Wow, that was what I call a good weekend. Re-living our childhood in Euro Disney was so much fun! I haven’t been abroad for years so feeling the gorgeous 36′c sunshine was heavenly. I’ll post a few pics later in the week ;-)

Whilst I adjust back to British summer temperatures, the lovely Laura from The Mrs Makes is back this morning with some home crafting…

“So after you learn to knit (see lesson 1 and  lesson 2) the first thing most people make is a scarf…but perhaps in the summer you want something a little more practical. Chunky knit is very fashionable at the minute, not to mention cosy! These cushions are knitted just like a huge scarf – just sewn up at the end!

You will need

• Two balls of double knitting wool in the same colour.
• Large knitting needles – size 9 or 10.
• Cushion insert

Garter stitch cushion

The easiest of the three, this will create a looser, slightly bumpy finish.

1. Use both balls of wool at the same time to create a thick, chunky knit.
2. Cast on enough stitches to cover the width of your cushion (mine are 50 stitches to cover a 40cm x 40cm cushion.
3. Now knit every row and watch your knitting grow! Because you are using big needles it will grow really fast and your will see results quickly. Knit every stitch and every row until you have a huge piece long enough to go all the way around the cushion and overlap by about 5-10 cm.
4. Sew up the sides, turn inside out and insert your cushion. Sew down the flap and attach some decorative buttons.

Stocking Stitch Cushion

This is the next hardest cushion but produces a very flat, smooth finish.

1. Again, cast on enough to cover your cushion width.
2. Now you need to need to knit one row, then purl the next row, knit one row, purl one row.
3. Keep going the same as above and finish as before.

Ribbed cushion

So now you can have a go at the final version of this cushion. It is the hardest of the three but is still relatively easy, it just takes a little more concentration.

1. After casting on as above, this time you knit 2 stitches, purl 2. K2, P2 all the way to the end to create a big fat rib.
2. If you want skinny rib knitting: K1, P1.
3. You will easily see if you have gone wrong as the rib will go wonky! If you get stuck or forget, try and copy the stitch below and you should be on track
4. Finish and make up as above.

Good luck!!”

Thanks so much Laura, I can’t wait to actually make something now after all the practice knitting. First I need tea and lots of it…

Have a good day,

Chloe x