Ever fancied having a go at knitting your own cushion? We put the ‘Impossible Baby Dreamer’ knitted cushion kit from Wool and the Gang to the test!
What is it?
Aimed at beginners, this is a simple knitted cushion made with chunky wool. The kit contains 2 x 200g balls of WATG’s Crazy Sexy Wool, 1 x Impossible Baby Dreamer cushion pattern, 1 x 45cm x 45cm square of Billie Jean woven fabric (optional), 1 x sewing needle and 1 pair of 12mm knitting needles (optional).
Price varies from £39 to £56.50, depending on whether you choose to include the knitting needles and fabric or not. In addition to kits, WATG also sell knitting supplies and have a range of instruction videos covering knitting and crochet.
At the ‘sharp end’ was Sara Walker. Here’s what she thought:
“When I was a child, my knitting-obsessed grandmother taught me a whole range of stitches and I loved to knit. Fast forward to now, though, and I probably haven’t picked up a pair of needles for 30 years – so I was really excited to be offered a chance to try out this kit.
“I was really impressed with the packaging and general presentation – it came in a nice-looking paper sack, with inspirational quotes and a general ‘this is going to be fun’ feel about it.
The wool was gorgeous – really soft and chunky. The knitting needles (12mm) were bigger than anything I’d ever used before, and combined with the chunky wool gave me a pleasing ‘Alice in Wonderland’ feeling, like I’d shrunk.
“The instructions given were very clear (but apparently not clear enough for me – ha! – see later). I quickly remembered how to cast on and do plain and purl, but if I’d forgotten (or never learnt in the first place), there were clear instruction videos available on Wool and the Gang’s website.
One of the beauties of the lovely chunky wool (apart from the softness! Did I mention the softness?) was that my piece of knitting grew almost before my eyes.
In fact, it took me around three hours over a few days to knit the whole thing, and I would have been quicker if I hadn’t had to stop and redo the odd row!
I surprised myself with how quickly I got back into it, remembering little tips my grandmother had taught me, like winding the spare wool around my finger to keep the tension even. I also remembered how relaxing knitting can be.
The finished cushion
The verdict
“This is definitely a top of the range kit – the wool was from Peru, and beautifully presented, and the needles made of wood. Yes, I’m sure you could get a cheaper craft kit than this, but it wouldn’t have the satisfaction factor.
I really enjoyed the whole experience, from receiving the parcel onwards, and in fact I’m already starting on my next project (it’s knitted scarves for everyone this Christmas!).
“It wasn’t until I’d actually made the cushion up and put the pad in, though, that I noticed I’d made a mistake with my counting and one of my rows of cluster stitch wasn’t in the right place.
Aaargh – that’ll teach me to watch The Missing and count at the same time! Sorry, Wool and the Gang – but I’m not unpicking it…and now I’ve certainly got a cushion that’s unique!”
~ Wool and The Gang sell a range of homeware knit kits, including cushions, rugs and throws, in a selection of neutral and bright colours. For more details, see www.woolandthegang.com.
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Looks wonderful Rachel. I can’t believe I used to knit when I was very young. I can’t remember how now but I recall it being very addictive and relaxing x
Oh that looks great! I used to knit when I was much younger, my nan taught me too. I really should take it up again. Would get me to switch off and sit down for a few minutes as well as giving me a new cushion to play with!x
You are so clever. I’m hopeless with knitting and it’s a shame. You’ve made it look so easy. Might be something to take up next year
It’s so beautiful and perfect for the chilly winter months. Well done! x
Great review! Looks like a fun little project with a great ending result! I couldn’t help but think of my own living room when looking at the first image with the blue/grey couch and white accent pillows, extremely similar! I had my living room done by Furnishr over at http://www.furnishr.com , the image you’ve shown definitely makes me want to add a plant to the mix for sure!