Clara Does Crafts

07/08/2026

Fed up with being stabbed, so I invested in a 5mm sock needle to do the sleeves. Hopefully, will be smooth sailing from now on, if a bit fiddly. I use a set of interchangeable circular needles, so it makes transferring my work to shorter/larger cords and smaller/larger needles much easier. I was able to find (Amazon, you rock!) a set of extra cords in smaller sizes - lowest in the set is 40cm, these are 50cm, 40cm and 20cm - 20cm being the size for socks/sleeves, so I now have up to a 10mm sock needle without any need for extra expense! I am happy to work with DPN but using a complete circular needle makes a better sleeve, I find, and is less stabby. 😁 I'm continuing with the sleeves, hopefully finished by tomorrow. 🥰

03/08/2026

Apologies for not posting for a while, I have been productive, as you can see, so I wanted to update you with my progress. Next step will be the collar, then the sleeves. Once finished, the item will be for sale, with exact measurements. 🥰

03/08/2026

This book is the most wonderful find for me. It has a variety of styles of sweater, with instructions to use yarn from doubleknit to chunky. Sizes are 26" to 51" chest, with body and sleeve lengths easily adjusted. The items can be plain or patterned, pullovers (crew neck or V neck) or cardigans, with a selection of finishing touches for collars, cuffs, button bands and body bases. I am looking to see if I can adjust the pattern to incorporate smaller sizes, and also see if I can use the techniques with my other patterns. In the meantime, I'm making a plain sweater in each style to show you how they will look. 🥰

22/07/2026

Yes, using a sock needle is incredibly fiddly, but it gives the best results for sleeves, I find. This is a single needle, but I have a set of 3 smaller needles for when the stitches reduce to a point where I cannot use it, usually near the cuff. Again, there's a secret purl stitch to create a faux seam 🥰

21/07/2026

I love how quickly this makes up. Now onto the sleeves. It looks like there's a seam from the outside, but it's just an added purl stitch to create the illusion! 🥰

18/07/2026

18/07/2026

Hooded jacket, based on King Cole pattern 6087. Size to fit up to 2 years, using King Cole Big Value Chunky in Blush.

Didn't do too bad a job with the hood attachment and seams but don't have the confidence yet to approach the hood edging, so I'll be making the sleeves while I work on that. 😁

18/07/2026

Yoke is finished, sleeve stitches are set aside, now we go round and round to make the main body. 🥰

17/07/2026

Today's WIP (yes, another one 🤭)
Top down sweater using Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop, Green Tea. This is sized for a 3-4 year old, but exact measurements will be posted once completed. Pattern used is by Yankee Knitter Designs, #37, Child's Roll Raglan by Melinda Goodfellow, and can be purchased from their website if you wish to make it yourself. 🥰

07/07/2026