Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Mrs Beeton Ruffles

Perhaps it was the influence of Fanny Brawne's flounces in Bright Star, yes I'm obsessed, or the fact that the pattern was named after Mrs Beeton that was the appeal. I just had to make these when I spied them on Ravelry. They are cuffs which add a nice detail to your coat or sweater and a fairly quick project. It was the first time that I've knit with the cobweb-like Rowan Kidsilk Haze. That was a bit of a nightmare and most likely should have been avoided at all cost. In the end, the result made the frustration worthwhile and I'm proud that I kept at it when I really wanted to just bin the whole ball. I look forward to running some errands this afternoon as it's warm enough to leave the gloves at home and don my ruffles!

18 comments:

  1. Oooh, those are so gorgeous and they perfectly complement your coat! I can imagine that that wool is very difficult to knit with. Did you try your new needles?

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  2. Eeek! My comment just disappeared.

    The ruffles are fabulous! And so admire you for persevering with the Kidsilk Haze. The one and only time I tried to knit with it I had to give up. Maybe I should pull out my abandoned balls and try some ruffles?

    K x

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  3. How lovely. I spent this afternoon in the costume store at the Museum of London admiring ruffles and embroidery and wondering who wore such exquisite things in the 18th century. I wonder if your lovely silk ruffles will survive for somebody to wonder about you in years to come? If blogs survive, they'll be a wonderful source for historians.

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  4. What an excellent idea - they are lovely!

    Jeanne x

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  5. I am not brave enough to try knitting with Kidsilk Haze and I very much admire your determination. The results are lovely.

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  6. Oh I AM jealous! They're gorgeous and very 19th century. You are the most stylish woman, Darlene!

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  7. These are gorgeous and your dove-grey coat reminds me of Persephone books :-) I think I'm tempted to try knitting myself a pair of ruffles - if the pattern isn't too complex for a seasoned beginner :-) I'm off to Ravelry...
    Thank you for visiting my blog today!

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  8. Hello Darlene, the ruffled sleeves are very you: a little bit romantic, literary, soft hearted, anglophile - the whole package! Gorgeous.

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  9. Your perserverance paid off...so beautiful and I love the colors and name:)

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  10. I love these but I can't find them on Ravelry! Can you help? Thank you, I love your blog.

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  11. verity, The ruffles were made on small double-pointed needles so my new addi's are still in their case.

    Kristina, A nice thing about this pattern is that the designer gives exact lengths for people digging through their leftover balls of wool.

    Anonymous, If I can keep my dog from finding them, they should be around for a very long time!

    Cottage Garden, Thank you!

    fleurfisher, The Haze lends a lovely effect when held with another yarn. On its own is a nightmare!

    booksnob, Well some of the time!!! You should see me in the park with Deacon wearing a ball cap and wellies.

    Rochester Reader, Joining of the two ruffles may give you a moment of worry but if you have a seasoned knitter close at hand to help out...no problem!

    Merenia, I'm blushing!! Thank you for your lovely compliment.

    Book Psmith, I couldn't resist with a name like that! Truth be told, I quite often search Ravelry patterns by names like Dickens, Bronte and Austen. So fun!

    Elizabeth Guster, Sorry you're having trouble. They should come up if you type Mrs Beeton in the search box. If you write to me through my email on my profile, I can send you the link. Good luck!

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  12. Else and Lisa, Thanks for stopping by and your kind compliments!

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  13. I adore those ruffles - they are so goregous and what a wonderful name :D

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  14. A Bookish Space, Thanks so much! They make me smile every time I put them on.

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  15. Lovely!! Have you seen the movie The Secret Life of Mrs Beeton by any chance? I happen to have it checked out from the library at the moment.

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  16. Those are just lovely, Darlene!

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