I was sent a link to this reflective yarn by a friend and it was one of those yarns that exited and inspired me as soon as I saw it. It was perfect for something you can wear at night as it sparkles when light hits it. It also needed to be an item that isn’t worn too close to the skin, as the yarns is a bit scratchy with the reflective fibre in it. I decided to make a large shawl to wear over a coat that can be pulled up over the head if it gets cold or starts to rain.

To create the design I alternated stripes and colours to make a geometric shape combining two different yarns.

• Rowan Valley Tweed (https://knitrowan.com/en/products/valley-tweed)

• Hobbi Starlight (https://hobbii.co.uk/hobbii-starlight)

To create the shape it is basic increasing and decreasing while changing colour thread to make a giant triangular shawl.

As it was a great project I wanted to share the method, which can be used with any type and colour of yarn. The knitting pattern can be viewed and downloaded from below with links to the fibres I used.

(I also did a mini photoshoot so yes that is my face in the pattern photos)

I love to talk all things knitting so if you have any feedback on this pattern, patterns to share or tips and interesting methods please get in touch - info@amberjames.co.uk

It is well known by anyone living in a city that space is at a premium. 
Here are some ideas to make the most of small studios and humble homes.

# 1 A Place For Everything and Everything In Its Place

First step is to ruthlessly sort through EVERYTHING and decide what is most important.

You will need 3 categories: 

1. 'I use this every day' 

2. 'I use this occasionally' 

3. 'I never use this but need it in my life' 

Everything else goes into the bin.

#2 Form Follows Function 

Decide what is the main activity for each room and start by organising the tools you will need at hand. 
Once you have it all laid out you can see what type of storage unit is going to hold it all neatly in the space you have to work with.

#3 Boxes On Boxes

Now you need a place to put your things.

Boxes, tins, cases, shelves, cupboards, jam jars, cabinets, attic space, anything and everything that can serve as a container.

Then you need to get yourself a label maker and go nuts!

TOP TIP - label your plugs to avoid multi plug confusion
 

#4 Think Tetris 

You need to be smart with the way you lay out your storage within the space, and how you fit things into that storage. 
If it's all jumbled up you will waste the space in between things, so approach it like everything is a tetris piece and all you have to do is find its matching space.

#5 Look Up

Floor to ceiling bookshelves is a luxury not everyone can achieve but some simple shelves above head height provide a great space for all the things you would place into the third category mentioned earlier. 
Being up above your day to day space gives you more floor space to play with.
 

#6 Make A House A Home

Minimal doesn't have to mean clinical. It's still your space so make it personal and decorate with artwork and photographs. 
A few frames and posters won't impact on the space and can drastically improve the mood of a room. 
Lighting is also key in creating the right atmosphere.

# 7 Tricks and Illusions

Mirrors are a great way to give the impression of more space if you have a nice big wall to put one on. 
Keeping all the surfaces and floor clear of clutter also gives a feeling of more breathing space. 
If you a have a dual purpose room, a fake wall or room divider can imitate two separate rooms.
 

# 8 Move Forward With A Clear Mind

Once everything is sorted and contained you will know exactly what you have and can avoid being tempted to buy things you don't need. 
Anything you bring into the space in future has to be an upgrade of something you already own, or something that improves the functionality of the room. 
Avoid nik naks, trinkets or figurines.

# 9 The Grass Is Always Greener

Living in tight spaces can get a bit claustrophobic so you need to find an outside space to get away from it all. 
Somewhere like a park or a local cafe is a perfect place to relax with a book and most community spaces are free.
 

# 10 never stop tidying

To live a minimalist life requires a passion for order and organisation. You have to stay on top of clutter and make time every day to tidy and clean. 
It's also worth sorting through everything every 6 months or so, because as time passes you change. What worked for you then may not work now.

Images © The Pattern Guild 2015