Cast On:
February 21 2009
Completed:
March 9 2009
Pattern:
Spot-Dyed Chevron Lace Scarf Pattern by JP
http://the-doily-underground.blogspot.com/2007/10/spot-dyed-chevron-lace-scarf-with.html
Needles:
US 9 / 5.5 mm Knitpicks Options
Yarn:
Handspun by Me
145.0 yards
Fiber is Tempted Hand Painted 80% superwash merino/20% Cashmere Fiber in Roxanne - Red & Black
Purchased at The Loopy Ewe in St. Louis, Missouri
I am pretty happy with this scarf. I wore it today. *grin* Nice spring/fall weight. Not too heavy, but cozy.
I think it came out well. I am happy with my spinning. It is getting more consistent. I am also pretty thrilled that I was able to do a Navajo ply to keep the colors separate, but didn't overtwist it. So it has a nice feel to it. Soft and squishy. Definitely nice!
I picked the pattern because I wanted a pattern that should be easy yet feature the yarn really well. I found this pattern. It is an ideal fit.
The pattern allows for great customization. Yet it is only 2 row repeat (one of which is purl), so it is super simple & quick. It definitely shows off the striping of colors wonderfully.
It was a quick knit. It only took as long as it did because there were a lot of nights I didn't touch it at all while working on socks. It could have been done in a weekend easily.
Definitely happy with this piece.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Woven Ridge Socks
I cast on a pair of Woven Ridge Socks from New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One by Cat Bordhi. I always forget just how different Cat's patterns are until I am in the middle of one of them. They are ingenious and I love them. But since this is only my second pair, there are times when I have to really sit down and read the pattern. And reread. *grin*
I cast the socks on Friday night. And I was wizzing through them. Because the foot is stockinette, it is pretty quick. At the 2" mark, I measured the rows per inch. I did a couple times on Friday, then again on Saturday. I really thought it was 10.5 rows per inch.
I really thought I was done all the increases. I am looking at the number of stitches and kinda scratching my head. I should have 102 stitches. There were 51 on the instep needle. I am good to go. But wait. Why is it only 5 1/2" when DH's foot is 10"? *blink*
I am thinking that can't be right. I remeasured the rows per inch. Now I am getting 11. Hmmm. So I should have made the toe longer before starting the increases. But the difference is only .35". So I am figuring I can either knit that now or say the sock will be a bit more snug on the feet. It will be fine. But it really seems way too short to start the heel.
I am looking at it. Pondering. I decide I will move the wing stitches now in prep for the heel. Thank goodness I did. The instep needle does indeed have 51 stitches, half the stitches that I need for the foot. But there were no increases on the sole needle! That only has the 35 stitches. So instead of the 102 stitches I should have total, I only have 86 stitches! That is 16 stitches less than I should have! Thank goodness I checked.
Since the increases are only every 3 rows, that is still another 24 rows, so another 2"+ worth of sock! That makes a lot more sense. *grin*
So much fun with math! *laugh*
I have a spreadsheet I use to figure out the numbers. I am thinking I will the number on the top needle for next time! So in case it is a while before I do a pair again, I will actually remember this time. *grin*
The pattern is nice. There is just a simple 7 stitch pattern at the top of the foot. It is very easy but enough to keep it quick yet interesting. I definitely like the way it looks. Though the yarn might not feature it as well as a higher contrast yarn would.
I am planning on adding some ribbing up the back of the leg. I figure this way it will stay up better and fit Paul's calves better. I admit that I dislike that so many of Cat's patterns seem to have stockinette legs. I find that means they don't stay up as well. The Coriolis socks I have incorporate increases as you go up the leg which helps. But mine have a tendency to slide down as the day goes onward. So I figure that the ribbing will help these sock stay up on Paul. The question now is more about how wide a piece to do. Given there is a 7 stitch pattern on the front, the easiest mirror might be a 7 stitch rib on the back. But I am not sure that is enough. Have to look at what I want to do with the cuff at the top. I still have to finish the heels so I have time to decide.
I cast the socks on Friday night. And I was wizzing through them. Because the foot is stockinette, it is pretty quick. At the 2" mark, I measured the rows per inch. I did a couple times on Friday, then again on Saturday. I really thought it was 10.5 rows per inch.
I really thought I was done all the increases. I am looking at the number of stitches and kinda scratching my head. I should have 102 stitches. There were 51 on the instep needle. I am good to go. But wait. Why is it only 5 1/2" when DH's foot is 10"? *blink*
I am thinking that can't be right. I remeasured the rows per inch. Now I am getting 11. Hmmm. So I should have made the toe longer before starting the increases. But the difference is only .35". So I am figuring I can either knit that now or say the sock will be a bit more snug on the feet. It will be fine. But it really seems way too short to start the heel.
I am looking at it. Pondering. I decide I will move the wing stitches now in prep for the heel. Thank goodness I did. The instep needle does indeed have 51 stitches, half the stitches that I need for the foot. But there were no increases on the sole needle! That only has the 35 stitches. So instead of the 102 stitches I should have total, I only have 86 stitches! That is 16 stitches less than I should have! Thank goodness I checked.
Since the increases are only every 3 rows, that is still another 24 rows, so another 2"+ worth of sock! That makes a lot more sense. *grin*
So much fun with math! *laugh*
I have a spreadsheet I use to figure out the numbers. I am thinking I will the number on the top needle for next time! So in case it is a while before I do a pair again, I will actually remember this time. *grin*
The pattern is nice. There is just a simple 7 stitch pattern at the top of the foot. It is very easy but enough to keep it quick yet interesting. I definitely like the way it looks. Though the yarn might not feature it as well as a higher contrast yarn would.
I am planning on adding some ribbing up the back of the leg. I figure this way it will stay up better and fit Paul's calves better. I admit that I dislike that so many of Cat's patterns seem to have stockinette legs. I find that means they don't stay up as well. The Coriolis socks I have incorporate increases as you go up the leg which helps. But mine have a tendency to slide down as the day goes onward. So I figure that the ribbing will help these sock stay up on Paul. The question now is more about how wide a piece to do. Given there is a 7 stitch pattern on the front, the easiest mirror might be a 7 stitch rib on the back. But I am not sure that is enough. Have to look at what I want to do with the cuff at the top. I still have to finish the heels so I have time to decide.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Brigit Socks in Jitterbug & WIP
I finished up my Brigit Socks in Jitterbug last night.
Brigit Socks in Jitterbug
Cast On:
February 12, 2009
Finished:
March 3, 2009
Pattern:
Brigit by Monkey Toes (Ravelry only pattern)
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brigit
Made for:
Me - 9" circumference, 9 1/4" long
Needles:
US 0 / 2.0 mm & US 1 / 2.25 mm Knitpick Options & Harmony
2 socks on 2 circs
Yarn:
Colinette Jitterbug in Vatican Pie - 160
1 skeins = 320.0 yards (292.6m)
Purchased at:
Tucson Yarn Company in Tucson, Arizona
I knit these toe up as I wasn't sure how much length I would get out of the Jitterbug. I have heard it is kinda short on yardage. So I figure it is safer to do it this way.
I like the pattern. It worked out pretty well doing it toe up. I used the heel from the Wendy Johnson Toe-Up Feather and Fan socks. I found I like her double wrap. It closes up the holes that I can sometimes get with toe-up socks. So that is good.
I am pretty happy with these. Nice solid socks. Not earth shattering, but they will be good to wear.
Chevron Lace Scarf in Tempted Handspun
Pattern:
Spot-Dyed Chevron Lace Scarf Pattern by JP
http://the-doily-underground.blogspot.com/2007/10/spot-dyed-chevron-lace-scarf-with.html
Needles:
US 9 / 5.5 mm Knitpicks Options
Yarn:
Handspun by Me
145.0 yards
Fiber is Tempted Hand Painted 80% superwash merino/20% Cashmere Fiber in Roxanne - Red & Black
Purchased at
The Loopy Ewe in St. Louis, Missouri
Wanted a pattern that should be easy yet feature the yarn I had spun quite nicely. I found this pattern. It is an ideal fit.
The pattern allows for great customization. Yet it is only 2 rows, so it is super simple & quick. Definitely is showing off the striping of colors wonderfully.
Brigit Socks in Jitterbug
Cast On:
February 12, 2009
Finished:
March 3, 2009
Pattern:
Brigit by Monkey Toes (Ravelry only pattern)
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brigit
Made for:
Me - 9" circumference, 9 1/4" long
Needles:
US 0 / 2.0 mm & US 1 / 2.25 mm Knitpick Options & Harmony
2 socks on 2 circs
Yarn:
Colinette Jitterbug in Vatican Pie - 160
1 skeins = 320.0 yards (292.6m)
Purchased at:
Tucson Yarn Company in Tucson, Arizona
I knit these toe up as I wasn't sure how much length I would get out of the Jitterbug. I have heard it is kinda short on yardage. So I figure it is safer to do it this way.
I like the pattern. It worked out pretty well doing it toe up. I used the heel from the Wendy Johnson Toe-Up Feather and Fan socks. I found I like her double wrap. It closes up the holes that I can sometimes get with toe-up socks. So that is good.
I am pretty happy with these. Nice solid socks. Not earth shattering, but they will be good to wear.
Chevron Lace Scarf in Tempted Handspun
Pattern:
Spot-Dyed Chevron Lace Scarf Pattern by JP
http://the-doily-underground.blogspot.com/2007/10/spot-dyed-chevron-lace-scarf-with.html
Needles:
US 9 / 5.5 mm Knitpicks Options
Yarn:
Handspun by Me
145.0 yards
Fiber is Tempted Hand Painted 80% superwash merino/20% Cashmere Fiber in Roxanne - Red & Black
Purchased at
The Loopy Ewe in St. Louis, Missouri
Wanted a pattern that should be easy yet feature the yarn I had spun quite nicely. I found this pattern. It is an ideal fit.
The pattern allows for great customization. Yet it is only 2 rows, so it is super simple & quick. Definitely is showing off the striping of colors wonderfully.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Yarn Club & WIPs
I got into the Vamp Yarn Club that Fresh from the Cauldron is running. I am looking forward to it.
The interesting thing is that they already show the various colorways. I get to pick the ones I want. So I won't end up with colorways that just aren't my thing. So I am pretty happy. *smile* I am doing the bimonthly one, so I will get 3 shipments.
I know two of the colorways I want are Volturi & Fangstasia. I know, shocking. *laugh* Not at all my colors. *smirk*
I am waiting to see what the dyer comes up with for the three remaining Anne Rice vamp colorways. I suspect she is going to go with eye & hair color like she did with Claudia. But I am not sure. I also think the Michael Corvin colorway is something that Paul would like. So that might be my third selection.
I really wish I could do the RainyDaysWoolyDogs's GothSocks Sock Club. I might even do both but the RDWD one is pay upfront. And I can't really afford that right now. If it were a month by month, I would do it. I really need to order some of their yarn sometime though. I keep meaning to and by the time I get to it, the colorway I want is gone. They have a Romantic Goth colorway that I love. *smile* I would love to see them do that in roving! I think that would be beautiful.
On the knitting front, my Brigit socks are 99% done. Seriously. I have bound off half of each sock! *laugh* I almost finished them last night, but I knew it would take a while longer. And the last thing you want to do is rush a sewn bind off. I really want socks that will actually fit when I am done. *grin* So I was good and put them down. They should be off my needles tonight for certain.
I wound the Spirit Trail Fiberworks Helen yarn in Harbor Fog this morning. I suspect it will be a good yarn. I am worried it might be a bit splitty, but it is hard to tell yet. It is going to be socks for my hubby Paul. The designer for the March KAL for Sock Knitters Anonymous is Cat Bordhi. I have been wanting to try another of her sock patterns from New Pathways for Sock Knitters. I did the Coriolis socks from that and they were interesting. I figure the beauty of the book is that I can always figure out the exact right size for the socks which is nice.
I also cast on a Chevron Lace Scarf from this pattern. I am using the Tempted Hand Painted 80% superwash merino/20% Cashmere Fiber I spun for it. I think it will look nice with the color changes. It is a simple 2 row repeat. So that makes it pretty quick. I should have this done for spring, should it decide to come anytime soon!
The interesting thing is that they already show the various colorways. I get to pick the ones I want. So I won't end up with colorways that just aren't my thing. So I am pretty happy. *smile* I am doing the bimonthly one, so I will get 3 shipments.
I know two of the colorways I want are Volturi & Fangstasia. I know, shocking. *laugh* Not at all my colors. *smirk*
I am waiting to see what the dyer comes up with for the three remaining Anne Rice vamp colorways. I suspect she is going to go with eye & hair color like she did with Claudia. But I am not sure. I also think the Michael Corvin colorway is something that Paul would like. So that might be my third selection.
I really wish I could do the RainyDaysWoolyDogs's GothSocks Sock Club. I might even do both but the RDWD one is pay upfront. And I can't really afford that right now. If it were a month by month, I would do it. I really need to order some of their yarn sometime though. I keep meaning to and by the time I get to it, the colorway I want is gone. They have a Romantic Goth colorway that I love. *smile* I would love to see them do that in roving! I think that would be beautiful.
On the knitting front, my Brigit socks are 99% done. Seriously. I have bound off half of each sock! *laugh* I almost finished them last night, but I knew it would take a while longer. And the last thing you want to do is rush a sewn bind off. I really want socks that will actually fit when I am done. *grin* So I was good and put them down. They should be off my needles tonight for certain.
I wound the Spirit Trail Fiberworks Helen yarn in Harbor Fog this morning. I suspect it will be a good yarn. I am worried it might be a bit splitty, but it is hard to tell yet. It is going to be socks for my hubby Paul. The designer for the March KAL for Sock Knitters Anonymous is Cat Bordhi. I have been wanting to try another of her sock patterns from New Pathways for Sock Knitters. I did the Coriolis socks from that and they were interesting. I figure the beauty of the book is that I can always figure out the exact right size for the socks which is nice.
I also cast on a Chevron Lace Scarf from this pattern. I am using the Tempted Hand Painted 80% superwash merino/20% Cashmere Fiber I spun for it. I think it will look nice with the color changes. It is a simple 2 row repeat. So that makes it pretty quick. I should have this done for spring, should it decide to come anytime soon!
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