nice to rest my toes on, although Hen's glamorous ones will enjoy it very much, I'm sure!

You are so talented (sighs, enviously). Thanks for sharing with us,

Jo xx

[The Curious Cat]

That is one of the most amazing pieces of work I have seen in a long while - I cannot believe you made that - so talented! I soooo want to learn to knit like that one day! Hen is simplying going to love LOVE LOVE it! Lucky hen! :) xxx

[Pam]

Have always wanted to try Fairisle.
Cannot wait till you post the pattern
the colours you have chosen makes the hottie cover and scarf wonderful - most fairisle I look at is so boring. Well done.

[Erica K]

Oh Vanessa! It's beautiful! And I do love the 'wrong' side too...you've done a beautiful job! Hen is such a lucky lady! You two make the best 'parcel pals!' :)

[Niki Jackson]

Wow your hottie is so beautiful! I love the colours you used so pretty. I'd love to learn how to knit like that. I mainly crochet but know a little knitting. Love Niki xxx

[Claudia]

This is just fabulous!!!!! I am so happy I found your blog and I think you have got me started on Fair Isle Knitting. It is so very beautiful and I could look at your photos endlessly! Just want to let you know that you are doing me a tremendous favour putting up those tutorials. I am really looking forward to them and I know what I will do then!! Greetings from Germany

[Pam]

Love the fairisle, have akways wanted to try.
Yours is so colourful unlike most fairisle.
The pattern would be fantastic if you could find the time.

[Hen]

Am I allowed to leave a comment or is everyone hating me for being the lucky owner of the fabulous hottie and is going to try to track me down and steal it?!
What can I say, I was blown away when I saw the hottie. I absolutely adore Fair Isle but to have it in such fabby colours and know it was made with love - for me - well, I feel very special indeed. Thank you, my lovely pal, it is treasured.
Photos of the hottest hottie around, in situ in its new home, will be appearing on the blog soon..!
Love Hen xxx

[Hen]

Am I allowed to leave a comment or is everyone hating me for being the lucky owner of the fabulous hottie and is going to try to track me down and steal it?!
What can I say, I was blown away when I saw the hottie. I absolutely adore Fair Isle but to have it in such fabby colours and know it was made with love - for me - well, I feel very special indeed. Thank you, my lovely pal, it is treasured.
Photos of the hottest hottie around, in situ in its new home, will be appearing on the blog soon..!
Love Hen xxx

[Hen]

Am I allowed to leave a comment or is everyone hating me for being the lucky owner of the fabulous hottie and is going to try to track me down and steal it?!
What can I say, I was blown away when I saw the hottie. I absolutely adore Fair Isle but to have it in such fabby colours and know it was made with love - for me - well, I feel very special indeed. Thank you, my lovely pal, it is treasured.
Photos of the hottest hottie around, in situ in its new home, will be appearing on the blog soon..!
Love Hen xxx

[Hen]

Am I allowed to leave a comment or is everyone hating me for being the lucky owner of the fabulous hottie and is going to try to track me down and steal it?!
What can I say, I was blown away when I saw the hottie. I absolutely adore Fair Isle but to have it in such fabby colours and know it was made with love - for me - well, I feel very special indeed. Thank you, my lovely pal, it is treasured.
Photos of the hottest hottie around, in situ in its new home, will be appearing on the blog soon..!
Love Hen xxx

[Hen]

Am I allowed to leave a comment or is everyone hating me for being the lucky owner of the fabulous hottie and is going to try to track me down and steal it?!
What can I say, I was blown away when I saw the hottie. I absolutely adore Fair Isle but to have it in such fabby colours and know it was made with love - for me - well, I feel very special indeed. Thank you, my lovely pal, it is treasured.
Photos of the hottest hottie around, in situ in its new home, will be appearing on the blog soon..!
Love Hen xxx

[Rosie D]

Goodness. Having 'lurked' on your site for months the stunning hottie cover has brought me out of the shadows to comment! It's absolutely beautiful. I have just mastered my first bit of fairisle knitting - just using two colours. But your hottie cover is like a rainbow! Would make you hope for a long winter, just so you can use your hottie for longer. Lovely to see it.

[Gem]

There's only one way to describe your fairisle, "beautiful"!!! Just perfect and the 'wrong side' is so neat! I'm incredibly envious and I hope that one day I'll be brave enough to tackle some fairisle. You certainly have inspired me! :)

[Anna]

Hi Vanessa,

The hot water bottle cover looks beautiful! Where did you get the lovely tag "A little something by Vanessa" made? I would love to include that into my gifts too.