Fun, fashion and Melbourne Spring Carnival

Jane October 24, 2016

Last year, I wrote about the amazing Spring Collection released by Chanel and how I thought it would be such a gorgeous look for the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival... especially on those wet windy days we are likely to have.

This year - inspired by the Chanel style - I have created my own Spring Racing beanie collection.

These beanies are hand knit in a variety of styles and colours, they are mostly very loose fitting and can be styled to suit your hair and outfit. The Beanies have been embellished with black birdcage veils, which can be adjusted to fit more snugly with a simple stitch. Each beanie also features a unique selection of hand stitched flowers, beads and sequins.

A variety of flower styles include Chiffon flowers, small iridescent flowers and daisy's made from lace.

For inspiration I have created some fashion boards to show how I think the beanies can come together in a race day outfit.

I'm sure if you watch the original Chanel video below, you will be wowed by how chic these look!

“So If you can dare to be different and bring a little bit of fun to your outfit the beanies are available online now.”

Delivery is included in the $75 however, if you require an urgent delivery please let me know.

(If you have a special request - you can always email me at jane @whatjaneknits.com but be quick!)

J'taime Jane

Jane September 23, 2016

What's in a name?

I guess that's what the lovely people at Jane The Agency are hoping to reveal with Jane The Project.

I was lucky enough to be involved in a photographic and multimedia project the Agency has been working on for about a year.

They have gathered a range of women named Jane from around Australia, photographed us, interviewed us and are now preparing to launch an exhibition featuring the images.

I've just heard that 60s model/actress Jane Birkin -she of the Birkin Bag fame and singer of steamy sex pop song J'Taime will be contributing towards the project! Perhaps even visiting Melbourne.

You can follow the Instagram account here to stay up to date if you are interested.

Meanwhile enjoy this <3

THE SECRET CODE OF KNITTING - What does it all mean?

Jane September 21, 2016

Knitting Patterns Decoded

If you have set yourself the task of learning to knit, one of the most confusing aspects can be understanding what all the 'codes' of a knitting pattern mean.

Many knitting patterns will actually have a glossary for reference, as sometimes the style of stitch may vary from knitter to knitter. If the glossary is missing you can really be lost.

I've put together a brief outline of basic knitting terms and pattern instructions to get you started.

Firstly I must stress that even for seasoned knitters, sometimes patterns can seem quite cryptic.

The key is - to read very very carefully the instructions for each row.

Simple Pattern Glossary

CO Cast On.

This instruction tells you how many stitches you need to start to item. There will generally be a number after this such as CO94.

DIFFERENT SIZES - If you find more than one number, it will be the instruction to cast on a different amount dependent on size. For example C094, 106, 120 will be the instructions for small, medium or large. Further to this, different sizes will generally be indicated with the series of numbers at all relevant sections. So look for which sequence the size you have chosen is listed then follow that instruction. Example if you are knitting the medium size and it is listed as the second number all instructions for medium will be the second number.

K This indicates a knit stitch. Watch the video in link to see how to Knit. Also known as plain knitting.

P This indicates a purl stitch. Watch the video in link to see how to Purl

Garter stitch This instruction means that all the knitting is done using plain knitting or K stitch.

St St This abbreviation is used to indicate Stocking Stitch or Stockinette Stitch (interchangeable terms). Knit one row in plain K stitch then the alternate row in Purl stitch. It gives the knitted fabric one smooth side and a knobbled side.

Rib This indicates that a pattern of alternate Knit and Purl stitches are used to make a ridged pattern. The Rib is often used for cuffs or edges. Rib will often be abbreviated to 2x2 Rib, or 1x1 Rib (sometimes called Single Rib). This will be 2 knit then 2 purl, or 1 knit then 1 purl. Watch the video to see how to Rib.

K2Tog This indicates you need to Knit two stitches together. A common method to decrease your work.

Cast Off or Bind Off - end the knitting or remove some of the stitches. Watch this video to see how to Cast Off.