Sea Urchins

I have added a new pattern to my sea creature collection: a Sea Urchin Shell. Do you like my real sea urchins? They were my Christmas present from my husband. I know that is a bit odd, but I really like them. They sit on a shelf in the room where I make things with a few other seaside bits and bobs. I thought they would look good with the knitted ones in my photographs. 

Sea urchins are really fascinating creatures. It took me quite a while to find exactly the right wool. These are knitted with James Brett DK Marble Colour 5, which seemed to have exactly the right mix of grey and pink to give a natural look. This is the same wool that I used for my Our House project.

The knitting is done on two needles, and is not difficult. The dots are then embroidered on down the ridges afterwards. I refer you to my photo tutorial for some help with these french knots. I have tried to be very careful with the number of ridges, and there are five main ones with large bumps, each with two smaller ones inbetween. 

Spiral Shell

I've been spiral shell knitting again. I couldn't get the colour wool that I normally use, but thought I would try this slightly darker shade 0053. It is still Sirdar Crofter DK, and I really like the result. 

I like to return to my own patterns from time to time. It is quite nice to just follow a pattern, rather than inventing, and sometimes gives me some fresh ideas. Although the thought "Did I really make this up?" also seems to pass through my head. Strange.

I also wanted to show you my Christmas presents which are in the background. Hubby bought me these lovely sea urchins to use as props. He bought them online from a company called Buy the Sea. I would really recommend them, as they were very reasonable, and although one urchin arrived broken they sent a replacement free of charge, and very quickly.

The pattern to knit a spiral shell is available on ravelry. I am working really hard at the moment on some new seaside patterns.