A Catch Up of Sorts

Hi all, 

It's been a while on my poor dear blog. So what's been happening at Blue Mtns Knits? 

Over the past few months I've started a new local job which has taken up most of my time.
 In the meantime I've been on Facebook and Instagram.

So for a quick snapshot of the past few months:

I had a go at Me Made May
 (Does anyone else find it really hard to take selfies every single day?)

Me in my me made knitted Noro Tunic

I did a market at Grand View Markets Wentworth Falls on the June public holiday weekend. Although it was zero degrees in the morning and there was a heavy frost, it was still awesome! 

 And I've been making stuff. 

Baby Katoomba Slouchy Beanies

Crochet Hexagon from Ruby Hexagon Blanket (Free patt on Ravelry)

Adult's Katoomba Slouchy Beanie

For the future I'm hoping to achieve that mythical work/life balance and be back soon. 

Thanks for reading, 

Adelaide

Leaves have Ripenend to the Fall

I'm so excited about going to Mt Wilson Gardens Autumn Festival today! 

Autumn is definitely here. Isn't the vibrant crimsons, oranges and golds of the maple leaves stunning? Crunching through the leaves surrounded by these swirling colours just warms the soul...even if it is a chilly morning! 

 If you're in the Blue Mountains then pop up to the Mt Wilson Autumn Gardens Festival. It is 9am to 4pm today, Saturday the 16th of April at Mt Wilson. It's $8/garden, $20 for three or $50 for all nine. There's also some lovely Blue Mountains artisan stalls and high tea refreshments available. More info is here. Maybe I'll see you there :) 

And now I'm leaving you with an early morning snap of clear beautiful blue sky 

and some warm autumn colour.

Have an awesome day! 

Thanks for reading, 

Adelaide

smile emoticon

The Leura Beret Hand Knits and Pattern Release!

I'm super excited to announce the release of my latest design, the Leura Beret! :) 

Leura Beret Dark Red New Wool Adult Small

Leura Beret Speckle Merino Wool Adult Small

In the cold chilly morning when you're looking for that head warmer to throw on, keep yourself warm and look on trend all through the haze of an early start, then this is the one that I reach for. So I'm hoping it'll be the one you'll reach for too ;-) 

Leura Beret Speckle Merino Wool Adult Small

This is a stylish and chic beret has a classic rib band and the body is knitted from a stocking stitch with relaxed simple lines that accent the circular design. It's knitted in the round, so it's seamless and very comfortable to wear. 

Back of  Leura Beret Dark Red New Wool Adult Small

Once again this is available as a Made to Order handknit in either lovely soft Australian Merino wool or a rustic traditional Australian New Wool depending on your choice. 

Baby New Wool Fur Beret 

It comes in many sizes all the way from cute little Newborn to comfy Large Adult. If you're ordering a knitted by me hand knit then I've separated the listings in my Etsy shop so Newborn, Baby (6months) and Toddler (1 to 3 years) are together and Child/Teen, Small Adult and Large Adult are together.

Newborn, Baby and Toddler Berets

If you have any queries on sizing then check our my post on sizing for the Katoomba Slouchy Beanie here because it's fitted to the same sizing standard. I also have some Ready to Ship ones available too if you need an immediate beret (as we all do). 

Leura Beret Knitting Pattern

And if you're a knitter the pattern is available here and contains all the sizes from Newborn to Large Adult. This is a quick, easy and satisfying knit which will have you churning out berets for everyone! 

Also if you're looking for a beginner pattern which has some interest then the Leura Beret design is a great one to try. It uses the long tail cast on, is knitted in the round and does have some increasing and decreasing which if you'd like more info on I'll be covering in the blog soon :) 

Materials needed include:

• Newborn - 40g/40m/44yds (Baby - 50g/50m/55yds, Toddler- 60g/60m/66yds, Child/Teen - 70g/70m/77yds, Small Adult -90g/90m/99yds, Large Adult - 100g/100m/111yds) of 14ply or Super Bulky yarn. The beanies pictured are knitted in Australian wool.  
• 6.00mm/US10 circular with 60cm cable or double pointed needles.
• 7.00mm/US11 circular with 60cm cable  or double pointed needles.
• Stitch Marker
• Wool Needle. 

Newborn Merino Wool Light Grey Beret

This beret has been inspired by Leura Village which is the place to be in the Blue Mountains. It has a very stylish mix of shops (including the most amazing chocolate shop!), eclectic galleries, stunning gardens and yummy tearooms as well as some beautiful scenery. I'll be having a spotlight on Leura to visit on the blog soon :) 

Leura Village in Spring Sourced from Weekend Notes. 

I hope you enjoy your Leura Beret! 

Me wearing the Leura Beret at Sublime Lookout Leura

Thanks for joining me on this journey :)

Adelaide

Katoomba Slouchy Beanie Pattern and Inspiration

For our first knitting design I'm excited to present the Katoomba Slouch Beanie Knitting Design! 

Katoomba Slouchy Beanie Charcoal New Wool Adult Small

Katoomba Slouchy Beanie Light Grey New Wool Newborn Size

 The Pattern 

If you're looking for the perfect modern slouchy beanie knitting pattern to hand knit for you or loved one then this is the one for you! With its unisex slouch, simple lines and comfortable fit the Katoomba slouchy beanie design is stylish on everyone from baby to adult. The beanie's classic rib band combined with its relaxed body of stocking stitch give it timeless elegance. Its simple lines make it the perfect unisex present with its masculine rustic texture for boys or classic timeless boyfriend style for girls.

Katoomba Slouchy Beanie Charcoal New Wool Adult Small

This digital pattern download is a quick knit, comes with clear instructions and is rated at a beginner level. It is knitted in the round so magically there are no seams to sew up! Once hand knitted this chic slouchy hat is a lovely cold weather treat for yourself or with its many sizes is a wonderful gift for all your family and friends! :)

Sizes

With a unisex slouch suited to baby, girl, boy, women or man, this knitting design comes in Newborn (14"/36cm circumference) , Baby - 6 months (16"/41cm circumference), Toddler (18"/46cm circumference) Child/Teenager (20"/51cm Circumference), Small Adult (22"/ 56cm Circumference), and Large Adult (24"/61cm Circumference). 

In the picture I am wearing the Small Adult (22" Circumference). This beanie has been designed with moderate slouch but if you would like it super slouchy then please pick a one size larger. If you'd like more info on choosing the correct size then check out the blog here.

Katoomba Slouchy Beanie Charcoal New Wool Adult Small

Materials

• Newborn 30g/30m/33yds, (Baby 40g/40m/44yds, Toddler 50g/50m/55yds, Child/Teen 60g/60m/66yds,Small Adult 80g/80m/88yds, Large Adult 90g/90m/99yds) of 14ply or Super Bulky yarn. The beanies pictured are knitted in Australian wool and are also available to order here. 

• 6.00mm/US10 circular with 60cm cable or double pointed needles.

• 7.00mm/US11 circular with 60cm cable or double pointed needles.

• Stitch Marker.

• Wool Needle.

This is now available as a knitting pattern in my Etsy and Craftsy stores. If you are interested I have can make a beanie for you in a colour and size of your choosing in either Australian New Wool or Superfine Merino. Also I have some beanies ‘ready to ship’ immediately if you need a quick beanie :)

The Inspiration 

This beanie’s namesake, Katoomba, is the biggest town in the Blue Mountains. Being over 1000 metres above sea level, this is a place where you can be wearing your beanies all year round!

Katoomba Town Surrounded by Mountains

From having visited Katoomba nearly every school holidays as a Sydneysider child, to really getting to know it as a local town centre since I moved up the Blue Mountains over two years ago, it’s always been an important place to me. I knew it would be the inspiration behind a few of designs including this beanie, the Katoomba Track Scarf, and one more that's yet to be revealed (mysterious I know).

Three Sisters, Katoomba, from Blue Mountains Australia

Katoomba Shops from Blue Mountains Australia

Katoomba itself is a patchwork of heritage listed buildings mixed with the relaxed vibe of locals and holidaymakers all mingling in shared coops, antique shops and cafes. Whether visiting for a bushwalk to see the world heritage Blue Mountains National Park or just strolling along the main street this modern slouchy beanie will keep you looking good, on trend and most importantly warm and cosy :)

Echo Point Lookout, From Blue Mountains Australia 

I hope you enjoy the Katoomba Slouch Beanie. 

Thanks for joining me on this journey,

Adelaide

The Blue Mtns Knits Blog!

Welcome :)

Hi I’m Adelaide and this is my blog for my BlueMtns Knits shop. Here I plan to share my knitting passion, inspiration and behind the scenes of Blue Mtns Knits: Australian hand knits, knitting designs and kits. 

At Wentworth Falls wearing the Katoomba Slouchy Beanie and Scarf

But first a bit about me...

 For the last eight years I have worked in the Australian craft industry, helping customers, teaching and textile designing. With my passion still going strong I realised I wanted to get back to where I started. The hands on making, the working with yarn, the envisioning of what two needles and some strings of wool can create and most importantly connecting with other lovers of handmade craft. So Blue Mtns Knits was born J

Leura Cascades Look Out, Blue Mountains

Named after where I live in the Blue Mountains, Australia. Blue Mtns Knits embodies my beliefs of,

Australian produce 

Merino Sheep from a farm in Cowra NSW, Australia

All my knitted creations use 100% Australian wool. Australia has a proud heritage of quality wool produce and here at Blue Mtns Knits we embrace it. My designs are available in Australian New Wool: a traditional rugged rustic yarn that embodies the pioneer spirit or the beautiful Australian Merino: a high quality 19 micron this yarn captures your senses with its wonderfully soft and cosy touch.

 Thoughtful Design

Blackheath in the Winter Snow, Blue Mountains

 My knitting designs are inspired by both the beauty and the practical needs of the natural Blue Mountains landscape (especially in the cold chill of winter). With a modern aesthetic that ties in to our traditional wool heritage, these creations will be the ones you or your loved ones enjoy wearing this winter to keep yourselves warm, cosy and looking good ;-)  

Handmade from Me to You

Hand Knitting

All garments and accessories are crafted by hand and by me J. Being hand knitted, they have a life of their own. A unique body and rustic texture. And they are created with a deep felt love for knitting and wool that together makes every single piece special. 

Handmade by All

At Wentworth Falls wearing the Katoomba Slouchy Beanie, Scarf and Mittens. 

 I also believe in spreading the knitting love. With just the want, the will and the time to try, anyone can hand knit. The benefits are not just unique and amazing winter warmers but knitting’s relaxing rhythmic repetition has been medically linked with improving your health including reducing stress, enriching your memory and growing your dexterity.  If you want to start knitting I’ll be running a ‘Knit Starter’ series so stay tuned for more.  

I hope this blog inspires you to not only pick up those needles and have a go, but to appreciate Australian handmade knits. I’ll be posting twice a week and if you have any questions or comments I’d love to hear from you. You can keep up to date with Blue Mtns Knits on:

 Etsy

 Facebook  

Pinterest 

Thanks for joining me on this journey,

Adelaide