Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Knitted Rug Complete!

Well, after a mad & crazy weekend which was full of redecorating, art exhibits, overseeing homework and visits to emergency (all fine!), I was happy to see Monday roll around at last. 
 
I've finally been able to spend the last two nights working at my knitted rug, and have finished weaving in all the ends.  I am so pleased with how this turned out!!


It's a very decent size, measuring 25" x 30".  As I mentioned before, I knit this using very chunky pure wool from my mother's stash.  The wool is quite rough and I couldn't think what else to make with it ... not soft enough for anything you'd want to wear.  It's absolutely perfect for a rug because of the thickness.  I'm sure it will wear well too.



I knit it with size 12mm needles using a double strand of wool throughout.  One of the balls of wool was white with brown twisted into it.  I liked the effect this gave when I combined it with a solid colour. 

 
It really makes the rug look like an old-fashioned braided rug. 
 
 
And it's so springy and soft under your feet.  I'd like to put it in the kitchen for some comfort on the floor ... I just can't bear to see it getting full of crumbs and dog hair.  So I'll put it in the bathroom beside the tub, and it'll give the bathroom a nice bit of warmth :)
 
I've also been working on some comfort dolls (I provided links about these dolls in this post), and have got this much done so far ...
 
 
 
Three dolls, one complete, and two still needing their faces embroidered.  I do not like embroidering on knitted fabric.  The face I did on the little guy on the right was done with wool, but I think I'll try embroidery floss next to see if I can make a better job of it.  I'm enjoying knitting them up a bit differently each time to see what various features can be highlighted. 
 
 
I didn't like how the feet turned out on the first two dolls I made, so with the third one (striped hat) I started off with fewer stitches at the toe, and then increased a few stitches each round.  I like how that turned out.  You can see the difference in the feet below.
 
 
I knit these dolls in the round to avoid having to stitch them up later.  There's already enough fussy work weaving in the ends each time you change colours of yarn.
 
I have finished painting the walls in my daughter's room, but there's some leaks of aqua on the white trim which need to be touched up next ... I'll post a "reveal" when that gets done.
 
Have a Safe & Happy Halloween with your little guys tomorrow night!  This morning after I dropped my son off at school, I watched as someone who was too anxious to get to work and wasn't paying attention, hit a young teen crossing the street at a busy intersection.  I don't know what  the driver of the van was thinking, but he was clearly at fault.  Luckily, the boy was not hurt as the van barely touched him ... it was really the kid who saved himself by leaping sideways away from the van ... but still, it's one of those moments you hope you never have.  So stay alert if you're driving tomorrow night with all those kids out trick or treating.     
 
 
 Thanks for stopping by!
 
Wendy
 
http://lindacraftycorner.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/october-stash-buster-link-party.html
 
http://www.alittlebirdtoldme-craft.com/#uds-search-results
 

56 comments:

  1. I love that rug!! Would brighten up any room and so cosy too!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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    1. Thanks Liz! It is VERY warm ... quite the knee warmer whilst weaving in the ends last night ;)

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  2. The rug is very pretty, I like the way you have added the variegated yarn. And, those dolls are so adorable!! They all look happy sitting in the bench warm and cosy. - Gaia

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    1. Thank you Gaia! I'm really pleased with the results ... especially since this is a new thing for me (not sure I'd want to make another one!). I did want to make a small knitted doll specifically for my little Windsor bench, and that's when I found these comfort dolls on my Ravelry search. Not sure how many I'll make before shipping them out.

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  3. That rug looks great...should keep toesies warm in the coming months.
    I once saw someone run over and killed when I was a child,my parents tried to keep me from seeing the aftermath but it has stayed in my mind all these years.
    Jane x

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    1. Thank you Jane! How awful to witness such a tragedy ... this driver was just not paying attention.

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  4. That's terrible about the accident, thank you for the reminder. Your rug looks fantastic, what a great way to use up that yarn. It's beautiful and functional too, the best of both worlds. :)

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    1. Well, thankfully the kid was thinking quicker than the driver. Whenever I take my son to school (most days he does walk), I'm just shaking my head at the stupidity of people as they race so quickly around kids walking. Thank you for your kind comments on the rug ... I'm really REALLY happy with it! Have a good night Jennifer

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  5. What an amazing and beautiful rug Wendy, with gorgeous colours.
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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    1. Thank you Irene! It's going to look great in the bathroom ;)

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  6. LOVE Love LoVe your rug Wendy the white flecked yarn really works with the bold colours. Your comfort dolls are fabulous too, I needle felt features onto my projects as my sewing is appalling!
    You have been busy! Hope you and yours keep safe too.
    Ali x

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    1. Thanks so much Ali! I really like that white flecked yarn too ... as soon as I added it, I knew it was perfect. I've never tried needle felting (and am ashamed to say I don't want to try it). I just find it hard to get the stitching to stay where I want it when I knit the facial features. I didn't show my very first attempt ... atrocious!!

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  7. Hi Wendy I really Love your rug too-great colors. and your little dolls are too cute

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    1. Thanks Kathy! It's hard to get the colours right in the photos, but they're very rich & deep tones. Have a good evening :)

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  8. Your rug is absolutely beautiful Wendy, I love the mix of colours but I bet it was hard on your hands to make, totally worth it though. The comfort dolls have turned out so cute and will be loved and appreciated I'm sure. :)

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    1. Thank you so much Linda. I knit the rug in stages, so the hands didn't take a beating. I felt like a gorilla knitting this thing up though! Such big needles and heavy wool ... the dolls have been so fun to make up too :)

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  9. Thank goodness that teen was alert and spry enough to leap out of harm's way! Thank you for sending that reminder out to us all.

    Your rug looks SO much like a rag rug!!!! I love, love, love it! What a delightful bit of cheer it will be to step onto in the bathroom. And your comfort dolls are charming. That face is FULL of character, I really don't see how you could improve upon it.

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    1. Gosh, thanks W-S :) Such nice compliments ... you've made my day!

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  10. The rug is great, Wendy. I love it. If I didnt have so many wip's, I'd try to make one myself. It is such a great idea for the stash of heavy yarn.

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    1. Thank you Ana! Just keep it in the back of your mind when you have another bit of leftover chunky yarn ;)

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  11. The rug is knock your socks off awesome! OMGOODNESS! Your mom is smiling down on you right now!!! I am in love with the way the colors meld into one another...just outstanding! Ok and those dolls...seriously...super awesome friend! t! The children that receive your dolls will feel so comforted by them I can just picture it now. You have done good friend! And as for the driver of the van...it just goes to show that we could all afford to slow down a bit. Why are we all so rushed!!?! You have a great night!!!

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  12. You always say the nicest things Nicole :) Honestly, you always send a smile. I think my mom would be happy with what I was able to do with her old yarn ... something from nothing. Thanks Nicole ... enjoy your Halloween night with your beans tomorrow!

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  13. Your rug is just delightful! And it is so wonderful that you had yarn from your mom to make it. You must be so proud of your work! The dolls are so cute too - I think those would be a lot more difficult to knit than the rug. It is such a worthy cause. My little guy and I are going to put together a shoe box to send to a child in need overseas. He thinks we will fill it with little toys but I think he might be a bit disappointed to see we will be putting in more hygiene items than toys - hopefully he is just old enough to understand why ~ and be a bit more thankful for what we have. I hope you have a fun halloween too!

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    1. Aw...thanks so much Stacy :) I love that it was my mom's yarn too, and I'm sure she would've given it her seal of approval. The dolls are easy to knit (just round & round with occasional change of yarn colour), but the finishing details take some time. That's ok, it's a great little time filler (like I have all this spare time!), and I like the reason for knitting them. I used to put those shoeboxes together with my kids too. My son & I did them, and we had great fun coming up with creative ideas that would be useful. I hate to say that we skip out on Halloween now (shhhh!), but believe me I went ALL OUT every year up until two years ago. We only get about 10 kids, so I can't be bothered anymore. Your kids will still be enjoying this night though ... so have fun!!

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  14. Wendy it's such a cheery rug, you've worked hard! Those people are very funny too! :) x

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    1. Thanks Ada ... it's nice to get some projects finished right up!

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  15. Hey Wendy, well done on finishing your rug, it's going to be lovely underfoot on the bathroom. I couldn't bare to see it full of crumbs and dog hair either.......a great use for your mums' yarn.
    Your little comfort dolls look great, love the stripes, no doubt they will be much cuddled and loved....great effort.
    Good to hear the pedestrian wasn't hurt, not pleasant to witness but a timely reminder.

    Claire x

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    1. Thanks Claire! The rug does look good in the bathroom, and adds that nice spot of colour in an otherwise neutral space :) The dolls have been fun to put together, and the variegated yarn is perfect for their clothes.

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  16. Wendy, I read this yesterday, and somehow forgot to comment!! I just realised, so I had to pop back. Your rug is so lovely, I am sure that your Mom would be very proud of you and would love it. I hope that it is very snuggly and warm underfoot in your bathroom, it certainly looks and sounds as though it will be. Hope that you have a good Halloween. xx

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    1. Hi Amy, thanks for visiting again to leave such a lovely comment :) This rug is going to make me happy every time I see it! Enjoy your Halloween night!

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  17. Beautiful rug..

    Yes, be very aware, driving... Especially if you have to venture forth tonight (Oct. 31)!

    Happy All Hallows' Eve!
    Tessa~

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    1. Thank you Tessa ... yes be sure to drive cautiously tonight!

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  18. That's a great rug - I bet it feel wonderful underfoot!

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  19. I love your rug, such jaunty colours and perfect for winter.

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    1. Thank you Streetcomber, and thanks for visiting ;)

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  20. Love the rug. It does look so cozy. When knitting little dollies (I like Jean Greenhowe) I always do them in the round and I never weave in ends. I just tie them in a really good knot. It's on the inside in all the stuffing, you never notice.

    Paula

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    1. Thanks Paula! I knit these dolls in the round too, and I may take your advice & not weave in the ends (I just didn't want them getting in the way of the stuffing). Enjoy the rest of this rainy Halloween :)

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  21. Hi Wendy
    be welcome in my Blog :)
    Love knitting, Your little comfort dolls look great
    your rug colours are fabulous
    here in your blog everything is beautiful

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    1. Thank you Adrianna. Welcome to my blog :) I've been enjoying a tour around your blog this morning too ... such colourful crochet ... love it!

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  22. Ooo I love love LOVE your rug!! How lovely it will look in your bathroom :-)
    Happy Friday!
    Sarah xx

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  23. Hello Wendy, What lovely and colorful knitted rugs.. I have a friend that would love to learn how to knit rugs..Alas I only crochet... vbg I see you have the most wonderful photo on your sidebar of a Loon.. They are my favorite bird.. I love their haunting cries in the wilderness. Thanks for discovering me and my blog. You have a lovely blog and I plan to have a long look.. Have a great weekend. Hugs Judy

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    1. Thank you Judy, and I hope you enjoy touring my blog! I too love the loons, and took a few more photos of that particular bird (you can see them in my post "Getaway"). Enjoy your weekend!

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  24. I love that rug! I also like those colors especially the mixed colors! I've been thinking a lot about making some rugs and place mats since I started this weaving thing...never in my wildest dreams did I think I would want to weave but well, there you have it! So thanks for the inspiration!
    Hugs

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    1. Thanks so much Beth :) I like the mixed colour bits too, and would've done the whole mat using the mix, but only had so much of the white/brown twist. I always wanted to learn to knit, but kept putting it off. Finally I just knew I HAD to learn or it would be too late!

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  25. I'm glad that teenager was okay. I swear, everyone is in a rush these days. Even in front of our school, there's no respect for the children or their parents as they are crossing the road. We don't have crossing guards and such. Cars just whiz by and will even go around someone in the street. It's awful! Glad to hear all is well after all the craziness. I have touch ups to do in my kids room that I have never gotten to in nearly a year. :/ The rug turned out beautiful. And the comfort dolls are very sweet. I look forward to the bedroom reveal. Best wishes, Tammy

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    1. Everyone IS in too much of a rush these days. I think that if everyone had to spend a week being a pedestrian without the safety of their cars around them, they'd maybe wake up to the fact that pedestrians are so vulnerable out there. I never get back to touch-ups if I leave it too long either. Eventually enough time has gone by that I just end up doing the whole room again ;)

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  26. What a beautiful rug Wendy! I've made one for Lauren's room a few years ago and it's still holding up. Even after several washes.
    So glad to hear what you witness had a happy ending....so scary to see I know.
    Hope you enjoy your weekend!
    Hugs, Shari

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    1. Thank you Shari :) I think this rug will wear well because of the coarseness of the wool, and the tight knitting. I'd love to see the one you made for Lauren! Have a great day!

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  27. Hi Wendy ... wow the rug turned out great , so cheerful and cosy !
    Gail x

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  28. Gorgeous, gorgeous!! I love it, every single inch of it is a masterpiece-created from love, memories, determination and colorful treasured yarn from your Mom!
    So glad the child was not injured and actually a great reminder for us all to stay off cell phones, pay attention and slow down!
    Hugs,
    jemma

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    1. Thank you Jemma! I'm very pleased with the results :) Here in Ontario it's already against the law for you to use cell phones & any hand-held devices while driving. Unfortunately, most people ignore the law & still use them. They're such a distraction ... even when pedestrians use them and don't pay attention to where they are walking!!

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  29. Love the colorful rug! I have been meaning to crochet myself something like that for quite some time. Your bright color choices are inspiring, And I absolutely love those dolls!

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    1. Thanks Samantha! I would definitely give a rug a go yourself. Because of the large size, the knitting doesn't take too long (just don't overdo yourself as it is a bit hard on the hands!). Thanks for visiting :)

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